Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

The Stones Cry Out

On By BrianIn Stones Cry Out

IMG_4087

Jasper Knob in Ishpeming, MI
An entire hill made of layers of jasper and hematite

As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—
the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice
for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered,
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
– Luke 19:37-40

And the stones do cry out – proclaiming the glory and beauty of our Creator!

IMG_4085

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

7 Ways to Fight Distraction During Prayer – Gavin (Soliloquium)

Discontentment Says Something about You, Not Your Circumstances – Philip Graham Ryken (Crossway)

Beware the Busyness of Summer Break – Dave Zuleger (DG)

Why I Sit at the Front – Tim Chester

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!

Reflections on Deuteronomy 12-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God chose the people of Israel, and he expected them to be committed to him, as well as just toward each other.

  • Treasured Possession – God chose the people of Israel to be his treasured possession. In response they were to be holy before him (14:2).  God has chosen us too, making us a people for his own possession, to walk in holiness before him (I Peter 2:9).  Ponder what it means to be chosen by God, to be his treasured possession.  Are you seeking to walk in holiness before him?
  • No Idolatry – God again reminded the people to be faithful to him. Anything connected to foreign gods was to be destroyed.  Prophet, family member, or friend who suggested following after another god, was to be stoned. God did not want anything or anyone to lead the people of Israel  Have you allowed things into your life that are pulling you away from God?
  • Rejoice before the Lord – It is possible for us to imagine life at the tabernacle to be a grim affair. And certainly the sin offerings were a grim affair.  But many sacrifices – including the tithe, freewill offering, and vow offerings – were times to feast and celebrate and rejoice before the Lord.  Notice the repetition that you should rejoice before the Lord your God (12:12, 18; 14:26).  When do you come before the Lord to rejoice and celebrate?
  • The Poor – God makes clear that he cares about the poor, and so must we. We are to freely give to those in need.  Indeed if we do not, God will hold us guilty of sin.  How are you helping the poor?
  • Justice – God is a just God and he expects justice. Are you treating those around you justly?  The poor?  The weak?  The outcast?  How are you pursuing justice in your relationships?  What might you do to encourage justice in our world?

Reflections on Deuteronomy 9-11

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Moses continues to exhort the people to follow the Lord as he notes God’s faithfulness to them.

  • God’s Faithfulness – Why is God so faithful to these rebellious people? The answer in part is found in his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Because of that covenant, he will bring them into the land (9:5).  In response to that covenant, God has already made the people as numerous as the stars of heaven (10:22).  God faithfully keeps his promises.  What promises do you need to claim today?
  • Fear, Love, Serve, Obey – Moses challenges the people to fear the Lord, walk in his ways, love God, serve him, and obey him (10:12-13). That same challenge applies to us.  How well do these verses describe you?  In what ways do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord?
  • Choices – The people had a choice: to obey and be blessed, or to disobey and be cursed (11:26-28). We too have a choice each day to obey or not.  Blessing comes from obedience.  Disobedience will bring discipline.  What choices are you making?

Classic Quote

On By BrianIn Classic Quotes1 Comment

OldBooksHe, therefore, is the devout man, who lives no longer to his own will, or the way and the spirit of the world, but to the sole will of God; who considers God in everything, who serves God in everything, who makes all parts of his common life parts of piety, by doing everything in the name of God, and under such rules as are conformable to His glory.

– William Law