A first in a very long time...I am at a loss for words this morning. Our adventure of camping at Lake Roosevelt this past weekend has been told; pictures have been posted; the house has been cleaned; books have not been read this week; and I sit here in a kind of bla state. The blaness flows more from a lack of enthusiasm I suppose. We enjoyed a wonderful time together as a family on the campout, and the rest of the week seems to just be lingering along. Nothing especially wrong with lingering except the lingering did not serve stimulation of any kind. It's as if life has been suspended for a time, and we, the objects of that suspension, just wait to be dropped where God wants us. However, during this suspension God has been working, and this is something that can be shared.
1. He provided an answer by allowing child services to choose another family to place two children whom we have been waiting for over the past month to have in our home. We knew this could be a possibility, but it still leaves a bit of a hole in the emotions. Others are of his choosing, or perhaps it is an experience that will be used elsewhere in our lives.
2. After many attempts in the past, we finally have health care for our children. A huge blessing needless to say. On top of this blessing, the health care benefits are retro-active back to January, covering a $300 physical for our son required for the Boy Scout's summer camp in the next week and a half.
3. Dale put a lead in to his company for a possible sale and it sold this past week, allowing him to receive a percentage back from that sale, paying for another unexpected expense accrued.
4. My vacuum cleaner went out three weeks ago and we have not been able to replace it. A friend generously lent me hers yesterday and now my floors are clean! Truly a blessing. You know that you've gone over the edge just a bit when tears come to your eyes because you now have clean floors.
5. We received a substantial financial gift this morning that will help us get the rest of the required items for our home to become fully licensed to foster/adopt.
Even though life has seemed suspended, God is working and for that we are thankful and count our blessings. How does God work in your life when it seems like you may be spinning your wheels or hanging in anticipation of God's plans for your life?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
PRAYER
One of the books I am currently reading touches on the aspect of prayer and answered requests, a fitting subject as we reminisce over the past year.
"There is no doubt that the people of God are meant to have answers to prayer. there is no doubt that we are meant to pray, believing that He is able to answer...There should be a personal trail behind us - like wet footprints on the sand, or a line of grass clippings which slip out of our grasp as we carry them along a path, or ski marks on unbroken snow down a mountainside. We should be able to look back and gain courage to go on because of the trail of answered prayer."
Edith Schaeffer
"Afflictions"
What importance does prayer play into your life? If you were to log a journal entry of the answered prayers in your life over the past 10 years, would you fill up one line, one page, ten pages, a whole book? In a friend's blog there is written a post on making a difference in this world, (something I recommend reading; there is link to his blog from my own), and I wonder if our prayer life is making as much or more of a difference as our tithe, our service, our church attendance, and so forth. One could continue adding to this list indefinitely. Could it be that prayer is one of those elements that gets put on the back burner because the tangibility of such an unseen cause does not provide immediate reward? Prayer takes effort, time, and energy. It's easy to stick an envelope with money in the mail or in the church offering. It's easy to take a meal to someone who is sick. The immediate rewards cause us to feel good, but in prayer we may never know the difference we make in other people's lives. And yet, I wonder if when we get to heaven many will thank us for the prayers we offered up on their behalf, even those whom we never met. I wonder if God will consider the greatest work on earth consisted of the prayers we offered up and for which we received answers, both known or unknown. How many footprints of answered prayers could be left behind as you walk in the sand? How long is your trail of answered prayers as you walk on the path of life? How much courage or encouragement do we lack because we do not see God working? Could it be because we are not engaged in prayer as often as we should?
As I think back upon this past year, I am encouraged to see the answers to prayer God has given in our lives. However, may He strengthen my prayer life so that my trail or footprints of answered prayers will continue to make a difference all around me.
"There is no doubt that the people of God are meant to have answers to prayer. there is no doubt that we are meant to pray, believing that He is able to answer...There should be a personal trail behind us - like wet footprints on the sand, or a line of grass clippings which slip out of our grasp as we carry them along a path, or ski marks on unbroken snow down a mountainside. We should be able to look back and gain courage to go on because of the trail of answered prayer."
