Lightner: the breakdown of communication

March 1, 2009

    Feast of David, Bishop of Menevia, Patron of Wales, c.601

Meditation:
    Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
   -- 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)

Quotation:
    Arguments for the existence of God are very restricted; some of them are more restricted and limited than others. They do not prove beyond all question the existence of the God of the Bible. Furthermore, it must be remembered that man's mind, his thinking process, has been affected by his fall into sin. This means that there are definite limitations to God's revelation in nature. The problem is not in the revelation but in the receiver of the revelation.
    ... Robert P. Lightner (b.1931), The God of the Bible [1998]

Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, heal my blindness.

Christian Quotation of the Day

Rutherford: rich in grace

February 28, 2009

Meditation:
    But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
    -- Ephesians 2:4,5 (NIV)

Quotation:
    Every man thinketh he is rich enough in grace, till he take out his purse, and... then he findeth it but poor and light in the day of a heavy trial. I found I had not enough to bear my expenses, and should have fainted, if want and penury had not chased me to the storehouse of all.
    ... Samuel Rutherford (1600-1664), letter [1637]

Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, You distribute Your grace lavishly.

Herbert: It's true we cannot reach

February 27, 2009
    Feast of George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633

Meditation:
    At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
    -- Mark 1:12,13 (NIV)

Quotation:
    It's true we cannot reach Christ's forti'th day
    Yet to go part of that religious way
        Is better than to rest:
    We cannot reach our Savior's purity;
    Yet we are bid, 'Be holy ev'n as He':
        In both let's do our best.

    Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone
    Is much more sure to meet with Him than one
        That traveleth by-ways;
    Perhaps my God, though He be far before,
    May turn, and take me by the hand, and more,
        May strengthen my decays.

    Yet, Lord, instruct us to improve our fast
    By starving sin, and taking such repast
        As may our faults control;
    That ev'ry man may revel at his door,
    Not in his parlor--banqueting the poor,
        And among those, his soul.
    ... George Herbert (1593-1633)

Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, may my sin be starved out of me.