Category Archives: Passages of the Bible

Books, Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs, Modern Miracles, Passages of the Bible

Finally Finished – Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman

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Mary beth chapman choosing to SEE Although I don't read too many modern day auto-biographies, I must say, I really enjoyed this book, Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman. Of course a huge contributor would be the fact that I am so appreciative of the music ministry of her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman. God has definitely used this brother in my life, to change my life and draw me closer to the Lord, as Steven has offered up his gifts for the glory of God and the good of the people (like me).

Some elements that made this book such a good read was the absolute and unhindered transparency of Mary Beth. Some might not like her transparency, or even disagree with some of the decisions in the lives of the Chapmans, but the rest of us sinners actually find it very refreshing, and remember, it's pretty important to know that even the best of men are men at best. The basis and backdrop of much of the book is the passing of their little girl Maria – and it was for that reason that I cried a lot in reading this book. It might sound weird, but I actually found myself laughing frequently as well (a good mix – don't you think?). Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." And so the question is, do you know? Do you know that all things work together for good? And are you the "called" – are you saved, are you a Christian? (This promise is to them/us).

In this book, I read about a modern-day-living-illustration of Romans 8:28. God has taken this tragedy, and through all the tears, trial, hurts and heartaches, He has transformed it into triumph. Does that eliminate the pain? Oh no – the pain is still deep and real and devastating – a 10 on the richter scale of pain; but what we learn is that there is great purpose for the pain, God is glorified, His little girl is home where she wanted to be, in God's big, big house, and one day, by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus Christ  - we will join her in the true and tangible Kingdom of God.

May God help us in our Choosing to See Him and His ways, in all of our life, and all of our days. (Let me know if you want to borrow the book 🙂

Coronilla Clan, Passages of the Bible, Travel

Enjoying Family/God’s Creation

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A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to go on a family beach trip over to Newport and, as usual, we had a great time together (for some reason we always go to Newport – we’ve all come to recognize it as a family tradition – not really sure why – but we just can’t break it 🙂

For me, this is the best!  Family-time (without distractions), and simply-time to kick-back and enjoy the wonder of God’s creation.  I realize not everyone appreciates the beach as much as I do…but there’s just something about the feeling of sand between your toes, the smell of the ocean in your nose, the sound of crashing waves in your ears, and the view of the coastline in your eyes, and then…when it comes to a close, the setting of the sun (don’t you think it’s awesome?).  

I want to encourage you to do your best to enjoy your family and friends, and as the days go by (as time flies), try not to miss the wonder and beauty of the things that God has made for us to see – how great He is – the Maker of oceans and mountains, and water and fire, and sand and sky, of leaves and love, of you and me.  Apart from Him we’re not much…but in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are infinitely valuable and breathtakingly beautiful. 

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

Leadership, Passages of the Bible

The Holy Bible!

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3833In tonight's study we will be covering a very vital verse out of the book of Deuteronomy, the 4th chapter, verse 2 – "You shall not add to the Word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."

It is with great sorrow, that I ponder this passage…for many, many misguided people, Christians, teachers, pastors alike, have violated this very vital verse.  

There are different ways to add to the Scriptures; it can be a book which is wickedly elevated (the book of Mormon, the Koran, the New World Translation).  It can also be our own human rules and regulations, our behavioral burdens, that we place on the brethren.  The Jews of Jesus' day had taken the 10 commandments, and in their attempt to bring "practical application," they added 612 more commandments of their own; they were severely rebuked by Jesus (see Matthew 23).  

There are different ways to take-away from the Scriptures.  The "Jesus Seminar" is a group of 150 people, who went through the gospels, and of their own volition, decided what were genuinely the words of Jesus and what wasn't.  In the end, they erased 78% of Jesus' words! Others omit the full counsel of God, when forming doctrine (health, wealth and prosperity teachers are an example of this); When satan quoted Scripture to Jesus, He omitted 4 very important words from Psalm 91:11-12, and when Eve was deceived by the serpent, she left out 1 vital word (freely). 

Yes, every word, and every verse is vital…this is why Moses said what he said, in Deuteronomy 4:2 (c.r. Proverbs 30:6).  God issues a heavy warning, which I believe is applicable to the entirety of God's Word (Revelation 22:18-19) to those who tamper with His Truth…and so, – may God graciously strike fear into our hearts, to never, ever, ever play foot-lose and fancy-free, with the Holy Word of God!

Passages of the Bible

“Watch Me”

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ImagesI read this testimony on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer today, and I thought I would post it as a challenge to us all.

In 1943 SS officers broke into the church where Dietrich Bonhoeffer was preaching and hauled him off to a concentration camp.  Upon his arrival, the commandment said, "Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the famous preacher and writer, come up here and address the assembly.  I will give you two minutes."

"I don't need two minutes," Bonhoeffer said, "just two words: 'Watch me.'"  

