I Am Resolved
August 8, 2010 at 3:30 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: hymn, I Am Resolved, Palmer Hartsough, The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards
Sunday’s Hymn
Not too long ago I read and reviewed The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven Lawson. It is based upon the Resolutions that Edwards tried to live by. I highly recommend the book for any Christian to read and learn from. Today’s hymn choice reminded me of Edwards’ Resolutions and I hope you enjoy it.
Stay faithful and hopeful,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; Hebrews 12:28-29
I Am Resolved
By Palmer Hartsough
1. I am resolved no longer to linger, Charmed by the world’s delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler – These have allured my sight.
(Refrain) I will hasten to Him, Hasten so glad and free. Jesus, Greatest, Highest, I will come to Thee.
2. I am resolved to go the Savior, Leaving my sin and strife. He is the true One; He is the just One; He hath the words of life.
(Refrain)
3. I am resolved to follow the Savior, Faithful and true each day. Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth; He is the Living Way.
(Refrain)
4. I am resolved to enter the Kingdom, Leaving the paths of sin. Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me; Still will I enter in.
(Refrain)
5. I am resolved, and who will go with me? Come, friends without delay; Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit, We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
(Refrain)
Self-deception and How to Avoid It
August 4, 2010 at 3:03 pm | Posted in A. W. Tozer | Leave a commentTags: A. W. Tozer, Man the Dwelling Place of God, Self-deception and How to Avoid It
Insight from A. W. Tozer
Of all forms of deception self-deception is the most deadly, and of all deceived persons the self-deceived are the least likely to discover the fraud.
The reason for this is simple. When a man is deceived by another he is deceived against his will. He is contending against an adversary and is temporarily the victim of the other’s guile. Since he expects his foe to take advantage of him he is watchful and quick to suspect trickery……..
With the self-deceived it is quite different. He is his own enemy and is working a fraud upon himself. He wants to believe the lie and is psychologically conditioned to do so. He does not resist the deceit but collaborates with it against himself. There is no struggle, because the victim surrenders before the fight begins. He enjoys being deceived.
The fallen heart is by nature idolatrous. There appears to be no limit to which some of us will go to save our idol, while at the same time telling ourselves eagerly that we are trusting in Christ alone……………….
Prayer is usually recommended as the panacea for all ills and the key to open every prison door, and it would indeed be a difficult to overstate the advantages and privilege of Spirit-inspired prayer. But we must not forget that unless we are wise and watchful prayer itself may become a source of self-deception………………
To escape self-deception the praying man must come out clean and honest. He cannot hide in the cross while concealing in his bosom the golden wedge and the goodly Babylonish garment. Grace will save a man but it will not save him and his idol. The blood of Christ will shield the penitent sinner alone, but never the sinner and his idol. Faith will justify the sinner, but it will never justify the sinner and his sin.
No amount of pleading will make evil good or wrong right. A man may engage in a great deal of humble talk before God and get no response because unknown to himself he is using prayer to disguise disobedience. He may lie for hours in sackcloth and ashes with no higher motive than to try to persuade God to come over on his side so he can have his own way. He may grovel before God in a welter of self-accusation, refuse to give up his secret sin and be rejected for his pains. It can happen.
How can we remain free from self-deception? The answer sounds old-fashioned and dull but here it is: Mean what you say and never say what you do not mean, either to God or man. Think candid thoughts and act forthrightly always, whatever the consequence. To do this will bring the cross into your life and keep you dead to self and to public opinion. And it may get you into trouble sometimes, too. But a guileless mind is a great treasure; it is worth any price. – Taken from Man: The Dwelling Place of God, published in 1966.
Book Giveaway Contest
August 4, 2010 at 10:57 am | Posted in Book Giveaway | Leave a commentTags: Book Giveaway, Holiness, J.C. Ryle
Erik at J. C. Ryle Quotes is having a contest to give away a copy of the abridged version of Ryle’s Holiness. Follow this link: http://jcrylequotes.com/2010/08/03/anniversary-book-giveaway/ to enter. At the site you can find out about the contest rules and enter his anniversary giveaway.
His site is a favorite of mine and I hope you check it out.
