"Behold, He is coming with clouds..." Revelation 1:7
A strange devotion for today. Chambers talks about how, "Clouds are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances, within or without our personal lives, which actually seem to contradict the sovereignty of God."
I've always thought of clouds as something to be welcomed! Whether to cool off a hot summer day, or to announce an incoming thunderstorms, I've never looked at clouds as something to be sorrowful about.
However I have to admit I've never really experienced deep sorrow in my life. For me life has been pretty good, so I can't understand what it's like for someone to experience the deep sorrow as represented in the clouds.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
OKC Finally hits 100 degrees
Took us a while to do it, but Oklahoma City finally hit 100 degrees on Saturday.
Another big cool down is coming this week, with highs only in the 70's! We had high's in the 60's two weeks ago, it's hard to believe that it's July!
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Another big cool down is coming this week, with highs only in the 70's! We had high's in the 60's two weeks ago, it's hard to believe that it's July!
God's Purpose or Mine?
" He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side..." Mark 6:45
Christians tend to think that God is preparing us for some end goal, or future point. In today's reading Chambers makes the case that the actual journey is what God is after, not the end result.
God is walking with us NOW, and moment by moment obedience is the goal.
What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
Christians tend to think that God is preparing us for some end goal, or future point. In today's reading Chambers makes the case that the actual journey is what God is after, not the end result.
God is walking with us NOW, and moment by moment obedience is the goal.
What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Hot day in Topeka!
In Topeka for what is probably the last of the PMEL trips. It's 630 in the morning and already it's 79 degrees. Going to be a hot one today!
Sanctification
This is the will of God, your sanctification. . . —1 Thessalonians 4:3
Sanctification is something that I believe is not talked about much in churches these days. The "modern gospel" wants to focus on ensuring you have a good life, free of pain and hardships. (Why else are prayer requests always about physical healing?)
With that I decided to look up the word sanctification to see what it means.
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary sanctification is ,"The process of being made holy resulting in a changed life-style for the believer."
A changed lifestyle, dying to self.
As my pastor is found of saying, "I MUST decrease, so He can INCREASE".
Can I put my interests and self aside so God can use me for His purposes?
The daily struggle of who is lord of my life, Jesus or myself.
Sanctification is something that I believe is not talked about much in churches these days. The "modern gospel" wants to focus on ensuring you have a good life, free of pain and hardships. (Why else are prayer requests always about physical healing?)
With that I decided to look up the word sanctification to see what it means.
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary sanctification is ,"The process of being made holy resulting in a changed life-style for the believer."
A changed lifestyle, dying to self.
As my pastor is found of saying, "I MUST decrease, so He can INCREASE".
Can I put my interests and self aside so God can use me for His purposes?
The daily struggle of who is lord of my life, Jesus or myself.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Record COLD day in July!
Yesterday we only hit 68 degrees for a HIGH in Oklahoma City! The old record was for 80 degrees. It's a very nice cold front that has come through the state.
As of now, it's a comfortable 66 degrees, and we've got the windows and screen doors open. The A/C has been turned off because it actually got too COLD in the house!
Turn the A/C off. Because it's too cold. In July. In Oklahoma.
Love it!
As of now, it's a comfortable 66 degrees, and we've got the windows and screen doors open. The A/C has been turned off because it actually got too COLD in the house!
Turn the A/C off. Because it's too cold. In July. In Oklahoma.
Love it!
The Mystery of Believing
He said 'Who are You, Lord?' Acts 9:5
One of my favorite books of the Bible is Acts.
I recently was telling my daughter the story of Saul, and how he became Paul after becoming blind and encountering God.
I like Paul's self doubt on God using him to spread the Gospel across the world.
God didn't force Paul to serve. He allowed Paul to choose, and becasue he choose of his own free will, he became one of the greatest teachers of the gospel.
Likewise we have a choice to follow and obey. God doesn't want me to obey and follow Him because I HAVE to, he'd rather it be because I WANT to.
Being forced to is religion.
Wanting to is a relationship.
One of my favorite books of the Bible is Acts.
I recently was telling my daughter the story of Saul, and how he became Paul after becoming blind and encountering God.
I like Paul's self doubt on God using him to spread the Gospel across the world.
God didn't force Paul to serve. He allowed Paul to choose, and becasue he choose of his own free will, he became one of the greatest teachers of the gospel.
