Pain Over the Holidays?

By: Jim Umlauf

When joyful or tragic things occur, it changes the way we view holidays. But when it’s the latter, the pain it produces can linger over many years, even a lifetime.

Here’s a thing to remember: though Christmas and Thanksgiving may be different—even radically different—from our perspective, in heaven, everything remains the same.

If you’re hurting right about now, or treading water, or barely hanging on, or lonely, or aching, know that God is unchanging. Grace is forever. Christ is still reigning. And God has NOT turned his attention away from you. He knows you intimately, understands what you’re feeling, receives you in Jesus, loves you with an infinite love, and has supplied his own Spirit in your heart.

Should the holidays heighten or ignite some embedded pain, you can bank on the unchanging God who loves you. That’s a promise.

A Fight to Proclaim

By: Will Savell

Although we’re always going to be dealing with elements of the old self, the reality of the new should overshadow. And this reality should become the greater reality.

Sinclair Ferguson writes:

While we continue to be influenced by our past life "in the flesh," it is no longer the dominating influence in our present existence. We are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit. Christ’s past (if we may so speak) is now dominant. Our past is a past "in Adam"; our present existence is "in Christ," in the Spirit. This implies not only that we have fellowship with him in the communion of the Spirit, but that in him our past guilt is dealt with, and our bondage to sin, the law, and death has been brought to an end.

This new life is one that is now identified with Christ and directly opposes sin and the Devil. It’s one that shares in every spiritual blessing in order to fight the Devil.

So that is what we do.

Knowing that Satan and his forces will be bombarding us with old life temptations, we fight!

And we fight in order to live life as a picture of the Gospel…for the glory of God.

Perhaps that comes through rightly functioning in the certain relationships that point toward the gospel, like our relationship with our spouse and the ones with our children and the ones with our employers.

For the apostle Paul, he fought so that, as he wrote, “words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…”

For us, it’s the same thing. When it all boils down to it, we fight in order to proclaim and display the Gospel.

May we do that well.

Isaiah 53:6 and the Reason for a Happy Melody

By: Johnny Coggin

If you've been in a worship service at Grace Evan over the last 5 weeks, you know that we've begun singing Scripture Songs together. These are all-new songs written and recorded by a team of musicians at Grace Evan, with word-for-word Bible verses as the lyrics. (You can hear the first batch of 10 songs at http://graceevan.org/scripturesongs, and even download them for free.)

This Sunday and next (Nov 7 & 14), we'll sing Isaiah 53:6 together (check it out at the link above). It's a happy, upbeat, celebratory tune, although the Bible verse is found in a sobering prophecy of the sufferings to be endured by the Messiah, who had not yet come in Isaiah's day.

So why sing a celebratory song for a passage with such a heavy theme? In this video, our own Jim Umlauf explains why we do so.

And while we're at it, why not take his challenge to read Isaiah 53 in its entirety to prepare your heart for Sunday morning worship?

John MacArthur & Joel Osteen

By: Johnny Coggin

You may already have an opinion of Joel Osteen, the pastor of the largest "church" in the U.S., but whether that opinion is a high one or a low one, you should watch and hear John MacArthur's confrontation of Osteen's teachings.

This is a prime example of how to call out dangerous, unbiblical teachings (and teachers) of our day, though it may not be considered "nice" or politically correct to do so. Eternal matters of life or death call for clearly-spoken truth, and MacArthur lovingly gives us just that.

How Should We Feel About the Crystal Cathedral?

By: Jim Umlauf

Robert Schuller’s ministry has been famous for many years, and he’s got a plethora of quotes available online. Here’s one:

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”

Nothing wrong with that. In fact, along with being clever, it’s true when held up to the Scriptures. Here’s another:

“If you listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been.”

Not bad, right? It’s just good life advice. But being lulled by a couple of quips is where things can get dangerous.

"To be born again means that we must be changed from a negative to a positive self-image – from inferiority to self-esteem, from fear to love, from doubt to trust."

