upward & inward

I've got many Bibles in my house. My primary one pictured here is marked up and worn. It feels good to hold it and to read it. Better yet, it feels right . I even like the smell of its pages. God's Word is holy, active, real, accurate, and relevant. It is both a window and a mirror. And, no one is wanting to arrest or execute me because I own a Bible. Not so in North Korea. Read this article and consider the blessing we have to have and to study God's Word openly and in freedom.

My bride pointed me to a post by Mark Beeson, pastor at Granger Community Church that resonated with me. In it, he shares that service to and for God is worship - just as lifting holy hands in song and adoration is worship. It's not either/or - it's both/and. When we serve others for His sake, we are worshiping God. Romans 12:1 - Finally, my dear brothers, in view of God's mercy offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. When we offer ourselves to God, then we do what pleases Him. And, as Mark reminded me, God is pleased by our service - our sacrifice to Him. Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. How many times have we missed the mark of true worship in the Spirit, because we ignore the opportunities to serve Him?

Gentle Reader, I'm trying to figure out why I don't want to write. Seriously. It's been since June 9 - over a month! I'm reminded of a few words from that song by Pink Floyd, "Money": The time is gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say. At the beginning of the year, I committed to write more and I did. But, I got to the end of Spring and my interest in writing had sprung. Done. Over. Nothing more to say? No, I have something to say but I'm not quite sure I want to say it here. Ever feel that way? I want to talk about Jesus, my bride, my family, the church, government, weather, complex matter and anti-matter anti-aging compounds, and a host of other things important to me... But, I'm just not sure they should be placed here. Jesus talks about not throwing your pearls before swine . Of course, in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, He seems to be warning against placing God's Word before those who will not only t...