Accountability to God for what He has revealed

Deuteronomy 29:29 (New Living Translation)

29 “The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.

I read this during one of my quiet times this week and it really caught my attention. We will be held accountable for what God has revealed to us in His Scriptures. That can be a very uncomfortable, and unwanted, responsibility. Don't we all like to do our own thing? Yet, as Peter said in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

A Cloud of Little Witnesses

On Wednesday morning as I was having my quiet time in the living room, Ben and Ellie were seated on the couch next to me. I've become accustomed to having one or more children in the room with me during my quiet time. Early on, I had debated about refusing to allow them in the room so as not to be distracted but then I decide that what better way for them to learn than to observe first hand what having a quiet time was like, and it helps keep me accountable because they expect me to have one.

All of the above is just setting the stage and was not on my mind Wednesday morning. I was going over once of the Scripture passages I am trying to memorize, Hebrews 12:1-8. The first verse reads,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

This verse follows after chapter 11, which is the faith chapter, including the Faith Hall of Fame. So in the context, the great cloud of witnesses is referring to those of the faith who have proceeded us. However, as I sat there repeating the verses, it occurred to me that I also had a different "cloud of witnesses" sitting right there beside me. And how much stronger of a motivation that is to me to "run with perseverance the race marked out for" me, even than those pillars of faith who have gone before me but are no longer in this world.

Who is your "cloud of witnesses" and how are you running your race?

Merry Christmas, 2008

Merry Christmas!!

May your celebrations be joyful, full of blessings, and honoring to Christ the King, for He is the reason we celebrate.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Thanksgiving, 2008

Psalm 118 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."

4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."

5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.

27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

I would like to belatedly wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a nice, easy day at our house. A little yard work got done, I made an apple pie with three helpers (plus Stephanie) and Stephanie cooked a good meal. It was a very good Thanksgiving for us.

Thanks be to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.