Here are some songs of praise from women studying Luke 1 this fall:
From Ashley Baker:
My heart believes in your true word
My Savior, My best friend
Thank you Father for salvation,
For my soul would be lost
Your grace has poured into my life
Like a stream of refreshing water on my face
Your love seeps into my veins,
Overpowering me with your faithfulness
The promises of life I wait for patiently and confidently
As the true word of your gospel spills off my lips
May your light of salvation shine into the hearts of the lost
And your promises be fufilled
As I place my hope in you alone.
from Kim Hughes:
My soul has declared in the past, and will keep on declaring, that the You are great, Lord.
My spirit has rejoiced in times past, and will keep on choosing to rejoice in You, Jesus, my Savior and God.
Please grace me to do so, I pray.
I am Your bondslave. You can do what You so choose with me for Your purposes. Somehow You have chosen to look at me and care for me and my life. I am blessed and my children are blessed too. Salvation had been granted our household and I pray that one day Reagan will walk in the blessing of salvation herself and her children’s children will also reverence You.
Many are the awesome things You have done for me. You are stronger than sin, and You have conquered death. Though life is a daily struggle and pain wants to win over my disposition and view, thus far You have brought me.
May mine be a heart that is humble in its thoughts, what a battle that is, Lord. Please help me.
It is You that has provided all that I have ever had, all I need now, and all that I will ever need. Especially in the circumstances in which I find myself now, You will provide. You are my Source.
Father, You told Eve in the garden that the Savior would come. You told Abraham the same, and now, daily, You are reminding me, that Jesus has come - and I am Yours and You are mine.
Thank You for the times I have stood before the 130 children You bring to me each day to sow the seeds of salvation, and allowed me to see the generations that will stand and bless Your name that will come one day from them. Holy is Your name.
from Noelani Ferguson:
My heart is glad with my Lord and Savior.
He has rescued my soul from the depths of murky sin and restored it with his grace.
Oh Heavenly Father, I bless your name, the name above all names.
You have never left your people, you are steadfast and faithful.
Great is the God of Israel who was and is and is to come, who knows all and sees all.
In His greatness he still gives us comfort in our doubt and weakness.
Merciful God, may I know you more and more to bless you everyday of the life you have given me.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A Quiet Time
When I was a new believer 44 years ago those who discipled me in the Lord Jesus urged me to have what they called a "quiet time" with the Lord every day. I will always be grateful to these wonderful saints many of whom were in their eighties then and still vigorous in their love for the Lord. I'm so thankful for those who insisted that time by myself with the Lord every day should be a priority in my new life in the Lord. I remember reading a little pamphlet which listed all of the places in the Bible encouraging this for the morning and since I am a morning person, I began to get up early to spend time with the Lord. Since I had no idea how this sort of thing should go, it was helpful to see how other Christians ordered their time with the Lord. So – I will tell you what I have tried to do over the years in the hope that it will be helpful to you.
1. Read the Word. It was suggested to me that if I read 4 chapters a day I would read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in a year so I began to do this and have continued it all these years. At first I simply read 4 chapters in a row – starting with Genesis 1-4 - a good place to begin. I began to keep a notebook handy to jot down something from each chapter as read. No long drawn out notes, just something that stood out. This keeps your mind from drifting off into neverland while you're reading Leviticus and the way to take care of a running sore. The second read through or so, I decided to read chapters from different sections of the Bible. For example, on January 1st (assuming I had kept to the schedule the previous year and read Revelation 22 on December 31st which I don't think has ever happened), I would read one chapter from the books of Moses, starting with Genesis 1, with intention to continue through the history of Israel ending with Nehemiah. I would then read one chapter from the poetic books starting with Job 1 and continuing through Song of Solomon. Next would be a chapter from the prophets starting with Isaiah 1 and reading through to Malachi. I would then read a chapter from the New Testament starting with Matthew 1. If I have time I add a 5th chapter and divide the New Testament reading the gospels and Acts and then a chapter from the letters. The wonderful payback of this is that I began to see themes through these disparate chapters as I read and jotted down a quick note from each. Several years ago someone put out a chronological bible and reading now and then has been helpful in seeing the sweep of God's plan in history. I still have trouble remembering which prophet went with which king but I'm working on it. Use a bible which doesn't leave out portions of Scripture because it may be repeated in another place – you don't want to rely on that sort of editing. Christy Neal is reading NIV's The One Year Chronological Bible and says it is laid out across the page in a way she finds easy to read. Gretchen Fleming has been an encouragement to all of us to read chronologically together and Jo An Smidley organizes a time to discuss together so watch the bulletin for this.
I don't like notes and commentary in my bible – it distracts me from the word. Remember if there is commentary you have to make sure it is accurate and not distortion of the word. This can be difficult if you are new to the word as well as distracting and time consuming. Make sure you are reading an actual translation of the Bible not a paraphrase.
Don't check your brain at the door when you read. The word will become its own commentary as you read. Don't forget that as you read you have the Holy Spirit looking over your shoulder (or are you looking over His?) He will guide you into all truth. Spurgeon writes, "The mind wearies of one thing and we have therefore studied variety…" This year we are reading through the King James again and the beauty of the language ministers to me so much.
2. Pray the Word. As I read the word, I find my spirit wanting to pray according to the word. I've found it helpful to write these prayer notes in the margin of my notebook and then take the time to pray through them for my family and for the needs of the day after the bible reading.
3. Memorize the Word. Pick a verse, a paragraph, a chapter and start learning it by heart. Remember John 14:20 "He that has my Word and keeps it, this is the one who loves me…" Jesus is telling us to hide God's word in our hearts.
4. Meditate on the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the Word – to remind you of it all day long. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3 (RSV)
Jill Mattox told us she likes to have a devotional commentary to read with her thru the Bible time– she mentioned Streams in the Desert. Kay Arthur's little book on the names of God is good as well. One year I read Matthew Henry's commentary on each chapter which was too much for the devotional time. I try to keep the extra reading simple – it starts to crowd out the word but it can be helpful in jump-starting your soul devotionally.
Charles H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening is wonderful and never fails to spark my flagging spirit. Let me end this with his comment on morning devotions:
"Morning exercises have ever been dear to enlightened, heaven loving souls, and it has been their rule never to see the face of man till they have first seen the face of God … The first hour of every morning should be dedicated to the Lord, whose mercy gladdens it with golden light. The eye of day openeth its lids, and in so doing opens the eyes of hosts of heaven-protected slumberers: it is fitting that those eyes should first look up to the great Father of Lights, the fount and source of all the good upon which the sunlight gleams…
Morning devotion anchors the soul so that it will not very readily drift far away from God during the day: the morning is the gate of the day, and should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day's actions are strung, and should be well knotted with devotion. If we felt more the majesty of life, we should be more careful of its mornings. He who rushes from his bed to his business and waits not to worship is as foolish as though he had not put on his clothes, or cleansed his face, and as unwise as though he dashed into battle without arms or armor."
1. Read the Word. It was suggested to me that if I read 4 chapters a day I would read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in a year so I began to do this and have continued it all these years. At first I simply read 4 chapters in a row – starting with Genesis 1-4 - a good place to begin. I began to keep a notebook handy to jot down something from each chapter as read. No long drawn out notes, just something that stood out. This keeps your mind from drifting off into neverland while you're reading Leviticus and the way to take care of a running sore. The second read through or so, I decided to read chapters from different sections of the Bible. For example, on January 1st (assuming I had kept to the schedule the previous year and read Revelation 22 on December 31st which I don't think has ever happened), I would read one chapter from the books of Moses, starting with Genesis 1, with intention to continue through the history of Israel ending with Nehemiah. I would then read one chapter from the poetic books starting with Job 1 and continuing through Song of Solomon. Next would be a chapter from the prophets starting with Isaiah 1 and reading through to Malachi. I would then read a chapter from the New Testament starting with Matthew 1. If I have time I add a 5th chapter and divide the New Testament reading the gospels and Acts and then a chapter from the letters. The wonderful payback of this is that I began to see themes through these disparate chapters as I read and jotted down a quick note from each. Several years ago someone put out a chronological bible and reading now and then has been helpful in seeing the sweep of God's plan in history. I still have trouble remembering which prophet went with which king but I'm working on it. Use a bible which doesn't leave out portions of Scripture because it may be repeated in another place – you don't want to rely on that sort of editing. Christy Neal is reading NIV's The One Year Chronological Bible and says it is laid out across the page in a way she finds easy to read. Gretchen Fleming has been an encouragement to all of us to read chronologically together and Jo An Smidley organizes a time to discuss together so watch the bulletin for this.
I don't like notes and commentary in my bible – it distracts me from the word. Remember if there is commentary you have to make sure it is accurate and not distortion of the word. This can be difficult if you are new to the word as well as distracting and time consuming. Make sure you are reading an actual translation of the Bible not a paraphrase.
Don't check your brain at the door when you read. The word will become its own commentary as you read. Don't forget that as you read you have the Holy Spirit looking over your shoulder (or are you looking over His?) He will guide you into all truth. Spurgeon writes, "The mind wearies of one thing and we have therefore studied variety…" This year we are reading through the King James again and the beauty of the language ministers to me so much.
2. Pray the Word. As I read the word, I find my spirit wanting to pray according to the word. I've found it helpful to write these prayer notes in the margin of my notebook and then take the time to pray through them for my family and for the needs of the day after the bible reading.
3. Memorize the Word. Pick a verse, a paragraph, a chapter and start learning it by heart. Remember John 14:20 "He that has my Word and keeps it, this is the one who loves me…" Jesus is telling us to hide God's word in our hearts.
