Something Corrie Ten Boom said in a book (I think it was The Hiding Place), recently came to mind in a conversation. I can't quote it exactly but the jest of it was to not hold things too tightly for God will take them away. I had a very strong attachment to one of my kitties. A silver gray male who was approximately 13 yrs old. Like a dog, he followed me everywere. He was always underfoot, making his presence known. I've never known a sweeter kitty. Thankfully I applied Corrie's philosophy, for I knew it to be true. Last winter I was blessed with the privelege of holding him in my arms until he passed away. Something I normally wouldn't have time to do but I had just had surgery on my foot. How grateful I am for the years I had with him, and for the time spent while he passed. I am even more grateful for that truth which made his passing much easier because I had already given him to God many years before. The loss of something or someone we love should cause us to reach out in trust to God and to draw closer to Him.
I wish it were as easy for me with illness. Just when I think I have succceded in giving my health problem to God -- trusting Him with the results, it seems the problem increases or more problems develop. It is another rung on the ladder, a deeper degree of learning to trust Him. Whether it the surrender of a day (or week's)work to a migraine or one's entire support and well-being to an chronic all-consuming illness, God is faithful and can be trusted. Why? Because the goal is His glory. Yet, sometimes the hardest thing to do is to surrender our goals, our desires for His. But, that is what is required. I'm His bond servant, purchased by the blood of Christ. My service is to do His will, not mine. If that service entails a life of handicaps and illness then I must find a way to use them to glorify Him.
Like my sweet kitty, my health is an earthly thing, it is temporal and carnal, it is a gift, it is something that passes away. It can allow it to come between my love for God or I can use it as a tool to draw me closer to Him and bring more glory to Him.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday, March 13, 2009
Man's Real Character Revealed
If you're like me, you find that it easy to go though each day thinking, “I'm okay. I'm not really such a bad person." Like most people, my tendency is to think of myself in a good light and forget what I really am, a dirty, rotten, vile, sinner, saved, justified and forgiven totally by the grace of God. Even though I’m a Christian, my human nature tends toward two wrong lines of thinking. Either I think of myself (excluding God) as something better than I really am, forgetting where I came from (dirty, rotten, sinner). Or, I remember that I’m a terrible sinner, dwelling on my horribleness, and I forget that what Christ did on the cross has removed the mark against me. I forget that God no longer sees me as His enemy but as His child, justified, forgiven and loved.
Jerry Bridges in his book "Respectable Sins" says that the only cure for this is to "preach the gospel to myself every day." because the gospel, is the only remedy for our sins. • It plows the ground of our hearts so we can see our sin and acknowledge it. • After confessing our sin, the gospel frees us up so that we can then begin to deal with the particular manifestations of sin we have first openly acknowledged. It does this by assuring us that we are forgiven, that God no longer holds our sin against us, He has already charged it to Christ. • Finally it motivates and energizes us to deal with our sin, "put it to death." "...this continuous day-by-day appropriation of the gospel, as it assures us of the forgiveness of our sins, is an important part of our dealing with sin in our lives."
I was reminded again of this when I read this morning’s Grace Gems entitled, “Deicide” from Arthur Pink's "Beholding the Crucified Christ" Here are a few excerpts:
Grace Gems
Friday, March 13, 2009
Jerry Bridges in his book "Respectable Sins" says that the only cure for this is to "preach the gospel to myself every day." because the gospel, is the only remedy for our sins. • It plows the ground of our hearts so we can see our sin and acknowledge it. • After confessing our sin, the gospel frees us up so that we can then begin to deal with the particular manifestations of sin we have first openly acknowledged. It does this by assuring us that we are forgiven, that God no longer holds our sin against us, He has already charged it to Christ. • Finally it motivates and energizes us to deal with our sin, "put it to death." "...this continuous day-by-day appropriation of the gospel, as it assures us of the forgiveness of our sins, is an important part of our dealing with sin in our lives."
I was reminded again of this when I read this morning’s Grace Gems entitled, “Deicide” from Arthur Pink's "Beholding the Crucified Christ" Here are a few excerpts:
Multitudes go through the form of paying homage to God--but it is a "god" of their own imagination. They hate the true and living God, and were it possible--they would rid the universe of His existence! This is clear from their treatment of Christ, for He was none other than "God manifest in flesh" (1 Timothy 3:16). They hated and hounded Him to death--and nothing short of His cruel death by crucifixion would appease them!Here at Calvary the real character of man was revealed, and the desperate wickedness of his heart was laid bare. There it was shown, that man was capable of the blackest of all crimes! … In the treatment which the Son of God received at the hands of men--we see sin in its true colors, stripped of a disguise, exposed in its hideous reality; revealed in its true nature as contempt of God, and rebellion against Him. Here at Calvary we behold the climax of sin--and the fearful and horrible lengths to which sin is capable of going! That sin which germinated in Eden--culminated in the crucifixion! Here at Calvary, we see sin at it's apex--Deicide--in the slaying of the Lord of Glory!
Grace Gems
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
John Piper - God Promises Christians Pain and Trouble
I've wanted to start a series of articles on suffering and God's purposes in it. I've decided to begin with some excellent videos. This first video is by John Piper, Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In this video, John shares with us God's promise and at least one aspect of His purpose for suffering, pain and trouble.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thoughts On Time
With this last weekend's time change, my focus has been on time. Last Tuesday I ran across a convicting little gem of an article that I posted on my Facebook page. I timely reminder that I need to jealously guard my time and use it wisely.