What in the world is that gobbledygook?! Is being born again (Jesus’ term, by the way) really about changing our outlook? Is it about self-image, or is it about God making us spiritually alive, God turning spiritual blindness into sight, God making a heart of spiritual stone into a living thing? Is it about self-esteem or is it about being called, regenerated, justified, sanctified, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, restored, united with Christ, and a part of God’s worshiping people forever?

How about this spurious quote:

"The classical error of historical Christianity is that we have never started with the value of the person. Rather, we have started from the 'unworthiness of the sinner,' and that starting point has set the stage for the glorification of human shame in Christian theology."

That’s a snarled theological mess, and shows that Schuller has no grasp on the overall message of the Bible or the trajectory of grace. Yes, we are created in God’s image. But sin violently marred that image. To deny the unworthiness of the sinner is to spit at the foot of the cross. God addressed human shame by punishing his own Son as a substitute, thus restoring our fellowship and relieving our consciences. For Robert Schuller to be on record with such ideas (and there are many, many more like it) puts everything he ever said into question. True believers of the Bible and the Lord Jesus should strenuously separate themselves from anything spilling out of the Crystal Cathedral.

But how should we feel about the financial woes of that ministry? Mixed emotions, I think. It’s ironic that a you-can-do-it, believe-it-and-it-will-come-to-pass theological system is caving in. Frankly, I’m thrilled about that because it shows what a cruel and empty theology it is. But the world lumps Christians together, so we can grieve over not only the muddying of the gospel, but the sullying of the name of Christ.

I believe what we should be praying for is redemption: of the ministry of the Crystal Cathedral itself, of the people who have been led astray, and of the message of the gospel as the world looks on.

A Tenacious Grace

By: Will Savell

If you have ever taken the time to read through the book of Judges, we see a sad picture of God’s people going from a bad place to an even worse place (just read the last 5 chapters, if you have the stomach for it). God’s own people were known for doing what was “right in [their] own eyes.” Unfortunately, can’t we apply that statement – the root sin - to each of our own lives?

Dale Ralph Davis finishes his commentary of Judges with this hopeful statement, which is just as applicable to each of us as God’s people:

"So the book of Judges ends with a miracle. How after chapters 19-21, indeed, after chapters 1-21, can you account for the fact that there is still an Israel? It can only be because Yahweh wished to dwell in the midst of his people in spite of their sin. It can only be because Yahweh’s grace is far more tenacious than his people’s depravity and insists on still holding them fast even in their sinfulness and their stupidity."

In the midst of our lives full of sin, may we never forget or quit celebrating the underserved grace of such a great Savior.

A Grave and Vital Issue

By: Jim Umlauf

From the start, there have been pressures placed upon God’s gracious provision of the gospel. Because the gospel rejects any efforts on the part of humans, or good works to repair God’s broken law, or honor in this life as valid in the next, the world must reject it. In fact, the world prefers these things, and so cannot allow them to be condemned.

Unfortunately, there are churches, movements, and even whole denominations that are striving to put gospel softener into the theological washing machine. But that’s no gospel at all, as Paul warns us in Galatians 1. Here’s what Martin Luther says about our care for the gospel as God offers it:

“The issue before us is grave and vital; it involves the death of the Son of God, who, by the will and command of the Father, became flesh, was crucified, and died for the sins of the world. If faith yields on this point, the death of the Son of God will be in vain. Then it is only a fable that Christ is the Savior of the world. Then God is a liar, for he has not lived up to his promises. Therefore our stubbornness on this issue is pious and holy; for by it we are striving to preserve the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to keep the truth of the gospel. If we lose this, we lose God, Christ, all the promises, faith, righteousness, and eternal life.”

I’d call that grave and vital, wouldn’t you? None but Jesus. Let no other trust intrude.

Americans In Need

By Johnathan Todd

• You are impoverished; you are lacking; you have great needs.

• Your impoverishment isn’t for things; your lacking doesn’t involve food choices; your great needs don’t entail opportunities.

• Your need is for faith – faith in the sovereign power of God; faith in the care of our Heavenly Father; faith in the promises of God.

This past Sunday, Gabor Gresz (from Hungary) shared in two adult classes the story of God’s sovereign power at work in Hungary over the past 20 years. As I listened to the story, I found myself connecting the current Hungarian events with the stories of the Old Testament where God moves the heart of a king and orchestrates unbelievable events to save His people. I found my faith strengthened. I found myself encouraged. I found myself hopeful.