Guard Against Discouragement
August 3, 2010 at 10:18 am | Posted in William Gurnall | Leave a commentTags: Guard Against Discouragement, William Gurnall
Wisdom from William Gurnall
Depression is one of Satan’s most dynamic weapons to divert you from God’s purpose for your life. If he can scatter a little dejection here and there in your thoughts – and even in your prayers – he can convince you to remove your breastplate of righteousness because it is too cumbersome and will go against your material and temporal interest. Do not give in that easily! First let me describe some of the devil’s weapons for wearing down the saints. Then I want to lend you a little help in making him drop his weapons at your feet. God wants you to know that because of the breastplate of righteousness He has provided, “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;….. this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Satan says righteousness hinders pleasure. The devil works to picture a holy life with such an austere, sour face that a person could not possibly be in love with it. “If you intend to be this righteous, then say good-bye to joy,” the deceiver skillfully counsels. “People who do not have such straight-laced consciences enjoy all kinds of good times – but you are missing them all.” The truth is, Christian, if you want to see the countenance of holiness in its actual color and vitality, do not trust Satan’s carnal talents to paint the portrait.
Now I agree that some pleasures are inconsistent with the power of holiness; and whoever purposes to live righteously must know what these are. – Taken from The Christian In Complete Armour, July 30; edited by James S. Bell, Jr.
Coffee With A Mission!
August 2, 2010 at 11:05 am | Posted in Coffee Reviews | 2 CommentsTags: Cafe Diego, Coffee Reviews, Hemisphere Coffee Roasters, Nicaraguan coffee
Coffee with a mission! That’s the slogan of Hemisphere Coffee Roasters (www.hemispherecoffeeroasters.com). This week’s coffee is light/medium roast called Café Diego. It is grown by Diego Chavarria in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. People from Rosedale Mennonite Missions met Diego in the 1970’s while doing work in the area. They became friends and started working together. In 2006 HCR purchased a full container of Café Diego, paying twice what they were currently receiving. With the profit the men are empowered to pay their workers better, sustain the farm, and hire pastors for their workers and their families. Six churches are now supported from ongoing coffee purchases.
The Café Diego is described as having a good acidity and chocolaty undertones. It is grown at high altitudes in old shade canopy. The bean is hard and has wonderful characteristics. One of the things we enjoy about doing the coffee reviews is sharing coffee with friends who don’t normally drink coffee made from fresh ground beans. We get to try new coffees and help friends find out just how easy it is to grind whole beans and then use a different brewer. It is about the relationships with people. It seems to be that way with HCR too.
This light/medium roasted Café Diego has an earthy and fruity aroma. When brewed in the French Press it has a medium body, not too heavy or too light. The taste seems to hit the middle of the tongue and there is a bittersweet chocolate flavor. It has a natural sweetness. We enjoyed the flavor of this coffee.
Next up was the AeroPress brewer and it seemed to intensify the flavors. The AeroPress is unique in that you can brew and drink the coffee like an espresso or add water to the cup and drink it like American coffee. We brewed it and tasted it espresso style and it wasn’t overpowering. Neither Kim nor I really like espresso, so we added some water and it still had a surprisingly good deep flavor.
We also used the auto-drip and filled a thermos for a short trip to some used bookstores and antique stores. The coffee had a good roast flavor and hints of dark chocolate. The acidity is low and there is a pleasant aftertaste.
We liked this coffee from any of the brewers we used and would give it two thumbs up. We are not experts about coffee but we are willing to break out of old routines and brew coffee in different ways. We like tasting the differences that each brewing method presents to us. If you haven’t tried a whole bean coffee, give it a try, you can do it and you will be glad you did.
If you want to try some good coffee and help missionaries and missions work at the same time we suggest you try this Café Diego or any of the coffees from Hemisphere Coffee Roasters. You’ll be glad you did. We received this coffee for free and offer objective feedback. Until next time enjoy the coffee and conversation.
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill and Kim
Romans 15:13; Psalm 34:1-10
Sunday’s Hymn – Is Your All on the Altar?
August 1, 2010 at 3:05 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Elisha Hoffman, hymn, Is Your All on the Altar
Today in church we heard a message from Ephesians 5:18, Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. The message was titled, “Living A Spirit Filled Life.” It really made me think about my life and submission to the Lord. It also reminded me of an old hymn. I hope the words are meaningful for you. God bless you as you think about surrendering completely to Him.