Pilfering of Another's Time by Hannah More
"Redeeming the time." Ephesians 5:16
Christians should especially be on their guard against a spirit of idleness, and a slovenly habitual wasting of time. We must guard against a habitual frivolousness at home; and an abundance of unprofitable small-talk, idle reading, inane drowsiness, and a quiet and dull frittering away of time.We must seriously consider--what a large portion of life we have unwisely squandered; what days and nights we have wasted, if not sinfully--yet selfishly; if not loaded with evil--yet destitute of good. In the day of judgment, the thin disguise which our treacherous heart now casts over vanity and sloth, will then be torn off.We are guilty of the strange inconsistency of being most wasteful of what we best love--and of throwing away what we most fear to lose--that TIME of which life is made up. It is not so much a lack of time--as a wasting of our time--which prevents life from answering all the ends for which God has given it to us.Few things make us so useful of the world, as the prudent use of our precious time. We should not only be careful not to waste our own time--but that others do not rob us of it! The "stealing of our purse" is a serious wrong to us. But the "stealing of our time" should grieve us even more! Pilfering of another's time is a felony for which no restitution can be made--for time is not only invaluable, but irrecoverable!Every particle of time is valuable. No day can be insignificant--when every day is to be accounted for. Each one possesses weight and importance. What a scene will open upon us, when, from our eternal state--we shall look back on the use we have made of time--when we shall take a clear retrospect of all we have done, and all we ought to have done!"Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure, time. Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions--which have robbed me of many valuable hours. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies and conversation; but grant, that by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, I may be able to give a good account of it in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate. Amen."
Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Pilfering of Another's Time by Hannah More
"Redeeming the time." Ephesians 5:16
Christians should especially be on their guard against a spirit of idleness, and a slovenly habitual wasting of time. We must guard against a habitual frivolousness at home; and an abundance of unprofitable small-talk, idle reading, inane drowsiness, and a quiet and dull frittering away of time.We must seriously consider--what a large portion of life we have unwisely squandered; what days and nights we have wasted, if not sinfully--yet selfishly; if not loaded with evil--yet destitute of good. In the day of judgment, the thin disguise which our treacherous heart now casts over vanity and sloth, will then be torn off.We are guilty of the strange inconsistency of being most wasteful of what we best love--and of throwing away what we most fear to lose--that TIME of which life is made up. It is not so much a lack of time--as a wasting of our time--which prevents life from answering all the ends for which God has given it to us.Few things make us so useful of the world, as the prudent use of our precious time. We should not only be careful not to waste our own time--but that others do not rob us of it! The "stealing of our purse" is a serious wrong to us. But the "stealing of our time" should grieve us even more! Pilfering of another's time is a felony for which no restitution can be made--for time is not only invaluable, but irrecoverable!Every particle of time is valuable. No day can be insignificant--when every day is to be accounted for. Each one possesses weight and importance. What a scene will open upon us, when, from our eternal state--we shall look back on the use we have made of time--when we shall take a clear retrospect of all we have done, and all we ought to have done!"Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure, time. Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions--which have robbed me of many valuable hours. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies and conversation; but grant, that by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, I may be able to give a good account of it in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate. Amen."
Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Quote for the Week
This week I read an article written by Rick Thomas, entitled “Investigating Legalism.” As the title suggests, the subject of Mr. Thomas’ article is legalism. The primary question he addresses is, “Where is wordliness found?” Thomas concludes that this is a huge question. Why? Because “…how you answer it will determine your Christian worldview: how you view and practice life as a Christian.”
Thomas gives us the biblical answer, explaining that, “worldliness is not primarily external, in the world itself, it lies in our heart. The apostle John locates it there in these verses “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 Jn. 2:15-16).
Thomas continues, “Desires (or lusts) and pride in the Bible are synonyms for sinful heart attitudes, not external sins. Pride and lust are inward. John describes this as worldliness. John places worldliness inside the person. John tells us not to love the world or the things in the world. And then he sets out to describe what is in the world. He does this by talking about pride, lusts, desires and sinful heart attitudes. For John, this is worldliness. This is how worldliness is described and/or defined for him. …you must guard your heart from the temptation of thinking that the external is sinful. It is the heart that must be guarded. It is sinful lust, desires and pride that make me worldly.”
To summarize his article, he ends with a quote from pages 161-162 of Dr. R. C. Sproul’s book, “The Holiness of God.” This quote is my Quote for the Week:
Rick says, “Thanks, Mr. Sproul!”
I say “Thanks, Mr. Sproul and “Thanks Rick Thomas!”
You may read the entire 7-part article which includes Sproul’s quote at the following link:
http://competentcounseling.com/2008/08/25/gnostic-worldly-or-christian/
The book The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul may be purchased at the following links:
http://www.amazon.com/Holiness-God-R-C-Sproul/dp/0842339655/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219637285&sr=8-1
http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/2965/nm/The+Holiness+of+God+%28Paperback%29
Thomas gives us the biblical answer, explaining that, “worldliness is not primarily external, in the world itself, it lies in our heart. The apostle John locates it there in these verses “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 Jn. 2:15-16).
