Tag: christianity

Meanderings

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday, all!! I have a couple minutes to write and thought I’d just share a few thoughts. Right now, enjoying my peppermint mocha – and realizing how blessed I truly am. Sometimes it’s easy to feel alone(a la Elijah in 1 Kings 19)…and then God reminds us how false that presumption is!! “I have reserved yet 7000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal”…and I’m comforted by that. Even today, as I’m waking up and preparing for another day and another week of work and not feeling entirely joyful about the prospect, I had a good chat with barista Katie at Starbucks…spent a few minutes talking about our respective churches and fellowships and struggles and joys…and how good it is to have close friends that worship the same God, even if we don’t get as much time with those friends as we would like! So even a chance encounter with a fellow sister in Christ at Starbucks encourages me so – as God knew it would and as God knew I needed!! I have been continually reminded of how many reasons I have to praise God and thank Him for His abundant lovingkindnesses!

Now…just a few thoughts on a few various verses I read this morning…

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkidness
in the morning, for You have been my stronghold
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me
lovingkindness.
-Psalm 59:16-17
I do love these verses – how easy is it in the “day of our distress” to sink into ourselves and moan and complain and feel that “woe is me”. But no, our response – even in the morning when we are sleepy and not entirely coherent – should be to sing of our Lord’s lovingkindness. For He truly is our stronghold and our refuge and the only One in whom we can put our trust. He showers love upon us and so even when we feel that is not the case, remember that the Lord’s lovingkindness is everlasting nonetheless and sing.

He who gives attention to the word will find good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
-Proverbs 16:20
A reminder to trust the Lord…which is oft so needed(at least by me!) – when all else fails and withers on the vine, we are told to heed the word which has been given to us…and trust in God. In God and in God only is our trust, our hope, our song.

When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong,
he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord.
-2 Chronicles 12:1
A chilling verse. This is how the chapter begins – it comes after a chapter in which the kingdom was prosperous and Rehoboam was building fortified cities and all was well. And then we see something that should give us pause. We think that in times of peace and prosperity – surely that means God is blessing us and we can relax! And yes, we can and must thank God for all He has given us, but we must be vigilant and not lean on a staff of our own uprightness. How scary is this – a king and his whole kingdom were happy and prosperous and safe. And what did they do? They…forsook the law of the Lord. May it never be. Long to obey God in all things as His beloved children. May we beware of complacency and laxness in the things of the Lord. Keep yourselves from idols.

And there will no longer be any night; and they will not
have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun,
because the Lord God will illumine them;
and they will reign forever and ever.
-Revelation 22:5
Not much commentary on this verse, other than I really like it a lot. “And there will no longer be any night…” Oh what a glorious thought – no darkness or foulness or bleakness or night. Never again will the curse of sin blight the land and darken our souls on that glorious day when returns the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed come quickly, Lord Jesus. (Note the last part of that verse…*we* will reign forever and ever under the authority of our God!! Most thrilling and most humbling indeed)

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand
and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
-Mark 1:41
Lastly but not leastly…how does Jesus feel toward those who are desperate for Him? He here is moved with compassion. Oh to know that Jesus is not just all-seeing and all-knowing and all-powerful…he is all-loving. Who would ever even want to be in the same room with a disgusting leprous person? And what does Jesus do? He reaches out. He touches him. He heals him. Because he wants to. So is it with us…Jesus has compassion upon us – we who are foul and unclean and impure and utterly hostile to Him – and He reaches out to us and heals our hearts and purifies our souls and makes us His. Oh what compassion – oh what love!! The worst that we have done…He has forgiven us. Think on that, this morning – if you will. And if you do not know Jesus and wonder if this is truly for you…well, I just ask you this. Do you know that you are a sinner? Do you understand your filth and the darkness in your heart has sunk you utterly and separated you from the God of the universe? Do you realize there is nothing in you that is any good? Oh how that should horrify you. Oh how that should frighten you. Oh how that should make you tremble. But fear not – because despite the yawning gap between you and God – there is a Way to Him. Jesus reaches out to you – He longs for you to be with Him forever. Indeed He does more than reach out – He died a horrific death over two thousand years ago…so that He might bring people into communion with Him – so He might save their souls. He died yes. And then three days later He rose again – proving that He is indeed the Son of God and the One who has power over death! So this Jesus is full of compassion…for you. Yes, you may be lost and drowning in a pit of despair. But fear not – there is hope. Repent of all the evil deeds you have done and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And you shall be saved to life eternal with God on High. There will be no more night, ever again.

