by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage we see Israel suffering the consequences of their sins, as they are defeated by Assyria and taken into exile. Sometimes when we read the Old Testament, God’s judgements seem really harsh. However, this passage makes it clear that He had warned Israel again and again. This judgement should not have come as a surprise. Although it’s not always as explicitly stated as it is here, every time God judged a nation in the OT, they had already been warned but not repented. It’s also clear that if when a nation — Israel or any other — did repent, He forgave and withheld judgement.
We live in a different time. But each of us, like OT nations, has an opportunity to follow Jesus or disobey; to believe or run away. And God has given us His Word and Spirit to guide us. He’s given us each other as well. His commands are for our own good. Will we hear His warnings today?
Father God, please fill me with Your Spirit again today. Tune my ears to hear Your voice. Help me to listen and obey. Guide me as I live and minister for You this day. Thank You that Your commands are for our good as well as Your glory. Thank You for Your grace. I give this day to You. May I honor You. Amen.
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Uncategorized
Yukata Couple
I spotted this cute couple on the way to see the fireworks in Toyota this evening.
Shot, edited and uploaded from my iPhone, 7/31/2011.
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The one word that comes to mind when I read the story of Ahaz, king of Israel, is “compromise.”
And not the good kind, either.
Ahaz not only allowed pagan worship to go on in Israel; he took part in it himself. He led by example, even to the point of sacrificing his own son in the fire. Compromise.
Ahaz compromised went under attack as well, paying for Assyria’s help by taking silver and gold from the Lord’s temple. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what that treasure was intended for. Ahaz also, in deference to the king of Assyria, “renovated” the temple, even though it had been originally built according to God’s design. Compromise.
What Ahaz compromised I’m sure he reasoned was in Israel’s or his own best interests. But the things he compromised were dishonoring to God. Thus, they weren’t his or Israel’s best either.
Jesus calls us a life of no compromise. Leaving everything to follow Him. Making Jesus our Lord, and not giving the world or the devil even a small area of control. Easier said than done, I’m afraid. But nothing is impossible with God.
by Whitey | Jul 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
A beach in Shizuoka. I’m here doing a two-day kids’ day camp with the Immanuel Numazu Church. It’s a small group, but it’s been great so far. I shared the Gospel through drawing yesterday. Praying for sunshine, a good turn-out, and open hearts today.
(posted July 26, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Uncategorized
Just finished the group class I was taking at the YWCA. Here’s what I’m planning to use for studying Japanese on my own for a while, before taking private lessons in the fall. 1. Japanese for All Occasions (book with CD — pictured above) by Taeko Kamiya 2. Remembering the Kanji (big book for learning the meaning/writing of kanji) by Heisig 3. Japanese Flash iPhone app (for vocabulary) 4. Study Aid iPhone app (in which you make you own flashcards — for kanji)
(posted July 16, 2011)
