This morning I read the account of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trials and crucifixion from Matthew 26 and 27. When I was finished I thought of these words from the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”:

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count by loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most – I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small: Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, m life, my all.

Sometime during this season of Lent, you really should take 20 minutes and read those two chapters from Matthew. It will be good for your soul.

Tim

One of my all-time favorite authors is Philip Yancy and this morning I ran across an article he wrote in 2000 entitled, “A Believer’s To-Be List: Steps to a Fresh Start with God.” It is classic Yancy. I want to urge you to read it as soon as you have 5 minutes to spare. If you tell me which part of his  ’spiritual action plan for the next 50 years’ impacted you the most, I will tell you which one I chose. Enjoy!

Tim

This morning I read the story of God testing Abraham’s faith by telling him to offer his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. It’s found in Genesis 22. This account has been called one of the greatest acts of obedience in recorded history. It is the story of a man who waited 25 years to have a son only to be told a few years later to offer him as a sacrifice, and Abraham obeyed. In reality, God was not after the sacrifice of Isaac but the obedience of Abraham; and He got what he wanted. Here are four things I noted as I read the story:

• First, expect your faith to be tested. It happens to all of God’s followers and no one is exempt.

• Second, don’t expect to like or understand everything that is involved in the test. Tests are often very confusing and uncomfortable.

• Third, they do have purpose: to deepen our faith, to refine our character and to build a stronger endurance in our will (see James 1:2-4 for the details)

• Fourth, God will provide the answer; the test will end.

If you are going through a ‘faith-testing’ experience right now, I suggest reading the story of Abraham and drawing strength from it. I did.

Tim

As you know, I am going to read through the Bible in 2010 and this morning I read about Noah and the flood in Genesis 6-8. I was impressed with the size of the boat (the length was one and a half football fields) and the expanse of the flood (the entire earth), but today what impressed me more was the size of Noah’s character.

In Genesis 6:9 his life is summarized with this brief statement, “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.“ I looked up the words, “righteous”, “blameless” and “walked” in a Hebrew dictionary. The word “righteous” means “integrity”; Noah’s private life and public life were consistent. The word “blameless” means “just or honorable”; Noah’s treatment of other people was fair and appropriate. The word “walked” means “companionship”; Noah had a personal and real relationship with God.

I reflected on my own life and wondered what the summary of my life would be. As I begin this new week, I’m challenged to live my life like Noah’s; with integrity, treating people fairly and by enjoying God’s companionship. How about you?

Tim

It’s Christmas Eve morning and I’m in my office preparing for tonight’s services but I’m also keeping an eye on the weather. We are under a “Winter Weather Advisory” with snow, sleet, ice and rain in the forecast through tomorrow.  Will we be able to have our service tonight? I don’t know, but what I do know is that no matter where we are or what the weather is like, we can celebrate the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do yourself a favor sometime soon, do what the Wise Men did when they were in His presence; they knelt. Sometime soon, find a quiet private place and kneel before Jesus affirming him as your Lord and King. And I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Tim

I just finished reading in Jeremiah and I want to share his words from 17:7-8 with you: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a river bank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.”

Whatever is bothering you or has you knotted up with worry, take a moment and tell God that you trust him and that your hope and confidence are in him and see what kind of fruit it produces in your heart and soul today.

Tim