Edith Schaeffer
"Afflictions"
What importance does prayer play into your life? If you were to log a journal entry of the answered prayers in your life over the past 10 years, would you fill up one line, one page, ten pages, a whole book? In a friend's blog there is written a post on making a difference in this world, (something I recommend reading; there is link to his blog from my own), and I wonder if our prayer life is making as much or more of a difference as our tithe, our service, our church attendance, and so forth. One could continue adding to this list indefinitely. Could it be that prayer is one of those elements that gets put on the back burner because the tangibility of such an unseen cause does not provide immediate reward? Prayer takes effort, time, and energy. It's easy to stick an envelope with money in the mail or in the church offering. It's easy to take a meal to someone who is sick. The immediate rewards cause us to feel good, but in prayer we may never know the difference we make in other people's lives. And yet, I wonder if when we get to heaven many will thank us for the prayers we offered up on their behalf, even those whom we never met. I wonder if God will consider the greatest work on earth consisted of the prayers we offered up and for which we received answers, both known or unknown. How many footprints of answered prayers could be left behind as you walk in the sand? How long is your trail of answered prayers as you walk on the path of life? How much courage or encouragement do we lack because we do not see God working? Could it be because we are not engaged in prayer as often as we should?
As I think back upon this past year, I am encouraged to see the answers to prayer God has given in our lives. However, may He strengthen my prayer life so that my trail or footprints of answered prayers will continue to make a difference all around me.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
May 31, 2009
My time has been used in reading, keeping house, and encouraging our children to continue to not waste time in their education. One of the books I completed reading this past week left me in tears in response to one of the best love stories I have ever read...only to end with the woman dying in the end. What makes for vibrant relationships? What keeps two people in love? What draws two people together? What keeps two people together for a lifetime in complete blyss? A passage from this book expresses the answers to these questions. How many of us truly have relationships like this? Is a relationship described below attainable, or do just a few in this world have the joy of entering into such ecstasy?
'"Look," we said, "what is it that draws two people into closeness and love? Of course there's the mystery of physical attraction, but beyond that it's the things they share. We both love strawberries and ships and collies and poems and all beauty, and all those things bind us together. Those sharings just happened to be; but what we must do now is share everything. Everything! If one of us likes anything, there must be something to like in it - and the other one must find it. Every single thing that either of us likes. That way we shall create a thousand strands, great and small, that will link us together. Then we shall be so close that it would be impossible - unthinkable - for either of us to suppose that we could ever recreate such closeness with anyone else. And our trust in each other will not only be based on love and loyalty but on the fact of a thousand sharings - a thousand strands twisted into something unbreakable."
Our enthusiasm grew as we talked. Total sharing, we felt, was the ultimate secret of a love that would last for ever...Through sharing we would not only make a bond of incredible friendship, but through sharing we would keep the magic of inloveness. And with every year, more and more depth. We would become as close as two human beings could become - closer perhaps than any two people had ever been...
How is your marriage? Does it carry a vibrancy such as described above? Through the book this couple took joy in the sharing and it did not seem like work. Abandoning self to partake in the other's life and enter into their world. If two people are united in this goal, could it be that more marriages might survive? Could it be that more marriages might be more joyous? Is it possible to create this kind of love after 20 years of marriage? Can it be attained if only one person strives for such aliveness in the relationship? I challenge all of us to consider how we can create a thousand strands that twist together so as not to be torn apart. Perhaps there are those relationships which cannot be mended so tightly, and perhaps we have to come to grips with the reality of that, for which we yearn as expressed above cannot be fully known here on earth, but is waiting for us in heaven.
