I arose at 4:30am and read 1 Samuel chapters 28 -31 and recited John chapter 13. For some reason my continence is low this morning and I do not know the reason. I was restless at times during the night. I normally sleep through the night and awake only once during the night to void. However, last night I awoke repeatedly and when I did my mind was thinking about something that Paul said on Mars hill: A day and an hour is coming in which God will judge the world in righteousness through a man whom he has appointed, furnishing proof to all men by raising him from the dead. Paul was of course talking about the final judgment and the Son of God Jesus Christ being the Son of Man who has been appointed judge for he is the one whom God raised from the dead. The question is, why was this statement on my mind every time I awoke and I awoke numerous times during the night? My first orientation appointment yesterday was strange. The man began saying that people avoid him because he is always talking about God. I gave him one of the gospel tracts that the Lord had given me to write. He said that he liked the tract and could give these out; therefore, I gave him several of them so that he could. It was difficult doing his orientation interview because he was continually talking about something. He called himself an Israelitist and said that the lost tribes of Israel went north and that he was of the tribe of Dan that migrated to Ireland. I ignored these things and tried repeatedly to redirect him back to his health and exercise history interview. How do people get so wild in their thinking? Why do people take something small out of Scripture and make it into something else? The gospel is so very simple. We have all broken God’s law. Jesus paid the penalty in blood (his life) because of this, God can now be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. God raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus will raise all from the dead on the last day. Those who repented to eternal life and the unrepentant to eternal punishment.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
February 4th, 2020
Today, I recited John chapter 12 vs 27 – 50 and read 1 Samuel 25 – 27. The Father spoke to the Son in the hearing of the people and his voice sounded like thunder. David said to Saul, “The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Sm 26:23) This is the second time that David had refused to put Saul to death when he had been delivered into his hand. David was against Nebal for he had dishonored David and his men but Abigail his wife was kind to David and he realized that he should not avenge by his own hand. This interaction was fresh on his mind when he came upon Saul in the field. From the song of Moses Deuteronomy 32:35
“Vengeance is Mine, and retribution,
In due time their foot will slip;
For the day of their calamity is near,
And the impending things are hastening upon them.”
Yesterday, I had the day off work. I exercised on an elliptical machine for 20 minutes and a stationary bike for 20 minutes. I have been using the time on these machines to view episodes of the Way of the Master television program on YouTube. This morning I will run outside before going to work and I am looking forward to doing a run outside. I am scheduled to be at work from 9:00am – 4:30pm. I believe that I am scheduled to do Cardiac Rehab orientations which involves researching electronic patient charts and compiling a paper chart for use in Cardiac Rehab, followed by an interview and assessment of the patient. I enjoy the time that I spend with the patients but the majority of the time is clerical rather than clinical. I will spend about 1 hour each with 2 patients today, and the remainder of time working on their charts and the charts of others. However, it is necessary and I do get to know them by reviewing their health history and talking with them.
“Vengeance is Mine, and retribution,
In due time their foot will slip;
For the day of their calamity is near,
And the impending things are hastening upon them.”
Yesterday, I had the day off work. I exercised on an elliptical machine for 20 minutes and a stationary bike for 20 minutes. I have been using the time on these machines to view episodes of the Way of the Master television program on YouTube. This morning I will run outside before going to work and I am looking forward to doing a run outside. I am scheduled to be at work from 9:00am – 4:30pm. I believe that I am scheduled to do Cardiac Rehab orientations which involves researching electronic patient charts and compiling a paper chart for use in Cardiac Rehab, followed by an interview and assessment of the patient. I enjoy the time that I spend with the patients but the majority of the time is clerical rather than clinical. I will spend about 1 hour each with 2 patients today, and the remainder of time working on their charts and the charts of others. However, it is necessary and I do get to know them by reviewing their health history and talking with them.
