Thursday, 12 March 2009

• I've developed an intermittent twitch in my right eye... i think it's from having dry eyes and forcefully blinking them so much.  lasik anyone?
  
  
  
  and 2 blog posts that i felt were encouraging and helpful and lifted my spirits this morning..
  
  

  A Marriage Advice Moment with John Piper

  March 12, 2009  |  By: David Mathis
  Category: Commentary

  A staff member at Bethlehem asked Pastor John what one or two main things he wants to say to an engaged couple in premarital counseling. His answer is relevant for marriages new and old:

  Be joyfully, brokenheartedly, shaped by the death of Christ for you.

  Do you both feel the fearfulness of how the death of Christ witnesses to your unspeakable unworthiness to be loved—that it took this much suffering and indignity to the Son of God for you to be saved. And do you both feel the wonder of being forgiven owing to nothing in you?

  If you do, it will profoundly shape your patience with each other’s shortcomings (which you will find to be more than you ever dreamed).

  Get really clear the meaning of headship and submission.

  Husband, tremble at the implications of Ephesians 5:25-30.

  Wife, tremble at the implications of Ephesians 5:21-24.

  Understand this and glory in the greatness of the calling to be married for the sake of showing the world the covenant faithfulness between Christ and his church.

  *               *               *

  For more on marriage:

  • This Momentary Marriage (book)
  • This Momentary Marriage (free online book)
  • Marriage, Christ, and Covenant: One Flesh for the Glory of God (sermon series)
  • Topics for Conversation When a Man and a Woman Are Considering Marriage (article)

  
  

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  If You Want to Become a Christian

  March 12, 2009  |  By: John Piper
  Category: Commentary

  As I sang "My Hope Is in the Lord" in my devotions, it became a sweet whispering of my faith in Jesus. The thought entered my mind: This would be a beautiful expression of faith for someone who wondered, How do I become a Christian?

  So, for any of you who would like to be saved from your sin and be reconciled to God and have eternal life, I invite you to sing this song with me.

  No, you don’t have to sing it. You can say it. Mainly, you need to mean it.

  If you do, from your heart, God will confirm to you in the coming days that you are his because of your faith in Jesus. You will not be able to forsake him, because he will not forsake you.

  Here’s the song with some Bible verses where you can read the biblical foundations for what you are singing (or saying).

  My hope is in the Lord
  Who gave Himself for me,

  And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.



  (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 2:24)

  Refrain
  For me He died, For me He lives,

  And everlasting life and light He freely gives.


  (Galatians 2:20; Romans 4:25)
  
  No merit of my own
  His anger to suppress.

  My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.



  (Philippians 3:8; Romans 5:18-19)

  And now for me He stands
  Before the Father's throne.

  He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.



  (Romans 8:34; Revelation 5:6-9)

  His grace has planned it all,
  'Tis mine but to believe,

  And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

  (2 Timothy 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:12)

  
  
  

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