Author Archives: reveds

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About reveds

Occupation: Pastor, Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Lennox, SD Education: BS - Christian Education, Sterling College; MDiv. - Princeton Theological Seminary Family: Married, with Four children. Hobbies: Running (will someday run a marathon), Sci-Fi (especially Doctor Who and Sherlock), Theater, and anything else my kids will let me do.

I Belong to God…

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Q. 1. What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

A. That I belong–body and soul, in life and in death–not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Q. 2. How many things must you know that you may live and die in the blessedness of this comfort?

A. Three. First, the greatness of my sin and wretchedness. Second, how I am freed from all my sins and their wretched consequences. Third, what gratitude I owe to God for such redemption.

 

“It’s not about you.”  This is one of the most powerful statements made in Rick Warren’s best seller, “The Purpose Driven Life.”  It is a humbling reminder that my life is not about me, not about what I can get, but rather who God is and how I can live for Him in praise and adoration.

Rick Warren wasn’t the first to come up with this idea.  In fact, we see it here in the catechism – I belong, body and soul, not to myself but to my faithful savior, Jesus Christ.  I am God’s.  He has paid for my life, through His sacrifice He has made atonement for my sins, He has ransomed me from death, and He continues to protect and preserve me according to His great plan for my life.  This is a tremendous comfort and hope.

In order for this truth to really sink in, though, there are three things I must accept: that I am a sinner in need of salvation, that I have been saved by grace by faith in Jesus Christ, and that I owe God a life of gratitude and praise.  It’s not about me.  It’s all about God and what He has done.  I only hope I can, in some way, adequately express my thanks.

 

Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, I thank you that I am not on my own in life, that I am not my own master, but that I belong to you.  When I was dead in my sinfulness, you purchased me with the blood of Christ, you have set me free for eternal life, and you have given me your promised Holy Spirit that I might grow in the likeness of your Son.

Oh, that I may meditate on your goodness and in my heart be truly thankful for all your grace and mercy all the days of my life. 

In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Bring Back Bugs Bunny

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Whatever happened to the good cartoons?  I mean, really!!  Why do they have to be informative, educational, and safe?  I survived the cartoonish violence of Yo-Samity Sam and Elmer Fudd blowing the pants off of all God’s creatures, and am relatively well adjusted in spite of it all.  I dare say I even learned a few things as well.  Such as:

1) When trying to catch a rabbit, mouse, bird, or any such varmint – never buy anything from ACME.  As neat as it looks, it simply won’t work.

2) The “duck-season, rabbit-season, duck-season” confusion tactic only works between one four year old and another.  (I’ve tried it on my kids, and they don’t get it – philistines).

3) The French stink, but their good with the women.  (ala Pepe Le Pew)

4) Given the right amount of postage, you can ship yourself anywhere in the world and get there within seconds.

5) Never, I repeat, Never, take that shortcut in Albuquerque!

6) Sticking your finger in the barrel of a shotgun when fired will cause the gun to backfire, and therefore ensure your complete safety.  (I’ve not tested this one – yet).

7) Dressing in women’s clothing might get you out of one mess, but it will only cause more problems down the road.

8) Pounding your fork and spoon on the table, yelling “Where’s my hossenpheffer?” will get an immediate response from your wife (although perhaps not the one you would like).

Instead, today we watched “Caillou,” which is apparently a show designed to teach our children that given enough whining and crying your parents will give you anything.  I’d rather listen to a dripping faucet.  Shows like this will keep Ambien from ever being profitable.

Perhaps the show did reach its intended goal.  My two year old asked to turn off the TV so we could go outside and play.  I guess that tells you what he thought of it.  But I guarantee had the “Bugs and Tweety” show been on… ah, paradise!