Thomas continues, “Desires (or lusts) and pride in the Bible are synonyms for sinful heart attitudes, not external sins. Pride and lust are inward. John describes this as worldliness. John places worldliness inside the person. John tells us not to love the world or the things in the world. And then he sets out to describe what is in the world. He does this by talking about pride, lusts, desires and sinful heart attitudes. For John, this is worldliness. This is how worldliness is described and/or defined for him. …you must guard your heart from the temptation of thinking that the external is sinful. It is the heart that must be guarded. It is sinful lust, desires and pride that make me worldly.”
To summarize his article, he ends with a quote from pages 161-162 of Dr. R. C. Sproul’s book, “The Holiness of God.” This quote is my Quote for the Week:
It is a tragedy that the matter of nonconformity has been treated by Christians at a shallow level. The simplistic way of not conforming is to see what is in style in our culture and then do the opposite. If short hair is in vogue, the nonconformist wears long hair. If going to the movies is popular, then Christians avoid movies as “worldly.” The extreme case of this may be seen in groups that refuse to wear buttons or use electricity because such things, too, are worldly.
A superficial style of nonconformity is the classical pharisaical trap. The kingdom of God is not about buttons, movies, or dancing. The concern of God is not focused on what we eat or what we drink. The call of nonconformity is a call to a deeper level of righteousness, that goes beyond externals. When piety is defined exclusively in terms of externals, the whole point of the apostle’s teaching has been lost. Somehow we have failed to hear Jesus’ words that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that deflies a person, but what comes out of that mouth. We still want to make the kingdom a matter of eating and drinking.
Why are such distortions rampant in Christian circles? The only answer I can give is sin. Our marks of piety can actually be evidences of impiety. When we major in minors and blow insignificant trifles out of proportion, we imitate the Pharisees. When we make dancing and movies the test of spirituality, we are guilty of substituting a cheap morality for a genuine one. We do these things to obscure the deeper issues of righteousness. Anyone can avoid dancing or going to movies. These require no great effort of moral courage. What is difficult is to control the tongue, to act with integrity, to reveal the fruit of the Spirit.
Rick says, “Thanks, Mr. Sproul!”
I say “Thanks, Mr. Sproul and “Thanks Rick Thomas!”
You may read the entire 7-part article which includes Sproul’s quote at the following link:
http://competentcounseling.com/2008/08/25/gnostic-worldly-or-christian/
The book The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul may be purchased at the following links:
http://www.amazon.com/Holiness-God-R-C-Sproul/dp/0842339655/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219637285&sr=8-1
http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/2965/nm/The+Holiness+of+God+%28Paperback%29
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Put Your Faith in Action
The Voice of the Martyrs Is offering you a chance to
help Christians in Pakistan
Want to help your brothers and sisters in Pakistan reach out with the love of Christ? VOM's co-workers in Pakistan have asked them to send 10,000 Action Packs as soon as possible. These Action Packs with basic living items inside are a huge blessing for people in need. The Action Packs are specially designed, preprinted vacuum bags that are filled by you with blankets, clothing, towels and other new or gently used items. Each Action Pack comes with instructions about what can be placed inside.
If you would like to view a list of resources on the persecuted church and online specials from VOM, please visit www.VOMBooks.com.
This online offer is being presented by The Voice of the Martyrs. For additional information, you may contact us by clicking here or calling our order line at 800-747-0085.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Smokey & Stella
Sorry I haven't posted. Perhaps, writing regularly in a blog is not a priority because I always seem to have something else that needs to be tended to more.
However, I realized that I needed to carve out time to add pictures of the two latest additions to our family - Smokey the stallion (black) and Stella the mare. Both are quarter horses.
These pictures are what they looked like the day we bought them. Smokey especially has put on weight since then.
The pictures actually don't do either of them justice. I think they both look much better in real life. Neither Smokey nor Stella have been broken to ride so I definitely have my work cut out for me. They are both very gentle and good natured for young animals. Smokey is 8 and Stella is 3.
My husband very graciously bought these horses for me because I made the statement (in jest of course), "If we wait much longer to get horses, I will be too old to ride." He gave them hoping to give me pleasure. God, I think had a much different idea in mind - possibly discipline and faith. I'm sure He intends to accomplish much more through the experience, in all of which I hope I will glorify Him and grow to be more like Christ.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
PASTOR BIKE & HIS WIFE ARE FREE !
I received this e-mail notice from The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association:
Friday, August 8th, 5:00 pm
YOUR VOICE WAS HEARD!
We just received word from Pastor "Bike" that he has been released from Chinese custody. Pastor Bike was in good spirits and extended thanks to all those who prayed and were willing to sign the petition for his release. He believed this petition drive was part of the reason the officials released him along with his wife and co-worker.
We will still deliver a printed copy of all the signatures collected to the Chinese embassy next week, along with a THANK YOU LETTER to express appreciation for the release of our Christian brothers and sister. Continue to add your voice, and encourage your friends, so that we can let the Chinese government know how many Christians care about persecution in China. We will have a full update next week.
Praise God for answered prayer!
-- The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association
You may read about it at http://www.freepastorbike.com/ or more detailed information can be found at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=IQDEZ&m=1gf8MzgdeQhH4b&b=seKW1C1iK1Ws6EZGGYXzSQ
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sign the Petition to Free Pastor Bike & His Wife
Today, as I checked my computer, I learned that more than 52,265 people have signed the petition to help free Pastor Bike. Yesterday I sat and watched the tallies and every 15 minutes approximately 350 people signed. That is encouraging! Still, many more signatures are needed to help this dedicated and courageous servant of the Lord. Please go to http://www.freepastorbike.com/ and sign your name to help set Pastor Bike and his wife free. On Aug. 6, Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan was arrested while trying to deliver medicine to his ailing wife. His wife and another pastor were also arrested. In response to these arrests, The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association launched a petition drive to free these three Christians and to let the Chinese government know that the world is aware that these Christians are being detained.