Monday, February 3, 2020
February 3rd, 2020
I recited John chapter 12 vs 1 – 26 and read 1 Samuel chapters 21 – 24: The Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and Saul’s seeking the life of David. David is more righteous than Saul, this he confessed to David at the cave; however, compared to the Lord his righteousness is like a filthy rag in comparison. David lied to Ahimelech the priest: “The king has commissioned me with a matter and has said to me, ‘Let no one know anything about the matter on which I am sending you and with which I have commissioned you; and I have directed the young men to a certain place.’ (1 Samuel 21:2) David was running from Saul and he hid this from Ahimelech. The example for us to follow is not David or anyone else for that matter it is Christ, “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22) Yesterday, Phillip preached on Luke chapter 15, three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Phillip pointed out that these parables are not about the lost things: The parable about the lost sheep is about the shepherd. The parable about the lost coin is about the woman who looks for the coin. The parable about the prodigal son is about the father. These three parables give us a glimpse of God’s love for the lost and his desire that they be found. I am off from work today. My work week will be Tuesday – Saturday this week. Today, I would like to read and complete Ray Comforts book, The Way of the Master. My exercise today will be 40 minutes split between an elliptical trainer and a stationary bike. Yesterday, I registered for the Tyler Fresh 15K on March 7th. My plan is to do 3 days of running each week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 40 minutes of cross training on Monday and Friday, that my foot will be healthy. I would also like to spend sometime today on my Spanish lessons, I am getting really close to finishing Beginner I – Course 2, only to lessons remain two be completed.
February 2nd, 2020
I recited John chapter 11 vs 38 – 57 and read 1 Samuel chapters 18 – 20. The text is similar in that Saul sought the life of David because of Jealousy and the chief priest and Pharisees sought the life of Jesus for the same reason. Yesterday morning I ran 15km at a moderate effort in 1 hour and 21 minutes. It was so nice to get outdoors and run. I truly enjoy Saturday morning runs because I have the time to run longer and there is little traffic on the road. The pace as easier than my weekday runs; therefore, I can think. I am often preaching the gospel to myself from the Scriptures. As I ran, I silently recited parts of Paul’s letter to the Romans: chapter 1 vs 16 – 17; chapter 3; and chapter 10 vs 3 – 17. Several years ago, I memorized these because they explained the gospel to me and the purpose for evangelism. The text themselves are a sermon when recited, even without elaborating on the text. I had decided that I would take my lunches out of my department in the common area near the café. Previously I had done this to get away. I would put ear buds in and watch the Andy Griffith show. I had decided that I would no longer put ear buds in that I might be ready to speak to someone about the gospel. An opportunity arose Thursday that I missed because I was reading on my phone. I young man was standing near the table and was at looking for a place to sit. When I looked up it was to late because a man at another table had offered him a place to sit down. If I am to use my lunch break for evangelism I need put away the phone and be ready to invite someone to sit down. This young man had seen that I was in another place and not noticing him. I must be hospitable per first Timothy chapter 3 vs 2. Lord willing my lunch break can actually be used for evangelism. Completed: Spanish – Beginner I – Course 2 – lesson 9.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
The Week of January 26th, 2020 – February 1st, 2020
Sunday:
Yesterday morning I ran on the roads at an easy pace averaging 8:58 per mile for 1 hour and 21 minutes. I was happy to be back outside running and I did so pain free. While running I thought about how I should exercise this week. I plan to exercise 5 days this week: Monday and Friday I will cross train for 40 minutes; 20 minutes on a stationary bike and 20 minutes on an elliptical trainer. On Tuesday and Thursday, I will run for 40 minutes; 10 minutes easy pace, 20 minutes at my goal 15k pace, and 10 minutes easy pace. Then on Saturday I will run on the road for 1 hour and 20 minutes at an easy pace. Darlene and I stayed home yesterday, we relaxed and read; I began reading “The Way of the Master” by Ray Comfort. Reading this book again having completed a Master of Theological Studies degree is good. When I read the book before, I was a baby Christian, but this is no longer the case. I can really see the biblical truth of the way of the master and will be employing this method of evangelism in my daily interactions with people. I plan to return to open air preaching but more than that I must talk with people daily. Today I arose at 5:00am and read the book of Ruth. There are a number of genealogies in Scripture and Ruth the Moabitess is in the line of David; therefore, in the line of our Lord Jesus Christ. (cf. Mt. 1:5) The story of Ruth and her kinsmen redeemer Boaz is a picture of the gospel.
