Hi Everyone,
I have been awaken to the importance of words. They can have great power or great destruction in their wake. Well, the Lord of Heaven, Jesus Christ, said many different things. He has lead me to go to the words that He said and really dig into them. So, this is like an introduction to the next time in my life as I want to share this with you... Being in this Post Modern world we live in we should be open to discovering what other religious "teachers" say. I plan on doing that but I must make it clear, and I guess I have in the past, that Jesus is God. That is what He has said... We'll get to that...
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Thinking About Life and Death - E.V. Hill
This might be a little weird for most people but please excuse me while I write this. Stayed home from church today because of this cold I have had for a week or over now. Got up around 10 and was guided but Him who has the great power and has given everything for life and godliness to the computer. Read a couple of email and notice one from this sermon audio site on the net. I praise God for this site. There is sooo much evil to be experienced on the net but also great blessing!!!!! SermonIndex.net audio sermons: E.V. Hill Dr. Hill had experienced great loss in the loss of his wife. This is her funeral service that she had asked him to preach. The strength that the Lord had for him is amazing. The last 20 minutes of this sermon (really the whole sermon) but I want this played at my funeral because it just says to trust the unseen hand of the Almighty God that we serve... BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD....
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Snow
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." -- Revelation 3:4
We may understand this to refer to justification. "They shall walk inwhite"; that is, they shall enjoy a constant sense of their ownjustification by faith; they shall understand that the righteousness ofChrist is imputed to them, that they have all been washed and madewhiter than the newly-fallen snow.”
Charles Spurgeon
We may understand this to refer to justification. "They shall walk inwhite"; that is, they shall enjoy a constant sense of their ownjustification by faith; they shall understand that the righteousness ofChrist is imputed to them, that they have all been washed and madewhiter than the newly-fallen snow.”
Charles Spurgeon
Friday, November 23, 2007
Charles Spurgeon Quote
Grant us more and more a hatred of Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Till then and ever, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day to plead for the overturning of false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Pope's lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?
Yesterday and Two People I Met
Yesterday and Two People I Met
Yesterday was very interesting... Got up early yesterday with anticipation with what was going to happen on this day that we have been looking forward to for so long. All over the country and I guess the world, people gave thanks to God for the many blessings in their lives. Thanksgiving is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays because of the fact that even "nonbelievers" in God are saying thanks. Just another way the Bible is showing forth in its truth. Romans chapter one testifies to the fact that all people have the knowledge of God.
So, went to serve at church yesterday and got such a well needed blessing from just being the
re and helping out. In years past, we have helped out but this year was different. Met two people that I wanted to tell you about. My brother in Jesus, Ken and I went to deliver meals when we got them all prepared to people that weren’t able to come out. Went to the Main Towers in Newark and was amazingly blessed to see my Aunt Pat in the elevator. She is still as healthy as she always has been. It is amazing she looked so great! Ken and I started knocking on doors and delivering meals. It was cool. We knocked on this door and this man’s voice said to come on in. We did and met this wonderful man named Willard. Truth be told, he was very pessimistic. We kept pointing him to the unfailing love of God in Jesus Christ. So, pray for Willard that He might spend a little more time remembering that he has a God who has kept him with His love. Willard has been through a lot of hurt. He drove a tractor-trailer for 20 years plus then was in a horrific accident that injured his brain. He uses a walker and a motor scooter now to get around.
The other man that I met was back at church. We, meaning my mother and I, sat down to have dinner. His name was Joe and he is a bus driver. He goes to the Church of the Brethren somewhere in PA. Don’t know too much about him but he loves football. His favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s not real happy with how they are doing but he said, “I’ll always love that team.”
Two men, one great day to share the love that brings people to this Jesus, who is still in the business of “casting a wide net.”
Yesterday was very interesting... Got up early yesterday with anticipation with what was going to happen on this day that we have been looking forward to for so long. All over the country and I guess the world, people gave thanks to God for the many blessings in their lives. Thanksgiving is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays because of the fact that even "nonbelievers" in God are saying thanks. Just another way the Bible is showing forth in its truth. Romans chapter one testifies to the fact that all people have the knowledge of God.