My time has been used in reading, keeping house, and encouraging our children to continue to not waste time in their education. One of the books I completed reading this past week left me in tears in response to one of the best love stories I have ever read...only to end with the woman dying in the end. What makes for vibrant relationships? What keeps two people in love? What draws two people together? What keeps two people together for a lifetime in complete blyss? A passage from this book expresses the answers to these questions. How many of us truly have relationships like this? Is a relationship described below attainable, or do just a few in this world have the joy of entering into such ecstasy?
'"Look," we said, "what is it that draws two people into closeness and love? Of course there's the mystery of physical attraction, but beyond that it's the things they share. We both love strawberries and ships and collies and poems and all beauty, and all those things bind us together. Those sharings just happened to be; but what we must do now is share everything. Everything! If one of us likes anything, there must be something to like in it - and the other one must find it. Every single thing that either of us likes. That way we shall create a thousand strands, great and small, that will link us together. Then we shall be so close that it would be impossible - unthinkable - for either of us to suppose that we could ever recreate such closeness with anyone else. And our trust in each other will not only be based on love and loyalty but on the fact of a thousand sharings - a thousand strands twisted into something unbreakable."
Our enthusiasm grew as we talked. Total sharing, we felt, was the ultimate secret of a love that would last for ever...Through sharing we would not only make a bond of incredible friendship, but through sharing we would keep the magic of inloveness. And with every year, more and more depth. We would become as close as two human beings could become - closer perhaps than any two people had ever been...
How is your marriage? Does it carry a vibrancy such as described above? Through the book this couple took joy in the sharing and it did not seem like work. Abandoning self to partake in the other's life and enter into their world. If two people are united in this goal, could it be that more marriages might survive? Could it be that more marriages might be more joyous? Is it possible to create this kind of love after 20 years of marriage? Can it be attained if only one person strives for such aliveness in the relationship? I challenge all of us to consider how we can create a thousand strands that twist together so as not to be torn apart. Perhaps there are those relationships which cannot be mended so tightly, and perhaps we have to come to grips with the reality of that, for which we yearn as expressed above cannot be fully known here on earth, but is waiting for us in heaven.
FINAL GOALS
March 26, 2009
This past week I heard a quote that intrigued me, and once again my juices of thought began to overflow.
"Anything that refreshes you without distracting, diminishing, or destroying your final goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Revi Zacharias
The importance of knowing at all times what the final goal is to which we are striving focuses everything we do in this life. I already have emailed this to a friend this past week, and I may have even included it on Facebook, but it worth repeating. Mr. Zacharias explains that God is a God of pleasure, he wants us to experience pleasures in this life, but within the context of that which will accomplish the goal that God has set before us. An answer in the catechism to the question..."Why has God created us?" is answered with..."To love him and glorify him forever." But are we to just sit around on our haunches enjoying God? Mr. Zacharias encourages people to spend time thinking and then annunciating for what we have been placed on this earth to do? What is it that God has specifically given you to do in this life that will cause you to love him more and glorify him? And when you establish the goal that you know God desires for you to accomplish on this earth, then everything is filtered through that goal. The activities you choose will be a pleasure to you if they only help to accomplish this final goal. Anything can be pleasurable, of course for the Christian, within God's standards, but if that pleasure interferes with the final goal, for you it is not a "legitimate pleasure."
Are we a very focused people knowing exactly what God has for us in this life?
Are we disciplined to carry out that goal, no matter how difficult?
Does establishing a strong focus and definite goal make our choices easier or more difficult?
Providing such a focus, does this create a more peaceful life or a life full of tension because of choices we have to make, much of which includes or does not include people around us?
Is there freedom, love, and grace in determining to live such a focused life in contrast to a possible legalistic lifestyle?
The questions could be endless, but what do you think? In contemplating this statement this week, the more I find myself agreeing with it. Would love to hear your thoughts in light of the world in which we live
This past week I heard a quote that intrigued me, and once again my juices of thought began to overflow.
"Anything that refreshes you without distracting, diminishing, or destroying your final goal is a legitimate pleasure."