Gabor identified these three points:

• God answers prayers.
• God does the impossible.
• God uses nobodies.

One story involves a recent opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gabor and his team have developed a curriculum used in schools all over Hungary called YTL – Youth on the Threshold of Life. This curriculum addresses social ills from a Biblical perspective and articulates the gospel of Jesus. A Presbyterian pastor altered the format of the curriculum into a video exhibition for students and eventually, the entire Presbyterian Church decided to hold these exhibitions. The Hungarian police, who arrested Gabor years back for sharing the gospel, decided to sponsor and promote the exhibitions and school officials decided to make participation in the exhibit mandatory for all students. God answers prayers – prayers for the nation of Hungary. God does the impossible – uses governmental agencies to advance the Great Commission. God uses nobodies – just like you.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

Visit their website here: http://www.advancingthekingdom.hu, and watch the video below, or by clicking here.

How Can You Know If You Truly Know God?

By: Johnny Coggin

Many of us wrestle from time to time with maintaining assurance that we are true believers in Christ. This may stem from a continually besetting sin in our lives, or from our recognition of our lack of passion for God, or any host of other reasons.

In the following video, Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham and senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in FL, answers the question, "How do we know, as believers, that we truly know God?" His answers are clear, helpful, and biblical.

There's a lot of important truth packed into these 5 minutes, but here's just one "money quote":

[In addition to the mental dimension of knowing God], there's also an emotional dimension. One thing we see in the Bible is that when someone is saved by God, they begin to love the things of God; they begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates.

So when my kids ask me, "Dad, what's a Christian?" I always answer them by saying, "A Christian is one who can say with the psalmist in Psalm 42, "As a deer pants after the waterbrooks, so my soul pants after you, O God."

If there is no panting for God, hungering for God, thirsting for God, a real love for God, then it doesn't matter if you give mental assent to what the Bible might say. If there's no inward emotional dimension of love for God, then you're not saved.

And his closing summary:

The Gospel should mold us and shape us at every point and in every way. It changes the way that we think, it changes the way that we feel, and it changes the way that we live.

Watch and listen for much more, and take time to consider for yourself: Do you truly know God?

(click here if the video doesn't appear in your email or RSS reader)

FREE Audiobook of "Forgotten God"

By: Johnny Coggin

Francis Chan is a real dude. And by that I don't mean that he exists. I mean he's a simple guy who - by grace - is radically committed to living life for the glory of God.

I recently listened to two of his audiobooks - Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, and his newest, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. I enjoyed both books, and was extremely challenged and convicted by his words. That's not to say that I necessarily agree with him on every single thing, but truly, his words can be quite jarring (in a very good way), often because he's simply saying the hard things that Jesus said - and actually believing that Jesus meant them. (Crazy, huh??)

And now, the best part - ChristianAudio is giving away Forgotten God for FREE for the month of June. Just add the download to your cart and use the coupon code JUN2010 when prompted, and it'll be free! (You must use the code to receive the download for free.) You can choose whether you want to download mp3 format, or iTunes optimized m4b format, which is great on iTunes, iPods/iPhones, etc.

While you're there, check out Crazy Love as well... it's only $4.98, and for how God might use it in your life, I promise it's worth much more!

Gulf Shores

By: Johnny Coggin

A video message from your pastor, Dr. Jimmy Young. (Click through if you don't see the video.)

(Gulf Shores from Dr. Jimmy Young on Vimeo.)

Teaching the Gospel to Your Kids

By: Johnny Coggin

You probably want your kids to "get" the gospel. You probably want to be actively teaching your kids the gospel. Even still, you may struggle with how to explain it in ways they can understand, especially at a young age. Join the club!

With that in mind, I couldn't help but share this personal testimony from one of Grace Evan's own families.

Ryan and Stephanie Braithwait are in our Grace Group. They have 3 beautiful kids, ages 3 and under, and they want their kids to know the gospel and love Jesus, just as they love him (and are loved by him!).

