HARMLESS THOUGHTS

I have been reading the book Desiring God, by John Piper. This morning I came across a lengthy quote of George Mueller's that I feel compelled to share with you: While I was staying at Nailsworth, it pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, irrespective of human instrumentality, as far as I know, the benefit of which I have not lost, though now... more than forty years have passed away.

Jude is an amazingly compact little letter. There are big ideas and mind-blowing examples. There is so much in there... and such passionate words: Jude is eager, under compulsion, appealing, contending, etc. (and that is just in verse 3!) I am preaching on a portion of Jude tomorrow, verses 3 and 4. It is a portion that I have become passionate about myself. I am hoping to grab a bit of that passion that Jude clearly was overflowing with, and minister a bit of that to Edgewood tomorrow. I am hoping it is like a shot of adrenaline. I am praying, really praying, like literally... right now... that some in the audience, including myself, will walk away ready to contend for the faith because the Church (not just Edgewood) has certain people who have crept in unnoticed, just like in Jude's day: Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the s...

The Calvinist by John Piper See him on his knees, Hear his constant pleas: Heart of ev’ry aim: “Hallowed be Your name.” See him in the Word, Helpless, cool, unstirred, Heaping on the pyre Heed until the fire. See him with his books: Tree beside the brooks, Drinking at the root Till the branch bear fruit. See him with his pen: Written line, and then, Better thought preferred, Deep from in the Word. See him in the square, Kept from subtle snare: Unrelenting sleuth On the scent of truth. See him on the street, Seeking to entreat, Meek and treasuring: “Do you know my King?” See him in dispute, Firm and resolute, Driven by the fame Of his Father’s name. See him at his trade. Done. The plan is made. Men will have his skills, If the Father wills. See him at his meal, Praying now to feel Thanks and, be it graced, God in ev’ry taste. See him with his child: Has he ever smiled Such a smile before, Playing on the floor? See him with his wife, Parable for...

Consider this, my friends today,     when baby Jesus, in a manger lay:     that God's glory has been put on display,     and in a most magnificent way,     that as a baby, now grown to man,     he has completed his most glorious plan. Love can be seen, but with real clarity now,     not just through, but by pain upon his brow.     This is how God's love is best displayed,     when justice met mercy on the cross that day.     And only through birth and life and death     did resurrection show its breadth: Sin and Satan and Death defeated,     no hold on Christ had they completed,     now victorious he sits upon a throne     and we through faith in Christ alone     by grace are cleansed from sin: atoned!     partakers in this glorious reality     captured by his love: complete finality. No other name have lips ev...

I have probably quoted this before, but bear with me as I find the need to quote it again ... I am typing this (not copying and pasting) from the book Desiring God by John Piper. (I type it because it helps me to consider each word in the phrase.) This particular Lewis quote comes from that book, though he is not the only one who has revisited this quote. Lewis' insight on Praise in this quote has, I am sure, helped many in their understanding of the strong connection between God's love for His people and His command that they praise Him. ... the most obvious fact about praise -- whether of God or any thing -- strangely escaped me. I thought of it in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise unless (sometimes even if) shyness of the fear of boring others is deliberately brought in to check on it. The world rings with praise -- lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poe...

To Your Name Give Glory Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he w...

Psalm 5 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. (How many of us can say this? How many of our voices will be heard in the morning?) For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Why is it when Christians post a passage like this... many start to think... "Wow. Who hurt this guy?" or "Man. What's bugging him?" or possibly "Oh. He's that sort of person.") But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness ...

A portion of my scripture reading this morning...   Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!       You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!      O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?      Selah But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;      the Lord hears when I call to him. Psalm 4:1-3 (ESV)