Monday:
This is the day that the Lord has made, may I rejoice and be glad in it. This morning I read first Samuel chapters 1 – 3 and recited John chapter 8 vs 1 – 30. Yesterday, Phillip Dancy preached a sermon that he called “Discipleship Tested,” from Luke chapter 14 vs 25 – 35. The main idea is that if you are to follow after Jesus Christ you must die to self. You may lose your possessions, your family and even your physical life; the question is, are you prepared to do that? Have you counted the cost? This reminds me of Pliable and the swamp of despond from John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress. Pliable was not sold out. He came as far as was comfortable and when the journey became difficult he turned back to the city of destruction, but Christian continued on the journey despite that trial and the many trials to come. I am a man often despondent regarding the trials of this life. I desire for my children to follow Jesus Christ, to marry Christ loving spouses and give Darlene and I grandchildren, but at present none of these things have happened. So, do I look to the things of this world, or do I set my sight on the kingdom of God? I have a good job as a Registered Nurse in Cardiac Rehab but am I willing to lose that job for the sake of the gospel? I do not think that I would lose my wife as she loves the Lord, but would I be willing for the sake of the gospel? I believe that the American gospel is a lie. The prosperity gospel comes right out with it but there is a taint in most American gospel presentations, all you have to do is look at the tracts. We were all created by God to represent him on the earth. We have all broken his law. The penalty is hell and Christ Jesus paid that penalty on the cross. He was forsaken by the Father, then on the third day he forever defeated sin and death by rising from the dead. What we must do is simple in word but not so simple in deed. We must all repent (turn from self) and believe (trust) in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in the kingdom of God. Today, I will be driving to Canton, TX. I will spend the morning working at the Canton Clinic Cardiac Rehab.
Tuesday:
I have to be at work earlier than usual, so I arose at 4:00am and read 1 Samuel 4 – 7; then, I recited the later half of John 8. Yesterday, I drove to Canton, TX, but I was not needed when I arrived. I stayed for about 2 hours and departed. The time was not wasted because I listened to 2 sermons on false conversion that Ray Comfort believes is a result of telling people that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. You have a hole in your heart that only God can fill. If you will come to Jesus Christ you will have joy, peace and a wonderful abundant life. I believe that Ray Comfort is correct, because throughout history the difficulties resulting from the fall are present in this world for both the righteous and the unrighteous. In addition to that the Christian is tempted by his flesh, the world and Satan everyday. Christians throughout the ages are persecuted for following Jesus. I do not think that it right to tell people these things because this is not the gospel. All must flee to Jesus Christ to escape the wrath that is to come. We all deserve death and hell for our crimes committed against God, but God demonstrated his own love for us in that while we were yet sinning Christ died for us. I believe that the Roman road is good if one uses it the way paul did; however, it is not used that away. In giving the Roman road, the evangelist begins with Romans chapter 3 vs 23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;” however, he does not point out what sin is and specifically how the person has sinned. The apostle spent 3 chapters doing that very thing before summarizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yes, the law must be preached before grace can be appreciated. Telling someone that they can have a better life in this world by following Jesus is a lie. The hope for the Christian is in the world to come. Today I will be working in the CVICU ambulating patients. Yesterday, I rode a stationary bike for 20 minutes and an elliptical machine for 20 minutes. After work, I plant to run for 40 minutes, 20 of which at my 15k race pace. Completed Spanish: Beginner I – Course 2 – lesson 7.
Wednesday:
I arose at 4:30am and read first Samuel chapters 8 – 10 and recited John chapter 9. The description of Saul brought back memories of my father and I could not help but think of him as I read: “a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.” (1 Sm 9:2) There is a picture in my study of his graduation from the Dallas Fire Department rookie school. My father was a choice and handsome man. The tops of the men’s heads are at his shoulders; therefore, from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. I have difficulties in relating to my mother without my father and I think that she has difficulty relating to me. I love her for she is my mother, but I confess there was a special bond that I had with my father that I do not have with my mother. My family, Darlene and our children were always considered first in my parents’ household but since my fathers’ departure we have become last. I am not saying this out of envy, but it is a fact, my sister and her children are first in my mothers’ home. The commandment of God: “‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Dt. 5:16) Some think that the ten commandments were only given to Israel; however, all are espoused in the New Testament to Christians. (cf. Mt. 15:4, 19:19; Mk. 7:10, 10:19; Lk. 18:20; Eph. 6:2, 3; Col. 3:20) Yesterday, I sent a text message to my mother while I was at work just asking her how she is doing. Her answer was about Julie and her two boys. This is the norm when communicating with her because Julie and the boys are her entire world. How do I honor my mother as the Lord commanded? My father left her with all that she needs to live on. To honor as a noun or a verb denotes counting that person of high value. It is the duty of children to honor their parents. My mother does not honor my family as she honors my sister’s or even my brother’s families; regardless, I must count her of value high. How do I honor my mother? During breakfast I completed Spanish: Beginner I – Course 2 – lesson 8.