Stay faithful and hopeful,
Bill (a fellow-laborer),
Romans 15:13; 12:1-2
Is Your All on the Altar?
Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1929
1. You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase, And have earnestly, fervently prayed; But you cannot have rest, or be perfectly blest, Until all on the altar is laid.
(Refrain) Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Your heart, does the Spirit control? You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest, As you yield Him your body and soul.
2. Would you walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, And have peace and contentment alway? You must do His sweet will to be free from all ill; On the altar your all you lay.
(Refrain)
3. Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow Of the blessings for which we have prayed, Till our body and soul He doth fully control, And our all on the altar is laid.
(Refrain)
4. Who can tell all the love He will send from above! Oh, how happy our hearts will be made! Oh, what fellowship sweet we shall share at His feet, When our all on the altar is laid!
(Refrain)
Book Review: The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: John
July 30, 2010 at 3:50 pm | Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a commentTags: book review, Gospel of John, Warren Wiersbe Bible Study Series
Wiersbe, Warren W. The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: John. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook. 2010. 186 pp.
Let me start by saying that I have owned the entire “Be” series of commentaries by Warren Wiersbe for many years. I have used them during sermon preparation at different times throughout my ministry. I have benefited from using them and have recommended them to others. Now, all that aside, getting this book to look over and review is a blessing.
From the back cover; based on Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “Be” series, each study provides topical, relevant insights from selected books of the Bible. Designed for small groups, this twelve-week study features excerpts from Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries on John, Be Alive and Be Transformed, along with engaging questions and practical applications, all designed to help you connect God’s Word with your life.
There is a short introduction to the book of John that covers some basic background information. Next there is a short chapter with tips on how to use the book and get the most out of your study whether on your own or in a group.
The study of John is then broken into twelve chapters. Each chapter is divided into the following format: Getting Starter; Going Deeper; Looking Inward; Going Forward and Seeking Help. Before you begin each study you are encouraged to pray and read the Scripture passages that will be studied. There is a reading from the commentary and questions based upon the Scripture passage. Space is given in the book to record your answers to the questions.
Tips are given for those who may be using the book for group study. These tips are designed to encourage interaction among group members. There are Real-Life Application Ideas given to the readers also. The question from lesson one has to do with baptism and specifically how well does the reader know their church’s stance on baptism? I thought that was a pretty good question.
Each lesson closes with seeking God’s help through prayer to work in your life in various ways. The reader is encouraged to follow through on what they have learned. The same format is followed in each chapter. This is a simple, straight forward, easy to use Bible study. If that is kept in mind I could see its value and benefit to many Christians who desire to grow in their knowledge of God and His Word.
Brother Wiersbe has the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor. He takes the deep things of God and makes them understandable to anyone. I would recommend this book be used by young and old Christians individually or more importantly in groups. I received this book for free and offer objective feedback.
Boasting or Belittling
July 29, 2010 at 2:39 pm | Posted in A. W. Tozer | Leave a commentTags: A. W. Tozer, Boasting or Belittling, Man the Dwelling Place of God
Insight from A. W. Tozer
We all know how painful it is to be forced to listen to a confirmed boaster sound off on his favorite topic – himself. To be the captive of such a man even for a short time tries our patience to the utmost and puts a heavy strain upon our Christian charity.
Boasting is particularly offensive when it is heard among the children of God, the one place above all others where it should never be found. Yet it is quite common among Christians, though disguised somewhat by the use of the stock expression, “I say this to the glory of God.”
Another habit not quite so odious is belittling ourselves. This might seem to be the exact opposite of boasting, but actually it is the same old sin traveling under a nom de plume. It is simply egoism trying to act spiritual. It is impatient Saul hastily offering an unacceptable sacrifice to the Lord.
Self-derogation is bad for the reason that self must be there to derogate. Self, whether swaggering or groveling, can never be anything but hateful to God.
Boasting is an evidence that we are pleased with self; belittling, that we are disappointed in it. Either way we reveal that we have a high opinion of ourselves.