That was far too many words…but sometimes it is good to write. And even if my words are all too feeble – as they truly are – my heart whispers continually of longings to be with my God and I cannot help but scribble down these cries.

Expressly Yours

James HoganLeave a comment

I’m listening to my Enfield playlist as I sit here in Starbucks and I have to say – I forgot how amazing these songs are!!! Oh how I love so many of these classic hymns. There is a Fountain, And Can It Be?, Jesus I My Cross Have Taken, O The Deep Deep Love of Jesus…etc, etc, etc. Gorgeousness. I’m tempted to write ALL THE VERSES from one of my very favourites – Jesus, I my Cross Have Taken…but I shall spare you this time. I’m pretty sure I’ve done that sometime in the past. And I’m pretty sure I will do it again sometime in the future.

It is good to remember the mercies of the Lord.

And while I’m in a pondering mood, thought I’d write some thoughts I was thinking last night. Was wearing one of my favourite shirts – a nice bright blue shirt with the words “HONOUR”, “LOYALTY”, “VALOUR” superimposed over a lion rampant. It’s interesting that these words are (apparently) held in such high esteem and I was wondering – what do those words really signify to people today? According to the Oxford English, honour means “high respect” or “great esteem” or “the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right”. In the same, loyalty means “the quality of being loyal” or “a strong feeling of support or allegiance”. As for valour…”great courage in the face of danger, especially battle”. Do those words truly mean anything to most of us these days though…or are they just empty concepts that make us feel better about ourselves? What do we have high respect or great esteem for? Or do we just crave that esteem for ourselves? What are we truly loyal to? Or whom? And when do we show great courage these days? Is it in day-to-day life or just in the contrived fantasies of our mind?

I think we like to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and it is self-flattering to think that we exhibit these qualities of honour, loyalty and valour in our everyday lives. But do we truly? Is there a higher calling that beckons us to live in such a way? I would say there is. But it is not in the way most would commonly think. We ought to live in such a way that every action of our life brings great honour and glory to our God. We ought to live in such a way that everything we do proves our loyalty and faithfulness to our God. And we ought to live our lives coloured by valour and courage in the face of trials and tribulations and all that stands against us as we strive to please our God. Do these things come easy? Of course not. And we are frail creatures and oft exhibit the opposite virtues…we feel shamed, unfaithful and craven as we disobey our God in thought, word and deed. But. But. If we truly put our faith in Christ for our salvation – God has saved us! Not because of deeds that we have done. But because of His great love.

And so because God loved us when we were so eminently unlovable and because our God has filled us with His Holy Spirit and because Christ daily intercedes for us before the Father…now we can exhibit these qualities of godly honour, godly loyalty and godly valour. Let us remember that. We can do all things through Christ who grants us strength. Go forth this day and honour God in all things. Go forth this day and seek to be loyal to God in every word you speak. Seek to live in valour before our God. For truly, He is our Lord. He is our God. And He loves us.

What a wondrous thing it is to be known by God. We are His dearly loved children. Amen and amen.