Thursday:
Yesterday I worked in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 3:30pm; after this, Darlene and I ate dinner at Sylvania church. Darlene is not feeling well because of a head cold, so we went home. We have been entertained in the evening by watching episodes of “The Little House on the Prairie.” Darlene fell asleep on the couch and about 7:45. I encouraged her to go to bed and I made my way to my study where I picked up Ray Comfort’s book “The Way of the Master.” I read this book several years ago as a new Christian prior to receiving theological education. Now, having that background, I am reading it again in a new light. I keep thinking about John 1:17, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” I am amazed as I read by those who believed in preaching law before grace: D. L. Moody said, “It is a great mistake to give a man who has not been convicted of sin certain passages that were never meant for him. The Law is what he needs.... Do not offer the consolation of the gospel until he sees and knows he is guilty before God. We must give enough of the Law to take away all self-righteousness. I pity the man who preaches only one side of the truth - always the gospel, and never the Law.” These kinds of statements are repeated over and over again by men of God from the past. How can a man appreciate the cure unless he is convinced that he has the disease? The Law must precede grace because men are self-righteous. Yes, people in this world are often in a place of brokenness but this is caused by worldly sorrow. They don’t have the place in this world that they would like to have, and this produces sorrow. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23) That really does not mean anything when you are not convinced of your own sin before a righteous and holy God. In fact, hearing it without Law may cause you to be flippant regarding personal sin. What do I mean when I say Law? I mean those text of Scripture that speak of God’s holy and righteous standard. Did John mean that Moses preached Law and Jesus only preached grace? No, in fact Jesus expounded the Law. The sermon on the mount is incredible to this regard. Jesus says: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt. 5:17) Then he begins to explain that the Law reveals what is in the human heart. During the time of Jesus ministry, the scribes and Pharisees were considered the most righteous of all; yet, Jesus called them white washed tombs because they gave the appearance of perfect righteousness on the outside but inwardly they were wicked, just as all are wicked. Jesus explained that God sees anger and hatred as murder and lust as adultery. He concludes this section of the sermon by saying that other men are not the standard, the righteousness of God is the standard to enter the kingdom of God. (Mt. 5:21-48) The Law makes grace appreciable when you understand the standard and have no hope of qualifying in the flesh. Today, woke a little earlier than usual, not by intention. I intended to arise at 4:30am but awoke thirsty at 4:15am. I read 1 Samuel 11 – 13; in only three chapters Saul became king and was rejected by God because he wanted all authority in heaven and on earth. I recited John 10:1-21, Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep; thus, demonstrating his own love for us at the cross. Today I started Spanish: Beginner I – Course 2 – lesson 9.
Friday:
This morning, I arose at 5:00am and recited John 10:22-42; and read, 1 Samuel 14-15. The kingdom was taken away from Saul because he disobeyed the Word of the Lord. In John, Jesus is called the Word and, in the section, that I recited this morning Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (Jn. 10:27-28) The apostle John calls sin lawlessness. (1 Jn. 3:4) Lawlessness is deciding for oneself good and evil rather than observing the Law (Word) of God. Throughout the New Testament I find that Jesus Christ is put in the place of the Law. This makes since since Jesus is the Law become flesh. Therefore, in the new covenant Jesus Christ is the Law for all who repent and believe. He is the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to God but through Jesus. (Jn. 14:6) Following Jesus Christ is obeying the voice of the Lord and not following Christ is rebellion. Therefore, what is the purpose for the Old Testament Law in the life of a Christian? 1) To know God’s standard of righteousness. 3) To convict the sinner. 4) To drive the convicted sinner to the gospel for salvation. Yesterday, I worked in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 6:30pm, then I ran on a treadmill at a moderate-hard effort for 40 minutes.