Revi Zacharias
The importance of knowing at all times what the final goal is to which we are striving focuses everything we do in this life. I already have emailed this to a friend this past week, and I may have even included it on Facebook, but it worth repeating. Mr. Zacharias explains that God is a God of pleasure, he wants us to experience pleasures in this life, but within the context of that which will accomplish the goal that God has set before us. An answer in the catechism to the question..."Why has God created us?" is answered with..."To love him and glorify him forever." But are we to just sit around on our haunches enjoying God? Mr. Zacharias encourages people to spend time thinking and then annunciating for what we have been placed on this earth to do? What is it that God has specifically given you to do in this life that will cause you to love him more and glorify him? And when you establish the goal that you know God desires for you to accomplish on this earth, then everything is filtered through that goal. The activities you choose will be a pleasure to you if they only help to accomplish this final goal. Anything can be pleasurable, of course for the Christian, within God's standards, but if that pleasure interferes with the final goal, for you it is not a "legitimate pleasure."
Are we a very focused people knowing exactly what God has for us in this life?
Are we disciplined to carry out that goal, no matter how difficult?
Does establishing a strong focus and definite goal make our choices easier or more difficult?
Providing such a focus, does this create a more peaceful life or a life full of tension because of choices we have to make, much of which includes or does not include people around us?
Is there freedom, love, and grace in determining to live such a focused life in contrast to a possible legalistic lifestyle?
The questions could be endless, but what do you think? In contemplating this statement this week, the more I find myself agreeing with it. Would love to hear your thoughts in light of the world in which we live
GARDENS OF LIFE
March 20, 2009
Spring is finally making its earliest appearances. The weather still bears a chill, but the warmth of the sun and the constant migration of the Canadian geese are welcomed signs. They stir excitement in the bones and a new desire to make the most of all the daylight hours. As spring arrives, so do newly planted gardens, flowers that have kept their heads hidden beneath the dirt, and baby buds on trees. I ran across this quote last year and have kept it tucked away until just the right moment. It seems to me that raising children and interacting with one another, even as adults, the principles of this quote are quite applicable. What do you think?
QUOTE:
"Seedlings are pampered in the beginning to assure a healthy start, and then allowed to grow freely. Plants thrive on this benign neglect."
We pamper flowers by taking gentle care to nurture them. We water them frequently. We feed them. We use just the right soil for each kind of flower. We check on them regularly. We remove the obstacles that would keep them from growing.
As they mature, they don't need as much attention. But, we do enjoy watching them. We treasure their beauty. We enjoy being amongst them. We also take care to trim and cut away any deadness that prohibits them from being the most beautiful flowers they can be. However, as children become adults, we no longer have the same relationship with them as we did when they were children. There is a time when we let them be who they are going to be, release them to the freedom in which God created them to have, so that they can become the beauty that God has created them to be. Somehow though, parents are never too far away.
Is this not the same principle in our relationships with each other? We experience one another's beauty by taking pleasure and enjoyment from being amongst one another. We nurture each other through gentle confrontations as needed. And we sit back amazed at all the various flowers people represent; their colors, their aromas, and the different types. The world is full of God's beauty and creativity
Spring is finally making its earliest appearances. The weather still bears a chill, but the warmth of the sun and the constant migration of the Canadian geese are welcomed signs. They stir excitement in the bones and a new desire to make the most of all the daylight hours. As spring arrives, so do newly planted gardens, flowers that have kept their heads hidden beneath the dirt, and baby buds on trees. I ran across this quote last year and have kept it tucked away until just the right moment. It seems to me that raising children and interacting with one another, even as adults, the principles of this quote are quite applicable. What do you think?
QUOTE:
"Seedlings are pampered in the beginning to assure a healthy start, and then allowed to grow freely. Plants thrive on this benign neglect."
We pamper flowers by taking gentle care to nurture them. We water them frequently. We feed them. We use just the right soil for each kind of flower. We check on them regularly. We remove the obstacles that would keep them from growing.
