About Zachary Schmoll

Zak Schmoll just graduated from the University of Vermont with a double major in Accounting and Statistics. On July 23, 2012, he went on a mission to write about one chapter of the Bible every day from start to finish. You can follow his progress at A Chapter Per Day.

Wanting the Real God

Posted on August 23, 2013 Written by Zachary Schmoll 4 Comments

I don’t know about you, but when I want something, I don’t want a cheap imitation. If I order a Coca-Cola Classic, I would be somewhat disappointed to be given a random, private-label, store-brand generic cola. Authenticity matters. However, it doesn’t just matter in soda. It also matters when we are talking about God.

Worship in the midst of trials

Our honesty about where we are and what concerns us is an act of worship of the highest value to God. It may not be pretty, it may be really raw or rough around the edges, but God s for his children to seek Him in the hard times.

Let’s not overstate the case – Another cliche to avoid

It is important to think about what we say to a world that needs Jesus. Some of our cliches are not helpful. In this post I consider one and explain why I think this cliche should be avoided.

On rationalization of sin

Perhaps the story of Achan in the bo of Joshua makes us uncomfortable because we in this sin. It is only by grace that we do not end up under a heap of stones.

The Primary Purpose of Man

But the good news is that Jesus came to restore the relationship. And with the restoration of the relationship comes renewed purpose in life. For those who are in Christ, their primary purpose (even though we often forget it) is to bring glory to God, which was man’s purpose in the first place.

Giving to the Poor

Jesus is not saying that we should not give to the poor if our hearts are not exactly right, but we should be aware that our motives may be less than ideal when we do it.

There is a way that seems right to a man

These verses should also inform us that because of our inclination to go wrong, a healthy dose of self-doubt regarding our ability to understand and apply the Bible is advisable. Our first parents displayed the ability to distort what God said and if we are honest, we will admit that we this with them. It is our nature to hear what we want to hear and avoid the rest.