On her blog, Stephanie wrote:

"Sometimes I struggle with knowing how to present the Gospel to my little ones in a way that they can understand. I mean I feel like often times I'm not even able to fully understand the gospel in all it's glory, how do I show three year old how to know and love it?

Then something happens like tonight."

The way Stephanie goes on to model and explain the gospel in three-year-old terms is absolutely beautiful.

Go read the rest here, and then look for ways you can model and teach the best news of all to your kids, and to people of all ages!

Christless Christianity

By: Johnny Coggin

"What would things look like if Satan really took control of a city? Over half a century ago, Presbyterian minister Donald Grey Barnhouse offered his own scenario in his weekly sermon that was also broadcast nationwide on CBS radio. Barnhouse speculated that if Satan took over Philadelphia (the city where Barnhouse pastored), all of the bars would be closed, pornography banished, and pristine streets would be filled with tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The children would say, 'Yes, sir' and 'No ma’am,' and the churches would be full every Sunday . . . where Christ is not preached.

There is a great difference between 'being good' and the gospel. Some call it moralism. Moralism, in fact, blinds us from the gospel by giving us something of 'the real thing' ensuring that we miss out on the true gospel all together. We must remember that Christ came first not to make bad people good but to make dead people live. If we forget that, our Christianity will turn out to be Christless."

--- Michael Horton, Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church

Christ is Deeper Still

By: Johnny Coggin

If you want to read hard-hitting, convicting, glorious biblical truth (and you like it in very short bursts!), you need to check out (and subscribe to) Nashville pastor Ray Ortlund's blog, Christ is Deeper Still.

Here is this morning's shocking commentary on Galatians 3:13:

“To the Jews, this was absolute blasphemy: a cursed Messiah on a cursed cross. No wonder the cross was such a stumbling block to them! To put it in the most shocking and yet perhaps the most accurate way, the apostolic message was about a God-damned Messiah.”

Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians (Phillipsburg, 2005), page 115.

FreeGraceMusic

posted by: Johnny Coggin

If you're interested in hearing some of our more recent music (including "Unto the Lamb" from Easter), I've set up a new site for you: http://graceevan.bandcamp.com/

You can listen to songs and download them for free if you like.

You can also subscribe via RSS (at the bottom of the page) to automatically receive updates as new songs are added. (If you don't know what RSS is and how you can benefit from it, go here: http://bit.ly/cMyrrU - it's simple, really!)

You can even listen from your iPhone or iPad!

So go check out the new site, listen to the three new tracks (by Beth Bittner & Choir, Lindsay Tilson, and Jim Umlauf), and subscribe so you won't miss out on more great music as it's added!

Hope this will serve you all well... And please, let me know what you think! I'd love your feedback.

(below is a little preview of Beth & the choir from Easter Sunday! Email and RSS subscribers may have to open this article in your browser to view the preview)

Easter Music & A Word About Worship

Posted by: Johnny Coggin

Grace Family,

Your response to yesterday's music has been overwhelming. I'll just repeat the song lyric in response: "All praise unto the Lamb who sits on the throne!" That being said, many many thanks to our awesome (all volunteer) choir, orchestra, and rhythm band, who pulled off a very difficult piece. And to Beth, who sings to the Lord with passion and conviction every time. And perhaps especially to Jim Umlauf and the worship zone elders, who plan and guide our worship services so faithfully and wisely, week in and week out, always seeking to better lead us to worship together, both in spirit and in truth. I'm unworthy to serve with such men.

Now, about the recording... Here's the deal: If the recording turns out decent, we'll make it available as soon as possible. But no promises, since we never know how a LIVE recording will end up sounding (and I'd prefer not to release something not good).

In the meantime, you can legally download the (very awesome) Prestonwood arrangement of "Unto the Lamb" that we did yesterday, right from iTunes. Here's a link.