Likewise we have a choice to follow and obey. God doesn't want me to obey and follow Him because I HAVE to, he'd rather it be because I WANT to.
Being forced to is religion.
Wanting to is a relationship.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
The Concept of Divine Control
" how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)
Divine control - do we let God rule our thoughts, or do we take the drivers seat?
Are we so focused on Him that when difficulties and uncertainties arise, we immediately turn to God? Or do we seek out others hoping for an inspiring word?
The "Name it, claim it" crowd loves this verse, but they take it out of context. God will be more than happy to give you what you want - as long as it is in HIS will! That part is usually forgotten about.
When I'm seeking God's will and not mine, my interests will line up with His.
Divine control - do we let God rule our thoughts, or do we take the drivers seat?
Are we so focused on Him that when difficulties and uncertainties arise, we immediately turn to God? Or do we seek out others hoping for an inspiring word?
The "Name it, claim it" crowd loves this verse, but they take it out of context. God will be more than happy to give you what you want - as long as it is in HIS will! That part is usually forgotten about.
When I'm seeking God's will and not mine, my interests will line up with His.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
My Life's Spiritual Honor & Duty
I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians (Romans 1:14)
Am I truly grateful for my salvation? So grateful that I spend as much time as possible telling others about Jesus?
Evidently not, as today's reading brought to mind that the last time I gave mission work any serious thought was during VBS last month.
It's easier to be grateful that MY eternity is assured, but then to turn around and grumble at the guy who cuts me off on the highway.
"Quit praying for yourself and spend your life for the sake of others".
Powerful stuff
Am I truly grateful for my salvation? So grateful that I spend as much time as possible telling others about Jesus?
Evidently not, as today's reading brought to mind that the last time I gave mission work any serious thought was during VBS last month.
It's easier to be grateful that MY eternity is assured, but then to turn around and grumble at the guy who cuts me off on the highway.
"Quit praying for yourself and spend your life for the sake of others".
Powerful stuff
Monday, July 14, 2014
Suffering Afflictions...
"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." Matthew 5:39
A strange verse. Some people would interpret this as living a completely passive lifestyle, never defending oneself. From their viewpoint, this even forbids service in the military!
Chambers talks about when you are insulted, you must not only resent it, but must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life.
I think that means let the words and attacks go. They are just words. Internet comment blogs are full of people attacking each other from the safety of their own computers. Is this really accomplishing anything?
However when it comes to actually attacking oneself and family, then I believe we have a duty to respond and defend ourselves and family.
Words are just words, let them go. But actually attacks need to be dealt with.
A strange verse. Some people would interpret this as living a completely passive lifestyle, never defending oneself. From their viewpoint, this even forbids service in the military!
Chambers talks about when you are insulted, you must not only resent it, but must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life.
I think that means let the words and attacks go. They are just words. Internet comment blogs are full of people attacking each other from the safety of their own computers. Is this really accomplishing anything?
However when it comes to actually attacking oneself and family, then I believe we have a duty to respond and defend ourselves and family.
Words are just words, let them go. But actually attacks need to be dealt with.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Will You Examine Yourself?
Today's reading makes a lot more sense than the reading for July 8th!
Chambers starts off by asking if you "even have the slightest reliance on anything or anyone other than God?"
Unfortunately, this is pretty easy to answer, and that would be yes.
It's way too easy to claim to "depend on God", but have the Plan B in case God doesn't come through.
The less you rely on yourself and on God, the more He can use you.
As my pastor likes to quote Paul, "I MUST decrease, so He can increase!"
Being a military man it's all too easy to rely on myself. In fact most military folks take great pride in being able to depend on themselves.
Chambers starts off by asking if you "even have the slightest reliance on anything or anyone other than God?"
Unfortunately, this is pretty easy to answer, and that would be yes.
It's way too easy to claim to "depend on God", but have the Plan B in case God doesn't come through.
The less you rely on yourself and on God, the more He can use you.
As my pastor likes to quote Paul, "I MUST decrease, so He can increase!"
Being a military man it's all too easy to rely on myself. In fact most military folks take great pride in being able to depend on themselves.
Monday, July 07, 2014
All Efforts of Worth and Excellence are Difficult
Living the Christian life is not guaranteed to be easy and pain free.
