Insights on Praise (Psalm 98)

Posted on 2013/10/13 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 98 is a Psalm of praise, and verses 4-6 specifically give us several insights on how we are to praise God:

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A Good Test

Posted on 2013/10/10 by Shawn Thomas

Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” This verse is a good test of one’s Christianity. Continue reading →

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Perhaps YOU Are The One To Do It!

Posted on 2013/10/09 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 17:26-30, when Goliath was challenging Israel in the Valley of Elah, it says, “Then David spoke to the men were standing by him, saying, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach away from Israel? …. The people answered and said to him, thus it will be done for the man who kills him.” Verse 30 says that after an initial conversation (in which David was rebuked and shamed by his brother for asking this question) “Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.” Why did David keep asking this same question throughout the camp? There had to be some reason and purpose in it. Continue reading →

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Shouting The War Cry?

Posted on 2013/10/08 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 17, David went up to the camp of Israel in the Valley of Elah to check on his brothers, and :20 says that “he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry.” This sounds like a stirring and inspirational thing, and it would have been indeed, except for one thing: they didn’t go out to fight! Verse 24 says “When all the men of Israel saw (Goliath), they fled from him and were greatly afraid.” Evidently “shouting the war cry” was just a bunch of bluff and bluster; there was no action behind it.

Unfortunately, it reminds one of many of our churches:

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“The Little Condo on the Prairie” (October 2013)

Posted on 2013/10/07 by Shawn Thomas

This fall brings football, baking — and a fall update on some of the antics going on at the Thomas household:

A WOMAN’S SCORN
Wednesday, Cheryl was upset because the Bakers chocolate bars she buys for making brownies had a new packaging — as well as a new price! They had basically doubled the price with the new setup, and Cheryl was not happy. She vented her frustrations to Paul, and said that she was through with that company; she was going to make her own chocolate square alternative with cocoa powder and shortening. And she said she was going to call and tell Bakers of her feelings.
Paul responded by imitating (in a VERY dramatic voice!) what Cheryl might say: “I’m through with you! YOU … Taco Bueno … Subway … and the Braums on Robinson …” (reciting all the places on Cheryl’s “little list”!)
Me: (adapting Pride & Prejudice) “Her good opinion, once lost, is lost forever!”
After some reflection, I was quite impressed that Paul could have come up with such a list off the top of his head like that. I guess Cheryl must have made her feelings known at some point 😉 Continue reading →

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The Other Side of the Coin (It’s Not All Good News)

Posted on 2013/10/07 by Shawn Thomas

In reading Psalm 95, one is struck by a transition that begins in the 7th verse. From :1-7a the Psalm is all sweetness, worship, “sheep of His hand”, etc. It makes one feel really good! But then there is a sudden shift at the end of :7 — “Today, if you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts ….”. And the Psalm closes on a very sobering note.

This reminds us that the witness of scripture is NOT all “fluff and happiness”, positive thinking, and blessing. No one who takes its message seriously can teach so. There are somber and grave warnings in the Bible too — in every page — which we ignore at our own peril.

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Growing to Maturity

Posted on 2013/10/04 by Shawn Thomas

Hebrews 5:14 is a verse with a lot of insight: “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” This tells us something about spiritual maturity:

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The Armor Bearer: Portend of a Spouse and Friend

Posted on 2013/10/03 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 14:7, Saul’s son Jonathan proposed going up against a force of Philistines. His armor bearer, the only other individual with him against the larger enemy force, replied: “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to all your desire.” This armor bearer is a blessed picture of anyone who is an encouragement to his friend, and especially that of a helpful spouse. Notice the qualities he possessed:

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Go In Faith

Posted on 2013/10/02 by Shawn Thomas

In I Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to go and anoint another king over Israel. Samuel is hesitant, fearing Saul’s retribution if he does so. Then God gives him some specific instructions about what he should do, then adds in :3, “I will show you what you shall do.” Despite sharing some particulars of the plan with Samuel, God left some of them unknown. It is not uncommon for God to leave something unknown like that, so that there is always an element of faith involved when we respond to Him. Continue reading →

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A Most Important Prayer

Posted on 2013/10/01 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 90:14 contains a most important prayer for blessing: “O satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” NOTICE:

— “SATISFY us”: there is satisfaction to be found in the Lord.

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