Let me add a word of encouragement to you all, mainly regarding some comments made on Facebook yesterday: If you find yourself stirred to worship God through clapping, shouting, lifting hands, standing, bowing, or kneeling (among other things), and you are stirred as a response to truth about God (who he is, and what he does/has done), you probably shouldn't hold back. These are biblically appropriate expressions of worship, and honor God. They even edify others, I believe. Now, they can be misused, yes. And our emotions can surely be stirred by music without any regard for the content being sung or the One to whom we're singing. But that doesn't mean our emotions and outward expressions should be avoided. Worship is a heart issue, first and foremost. And a genuine heart response of worship to "the Lamb who sits on the throne" can be (and perhaps should be) expressed outwardly sometimes in the congregation. On a personal note, I still struggle here. I often hold back from lifting my hands or clapping, when my heart is leaping for joy in response to a particular truth in a song. But sanctification is gradual, right? Maybe I'm getting there... and hey, maybe we're slowly getting there together.

Thanks again for all the encouragement, and let's press in to worship God even more deeply and truly this week.

Why did Jesus only have to suffer momentary separation from God for us?

By: Johnny Coggin

Here's a Good Friday thought to ponder:

Jesus suffered on the cross for only a few hours. But that suffering was sufficient to pay eternal debts for millions of people. How can that be? Said another way: If our sins are punished by eternal separation from God, why did Jesus only have to suffer momentary separation?

Watch the following video to hear the answer given by pastor John Piper.

(YouTube - Piper: Why did Jesus only have to suffer momentary separation from God?)

When You Don't Feel Like Singing

By: Johnny Coggin

Someone recently asked worship pastor Bob Kauflin this question:

So often I come in on a Sunday morning and I don’t feel like singing. How would you encourage someone in my place?

How would you answer? Here's his helpful reply:

When I don’t feel like singing it’s usually because I haven’t been thinking much about who God is and what He’s done for us in Christ. Some situation, relationship, or event seems more important to me than the fact that Jesus came into the world to save rebellious sinners and reconcile them to God, and that I’m one of them. How can I not want to sing about that!

So the first thing I’d do is confess my distraction to God. I can tell him that I haven’t been loving him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then I’d receive his full and complete forgiveness through Christ. God doesn’t hold my sin against me. Jesus bore it on the cross. Then, I’d start to think about the words I’m singing and direct my thoughts towards the greatness and goodness of God. If for some reason the lyrics aren’t helping me, I’ll start rehearsing the basic truths of the gospel and the promises of God. Before too long, my perspective changes and I feel like singing again.

I Don't Want My Kids to Be Happy

By: Johnny Coggin

If the title of this article alarms you, join the club. I was recently linked to this article written by a mom of several young children, and that was the title. And yes, it bothered me a little. I didn't say this, but something in me felt: "Why would anyone say such a thing?"

After reading her post, I know exactly what she meant, and I feel exactly the same way.

She's writing it to her 4 kids about their plans to adopt a child from Ethiopia. Here's part of her lead-in:

Recently we were told by people whom we love and respect why they oppose our plans to adopt. One of the reasons given was that we would not be able to pay for your college education.

It's true.

You all have college funds - college funds which recently took a terrible hit - but "they" say that by the time you're 18, college will cost anywhere between $200,000 to half a million dollars each. You might as well know now, we won't be covering that. I'm telling you now, babies.

Why would parents sacrifice their kids' college funds in order to adopt, you ask?

...several years I saw a story on a TV show about how the latest trend was for parents to give their daughters boob jobs for high school graduation (I don't know what they gave their sons). When interviewing one of the moms, she said, "I just want my daughter to be happy." And as I tossed a throw pillow at the television, this really huge thought occurred to me: I don't want my children to be happy.

Now you're thinking she has lost it, right? Understandable. But read the rest of the story. Then try telling me this young mother isn't parenting with a biblical worldview, a heart for Jesus, and deep love for her kids.

The world thinks she is doing it all wrong. So do many Christians, I'm sure.

May we at Grace Evan be so bold in our counter-culturedness, as our priorities become radically shaped by the Gospel.

Pride, Humility, and the Devil's Reach

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

It was Jonathan Edwards who once said, “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” I guess it would then be fair to deduce the corollary: nothing puts me closer to the devil’s reach as does pride.