Although the Nazis beat him mercilessly, every time they lifted a hand or used a club, Bonhoeffer would smile, lift his eyes toward heaven, and say, "Father, forgive them.  They know not what they do."  He shared a portion of every meal with either a fellow prisoner or one of the Nazi guards.  He was constantly smiling, constantly praying, constantly loving – to the point that revival began to break out in the concentration camp.  It wasn't because of a word he said, but because of what he did.

May the Lord our God empower us to love not in word only, but also (and more importantly) in deed.  If people watched my life…I wonder, would they come to Christ? (1 John 3:18).  Words are necessary, but I remember hearing it said, "They won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

God bless and keep you!

p.s. – If you want to read on the life of Bonhoeffer – a recommended book is The Cost of Discipleship

Movies, Passages of the Bible

Taught by an Ant?

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This morning I was reading the book of Proverbs when I came across the section of the hard-working exemplary ant. I was reminded of this video I took when we were in South America (El Secreto, Chile). Proverbs 6:6-8 says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest."  Man, how we need that reminder to work hard, and to fight that temptation to "chilax" too frequently. Another Proverb puts it this way, "The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich." (13:4) (And for further study/conviction: see Proverbs 10:26; 12:24, 27; 15:19; 19:24; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30; 26:14-16; Matthew 25:26; Titus 1:12-13). I know, I know, that's a lot of verses, but I need a grip of reminders 🙂

Coronilla Clan, Movies, Passages of the Bible

Our Wedding Vows

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It was May 9, 1992 when Shelly and I made these vows to the Lord, before family and friends. May we never forget the vows we made to God. Ecclesiastes 5:5 says, "It is better not to vow than to vow and not to pay." 

I must say that I have had an absolutely wonderful and fulfilling life, because I've spent it with the one God made for me. He has His ways of reminding me of that, everyday. Shelly completes me – in Christ – we're truly husband and wife, ish and isha (she's actually my better half).  We've had some rough times, but the Lord and His amazing grace have always kept us…may God be glorified, and may He strengthen our marriage even more.


Passages of the Bible

Romans 12:3-8

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In today’s study Paul the apostle encourages us to have a sober view of ourselves. Not to think too highly, but at the same time, not to think too “low”. Whatever gifts we have, as Christians, should be exercised for God’s glory and the good of the rest of the body. I always tell people to discover their gifts, to develop those gifts and to deploy those gifts. If you want to check out the study notes, click here.

Coronilla Clan, Passages of the Bible, Prayer Requests, Travel

A Day in the Snow

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I was super blessed this last Tuesday to be able to go skiing with my son Aaron.  It was his first time skiing; and for me, it was the first time in about 20 years.  We decided to take a lesson and then venture out in faith.  

As you might expect, there was a lot of falling going on, (I can't tell you how many times I picked Aaron up) as a matter of fact, Aaron took a terrible spill that left him with a bloody abrasion on the right side of his face.  But, in spite of all the painful spills, when all was said and done, we both had had an awesome time, enjoying each other and the beauty of God's creation.   

I am so grateful to God for giving me this time with my son…and I just hope and pray that Aaron knows, he has a heavenly Father who will always be there to lift him up whenever he experiences the "falls" in life.  It's sometimes hard to comprehend, but his heavenly Father loves him with a love, infinitely more than I do (and I love him soooo much).  

Lord, thank You so much for being our Father, for loving us the way that You do, and for Your gracious willingness to lift us up when we experience the setbacks in life.  

"You pushed me violently, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me.  The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."  - Psalm 118:13-14  

"He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap." – Psalm 113:7
 
Current Affairs, Leadership, Passages of the Bible

The Responsibility of Leaders

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Bible

This evening I continue the study of the book of Leviticus.  One of the truths that really hits home is the 4th chapter…the sin offering, and especially the fact that when those in "prominent positions" (High Priest, Leader) sinned, God saw it differently then He did the rest of the congregation.  As a matter of fact, when the High Priest sinned, there was a different offering (a young bull), and the blood was taken to a different place, into the Holy Place, sprinkled 7 times before the veil, and placed on the horns of the altar of incense (symbolic of restored prayer).  


I think we all as "leaders" need to take heed…to see how God sees sin, especially from those to whom He has given so much!  We have the honor and privilege of serving God.  We are leading His people…where are we leading them?  Billy Sunday said, "One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake."  I'm afraid we far too frequently see sin as trivial, rather than deadly.  Don't get me wrong…I am sooo grateful for the Lord Jesus who was my sin offering, but God help us to have a heart to hate sin, and to love our Savior!



Passages of the Bible

Boldness

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I saw this big rig on the road the other day and I was so blessed, I took a picture while I was driving! “Jesus Christ is Lord – not a swear word.” God help us to be bold with the Name above all names, the only Name that brings salvation, the Name to speak, to wear, to emulate, to obey…the Lord Jesus Christ. “That I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19)

Days to be Bold