We are seeking to accomplish what God himself wills to happen

It's been a very long while since posting here. Lot's of reasons -mostly good methinks. However, the following link merits chasing. Enjoy :-)

So all our missional efforts to make God known must be set within the prior framework of God’s own will to be known. We are seeking to accomplish what God himself wills to happen. This is both humbling and reassuring. It is humbling inasmuch as it reminds us that all our efforts would be in vain but for God’s determination to be known. We are neither the initiators of the mission of making God known to the nations nor does it lie in our power to decide how to the task will be fully accomplished or when it may be deemed to be complete. But it is also reassuring. For we know that behind all our fumbling efforts and inadequate communication the supreme will of the living God, reaching out in loving self-revelation, incredibly willing to open blind eyes and reveal his glory through the treasures of the gospel delivered in the clay pots of his witnesses.

- Christopher Wright, The Mission of God, p. 129, 130

Read more!

O Lord, Our Lord, How Majestic is Your Name

Wrapping up a short but refreshing break in the WNC mountains I thought it good to sort out a quick post. The reading schedule I follow is returning to the Psalms again for this year. This morning's reading reminds me why I so much enjoy the Scripture's hymn book that spans from generation to generation.

This appreciation of the Psalms hasn't always been there for me. In fact, I found it difficult to sort out the deep emotions and honest - at times seemingly "ungodly"- requests and cries of the various psalmists. I knew the emotions but wondered how to transact what I was reading in light of the cross and resurrection. Yet, in time, seeing the breadth of the scriptures through the prism of the gospel leads me to read the psalms within the context of God's redemptive thread. At least for me, this transforms my approach to the Old Testament.

Anyway, enough rambling on. Here's the Psalm that evoked today's post.
Hear now the Word of the Lord

How Majestic Is Your Name

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

(Psalm 8; ESV)

Read more!

Praying the Lord's Prayer

The Model Prayer can be taken as intended or become a rote recited ritual that lacks vitality; yet, when taken to heart, and grappled with under the ministry God the Holy Spirit, great awe, humility, growth and encouragement issue from the instructive example of Christ as He instructs his disciples.

What follows is and excerpt from "Praying the Lord's Prayer" by J.I. Packer. It's small in size but very much worth the read. and, if read with contemplation and the time reflecting in the Scriptures, not a quick read at all. In a recent interview, it became clear that Dr Packer defines , at least in part, his role as a catechist to the Church. And for this, we can be grateful.


Excerpt from " Praying the Lord's Prayer"

"As analysis of light requires reference to the seven colors of the spectrum that make it up, so analysis of the Lord’s Prayer requires reference to a spectrum of seven distinct activities: approaching God in adoration and trust; acknowledging his work and his worth, in praise and worship; admitting sin, and seeking pardon; asking that needs be met, for ourselves and others; arguing with God for blessing, as wrestling Jacob did in Genesis 32 (God loves to be argued with); accepting from God one’s own situation as he has shaped it; and adhering to God in faithfulness through thick and thin. These seven activities together constitute biblical prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer embodies them all."

Grace and Peace,
-T

Read more!

A Puritan Prayer

Wrapping up an evening on the road, I'm spending a bit of time reflecting backwards along the tapestry of those in Christ who, together with all the saints, comprise the continuum of God's covenant people. Pausing to look a bit further into a Puritan point in the thread, I think the following prayer merits sharing.

Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin.Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies. Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of Thy Spirit, the strength of Thy restraining will, Thy spiking of hell's artillery. Blessed be my sovereign Lord!

-A Puritan Prayer

Grace and Peace- T

Read more!