Pastor Bike is known for traveling across China on a bicycle to evangelize. He has traveled more than 10,000 miles on his bicycle, visiting 24 Chinese provinces to introduce nonbelievers to Jesus Christ. Armed with a Bible and his business card, which declared “Believe in Jesus, Be Granted Eternal Life,” Pastor Bike brought the gospel to thousands of people. The pastor voluntarily preaches the gospel openly in China despite being persecuted. He and other Chinese evangelists have been repeatedly harassed by Chinese officials during this Olympic year.
Please pray for the release of Pastor Bike and his wife.
Read more about Pastor Bike here:
http://www.freepastorbike.com/
http://www.freepastorbike.com/moreinfo.html
http://www.persecution.com/topStory_olympics.html
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
PERSECUTION WORLDWIDE
According to The Voice of Martyrs,
In more than 40 nations around the world today Christians are being persecuted for their faith. In some of these nations it is illegal to own a Bible, to share your faith Christ, change your faith or teach your children about Jesus. Those who boldly follow Christ—in spite of government edict or radical opposition—can face harassment, arrest, torture and even death. Yet Christians continue to meet for worship and to witness for Christ, and the church in restricted nations is growing.
For more information on these countries and persecution worldwide, sign on at http://www.persecution.com/
Friday, June 20, 2008
Steering Through the Dangerous Sea of Life
The following excerpt from Arthur W. Pink's "The Attributes of God" was taken from Grace Gems - Friday, June 20th, 2008. It's well worth taking time to read and apply.
An Unerring Chart By Which to Steer Through the Dangerous Sea of Life
An Unerring Chart By Which to Steer Through the Dangerous Sea of Life
God has placed His Word in our hands for an intensely practical purpose -- namely, to direct our walk and to regulate our deportment. The primary purpose for which God gave the Scriptures, is to make a practical use of them -- ordering the details of our lives by its rules and regulations "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105). The metaphor used here is taken from a man walking along a dangerous road on a dark night, in urgent need of a lantern to show him where to walk safely and comfortably, to avoid injury and destruction. God, in His infinite condescension and transcendent grace, has given us His Word for this very purpose, so that we need not stumble along blindly, ignorant of what pleases or displeases Him -- but that we might know His mind. That divine Word is not given to us simply for information, but . . . to regulate our conduct, to enlighten our minds, and to mold our hearts. The Word supplies us with an unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life. If we sincerely and diligently follow, it will deliver us from disastrous rocks and submerged reefs -- and direct us safely to the heavenly harbor. That Word has all the instructions we need for every problem, and every trouble we may be called upon to face. That Word has been given to us "that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:17). How thankful we should be, that God has favored us with such a Word! This world is a dark place, and it is only as we take heed to the Word, to the light God has given us, that we shall be able to perceive and avoid "the broad road which leads to destruction," and discern the narrow way which alone "leads unto eternal life." Our first duty, and our first aim, must be to take up the Scriptures to ascertain what is God's revealed will for us -- what are the paths He forbids us to walk, what are the ways pleasing in His sight. The Scriptures are not given us, primarily, for our intellectual gratification, nor for emotional admiration, but for life's regulation. Nor are the precepts and commands, the warnings and encouragements contained therein, simply for our information. They are to be reduced to practice, they require unqualified obedience. He who treasures the divine precepts in his heart, and diligently seeks to walk by their rule, will escape those evils which destroy his fellows. Thus the great business of the Christian, is to regulate his life by, and conform his conduct -- to the precepts of the written Word, and the example left us by the Incarnate Word. As he does so, and in proportion as he does so, he is emancipated from the darkness of his natural mind, freed from the follies of his corrupt heart, delivered from the mad course of this world, and escapes the snares of the devil.
(Arthur W. Pink - "The Attributes of God")
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Zaur Balaev Threaten Again - "Haven't you learnt from your imprisonment?"
Zaur Balaev Baptist pastor in Aliabad, Azerbaijan told Forum 18 News Service that he has been threatened by Kamandar Hasanov, the deputy police chief in Azerbaijan's north-western Zakatala region, and two of his colleagues. "You may not be afraid, but you've forgotten you've got a wife, daughter and a son," was one of the treats made. Read a condensed version of the story by Dr. Jim West at Zwinglian - Bible, Theology and Chruch History entitled, Baptist Pastor Zaur Balaev in the News Again, or read the full report from Forum 18 News Service entitled Azerbaijan: "Wasn't one prison term enough?"
Saturday, May 17, 2008
It's Never Too Late to Keep Asking
Do you ever feel like throwing in the towel and just totally giving up. After all, you've been dealing with the same sins over and over again and finally you start to wonder if change is ever going to occur. John Piper had a great piece on his blog Thursday May 15th, that addressed that very issue. I found it extremely encouraging.
It's Never Too Late to Keep Asking
by John Piper
One of the greatest hope-killers is that you have tried for so long to change and have not succeeded. Now you look back and think: What's the use? Even if I could experience a breakthrough, there would be so little time left to live in my new way it wouldn't make much difference compared to so many decades of failure.
