The Gospel According to Yeeks

It came without ribbons, it came without tags, It came without packages, boxes or bags!” And he puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before “Maybe Christmas—” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas— perhaps, means a little bit more?” The Grinch by Dr. Seuss ------ Shared by a friend on facebook

I am not American, not an NFL fan and my understanding of the game is basic at best but Tim Tebow has been featuring so prominently in the things I read from the New York Times to The Gospel Coalition that it is hard not to take notice. I guess in some ways this is also a testament to the impact he has made it polarizing American thoughts. By all accounts, Tebow is a man who would stop at nothing in using his NFL victories to speak about the gospel - and that it is really an admirable trait. But this has also not gone down well with everyone. That sort of response however is not the slightest bit surprising. There is indeed a Christophobic culture emerging in our world today. It is a subset however of the more general atheistic thought that is gaining more and more traction with the emergence of Dawkins and Hitchens. Countless articles however have been written to point out the irony of the backlash that Tebow is facing. Some worth sharing are below: Link 1 Link 2 What does the Bible s...

Reading Oswald Chambers devotion for today reminded me of this phrase. I've heard the analogy before and how God uses events, trials, circumstances to mould us more and more into his likeness. Much like how the grapes are winepressed, it is sometimes not pretty. At the end of the day, though as I look back through my life, it is fulfilling and gratifying to know that each trial did indeed help to be more and more like Him. And that is grace. Devotion Here

"For by nature we are all inclined to follow the way which leads downwards, we are naturally willing to walk the road which leads to the pit—we do not seek the pit itself, but the road that leads to it—and were it not for sovereign grace, none of us would ever have followed the path to heaven." - C.H. Spurgeon, A Wise Desire, Delivered on Sabbath Morning, July 8, 1855

"But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant towards the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity towards those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. " (Romans 11:17-23) Dear Heavenly Father, Have mercy on us all, Give us not a f...

Ministry is nothing but sinners helping other sinners grow in Christ.

The Getty's have once again released a beautiful piece of music that speaks the truth of the gospel and our true purpose as Christians. http://soundcloud.com/gettymusic/childrenscarolclip Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty Copyright © 2011 Gettymusic; admin by Music Services. Jesus, joy of the highest heaven, Born as a little baby Under a wondrous star. Like us, crying he takes His first breath Held by His mother, helpless Close to her beating heart. Jesus, laid in a lowly manger, Facing a world of dangers, Come to turn me a stranger Into a child of God. Jesus, King of the highest heaven Learning to take His first steps, That He might bring us life. Like us, knowing our smiles and sorrows, He showed the way to follow, A way that is true and right. Jesus, take away every darkness, Steady my simple footsteps That I might in your goodness Live as a child of God.

Tonight is one of those nights when the wisdom of this world appears to be greater. Soul, you need to persevere. "But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried . For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:28-34)

This excellently written article by Kelly Kapin is worth keeping and re-reading every once in a while. Original link found here --- Why do we do the things we do? Scholars struggle to understand human nature and, in particular, what theologians call sin. Where does it come from and why do we do it? In 2002, James Waller produced a careful work of psychology called Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing. What is fascinating about Waller’s study is that he challenges the common assumption that “extraordinary evil” must arise only from some abnormality within a people or society. Such a common view of extreme evil is a comfort to those of us who are “normal,” as it reassures us that we would never participate in such horrific events — we are not that bad. Yet what is so unsettling about Waller’s study is that he shows “extraordinary evil” actually arises from “ordinary people” — people like you and me. The reality of extraordinary and ordinary evil remains a ...

From the Westminster Shorter Cathechism: Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b] [a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11 [b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4 --- Your life is a story. Who is the protagonist of this story? Is it you? You come into this world, out of your mother's womb. You work hard in school. You live a morally upright life. Get a good job. Get a good spouse. Have kids. Bring them up the right way. Save for their college. Retire. Pass on. Or do you let God be the protagonist? When I die at my funeral, I just want people to know that I came into this world with nothing. I deserved nothing. I took away nothing. Everything was given by Him. The glory of my life belongs to Him and Him alone. Full Wesminster Shorter Cathechism available here: http://www.creeds.net/Westminster/shorter_catechism.html

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with...