by Whitey | Oct 25, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10 NIV)
Our God is a God of love and grace. After Jonah disobeyed and ran away, God could have just killed him off and found someone else to send to Ninevah. But He gave Him another chance. And when the people if Ninevah repented, God had mercy on them as well, and withheld the punishment they deserved.
And God is gracious to us as well, even when we run away.
Yet many miss out on this grace…
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” (Jonah 2:8 NIV)
If our arms (lives) are full of other stuff — idols — we can’t receive God’s gift of grace. We don’t need to earn forgiveness, but receiving that gift requires letting go and opening up our hands (hearts) to His love.
Believers, though forgiven, sometimes miss out on God’s best. Sometimes we let our lives get cluttered up with other things, and don’t give God the space He needs to live and work. Father God, may I keep my arms (heart, life) open so I can receive Your gift of grace and love today. May nothing get in Your way.
by Whitey | Oct 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Sometimes I go through phases when I read the Bible but can’t seem to engage with it. I don’t “get anything out of it.” I guess that’s probably normal, to an extent. Everyone has their days.
But through today’s passage, and especially Paul’s Old Testament quote, I’m reminded that sometimes the reason we don’t hear God is simply because we’re not listening. And sometimes we don’t want to. Sometimes we allow our hearts to grow cold and hard, and we’re not open to His teaching and leading. Dear Lord, soften my heart today, so that I may be open to the changes You may want to make there. Open my spiritual eyes and ears, that I may hear and see and obey. Forgive me for the days I’m not open to Your teaching and leading. I know Your will is also my best. Change my heart, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
by Whitey | Oct 20, 2011 | Uncategorized
Wadaiko! Spotted while leaving Starbucks the other day…
And I just realized how apt a description of modern Japan that is. East meets west, ancient meets modern, all within a walk around the corner.
(2011/10/20)
by Whitey | Oct 15, 2011 | Uncategorized
Rev. Ozawa & Son.
I’m having a good time in Shizuoka, working with and getting to know the Ozawa family.
(2011/10/15)
by Whitey | Oct 7, 2011 | Uncategorized
Acoustic duo I saw at a charity cafe concert last night. Good times.
In other news, I had 8 students show up for my new English class on Tuesday, and it looks like there will be a good crowd out for tonight’s English Cafe debut. Prayers appreciated.
(posted Oct. 7 2011)
by Whitey | Oct 2, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil
spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their
incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, to come out!’ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were
doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied,
‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?'” (Acts 19:13-15 NLT)
There’s a problem with seeking God’s blessing, strength or power
outside of a relationship with Jesus. It just doesn’t work. Using
Jesus’ name is not some magical formula. God is not obligated to
answer our prayers because we say certain things in certain ways.
Sometimes when we ask God for wisdom or direction for life, victory
over sin, or power for witness or ministry, we don’t receive it.
Could it be that we are seeking God’s gifts instead of seeking God
Himself? I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this.
All these blessings are available for us, but they can’t be divorced
from a relationship with Him. Let’s seek the Giver, not just the
gifts.