4. Meditate on the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the Word – to remind you of it all day long. "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3 (RSV)
Jill Mattox told us she likes to have a devotional commentary to read with her thru the Bible time– she mentioned Streams in the Desert. Kay Arthur's little book on the names of God is good as well. One year I read Matthew Henry's commentary on each chapter which was too much for the devotional time. I try to keep the extra reading simple – it starts to crowd out the word but it can be helpful in jump-starting your soul devotionally.
Charles H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening is wonderful and never fails to spark my flagging spirit. Let me end this with his comment on morning devotions:
"Morning exercises have ever been dear to enlightened, heaven loving souls, and it has been their rule never to see the face of man till they have first seen the face of God … The first hour of every morning should be dedicated to the Lord, whose mercy gladdens it with golden light. The eye of day openeth its lids, and in so doing opens the eyes of hosts of heaven-protected slumberers: it is fitting that those eyes should first look up to the great Father of Lights, the fount and source of all the good upon which the sunlight gleams…
Morning devotion anchors the soul so that it will not very readily drift far away from God during the day: the morning is the gate of the day, and should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day's actions are strung, and should be well knotted with devotion. If we felt more the majesty of life, we should be more careful of its mornings. He who rushes from his bed to his business and waits not to worship is as foolish as though he had not put on his clothes, or cleansed his face, and as unwise as though he dashed into battle without arms or armor."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Don't lose heart!
Mike and I on our way to vote. We just read Luke 18 and received this reminder from our Lord - men ought always to pray and not lose heart! "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Two Faithful Women
These are my notes from Erik's sermon on October 19th. I may have added my own thoughts as I listened so for the most accurate understanding go to the Four Oaks website and listen to the sermon.
TWO FAITHFUL WOMEN
Luke 1:39-45 The Visitation. Traditional name given to this meeting.
Luke's Focus:
1. transition from Mary's confession of faith to Mary's song of praise
2. the importance of godly women FULL OF POWER, noble godly wives and mothers
This is not egalitarianism but complementarianism – the interdependence of man and woman under God's leadership. We must affirm this.
How does God confirm His word?
1. Through faithful obedience: Mary went with haste… moves from confession to action… walking by faith (in Mary's case literally!) and radically. Mary is the counterpart, the second Eve. She states categorically, "I am the servant of the Lord" and then backs it with her deeds.
2. In His providential care – God's provision confirms His word and will (His providential will shown from day to day)
3. By prophetic exhortation
Erik's prophetic exhortation regarding the sanctity of life: the embryo that lept is a person, Jesus at 1 week post conception is a person!
Word of God spoken and taught confirms His moral will – speaking to one another for edification
Heb. 3:13; 4:12; 10:13 The Word of God alive and active among us so use for instruction, correction, exhortation as we keep meeting together.
4. Guardianship of the Word
We keep His Word as He keeps us in the word
- in reputation - against slander and false accusations
- our physical needs – provide for one another out of God's provision for us
- our spiritual needs – use what God has given you to train others
discipleship in love. Elizabeth and Mary examples of Titus 2:3-5 The interaction of older women and young women "that the word of God not be blasphemed".
God's Design for a Process for Praise
1. Revelation from God
2. Fear – anxiety – sorrow "Sorry and worry keep both soul and spirit from celebrating the goodness of God." (Calvin)
3. Grace in discipline – the terrible face of grace
4. Faith – Submission and trust - Psa. 94:12 "…thy consolations delight my soul…"
5. Obedience – God's Grace in Action
6. Confirmation in fellowship of believers – local body
7. Provision for everything we need for life and godliness
8. Joy burst forth in
9. Worship and Praise and we glory in our Lord and Savior!
TWO FAITHFUL WOMEN
Luke 1:39-45 The Visitation. Traditional name given to this meeting.
Luke's Focus:
1. transition from Mary's confession of faith to Mary's song of praise
2. the importance of godly women FULL OF POWER, noble godly wives and mothers
This is not egalitarianism but complementarianism – the interdependence of man and woman under God's leadership. We must affirm this.
How does God confirm His word?
1. Through faithful obedience: Mary went with haste… moves from confession to action… walking by faith (in Mary's case literally!) and radically. Mary is the counterpart, the second Eve. She states categorically, "I am the servant of the Lord" and then backs it with her deeds.
2. In His providential care – God's provision confirms His word and will (His providential will shown from day to day)
3. By prophetic exhortation
Erik's prophetic exhortation regarding the sanctity of life: the embryo that lept is a person, Jesus at 1 week post conception is a person!
Word of God spoken and taught confirms His moral will – speaking to one another for edification
Heb. 3:13; 4:12; 10:13 The Word of God alive and active among us so use for instruction, correction, exhortation as we keep meeting together.
4. Guardianship of the Word
We keep His Word as He keeps us in the word
- in reputation - against slander and false accusations
- our physical needs – provide for one another out of God's provision for us
- our spiritual needs – use what God has given you to train others
discipleship in love. Elizabeth and Mary examples of Titus 2:3-5 The interaction of older women and young women "that the word of God not be blasphemed".
God's Design for a Process for Praise
1. Revelation from God
2. Fear – anxiety – sorrow "Sorry and worry keep both soul and spirit from celebrating the goodness of God." (Calvin)
3. Grace in discipline – the terrible face of grace
4. Faith – Submission and trust - Psa. 94:12 "…thy consolations delight my soul…"
5. Obedience – God's Grace in Action
6. Confirmation in fellowship of believers – local body
7. Provision for everything we need for life and godliness
8. Joy burst forth in
9. Worship and Praise and we glory in our Lord and Savior!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Lord is My Strength and My Song
I woke this morning "feeling low" as my mom would have put it. Sort of moped around for a while, feeling sorry for myself and so on. I decided to work with the Old Testament references for Mary's song in Luke 1:46-52 Jill Mattox had put together for us for the Luke study. The first passage I read is 1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's song and from there I went to Isaiah 12:2-5 quoted again in Psalm 89:17-18. "Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord is my strength and my song and he has become my salvation." What a soul lifter!
Do you need to be lifted up today? Go to God's Word and let his consolations delight your soul.
Here is the list of references:
Luke 1: 46-55; I Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 12:2-5; Psalm 34: 2,3; Habakkuk 3:18; Psalm 35: 9; Habakkuk 3:18; I Samuel 1:11; Psalm 138:6; Psalm 71:19; 126:2,3; 111:9; Genesis 17:7; Exodus 20:6; 34:6,7; Psalm 103:17; Psalm 98:1; 118:15; Isaiah 40:10; Psalm 33:10; I Samuel 2:7,8; Psalm 107:9
Isaiah 41:8; Psalm 98:3; Jeremiah 31:3; Genesis 17:19; Psalm 132:11; Genesis 17:7
Do you need to be lifted up today? Go to God's Word and let his consolations delight your soul.
Here is the list of references:
Luke 1: 46-55; I Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 12:2-5; Psalm 34: 2,3; Habakkuk 3:18; Psalm 35: 9; Habakkuk 3:18; I Samuel 1:11; Psalm 138:6; Psalm 71:19; 126:2,3; 111:9; Genesis 17:7; Exodus 20:6; 34:6,7; Psalm 103:17; Psalm 98:1; 118:15; Isaiah 40:10; Psalm 33:10; I Samuel 2:7,8; Psalm 107:9
Isaiah 41:8; Psalm 98:3; Jeremiah 31:3; Genesis 17:19; Psalm 132:11; Genesis 17:7
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Cassidy's Song
"Sing, oh Heart!
"Sing a new love song to the Lord!
Picking up my dead, lifeless body, Jesus breathed in it life and said, "You, Cassidy, look like me."
And I shamefully lowered my gaze. In my hands were my idols.
On my body were their scars. I stood condemned.
But he lifted my face and said, "Because of my great love with which I love you, you are my daughter."
And in his presence, with the intensity of his pure love and righteous, holy wrath satisfied,I rested.
For he has become my Redeemer.
Sing a new song to the Lord!
God, rich in mercy, pulled me out of the pit of sin and death.
While I was still inflicting my body with sin, he freed me.
Once without hope, I have him, perfect Hope.
Once alienated an orphaned, I have a Father.
Why? It makes no sense to me.
Because of the great love with which he loved me.
Sing, oh heart!
Sing a new love song to the Lord!
- Cassidy Summers
Monday, August 4, 2008
Songs of Summer Study
Songs of Praise and Worship
Summer Ephesians Bible Study 2008
Summer Ephesians Bible Study 2008
Carey's Song:
Praise the Lord - all my soul- who has seen me dead in my transgressions, separate from the chosen and by astounding grace has chosen me to share the heavenly place through Christ Jesus. Praise God for His peace and reconciliation that there need be no more death or enmity. The Lord has filled me with His grace and abounding love that I may have full knowledge of Him - what LOVE! I praise the Lord for His Spirit which has sealed us for heaven for Christ which has brought us near by His blood. What love He has for us!
(Carey Mitchell)
Brittney's Song:
Once far away, dead to life,
My former life was ruled by flesh
The prince of this world led me so off course
I was a child of wrath, dead to life.
But God, praise God, full of mercy and love for me
Even when I was so far away
He made me alive - He gave me Christ
Now seated with Him , I am a child of His love for me.
This precious gift of life is only through His great grace
I boast only in my Lord
I am God’s workmanship - created in Jesus for good works
God chose me to walk in His path through His great grace.
I shall never forget that I was once far from Christ
Having no hope and without God in this world
I was so far off but have been brought near
I shall never be far, oh so far, from Christ.
His peace reached my life and I am now one
Family with the saints
A household, a temple, Christ is my cornerstone
Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit - I am now home.