As they mature, they don't need as much attention. But, we do enjoy watching them. We treasure their beauty. We enjoy being amongst them. We also take care to trim and cut away any deadness that prohibits them from being the most beautiful flowers they can be. However, as children become adults, we no longer have the same relationship with them as we did when they were children. There is a time when we let them be who they are going to be, release them to the freedom in which God created them to have, so that they can become the beauty that God has created them to be. Somehow though, parents are never too far away.
Is this not the same principle in our relationships with each other? We experience one another's beauty by taking pleasure and enjoyment from being amongst one another. We nurture each other through gentle confrontations as needed. And we sit back amazed at all the various flowers people represent; their colors, their aromas, and the different types. The world is full of God's beauty and creativity
CONCEPT GRASPED, EXECUTION ALLUSIVE
March 13, 2009
"The concept is grasped, but the execution is a little allusive."
I've been tossing this idea around for some time, wondering why it has caught so much of my attention. Perhaps it is because so much of life is wrapped up in this one line. Concepts at each stage of life tend to be understood mentally. A baby learning to feed itself, begins to understand that they must get a utensil to their mouth for the food to go in, but HOW to make that happen is not always the easiest thing. A four year old learning to ride a bike understands that to ride you must push the pedals in a circular motion, and yet HOW to actually make that happen can be a puzzle. How much of our Christian walk do we understand in our heads...yes, we are to obey God's commands, and for the most part we can even understand the reasons behind them, and yet, so many times we find ourselves asking God "but, HOW" do we execute these commands? In an ever-changing world, the way we execute God's commands in our lives can look so different from even 200 years ago. I am so glad to know that my God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that when the execution of His word is a little allusive, I can count on Him to give guidance and wisdom in HOW to get the grasped concept into a practical application.
"The concept is grasped, but the execution is a little allusive."
I've been tossing this idea around for some time, wondering why it has caught so much of my attention. Perhaps it is because so much of life is wrapped up in this one line. Concepts at each stage of life tend to be understood mentally. A baby learning to feed itself, begins to understand that they must get a utensil to their mouth for the food to go in, but HOW to make that happen is not always the easiest thing. A four year old learning to ride a bike understands that to ride you must push the pedals in a circular motion, and yet HOW to actually make that happen can be a puzzle. How much of our Christian walk do we understand in our heads...yes, we are to obey God's commands, and for the most part we can even understand the reasons behind them, and yet, so many times we find ourselves asking God "but, HOW" do we execute these commands? In an ever-changing world, the way we execute God's commands in our lives can look so different from even 200 years ago. I am so glad to know that my God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that when the execution of His word is a little allusive, I can count on Him to give guidance and wisdom in HOW to get the grasped concept into a practical application.
QUILT OF HOLES
After an hour or so discussing some challenges with our daughter this morning, a friend, and I call her a friend even though I have not met her in person, corresponding with her off and on over the last three plus years gives me permission to call her a friend, sent an email minutes after this lengthy discussion, and it could not have been more perfect. I'd like to share this with each of you today. May it encourage your hearts and I pray that it can be something that you may be able to use to share with someone in your life who needs a new perspective on the challenges they face in this life as well. May the face of Christ be seen in each of our lives.
Quilt of Holes As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painf ully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up t o you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. .....When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Quilt of Holes As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painf ully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up t o you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. .....When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
BLESSINGS
February 12, 2009
All of the past week's events brought to mind the many blessings in life, and yet so many times we take them for granted. I loved how Elisabeth Elliot has touched on this thought as well in her book "A Quiet Heart." Below are some thought from her, and may you be encouraged this week to consider the blessings in your life, that perhaps you overlook or take for granted.