So, went to serve at church yesterday and got such a well needed blessing from just being the
re and helping out. In years past, we have helped out but this year was different. Met two people that I wanted to tell you about. My brother in Jesus, Ken and I went to deliver meals when we got them all prepared to people that weren’t able to come out. Went to the Main Towers in Newark and was amazingly blessed to see my Aunt Pat in the elevator. She is still as healthy as she always has been. It is amazing she looked so great! Ken and I started knocking on doors and delivering meals. It was cool. We knocked on this door and this man’s voice said to come on in. We did and met this wonderful man named Willard. Truth be told, he was very pessimistic. We kept pointing him to the unfailing love of God in Jesus Christ. So, pray for Willard that He might spend a little more time remembering that he has a God who has kept him with His love. Willard has been through a lot of hurt. He drove a tractor-trailer for 20 years plus then was in a horrific accident that injured his brain. He uses a walker and a motor scooter now to get around.
The other man that I met was back at church. We, meaning my mother and I, sat down to have dinner. His name was Joe and he is a bus driver. He goes to the Church of the Brethren somewhere in PA. Don’t know too much about him but he loves football. His favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s not real happy with how they are doing but he said, “I’ll always love that team.”
Two men, one great day to share the love that brings people to this Jesus, who is still in the business of “casting a wide net.”
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
When I think of all the blessings in my life on this eve of the day we set aside to give thanks, we must be mindful of who it is that all of it comes from. So much is being said about this great holiday giving thanks but to who.... Our Creator God!!! from whom all blessings flow.... Hebrews says that He holds everything together by the Word of His power!!!!!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Half Marathon - Yesterday - 3 Hours Plus of Endurance
Wow,
Yesterday was amazing. God blessed the whole time and I thank Him for His grace and mercy for giving me a day that I surely as a sinner did not deserve. His grace was and is more than sufficient for all our needs. The race started at 10 after 8 because there was a full marathon that started at 8. My friend Dave Ziegler, was amazing! He came in second in that! It was an amazing day for him... He was GREAT! So, 8:10 came and the race began... Everything going great until I got really hot so I took off my sweatshirt. Was amazingly hot. Got started going again and was great! Was one with the great God of the Universe. I feel like He is liking this. He delights to sing over us I think the Scriptures say. Then, came to the foot of the bridge. St. George's Bridge is pretty steep. Many thoughts ran through my mind at that point. Wow, if I quit, no one could blame me at all. I heard that small voice of the God that I know. Jesus lived His whole life of endurance. That is the one thing that everyone had been praying for me. Chris Jarrell and Mom gathered around me on Saturday night and prayed for endurance. The Bible says sooo much about endurance. I think of Paul at the end of his life and how he said that life is like a race and we all run. or all of us are in a race. NEEDED and God provided the strength. They say that all of it was your mental preparation. I kinda disagree. The mental disengagement with what you think you can accomplish and what you actually end up accomplishing happens at the start line I think. I hope that makes sense. (That last sentence) So, up the hill of one side of Saint George's Bridge... Ouch! The climb was very hard but Jesus came to me in my hour of need. I don't know how to explain it. When I reached the top , Shane and Shane came through the speakers in my ears.... "When I think about the Lord, Makes me want to sing, hallelujah, thank you, Jesus, Lord you're worthy of all the glory and all the honor and all the praise."Had a time of worship like no other! It, then, had a mile on the other side where my friend Eric was waiting for me. He was the one who told me about this challenge as he works in the fitness center at work... He asked me how I felt, I said, "Ugh, bad!", ha ha, but He knew I wanted to finish. That was only half way. My left should was about to fall to the ground but thought that I must continue. Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross for our great salvation.
