I am the husband of one and the homeschooling father of five. I am a singer, songwriter, and a worship leader who plays guitar and piano. I am the Executive Director of Trinity Arts Center, a small Christian Arts Academy in Eastern Tennessee. I'm also a guitar teacher and -- I spend about half my time building web sites and helping companies organize their thoughts, fine tune their products, and turn their customers into company evangelists. I've been involved with four music projects in my life -- Hot Pink Turtle, Spin Radio, Stand Like Stone, and of course, Jamin Rathbun. I'm also training to be an Ultimate Fighter (that's not true). = )
bible
Romans 9:15-18
I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh -- "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
The entire chapter gives you a lot to think about... Take a peek when you have time.
I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh -- "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
The entire chapter gives you a lot to think about... Take a peek when you have time.
My initial reaction, I'm sure like some of yours, is "That doesn't sound fair." How can a loving God choose to use some "vessels" for "common" purposes, or even harden the hearts of some not to receive Him? Then I start to sort through other passages like:
Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Philippians 2:12-13
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Philippians 2:12-13
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
That last one that brings a mixture of comfort and fear at the same time. = )
I know I've listed this one before but... It just seems like the right one to finish with.
Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion. Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Have mercy on me O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion. Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
God is good. Trust Him.
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