(Brittney Harlacher)
Shannon's Song:
My Psalm
He has made me a saint
To the Praise of His Glory
He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing
In the heavenly places
To the Praise of His Glory
He chose me before the foundation of the world to be His child
Adopting me in love
To the Praise of His Glory
He redeemed me, forgave me, and lavished His grace and love upon me,
To the Praise of His Glory
He has made me an heiress,
To the Praise of His Glory
He has sealed me with His promised Holy Spirit,
To the Praise of His Glory
He revealed Himself to me when I was just a child,
And continues to enlighten the eyes of my heart,
To the Praise of His Glory
His great power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in me
To the Praise of His Glory
Though I was dead in my sin, following the course of this world, living in the passions of my flesh, a child of wrath, separated from God,
Even then, because of His great mercy and love toward me, He made me alive together with Christ by the greatest gift of His grace
To the Praise of His Glory
I am His workmanship and He is my peace,
To the Praise of His Glory
I am a citizen in God’s holy household,
To the Praise of His glory.
I am a saint, a loved child of God,
To the Praise of His Glory!
(Shannon Pifer July 14, 2008)
Jan’s Psalm:
I will praise the Lord, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
I will thank Him with my whole heart for choosing me to be His child,
Even before the foundations of the world.
Praise you, Lord, for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, for your grace which you freely bestowed on me in my beloved Christ.
Praise you for your gift to me of salvation - by faith which you gave me. It isn’t something I could earn or work for.
Praise you, Lord, for saving me as a young girl, dead in my trespasses and sins, having no hope and separated from Christ, and without God in my world.
Praise you, Father, for always being with me and guiding me through life’s journey
For being my strength in times of weakness, for being my hope when all appeared hopeless.
Praise you for blessing me with your gift of children when I had despaired of ever being a mother.
Praise you, Lord, for showing me your goodness and for teaching me to wait on you, for giving my heart courage and strength as you work in my marriage.
Praise you, Father, that I can be anxious for nothing but instead pray to you about everything. Continue to help me to have a thankful and grateful heart.
Praise you, Lord, for showing me that you could supply all I need according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the confidence of knowing that the work you have begun in me, you will continue to perfect until the day of Christ Jesus. (Jan Wilson)
Nicole's Song:
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks for His great mercy,
For His great love with which He loves me.
He loved me even in my deadness of sin,
Even in my deadness of heart.
Who am I that God would love me?
I was a stranger to God, His Son, His Spirit
I was a stranger to His promises, His gifts, His grace.
But God, who chose me for Himself,
Brought me near
Though I was far away
Brought me peace
Though I was hostile to Him
Placed me in His household
Though I was a stranger
Made me a citizen of His kingdom
In spite of my great sin
Great are the works of the Lord
Who raised Christ from the dead
Who seated Christ at His right hand
Great are the works of the Lord
Who raised me from my deserved death
Who seated me with Christ in the heavenly places.
Praise the Lord, the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ,
who chose me before the foundation of the World.
Praise the most Holy Lord who predestined me to adoption through Jesus Christ.
Praise the Lord God who forgave me my trespasses.
Praise the Father of glory who gave me knowledge of Him and, while I was still dead in my sins, being rich in mercy, raised me up and seated me in the heavenly places with the Son.
For I walked in the world, in darkness, in sensuality, and in the lusts of my flesh.
But God the Father brought me near by the blood of Christ and made me an heir and fellow partaker of the promise in Him through the gospel.
Therefore, praise the Lord God who sealed me with the Holy Spirit of promise as a gift of grace through faith in Him.
Praise His name forever!
(Nicole DeZego)
Jackie's Song:
Oh God, the Father, Creator of all things, I will praise You, praise your holy name. Yet when I was dead in my sins, my heart hardened, walking in the ways of the world, You called me by name -- before the foundation of the world. You chose me. Lavished your love, grace and mercy upon me.
Thank you Father for pursuing me. I heard Your voice from an early age, and yet walked in the ways of the world -- separate from Christ. I would feel your presence and comfort in the valleys, yet I did not understand. Thank you Lord for your patience as I struggled against your teachings -- not understanding that your ways are best; your plan is perfect. Thank you Father God for bringing me into the light -- for illuminating for me the goodness and rightness of your ways. Thank You Lord Jesus for giving me the faith that I might understand. I praise You for bringing me near by the blood of Christ, for adopting me as a daughter, for making me a citizen in your household, for making me alive -- alive in Christ to the praise of the glory of Your unfathomable grace. (Jackie Pugh)
Christy's Song:
Praise the Lord, who drew me out of darkness into the light of the Lord.
I once was without hope and without God in the world, but He saved me through faith and brought me near to Himself, establishing peace.
For the Lord hath taken this former child of wrath and raised me up with Him, making me a fellow citizen with the saints. I am His workmanship, created for good works.
I know that the Lord is great. He took me, a stranger and alien, and has given me access in one Spirit to the Father that I might come boldly to Him with my prayers.
I praise the Lord because He has renewed me in the spirit of my mind. Once I was tormented, scattered, anxious and fearful but His love cast out all fear. He is truth and He promises that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).
I will praise His holy name!
(Christy Neal)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
more encouragement for the saints and faithful
This from Terry Dudley:
After doing my word study ( I only looked up about 30 cross references) on saints, this is my long paragraph I wrote to summarize what God says about His beloved saints: Beloved, my faithful one (Eph 1:1), I want you to see how I have lavished my love on you. Do you realize you are my inheritance (Eph 1:18); I have given you grace and peace ( Col 1:2) and equipped you in everyway for works of service; building up the body(Eph Eph 4:12). I've given you my Spirit so that your heart can comprehend the immeasurable dimensions of my love for you and be filled to the fulness of God (Eph 3:18). I have given you community with the saints where you will find yourself sharing (Ro 12:13) and serving each other and persevering with prayers and petitions on their behalf (Eph6:18). Your love for them comes from my love that abides in you. Know my Beloved that angels gather you heart-felt pleas for one another and yourself in a golden bowl and lay them on the altar where a sweet aroma arises before Me (Rev 5:8, 8:3-4). Awaken and wipe the sleep from your eyes that you can capture my glory and see all that I have entrusted you . Contend for the faith (Jude 1:3)with fear and reverence and awe for I have called you out of darkness and into my glorious light through the sacrifice of my Son, Jesus, who I dearly loved. Strengthen your hearts and be holy (1Thess 3:13), (you are to be holy as I am holy). Repent of your sin and allow your heart to overflow with thanksgiving (Eph 5:3). Jesus will be glorified in His people called by His name(2 Thess 1: 10), wash the feet of the saints and greet all the saints (1Tim 5:10, Heb 13:24), share your faith (Phile 1:5-7). The Spirit I have given you as a deposit til I return and fully redeem you will intercede for you (Ro 8:27). There will be hard times. Those that fear the Lord will lack nothing (Ps 34:9). In the end I will come and pronounce judgement in favor of my saints (Dan 7:21), stand firm in your faith in me, rejoicing. One day you will possess the kingdom with me which will last forever and ever. THe fear of the Lord will leave you securely anchored, embracing my glory and you will lack nothing for the days ahead inorder to follow me. Meantime make yourself ready for my coming, prepare for I have the finest of white linen that you will be dressed in and shine brightly with purity of the righteousness (Rev 19:8). (1Cor 1:26-31) Boast only in the Lord, because formerly you were weak and despised and through the death and resurrection of Jesus you were given His righteousness, holiness and redemption. The Lord will reward the saints who revered His name (Rev 11:18). P.S. I love you more than you will ever imagine.
After doing my word study ( I only looked up about 30 cross references) on saints, this is my long paragraph I wrote to summarize what God says about His beloved saints: Beloved, my faithful one (Eph 1:1), I want you to see how I have lavished my love on you. Do you realize you are my inheritance (Eph 1:18); I have given you grace and peace ( Col 1:2) and equipped you in everyway for works of service; building up the body(Eph Eph 4:12). I've given you my Spirit so that your heart can comprehend the immeasurable dimensions of my love for you and be filled to the fulness of God (Eph 3:18). I have given you community with the saints where you will find yourself sharing (Ro 12:13) and serving each other and persevering with prayers and petitions on their behalf (Eph6:18). Your love for them comes from my love that abides in you. Know my Beloved that angels gather you heart-felt pleas for one another and yourself in a golden bowl and lay them on the altar where a sweet aroma arises before Me (Rev 5:8, 8:3-4). Awaken and wipe the sleep from your eyes that you can capture my glory and see all that I have entrusted you . Contend for the faith (Jude 1:3)with fear and reverence and awe for I have called you out of darkness and into my glorious light through the sacrifice of my Son, Jesus, who I dearly loved. Strengthen your hearts and be holy (1Thess 3:13), (you are to be holy as I am holy). Repent of your sin and allow your heart to overflow with thanksgiving (Eph 5:3). Jesus will be glorified in His people called by His name(2 Thess 1: 10), wash the feet of the saints and greet all the saints (1Tim 5:10, Heb 13:24), share your faith (Phile 1:5-7). The Spirit I have given you as a deposit til I return and fully redeem you will intercede for you (Ro 8:27). There will be hard times. Those that fear the Lord will lack nothing (Ps 34:9). In the end I will come and pronounce judgement in favor of my saints (Dan 7:21), stand firm in your faith in me, rejoicing. One day you will possess the kingdom with me which will last forever and ever. THe fear of the Lord will leave you securely anchored, embracing my glory and you will lack nothing for the days ahead inorder to follow me. Meantime make yourself ready for my coming, prepare for I have the finest of white linen that you will be dressed in and shine brightly with purity of the righteousness (Rev 19:8). (1Cor 1:26-31) Boast only in the Lord, because formerly you were weak and despised and through the death and resurrection of Jesus you were given His righteousness, holiness and redemption. The Lord will reward the saints who revered His name (Rev 11:18). P.S. I love you more than you will ever imagine.
