Background Music by Elysia

How many of us have the same attitude towards reading the Bible as the Psalmist in 119:162? "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure." When Jesus was tempted by the Devil to turn stones into bread, He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Mt.4:4 The Scripture was what sustained Jesus Christ--our perfect, divine Savior needed God's word. How much more do we need to search and seek out all that God is saying in His holy word. Or is God's word just background music to us.

Some of us LOVE to hear preachers....I know I love to go to church and listen to great sermons that actually teach God's word. I love to listen to John Piper and J. Vernon McGee along with Jon Courson on the internet. I also love prophecy. When someone speaks a word of knowledge or encouragement or shares a vision, I am so greatly encouraged and edified. But are we actually LIVING what we hear? Are we building our lives on a solid rock by not only hearing Jesus' words, but obeying them. Last week, I read such a striking description of this in Ezekiel 33:30-33:

"As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

"When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them."


Do we treat the Word just like lovely music that is pleasant to listen to but never put into practice? How about prophecy? Do we despise prophecies? (1 Thes. 5:19)

Let's seek out the treasure of God's word and by God's grace, LIVE IT.

Cold But Green Summer

Studying

Some of you have been wondering what we have been up to since moving to Minnesota in June 2009. Well, God has given us the opportunity to stay with Ethan's parents while he continues his education. The goal is to receive a master's degree at some point. Ethan is currently enrolled at a small seminary here in Fergus Falls. He is in the world of Greek right now as he takes a refresher course required to take further classes this fall. He took Greek 15 years ago when he was at the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry, but it has been such a long while that this course has been a great start again to thorough biblical study. Our friend Larry Krum really drilled the importance of that in expository preaching, so we are grateful for his zeal reminding us of this importance.

The kids are enrolled in school beginning August 31. I am glad for their sake as they are bored right now. It has been a difficult transition for them having moved again. They are growing a lot and it is hard to believe Gretchen will be in 3rd grade this fall!

Keep in touch!