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Conundrum Of God’s Testing

May 26, 2011 by Fritz

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” – Exodus 16:4 (NIV)

If God is all knowing, as the Bible says, then why test someone to “see” whether they will do something or not? Either he is not all knowing, or he has a different purpose.

There have been many explanations offered (this isn’t a new question) and there may be more than one answer but the thought making the most sense to me is that even though God knows what we shall choose, our choices aren’t made nor the results experienced until we actually make them.

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Explanations, Tests | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

The Peace of Committment

May 25, 2011 by Fritz

” Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.- Jesus (Mark 10:29b-30)

Gathered at a friend’s home with those I have known over the years and some I just met, singing without reservation, enjoying without concern, visiting with so many having different last names but the same father (God) – this is one of the “sweet spots” of following Christ!

It’s a lovely peaceful privilege reserved for those who have committed fully to Christ.

I am reminded of the book I read by A.J.Jacobs on his attempt to live the Bible. He started out a skeptical agnostic and ended a reverent agnostic – his primary hindrance was a decision not to commit. He mentioned time and again how he wanted to be caught up in peace that he saw in believers, but each time he came close he pulled back, afraid of letting go and losing control, and in the end it all eluded him. He was touched but he moved on.

Ah, but when you feel safe in the arms of Christ you can let go and let God do what he wants. You can sing with all your heart and not be afraid of what will happen. You can pray and rest without fear of what God may ask of you – you can because you know God will always do right by you. You know you are loved and accepted by the only one that truly matters.

There is peace in commitment!

Prayer: Jesus, I let go of my life unto you and your care. Amen.
Sound Bite: Let go and Let God

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in A.J.Jacobs, Committment, Fellowship | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

Real Change?

May 24, 2011 by Fritz

[Jesus] saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. – Mark 2:17b

Christ appears to be supporting the idea that religion is a “crutch” only for those who are lame and a cure only for those who are sick.

You could think that, if you were unaware of the Bible’s view of humanity.

“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” – Psalm 14:2-4

The audience for Jesus’ discourse was fully aware, being scribes and pharisees. He was telling them in a backhanded way that everyone needs God’s forgiveness and real change. Sadly, only the ones who recognize their need sign up.

Bill Watterson expresses this same idea in one of his Calvin and Hobbs cartoon strips:

Calvin and Hobbs (click to enlarge)

But change is possible! I remember when my dad had so much pain he finally went to the doctor and was told it was his gall bladder. After that he radically changed his diet, lost weight and kept it off for years, and survived. He needed to do that much sooner, and knew it, but the change did not happen until motivated.

Get motivated now, why wait?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the healer for those not ashamed to admit their need! Come and work real change in my life for the good.
Sound Bite: Jesus heals those not too proud to admit they are sick.

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Calvin and Hobbs, Change, Crisis, Healing | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

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