I recommend reading this post that is along the same lines: http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/surrendering-to-his-teeth. It’s from Internet Monk and is called “Surrendering to His Teeth.” I’m finding myself in need of God’s teeth.

“I am lowly and despised”

“But your commands give me delight”

Proper orientation to God + Proper orientation to self = JOY

Though this is a short passage, it does contain at least one good insight. Even though Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous and blameless in the eyes of God, they were not able to have children. “Bad things” happen to good people and we need to continue to have faith through trying times. Of course, we know that they will soon be blessed for their faithfulness. In this vain, one of my personal favorite verses is Jer 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God Who Sees me; Hagar’s name for God when He saw her affliction (Gen. 16:13).

I think it would do us good to think about our own opinions and actions in terms of “antichrist.” Because, we do things that are the opposite of Christ, or as Ben said, we have beliefs, people or habits that we put in Christ’s place, hence they are antichrists.

This may sound strange, but it is easier to hate a person that a thing or idea, for me. I think this is why the evil must have a being, a person, a face. If evil were not rooted in a being, such as Satan, and it was simply a force, it would be much harder to combat it(him).

This is why the US War on Terror is an emanate failure by its very nature. One can’t fight and eradicate a force, because that force. One can however battle and eliminate a being, an entity,or person.

As Christians, or battle is with evil, but it is winnable because it is really with Satan and his hoard. When God has his way and banishes them forever, then too evil will be eliminated. So we must focus our spiritual war strength on Satan… different from the way a New Ager would think of battling evil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

I am finding that the attentiveness that God requires from his disciples is difficult to keep in modern life. Certainly without set aside times of stillness, it is hard to remember the things I’m learning, let alone put them into practice. Like, who has time to keep a matter before the LORD day and night, night and day; unless it is something that is truly life threatening or destructive to family? Honestly, I have trouble keeping Exodus or family or whatever that is not urgent in prayer.

Prayer is a difficult root for me. If I am trying to follow Christ more closely, this is a practical place to start I guess.

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”

Or this from Mary’s song:

“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”

Luke (and James for that matter) often state things in a matter of fact way that make it seem as if being rich is wrong, period. Perhaps this is poetic hyperbole (I mean, Jesus even uses that at times) but it certainly requires more study. I’m looking forward to it!

So is God just waiting for heaven to fill up?

This one is very interesting to me. I love food. Free banquet? I’m in. You don’t have to compel me. Yet those invited don’t come, and even the people out on the street have to be compelled. It’s not like he’s trying to sell them a time-share or something!

And yet, how often do I make the same excuses? Often enough I’m sure. Priorities, priorities, priorities.

I’m not tryin’ to get all Joel Osteen… just picking apart what’s there.

I also like Jesus’ initial response. That’s about as close as Jesus gets to a WTF? moment. Then he moves right on to “here’s what the real problem is…” Jesus always has a great way of condensing the nonsense. I love it.

I have read John 17 a number of times but this time I was amazed at the parallels between Jesus’ relationship with the disciples and my relationship with my children. It says a couple of times, “I have given them…” It really got me wondering just what exactly am I “giving” my children? Do they see me daily humbling myself before the Lord? Do they know that my strength is His strength? How am I preparing a godly heritage for my children and their children and their children?

Because of this passage, I am committed to praying more diligently, more earnestly for my children.