A Dream Near Realised

James HoganLeave a comment

A lovely morning. The air is cool(for Texas!), the peppermint mocha is hot and I slowly wake up here at my desk. I much enjoyed my reading this morning…as I read a few chapters in 2 Samuel(the ark being brought into Jerusalem – oh how David celebrated at the glory of His God! And the promise of God that the Davidic kingdom would be…forever. A achingly sweet herald of Christ who is promised). Also read some in one of my favourite books – Hebrews. Oh how wonderful…it stirred my soul. And it reminded me that too often I let myself be distracted and weighed down by things that do not matter. Too often do I seek pleasure and satisfaction in the dregs of this world instead of looking to Him that sits at the right hand of God. Oh why does my passion wax and wane so? If only I could be consistent in my honour and love for Christ. I am weak. But gloriously, wondrously – my God is strong and holds me close. And on my commute – listened to some of one of Dominic’s old sermons on 2 Peter 2(coincidentally – the sermon that was preached the evening service the week Mom and Dad were in Aberdeen with me – what sweet memories I have of that time!!). Listening to Dominic preach on the grave dangers of false teaching and the high regard in which we should hold the truth of God’s revelation to us reminded me yet again how I am most insufficient in and of myself. Do I get angry at the slights that are constantly made against my Lord and God? Do I defend the honour of my Lord in my life with my thoughts, words and deeds? Sadly I must confess I am oh too imperfect. I am most unworthy. But – glory be to Christ – that matters not. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. For me.

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you;
and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is
good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods,
through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have
no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood
is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering
for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also,
that He might sanctify the people through His old blood,
suffered outside the gate.

So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
For here we do not have a lasting city,
but we are seeking the city which is to come.
-Hebrews 13:7-14

Breached

James HoganLeave a comment

Read this today…forgot how much I do love Psalm 103!

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us,
nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.

And truly, what more can I say? It’s been a long day(even though it’s not yet 7…I’ve been up for a few hours since took Daniel to the airport!) and it’s been a long weekend…and I’m tired. Though – I do have a nice warm mocha in front of me, which always helps! Nonetheless! It was a beautiful reading time this morning once I got back from the airport. Too often do I get sidetracked by all that is going on in this weary, wounded world. And too often do I get distracted by the pains and travails of my earthly life. And that is not proper, at all. Instead, ought I more and more reflect on the staggering mercy of God. Indeed, when I think of how God’s sovereign hand reached in and breached that vainglorious barrier that I had constructed out of shiny metal and wheels and varied things…I ought to bow my head and weep at the love of God. That beautiful love of the God of the universe is mine. A weary, lonely soul forsworn of hope was I.

Now – I am a child of God. And that most glittering jewel of love and beauty I proudly wear upon my brow – life eternal through Christ Jesus my Lord. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.

Anxious Longing of the Creation

James HoganLeave a comment

What if God, although willing to demonstrate
His wrath and to make His power known,
endured with much patience vessels of wrath
prepared for destruction?
And He did so to make known the riches of
His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He
prepared beforehand for glory, even us,
whom He also called, not from among Jews only,
but also from among Gentiles.
As He says also in Hosea,
“I will call those who were not My people,
‘My people,’ and her who was not beloved,
‘Beloved.'”
“And it shall be that in the place where it
was said to them, “You were not My people,”
there they shall be called sons of the living God.”

What glorious words from Romans. As I sit here on my couch, enjoying some good reading as I listen to Tchaikovsky…I cannot help but be overwhelmed that I am forgiven. I am forgiven everything. I have really been enjoying reading Romans lately…I have been luxuriating in it, reading it almost absurdly slowly. So as I’ve been pondering Romans 8 for a few days(finally read Romans 9 today!), I want to write about what is in my heart, but I don’t think it will come out right. I guess I can comment on one of the verses(of many!) that struck me…

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words…

How comforting is that? We have weaknesses, even now, do we not? And God knows this. And we don’t really always know how to pray, do we? And God knows this. And so His Spirit Himself prays for us and lifts up the cry of our heart to heaven. The prayers that we can’t properly lift up because of our own frailties and failings…matter not – because the Spirit of God prays for us. And why? Because we are indeed children of God, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. We are the people of God. We are the children of God. And indeed, one day – someday soon, I pray! – we will stand glorified in the presence of Christ, revealed to all the world below and to all the angelic host above. With in-drawn breath that comes before the beautiful storm, in awe remember the staggering love with which we have been known. With trembling hands, hold tight to the glorious truth with which we have been entrusted. With shining eyes lifted up, in most broken gratitude – bow down and worship.