The victorious Christian neither exalts nor downgrades himself. His interests have shifted from self to Christ. What he is or is not no longer concerns him. He believes that he has been crucified with Christ and he is not willing either to praise or deprecate such a man.
Yet the knowledge that he has been crucified is only half the victory. “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth I me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Christ is now where the man’s ego was formerly. The man is now Christ-centered instead of self-centered, and he forgets himself in his delighted preoccupation with Christ.
Where we have failed is in the practical application of the teaching concerning the crucified life. Too many have been content to be armchair Christians, satisfied with the theology of the cross. Plainly Christ never intended that we should rest in a mere theory of self-denial. His teaching identified His disciples with Himself so intimately that they would have had to be extremely dull not to have understood that they were expected to experience very much the same pain and loss as He Himself did.
The healthy soul is the victorious soul and victory never comes while self is permitted to remain unjudged and uncrucified. While we boast or belittle we may be perfectly sure that the cross has not yet done its work within us. Faith and obedience will bring the cross into the life and cure both habits. – Taken from Man: The Dwelling Place of God, pages 70-73. Published by Christian Publications, Inc. in 1966. Most of the chapters appeared as editorials or articles in The Alliance Witness.
Keep Your Motive Pure
July 27, 2010 at 9:36 am | Posted in William Gurnall | Leave a commentTags: The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall
Wisdom from William Gurnall
Satan’s policy is to crack the breastplate of righteousness by beating it out farther than the metal can bend. And every time you trust in this distortion you destroy the very nature and purpose of the armor – your righteousness becomes unrighteousness and your holiness degenerates into wickedness.
Is anything worse than pride, such a pride which runs rampant over the way which God Himself has made for saving souls? If you really want to be holy, be humble, because the two are clasped together. “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). God has not asked you to earn heaven by your holiness but to show love and thankfulness to Christ who earned it for you. Thus we have insight into the way Christ persuaded His disciples to walk in holiness: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). It is as if He had said, “You know why I came and why I am going out of the world – I lay down My life and take it up again to intercede for you. If you value these deeds and the blessed fruit you reap from them, prove it by loving Me enough to keep My commandments.” – Taken from The Christian in Complete Armour, July 27. Edited by James S. Bell, Jr.
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Book Review – Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on John
July 29, 2010 at 9:29 am | Posted in Book Reviews | Leave a commentTags: Charles Swindoll commentary, Commentary review, Gospel of John, Swindoll's New Testament Insights
Here is the first volume in what will be a multi-volume series on the books of the New Testament. It is by a highly respected pastor, leader and educator who has not lost his passion for teaching God’s Word to others. The book is simply divided into two main parts: 1) The Introduction to John and 2) The Commentary on John.
This volume makes use of endnotes which will prove useful to the reader who wants to do further study. Another useful section is the Key Terms in which Greek words are defined and background information is given. There are also pages designated, From My Journal, but I found those less helpful to me and unnecessary to the book.
Swindoll’s commentary follows a simple and helpful format. He gives the passage for study, his exposition of the passage and then application from what was learned. If you liked his Insights for Living broadcasts, you will like this approach. Personally I found the format and commentary both interesting and encouraging.
There is a balance between the exposition of a passage and the practical application. I would have to say that the pastor’s heart of Swindoll is shining through. Here is a commentary from a man who is a pastor first, but a pastor who is well read, who study’s deeply and who can communicate in a way to connect with people and connect people with God’s truth.
I used this commentary as a part of my studying for a recent sermon from the Gospel of John. I found it helpful as part of my preparation. As I write this short review I would encourage any young man studying to be a pastor or who is currently pastoring to get and use this book. It is written by an old man who has walked the walk and talked the talk and has earned the right to be listened too. Chuck Swindoll has a lot of wisdom and insight to offer to those who want to listen.
There is no Hollywood glitz or flash here. There is no loud cocky voice demanding to be heard. There is a simple commentary from someone who has spent many years following and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not a deep commentary, but it is a useful commentary. Since this is part of a ten year project I think it is safe to say that Chuck Swindoll wants to keep on following and serving the Lord and teaching the Church what he has learned. I look forward to future volumes.
I received this commentary for free and offer objective feedback.
Stay faithful and hopeful,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; 2 Peter 3:18