from study of Ephesians 1:15-22
this from Katie Hughes:
Hey Susan, I know you like to hear from us re: how we're doing in the study. Well, I just wanted to tell you how wonderful last week was for me. I learned so much. Probably the most difficult spiritual discipline for me is prayer, and it always has been. I struggle with inconsistency and distraction, finding it hard to sit still and rest in the presence of God when there is always so much going on and so much to be done. I realized last week what a wonderful resource the Word is to us, not just in Bible study, but in prayer as well. Prayers can be surprisingly simple and powerful at the same time, like Paul's prayers in Ephesians. Praying that prayer for people made me love them more, and caused me to truly desire those things for them. One person in particular I prayed for is my brother, who is 21, and rather apathetic and unmotivated these days, particularly with regard to his faith. I of course tend to worry about him and not pray for him, and praying this prayer relieved me of my worrying, forced me to confess that only God can change him, and gave me great hope for what God can do in and through him. Katie
Hey Susan, I know you like to hear from us re: how we're doing in the study. Well, I just wanted to tell you how wonderful last week was for me. I learned so much. Probably the most difficult spiritual discipline for me is prayer, and it always has been. I struggle with inconsistency and distraction, finding it hard to sit still and rest in the presence of God when there is always so much going on and so much to be done. I realized last week what a wonderful resource the Word is to us, not just in Bible study, but in prayer as well. Prayers can be surprisingly simple and powerful at the same time, like Paul's prayers in Ephesians. Praying that prayer for people made me love them more, and caused me to truly desire those things for them. One person in particular I prayed for is my brother, who is 21, and rather apathetic and unmotivated these days, particularly with regard to his faith. I of course tend to worry about him and not pray for him, and praying this prayer relieved me of my worrying, forced me to confess that only God can change him, and gave me great hope for what God can do in and through him. Katie
Friday, June 13, 2008
How? the mystery revealed
This word of encouragement from Shannon Pifer regarding working on the chapter overview with the 5 W's and H:
Just reading your blog I thought I'd share this with you. I have in the past thought the "5W's and H" of each chapter to be quite tedious and not all that important. I've tried going into doing it in Ephesians with a better attitude than that, with eyes opened looking to see what God is showing me in this part of the process. Well, I just finished Chapter 3 and my "How" column got me excited. This is what's on it:
-by revelation
-by the Spirit
-through the Gospel
-according to the gift of God's grace
-by the working of His power
-according to the eternal purpose that He has realize in Christ Jesus our Lord
-through our Faith in Him-according to the riches of His glory
-through His Spirit in your inner being
-according to the power at work in us.
What great statements about how God does just about everything, in us and through us and for us, and for His own glory!! All in one little chapter!!! Now I'm excited to see what Chapter 4 has to say!!!
Blessings-Shannon
Just reading your blog I thought I'd share this with you. I have in the past thought the "5W's and H" of each chapter to be quite tedious and not all that important. I've tried going into doing it in Ephesians with a better attitude than that, with eyes opened looking to see what God is showing me in this part of the process. Well, I just finished Chapter 3 and my "How" column got me excited. This is what's on it:
-by revelation
-by the Spirit
-through the Gospel
-according to the gift of God's grace
-by the working of His power
-according to the eternal purpose that He has realize in Christ Jesus our Lord
-through our Faith in Him-according to the riches of His glory
-through His Spirit in your inner being
-according to the power at work in us.
What great statements about how God does just about everything, in us and through us and for us, and for His own glory!! All in one little chapter!!! Now I'm excited to see what Chapter 4 has to say!!!
Blessings-Shannon
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Using the Chapter Overview Chart
Are you overwhelmed with the study guide for this week, fellow Ephesian students? I'm so encouraged to hear you have set your mind to doing this - to finding out what God is saying in this wonderful letter. I would like to encourage you to hang in there. If you are new to inductive study, just write down what you see in one reading of each chapter. For instance, in chapter one: Who? Paul, God, Jesus Christ, saints (you, us) Holy Spirit.
What? Will of God, Grace, Chosen (Predestined, Purposed, Will) Glory
Gospel
When? Before the foundations of the world v.4; fullness of the times v. 10
(you could also put these under Time on back of the sheet.
Where? the saints who are at Ephesus; in the heavenly places; in heaven and on earth. You could put In Christ here - your call.
Why? That we should be holy and blameless before Him; to the praise of the glory of His grace; v.10 with a view to the administration suitable to the times
How? By will of God; thru Christ Jesus Himself acc. to the kind intention of His will; thru Christ's blood; acc to the riches of His Grace
in all wisdom and insight; having been predestined acc to His purpose
If you are frustrated with this, you might want to move on to thinking about Paul and the Ephesians and their relationship and why Paul wrote this letter to them. We will spend time talking this through next Tues.
Julia Stake said some were having trouble with following the pronouns and putting them with their proper antecedents in the first chapter. This is a problem here for a couple of reasons: Paul's long sentences, his involved thought patterns and his lack of concern for our problems in this area! Remember the rule of Bible study: Context Rules. Whenever possible view a passage as a whole. So if you start with 1:3 and follow all that God the Father has done, and substitute His name for the pronoun, it becomes clear.
for instance: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who (God the Father) blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (v. 4) just as He (God the Father) chose us in Him (Christ - probably all the "in Him" phrases refer to Christ)...that we should be holy and blameless before Him (God the Father).
I liked doing this because repeating "God the Father" emphasizes in my mind my relationship with Him as his daughter and reminds me how much He loves me and wants me to know what He has done for me! If He has lavished all the riches of His grace on you, don't you think He will help you in any need or trouble?
Let me know if this helps - remember to email me, I don't think the comments on here get thru.
What? Will of God, Grace, Chosen (Predestined, Purposed, Will) Glory
Gospel
When? Before the foundations of the world v.4; fullness of the times v. 10
(you could also put these under Time on back of the sheet.
Where? the saints who are at Ephesus; in the heavenly places; in heaven and on earth. You could put In Christ here - your call.
Why? That we should be holy and blameless before Him; to the praise of the glory of His grace; v.10 with a view to the administration suitable to the times
How? By will of God; thru Christ Jesus Himself acc. to the kind intention of His will; thru Christ's blood; acc to the riches of His Grace
in all wisdom and insight; having been predestined acc to His purpose
If you are frustrated with this, you might want to move on to thinking about Paul and the Ephesians and their relationship and why Paul wrote this letter to them. We will spend time talking this through next Tues.
Julia Stake said some were having trouble with following the pronouns and putting them with their proper antecedents in the first chapter. This is a problem here for a couple of reasons: Paul's long sentences, his involved thought patterns and his lack of concern for our problems in this area! Remember the rule of Bible study: Context Rules. Whenever possible view a passage as a whole. So if you start with 1:3 and follow all that God the Father has done, and substitute His name for the pronoun, it becomes clear.
for instance: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who (God the Father) blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (v. 4) just as He (God the Father) chose us in Him (Christ - probably all the "in Him" phrases refer to Christ)...that we should be holy and blameless before Him (God the Father).
I liked doing this because repeating "God the Father" emphasizes in my mind my relationship with Him as his daughter and reminds me how much He loves me and wants me to know what He has done for me! If He has lavished all the riches of His grace on you, don't you think He will help you in any need or trouble?
Let me know if this helps - remember to email me, I don't think the comments on here get thru.
I'm a Morning Person?
At our table on Tuesday night when we gathered to talk through the study of Ephesians, we each shared our prayer requests for the study. All of us wanted prayer for diligence and help in getting to the study early in the day. Someone said she wasn't a morning person but wished she were - think of all you could do before anyone was demanding something from you. Our daughter, Robin, said of her babies, "I don't care so much about the sleeping through the night. I just want them to sleep in the next morning!" I feel like my life has been a constant struggle to get enough sleep. Need I say that I am a morning person married to the champion night person? And all of our children seemed to have his bio-rhythms. Many of our friends who spent time at our home when we had a houseful of kids say they remember me curled up in the corner of the sofa with an afghan over my head, sound asleep while everyone else watched tv or chatted together.
What to do? Ask God to wake you up to his word... ask the Spirit to show you the best time to be in God's word - when you can give him the firstfruits of your time and attention. Don't worry about the when of it - just ask help in doing it sometime. Do it like you exercise - off and on all day. Plan it like you plan your work, your studies for school, your day with your children.
I'm up early today because Mike has a Bible study at 6 am on Thursday but also because I know the women at the study prayed for me to have the energy to be in God's word and the Lord is answering their prayer for me.
I'm praying for you all - that you will have a great time in his word, lavished upon you in all His glorious grace in Christ Jesus. Let's let everyone know that Four Oaks women are women of the Word.
What to do? Ask God to wake you up to his word... ask the Spirit to show you the best time to be in God's word - when you can give him the firstfruits of your time and attention. Don't worry about the when of it - just ask help in doing it sometime. Do it like you exercise - off and on all day. Plan it like you plan your work, your studies for school, your day with your children.
I'm up early today because Mike has a Bible study at 6 am on Thursday but also because I know the women at the study prayed for me to have the energy to be in God's word and the Lord is answering their prayer for me.
I'm praying for you all - that you will have a great time in his word, lavished upon you in all His glorious grace in Christ Jesus. Let's let everyone know that Four Oaks women are women of the Word.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Emails & Encouragements
I asked for feedback on the Ephesians study, thought I'd pass these words of encouragement along:
from Shannon Pifer:
I know you like hearing from us as we study, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts with you about how it's going for me...First, it's struck me how different things jump out at me depending on how I'm taking it in. I've been listening to your husband while I drive. (By the way, he has a great radio voice and should do a radio show or something!) I've also been reading from my Bible as well as from the study guide worksheet as I study. It's so funny that it's all the same words, but depending on where I'm reading it from or how I'm hearing it, I'll catch things that I never caught before. I wonder if you or the other ladies have that same experience, or maybe my brain is weird or something!I also had a verse jump right out at me as I read this morning. I've probably read Ephesians through a dozen or so times in the past week or two but never caught it. Verse 8&9 of chapter 5 talk about walking as children of light. Then verse 10 says "...trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." I thought, "Well that's exactly what I'm doing here, taking this class and studying this book. I'm trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord!" I just thought that was neat, finding in the book I'm studying the very reason why I'm studying it!