Unless you subscribe to the Joel Osteen worldview, where God is just one big happy person who just wants you to live the good life.
God sends things our way to test us. Are we applying what we are learning from Him in our daily lives? The tests show if we are growing or not.
In the middle of the crisis, do we turn to God or our own devices?
Unless you subscribe to the Joel Osteen worldview, where God is just one big happy person who just wants you to live the good life.
God sends things our way to test us. Are we applying what we are learning from Him in our daily lives? The tests show if we are growing or not.
In the middle of the crisis, do we turn to God or our own devices?
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Ubuntu 14.04
I've been playing around with Ubuntu's Unity for a few weeks now, and I'm having a good time with it. All of my KDE programs still work, so I can choose whether to use the default Unity programs, or my preferred KDE programs.
One thing that I have found that does not work is Newsrover in WINE. The program will open, but I can never access it. If I decide to continue to use Unity, I may have to move it over to the notebook, which is still running KDE.
The default file manager is good, but I still prefer KDE's Dolphin because you can split the screen. Basically it's having two file managers open at once. Makes it very easy to compare files.
An earlier post complained that the weather app (as seen in the screen shot) wouldn't update itself. I'm pleased to discover that after rebooting the computer for a kernel upgrade, it now auto refreshes like I want it to.
One thing that I have found that does not work is Newsrover in WINE. The program will open, but I can never access it. If I decide to continue to use Unity, I may have to move it over to the notebook, which is still running KDE.
The default file manager is good, but I still prefer KDE's Dolphin because you can split the screen. Basically it's having two file managers open at once. Makes it very easy to compare files.
An earlier post complained that the weather app (as seen in the screen shot) wouldn't update itself. I'm pleased to discover that after rebooting the computer for a kernel upgrade, it now auto refreshes like I want it to.
Held By the Grip of God.
Philippians 3:12
Never "choose" to be a worker for Christ, but realized that Christ has chosen you to be his worker. Because he choose us, We can't be allowed to think that we're not qualified in some position, nor can we perform the tasks that Christ has asked us to.
In the past I've joked that I'm not qualified to be a preacher, or a missionary, etc. However if God did call me to one of these tasks, or something else, He would give me the ability to perform the work for His glory.
And before we puff ourselves up thinking we're the greatest preacher that ever lived, or whatever, we need to remember that we are simply sinners saved by grace.
Never "choose" to be a worker for Christ, but realized that Christ has chosen you to be his worker. Because he choose us, We can't be allowed to think that we're not qualified in some position, nor can we perform the tasks that Christ has asked us to.
In the past I've joked that I'm not qualified to be a preacher, or a missionary, etc. However if God did call me to one of these tasks, or something else, He would give me the ability to perform the work for His glory.
And before we puff ourselves up thinking we're the greatest preacher that ever lived, or whatever, we need to remember that we are simply sinners saved by grace.
Friday, June 27, 2014
The Overshadowing of God's Personal Deliverance
" I am with you to deliver you" says the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:8)
What I pulled from this reading.
1. God will deliver our lives, not our personal property and possessions.
2. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.
3. If we look for justice, then we'll start to complain about the lack of justice, and could possibly lead to self-pity.
4. We deliver justice as God commands us, but ultimately it's His call if people get away with stuff.
Tonight I had the excitement of a cat walking on the keyboard wanting to play.
What I pulled from this reading.
1. God will deliver our lives, not our personal property and possessions.
2. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it.
3. If we look for justice, then we'll start to complain about the lack of justice, and could possibly lead to self-pity.
4. We deliver justice as God commands us, but ultimately it's His call if people get away with stuff.
Tonight I had the excitement of a cat walking on the keyboard wanting to play.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
My Utmost for His Highest
This weekend I purchased the devotional guide, "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I bought the "Updated" edition, because the "Classic" version was $10, and I only had the $5 that the updated version cost. So the updated version it is!
My plan is to read each day's devotion, and post my thoughts on here. Feel free to jump in and read along.
My plan is to read each day's devotion, and post my thoughts on here. Feel free to jump in and read along.
VBS Day One Complete!
Vacation Bible School for 2014 has officially kicked off at Brookwood Baptist Church. We're going with the Lifeway theme of "Agency D3". The "D3" stands for "Discover, Decide & Defend". Basically it's an apologetic theme, getting the kids to think about their faith, and how to answer questions about it.