Got back to them bridge and had to go over it again. With the worship chorus "Forever" in my ears, the Lord aloud me to start this incredibly hard incline again. His love endures forever, His love endures forever! His endurance was mine. That might be a theological truth, I don't know. But I know that it happen. I never been sooo worn out in my life. He got me to the top though! Was so happy!!! getting back was not so hard compared to the horrendous trial of the bridge. Was just having to take my time because of my left shoulder but was at peace that I would make it after that. At the last leg of the course, people were cheering me on. It was very humbling. It was amazing! When I crossed the finish, Ken and Denise Barnes and a new friend of mine name Shane Harris were there. It was an amazing moment. Can't explain the emotions. Mentally, I was drained, physically I was wiped, but spiritually was on the mountain top... Thank you all who prayed and supported me in many different ways. God's LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
Yesterday was amazing. God blessed the whole time and I thank Him for His grace and mercy for giving me a day that I surely as a sinner did not deserve. His grace was and is more than sufficient for all our needs. The race started at 10 after 8 because there was a full marathon that started at 8. My friend Dave Ziegler, was amazing! He came in second in that! It was an amazing day for him... He was GREAT! So, 8:10 came and the race began... Everything going great until I got really hot so I took off my sweatshirt. Was amazingly hot. Got started going again and was great! Was one with the great God of the Universe. I feel like He is liking this. He delights to sing over us I think the Scriptures say. Then, came to the foot of the bridge. St. George's Bridge is pretty steep. Many thoughts ran through my mind at that point. Wow, if I quit, no one could blame me at all. I heard that small voice of the God that I know. Jesus lived His whole life of endurance. That is the one thing that everyone had been praying for me. Chris Jarrell and Mom gathered around me on Saturday night and prayed for endurance. The Bible says sooo much about endurance. I think of Paul at the end of his life and how he said that life is like a race and we all run. or all of us are in a race. NEEDED and God provided the strength. They say that all of it was your mental preparation. I kinda disagree. The mental disengagement with what you think you can accomplish and what you actually end up accomplishing happens at the start line I think. I hope that makes sense. (That last sentence) So, up the hill of one side of Saint George's Bridge... Ouch! The climb was very hard but Jesus came to me in my hour of need. I don't know how to explain it. When I reached the top , Shane and Shane came through the speakers in my ears.... "When I think about the Lord, Makes me want to sing, hallelujah, thank you, Jesus, Lord you're worthy of all the glory and all the honor and all the praise."Had a time of worship like no other! It, then, had a mile on the other side where my friend Eric was waiting for me. He was the one who told me about this challenge as he works in the fitness center at work... He asked me how I felt, I said, "Ugh, bad!", ha ha, but He knew I wanted to finish. That was only half way. My left should was about to fall to the ground but thought that I must continue. Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross for our great salvation.
Got back to them bridge and had to go over it again. With the worship chorus "Forever" in my ears, the Lord aloud me to start this incredibly hard incline again. His love endures forever, His love endures forever! His endurance was mine. That might be a theological truth, I don't know. But I know that it happen. I never been sooo worn out in my life. He got me to the top though! Was so happy!!! getting back was not so hard compared to the horrendous trial of the bridge. Was just having to take my time because of my left shoulder but was at peace that I would make it after that. At the last leg of the course, people were cheering me on. It was very humbling. It was amazing! When I crossed the finish, Ken and Denise Barnes and a new friend of mine name Shane Harris were there. It was an amazing moment. Can't explain the emotions. Mentally, I was drained, physically I was wiped, but spiritually was on the mountain top... Thank you all who prayed and supported me in many different ways. God's LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
2nd Try - Don't be Fooled - Half Marathon is November 4th
Hey everyone,It has been a long time since I have written anything on here. It has been a hectic time in life. The Lord has abundant life for us that is for sure. Speaking of that, I am working through some stuff on that promise of our Great God and Savior. But, anyway, the Lord has blessed me so much recent weeks but the weeks have been full. Monday, I have had the privilege of sitting under a teaching ministry an amazing woman named Martha. The wealth of knowledge is incredible! We are studying Hebrews. Jesus brought this most amazing book to me in 2002 from a sermon series that John Piper did. It is just amazing that I have a whole group to learn more from!!! Tuesdays are usually made for the gym after work. Wednesdays are amazing because that is church night and it is always great to gather with the body. And so it goes. I didn’t want to write this about the weeks so won't go on!What I did want to do is to tell everyone about the half marathon that I, Lord willing, am about to do on Sunday. Looking back, this woman, Sonya McCoy is the single most important reason, under God, for me to have experienced the times I have in this season of time. This is her and I after finishing the first 5k I did in June. Jesus used her challenge me to step out of the box! Thank you, Sonya!!! Now, asking myself, how in the world am I going do 13.1 miles. The presence of God!!! Have been anxious all day but am reminded that Moses was anxious. He pleaded with the Lord not to send him if the Lord didn't go with them. Asking the Lord to so fill my eyes with the glory of His self that I would have no anxiety over this. He is always with me! He never lets go! Nothing can, or will separate us from the love of God that is in (IN) Christ Jesus...Asking you to pray this for me this week...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Picture from My First 5k and Gearing up for the Biggest Race Yet
Hey everyone,It has been a long time since I have written anything on here. It has been a hectic time in life. The Lord has abundant life for us that is for sure. Speaking of that, I am working through some stuff on that promise of our Great God and Savior. But, anyway, the Lord has blessed me so much recent weeks but the weeks have been full. Monday, I have had the privilege of sitting under a teaching ministry an amazing woman named Martha. The wealth of knowledge is incredible! We are studying Hebrews. Jesus brought this most amazing book to me in 2002 from a sermon series that John Piper did. It is just amazing that I have a whole group to learn more from!!! Tuesdays are usually made for the gym after work. Wednesdays are amazing because that is church night and it is always great to gather with the body. And so it goes. I didn’t want to write this about the weeks so won't go on!