Saturday:
I arose at 5:00am, recited John 11:1-37 and read 1 Samuel 16-17. Lazarus became sick and died. Jesus’ disciples were afraid to go to Bethany because the Jews sought to kill him. Saul had been rejected by God as king and David was secretly anointed by Samuel as God’s chosen king; therefore, he defeats the Philistine Goliath with a sling and a stone. There is an aspect of the spirits in this text that I wonder about. The Spirit of the Lord came strongly upon David but departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. Yesterday, I worked in cardiac rehab from 9:30am – 5:00pm. In the morning, I received 1 new patient for orientation. I spent the afternoon breaking down 4 charts: 1 a recent graduate who completed cardiac rehab and 3 who dropped out of the program. The difference in outcomes data between those who regularly attend all 3 weekly sessions for 3 months and those who do not is great. I have been slowly reading through The Way of the Master by Ray Comfort and have concluded that Comfort’s method is correct which he concluded from 2 conversations that Jesus had with strangers. The 2 conversations are the Samaritan woman at the well and the rich young ruler. Regarding the woman at the well the Lord did 4 things: First, he struck up a conversation with her in the natural realm. Second, he purposely began to talk of spiritual things. Third, he pointed out her sin. The woman was not justifying her sin; therefore, fourth, Jesus revealed himself to her. Regarding the rich young ruler. Jesus corrected his understand of a good person by using the 10 commandments. His god was his wealth, thereby breaking the 1stcommandment. Jesus then gave him the prescription for eternal life; turn away from your sin and follow Jesus Christ. This morning I will be running 15km at a moderate pace.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
The Week of January 19th, 2020 – January 25th, 2020
Sunday:
I arose at 5:15am and began the day reading Judges 1 – 3. Joshua, the leader that brought Israel into the promised land died, and all that generation died leaving many of the inhabitants of Canaan in the land. The generation that followed did not observe the Lord’s covenant and did what was right in their own eyes; they served the gods of the inhabitants of the land. God used the inhabitants to oppress them, then when they called on the name of the Lord for deliverance, the Lord God would raise up a judge to deliver them. This cycle of fall, oppression, calling on the name of God for deliverance, and the raising up of a judge who delivers them is repeated over and over again. From this point on I will be reciting 1 chapter out of John a day and I began this week by reciting chapter 1. A week ago-today, I closed my social media accounts. I have a blog, the Nurse Theologian on which I began posting these journal entries too in December. Lord knows if anyone will read the things that I write and if they do, I will not know who read it. There is so much self promotion in American society and our pastor at Sylvania church actually mentioned this in his sermon today. He preached on Luke 14:7 – 24: the parable of the guest and the parable of the dinner. I will simply write, if someone gleans from what I write, glory be to God in Jesus Christ. If no one reads what I write; so be it but write I shall nonetheless because I love Jesus Christ and I am thankful to God for all that he has gifted me. May I honor the Father and exalt Jesus Christ as Lord. May I tell people what God has done in Jesus Christ to save us from sin, death and eternal punishment in hell. May the joy of the Lord fill my heart. May I not fear man but fear God alone.
Monday:
We listen to God by reading his Word, we speak to God through prayer and all who know the Lord must convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment; pointing all to Jesus Christ for salvation. This morning I read Judges, chapters 4 – 6: Deborah, Barak and Gideon. Some things are strange to us, like Gideon and the fleece but there is always a universal principle in every text of Scripture. This does not mean that we should test the Lord with fleeces. We should trust the Word of God and observe all that he commanded us. I have been neglectful my duty as a soldier. I have not been actively evangelizing. I even convinced myself that writing a blog is enough. Before that, making a post about the Lord on Facebook or some other social media site was enough. I am and have always been an introverted person; however, evangelism requires that I spend time with people and talk with them. It has been my habit at work to depart from my department at lunch time and find a table by myself to sit at, put headphones in my ears, and turn on an episode of Andy Griffith to watch on my phone while I eat lunch. I do this that I may take a break from the world and drowned it out, so I go to a fake world instead. People looking for a spot to sit at will bypass me because I am in a world of my own and those who try to speak to me see that I cannot hear them especially when I say “What?” And pull out an ear plug. I can see that my lunch period might be an evangelism opportunity that I need embrace. Today, I will depart from my department as usual, find a table to sit at, if someone is looking for a table, I shall invite them to sit down that I may talk with them. Lord willing, if they have an ear to hear, I shall tell them who Christ is and what he has done.
