Because it amuzed me when he said it, I have been pondering this statement by Dr. Braithwaite since last week. It leaves room for a lot of thought, and it also makes one wonder, "What does it mean?" I expect at least a few of you have thoughts on what it means. :) Want to share?

We [Americans] are the decadent by-product of a weakening Puritanism. - Dr. Gilbert Braithwaite

no easy roads

Since I'm in Old Testament Biblical Theology for a week, here's a clip from the intro:

If you approach the Old Testament from a historical perspective, you begin to realize that no one has had an easy walk with God. 

- Dr. Gilbert Braithwaite.

Being Searched by God

5-10. "SEARCH ME, O GOD"

"I, the Lord, search the heart" (Jeremiah 17:10).
During the early, carnal years we are afraid to face up to the sinful nature within, not fully realizing that it was dealt with in condemnation to God's full satisfaction at Calvary. When we come to see that all the old nature was taken down into the death of the Cross, and in Christ Jesus we are completely clear of its penalty and power, then it is that we begin to welcome the work of the Cross upon all that of which the Holy Spirit convicts us.
"The natural man cannot bear the thought of being searched by God; he cannot stand to think of being found out in his true condition and character. But to the truly hungry believer it is a positive comfort to be assured that God knows everything about us; He knows the very worst that can be discovered. He has searched out all that we are, and in spite of all He has thoughts of blessing concerning us. There is, therefore, no fear of anything coming to light that might cause Him to change or reverse His thought of blessing and acceptance." -C.A.C.
"Our acceptance with God in Christ is perfect, and therefore unimprovable. It never alters; never varies. And it is very important for us not to mix the acceptance itself with our enjoyment of it. Our acceptance is 'in Christ,' and therefore eternal; the enjoyment is 'by the Spirit,' and therefore (because of the working of the flesh) often hindered." -J.B.S.
"The sense of His goodness removes the guile of heart that seeks to conceal its sin." -J.N.D.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Laptops vs. Learning

Here's an interesting discussion, and I mention it partly because it's valid and partly because I like the blog overall.
These things are worth thinking through, especially in light of our tendency to do lesser things with our lives. :) Hmm... starting to feel a twinge of guilt ...

Have you found favor in the sight of God? (2)

Well, if you haven't read the prior post, you should probably skip to the next post down for a bit; otherwise, this may not make much sense. As I was pondering more on the idea that the people of God must know that their leader knows God and has His favor, I clarified some thinking in my mind and decided to blog that as well.
The man of God does not set out to demonstrate how well he knows God. Rather, it is God that demonstrates to the people how well the chosen leader knows Him.

Joshua 3:7
The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Joshua 4:14
On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.

God will make His man an example as He sees fit and when he sees fit. Our task is to be the man of God in private that He might exalt us if that is His plan.