Thought For the Week

Greetings All, Have you ever wondered if, or why, God accepts what you offer to him? Have you ever taken the time to consider what would cause a holy God to accept that which comes from a sinner (stained as any “works” would have to be, due to the impurities of intent and motive that are found in all of us, and therefore taint all that we think, say, and do)? This week’s “thought” answers that question with one of the best illustrations I have heard. It comes to you from Bryan Chapell, and is found in his superb book, “Holiness by Grace.” Not, “Holiness by Great Effort,” or “Holiness by Withdrawing from the World,” or “Holiness Measured by What we Don’t Do,” but Holiness by Grace. The illustration that follows speaks for itself! Enjoy. “Even marvelous obedience does not contain sufficient goodness to merit God’s acceptance. This understanding matures our repentance as we realize that, if even our best works fall short of God’s holy requirements, then our faults are all...

Dear Friends, I do not know about you, but this past week I found myself feeling tired and lacking focus. So many things going on. Many opinions to sift through, events to consider, conflicts that need to be resolved, interpersonal issues to address... It has the potential to be distracting and draining. And if you happen to have felt that as well, I urge you to read the following thought by Charles Spurgeon as he considers Jesus' words, "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). So enticing, is it not? Rest. Spiritual rest. Inner rest. Rest of soul that leads to the ability to attain physical rest and refreshment. It's a promise. A promise from the Savior. A promise we need to remember every so often when things pile up and make it hard for us to rest. A promise for every weary person that will come to Him... That's why I thought I would offer you wise words from Spurgeon this week, giving...

Dear Friends, With the heavily publicized "Presidential Debate" being aired tonight, and the election looming large in the American psyche, I thought I would offer some wise counsel from church leaders (past and present) whose opinions and advice I respect and find very discerning - especially with an eye toward maintaining unity in the Body of Christ. For in the long run (and I know this will sound shocking to some) the unity of the Body of Christ on earth is far more important than who gets elected in five weeks. After all, few remember the arguments that raged between Governor Grover Cleveland the Democrat from New York, and Governor James Blaine the Republican from Maine, leading up to the 1884 election - though at that time they seemed so all-important to so many. Satan's strategy is to distract, divide, and conquer, for as Jesus noted - every kingdom (nation-state), city, or household that is divided against itself, will not stand (Matt. 12:25). And althoug...

Dear Friends, This week's "thought" is from the same gentleman as I quoted last week - John Owen. Yet this week, from beginning to end, he is speaking about the Love of God; and primarily the love of God the Father. When I read this material a few weeks back, I was moved by what he had to say -- and as a result I wanted to share it with you in the hopes it would touch your hearts as well. And I should point out that because Owen was writing these things (like the thoughts from last week) in the 1630's (shortly after the Pilgrims landed here in the States!) I have taken the liberty to update the language while hopefully holding as close as possible to his original intent. (It has given me an appreciation for what Bible translators go through!) I happened to find it extremely insightful and edifying, and hope you do as well. Enjoy. "The Father loves us and chose us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-4). From His love, H...

Dear Friends, Today I wanted to offer you some wise and insightful 'thoughts' from my favorite theologian - John Owen. His words speak for themselves and testify to his immense understanding of the gospel, theology, sin, and human nature. One cannot help but benefit from his keen insights. Therefore, I offer them to you for your spiritual assistance and enrichment. Ponder them long and hard and you will surely see the truth of each one. Enjoy. “The greatest sorrow and burden you can lay on the Father; the greatest unkindness you can do to Him, is not to believe that He loves you.” "The duties God requires of us are not in proportion to the strength we possess in ourselves. Rather, they are proportional to the resources available to us in Christ. We do not have the ability in ourselves to accomplish the least of God's tasks. This is the law of grace. When we recognize it is impossible for us to perform a duty in our own strengt...

Dear Friends, In a society that tends to focus on the super-achievers who stand out from all the rest, or excel far more than most (sometimes including those who mess up big-time in a news-worthy type way!), I chose for today to pass along a message of hope for the ordinary person! A message for those of us who will never have thousands of "followers," or be pursued by the paparazzi, or sell pictures of our infants to the media for millions of dollars, or sign a contract for a half-billion-dollars, or find our life-story chronicled in a book, or see our name recognized by most people inside and outside our own country (like some sports stars). Abraham Lincoln once said, "God must love ordinary people, because He made so many of them!" So, if you happen to fall into that category, "This one's for you." It's by Margaret Manning Shull (a name you may not recognize!) who writes for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. If y...

Dear Friends, Today's selections have to do with prayer. They cover four aspects of prayer that are so necessary for us to remember if we are to make prayer a priority, a joy, and an ongoing transformational discipline. They come from Thomas Manton, in his book from 1684 entitled: "A Practical Exposition of the Lord's Prayer." I have taken the liberty to update and paraphrase the language while seeking to remain true to the original meaning. Please consider each and how they could encourage and enhance the development of a more prayerful spirit in your life. Enjoy. The All-seeing and all-knowing God "God sees you when you pray in secret. He observes your conduct, your posture, the frame of your spirit, your fervor, and the uprightness of heart which you manifest in prayer. It is all known to Him. The hypocrite fears that God knows all such things, as does the wicked man, but it is the true believers' support and ground o...