Blonde and Blue

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday, friends!! I don’t have long to write now…but quickly before I start work…as I sip on my peppermint mocha here(mm, so delicious!), thought I’d share just a few thoughts from my morning reading. Reading John 21 today, finally finishing the book of John. I really tried to take my time reading John, and oh how much I have enjoyed it and been supremely blessed. And so today I read the final chapter…containing one of my favourite parts – Jesus having breakfast with his disciples! – and as I read through to the end, I was convicted yet again by Jesus’ conversation with Peter. This talk that Jesus and Peter have…so encouraging to me. Peter had sinned greatly against the Lord in his betrayal and denial of Christ. Peter was weak and frail. And yet Jesus strengthened Peter and called him to do the work that he was called to do. “Feed my sheep.” Jesus knew that Peter was just a man. Jesus knew that Peter was imperfect. Yet Jesus also knew that Peter was one of God’s own children and had a purpose on this earth. And as he reminded Peter that even in his life, not all would go the way Peter might like – life would not be easy or pain free, oh no! – Jesus left Peter with some final words. “Follow me!” Of course Peter being Peter(oh how I love him!), he blusters a bit and pushes back on Jesus’ statement – “What about him!!?” pointing at John. I can imagine Peter thinking, “If I’m going to suffer and have a horrible death, I sure hope I’m not the only one!” Jesus gently rebukes him and then leaves Peter with the final words we have recorded as Jesus saying to Peter. Again – “Follow me!” And those may be strange words to us – surely, Peter had heard those words oh so long ago when he was standing by his father’s boats when Jesus first called Peter to discipleship. Peter had already chosen to follow Christ. Why was Jesus saying this again? Because Peter needed to hear it. This is such a good reminder to us – have you bowed the knee to God and repented of your sins and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and life everlasting? If so, hallelujah! (And if not…read the book of John and get back to me). But even so – we need this reminder each and every day. Jesus is saying to you, “Follow me!” Each and every day, remind yourself that every step you take needs to be in passionate obedience to Christ, eagerly delighting and rejoicing in the good will of God. Follow Jesus this day. Will it always be easy? Of course not. But it will be glorious. Many years after that walk on the beach with Jesus, Peter took his final steps on this earth and was crucified for his love for his Lord. He glorified Christ with his death. Let us glorify Christ with our life.

Of Symphonies and Spaghetti

James HoganLeave a comment

That is the way to pray, says Christ, take these two things together, never separate
these two truths. Remember that you are approaching the almighty, eternal,
ever-blessed holy God. But remember also that that God, in Christ, has become
your Father, who not only knows all about you in the sense that He is
omniscient, He knows all about you also in the sense that a father knows all
about his child. He knows what is good for the child. Put these two things together.
God in His almightiness is looking at you with a holy love and knows
your every need. He hears your every sigh and loves you with an everlasting love.
He desires nothing so much as your blessing, your happiness, your joy and your prosperity.
Then remember this, that He ‘is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think.’ As your ‘Father which is in heaven’ He is
much more anxious to bless you than you are to be blessed. There is also no
limit to His almighty power. He can bless you with all the blessings of heaven.
He has put them all in Christ, and put you into Christ. So your life can be enriched
with all the glory and riches of the grace of God Himself.

That is the way to pray. Before you begin to make any petition, before you
begin to ask even for your daily bread, before you ask for anything, just realize
that you, such as you are, are in the presence of such a Being, your Father which
is in heaven, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ‘My God.’ ‘My Father.’
-D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, page 330

I Don’t mind If You Don’t Dance, but Hope you don’t mind If I Do

James HoganLeave a comment

A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.”
So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on
a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything,
a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the
citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with
the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.