What I did want to do is to tell everyone about the half marathon that I, Lord willing, am about to do on Sunday. Looking back, this woman, Sonya McCoy is the single most important reason, under God, for me to have experienced the times I have in this season of time. This is her and I after finishing the first 5k I did in June. Jesus used her challenge me to step out of the box! Thank you, Sonya!!! Now, asking myself, how in the world am I going do 13.1 miles. The presence of God!!! Have been anxious all day but am reminded that Moses was anxious. He pleaded with the Lord not to send him if the Lord didn't go with them. Asking the Lord to so fill my eyes with the glory of His self that I would have no anxiety over this. He is always with me! He never lets go! Nothing can, or will separate us from the love of God that is in (IN) Christ Jesus...Asking you to pray this for me this week...
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash Rocks!!!!! Was never called a hypocrite. What an awesome saying at the end of life. Let it be said of me....
20 Miles in Two Saturdays
Last Saturday was a great day in my life. Got up early and went to Bikeline in Newark. The guys at Bikeline are great. They really helped me out a lot. Anyway, I was having problems with my wheels and one of the assistant managers at work, named Eric, said the wheels might need to be torked. The spokes in my tires had been loosened over the years and it was causing my wheels to wobble. I also got an odometer too… Tim and Christy Connors, two of the funniest people in the world, said they could pick me up because Tim had to get their car windows fixed. It was right by Bikeline. Well, his appointment was at 10 am. He didn’t leave there till five o’clock. He said I could just take the bus home. I got to thinking. It would have taken a couple hours to get home by bus. I hadn’t worked out yet. I decided to ride home. It was so fun! Just the time alone with Jesus and His creation was so amazing! Was celebrating all the way to the tune of “The Glory of It All!” And the 10.5 Miles wasn’t even that bad. Felt pretty good.
Yesterday morning was a real humid day here in Delaware. I can’t even believe how much I sweated yesterday. 9.65 Miles yesterday at Glasgow park and coming home. 3 times around the course.
Yesterday morning was a real humid day here in Delaware. I can’t even believe how much I sweated yesterday. 9.65 Miles yesterday at Glasgow park and coming home. 3 times around the course.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Back in Time... My First Email After Doing a 5k
Hi Everyone,
it has been a long time since i have written anything and I am sorry. have been distracted from what really matters...
This week was a very eventful time... Basically every week is eventful when thinking about it... Was coming out of the gym on Monday night and my phone rang. my friend, Brent, from work was calling me to tell me that a man I used to know was dead, named Chris Benoit. The nightmare started. Was grieving the whole week even as the horrible details of the story came to light. I am horrified at the depravity of our human hearts that one human being could do this. This serves as a wake up warning screaming at my deaf ears. I am sometimes so slow to listen and repent. I am reminded of when the Lord of Eternity, Jesus was asked about a horrible tragedy that had happen, He said, unless we all repent, we shall likewise perish. This whole thing has effected me in such a way I don't even realize yet. But, this I know... Every decision we make is sooo important. With far reaching implications. Let us be viligant in our lives...
That really doesn't doesn't go along with the name of this email now does it. Sorry but here is the AMAZING part that the Lord has done. Yesterday, I was blessed enough to take part in a 5k Run/Walk race on the Waterfront. Wow, what a challenge, even on wheels. But the amazing part was the comradity among the runners. When we passed one another we said "good job" "keep it up." it was incredible. Of course, you would imagine the best part of the race was the end. Mom had bought me an mp3 player and all the runners had them to get through the race. It certainly got me through but the real blessing came at the end. 3 mile mark came and this song came on that was a real reminder. It was "You Are My Joy" by the David Crowder Band and it was an incredible ending to an incredible race. Jesus is the source of all real joy and happiness. Run to Him and be happy in Him alone. I am sorry Sonya, for not saying hey to you when I finished but I just wanted a couple seconds in saying thank you to the Source of Real Joy!!!
love you all,
jonathan
it has been a long time since i have written anything and I am sorry. have been distracted from what really matters...
This week was a very eventful time... Basically every week is eventful when thinking about it... Was coming out of the gym on Monday night and my phone rang. my friend, Brent, from work was calling me to tell me that a man I used to know was dead, named Chris Benoit. The nightmare started. Was grieving the whole week even as the horrible details of the story came to light. I am horrified at the depravity of our human hearts that one human being could do this. This serves as a wake up warning screaming at my deaf ears. I am sometimes so slow to listen and repent. I am reminded of when the Lord of Eternity, Jesus was asked about a horrible tragedy that had happen, He said, unless we all repent, we shall likewise perish. This whole thing has effected me in such a way I don't even realize yet. But, this I know... Every decision we make is sooo important. With far reaching implications. Let us be viligant in our lives...
