Resolutions

This is usually the day that we think about resolutions for the next year. The ones that we commonly seek are things like joining the gym, putting more $ in the 401k, saying no to snacks after dinner, etc.



The ones we think about are an interesting contrast to the 70 resolutions that Jonathan Edwards resolved to keep and read over once a week in 1722-3. Take a peek: List of Edwards Resolutions

What to pray for in 2009

This year has taught me that prayer is important to God and is a very vital part of the Christian walk.

The disciples understood this. They saw John teaching his disciples to pray and probably also linked the time Jesus spent praying to its importance in the life of a disciple. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (see Luke 11) .

But what are some things we should pray for? John Piper compiled a list of the prayers made that are recorded in the New Testament. Looking over this list in the new year might help broaden and deepen our own prayers.

The Piper article and list

May you experience many more blessings from God in 2009!

Music Fit for a King

In 1741, Handel composed Messiah.

While composing Messiah, Handel was in debt and deeply depressed; however, the masterpiece was finished in just 24 days.

One of the stories that has come down about the composition is that one day after Handel’s assistant called for him for a few moments, the assistant went to Handel’s work area because he received no response from Handel. Upon entering the room, the assistant saw tears emerge from Handel’s eyes. When the assistant asked why Handel was crying, Handel proclaimed, “I have seen the face of God,” while lifting up the composition of the Hallelujah (later when it started being performed on its own it became known as the Hallelujah Chorus).

The lyrics in Hallelujah are derived from three passages of the New Testament of the Bible, Revelation 19:6, Revelation 19:16, and Revelation 11:15. Revelation 19:6 reads, “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Similarly, Revelation 11:15 states, “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Lastly, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords,” is from Revelation 19:16.

Hallelujah has its own tradition that has emerged over time. A standard practice is for the audience to stand while this portion of Messiah is performed. This tradition began by the example of King George II who stood for it himself. It was understood that whenever the King stood, everyone else was supposed to as well. For over 200 years, this tradition has remained.

Hallelujah (performed by Bethany College)

Another part of Messiah that is a favorite of mine is For Unto Us a Child is Given

which goes through the names of the Messiah found in Isaiah 9.

May we find our own way to honor, celebrate and praise the Messiah this Christmas season.

Tim Tebow, is he for real?

I think a lot of people out there (besides University of Florida football fans and Christians) might be tired of hearing about Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the national championship bound University of Florida Gators. It was also just announced that he is heading to a possible second Heisman Trophy up in NY this weekend.

But if you are skeptical about his faith read the following article posted on ESPN. I personally think he is for real and he has been an encouragement to me and undoubtedly many more folks. He reminds me of a more modern day Eric Liddell.

ESPN article Heisman provides Tebow broader audience for message of faith

Happy Birthday John Milton!

Today would have been John Milton's 400th birthday. Milton’s most well known work, the epic poem Paradise Lost, which appeared in 1667, was composed by the blind Milton from 1658-1664 through dictation.

Here are some interesting quotes from Milton:

When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest He returning chide, "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?" I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need Either man's work, or His own gifts. Who best Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait.".

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

He that has light within his own clear breast May sit in the centre, and enjoy bright day: But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts Benighted walks under the mid-day sun; Himself his own dungeon.

He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.

How Great is God?

Last week during the Thanksgiving break I read the book, The Curate’s Awakening, by George MacDonald which is a great book if you haven’t read it. It is an updated version of the George MacDonald original by Michael Phillips.

There were quite a few great quotes in the book but I thought this one which was given to a character in the book who had committed a terrible sin and couldn’t see how he could find peace or forgiveness. I think I’m remembering the context correctly… anyway, here is the quote.

“Because you don’t see what can be done, you say God can do nothing – which is like saying there cannot be more within his scope than there is within yours. One thing is clear; if he saw no more than lies within your sight, he could not be God. The very impossibility you see in the thing points to the region God works in.”

How true that is. It’s so easy to limit God to our own limitations but God has no such limitations. He is bigger than me and all my problems and he wants me to call on him for help.

How different is God than mortals?

From Psalm 90:

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, Return, O children of man! For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

From Isaiah 55:

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Old 100th

I had an interesting day yesterday. God speaks to my heart in many ways but yesterday it was mostly through song.

Our pastor in the morning talked about praise and thanksgiving to God and he mentioned how for years when Presbyterians came to worship in song one hymn was sung at every service, Old 100th. It is called Old 100th because of its association with Psalm 100. We didn’t sing the hymn yesterday but his comment was stuck in my mind and I listened to it sung at Westminster Abbey on youtube when I got home. It was wonderful.

Later that afternoon I played the bagpipes with our Pipe and Drum band at a cathedral downtown in observance of St. Andrew’s Day, that patron saint of Scotland. My mind and heart were lifted up again by the beautiful singing, powerful pipe organ and the gorgeous cathedral with high ornate ceilings. It was beautiful!

Today I listened to it on youtube again and again praised the Lord. Do you ever wonder what the worship and singing will be like in heaven? It has to be better beyond anything we can imagine and I look forward to being a part of that congregation worshipping God.

Ever since the tower of Babel our languages have been scrambled and the world is divided, but the followers of Christ in all the nations of the world will one day again unite in one language of worship. What will that be like? Wow! Better than Westminster Abbey singing the Old 100th? All of our experiences here, as wonderful as they are, are mere shadows of what that will be like.

Enjoy the Westminster Abbey version => Old 100th

Purpose Driven thoughts

Since I had a little down time I went back through some excerpts I recorded from a read through the book, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It is a great book if you have never read it.

Here are a few:

Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t. You simply ask, “Does this activity help me fulfill one of God’s purposes for my life?”

Purpose-driven living leads to a simpler lifestyle and a saner schedule. The Bible says, “A pretentious showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” (Proverbs 13:7 MSG).

In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.

When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development.

We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans the earth to us while we’re here.

When we flirt with the temptations of this world, God calls it spiritual adultery.

With all the fascinating attractions, mesmerizing media, and enjoyable experiences available today, it’s easy to forget that the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about. Only as we remember that life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment will the appeal of these things lost their grip on our lives.

Spirit of Scotland

I thought this trailer was pretty cool. Some of the best Highland Bagpipe players in the world came together a week before the World Pipeband Championships in Glasgow to prepare to compete against bands that are also top notch and play together all the time.

I think the end product will be an interesting documentary

The Spirit of Scotland

Amazing Grace

I stumbled across these quotes by John Newton (1725 - 1807) and they were a blessing to me. He is the man who was a slave trader, repented and ended up becoming a minister and writing the hymn Amazing Grace. Also, if you've seen the movie Amazing Grace then you'll remember him as the aging pastor of William Wilberforce.

“We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage” - Rom 8:28

“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires.”

“God works powerfully, but for the most part gently and gradually.”

"When I was young, I was sure of many things; there are only two things of which I am sure now; one is, that I am a miserable sinner; and the other, that Jesus Christ is an all sufficient Saviour." He is well taught who gets these two lessons.”

I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am. - 1 Cor. 15:9-10

I put Bible verse references next to a couple of the quotes that also came to my mind. I hope you are having a good week. Our God and His grace are both amazing.