This year my wife and I get to teach missions, and I'm pretty excited about it. We got a lot of information from the North American Mission Board. What's fascinating (and a little discouraging) is how many cities in the USA have majorities of people who claim no religious affiliation.
Minneapolis/St Paul (One of my adopted hometowns) is one such city. There is one Southern Baptist Convention church for every 118,248 metro Minneapolis/St. Paul residents.
By comparison, in Oklahoma City there is one Southern Baptist Convention church for every 4910 residents.
Looking at the Minneapolis page, I've discovered that Waconia is considered a "potential" church plant city.
I attended College at St Paul Bible College (Now called Crown College), and it would be a lot of fun to be back in the area!
But for now Oklahoma is home, and I'm content with that.
The kids were a lot of fun, and seemed to be interested in what we were teaching them. The biggest thing we tried to get across tonight was you didn't have to go overseas to be a missionary. You could be one right here in the United States.
More information about Minneapolis/ St Paul - http://www.namb.net/minneapolis-stpaul/
This year my wife and I get to teach missions, and I'm pretty excited about it. We got a lot of information from the North American Mission Board. What's fascinating (and a little discouraging) is how many cities in the USA have majorities of people who claim no religious affiliation.
Minneapolis/St Paul (One of my adopted hometowns) is one such city. There is one Southern Baptist Convention church for every 118,248 metro Minneapolis/St. Paul residents.
By comparison, in Oklahoma City there is one Southern Baptist Convention church for every 4910 residents.
Looking at the Minneapolis page, I've discovered that Waconia is considered a "potential" church plant city.
I attended College at St Paul Bible College (Now called Crown College), and it would be a lot of fun to be back in the area!
But for now Oklahoma is home, and I'm content with that.
The kids were a lot of fun, and seemed to be interested in what we were teaching them. The biggest thing we tried to get across tonight was you didn't have to go overseas to be a missionary. You could be one right here in the United States.
More information about Minneapolis/ St Paul - http://www.namb.net/minneapolis-stpaul/
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Ubuntu vs Kubuntu
Normally I run Kubuntu (Ubuntu with the KDE on it), but recently I decided to give Unity a try, which is the default program for Ubuntu.
Because it's all Ubuntu underneath, I was able to install the Unity packages from within Kubuntu. After logging off and logging back on, I can now select which one I want to run, KDE or Unity.
One nice thing is that even running Unity, all of my favorite KDE programs are still installed and available! I also have access to all of my files.
I really like KDE, but I've discovered that I'm not much of a tinkerer with the software. I'll do an initial setup, then I'm pretty much happy to run with the defaults.
On Unity I like the launcher bar on the left hand side. I've got my 6-7 favorite applications locked to it.
The weather application "my-weather-indicater" has a lot of features I like, but the auto refresh doesn't work. I have to manually refresh it. No big deal, as it's easy to refresh from the top menu bar.
I'll run with this for a few weeks. I'm hoping to buy a new hard drive in a few weeks, and that will require a fresh install of Linux.
Because it's all Ubuntu underneath, I was able to install the Unity packages from within Kubuntu. After logging off and logging back on, I can now select which one I want to run, KDE or Unity.
One nice thing is that even running Unity, all of my favorite KDE programs are still installed and available! I also have access to all of my files.
I really like KDE, but I've discovered that I'm not much of a tinkerer with the software. I'll do an initial setup, then I'm pretty much happy to run with the defaults.
On Unity I like the launcher bar on the left hand side. I've got my 6-7 favorite applications locked to it.
The weather application "my-weather-indicater" has a lot of features I like, but the auto refresh doesn't work. I have to manually refresh it. No big deal, as it's easy to refresh from the top menu bar.
I'll run with this for a few weeks. I'm hoping to buy a new hard drive in a few weeks, and that will require a fresh install of Linux.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Rain!
This time last month we were looking at a serious drought for the summer in Oklahoma. Happily June brought much needed rain, so the drought situation has improved. Hopefully that will push the 100 degree temperatures further down the road.
Friday, May 30, 2014
The End is Near for my Air Force Career
After 21.5 years, it's time to hang up my uniform and call it a day. I'll retire from the Air Force in December. Looking forward to being a civilian again, and getting my weekends back!
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