The mirror doesn't lie. Like, "I need to get in shape," we conclude, or "I gotta' do something about my appearance?" Spiritually speaking, it's important to look in the mirror of God's word, and make the changes accordingly, with the Holy Sprit's help.
Recent Entries
Making Sense Of It AllJanuary 30, 2012
Where are things headed? Is there rhyme and reason to the endless cycle of summer, fall, winter and spring? Is there a plan in place, or is randomness the explanation?
Suffering Saints
January 25, 2012
We get nervous thinking about it - suffering for the sake of Christ. How necessary is it, and what does it produce in us?
George Herbert on Prayer Meetings
January 21, 2012
Prayer Meetings are a thing of the past. Or so it seems. What has been lost? Maybe more than we realize.
When Fear Is Good
January 7, 2012
NO FEAR, we are told. And the point is well taken. But fear can be healthy, at least when it comes to eternal matters.
Happy, Happy, Happy
January 4, 2012
The declaration of independence holds up the pursuit of happiness as a right. Did you ever consider the reading the bible might be the one source that will never let you down?
The Twelve Signs Of Grace
December 22, 2011
Self-examination is not easy to do. The tendency is to let ourselves off easy. But examine we must, for eternity is at stake.
"Ouch!!"
July 22, 2011
Spiritual pride is hard to detect. Jonathan Edwards gives some tips. The process can be painful, but necessary.
Man In The Mirror
January 4, 2010
He was the John Piper of the 17th century. Carl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690-1744) became an influential Lutheran. A pietist, Bogatzky maintained a dynamic relationship with God which influenced others to follow in his footsteps, including many in the Mennonite movement. The following is from his yearly devotional, GOLDEN TREASURY FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD....
A new scene of time now begins: put up your hosannas, O my soul, that the Lord may save, bless, and proper you; may he grant you a happy new year indeed!
For this purpose begin it with a dedication of yourself to God; your time, circumstances, and life are in his hands; implore his blessing and protection over the coming year.
Begin this and every following day with prayer; let God have the first thoughts in the morning, the impression they make will not be easily erased by worldly matters.
Grace is promised in the use of means, be diligent, then, and
1) punctual in the performance of them;
2) let your daily request be for an increasing knowledge of yourself, and Jesus Christ in his offices;
3) for a sense of pardoning mercy;
4) for a lively, vigorous faith;
5) for communion with the Father and the Son through the Spirit;
6) for true holiness in heart and life;
7) for strength and protection against thy spiritual foes,
8) and for preserving grace to the end.
9) Pray for the prosperity of Zion; they prosper that love her;
10) for thy friends and relations, begging the Almighty to take them into a covenant relation to himself;
11) for blessings on thy worldly affairs;
12) for a sanctified use of health or sickness, prosperity or adversity, as God shall be pleased to send.
Perhaps, O my soul, this may be the last year of the Lord's patience and your pilgrimage. Is your state safe? Are you a real believer in Jesus? Is the oil of grace in your vessel? If so, you are prepared for every emergency.
And now, my soul, another year
Of thy short life is past
I cannot long continue here;
And this may be my last.
Now a new scene of life begins;
Set out afresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for your daily sins,
In Christ so freely given.