That's it! Nothing too earth shattering! I'm looking forward to tomorrow night! Blessings-Shannon
from daughter Kris:
...on another note i finished this weeks study and am just blessed ... from reading ephesians so many times (like eight?) i'm looking forward to the rest of the study.
from Katie Hughes:
am so excited about doing your study this summer. I did a bunch this morning and am already reaping the benefits :) ...Also, I wanted to tell you about this book on marriage Josh and I just read that is pretty awesome. I thought about it on Tuesday night because Betsy Ricucci (who sort of co-wrote it with her husband) says something really cool about Proverbs14:1 in the chapter entitled "Walking in Wisdom." She talks about what it means to "build" rather than "tear down" and then says this: "As a wife, mother, and homemaker, I can often reach the end of a day and think, Now, what have I accomplished today that was really worthwhile?...here is the biblical answer to that question: Because today's activities have furthered the building of my home, this has been a day in which, but God's grace, I have displayed true wisdom. According to Proverbs 14:1, if the choices I make are tearing down that which is most important, then I am living as a fool. But if I am living so as to build my household, then even when I am tempted to think my efforts aren't amounting to much, I can find encouragement that I am living wisely" I never thought of it that way, that if we are building our homes (not as works righteousness, obviously) then we can find reassurance that wisdom is displayed, even when it feels like foolishness in this world, where accomplishments are measured by successful careers and monetary gain. Oh, and the book is called Love that Lasts. It's by Gary and Betsy Ricucci.
Judy Murphy reports that she and Dave have been working on the study together (he wants to get in touch with his feminine side, biblically) and want to continue to work on it in North Carolina - via email!
from Julia Stake: I am looking forward to tomorrow night's study. I have enjoyed reading through Ephesians and doing the initial observation, though I must say with a longer book it does take a while. I can't imagine reading through Isaiah all at once or several times at once!! :)
from Beth Kinnon: Hi Susan! Just to give you some feedback....I was at the VBS training last night and saw Brittany Harlacher, Dana Letson, Krista Bump, and I can't think who else, but one more lady from the group. We all were making progress on the study, two women were on step 3, two on step 2 and one on step 1. Everyone was very encouraged and encouraging. I don't think anyone had trouble with the study not being "user friendly". We are all very excited to be studying Ephesians with you this summer! Of course, at the training they gave us quite a bit of VBS homework, so we might fall behind on the Bible study homework....... :)Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday evening,Beth
I'm encouraged! Hope you are too. Don't be shy about coming even if you have to miss some - see you Tues nights at 7 at the ministry center.
from Shannon Pifer:
I know you like hearing from us as we study, so I thought I'd share a few thoughts with you about how it's going for me...First, it's struck me how different things jump out at me depending on how I'm taking it in. I've been listening to your husband while I drive. (By the way, he has a great radio voice and should do a radio show or something!) I've also been reading from my Bible as well as from the study guide worksheet as I study. It's so funny that it's all the same words, but depending on where I'm reading it from or how I'm hearing it, I'll catch things that I never caught before. I wonder if you or the other ladies have that same experience, or maybe my brain is weird or something!I also had a verse jump right out at me as I read this morning. I've probably read Ephesians through a dozen or so times in the past week or two but never caught it. Verse 8&9 of chapter 5 talk about walking as children of light. Then verse 10 says "...trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." I thought, "Well that's exactly what I'm doing here, taking this class and studying this book. I'm trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord!" I just thought that was neat, finding in the book I'm studying the very reason why I'm studying it!
That's it! Nothing too earth shattering! I'm looking forward to tomorrow night! Blessings-Shannon
from daughter Kris:
...on another note i finished this weeks study and am just blessed ... from reading ephesians so many times (like eight?) i'm looking forward to the rest of the study.
from Katie Hughes:
am so excited about doing your study this summer. I did a bunch this morning and am already reaping the benefits :) ...Also, I wanted to tell you about this book on marriage Josh and I just read that is pretty awesome. I thought about it on Tuesday night because Betsy Ricucci (who sort of co-wrote it with her husband) says something really cool about Proverbs14:1 in the chapter entitled "Walking in Wisdom." She talks about what it means to "build" rather than "tear down" and then says this: "As a wife, mother, and homemaker, I can often reach the end of a day and think, Now, what have I accomplished today that was really worthwhile?...here is the biblical answer to that question: Because today's activities have furthered the building of my home, this has been a day in which, but God's grace, I have displayed true wisdom. According to Proverbs 14:1, if the choices I make are tearing down that which is most important, then I am living as a fool. But if I am living so as to build my household, then even when I am tempted to think my efforts aren't amounting to much, I can find encouragement that I am living wisely" I never thought of it that way, that if we are building our homes (not as works righteousness, obviously) then we can find reassurance that wisdom is displayed, even when it feels like foolishness in this world, where accomplishments are measured by successful careers and monetary gain. Oh, and the book is called Love that Lasts. It's by Gary and Betsy Ricucci.
Judy Murphy reports that she and Dave have been working on the study together (he wants to get in touch with his feminine side, biblically) and want to continue to work on it in North Carolina - via email!
from Julia Stake: I am looking forward to tomorrow night's study. I have enjoyed reading through Ephesians and doing the initial observation, though I must say with a longer book it does take a while. I can't imagine reading through Isaiah all at once or several times at once!! :)
from Beth Kinnon: Hi Susan! Just to give you some feedback....I was at the VBS training last night and saw Brittany Harlacher, Dana Letson, Krista Bump, and I can't think who else, but one more lady from the group. We all were making progress on the study, two women were on step 3, two on step 2 and one on step 1. Everyone was very encouraged and encouraging. I don't think anyone had trouble with the study not being "user friendly". We are all very excited to be studying Ephesians with you this summer! Of course, at the training they gave us quite a bit of VBS homework, so we might fall behind on the Bible study homework....... :)Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday evening,Beth
I'm encouraged! Hope you are too. Don't be shy about coming even if you have to miss some - see you Tues nights at 7 at the ministry center.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Family Devotions
Ah, family devotions. I often wonder if others are inspired at the beginning of a new year to persevere in this much needed family activity.
“We need to really make that a priority,” my husband and I told each other, firmly and resolutely. We even bought a new devotional aid for parents with small children, with bright colors and helpful tips.
After dinner we brought out the Bible and our new book to read to our four precious children all sitting around the table, angelic faces leading us to believe they were as eager to carry out this resolution as their parents. They almost looked like the children on the cover of the devotional.
This was going to be great.
“Now,” Don began. “Tonight we are going to read about God creating the world…”
“I have to go to the bathroom,” our youngest piped up.
“Well, you can wait until we’re done. In the beginning…” Don continued.
“I have to go bad. Reeeeeeally bad.”
“Honey,” I whispered. “I’d hate to have an accident.”
“You’re right. Go ahead.” He cleared his throat and began again. “In the beginning –“
“Where were the dinosaurs?” another child asked.
“What?”
“Were the dinosaurs there?”
“Um, not yet. Now, let’s listen—“
“THERE’S NO MORE TOILET PAPER!!!” a call comes from the back.
“Sheesh. Where’s the toilet paper?” Don asked.
“It’s in there! I just put a new roll on!” I say defensively.
“I USED IT ALL!!” the voice from the bathroom chirped.
“YOU BETTER NOT USE THAT MUCH TOILET PAPER!!” I call back.
“I’ll go get him some,” my older daughter whips out of her chair.
“No! Wait!”Don calls, too late.
Soon all kids are back to the table.
“Ok, where were we? God created the world. In the beginning-- son, did you wash your hands? Excuse me, excuse me, don’t touch that. Did you wash your hands? Go wash your hands.”
“And flush the toilet!” I called after him.
“Yes, flush the toilet!” Don turned back to the Bible. “Ok, let’s read God’s word!”
“Um, Dad?”
Don sighed. “Yes.”
“Did the dinosaurs go to heaven?”
Don gave our daughter a bewildered look and after a long pause said: “I have no idea.”
My daughter looks disappointed.
Don presses on. “Now, I want to finish a verse! Everyone listen!”
The youngest returns to the table. “I flushed the toilet but it won’t go down.”
Don puts his head in his hands.
“Honey, let’s just pray.” I say.
“Yes, let’s pray. Who would like to pray?”
“ME!” “ME!”
“ME!”
“ME!”
“No, me first!”
“You always go first!”“That’s cuz I’m older and have more to pray about!”
“MOM!”
“Why don’t we let the youngest pray?”
“Dear God,” starts the four- year- old. “Thank you for my new jet plane-“
(Loud whisper: “OW! You’re squeezing my hand too hard!”)
“-and please make more dinosaurs-“ he continued.
(Louder whisper: “Eww! You’re hands are still wet!”)
“-so we can play with them. Amen.”
(loud crash when one of the kids falls backward in a chair.)
“THAT’S IT!!!” I cry. “GO TO BED!!”
That was not quite what I had pictured for our family devotions.
The next evening (oh who are we kidding, it wasn’t exactly the next evening but very soon after) as we are clearing the dinner dishes my youngest says: “Time to read the Bible!” and runs to get the Bible and the devotional book.