That's not true. Suppose you only had five years left to live with a new victory over some old way. Or suppose you only had a year, or a month, or an hour? Would it matter?
At this point stir the thief on the cross into your thinking. At first he was railing at Jesus (Matthew 27:44). Then he was broken by what he saw and repented and cried out for mercy: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus received this faith-filled cry and promised, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Then the former robber lived for another hour or so before he died. He was changed. He lived on the cross as a new man with new attitudes and actions (no more reviling). But 99.99% of his life was wasted. Did the last couple hours of newness matter?
They mattered infinitely. This former robber, like all of us, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of his life. "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2Corinthians 5:10). How will his life witness in that day to his new birth and his union with Christ?
The last hours will tell the story. This man was new. His faith was real. He is truly united to Christ. Christ's righteousness is his. His sins are forgiven. That is what the final hours will proclaim at the last judgment. His change mattered. It was, and it will be, a beautiful testimony to the power of God's grace and the reality of his faith and his union with Christ.
Now back to our struggle with change. I am not saying that struggling believers are unsaved like the robber was. I am simply saying: the last years and the last hours of life matter.
If in the last 1% of our lives we can get a victory over some longstanding sinful habit or hurtful defect in our personality, it will be a beautiful testimony now to the power of grace; and it will be an added witness (not the only one) at the last judgment of our faith in Christ and our union with him.
Take heart, struggler. Keeping asking, seeking, knocking. Keep looking to Christ. If God gets glory by saving robbers in the 11th hour, he surely has his purposes why he has waited till now to give you the breakthrough you have sought for decades.
Desiring God Blog Posted: 15 May 2008 07:52 AM CDT
It's Never Too Late to Keep Asking
by John Piper
One of the greatest hope-killers is that you have tried for so long to change and have not succeeded. Now you look back and think: What's the use? Even if I could experience a breakthrough, there would be so little time left to live in my new way it wouldn't make much difference compared to so many decades of failure.
That's not true. Suppose you only had five years left to live with a new victory over some old way. Or suppose you only had a year, or a month, or an hour? Would it matter?
At this point stir the thief on the cross into your thinking. At first he was railing at Jesus (Matthew 27:44). Then he was broken by what he saw and repented and cried out for mercy: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus received this faith-filled cry and promised, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Then the former robber lived for another hour or so before he died. He was changed. He lived on the cross as a new man with new attitudes and actions (no more reviling). But 99.99% of his life was wasted. Did the last couple hours of newness matter?
They mattered infinitely. This former robber, like all of us, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of his life. "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2Corinthians 5:10). How will his life witness in that day to his new birth and his union with Christ?
The last hours will tell the story. This man was new. His faith was real. He is truly united to Christ. Christ's righteousness is his. His sins are forgiven. That is what the final hours will proclaim at the last judgment. His change mattered. It was, and it will be, a beautiful testimony to the power of God's grace and the reality of his faith and his union with Christ.
Now back to our struggle with change. I am not saying that struggling believers are unsaved like the robber was. I am simply saying: the last years and the last hours of life matter.
If in the last 1% of our lives we can get a victory over some longstanding sinful habit or hurtful defect in our personality, it will be a beautiful testimony now to the power of grace; and it will be an added witness (not the only one) at the last judgment of our faith in Christ and our union with him.
Take heart, struggler. Keeping asking, seeking, knocking. Keep looking to Christ. If God gets glory by saving robbers in the 11th hour, he surely has his purposes why he has waited till now to give you the breakthrough you have sought for decades.
Desiring God Blog Posted: 15 May 2008 07:52 AM CDT
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Quote from Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Today I read an excerpt from THE DEEPER LIFE by Robert Murray M'Cheyne.
I ought not to omit any of the parts of prayer–confession, adoration, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession.
There is a fearful tendency to omit confession, proceeding from low views of God and His law, slight views of my heart and the sins of my past life. This must be resisted. There is a constant tendency to omit adoration, when I forget to whom I am speaking, when I rush heedlessly into the presence of Jehovah, without remembering His awful name and character, when I have little eyesight for His glory, and little admiration of His wonders. "What are the wise?" I have the native tendency of the heart to omit giving thanks. And yet it is specially commanded (Phil. 4: 6). Often when the heart is selfish, dead to the salvation of others, I omit intercession. And yet it especially is the spirit of the Great Advocate, who has the name of Israel always on His heart.
Perhaps every prayer need not have all these; but surely a day should not pass without some space being devoted to each.
I ought to pray before seeing any one. Often when I sleep long, or meet with others early, and then have family prayer, and breakfast, and forenoon callers, often it is eleven or twelve o'clock before I begin secret prayer. This is a wretched system. It is unscriptural. Christ rose before day, and went into a solitary place. David says, "Early will I seek Thee; Thou shalt early hear my voice." Mary Magdalene came to the sepucher while yet it was dark. Family prayer loses much of its power and sweetness; and I can do no good to those who come to seek from me. The conscience feels guilty, the soul unfed, the lamp not trimmed. Then, when secret prayer comes, the soul is often out of tune. I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. "When I awake I am still with thee." --- by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)
While I’m not sure I agree with his statement that it is “unscriptural” to not have your quiet time early before starting your day, I do believe that there is much truth in the rest of what he says. I agree that everyone is different. I think that quiet time with the Lord works best on an individual basis and depends greatly upon whether a person is a morning person or an evening person, and upon a person’s schedule.
