Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
The Jaunt feature for this newsletter is a collection of shorter notes. Recently my wife and mother said that I like tidbits as part of a different conversation. I guess this type of post proves their point. Most of my articles cover one subject in much more detail than you will find in these. So, here we go.
Quote Card
Hobby Lobby Fail
In our main bathroom we have had a hanging Bible verse purchased from Hobby Lobby. Here is what it looks like with the verse taken from Psalm 93:4.
I see this verse several times a day. This week I decided to see how well it quotes the Scripture. Here is what I read when I opened my Bible.
Mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!—Psalm 93:4, ESV
Do you see the difference? The HLV (Hobby Lobby Version) changes the emphasis from a focus on the Lord’s might to the Lord’s love for you.
The Lord does love you, but that’s not the issue. Why not quote a verse on God’s love if you want to communicate that? Don’t twist the biblical text, especially when it subtracts a statement about the Lord’s might.
Tip: Be careful with Hobby Lobby Bible verses.
20 Schemes
Our church has partnered with a group called 20 Schemes in Scotland. A scheme is government housing unit for the neediest of people in that country. This group is working to begin new churches and revitalize existing ones in the schemes.
I recently was able to attend a dinner to learn more from some of the leaders of that organization. Both Cindy and I were moved to at least pray for this work. One of the pastors preached to our congregation on the Lord’s Day and brought a strong word from Matthew 16.
I like this acrostic that they use for their work:
F - Feed
E - Engage
E - Evangelize
D - Disciple
Will you join with me in praying for this work?
Concierge
Here are three articles I have read online that I found edifying. I hope you will too. (Click on the article title to read.)
What If I Feel Stuck in My Prayer Life? - Michael Reeves
If you are finding yourself stuck in prayer, hear the Word of God. Read Scripture, because it is the divine truth of Scripture that awakens faith. And prayer is simply faith, talking; faith articulating itself. And therefore, feed on Scripture and it will give you the food that will fuel prayer.
Why Cleave to the Dust? - Blake Long
The love of Christ should compel us to see the putridity of lower things, of earthly pleasures, of temporary pursuits. And yet, time and time again, we find ourselves allured by trivial things, by worldly enticements that supposedly supersede Christ’s love.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn How to Pray - Casey McCall
When we see prayer as communion instead of transaction, prayer transforms from duty to delight. When we personally encounter the living God in prayer, our affections are warmed, and our convictions are clarified in his presence. When communion is the goal, prayer transforms from guilt-ridden duty to glorious delight. No matter how far along you are in this Christian journey, it’s never too late to learn how to pray.
Journaling
I’ve never been really good at trying to keep a daily journal. But I still have found great value in putting my thoughts and prayers down on paper (or in my Notes app on the computer). For several weeks now I have been trying to do a weekly journal. And so far it has been worthwhile.
I have chosen to do this journaling on Sundays — the Lord’s Day. So I head each entry as The Lord’s Day and add the date. I then write down those things I found particularly thanksgiving worthy for the week. This may include Bible truths I have been meditating on. It may also include encounters I have with brothers in the faith. It may be items I want to recall from worship (especially the preaching of the Word). I also write about my prayer requests that are much on my heart.
Anyway, weekly journaling has proven beneficial to me. If you are not already doing a daily journal, you might want to consider this.
Art
Enjoyed reading your post! Lots of great stuff therein; The portrait of Paul is particularly engaging. You can see the contemplation in his face as he writes.