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The Word must lead us to Love

This is a great quote – from today’s post over at “In my Father’s House” – which reminds us why we read and seek to understand God’s Word. There are so many other things that could motivate us, but here is surely the most important:

Beloved, our understanding of Scripture must lead us to love—to love God more and to love others unconditionally. Otherwise, we will stay in our fear-based paradigm and ultimately use Scripture as a club against one another because of our insecurities. Our diligent study will only lead to biblical idolatry, “having a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge”(Rom.10:2), using “the letter that kills”rather than the “Spirit that gives life” (2 Cor.3:6). Our understanding must tenderize our hearts and lead us to show the same grace for others that we would want for ourselves. And this love will never do our neighbor harm, which fulfills all righteousness (Rom.13:10).

The hermeneutics of love – part two – http://wp.me/p3I7Ty-3zy

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The things we sing

Love what this post has to say about the richness of lyrics found in praise and worship songs in other cultures, which we so rarely acknowledge or consider.
“According to the mercy I’ve received,
According to the greatness of your kindness,
Help me to serve You, Oh Lord.
And give me the fire of your Spirit.”

Manie's avatarManie's Musings

Much can be said about the songs sung during Christian worship. I am sure many of you have a favourite song or songs that manage to perfectly express your own heart’s cry to God. Then there are those songs which we feel should never have been written and certainly not found their way into the worship of the church. There are songs ancient and modern; songs that proclaim the unfathomable greatness and amazing grace of our Maker; songs about the deep mysteries of the incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming of the Christ; songs that express our love and adoration; songs of sorrow and repentance, asking for mercy; songs inviting lost sinners to come to the Saviour; songs that, incredibly, simply … er … perhaps I shouldn’t go there.

What we sing in worship matters tremendously. Singing spiritual songs is not just the part of the worship service that…

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His Glory shown in our praise

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Grace can redeem our broken relationships

“Grace shows up in unlikely places if we keep our hearts and minds open. What fear buries, grace resurrects. Fear pushed me to withdraw from precious friends for years, but grace promises to redeem lost time. Fear convinced me to lump these friends with everyone else who had hurt me, but grace is a reconciler.”

From: http://iamsteveaustin.com/2015/12/07/the-deaf-man-who-spoke-grace-to-my-heart/

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Magpie songs

The musical carolling of this Australian songbird is a daily feature of the lighthouse walk at Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales. The magpies live alongside the tourists and local lighthouse lovers.
What a magnificent song from a bird that is often considered a nuisance in the suburbs. The details of God’s artistry in the musical mechanics of the natural world never cease to amaze.
(Video courtesy of Sean O’Shea Art)

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One thing 2016 will certainly bring us

Let us make crystal clear at the beginning of the year that all we will get from God this year as believers in Jesus is mercy. Whatever pleasures or pains come our way will all be mercy. . .
The fullest obedience and the smallest faith obtain the same thing from God: mercy. A mere mustard seed of faith taps into the mercy of tree-moving power. And flawless obedience leaves us utterly dependent on mercy.

John Piper

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Echoes of Christmas

Before your thoughts of Christmas fade, read this and ask yourself, ‘how was my Christmas?’

robstroud's avatarMere Inkling Press

Rosary Basilica LourdesI love greeting people with “Merry Christmas” after the day itself has passed.

Most people are surprised—probably thinking that I slept through the celebration. Many Christians, however, respond with their own best wishes, in recognition that the celebration of Jesus’ nativity marks the beginning of a season of wonder.

The celebration of the Incarnation miracle is far too wondrous to be confined to a single day.

People often ask “how was your Christmas?” By that, most are inquiring as to whether it was enjoyable.

It is a profound question, if one truly reflects upon it.

As a child, I must confess that the quality of my “Christmas” was probably determined to large extent by the presents I received. I don’t remember many of the particular gifts—these many years later—but I do recall the anticipation I felt as we awaited Christmas Day and the glorious unwrapping.

As a parish pastor my…

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Watch “Adult beginner violinist – 2 years progress video” on YouTube

This 24-year-old adult beginner from Norway wanted to see if it was possible to learn to play the violin as an adult. This video shows her progression from week 1 until today. This is so encouraging. I hope it will inspire many of you to pick up a new instrument, or pick up where you left one from your childhood days.

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Watch “The Christmas Chord || Spoken word on Christmas” on YouTube

This is a great one to file away for next year. It gives an engaging summary of the Christmas story – which is so much more than just a story: a world-changing and heart-changing event which continues to strike a chord with people for the first time every day of the year. What constant rejoicing there must be in heaven! Blessings to you for the year ahead. May you grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

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Another Christmas has come and gone

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Belated Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you had a lovely time with family and friends, celebrating the great gift of God, Jesus, Emmanuel. This was our breakfast for the day. Best wishes for the final week of 2015. Blessings, Ros