However, for my life, there is just something about getting up and giving those first morning hours to God. Getting my life and thoughts right with Him, before you spend time with any one else or tackle any task. If I don’t do that, my entire day seems out of kilter, I’m ill prepared for emergencies, and I have nothing to give in counsel but my own thoughts and opinions. Like he says, “I can do no good to those who come to seek from me.” The conscience feels guilty, the soul unfed, the lamp not trimmed. Then, when secret prayer comes, the soul is often out of tune. I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. Of course, you know what that means --- going to bed early! No late night movies or talk shows. For me it is staying up to work on the computer.
Last night I found another marvelous source of old puritan sermons and writings. Last night it was Robert Murray M’Cheyne and Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones that kept me up. The time before that it was Arthur W. Pink and A. W. Tozer. I can always find a reason to stay up. I guess that’s why the Bible refers to “training” and “disciplining” ourselves, and bringing our body under control. My devotions today are pretty much a loss. I hope I’ve learned something. Staying up late at night is not only is unwise for someone with FMS it’s devastating to my devotional life and that definitely is not negotiable.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
True Diamonds
Recently I've been working on a bible study on the topic of "pain and suffering." I've also been reading through some sermons by John Piper and J0hn MacArthur on the same subject. One sermon by John MacArthur has been especially interesting to me, it's called "When Healing Doesn't Come." In this article, MacArthur compares the true children of God to genuine diamonds when he tells about the "water test" that jewelers occasionally use as a means for identifying true diamonds.
An imitation stone is never as brilliant as a genuine stone, but sometimes the difference cannot be determined with the naked eye. So jewelers immerse the stone in water. A genuine diamond continues to sparkle brilliantly while the sparkle of the imitation is virtually extinguished. By way of analogy, the faith of many people underthe water of sorrow or affliction is nothing but an imitation. However, when atrue child of God is immersed in a trial, he will shine as brilliantly as ever.
MacArthur reminds us that, when being tested, the way to shine brightly is by prayer and by leaning on the strength of God rather than your own weakness. When we turn from ourselves and place our faith in the infinite strength of the One who is working all things out for our good and His own holy purpose (Romans 8:28), we will have good results.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Poetry of Martha Snell Nicholson
Last week I did the eulogy at the funeral of a very close friend of mine. While in the composing process, I had an opportunity to raffle through some of the poetry I’ve been collecting down through the years and review several of the poems written by my favorite poet, Martha Snell Nicholson.
Margaret Snell Nicholson is one of my idols. She was a godly Christian woman, who knew what it meant to praise her Lord in the midst of physical and emotional suffering. For more than thirty-five years she endured almost constant pain, increasing weakness and helplessness from four incurable diseases that held her confined to her bed. In spite of her pain and suffering, Mrs. Nicholson did not give in to self-pity or dwell on her suffering, instead, she focused on her Savior. Thus, she grew strong in her faith and radiated beauty and cheerfulness to all who would come near her. She loved people and she loved and lived closely with the LORD. As a result, she wrote some of the most excellent Christian poetry which has ever been written. From seven volumes writing, Her precious verses bless all who reads them. Her words are filled with hope and inspiration and lift the soul, bringing great blessing. Each poem abounds with a beauty, truth, and thanksgiving which greatly exalts and honors the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Below are three of my favorite poems. I hope they mean as much to you as they have to me.
(a "mendicant" is a beggar)
I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Treasures
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving.
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to Me!"
So I held my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
Till they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Guests
Pain knocked upon my door and said
That she had come to stay;
And though I would not welcome her
But bade her go away,
She entered in. Like my own shade
She followed after me,
And from her stabbing, stinging sword
No moment was I free.
And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is no room for more".
And then I heard His tender voice,
" 'Tis I, be not afraid".
And from the day He entered in --
The difference it made!
For though He did not bid her leave,
(My strange, unwelcome guest,)
He taught me how to live with her.
Oh, I had never guessed
That we could dwell so sweetly here,
My Lord and Pain and I,
Within this fragile house of clay
While years slip slowly by!
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Margaret Snell Nicholson is one of my idols. She was a godly Christian woman, who knew what it meant to praise her Lord in the midst of physical and emotional suffering. For more than thirty-five years she endured almost constant pain, increasing weakness and helplessness from four incurable diseases that held her confined to her bed. In spite of her pain and suffering, Mrs. Nicholson did not give in to self-pity or dwell on her suffering, instead, she focused on her Savior. Thus, she grew strong in her faith and radiated beauty and cheerfulness to all who would come near her. She loved people and she loved and lived closely with the LORD. As a result, she wrote some of the most excellent Christian poetry which has ever been written. From seven volumes writing, Her precious verses bless all who reads them. Her words are filled with hope and inspiration and lift the soul, bringing great blessing. Each poem abounds with a beauty, truth, and thanksgiving which greatly exalts and honors the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Below are three of my favorite poems. I hope they mean as much to you as they have to me.
(a "mendicant" is a beggar)
I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Treasures
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving.
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to Me!"
So I held my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
Till they could contain no more.
And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Guests
Pain knocked upon my door and said
That she had come to stay;
And though I would not welcome her
But bade her go away,
She entered in. Like my own shade
She followed after me,
And from her stabbing, stinging sword
No moment was I free.