That really doesn't doesn't go along with the name of this email now does it. Sorry but here is the AMAZING part that the Lord has done. Yesterday, I was blessed enough to take part in a 5k Run/Walk race on the Waterfront. Wow, what a challenge, even on wheels. But the amazing part was the comradity among the runners. When we passed one another we said "good job" "keep it up." it was incredible. Of course, you would imagine the best part of the race was the end. Mom had bought me an mp3 player and all the runners had them to get through the race. It certainly got me through but the real blessing came at the end. 3 mile mark came and this song came on that was a real reminder. It was "You Are My Joy" by the David Crowder Band and it was an incredible ending to an incredible race. Jesus is the source of all real joy and happiness. Run to Him and be happy in Him alone. I am sorry Sonya, for not saying hey to you when I finished but I just wanted a couple seconds in saying thank you to the Source of Real Joy!!!
love you all,
jonathan
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Conviction of the Spirit
Conviction of the Spirit
Hi Everyone,I guess this post will be kind of weird for a lot of you to understand just bare with me as I vent a little about this passage that the Lord has shown me...
English Standard Version
Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Who are these witnesses? Well, all the "heroes" of the faith of Jesus. Obviously, the writer mean the people in the previous chapter... We have 2,000 years of people who have kept the faith. What, then are we doing with that? What am I doing with that? Everytime I choose to not obey the voice of the Lord, do I know what it is costing me? Thank God He loves us!!!
Hebrews 12:2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
How do we look to Jesus? He is invisible. Looking for Him in the Scriptures is the main way to see the Great King of Heaven and His glories. I believe that Jesus graces believers with glimpses of Himself in other ways; in worship and prayer times. Training is one way He has revealed Himself to me. I feel His pleasure as I give my all. Jesus be praised with my whole life devoted to Him.
Hbr 12:3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Wow! He endured such hostility from sinners so that was may not grow weary. This is the whole reason for the book of Hebrews. It is so amazing to me. He knew that we would grow weary. Weary to the point of wanting to quit. Jesus, thank you so much for knowing us in our frailty… I do get weary of myself and others. Please help me not to look at others and only look to You! It is sooo easy to get depressed when we see how our world does not seek after it’s Creator. What is wrong with us? You glory is what we were made for. You Name is being misused and abused because we are so into our own lives. We were made to forget ourselves. Jesus, grant this miracle!!!
Hbr 12:4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
How’s the struggle going for you? Have you shed any blood yet? He has already taken care of the sin, decisively. That is why we don’t fight to overcome our sin. We fight because we know our sin is already overcome therefore we fight at victors! He has shed His perfect blood!
Hbr 12:5-10 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
A loving Father addressing us as sons and daughters is amazing. Our Sovereign Father puts everything in our lives to make conform to His holiness. That means everything. Even the unpleasant times. We need to trust this to be true.
Hi Everyone,I guess this post will be kind of weird for a lot of you to understand just bare with me as I vent a little about this passage that the Lord has shown me...
English Standard Version
Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Who are these witnesses? Well, all the "heroes" of the faith of Jesus. Obviously, the writer mean the people in the previous chapter... We have 2,000 years of people who have kept the faith. What, then are we doing with that? What am I doing with that? Everytime I choose to not obey the voice of the Lord, do I know what it is costing me? Thank God He loves us!!!
Hebrews 12:2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
How do we look to Jesus? He is invisible. Looking for Him in the Scriptures is the main way to see the Great King of Heaven and His glories. I believe that Jesus graces believers with glimpses of Himself in other ways; in worship and prayer times. Training is one way He has revealed Himself to me. I feel His pleasure as I give my all. Jesus be praised with my whole life devoted to Him.
Hbr 12:3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Wow! He endured such hostility from sinners so that was may not grow weary. This is the whole reason for the book of Hebrews. It is so amazing to me. He knew that we would grow weary. Weary to the point of wanting to quit. Jesus, thank you so much for knowing us in our frailty… I do get weary of myself and others. Please help me not to look at others and only look to You! It is sooo easy to get depressed when we see how our world does not seek after it’s Creator. What is wrong with us? You glory is what we were made for. You Name is being misused and abused because we are so into our own lives. We were made to forget ourselves. Jesus, grant this miracle!!!
