by Whitey | Aug 12, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Josiah’s reforms lead the people back to worshiping the Lord. But God did not prevent them from experiencing the consequences of their generations of sin.
God is gracious. God forgives. And in Christ we can be certain of our salvation. But we need to be careful not to take that grace for granted. Even though God forgives, sin often still has consequences.
If I lie to a friend, God will forgive me; that friend may forgive me too. But I will have a hard time re-gaining that person’s trust. And if we sin, repent, sin, repent, repeatedly, God can still forgive; but we may be hardening our hearts and making it that much easier to sin and that much harder to repent.
We need to be careful not to take sin lightly. Fortunately, God not only can forgive us for our sins; He can also help us to overcome temptation and avoid sin.
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace. May I not take it for granted.
by Whitey | Aug 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The first thing that stands out to me about this passage is that it seems like they found the Book of the Law completely by accident. They were cleaning up the temple and just happened to stumble upon it. They’d neglected God’s Word for so long that they’d forgotten about it! No wonder Judah had drifted so far from the Lord! Even the priests didn’t know His Word!
The second thing that stands out is the king’s immediate response: humble repentance. When God points out a sin in our lives, that should be our response as well, even though our instinct may tell us to run and hide.
But God is gracious. And, as He heard King Josiah’s repentant prayer, He hears ours as well.
Father God, thank You for Your grace. Thanks for forgiveness. And thank You for Your Word. May I not neglect it, but live according to it.
by Whitey | Aug 5, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“…Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” (v. 5)
When I see some of the things some of my Japanese Christian friends have to deal with, and when I see how slow and seemingly unfruitful ministry in Japan can be, I’m reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare. It’s not something I think a lot about or really understand, but our enemy is powerful, and sometimes seems to have the upper hand.
In today’s passage, Israel’s enemies had the upper hand. This made them realize their need for prayer. And as Hezikiah pointed out in his prayer, Israel’s God is the true God, the maker of heaven and earth. He sees our suffering, He hears our cries. Most of us don’t recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, or the power of our enemy. But most of us don’t realize the power of prayer, either. Most of us could use more of God’s power in our lives. I know I certainly need it.
Prayer. It seems like too simplistic a solution to be true. But it’s one of the main weapons God has given us. And it is powerful and effective. Therefore pray.
by Whitey | Aug 4, 2011 | Uncategorized
Rice Field, Osaka-Sayama-shi. 2011/08/03
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.
