Scripture

...Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy… He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

~Ephesians 5:25-27, NLT

Quote

Lying at the heart of all sin is our desire to be the center. We want things revolving around us.

~D. A. Carson [p.39, Praying With Paul]

I am reading D.A. Carson’s book on prayer. He begins chapter four in a rather unique way, “Church would be a nice place,” he says, “If it were not for people. Many of the people who belong to our church are unbearable.” He means they are in your face; always demanding your attention. You pray for them to stay at home or go on an extended vacation but they don’t. They always show up. They never miss. Like the Hollywooders that promised to move to Canada if Trump was elected: they are not happy but they will not leave. Phil Glisson, the evangelist, says there are two kinds of people in our churches, the kind and the wrong kind. Of course Carson is kidding, at least to a point; the church is the people, not the building and the members are made up of fallen creatures who still sin even though they are forgiven.

Sanctification is a process, not an event. A birth can happen in an instant but maturity takes time, lots of time and unfortunately, some mature faster than others. Our fellowship in heaven will have a higher quality because we will all be fully sanctified. Here we allow self-interest to get in the way, the vanity in each of us seeks its way and craves praise and recognition. Hopefully, we will leave this vanity behind. The amazing thing to me is the patience of Christ. His own disciples were unbearable and intollerable at times, but He patiently rebuked them and loved them through it all. I am so thankful for His patience and kindness to me. I know beyond any doubt, that every day for me is grace, a day I do not deserve. Lord Jesus, thank You for your patience and for your sanctifying love. I know that You will make me perfect someday.

Extra

I hope you got rain; we did not, but we are hurting yet. A shower would be nice. Doug has informed me that Cindy’s dad service is private, family only, so at this time, there is nothing we can do. Laura Smith’s situation is simular. We will do something for both at a latter date.

I know our grand kids are thrilled that it is Friday. One of them went on a field trip that he figured would be boring but it beats school. I think Chloe Bug says they have 19 days left. The great thing about being retired is: EVERYDAY IS FRIDAY. I have no desire to go back, and you working folks and those of you in school have my sympathy. It will go by in a hurry.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.

One note: I go to bed early some night, here lately, about 8:00 pm. June reads me the text I get late in the evening the next morning. She gets up at 4:00 every morning and it is usually 4:30 or 5:00 for me. If you need me at night, you have to notify her. I don’t take my phone to the bedroom; she does.