"-the intricate, delicate mechanism of the lungs steadily and silently taking in fresh air eighteen to twenty times a minute;
"-the untiring heart, pumping great quantities of clean blood through the labyrinth of blood vessels;
"-the constant body temperature, normally varying less than one degree;
"-the atmospheric temperature, varying widely it is true, but never so much as to destroy human and animal life;
"-the orderly succession of day and night, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so that, with few exceptions, man can make his plans accordingly;
"-the great variety of foods, from the farm, the field, the forest, and the sea, to suit our differing desires and physical needs;
"-the beauties of each day-the morning star and growing light of sunrise, the white clouds of afternoon, the soft tints of a peaceful sunset, and the glory of the starry heavens;
"-the symphony of early morning bird songs, ranging from the unmusical trill of the chipping sparrow to the lilting ecstasy of the goldfinch and the calm, rich, bell-like tones of the wood and hermit thrushes;
"-the refreshment that sleep brings;
"-the simple joys of home-the children's laughter and whimsical remarks, happy times around the table, the love and understanding of husband and wife, and the harmony of voices raised together in praise to God.
"All these and many others come from the bountiful hand of Him 'who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:4,5).
Enjoy the many blessings that are bestowed upon you in the upcoming week, and may you consider them to be good gifts given to you by God. Our country, our world, may be in economical hardships, but there are always those blessings each and every day that reminds us that life is still good.
All of the past week's events brought to mind the many blessings in life, and yet so many times we take them for granted. I loved how Elisabeth Elliot has touched on this thought as well in her book "A Quiet Heart." Below are some thought from her, and may you be encouraged this week to consider the blessings in your life, that perhaps you overlook or take for granted.
"-the intricate, delicate mechanism of the lungs steadily and silently taking in fresh air eighteen to twenty times a minute;
"-the untiring heart, pumping great quantities of clean blood through the labyrinth of blood vessels;
"-the constant body temperature, normally varying less than one degree;
"-the atmospheric temperature, varying widely it is true, but never so much as to destroy human and animal life;
"-the orderly succession of day and night, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, so that, with few exceptions, man can make his plans accordingly;
"-the great variety of foods, from the farm, the field, the forest, and the sea, to suit our differing desires and physical needs;
"-the beauties of each day-the morning star and growing light of sunrise, the white clouds of afternoon, the soft tints of a peaceful sunset, and the glory of the starry heavens;
"-the symphony of early morning bird songs, ranging from the unmusical trill of the chipping sparrow to the lilting ecstasy of the goldfinch and the calm, rich, bell-like tones of the wood and hermit thrushes;
"-the refreshment that sleep brings;
"-the simple joys of home-the children's laughter and whimsical remarks, happy times around the table, the love and understanding of husband and wife, and the harmony of voices raised together in praise to God.
"All these and many others come from the bountiful hand of Him 'who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:4,5).
Enjoy the many blessings that are bestowed upon you in the upcoming week, and may you consider them to be good gifts given to you by God. Our country, our world, may be in economical hardships, but there are always those blessings each and every day that reminds us that life is still good.
HUMILITY
January 28, 2009
I have to mention that last week's post created some of the most diverse and interactive response in the three or four years these weekly emails have endured. The discussions were great, and some still are waiting replies. This week, in my readings, there was something written on humility. See what you think I would love to interact with your ideas on the subject. Somewhat lengthy, but well worth considering.
What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason...The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can learn...There is a real humility typical of our time; but is so happens that it's practically a more poisonous humility than the wildest prostrations of the ascetic...The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which make him stop working altogether...We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.
Modern-day humility is firmly rooted in the relativism that recoils from knowing truth and naming error. But that is not what humility used to mean. Well, if humility is not compliance with the popular demands of relativism, what is it?...
1. Humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Christ.
2. Humility does not feel it has a right to better treatment than Jesus got.
3. Humility asserts truth not to bolster the ego with control or with triumphs in debate, but as service to Christ and love to the adversary.
4. Humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing.
5. Humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it; bit also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that He calls us to persuade others.