But when he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying
here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and
in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for
him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your
sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly bring out the best robe
and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us
eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

…so I’ve been pondering this story lately(sorry for not typing all of it out – but about to make my dinner of steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus soon!)…after listening to the gorgeous version that Keith Green sings this morning while driving to church. And reading this again now, oh how it enlivens my heart. Thus such a man was I – lost and without hope in this world. And sometimes it’s easy to forget how great a feat of compassion this is – that our God should smile upon me and grant me His forgiveness. Oh how arrogant was I – demanding the share of my estate from my Father – all owed me I will take and all I take I will count as owed! And squandering the gift of life upon worthless things and loose living and becoming impoverished of heart and barren in soul and having nothing in and of myself that I might count as good. And yet my Father loved me still. And yet. And so coming to my senses – for how else can it be described! – I thought I might return to my Father and work for my restitution and slave for my redemption. But no my Father had divine love for me. For me. And so my Father has embraced me and kissed me and made me His own. And it is glorious and I am loved and I am named and I am a son again. I was lost. But now I have been found.

Three Steps to Summer Redux

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday friends!! During my drive over to work, I listened to a quality old CD I burned oh…five years ago? As I prepared for summer in Scotland? Wow, was it really five years ago? Anyway – great music, even though apparently my mix CDs were even more random back in the day! Andrew Belle, Lost Prophets, Needtobreathe, T-Swift…and of course – Hope Bible Church! Anyways, one of the songs there brought some good verses back to mind and thought I would share…

So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord,
is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to
them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has
fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of
the earth.”

And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were
looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they
were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men
in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee,
why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken
up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have
watched Him go into heaven.”
-Acts 1:6-11

Two points. Firstly, do we oft consider that we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us? We are the witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have received the Holy Spirit. We are imbued with the very power of God. Secondly, Jesus is indeed coming again – in a physical and most real sense. Let us long for that. But – let us not be melancholy and tarry our days away in mournful anticipation. Let us be filled with joy and do the deeds of the Lord as we walk upon this earth! We are the witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is who we are, now.

And one day, we will witness the return of the Lord to this earth and we shall see Him face to face. And then we will be with Him, forever.

At that, our hearts can only be full of joy, continually. At that thought, I bow my head in worship.

Have a most lovely day, dear friends.

the City of the Wind

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For to receive the grace of God in Jesus Christ means not
only that my sins are forgiven because of His death for me on the cross on
Calvary’s hill, but also that I have been given a new life and a new nature. It means
that Christ is being formed in me, that I have become a partaker of the divine
nature, that old things have passed away and all things have become new. It
means that Christ is dwelling in me, and that the Spirit of God is in me. The
man who has been born again, and who has the divine nature within him, is a
man who is righteous and his righteousness does exceed that of the scribes and
Pharisees. He is no longer living for self and his own attainments, he is no
longer self-righteous and self-satisfied. He has become poor in spirit, meek, and
merciful; he hungers and thirsts after righteousness; he has become a peacemaker.
His heart is being purified. He loves God, yes unworthily, alas, but he
loves Him and longs for His honour and glory. His desire is to love God and
to keep and honour and fulfil His law. The commandments of God to such a
man ‘are not grievous’. He wants to keep them, for He loves them. He is no longer
at enmity against God; but he now sees the holiness of the law and nothing
so appeals to him as the living of this law and the exemplifying of it in his daily
life. It is a righteousness that far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees.

Some of the most vital questions that can be asked, then, are these. Do you
know God? Do you love God? Can you honestly say that the biggest and the
first thing in your life is to glorify Him and that you so want to do this that you
do not care what it may cost you in any sense? Do you feel that this must come
first, not that you may be better than somebody else, but that you may honour
and glorify and love that God who, though you have sinned against Him grievously,
has sent His only begotten Son to the cross on Calvary’s hill to die for
you, that you might be forgiven and that He might restore you unto Himself?
Let every man examine himself.
-D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, page 182-183