Tuesday:
I began the day reading Judges 7 – 9:21 and reciting John 3. Today I am off work and plan to spend the day reading. I also plan to go for a run. I will do an easy paced run for 30 minutes as I have been allowing my foot to heal. Yesterday, I worked in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 6:30pm. Then, I road on a stationary bike for 30 minutes at a moderate effort. I appreciate these cross-training machines, but they are not running. I love running, it is a joy and these machines feel like a chore. I will continue to use these machines to supplement my running, that I may exercise 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day without re-injuring my foot. I plan to run 3 days a week and use one of these machines 3 days a week. Yesterday, during lunch, I took my lunch out of the department and sat at a table in the lobby near the café. No one needed a seat, but I was open to that. I did not put earphones in, may the Lord bring a guest who needs a seat. My life needs to be evangelical. In every aspect I must invest in the people around me and create opportunities to reveal Jesus Christ. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”[1]
Wednesday:
I arose at 4:45am and began this day by reading Judges 9 – 11 and reciting John 4. Today, I am scheduled to work in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 4:30pm. Yesterday, I was able to run without pain. I ran on a treadmill for 4.1 miles at a moderate pace. I ran on the treadmill because I believe that it would be better for my foot. I will do cross training this evening and Friday. I will run on the treadmill again Thursday, and Lord willing I will run outside Saturday morning. Today is the day that the Lord has made; therefore, I shall rejoice and be glad in it. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, piece, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. May I have love for God and my neighbor today; may I have joy in all circumstances; may I be at peace with God and men; may I have patients in every situation and with all persons; may I be kind to everyone; may I do good to everyone, loving righteousness and hating evil; may I be faithful to the Father God and my Lord Jesus Christ by preaching his Word and revealing Jesus Christ to the world around me; and may I have self-control regarding temptation and not give in to the flesh, the world or Satan. We have a wellness member named Delwyn who gets amped up on Wednesday morning and is a motivation for all the wellness members and rehab patients. On Wednesdays he says, “Mike, Mike, Mike: What day is it? It’s hump day!” I had a t-shirt made with his face on it with the words “Hump day” written across the top and on the back. “Come on Y’all,” another saying of his. I hope that this brightens his day and makes him feel loved.
Thursday:
I began this day by reading Judges 12 – 15; the beginning story of the Nazarite Samson. Then I recited John 5. Yesterday evening, I rode a stationary bike for 22 minutes and an elliptical trainer for 23 minutes. After coming home, I had contention with my daughter Bethany. I wanted to wash my gym clothes, but she had already started the washer with her’s; therefore, I asked her to be vigilant about moving her clothing from the washer to dryer and out. Once her clothes were done they had not been moved; therefore, I started to move them to the dryer. When she saw this, she took over and moved them. Then I put my clothes in the washer and asked her to be vigilant about removing her clothes from the dryer. When the washer was on spin cycle and the dryer was on the last few minutes I asked her to remove her clothes. I became inpatient and repeatedly asked that they be removed. When she was in process I became pushy, trying to hurry her along. Then she became argumentative and I did not want to hear her arguments, so I said “No.” When she continued to argue I repeated saying “No” over her argument. This led to her loosing her temper. Yelling at me and slamming the laundry room door. I opened the door feeling angry. I pointed my finger at her and said, “That is unacceptable.” I will not allow you to talk to me that way. Then I gave her an ultimatum. “Either apologize or you have until March 1stto move out.” Her having a fit and slamming doors in our home is unacceptable but this would not have occurred if I had not been rushing her and nagging her to put away her clothes. My sin is inpatients. I am inpatient with Bethany, yet scripture says that love is patient. Bethany has a quick temper and I was that way before coming to the Lord. Truth be told, I was a very angry person; therefore, I understand her loosing her temper with my nagging and refusal to listen to her argument. I will ask for her forgiveness for my nagging her, refusal to listen to her argument, and for my hastiness in making an ultimatum. May the Lord give me strength to do what is right.