Hbr 12:4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
How’s the struggle going for you? Have you shed any blood yet? He has already taken care of the sin, decisively. That is why we don’t fight to overcome our sin. We fight because we know our sin is already overcome therefore we fight at victors! He has shed His perfect blood!
Hbr 12:5-10 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
A loving Father addressing us as sons and daughters is amazing. Our Sovereign Father puts everything in our lives to make conform to His holiness. That means everything. Even the unpleasant times. We need to trust this to be true.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
This Week 9/27/07
Rain! Rain! Rain!
There is a southern gospel song that is called that. I have grown up in that arena... Their great four part hamornies still have a way of speaking to my heart. The reason I bring this song up is the reference to the Water in the Isaiah 43 song that meant sooo much last weekend. I am coming out of the desert of my own making. So much disobedience to what the LORD has said but He graciously sends rains to water our souls. Amazing!!!!
There is a southern gospel song that is called that. I have grown up in that arena... Their great four part hamornies still have a way of speaking to my heart. The reason I bring this song up is the reference to the Water in the Isaiah 43 song that meant sooo much last weekend. I am coming out of the desert of my own making. So much disobedience to what the LORD has said but He graciously sends rains to water our souls. Amazing!!!!
I really feel that I haven't lingered in these verses long enough... Let the Lord speak to your heart oh, Christian for all the promises of God are for us and what we feed on.
II Corinthians 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.
Verse 1, "But now, thus says"
right now, in this time, in this place. It just was like the Lord was telling me right now is the time that He was speaking to me. Just an amazing reminder what follows is what is true of my life right now.
"The Lord, Your Creator"
He created us! The Lord of Heaven! The same Creator of the stars, galaxies, planets, 10 billion suns! This is our Father Creator... Father, because the blood of Jesus has adopted us into the family of Eternal God!!!
"Jacob"
All the promises are yes in Jesus Christ the Righteous One. We can substitute our name if we are in Christ! What an amazing state of being. I think we might take all the blessings that the gospel affords to us for granted. I know I do sooo much! Joy! Peace! In Jesus!
More to come!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Unexpected Rain, Isaiah 43, Two 5k's and Experiencing God for Real!!!
Writing seems so inadequate to express my heart right now but let me try. Today was another 5k. This time was at Hagley Museum here in Delaware. Amazingly beautiful area. have never been there. My heart is so full right now so bare with me if I tend to ramble. This weekend is something special in my life... Have been so caught up in everything else but God is catching me in my tracks....
This was one amazing day. It started as the Lord led me to the first book in the Bible today as He is teaching me about His covenants with His people. What an "Awesome God" we serve. He never goes back on His Word!
This 5k was called the "Doggie Doo." I know it is a funny name!!! It was to benefit Kanine Partners for Life. I know some of you will remember and some of you might not. The Lord alowed me to have a helper dog growing up. It was great having Cori and am really missing her today. She was amazing! She went to school and everywhere with me, even to pro wrestling matches!
Hagley Museum is a beautiful place! It really was a great place to go through and just acknowledge that God is God and we aren't! He made everything we see! The race started at 8 and it was an overcast with no expectations for rain. We started the race... Dave Ziegler is a manager at the place where I work and he started the race with me. Good Luck!!! What an amazing time. So, at the mile and a half the rain just started to poor! It was amazingly refreshing! We all got soaked! The coolest thing was on my mp3 player was a song that came from Isaiah 43 from the Pat Brown Worship band (for all those Shane and Shane fans out there - that is the band they were with and still produce.) It kept saying "Water is filling this place." It was soooo amazing! just because of His Holy Spirit and how He graciously lifts us up out of our sinful state with no warrant... Nothing we can boast about but His work! His choosing to make us His.
When I got to mile 2, I see Dave coming back! He just wanted to finish with me. He had already won 2nd over all and 1st in his age group. He kept on encouraging me. I would need it. At the very end of the course was this insane hill. It was the hardest hill ever but I was able to overcome it. Jesus be praised! Another great person who I have met in recent weeks is a lady name Liz. she works in the print shop at work. She was great, too, encouraging me to keep going at the end. It was the hardest thing I think I have done. By the way, on the good old mp3 player then was a song by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman named "America." It is asking God to please come to America and revive and awaken our dead hearts again so we can reach out.
We were all standing around and awaiting the award presentations, and this lady came up to me and said she just wanted to say how inspired that she was when she saw me coming up that amazing hill. I had to say all glory to God! She had a tear in her eye when she told me what the Lord had laid on her heart. She said that is the way, putting all we have into life, that we must enter the heaven. Wow! Thank you, Father for a great time!!!