And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is no room for more".
And then I heard His tender voice,
" 'Tis I, be not afraid".
And from the day He entered in --
The difference it made!
For though He did not bid her leave,
(My strange, unwelcome guest,)
He taught me how to live with her.
Oh, I had never guessed
That we could dwell so sweetly here,
My Lord and Pain and I,
Within this fragile house of clay
While years slip slowly by!
--Martha Snell Nicholson
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ice Storm: the Beauty and the Tragedy
It might be that you've never experienced an ice storm, at least one that has lasted for several days. Its Sunday and we are currently into our sixth day since all nature (in our area) was coated with the crystalline substance. The storm first began with a rain, which over a time froze on the ground, trees and buildings. Had the rain stopped or had the upper atmosphere become colder, turning the rain to snow, the results would have been less spectacular. Instead, it continued to rain off and on for at least a day and a half until everything was coated with an 1” of ice. I think this is the worst ice storm my husband and I have ever seen and that is because of the heaviness of this super thick layer of ice, but yet there is nothing more beautiful than ice covered fences and trees. The world glistens like glass, it's brilliant, stunning, but the damage it can do and the hardship it can cause is tragic.
We live right in the middle of the area hardest hit by the storm, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Not too far from where we live, a fairly large community claims that 10,000 of its residents are without electricity. Four other smaller communities near us are totally without power.
Since ice storms are not a rare occurrence in the Midwest, many people are trying to ride it out. It's hard to imagine coming home from work to no heat or lights, no stove or microwave, no refrigerator, and no shower or bath unless you like them ice cold. By 5:00 or 5:30 in the mid of December the sun has gone down and night has settled in, so if the children happen to arrive home from school before mom and dad get home from work, it's cold, dark and spooky. A lot of people get through the outage by using kerosene or propane heaters to heat small spaces instead of an entire house. One family we know uses a propane space heater to heat their kitchen. They hang blankets over the doors to hold the warm air in. They have brought a portable TV from one of the bedrooms to the kitchen where the entire family sits around the table cozying up old time family style. In earlier times the kitchen was the central hub of the family, even more so than today. Often times the only room that was heated was the kitchen because they had to keep the cook stove going and so family, friends and neighbors alike gathered round the kitchen table for conversation and family fun.
Even today land line telephones require electricity for switching and various other things so without electricity often entire areas are without phone service unless you have a cell phone, but without electricity where are you supposed to recharge it? Generator sales have hit an all-time high since the Y2K scare and plugs, outlets and other fittings for wiring and hooking up are in short supply. Stores sell out as soon as their trucks unload and their shelves are stocked. I saw on television a few days ago that over a million people are without power from Oklahoma to Wisconsin. We've been told that in our area, all electricity should be restored by December 22nd. That's still over a week wait. Electric crews have come in from Arkansas, Colorado and other states to help with the overwhelming task of restoring power. The news announced last night that while several of these out of town crews slept in a motel after a hard days work, an organized group of "lowlifes" robbed them of their tools and copper line. Can you imagine! We also hear reports that municipal and utility companies uses generators to power some of their equipment, since the power outage effects them too. Thieves have walked off with their generators if they weren't chained down.
Still, there is a brighter side, we've heard of entire neighborhoods where power is shared. Some people have power, while others don't and so heavy electric cords run from house to house so everyone can benefit. People helping people, shoveling snow, cutting up and moving tree limbs that block entrances and driveways, caring, cooperation and looking out for your fellow man.
We are among the fortunate few because we live on a farm and many farmers, especially those with livestock have generators. Because the livestock has to be watered and fed and we benefit too. We have had heat, light and all the modern conveniences that electricity brings all provided by a tractor driven generator. Of course, that means double fuel, we pay the price of the propane the house as well as the diesel to run the tractor. The generator is large enough to run everything on our farm as well as everything in my husband's parent's house which sets adjacent to our farm. It's close enough a power cord can run from one of the farm buildings to their house. They are elderly and would not be able to stay in there home if there were no heat or electricity.
Living in the country has it's benefits but it has it's disadvantages. Being without electricity usually means you're also without water as water well pumps can't operate without power. It also means lots of extra work. Domestic animals can't take care of themselves in a storm, they need plenty of feed and water that isn't frozen and their young need a warm and dry place protected from the wind and elements. City people will usually have their power restored before rural people. One power line in the city might service several blocks of houses or businesses while one line in the country may only service a handful of families. What that means is, people who live in rural areas will most likely have to wait longer before their electricity is restored.
Whether you are getting by with the help of friends, neighbors or family, a generator, space heater or just waiting it out in the cold, storm times are good times to reflect on the mercy and goodness of God and to consider the many things there are to be thankful for. Today was such a day. We weren't able to go to church, something that seldom occurs at our house. On Sunday morning, going to church is a given, something everyone does, but this morning was different, we had problems with the water. We had turned off the generator during the night to conserve on fuel and the pressure tank or water line to one of the buildings froze. If that wasn't enough, because it was so cold, the tractor didn't want to start (it finally did), and the pressure tank for the water in the house was losing it's pressure and making the water pump cycle over and over again. That's not something you want to happen because it could burn the pump out. My husband has been doing the chores, which I am grateful for, as I'm just getting over a bout with a sinus infection and bronchitis, but this morning he got an extra work out. He has to check on his parents every morning to make sure everything is working fine at their house and then he takes care of the animals and checks all the machinery. There are lots of buildings and equipment to check as well as close to 100 animals to look after. While he is choring, often a neighbor will call or come by, needing help. This morning chores took and extra length of time. My husband operates the road grader for the township which means that he has to keep the roads graded and cleared of snow, so that was something else he had on his “to do” list today. With school being out last week for several days because of the ice storm the administration was not going to let the weekend snowfall postpone school any longer, so roads must be clear and passable for the buses to travel bright and early Monday morning. By noon today he was gone and I was alone, alas, a quiet opportunity to reflect on God and His goodness. More on my reflection next time.
