After Sunday's message i had this song on my mind...

As you listen to the 2nd verse, you may be asking "what is an Ebenezer?" After Israel had been defeated twice - losing some 34,000 soldiers AND the Ark of the Covenant - they repented of their "idol worship," humbled themselves and asked Samuel to pray for God to give them the victory. After God gave them the victory over the Philistines and they were able to take the Ark of the Covenant back.

1 Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer: for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.”

Ebenezer simply means "stone of help." It was something to remind the Israelites that their help is from God.

Our help is from God, too! We raise an Ebenezer when we sing of His great love, journal about what He has done, or any number of other ways that we remind ourselves and those around us of God's help and provision.

https://vimeo.com/43506400#at=0

Jesus is greater

@JohnPiper: Jesus is greater than I have ever portrayed him to be.

Mighty work of God

@JohnPiper: For me becoming an atheist would be a non-act. Effortless as falling off a cliff. But to stay a Christian, a mighty work of God.

Margaret Thatcher

@ralphreed: "If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman." - Lady Margaret Thatcher

Good Friday 2013

Today is Good Friday.  This is the day that Jesus' trial began which ultimately led to His death, burial and resurrection.  It really is a big deal when you stop to think about it.  Too often I think we take this event for granted.  Really?!

There has never been another event in the course of history that has meant so much and done so much.  Think about it...

It is the dividing line of our calendar.  Every time we write the date, it says 2013 years after our Lord.  Even those who want to minimize the work of and reality of Jesus mark this historical event every day.

There is also the reality that no name in history has brought more discussion.  Think about it...at little league ball games, at football games, at graduations ALL over the country they are having prayers but are not allowed to end the prayer "in Jesus name."  There is power in that name and the enemy wants to limit the use of that name.

It is also that name by which souls are saved, demons are cast out, lives are released from the power and bondage of sin.

It REALLY IS a big deal.  Don't take this event for granted.  Think about it...let it simmer in your mind today - each day.  It has real power for you.  For me. If we let it...if we let HIM.

Being self sufficient

@JohnPiper: If you are sufficient for your task, it's too small.

Depravity

@desiringgod: "Knowing our depravity deepens our humility which sweetens and strengthens all significant relationships."