I have to mention that last week's post created some of the most diverse and interactive response in the three or four years these weekly emails have endured. The discussions were great, and some still are waiting replies. This week, in my readings, there was something written on humility. See what you think I would love to interact with your ideas on the subject. Somewhat lengthy, but well worth considering.
What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason...The new skeptic is so humble that he doubts if he can learn...There is a real humility typical of our time; but is so happens that it's practically a more poisonous humility than the wildest prostrations of the ascetic...The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which make him stop working altogether...We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.
Modern-day humility is firmly rooted in the relativism that recoils from knowing truth and naming error. But that is not what humility used to mean. Well, if humility is not compliance with the popular demands of relativism, what is it?...
1. Humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Christ.
2. Humility does not feel it has a right to better treatment than Jesus got.
3. Humility asserts truth not to bolster the ego with control or with triumphs in debate, but as service to Christ and love to the adversary.
4. Humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing.
5. Humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it; bit also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that He calls us to persuade others.
CHRISTIAN OR NOT?
This past week brought about a question that touches on the question of "How can unbelievers look at times more like Christians, than Christians themselves are supposed to act?" Meaning, there are many Christians who do not behave as Christians ought, and yet there are unbelievers who behave more like Christians in their good works. I hadn't really contemplated this much recently, although it has crossed my mind several times in my life, but a comment was made out of the blue that again caused some thought. The comment is presented below. I throw it out there, more as thought provoking material, and wonder what some of you might think of it, not because I am seeking answers, rather, just to see what others have to say.
COMMENT:
"We can do good works on our own, but we can't do eternal work on our own. We need a power greater than ourselves to do eternal work."
A study in Colossians 1 is where this comment arises.
I ask you, would this provide an answer to those who claim that even unbelievers can do good works? Besides the motivation, is there a difference between an unbeliever's good works and a believers? Can unbelievers do good works? If so what kind of good works are accomplished? Works such as offering financial assistance to those in need, working to relieve hunger around the world, helping in rebuilding disaster areas, are these good works even by unbelievers? Visiting older parents in a retirement center, providing for one's family, taking a meal to a sick neighbor, are these good works? Even some unbelievers would claim that these good works were not selfishly motivated. Would you look them in the eye and tell them that they were wrong and that their good works did not count for anything because they were selfish just from the fact that they are an unbeliever? Do not Christians perform good works out of selfish motivations? If so, does this differ with the good works unbelievers do? How would you explain the difference between an unbeliever's good works with that of a believer's? Does the above comment offer any explanation?
Again, I don't pose these questions because I am in a personal struggle in the matter. It's a topic for conversation and something to challenge every person's thinking. Call it table conversation. What do you think?
COMMENT:
"We can do good works on our own, but we can't do eternal work on our own. We need a power greater than ourselves to do eternal work."
A study in Colossians 1 is where this comment arises.
I ask you, would this provide an answer to those who claim that even unbelievers can do good works? Besides the motivation, is there a difference between an unbeliever's good works and a believers? Can unbelievers do good works? If so what kind of good works are accomplished? Works such as offering financial assistance to those in need, working to relieve hunger around the world, helping in rebuilding disaster areas, are these good works even by unbelievers? Visiting older parents in a retirement center, providing for one's family, taking a meal to a sick neighbor, are these good works? Even some unbelievers would claim that these good works were not selfishly motivated. Would you look them in the eye and tell them that they were wrong and that their good works did not count for anything because they were selfish just from the fact that they are an unbeliever? Do not Christians perform good works out of selfish motivations? If so, does this differ with the good works unbelievers do? How would you explain the difference between an unbeliever's good works with that of a believer's? Does the above comment offer any explanation?
Again, I don't pose these questions because I am in a personal struggle in the matter. It's a topic for conversation and something to challenge every person's thinking. Call it table conversation. What do you think?