This morning while reading Daniel 4 once again, I was stopped abruptly in my tracks by the closing line in the chapter: “…those who walk in pride He is able to humble.” Is there anyone reading this that doesn’t believe that? Then why are we ever guilty of what C. S. Lewis called “the complete anti-God state of mind”?

It occurred to me that never is there ever an occasion where pride is appropriate, while humility is welcome at all times and in all places. Can’t say that I’ve mastered this, but by His grace I’m working on it.

They Devoted Themselves

By: Johnny Coggin


Pastor Ray Ortlund, on biblical Christian devotion:

“And they devoted themselves . . .” Acts 2:42

When the early believers converted to Christ, it never occurred to them to fit him into the margins of their busy lives. They redefined themselves around a new, immovable center. He was not an optional weekend activity, along with the kids’ soccer practices. They put him and his church and his cause first in their hearts, first in their schedules, first in their budgets, first in their reputations, first in their very lives. They devoted themselves.

Unmistakable evidence that the Holy Spirit was being poured out.

May the Holy Spirit pour out such devotion among us!

The Book of Phillipians as a Sermon

By: Johnny Coggin

In a recent sermon, pastor John Piper modeled scripture memory by reciting the entire book of Philippians to his congregation. I encourage you to watch the video below (or HERE for email/RSS subscribers) and take in the Word of God in a fresh way - spoken out loud to a congregation. God sanctifies us by the truth, and his Word is truth (John 17:17).

FYI - Jan 31, One Worship Service

By: Johnny Coggin

In case you don't get GraceOnline emails or check the Grace Evan website when inclement weather threatens our Sunday worship plans:

There will be ONE Morning Worship Service at 10:55 AM on Sunday, Jan. 31st.
[No classes. No childcare.]
[Music/Tech teams will rehearse at 9:30 AM.]

The sanctuary has power & heat, but parts of the other buildings do not, which is why classes/childcare are canceled. Also, the parking lot is pretty clear.

Come worship Jesus with the whole family all together at 10:55!

New Book: Dug Down Deep

By: Johnny Coggin

With the our new online Bookstore up and running, we'll be using the Blog occasionally to let you know about great books that we think would help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

One such book has just released today, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Although I haven't read it yet, I trust and respect the author as a pastor, and have also read some great reviews of the books already.

The book is called Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Josh Harris. It's supposed to be a very personal story of discovering the importance of theology - knowing God deeply and truly from his Word. And I hear that it's very accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rooted both in real life and the Bible.

Here's a blurb about it:

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong."

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture.

Need to go deeper into the truth of God without drowning in the deep waters? Or maybe you've forgotten how truth and doctrine matter and apply in your everyday life? This sounds like a book for you.

If you want a preview, you can look at the Table of Contents and read the entire first chapter here. You can buy the book here, or go to our Bookstore to browse more great books that we love at Grace Evan. Here's a brief video promo for Dug Down Deep below as well (click here if you don't see it below).

Piper on Our Boredom with the Bible

By: Johnny Coggin

"The Bible can't be boring!... God can't be boring! Avatar is boring!"

(watch the video below or by clicking the link above)

Freedom in Restraint

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Psalm 119 has always been a favorite of mine, although it makes for a long read. So much of what is said in it goes contrary to a 21st century mindset.

For example, verses 43-45 talk of the psalmist’s love for and commitment to God’s “rules." People today hate rules. They see rules as the things that reign them in, limit their freedom, etc. For as everyone knows, if I am to be free, I must be free from all restraint.

Not according to the psalmist. In verse 45 he uses a Hebrew idiom speaking of his “walk(ing) in a wide place." What he has in mind is a place where he is free to move about, move side to side, as opposed to a narrow place where he has no options but the straight and narrow. And do you see what set him free? Rules! God’s rules!

The freest life is one lived according to rules God has given. In fact, one of the surest evidences that I belong to this God is that I have come to see the wisdom and kindness of God’s rules; that they are not given to restrict me. Just the opposite: They set me free.

Anyone knows that if I eat as much as I want of anything I want, I will soon pay a price physically. To have the joy and freedom of health, I must impose some rules on myself. For us Christians, God has done that with our great interest at heart. The freest life is the one lived saying with the psalmist, “my hope is in your rules.”