When I got home, using the internet I looked up to see what the song was I had heard when the rains had came. Well, after I got a warm bath... ha ha! That felt so good. What a blessing that God had blessed me with! Isaiah 43. Will be here for a long time to come. It is amazing when He speaks and we are open. He has redeemed me! Redeemed this computer I am sitting at now...
thanks for listening to my ramblings,
jonathan
This was one amazing day. It started as the Lord led me to the first book in the Bible today as He is teaching me about His covenants with His people. What an "Awesome God" we serve. He never goes back on His Word!
This 5k was called the "Doggie Doo." I know it is a funny name!!! It was to benefit Kanine Partners for Life. I know some of you will remember and some of you might not. The Lord alowed me to have a helper dog growing up. It was great having Cori and am really missing her today. She was amazing! She went to school and everywhere with me, even to pro wrestling matches!
Hagley Museum is a beautiful place! It really was a great place to go through and just acknowledge that God is God and we aren't! He made everything we see! The race started at 8 and it was an overcast with no expectations for rain. We started the race... Dave Ziegler is a manager at the place where I work and he started the race with me. Good Luck!!! What an amazing time. So, at the mile and a half the rain just started to poor! It was amazingly refreshing! We all got soaked! The coolest thing was on my mp3 player was a song that came from Isaiah 43 from the Pat Brown Worship band (for all those Shane and Shane fans out there - that is the band they were with and still produce.) It kept saying "Water is filling this place." It was soooo amazing! just because of His Holy Spirit and how He graciously lifts us up out of our sinful state with no warrant... Nothing we can boast about but His work! His choosing to make us His.
When I got to mile 2, I see Dave coming back! He just wanted to finish with me. He had already won 2nd over all and 1st in his age group. He kept on encouraging me. I would need it. At the very end of the course was this insane hill. It was the hardest hill ever but I was able to overcome it. Jesus be praised! Another great person who I have met in recent weeks is a lady name Liz. she works in the print shop at work. She was great, too, encouraging me to keep going at the end. It was the hardest thing I think I have done. By the way, on the good old mp3 player then was a song by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman named "America." It is asking God to please come to America and revive and awaken our dead hearts again so we can reach out.
We were all standing around and awaiting the award presentations, and this lady came up to me and said she just wanted to say how inspired that she was when she saw me coming up that amazing hill. I had to say all glory to God! She had a tear in her eye when she told me what the Lord had laid on her heart. She said that is the way, putting all we have into life, that we must enter the heaven. Wow! Thank you, Father for a great time!!!
When I got home, using the internet I looked up to see what the song was I had heard when the rains had came. Well, after I got a warm bath... ha ha! That felt so good. What a blessing that God had blessed me with! Isaiah 43. Will be here for a long time to come. It is amazing when He speaks and we are open. He has redeemed me! Redeemed this computer I am sitting at now...
thanks for listening to my ramblings,
jonathan
Psalm 62, Embracing Accusation, Loving and Exulting in the Gospel
Hi Everyone,
This is just kind of a release from all that God has been showing me so don't think of it as a formal email... More like a journal entry that I felt compelled to share. Wanted to share some of the amazing, awesome, wonderful things that the Lord of life has shared with this broken piece of clay that longs to be molded into a vessel of honor. He has led me to do a study over again that I have done in the past a couple of times. All times were very powerful in my life and knowing how this one is starting will be life altering again. The Word is sooo alive and active. Even when we don't realize it. It cuts and divides and heals our hearts. Martin Luther said once, "My world is held captive by the Word of God..."
Psalm 62 is an amzing, amazing passage. I know some of you are going through throughest time right now and it is so comforting knowing that can cast all, I mean ALL, on Jesus because He is our Rock and Fortress who will not move at all. You can let it all out on your Gracious Savior! Halejuah!!! He can take all our weakness!!
The whole idea of life is finding true satisfaction. I underscore the word true. Was sharing this with a friend of mine at the gym last night. I would ask you to pray for him, his name is Kevin. Pray that he would come to the Truth of the gospel that is so overflowingly satisfying.
Recently, I have been looking so many places to find this satisfying rest. Mostly, I have been very judgemental and critical and putting myself on this moral ladder and when I slip and fall, I hear a voice saying, "see, i told ya. you don't really believe all that ya say!" For years this has been going on. I hear the part truths of the enemy. It is so imperative that we know what the gospel has prvided for us.