Friday:
My typical time to depart the house for work is 7:00am. I like to spend the first hour of the day doing 4 disciplines: 1) prayer, 2) reading God’s word, 3) reciting God’s word, 4) and writing an entry into this journal. For my daily reading, I am following a 364-day Bible reading plan. I have extracted John’s gospel out of that plan; thereby, reducing the plan to 354 days. I have been reciting 1 chapter or more from John’s gospel account a day. Some chapters are longer than others; chapter 6 is almost 3 times longer than chapter 17. I have decided to follow a 30-day plan for reciting John’s gospel rather than a chapter a day; this way, the portions are nearly equal in quantity. I have decided to do this because the time I have on most week days is limited. I arise at 4:45am and sit down in my study at 5:00am. I pray, read Scripture, recite, and lastly write in this journal. I must be out of my study by 6:00am to shower and eat breakfast before departing the house at 7:00am. I have felt pinched for time and want to have adequate time for all of these; therefore, I have decided to divide my daily recitation of John’s gospel into 30 equal portions rather than the traditional chapters. I have been reading Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”[2]This passage sums up the content of Judges and not only Judges but the actions of man since creation. What is sin? 1 John 3:4 says that sin is lawlessness. Lawlessness is everyone deciding for themselves good and evil; however, there is but one lawgiver and judge.[3]There is one God, the Father, who created all things; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are created.[4]On the day of judgment, all will be held accountable. Christ sacrificed himself so that God may be just and justify wicked men.[5]
Saturday:
The message that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life does not fit with the Bible. I just completed reading Judges 19 – 21: the story of a certain Levite, his concubine (wife), the city of Gibeah, the tribe of Benjamin and Israel. It is a story of rape, the grotesque hacking of a dead human body and parts sent throughout Israel; the destruction of an entire tribe less 600; the destruction of a city who refused to take part in the act; and the taking of their young daughters as wives for 400 of these men; and the kidnapping of another 200 girls from another city. The world that we live in can be a very horrible place and many horrors have occurred since the fall of man. I recently looked at a method of evangelizing that is promoted by the Southern Baptist Conventions North American missions board: The 3 circles life conversion guide. The method uses 3 circles that the evangelist draws on a piece of paper for the person that they are talking too. First, the person must be in a place of “Worldly” brokenness. The 3 circles are God’s design, brokenness, and gospel. Then the evangelist draws an arrow away from God’s design to brokenness and writes the word “Sin” above the arrow, explaining that sin is the cause of brokenness. Then the evangelist says that people try many things to get out of brokenness. Then the evangelist presents the gospel in easily understandable terms. Then the evangelist draws an arrow from sin to Gospel and writes the words “Repent & Believe.” Then the evangelist draws an arrow from Gospel back to God’s design and writes the words “Recover & Pursue. I would say that the method has two big problems. First, the method is implying that if you repent and believe you can have the wonderful life that God originally designed here and now. This is not true in the here and now but only in the world to come. We remain in a broken and fallen world and following Christ does not change that: bad things happen, we are tempted every day and believers are persecuted all around the world. I believe that the church needs to repent from giving people false hope. The apostle paul wrote: “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.”[6]Isn’t this what the church is doing by either out right telling people that God has a wonderful plan for their life or implying such. Second, this method is designed for someone in brokenness but what about the rich man? The biblical message is this: It is appointed for a person to die once and after this comes judgement;[7]you will give an account of your life before almighty God on the day of judgment.[8]God’s standard is moral perfection,[9]but you have violated his law.[10]Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and what you must do is repent and believe. God can justly forgive your sin and grant you eternal life; however, if you refuse the free gift of God you will go away into eternal punishment for your crimes committed against almighty God. The gospel message is an offer of pardon for a guilty criminal before eternally being thrown into prison.[11]The offer is eternal life in the new heaven and new earth with the very Son of God, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins and was buried and rose again on the third day.[12]
Sunday, January 19, 2020
The Week of January 12th, 2020 – January 18th, 2020
Sunday:
I arose at 5:15am and began the day by reading Deuteronomy, chapters 32 – 34; the song of Moses, the conclusion of his sermon to Israel, and his death and burial in Moab. The concluding statement of Deuteronomy: “Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.”[1]I am reminded that Jesus said to the Jews, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.”[2]The Jews accuse Jesus of having a demon for they understood that Abraham and all of the prophets died but Jesus claims that if anyone keeps his word he will never see death. The conversation leads up to Jesus saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”[3]Jesus is better than Abraham, better than Moses, better than all of the prophets and better than the angels; he is the Son of God and all are to worship Jesus.[4]After reading from Deuteronomy, I recited John, chapter 12; the triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey’s colt. At Sylvania Church Shane taught on Acts 17 and Phillip Dancy preached: “The Sabbath” from Luke 14:1 – 6. Main idea: the rest, the Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Today, I completed Spanish – Beginner I – Course 2 – Lesson 5: Me gusta la comida mexicana. Part 1.
