Random Musings

This is an excerpt from Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 Chapter 30: Closing the Circle It would seem, after having been a Christian for almost eighty years, that I would no longer do ugly things that need forgiving. Yet I am constantly doing things to others that cause me to have to go back and ask their forgiveness. Sometimes these are things I actually do - other times they are simply attitudes I let creep in which break the circle of God's perfect love. I first learned the secret of closing the circle from my nephew, Peter van Woerden, who was spending the weekend with me in our little apartment in Baarn, Holland. "Do you remember that boy, Jan, that we prayed for?" Peter asked. I well remember Jan. We had prayed for him many times. He had a horrible demon of darkness in his life and although we had fasted and prayed and cast out the dem...

I just found this post in my drafts folder this morning. Apparently, I never published it. It's interesting to me that I came across it just a few days after posting about accountability. I'm not certain where these questions originated, but where possible, the credit was given. This post was saved about this time last year as I began my journey toward ordination in the Free Methodist Church, so I'm pretty sure they are from the resources I was given then. CAUTION: These questions are tough! They are good ways to measure where we are spiritually, but you will probably feel a bit of a sting once you're done reading them (I know I did!) ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS John Wesley's Small Group Questions: 1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? 3. Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence? 4. Am I a sl...

There has been a verse rolling around in my head for several weeks. II Chronicles 7:14 - "[if] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land". That's quite a promise. Today, I read that scripture in context. That text is God's answer to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple. Solomon cried out to God and put many scenarios before Him. Solomon reminded God of the promise to his Father, David, that their line would be blessed and would sit on the throne of Israel. He asked God to keep His promise. Solomon presented the house which he had built for the Lord and asked God to live there, to remain there, and turn His eyes and ear towards the people and their prayers in that place. He asked specific things of the Lord. "Listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward th...