Gospel-
I have noticed in recent years that the world we live in has been dragging this word through the dirt with all these half truths that they hear from the enemy of our souls, Most recently true most recently last week on CNN, i must had heard the 50 times word gospel but not the truth of it. Thank God for His servant John MacCarthur for being on and declaring God as the gospel.
I heard the following song about a year ago... didnt really get it but i do now... Satan has been telling half truths even since the garden with Adam and Eve... We have to know the GOSPEL!!!! Love it and SHARE IT with those who don't know how much they are loved...
Embracing Accusation
Father of lies, coming to steal kill and destroy All my hopes of being good enough I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide" He's right, halleluia, he's right The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed That I am cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation Embracing accusation Could the father of lies be telling the truth of God to me tonight? That if the penalty of sin is death, then death is mine I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide" He's right, halleluia, he's right The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed That I am cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salv.. The devil's singing over me an age old song That I am cursed and gone astray Singing the first verse so conveniently over me He's forgotten the refrain. JESUS S A V E S!!!
Galations 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:
YouTube - Shane & Shane - Embracing Accusation (Live)
Love the Gospel!!!!
We MUST lift the gospel high! Higher than our moral codes that we as "christians" follow.
I Peter 3:18 The Whole Gospel in One verse
1For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the lesh but made alive in the spirit,
This is just kind of a release from all that God has been showing me so don't think of it as a formal email... More like a journal entry that I felt compelled to share. Wanted to share some of the amazing, awesome, wonderful things that the Lord of life has shared with this broken piece of clay that longs to be molded into a vessel of honor. He has led me to do a study over again that I have done in the past a couple of times. All times were very powerful in my life and knowing how this one is starting will be life altering again. The Word is sooo alive and active. Even when we don't realize it. It cuts and divides and heals our hearts. Martin Luther said once, "My world is held captive by the Word of God..."
Psalm 62 is an amzing, amazing passage. I know some of you are going through throughest time right now and it is so comforting knowing that can cast all, I mean ALL, on Jesus because He is our Rock and Fortress who will not move at all. You can let it all out on your Gracious Savior! Halejuah!!! He can take all our weakness!!
The whole idea of life is finding true satisfaction. I underscore the word true. Was sharing this with a friend of mine at the gym last night. I would ask you to pray for him, his name is Kevin. Pray that he would come to the Truth of the gospel that is so overflowingly satisfying.
Recently, I have been looking so many places to find this satisfying rest. Mostly, I have been very judgemental and critical and putting myself on this moral ladder and when I slip and fall, I hear a voice saying, "see, i told ya. you don't really believe all that ya say!" For years this has been going on. I hear the part truths of the enemy. It is so imperative that we know what the gospel has prvided for us.
Gospel-
I have noticed in recent years that the world we live in has been dragging this word through the dirt with all these half truths that they hear from the enemy of our souls, Most recently true most recently last week on CNN, i must had heard the 50 times word gospel but not the truth of it. Thank God for His servant John MacCarthur for being on and declaring God as the gospel.
I heard the following song about a year ago... didnt really get it but i do now... Satan has been telling half truths even since the garden with Adam and Eve... We have to know the GOSPEL!!!! Love it and SHARE IT with those who don't know how much they are loved...
Embracing Accusation
Father of lies, coming to steal kill and destroy All my hopes of being good enough I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide" He's right, halleluia, he's right The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed That I am cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation Embracing accusation Could the father of lies be telling the truth of God to me tonight? That if the penalty of sin is death, then death is mine I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide" He's right, halleluia, he's right The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed That I am cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salv.. The devil's singing over me an age old song That I am cursed and gone astray Singing the first verse so conveniently over me He's forgotten the refrain. JESUS S A V E S!!!
Galations 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:
YouTube - Shane & Shane - Embracing Accusation (Live)
Love the Gospel!!!!
We MUST lift the gospel high! Higher than our moral codes that we as "christians" follow.
I Peter 3:18 The Whole Gospel in One verse
1For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the lesh but made alive in the spirit,
Sunday, September 16, 2007
September 16th, 2007
Hello,
My name is Jonathan. This blog is to share thoughts and ideas but mostly to share the Word of God and how it is coforming my actions and attitudes. "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long." Truth is, that I don't praise Him all the day long. But, Romans 8:29 gives us great hope that He will conform us to the image of His Son...
My name is Jonathan. This blog is to share thoughts and ideas but mostly to share the Word of God and how it is coforming my actions and attitudes. "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long." Truth is, that I don't praise Him all the day long. But, Romans 8:29 gives us great hope that He will conform us to the image of His Son...
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