”Poor in spirit”

"It means a complete absence of pride, a complete absence of self-assurance and self-reliance. It means a consciousness that we are nothing in the presence of God. It is nothing, then, that we can produce; it is nothing that we can do in ourselves. It is just this tremendous awareness of our utter nothingness as we come to face to face with God. That is to be poor in spirit." D. M. Lloyd-Jones

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

Housing for Catholic priests

A prefectural treasure, in the past this was the Matsumoto housing for Catholic priests. In the back is one of the oldest schools in Japan- Kaichi School. Not related to the house. August 20, after we viewed the Matsumoto Museum, Joshua and I looked at the priests quarters for the Matsumoto area. Matsumoto is truly a city of history. But it was the time that I had with Joshua that was the best. I spy! Can you see him? He's in front of the house.

If you really want to change...

“If you really want to change… Jesus Christ must become your overmastering passion.

When you feel anxiety...

All the things I have are gifts of grace because of Christ’s love and sacrifice. They aren’t here because of my performance, but because of his generosity. Christ loved me enough to sacrifice himself for me; he will continue to give me what I need. Be consoled, Self.

When you feel pride and anger...

All the things I have are gifts of grace because of Christ’s love and sacrifice. I have never received what I deserve- and I never will. If God gave me what I deserved, I’d be dead. Be humbled, Self.

When you feel guilt...

All the things I have are gifts of grace because of Christ’s love and sacrifice. I never earned them to begin with, so I can’t un-earn them. Christ loved and loves me, even though he knew I would do this. Be confident, Self.

When you feel boredom and lethargy...

All the things I have are gifts of grace because of Christ’s love and sacrifice. The very fact I am a Christian is a miracle. Be amazed. Be in wonder, Self.”

Tim Keller

Christ, Our Life | Redeemer Sermons by Keller

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2

Camping

August 12 -14, we went camping on Lake Kizaki, about an hour from here. Lots of hard work, but lots of fun too.

Grace always runs downhill....

"Grace always runs downhill–meeting us at the bottom, not the top."Tullian Tchividjian  and “God’s office is at the end of our rope.” John Zahl

from article The Pastoral Practicality Of Law-Gospel Theology – Tullian Tchividjian Please read.

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5-7

Fireworks...

August 10th, we enjoyed a fireworks festival on the Susuki River, about 10 mins. from our home. 'Twas beautiful!

When the Gospel Comes to Life

"The gospel rightly, thoughtfully, and in biblical faithfulness expounded, will not only win sinners to Christ but it will also shape the lives of Christians to greater conformity to Jesus." from Desiring God

Listen to Don Carson in  When the Gospel Comes to Life

'So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."' Romans 1:15-17

“Whereas in religion we repent as little as possible, the more we feel accepted and live in the gospel, the more and more often we will be repenting. Although there is some bitterness in any repentance, in the gospel there is ultimately a sweetness. This creates a thoroughly new dynamic for personal growth [italics mine]. The more we see our own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to us. On the other hand, the more aware we are of God’s grace and our acceptance in Christ, the more able we are to drop our denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions of our sin.” 

Timothy Keller