If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we banish God’s riches from our own lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it obliterates God and puts self-interest upon the throne. It opens our mouths to spit out murmurings and our lives become craving spiritual sponges, there is nothing lovely or generous about them.
When God is beginning to be satisfied with us He will impoverish everything in the nature of fictitious wealth, until we learn that all our fresh springs are in Him.
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
1 Timothy 6: 3-5
This semester, I’ve been taking two theoretical classes and a history course. One thing I’ve learned is that humans are easily swayed. We are easily affected by new ideas no matter how extreme or disturbing they may be.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there seems to be no set standard in the human world - no constant. Our values change. The standard of what is acceptable changes. Norm, logic, common sense are variable.
And God has been making it clear to me - through my classes, through showing who I am, through Philly, and also the OT survey that I must know the Bible. That to live, I must know the Word. That the Word is to be my measuring stick, my standard of right and wrong. That only by knowing it will I be able to correctly discern what is good and evil. Only by knowing the Word will I not be shaken and swayed with the world, but firmly rooted in Him and pursue life. That I must study the Word to really understand, appreciate, and relish in the depth of His promise and ministry.
So praise God for reminding me that the Bible is more than what I, at most times, perceive it to be. For reminding me that my qt is more than a duty but a chance to seize life, to fall in love with Him, to know truth and be joyful in it.
Thank you God for your Word. For reminding me that it is above all worldly knowledge and wisdom. Please God, lead me through it.
I’ve tried to stand my ground, I’ve tried to understand but I can’t seem to find my faith again Like water on the sand or grasping at the wind I keep on falling short So please be my strength ‘cause I don’t have any more
I’m looking for a placewhere I can plant my faith One thing I know for sure- I cannot create itand I cannot sustain it. It’s your love that’s keeping me
And at my final breath I hope that I can say I fought the good fight of faith I pray your glory shine in this doubting heart of mine and all would know that you…
You are my strength You are my strength You and You alone You keep bringing me back home
“God only punishes by eternal damnation. I think what you’re confused between is discipline and punishment….That’s why when God disciplines us, we can still say that He loves us.”
- thank you for the clarification. it was much needed.
Tell me to sketch a tired farmer. I’ll draw it the way I first saw my father draw one about ten years ago. Funny to see what lasts in your mind.
Thinking about it now, I guess I should have drawn more with my parents. Never really happens I guess. Maybe this summer, we can be more interactive. Share a few sketches here and there. Hmmm, wonder how that will turn out.
Schindler: That’s what the Emperor said. A man steals something, he’s brought in before the Emperor, he throws himself down on the ground. He begs for his life, he knows he’s going to die. And the Emperor… pardons him. This worthless man, he lets him go. Amon: I think you are drunk. Schindler: That’s power, Amon. That is power.
