The Blessed Life by Robert Morris: Fulfilling the law.

Have you ever read something that was explained so well, you wondered how you missed it?  That is how I have feel reading this book.  Robert Morris explains the principle of tithing so well I wondered how I missed it.  Everyhing he talks about is in the Bible!   But I never connected the dots.

Morris points out that the laws in the Old Testament are principles in the New Testament.  Jesus’ crucifixion did not abolish the law; it fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17.)  Though we have grace; the principle of the laws still apply.  The righteousness of grace has set a higher standard for the principles (Matthew 5:20.)  Example: standard (law): do not kill; higher standard (grace): Jesus said if you hate you have killed.  In other words do not hate.  Standard (law): Do not commit adultery; higher standard (grace): Jesus said if you lust you have committed adultery.  In other words do not lust/desire after someone or something.  In the two examples the standard is the act and the higher standard is the thought process that leads to the act.  Most of us can say, I have not killed anyone, but can we say we have not hated anyone.  Which is the higher standard? 

If you have not read this book, you have got to do so.  Robert Morris has a knack for using scripture in the Old Testament with the related scripture in the New Testament.  I love it! 

If you have or are reading The Blessed Life by Robert Morris, make a comment.  I would love to hear what you are getting out of the book.  Even better, if you have applied the principle of tithing, tell me about it.

Tell next week,

Trena Zickefoose       

Random book selection: Blessed Life, Crazy Love, & Story

I was thinking maybe I should stick with one book at a time.  I am reading “The Blessed Life” by Robert Morris, “Story, Recapture the Mystery” by Steven James and listening to “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan.  I thought it was too much, because I’m starting to get them mixed up, but I realize they are actually complementing each other.  Here is an example: (please keep in mind, this is Zickefoose translation of these books)

In one chapter “Crazy Love” talkes about how we pray, specifically when we take a trip---protect us, keep us from harm…Chan suggested praying ---let me be a witness for you, whatever it takes.  A chapter in “Story” refers to Matthew 26:39, this is where Jesus falls on his face and says---if possible take this cup…yet Your will not Mine.  In other words…whatever it takes!  “Blessed Life” is about God sacrificing his first born to redeem us.

While in the garden, if Jesus would have prayed---protect me, keep me from harm; we would still need to be redeemed.  I can imagine posts on facebook: Woo Hoo-I get to give my first born today- I’ll post pics later.  (Or)  OMG after Zumba I have to find a replacement lamb , our first one was born with spots.  Craigslist: Tulsa, spotless lamb, serious inquires only.  Sounds gruesome, doesn’t it?  To Jesus it sounded gruesome; because it was; physically, emotionally and spiritually gruesome.  He could have called 10,000 angels, but he didn’t.   He said, Father whatever it takes.

What a difference one prayer made.  And I thought the books chosen randomly.