The commands of the Bible tell us what we can do, not what we can’t do. If God commands it, he promises it. And that’s exciting. The commands of God are all promises.
Life away from Elva
During the past couple of years, caring for my grandmother became my most important priority. Later, my fiance also fell in love with my grandmother, and we continued to care for her after we were married in September 2005.
But soon after our wedding, my grandmother’s family and friends began taking over responsibility for her. At the beginning of March 2006, we informed them that we would be moving to Texas, closer to my family.
After we told Grandma, she kept saying with a smile, “I’m going to miss y’all. Y’all have spoiled me.” Now that we are gone, the family has hired other caregivers to come to Grandma’s home, at least until she decides on permanent arrangements.
We still believe that love triumphs over hate, that mercy triumphs over judgement, and that truth endures forever.
It bids me fly and gives me wings
“Run, John, run,” the law commands
But gives me neither feet nor hands.
Yet better news the gospel brings;
It bids me fly and gives me wings.
– After John Berridge (1716-1793)
Purity leads to power
We secretly mock those who want to be spiritually pure, but we penalize those who sell gasoline that isn’t purer.
Fire that doesn’t warm the cold
“Truth without enthusiasm, morality without emotion, ritual without soul, are things Christ unsparingly condemned. Destitute of fire, they are nothing more than a godless philosophy, an ethical system, and a superstition.”
How to run a church without God
“Revival and change are almost synonymous terms and both clearly cut across traditionalism. There is no way true revival can occur without major changes disrupting and reordering the life of the Church… God is no traditionalist. While God is orderly, He is always fresh and vital. If a church can run according to forms and traditions of men, it will run without the presence and power of God … Is it any wonder the love of tradition is an enemy to revival? Revival and new life go hand in hand … Let every church realize that the inordinate love of tradition is a great opponent to revival … When a church slays the love of tradition, a major obstacle to revival will be slain with it.”
O Father God we glorify You
O Father God we glorify You
And praise Your goodness
That You have graciously manifested
Yourself to us anew,
And has led us together, Lord,
To admonish us through Your Word
Give us grace for this.
From the Ausbund, First Hymn
Flying is not an option.
Pray not for crutches but for wings.
Excuses are disguises.
“How shall I feel at the judgment, if multitudes of missed opportunities pass before me in full review, and all my excuses prove to be disguises of my cowardice and pride?”
Halting somewhere
“The Church has halted somewhere between Calvary and Pentecost.”