“Yay!” they all cry and gather around the table. (To be honest, I am not quite convinced that this enthusiasm isn’t slightly encouraged by the fact that devotions delay bed time. We’ll hope for the best.)
We have a similar reenactment of the night before, only this time, not quite as hectic, and we manage to make it through the second verse.
We consider that a great accomplishment.
(written by Robin)
“We need to really make that a priority,” my husband and I told each other, firmly and resolutely. We even bought a new devotional aid for parents with small children, with bright colors and helpful tips.
After dinner we brought out the Bible and our new book to read to our four precious children all sitting around the table, angelic faces leading us to believe they were as eager to carry out this resolution as their parents. They almost looked like the children on the cover of the devotional.
This was going to be great.
“Now,” Don began. “Tonight we are going to read about God creating the world…”
“I have to go to the bathroom,” our youngest piped up.
“Well, you can wait until we’re done. In the beginning…” Don continued.
“I have to go bad. Reeeeeeally bad.”
“Honey,” I whispered. “I’d hate to have an accident.”
“You’re right. Go ahead.” He cleared his throat and began again. “In the beginning –“
“Where were the dinosaurs?” another child asked.
“What?”
“Were the dinosaurs there?”
“Um, not yet. Now, let’s listen—“
“THERE’S NO MORE TOILET PAPER!!!” a call comes from the back.
“Sheesh. Where’s the toilet paper?” Don asked.
“It’s in there! I just put a new roll on!” I say defensively.
“I USED IT ALL!!” the voice from the bathroom chirped.
“YOU BETTER NOT USE THAT MUCH TOILET PAPER!!” I call back.
“I’ll go get him some,” my older daughter whips out of her chair.
“No! Wait!”Don calls, too late.
Soon all kids are back to the table.
“Ok, where were we? God created the world. In the beginning-- son, did you wash your hands? Excuse me, excuse me, don’t touch that. Did you wash your hands? Go wash your hands.”
“And flush the toilet!” I called after him.
“Yes, flush the toilet!” Don turned back to the Bible. “Ok, let’s read God’s word!”
“Um, Dad?”
Don sighed. “Yes.”
“Did the dinosaurs go to heaven?”
Don gave our daughter a bewildered look and after a long pause said: “I have no idea.”
My daughter looks disappointed.
Don presses on. “Now, I want to finish a verse! Everyone listen!”
The youngest returns to the table. “I flushed the toilet but it won’t go down.”
Don puts his head in his hands.
“Honey, let’s just pray.” I say.
“Yes, let’s pray. Who would like to pray?”
“ME!” “ME!”
“ME!”
“ME!”
“No, me first!”
“You always go first!”“That’s cuz I’m older and have more to pray about!”
“MOM!”
“Why don’t we let the youngest pray?”
“Dear God,” starts the four- year- old. “Thank you for my new jet plane-“
(Loud whisper: “OW! You’re squeezing my hand too hard!”)
“-and please make more dinosaurs-“ he continued.
(Louder whisper: “Eww! You’re hands are still wet!”)
“-so we can play with them. Amen.”
(loud crash when one of the kids falls backward in a chair.)
“THAT’S IT!!!” I cry. “GO TO BED!!”
That was not quite what I had pictured for our family devotions.
The next evening (oh who are we kidding, it wasn’t exactly the next evening but very soon after) as we are clearing the dinner dishes my youngest says: “Time to read the Bible!” and runs to get the Bible and the devotional book.
“Yay!” they all cry and gather around the table. (To be honest, I am not quite convinced that this enthusiasm isn’t slightly encouraged by the fact that devotions delay bed time. We’ll hope for the best.)
We have a similar reenactment of the night before, only this time, not quite as hectic, and we manage to make it through the second verse.
We consider that a great accomplishment.
(written by Robin)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
This from my husband:
This afternoon my daughter sent me the URL to an Op Ed piece entitled "Evangelicals a Liberal Can Love" which appeared n the NY Times on February 3, 2008. It was sent to her by a friend and she kindly passed it on to me. I must confess that when I saw the author's name my initial enthusiasm was somewhat abated.
Nicholas Kristof once again took his pen in hand and ventured onto the playing fields of the Op Ed section of the Times. Most everyone agrees that this venue hardly constitutes a level playing field. Nevertheless Mr. Kristof's decidedly left leaning stance appears quite balanced when framed in the skewed windows of our nation's "paper of record." The Times, a paper proudly claiming to bring its reader "all the news that's fit to print," appears to be convinced that any viewpoints not presented therein are unworthy of the ink it would take to print them. Almost uniformly contributors to the Times' Op Ed pages on any regular basis show a decided liberal bias. They require very little evidence to convince themselves of the fact they are not only brighter than their adversaries, but superior in their eclectic moralities. The Times' self congratulatory viewpoint often turns to Mr. Kristof as its champion. He is benevolent, if condescending, and oh so tolerant … to a point. St. Nicholas believes his positions take the moral high ground so often they do not require oxygen. Like many east coast liberal writers, Mr. Krisof is so damned pleased to be correct that he often, with all due beneficence, dispatches dispensations of grace to those who occupy lesser stations in life. This time the supplicants receiving his literary indulgences happen to be a few Christian evangelicals. That is, he is willing to acknowledge certain evangelicals if they march to his unchallenged agenda. The items of that agenda, in his eyes at least, are manifestly superior in their morality to all the other concerns of those who would align themselves to the right of his throne which proudly sets quite far to the left of the political spectrum. So, self assured of his correctness, Mr. Kristof is not above bestowing from time to time faint praises upon those less enlightened than he. Noblesse oblige. Thus he looks upon a few evangelicals worthy of his love.
Liberals, Mr. K. intones, "believe deeply in tolerance." This may come as a surprise to the countless conservatives who have been shouted down on major university campuses around the country, physically intimidated and even hit in the face with the ubiquitous pie. Neither should the myriad of conservative academics that have been denied their just credits and tenure be forgotten in this rush to baptize the left in the soothing waters of toleration. The chairman of a major university's department of religion once told me, without blinking an eye, that he would never appoint a self professed evangelical Christian to his faculty for no other reason than that he was an evangelical. Sic semper liberal tolerance. So when Mr. Kristof says "scorning people for their faith is intrinsically repugnant," all manner of red flags begin to wave before me. My caution was quickly rewarded when it became obvious that Mr. Kristof reserved tolerance for the religious right only if they focused on acceptable moral priorities: "poverty, AIDS, sex trafficking, climate change, prison abuses, malaria and" (are you ready?) "genocide in Darfur." One wonders if genocide elsewhere, say in the abortion chambers of the United States, is acceptable? I'm sure other diseases such as yellow fever and gonorrhea could easily be added to Mr. Kristof's fab five list plus one along with things like fetal research and socialized medicine. However, it is clear that to Mr. Kristof issues such as the advocacy of premarital celibacy or opposition to homosexual marriage, or efforts to restrict pornography when it masquerades as free speech and artistic expression, are non-issues. They are not pragmatically useful to a secular society though they are inherently more closely aligned to evangelical beliefs than the issues Mr. Kristof favors. Such evangelical concerns are beneath his standards of tolerance and unworthy of his love, even though they are clearly issues anchored in Judeo-Christian orthodoxy.
Mr. Kristof proves this observation in his praise of the tired radicalism of Jim Wallis whose biggest claim to being an evangelical is that he came out of Chicago and from among the corridors of Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College. Mr. Wallis, nonetheless, merits Mr. Kristof's "love" because he finds climate change and poverty more compelling moral concerns than the abortion deaths of 1.2 million American infants yearly. Mr. Kristof is delighted that the "purpose driven" pastor Rick Warren is willing to put the American social blight of promiscuity and sexual insanity behind the need for AIDS awareness in South Africa. But God help, no pun intended, any and all evangelicals who may favor a different moral priority than the one espoused by Mr. Kristof. And, by the way, when did Mr. Kristof reserve the right to define a more acceptable evangelical moral agenda? It's bad enough that CBS is attempting to do that with its questionable poll data. Mr. Kristof makes his contentions for what is "more moral" out of nothing save his own view point, and that the view point, not of an evangelical Christian, but of a sort of benign non-Christian secular pagan. Thus, with a back handed note of gratitude to a few non-conforming emerging church types, Mr. Kristof brings his mailed fist down once again on the tired head of Pat Robertson and the deceased pate of poor Jerry Falwell.
Yes, Jerry Falwell, the evangelical liberals loved to hate. Like the remains of Oliver Cromwell, who was disinterred in order to be more properly punished, Mr. Kristof resurrected Rev. Falwell's statement that AIDS was "God's judgment on promiscuity." This dictum, St. Nicholas solemnly noted, "constituted far grosser immorality than anything that ever happened in a bathhouse." One wonders just what bathhouses Mr. Kristof frequents to draw such a conclusion. Is he also in possession of statistics showing AIDS running rampant among those who restrict their sexual activity to monogamous marriage? Save for the intravenous drug users, the larger number of whom are sexually promiscuous anyway, and the statistically insignificant number of those infected from tainted blood supplies, Rev. Falwell's observation deserves consideration regardless of the opinion one may have as to its messenger.