ALIVE IN CHRIST
Are we alive in Christ? There is only one instrument that creates, detects, and confirms eternal life in the soul of man; namely, the Word of God...What does this living and effective Word do? It pierces (Hebrews 4:12). For what purpose? To divide. To divide what? Soul and spirit. What does that mean?
The writer gives an analogy: It's like dividing joints and marrow. Joints are the thick, hard outer part of the bone. Marrow is the soft, tender, living inner part of the bone. That is an analogy of "soul and spirit." The Word of God is like a sword that is sharp enough to cut through the outer, hard, tough part of a bone to the inner, soft living part of the bone. Some swords, less sharp, may strike a bone and glance off and not penetrate. Some swords may penetrate partway through the tough, thick joint of a bone. But a very sharp, powerful double-edged sword (sharp on each side of the point) will penetrate the joint all the way to the marrow. "Soul and spirit" are like "bone joint and bone marrow." "Soul" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by nature. "Spirit" is what we are by supernatural rebirth...Without the awakening, creative, regenerating work of the Spirit of God in us we are merely "natural" rather than "spiritual..." So the "spirit" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by the regenerating work of the Spirt.
What then is the point in saying that the Word of God pierces to the "division of soul and spirit?" The point is that it's the Word of God that reveals to us our true selves. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Are we born of God and spiritually alive, or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our hearts" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Only the "word of God" can "judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)
Practically speaking, when we read or hear "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a "skeleton" with no living marrow? Is there "spirit," or only "soul?" The Word of God pierces deep enough to show us the truth of our thoughts and our motives and our selves.
Give yourselves to this Word of God, the Bible. Use it to know yourself and confirm your own spiritual life. If there is life, there will be love and joy and a heart to obey the Word. Give yourself to this Word so that your words become the Word of God for others and reveal to them their own spiritual condition. Then in the wound of the Word, pour the balm of the Word.
These words are not mine, they are from a great writer, one whom I will mention at your request if you so desire. Make this your New Year's resolution, to allow God to pierce your soul and spirit, allowing you to come to grips with whether you are spiritual or only natural, and then turning your heart to God and allowing His love to overflow into your life this new year.
The writer gives an analogy: It's like dividing joints and marrow. Joints are the thick, hard outer part of the bone. Marrow is the soft, tender, living inner part of the bone. That is an analogy of "soul and spirit." The Word of God is like a sword that is sharp enough to cut through the outer, hard, tough part of a bone to the inner, soft living part of the bone. Some swords, less sharp, may strike a bone and glance off and not penetrate. Some swords may penetrate partway through the tough, thick joint of a bone. But a very sharp, powerful double-edged sword (sharp on each side of the point) will penetrate the joint all the way to the marrow. "Soul and spirit" are like "bone joint and bone marrow." "Soul" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by nature. "Spirit" is what we are by supernatural rebirth...Without the awakening, creative, regenerating work of the Spirit of God in us we are merely "natural" rather than "spiritual..." So the "spirit" is that invisible dimension of our life that we are by the regenerating work of the Spirt.
What then is the point in saying that the Word of God pierces to the "division of soul and spirit?" The point is that it's the Word of God that reveals to us our true selves. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Are we born of God and spiritually alive, or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our hearts" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Only the "word of God" can "judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)
Practically speaking, when we read or hear "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a "skeleton" with no living marrow? Is there "spirit," or only "soul?" The Word of God pierces deep enough to show us the truth of our thoughts and our motives and our selves.
Give yourselves to this Word of God, the Bible. Use it to know yourself and confirm your own spiritual life. If there is life, there will be love and joy and a heart to obey the Word. Give yourself to this Word so that your words become the Word of God for others and reveal to them their own spiritual condition. Then in the wound of the Word, pour the balm of the Word.
These words are not mine, they are from a great writer, one whom I will mention at your request if you so desire. Make this your New Year's resolution, to allow God to pierce your soul and spirit, allowing you to come to grips with whether you are spiritual or only natural, and then turning your heart to God and allowing His love to overflow into your life this new year.
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