“So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped … the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not go down for about a whole day.” – Joshua 10:13
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The sun stopped for a day! This is even more miraculous than raising Jesus from the dead. For Moses he stopped some water but here, the sun stopped! Did all the stars and planets stop rotating, too? What of the tides and gravity and all the implications of this complicated cosmic system suddenly grinding to a halt. How about folks on the other side of the planet who had two nights back to back. Absolutely amazing! Why would God do such an astounding thing? Why does it get so little press coverage in the rest of the Bible? Continue reading
Category Archives: Jeremiah
Am I too old?
Some time ago I was in a church where the music was abrasively loud. I know, I know – “If it is too loud, I am too old.” That could be true but that is a topic for another blog.
While trying to nonchalantly protect my ears – so it wasn’t obvious to everyone around me that I was “too old”, it suddenly occurred to me that in nature you rarely find loud noises. A sudden explosion of thunder can jar you and make you jump but it isn’t abrasive or painful to the ears. Continue reading
We lost Jesus!
Luke 2:43
When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
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It is interesting that they did not lose Jesus in the market place or at Joseph’s workplace. They lost him in the temple while fulfilling religious duties. It is so easy to lose the Lord because we are busily engaged in church and religious activity. We think He is still among us, like they thought he was in the caravan, but in our activity, even good activities, we have left Him behind. Continue reading
How can I get closer to God?
The topic of drawing closer to God and living in a place of intimacy with Him is certainly not a “hot topic” in the church today. Sadly many of us are so busy seeking His hand (what he can do for us) that we have forgotten how to seek His face (to know His identity).
How can I get closer to God? James 4 offers four suggestions.
James 4:4-8
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?
Spend time with God, focusing on Him – which requires leaving the distractions of the world behind. You can’t spend endless hours watching TV, playing video games, shopping, drinking coffee with friends, and expect to develop a closer relationship with God. (vs. 4,5)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Be honest, genuine, real, humble – no false religious facades when talking with Him. If you are upset, tell Him so. It is not like He doesn’t already know what is in your heart. David was amazingly honest with God in the Psalms. Apparently, He likes that. (v. 6)
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Resist the lies Satan will tell you: “You are too far gone. God won’t forgive you – again.” Submit yourself to the truth in God’s Word. (Which of course means you have to spend time in His Word.) (v. 7)
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Be prepared to get cleaned up in actions (hands) and attitude (heart) but this happens as you come near to God. Notice, it says come near and then the washing and purifying are to be done. Notice, too, that as you take a step toward God He will not turn away. Rather, He will also come toward you. (Think of the picture of the father of the prodigal son rushing to embrace his lost and rebellious son.) (v.8)
If you wait until you have your life all cleaned up before you approach God, you will never “come near” to Him. In fact, if you could clean up your own life, you would not need Him at all. You can begin to draw close to Him today.
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Jeremiah 29:13-14
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, …