wonderful musts

"Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God. But my first conviction was not so." - Jonathan Edwards

"For God, praise is the sweet echo of his own excellence in the hearts of his people. For us, praise is the summit of satisfaction that comes from living in fellowship with God." - John Piper

For all who periodically check this blog for ministry updates, I apologize that many of the recent posts have been distinctly theological. I hope that it does not discourage your reading. To be theologically correct, internally consistent, and completely honest, my first reason for writing is to glorify God--to declare His excellence. That He is "fairer than ten thousand" all multiplied together (as the updated edition of Song of Solomon would enumerate). I also love to write. If I did not love to write I would probably spend my time praying that you would pray, rather than writing reminders. I believe that God hears our prayers and that we and others are changed by His work in and through them. Please pray continually for Bremerton, for the large Frederick family, for the Coffee Oasis family.... It is for illustrative power that the scripture calls Satan a roaring lion. A friend of mine just visited the zoo and said that though he missed the lions roar the mere rumbling of his powerful breath was enough to stall the heart. There are many who live terrified and totally bound by their stalking enemy. Please pray for their release. Pray that they will become freed by the love of the Lion of Judah, greater than all other lions, with flaring nostrils and flaming hair. Listen to this: "Without faith it is impossible to please God. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he is the rewarder of those that seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). We "MUST believe that He...rewards those that seek him." The Christian life cannot survive without an expectation of wonderful reward. Jesus IS coming for those that long for his appearing--like a bridegroom rewarded by a kiss on the long-awaited wedding day. There WILL be a day when we sit by waters more sparkling than any wedding band and more fresh than summers first dew, in a city lighted by the radiance of the all-revealed God. We MUST believe it or else we are not Christians. Set your hearts on him and pray for others to feel share these wonderful "musts."