When stripped of its contemporary facade Mr. Kristof's view is nothing more than the tired liberal opposition to evangelical Christianity and its heart felt mission to preach the Gospel seeking the salvation of eternal souls. It is another attempt to reduce the evangelical agenda in order to place it on a par with many other groups who, ignoring the soul, seek only to alleviate social evils and provide material relief. Admittedly Christ called for his disciples to give "cups of cold water" but it was always to be done under the aegis and clear articulation of His divine Name. Mr. Kristof seeks a utilitarian marginalization of biblical Christianity. It is the same liberal song and dance that attempted to delegitimize Christian foreign missions at the beginning of the 20th century. It was sought then and is still desired by many today to replace missionary evangelists and preachers with the more politically correct, and, to the liberal mind, more noble, medical professionals or anthropologists or sociologists. Mr. Kristof would prefer to send Margaret Meade back to Samoa instead of Billy Graham. This is his right. But it hardly qualifies him to determine who the more acceptable evangelical should be. I am not worried about the New York Times being deluded, they are already there. I am, however, concerned with those evangelicals who would take Mr. Kristof's viewpoint seriously and question the urgency of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations through baptism and teaching. It is this command that explains Jesus' statement that he came to earth not to bring peace but a sword. The Gospel will inevitably divide people. That is only desirable if it is the truth. But, the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be labeled false simply because it does what Jesus said it would do and refuses to march in step with the New York Times. The message of Christ is the sword of the Spirit, but Mr. Kristof fails to get the point.
This afternoon my daughter sent me the URL to an Op Ed piece entitled "Evangelicals a Liberal Can Love" which appeared n the NY Times on February 3, 2008. It was sent to her by a friend and she kindly passed it on to me. I must confess that when I saw the author's name my initial enthusiasm was somewhat abated.
Nicholas Kristof once again took his pen in hand and ventured onto the playing fields of the Op Ed section of the Times. Most everyone agrees that this venue hardly constitutes a level playing field. Nevertheless Mr. Kristof's decidedly left leaning stance appears quite balanced when framed in the skewed windows of our nation's "paper of record." The Times, a paper proudly claiming to bring its reader "all the news that's fit to print," appears to be convinced that any viewpoints not presented therein are unworthy of the ink it would take to print them. Almost uniformly contributors to the Times' Op Ed pages on any regular basis show a decided liberal bias. They require very little evidence to convince themselves of the fact they are not only brighter than their adversaries, but superior in their eclectic moralities. The Times' self congratulatory viewpoint often turns to Mr. Kristof as its champion. He is benevolent, if condescending, and oh so tolerant … to a point. St. Nicholas believes his positions take the moral high ground so often they do not require oxygen. Like many east coast liberal writers, Mr. Krisof is so damned pleased to be correct that he often, with all due beneficence, dispatches dispensations of grace to those who occupy lesser stations in life. This time the supplicants receiving his literary indulgences happen to be a few Christian evangelicals. That is, he is willing to acknowledge certain evangelicals if they march to his unchallenged agenda. The items of that agenda, in his eyes at least, are manifestly superior in their morality to all the other concerns of those who would align themselves to the right of his throne which proudly sets quite far to the left of the political spectrum. So, self assured of his correctness, Mr. Kristof is not above bestowing from time to time faint praises upon those less enlightened than he. Noblesse oblige. Thus he looks upon a few evangelicals worthy of his love.
Liberals, Mr. K. intones, "believe deeply in tolerance." This may come as a surprise to the countless conservatives who have been shouted down on major university campuses around the country, physically intimidated and even hit in the face with the ubiquitous pie. Neither should the myriad of conservative academics that have been denied their just credits and tenure be forgotten in this rush to baptize the left in the soothing waters of toleration. The chairman of a major university's department of religion once told me, without blinking an eye, that he would never appoint a self professed evangelical Christian to his faculty for no other reason than that he was an evangelical. Sic semper liberal tolerance. So when Mr. Kristof says "scorning people for their faith is intrinsically repugnant," all manner of red flags begin to wave before me. My caution was quickly rewarded when it became obvious that Mr. Kristof reserved tolerance for the religious right only if they focused on acceptable moral priorities: "poverty, AIDS, sex trafficking, climate change, prison abuses, malaria and" (are you ready?) "genocide in Darfur." One wonders if genocide elsewhere, say in the abortion chambers of the United States, is acceptable? I'm sure other diseases such as yellow fever and gonorrhea could easily be added to Mr. Kristof's fab five list plus one along with things like fetal research and socialized medicine. However, it is clear that to Mr. Kristof issues such as the advocacy of premarital celibacy or opposition to homosexual marriage, or efforts to restrict pornography when it masquerades as free speech and artistic expression, are non-issues. They are not pragmatically useful to a secular society though they are inherently more closely aligned to evangelical beliefs than the issues Mr. Kristof favors. Such evangelical concerns are beneath his standards of tolerance and unworthy of his love, even though they are clearly issues anchored in Judeo-Christian orthodoxy.
Mr. Kristof proves this observation in his praise of the tired radicalism of Jim Wallis whose biggest claim to being an evangelical is that he came out of Chicago and from among the corridors of Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College. Mr. Wallis, nonetheless, merits Mr. Kristof's "love" because he finds climate change and poverty more compelling moral concerns than the abortion deaths of 1.2 million American infants yearly. Mr. Kristof is delighted that the "purpose driven" pastor Rick Warren is willing to put the American social blight of promiscuity and sexual insanity behind the need for AIDS awareness in South Africa. But God help, no pun intended, any and all evangelicals who may favor a different moral priority than the one espoused by Mr. Kristof. And, by the way, when did Mr. Kristof reserve the right to define a more acceptable evangelical moral agenda? It's bad enough that CBS is attempting to do that with its questionable poll data. Mr. Kristof makes his contentions for what is "more moral" out of nothing save his own view point, and that the view point, not of an evangelical Christian, but of a sort of benign non-Christian secular pagan. Thus, with a back handed note of gratitude to a few non-conforming emerging church types, Mr. Kristof brings his mailed fist down once again on the tired head of Pat Robertson and the deceased pate of poor Jerry Falwell.
Yes, Jerry Falwell, the evangelical liberals loved to hate. Like the remains of Oliver Cromwell, who was disinterred in order to be more properly punished, Mr. Kristof resurrected Rev. Falwell's statement that AIDS was "God's judgment on promiscuity." This dictum, St. Nicholas solemnly noted, "constituted far grosser immorality than anything that ever happened in a bathhouse." One wonders just what bathhouses Mr. Kristof frequents to draw such a conclusion. Is he also in possession of statistics showing AIDS running rampant among those who restrict their sexual activity to monogamous marriage? Save for the intravenous drug users, the larger number of whom are sexually promiscuous anyway, and the statistically insignificant number of those infected from tainted blood supplies, Rev. Falwell's observation deserves consideration regardless of the opinion one may have as to its messenger.
When stripped of its contemporary facade Mr. Kristof's view is nothing more than the tired liberal opposition to evangelical Christianity and its heart felt mission to preach the Gospel seeking the salvation of eternal souls. It is another attempt to reduce the evangelical agenda in order to place it on a par with many other groups who, ignoring the soul, seek only to alleviate social evils and provide material relief. Admittedly Christ called for his disciples to give "cups of cold water" but it was always to be done under the aegis and clear articulation of His divine Name. Mr. Kristof seeks a utilitarian marginalization of biblical Christianity. It is the same liberal song and dance that attempted to delegitimize Christian foreign missions at the beginning of the 20th century. It was sought then and is still desired by many today to replace missionary evangelists and preachers with the more politically correct, and, to the liberal mind, more noble, medical professionals or anthropologists or sociologists. Mr. Kristof would prefer to send Margaret Meade back to Samoa instead of Billy Graham. This is his right. But it hardly qualifies him to determine who the more acceptable evangelical should be. I am not worried about the New York Times being deluded, they are already there. I am, however, concerned with those evangelicals who would take Mr. Kristof's viewpoint seriously and question the urgency of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations through baptism and teaching. It is this command that explains Jesus' statement that he came to earth not to bring peace but a sword. The Gospel will inevitably divide people. That is only desirable if it is the truth. But, the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be labeled false simply because it does what Jesus said it would do and refuses to march in step with the New York Times. The message of Christ is the sword of the Spirit, but Mr. Kristof fails to get the point.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Any Jane Austen fans?
Have you been watching Masterpiece Theatre's Complete Jane Austen? Post some reviews for us, please. The girls in our family are gathered on Sunday nights at their respective tv sets - eager to spot anachronisms and judge the relative merits of the different productions - we love Jane as she is presented for the 2008 audience!
Here's a mushy video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks8SRa7J7lA
to get you going.
Here's a mushy video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks8SRa7J7lA
to get you going.
Our God is a Happy God
We used the title "Don't Worry! Be Happy!" for the bible study of Phillippians. When I asked the women at the study what they were expecting, two or three said, "I came because of the title." I first used this title after hearing the song by Bobby Mcferren.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjnvSQuv-H4 If this video combined with the picture above of our kids and their hair in 1989 doesn't make you smile, you're in a bad way. Note the contrast between the West Point cut and the super lacquered upsweep!
I know, I know, we don't like to talk about happiness for Christians, it seems greedy or giddy or something. And no, we shouldn't be rolling on the floor in fake laughter. But Spurgeon was right when he said, "Our God is a happy God and he is a happy making God." And happiness can be learned – Paul says, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content."
Spurgeon comments on Psalm 100: 1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. "The original word signifies a glad shout, such as loyal subjects give when their king appears among them. Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies - Serve the LORD with gladness. 'Glad homage pay with awful mirth.' He is our Lord, and therefore he is to be served; he is our gracious Lord, and therefore to be served with joy. The invitation to worship here given is not a melancholy one, as though adoration were a funeral solemnity, but a cheery gladsome exhortation, as though we were bidden to a marriage feast. Come before his presence with singing."
Spurgeon comments on Psalm 100: 1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. "The original word signifies a glad shout, such as loyal subjects give when their king appears among them. Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies - Serve the LORD with gladness. 'Glad homage pay with awful mirth.' He is our Lord, and therefore he is to be served; he is our gracious Lord, and therefore to be served with joy. The invitation to worship here given is not a melancholy one, as though adoration were a funeral solemnity, but a cheery gladsome exhortation, as though we were bidden to a marriage feast. Come before his presence with singing."
