Bits & Pieces (7/9/12)

  • What Kind of Hero? – In writing about the kings of Israel, Jill Carattini states “[w]e do not choose the kind of person we want to be in a vacuum, anymore than we make that decision only once. These kings made choices that were influenced by mood and politics, temptations and trials, by the kings before them, and by battles that shook their kingdoms and their pride.”


  • The Sufferings of Hell – John Piper writes “[t[wo of the passages of Scripture that express the unending nature of hell most clearly point to seemingly opposite reasons it will be terrible. One speaks of being ‘away from the presence of the Lord. The other speaks of suffering ‘in the presence of the Lamb.'” Then he goes on to explain why these statements are not contradictory.


  • Praying Work – An important reminder about redeeming our time and using the necessary but perhaps non-engaging tasks for God’s glory.


  • A Friend Like Martin Luther – Do you have a friend who would write this letter to you? Would you be the kind of friend to send it to someone else?


  • The Secular Beatitudes – Josh Harris proposes “secular beatitudes” based on cultural definitions of success.
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Beholding Whispers

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One of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk by the beach. It’s one of the blessings of living in Southern California that the beach is close and so fulfilling this desire is easily accomplished. To me, the ocean is such a mesmerizing place. It simultaneously resounds with tranquility and with power. The stillness of nature echoes with the call to remember the truly important things in life, while at the same time the crash of the waves shouts with tumult and conviction. One can feel utterly at peace and utterly powerless at the same time.

It’s hard to stand at the ocean’s door without giving thought to the One who created both its beauty and its dominance. With His words, He spoke it into being (Gen. 1:9-10) and it’s an impressive reminder of both HIs power and His love. After all, it was in the midst of tossing waves that Jesus demonstrated His command over them. And at the same time, it was in this same setting that He demonstrated how He provides for those He loves (Mark 435-41).

Yet, as Job 26:14 reminds us, as much as the wave and the wind demonstrate God’s majesty, they are just whispers of His might. His creation reflects Him, but does not paint the complete picture of His supremacy. What we experience here on Earth is just the breath of His glory. What we know of Him, is just the beginning of what He can do.

This shouldn’t diminish our appreciation of the whispers. They are, after all, reflections of the One who created us, loves us, and sacrificed His Son on our behalf. However, may we not think that these whispers are the culmination of God’s work. There is much more that He can, and will, do.

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