We live right in the middle of the area hardest hit by the storm, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Not too far from where we live, a fairly large community claims that 10,000 of its residents are without electricity. Four other smaller communities near us are totally without power.
Since ice storms are not a rare occurrence in the Midwest, many people are trying to ride it out. It's hard to imagine coming home from work to no heat or lights, no stove or microwave, no refrigerator, and no shower or bath unless you like them ice cold. By 5:00 or 5:30 in the mid of December the sun has gone down and night has settled in, so if the children happen to arrive home from school before mom and dad get home from work, it's cold, dark and spooky. A lot of people get through the outage by using kerosene or propane heaters to heat small spaces instead of an entire house. One family we know uses a propane space heater to heat their kitchen. They hang blankets over the doors to hold the warm air in. They have brought a portable TV from one of the bedrooms to the kitchen where the entire family sits around the table cozying up old time family style. In earlier times the kitchen was the central hub of the family, even more so than today. Often times the only room that was heated was the kitchen because they had to keep the cook stove going and so family, friends and neighbors alike gathered round the kitchen table for conversation and family fun.
Even today land line telephones require electricity for switching and various other things so without electricity often entire areas are without phone service unless you have a cell phone, but without electricity where are you supposed to recharge it? Generator sales have hit an all-time high since the Y2K scare and plugs, outlets and other fittings for wiring and hooking up are in short supply. Stores sell out as soon as their trucks unload and their shelves are stocked. I saw on television a few days ago that over a million people are without power from Oklahoma to Wisconsin. We've been told that in our area, all electricity should be restored by December 22nd. That's still over a week wait. Electric crews have come in from Arkansas, Colorado and other states to help with the overwhelming task of restoring power. The news announced last night that while several of these out of town crews slept in a motel after a hard days work, an organized group of "lowlifes" robbed them of their tools and copper line. Can you imagine! We also hear reports that municipal and utility companies uses generators to power some of their equipment, since the power outage effects them too. Thieves have walked off with their generators if they weren't chained down.
Still, there is a brighter side, we've heard of entire neighborhoods where power is shared. Some people have power, while others don't and so heavy electric cords run from house to house so everyone can benefit. People helping people, shoveling snow, cutting up and moving tree limbs that block entrances and driveways, caring, cooperation and looking out for your fellow man.
We are among the fortunate few because we live on a farm and many farmers, especially those with livestock have generators. Because the livestock has to be watered and fed and we benefit too. We have had heat, light and all the modern conveniences that electricity brings all provided by a tractor driven generator. Of course, that means double fuel, we pay the price of the propane the house as well as the diesel to run the tractor. The generator is large enough to run everything on our farm as well as everything in my husband's parent's house which sets adjacent to our farm. It's close enough a power cord can run from one of the farm buildings to their house. They are elderly and would not be able to stay in there home if there were no heat or electricity.
Living in the country has it's benefits but it has it's disadvantages. Being without electricity usually means you're also without water as water well pumps can't operate without power. It also means lots of extra work. Domestic animals can't take care of themselves in a storm, they need plenty of feed and water that isn't frozen and their young need a warm and dry place protected from the wind and elements. City people will usually have their power restored before rural people. One power line in the city might service several blocks of houses or businesses while one line in the country may only service a handful of families. What that means is, people who live in rural areas will most likely have to wait longer before their electricity is restored.
Whether you are getting by with the help of friends, neighbors or family, a generator, space heater or just waiting it out in the cold, storm times are good times to reflect on the mercy and goodness of God and to consider the many things there are to be thankful for. Today was such a day. We weren't able to go to church, something that seldom occurs at our house. On Sunday morning, going to church is a given, something everyone does, but this morning was different, we had problems with the water. We had turned off the generator during the night to conserve on fuel and the pressure tank or water line to one of the buildings froze. If that wasn't enough, because it was so cold, the tractor didn't want to start (it finally did), and the pressure tank for the water in the house was losing it's pressure and making the water pump cycle over and over again. That's not something you want to happen because it could burn the pump out. My husband has been doing the chores, which I am grateful for, as I'm just getting over a bout with a sinus infection and bronchitis, but this morning he got an extra work out. He has to check on his parents every morning to make sure everything is working fine at their house and then he takes care of the animals and checks all the machinery. There are lots of buildings and equipment to check as well as close to 100 animals to look after. While he is choring, often a neighbor will call or come by, needing help. This morning chores took and extra length of time. My husband operates the road grader for the township which means that he has to keep the roads graded and cleared of snow, so that was something else he had on his “to do” list today. With school being out last week for several days because of the ice storm the administration was not going to let the weekend snowfall postpone school any longer, so roads must be clear and passable for the buses to travel bright and early Monday morning. By noon today he was gone and I was alone, alas, a quiet opportunity to reflect on God and His goodness. More on my reflection next time.
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