So I say to all the daughters of song - in spite of the cheerios on the floor, the son who just told you he wants to be a clown when he grows up (not only told you but told his Sunday school teacher) when you were hoping for missionary/pastor/president of the US), the boss who is too demanding, the fears and frets that assail you, the studies that seem never ending, - come on, learn to be happy, shout out with joy!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Taking delight in the Sabbath
Isaiah tells us if we call the sabbath a delight and honor it, we are taking delight in the Lord. We had such a good day at Four Oaks yesterday in God's house (on Sunday mornings, Chiles High School is God's house). What a great proclamation of the word from the pulpit! The exhortation to use our gifts that we might reflect the image and nature of God, demonstrate his goodness and compassion as we act in obedience to him, produce intimacy and true fellowship in the body and that final powerful purpose for using our gifts in service to the body of Christ and the world: we manifest and embody the redeeming love of Christ to the world. Really made me want to do my share, to labor for these purposes.
Friday, January 11, 2008
"Behold, We Did Not Know This"
I didn’t have a good night’s sleep last night. I read Erik’s blog, Bright Wings, in the late afternoon, and he reminded me of the reality, the violence of abortion, of the murder of thousands of babies every day. I was a little irritated - I want to have peace and joy. I want to feel good about myself. Erik gave a website where I could view graphic pictures of these babies, these little ones. I didn’t go to that website. I knew it would upset me and I wanted a peaceful evening. I didn’t want to give a thought to those babies.
Then we read psalm 10 before we went to bed. “The wicked…sits in ambush… in hiding places he murders the innocent… he thinks in his heart, ‘God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.’ … Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, ‘Thou wilt not call to account‘? Thou dost see; yes, thou dost note trouble and vexation, that thou mayest take it into thy hands; the hapless commits himself to thee; thou hast been the helper of the fatherless… O Lord, thou wilt hear the desire of the meek; thou wilt strengthn their heart, thou wilt incline thy ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."
I went to that website this morning at 6:45 AM and made myself watch the video. I'm not going to have a nice day. The terror going on today while I go about my life is going to get to me. I don’t want to forget. I want to be like my Father in heaven who cares for these babies. Will you go with me? Will you pray for an end to this? We need to be tough minded about this. Pray that the women of Four Oaks will be known as warriors for the unborn. "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not requite man according to his work?"
Then we read psalm 10 before we went to bed. “The wicked…sits in ambush… in hiding places he murders the innocent… he thinks in his heart, ‘God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.’ … Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, ‘Thou wilt not call to account‘? Thou dost see; yes, thou dost note trouble and vexation, that thou mayest take it into thy hands; the hapless commits himself to thee; thou hast been the helper of the fatherless… O Lord, thou wilt hear the desire of the meek; thou wilt strengthn their heart, thou wilt incline thy ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."
I went to that website this morning at 6:45 AM and made myself watch the video. I'm not going to have a nice day. The terror going on today while I go about my life is going to get to me. I don’t want to forget. I want to be like my Father in heaven who cares for these babies. Will you go with me? Will you pray for an end to this? We need to be tough minded about this. Pray that the women of Four Oaks will be known as warriors for the unborn. "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not requite man according to his work?"
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
"I will be their God"
Start your day with this: "I will be their God." (Jeremiah 31:33) Here is all I require for today. "To make you happy you want something that will satisfy you; and is not this enough?" (Spurgeon's Morning Devotions) Yes, Lord! You have put your law within me – I have a new nature. You took my by the hand and led me out of darkness into your marvelous light – I have a new relationship with you based on real, intimate knowledge. I have forgiveness of my sin and iniquity – you remember my sin no more based on the blood of Christ shed for me.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2:16)
He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:30-31)
"…let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord." (Jer. 9:23-24)
"O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways. For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36)
Okay, ready for your day now? I am!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2:16)
He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:30-31)
"…let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord." (Jer. 9:23-24)
"O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways. For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36)
Okay, ready for your day now? I am!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Picture a Sunday Evening ...
Picture if you will a Sunday evening at our home. It is about 6:00, and people are gathering around our kitchen, drinking coffee and eating various snacks, laughing, talking, catching up on the week. Occasionally you see a flash of a child go by, a little hand reaches up over the counter to grab a cookie. Several moms have babies on their hips. This is our Home Fellowship Group, and soon we will move to the living room where we will sing a few songs, have a time of prayer, share and spend time in God’s word together. I love seeing everyone together, and I am so glad we are doing it.
Doesn’t that sound inviting? Now, let me rewind a bit. It is 5:00, and we are preparing for people to come. One of my children has had a potty accident, the girls haven’t cleaned up their rooms like I had asked them and I notice a pile of laundry by the front door. My husband has decided this is a good time to touch up the paint on the window. One of my sons is attempting to break a record with how many times he can run around the room. I’m feeling insecure about my housekeeping abilities, everyone will see I still haven’t dusted the chandelier (and it’s not Halloween so I can’t use that as my excuse.) It is around this time I ask my husband, “Why, exactly, are we doing this again?”
Don usually says something like “Because this is what it’s all about!” That response doesn’t always bring thoughts of joy and love to my mind. But he’s right. When I read God’s word to us, the constant encouragement for believers is to gather together and to rejoice together. Hebrews 10:23 tells us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
It is my habit to withdraw from the body when I feel discouraged. When things are rough; maybe there is stress in my marriage, with my children, or with other believers, I want to keep to myself. Or maybe it’s my pride, like I mentioned earlier, my house isn’t clean enough… my kids aren’t well-behaved enough… or I just don’t feel like I have my act together enough to face other believers. I don’t want people to see my flaws. But often, I need a firm reminder: that is not what we are called to do. I don’t want other women thinking I have it all together. I want younger women to know I struggle, but with God’s faithfulness and mercy, I persevere, and I lean totally on His strength. What keeps me loving my children and my husband is God’s love for me. What keeps me loving His people is God’s love for me. I also want my children to see us open our home, to share our lives, to learn practically that it’s not all about our family and our needs, that we are part of a bigger family.
Of course, I look forward to those Sundays where we can take a night off and relax with just my family, and have some reprieve from the stresses of hosting. My children are usually disappointed, they love having the other kids over and playing with the babies. But when I feel the temptation to pull away, to close the door and turn off the porch light, God’s word is a wonderful reminder to me of His promises of sweet fellowship. My husband once said after a great meeting together of good fellowship, “Man! That is what heaven is going to be like, only better!” Yes, indeed. And I won’t have to hide my laundry behind the shower curtain. (Shh. Don’t tell.)
(Posted by Robin St. Denis, our daughter in Jacksonville)
Doesn’t that sound inviting? Now, let me rewind a bit. It is 5:00, and we are preparing for people to come. One of my children has had a potty accident, the girls haven’t cleaned up their rooms like I had asked them and I notice a pile of laundry by the front door. My husband has decided this is a good time to touch up the paint on the window. One of my sons is attempting to break a record with how many times he can run around the room. I’m feeling insecure about my housekeeping abilities, everyone will see I still haven’t dusted the chandelier (and it’s not Halloween so I can’t use that as my excuse.) It is around this time I ask my husband, “Why, exactly, are we doing this again?”
Don usually says something like “Because this is what it’s all about!” That response doesn’t always bring thoughts of joy and love to my mind. But he’s right. When I read God’s word to us, the constant encouragement for believers is to gather together and to rejoice together. Hebrews 10:23 tells us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
It is my habit to withdraw from the body when I feel discouraged. When things are rough; maybe there is stress in my marriage, with my children, or with other believers, I want to keep to myself. Or maybe it’s my pride, like I mentioned earlier, my house isn’t clean enough… my kids aren’t well-behaved enough… or I just don’t feel like I have my act together enough to face other believers. I don’t want people to see my flaws. But often, I need a firm reminder: that is not what we are called to do. I don’t want other women thinking I have it all together. I want younger women to know I struggle, but with God’s faithfulness and mercy, I persevere, and I lean totally on His strength. What keeps me loving my children and my husband is God’s love for me. What keeps me loving His people is God’s love for me. I also want my children to see us open our home, to share our lives, to learn practically that it’s not all about our family and our needs, that we are part of a bigger family.
Of course, I look forward to those Sundays where we can take a night off and relax with just my family, and have some reprieve from the stresses of hosting. My children are usually disappointed, they love having the other kids over and playing with the babies. But when I feel the temptation to pull away, to close the door and turn off the porch light, God’s word is a wonderful reminder to me of His promises of sweet fellowship. My husband once said after a great meeting together of good fellowship, “Man! That is what heaven is going to be like, only better!” Yes, indeed. And I won’t have to hide my laundry behind the shower curtain. (Shh. Don’t tell.)
(Posted by Robin St. Denis, our daughter in Jacksonville)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Resolution for 2008
Two Resolutions for 2008: the first came as a result of encouragement from our daughter, Robin, who told me her only resolution this year was to get up and have some time with the Lord. I know if she can manage it, pregnant with 4 lively other children, I certainly ought to be able to! And my second? To use this blog as an encouragement for others to do the same. It's more difficult than I imagined to write for encouragement and send it out to cyberspace - all my insecurities come charging in. So let me know if you read this - if you can't get through to comment here, send me an email at susanbraun7@gmail.com.
I can't wait to study with some others Paul's letter to the Phillippians - the first letter I read in the New Testament as a young Christian almost 44 years ago and it has never lost its appeal for me. There is nothing like the joy of rediscovering all God has for us as we get into the Word together.
I can't wait to study with some others Paul's letter to the Phillippians - the first letter I read in the New Testament as a young Christian almost 44 years ago and it has never lost its appeal for me. There is nothing like the joy of rediscovering all God has for us as we get into the Word together.
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