Monday:
Yesterday afternoon, Darlene and I watch the professional football game between Kansas City and Houston. We watched because it was a playoff game leading up to the super bowl and one of our local boy’s was in the game. Darlene teaches at Whitehouse High School and our children graduated from this school, so since one of the students was in the game we thought that we should watch. I enjoyed the game; however, I do not want to make a habit of watching television during the afternoon. This morning, I arose at 5:00am and began the day by reading Joshua, chapters 1 – 4; the main idea is to trust in the Lord and do not fear, for the Lord goes ahead of you. We should not apply this to ourselves because we are not Israel entering the promised land; however, we should trust the Lord and not fear regarding his promises to us as a covenant people in Christ Jesus our Lord. After this I recited John, chapter 13.
Tuesday:
We are now two weeks into the new year and beginning a third. Yesterday, I worked in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 4:45pm. I watched a short movie on the computer, called: “Crazy Bible,” by Ray Comfort. In this video Ray states that the key to understanding the Bible is the power of the gospel. I have stepped away from the way of the master which is where I began evangelism; in fact, I have stepped away from purposely evangelizing. I am a reluctant evangelist because I do not like confrontation; however, it is the Lord’s command to go make disciples, to baptize them and teach them. This morning, I arose at 5:00am and read Joshua 5 – 7 and recited John 14 – 15. I had to re-read Joshua 5 and 6 because I was distracted the first time through; therefore, I did not at first understand what was going in chapter 7 regarding the band. The people were to destroy everything in the city, the metals could not be destroyed but they were not to keep them for themselves, they were to go into the Lord’s treasury. One man did keep them for himself and all of Israel suffered as a result. This man and his family were stoned for disobedience regarding the Lord’s command. Several times in John 14 – 15, Jesus says that if a person loves him, they will keep his commands/word. I have the day off from work today. I have been nursing an injured right foot. I do not want my fitness to degrade but know that I need to not run and allow the injury to heal; therefore, I am going to go to the gym and try a machine that does not involve pounding of the feet.
Wednesday:
This morning I arose at 5:00am and read Joshua 8 – 10 and recited John 16 – 17. Yesterday, I exercised on an elliptical trainer for 32 minutes at a moderate effort. This did not cause any pain to my foot injury; therefore, I shall use the elliptical trainer or perhaps a stationary bike for 30 – 60 minutes 5 days this week rather than running. I hope by the end of the week that the heel pain is gone, and I can resume running because running outdoors is what I truly enjoy. It is important that I allow this injury to heel but I can maintain fitness by using these aerobic exercise machines. Yesterday, I said that I am a reluctant evangelist; however, I confess that for the past 2 years I have allowed personal evangelism efforts to go by the wayside. I blamed this on the time restraints of a full-time job and pursuing a master’s degree, but I graduated in May of 2019. Several years ago, a television show (The way of the master) and a book (Hell’s best kept secret by Ray Comfort) inspired me to share the gospel with my neighbor. Yesterday, I read an article by Steven J. Cole written in 2010. The article was on Romans 3:19-20, why God gave the law. Then I picked up Ray Comforts book, (Hell’s best kept secret) from my book shelf and began reading it. May the Lord use this book as he did in the past. May I preach the law to convict the unconverted sinner and preach the gospel to the convicted sinner. May the Christian understand that I consider all sinners, but the converted are justified by the grace of God through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.[5]
Thursday:
Yesterday, I worked in cardiac rehab from 7:30am – 4:45pm. I believe in taking what God has given and making the most of it; this is what cardiac rehab is about. Don’t just sit on the couch but live abundantly. For some reason Americans believe that the abundant life involves consumption but living abundantly is to live as best as possible with the body and mind that the Lord has given. Sometimes I see people recover to a high level after a major heart surgery and yesterday was such a day. There was a woman who at the beginning of her rehab desired death rather than to continue with her broken body. Yesterday, this woman graduated from cardiac rehab full of life. She had taken what God had given her and made the most of it. This morning, I arose at 4:45am and read Joshua, chapters 11 – 14. Then I recited John, chapter 19. I arose 15 minutes earlier than the day before because yesterday I felt rushed for time. Daily, I want to read a portion of God’s word, recite a chapter from John’s account of our Lord, pray to the Father God, and spend time writing in this journal. I really need an hour to do that and it takes about 15 minutes from rising to sitting down in my study, and I need to depart from my study at 6:00am. Yesterday evening, I went to the gym on my way home from work and rode a stationary bike at a moderate effort for 32 minutes. My foot was some what sore during the day, perhaps because I had to do much walking on the job. I am still hoping to begin running again next week; regardless, I will do something for 30 – 60 minutes a day, for at least 5 days a week, to maintain my cardiovascular fitness.
Friday:
Saturday:
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