Tried With Fire

CALLING HEAVEN Thank you for calling Heaven, For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2. For all other languages, press 0. Please select one of the following options: Press 1 for Requests. Press 2 for Thanksgiving. Press 3 for Complaints. Press 4 for all other inquiries. I am sorry; all of our angels and saints are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us, and we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on the line. If you would like to speak to: God the Father, press 1. Jesus, press 2. Holy Spirit, press 3. If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding, press 4. To find a loved one that has been assigned to Heaven, press 5, then enter his or her social security number, followed by the "pound" sign. (If you receive a negative response, please hang up and try area code 666). For reservations at Heaven, please enter J-O-H-N, followed by the numbers 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about ...

The trunk has six boxes of books headed for Virginia. I will be adding more Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones, Pink, Lewis, Manton, Bunyan, Luther, Calvin, Augustin, Campbell-Morgan, F.F. Bruce, and others to my little library. Now I just need to find room for them and time to read them.

Thanks for your prayers. My mom came through her surgery fine. We saw her last night. Other than being a little tired, she was doing very well. The surgeon feels like it was a successful operation. My daughter is doing very well. This is one of the mildest colds she has ever had for which I am very thankful to the Lord. The trip up was uneventful except for a mild delay at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, which is to be expected. We had clear, sunny weather as we drove up via the Eastern shore of Virginia and Maryland. The farmland is very scenic with hardly any cars at all, infinitely to be preferred above I-95. Today, we are planning to sort through some remaining things at my old home. My dad found two tapes of my grandfathers (both are with the Lord) giving their testimonies of how they were saved. My mom also found a piano piece composed by my dad shortly after he met my mom for the first time. Who knows what other treasures we may find? Thanks again for your prayers. Go...

You must learn to believe promises better than possessions, things unseen better than things seen, things in heaven out of sight better than things on earth before your eyes, the praise of the invisible God better than the praise of visible man. Then, and then only, you will make a choice like Moses, and prefer God to the world. Holiness, Chapter 8 Moses: an Example by J.C. Ryle

Tomorrow we are taking a brief trip to see my family. My mom's surgery is scheduled for 6:15 AM tomorrow. It is outpatient and should only take about four hours. My daughter has just come down with a cold today. She's running a mild fever and has the typical symptoms. I'd appreciate your prayers for safe travel, that I would stay healthy, that my daughter would be able to fight off this cold quickly, and for my mom's surgery. Thanks.

J. C. Ryle asks some very tough questions. This quote is from Holiness , Chapter 8 - Moses, an Example. Now are you making any sacrifices? Does your religion cost you anything? I put it to your conscience in all affection and tenderness. Are you, like Moses, preferring God to the world, or not? I beseech you not to take shelter under that dangerous word "we"—"we ought," and "we hope," and "we mean," and the like. I ask you plainly, what are you doing yourself? Are you willing to give up anything which keeps you back from God; or are you clinging to the Egypt of the world and saying to yourself, "I must have it, I must have it: I cannot tear myself away"? Is there any cross in your Christianity? Are there any sharp corners in your religion, anything that ever jars and comes in collision with the earthly–mindedness around you? Or is all smooth and rounded off and comfortably fitted into custom and fashion? Do you know anything of the aff...

'Tis the season for giveaways... Devotional Christian is having a giveaway of 22 devotional books. Click here for more details. Just in time for Reformation Day , While We Sojourn is having a giveaway for a Reformation T-Shirt . 22 Words is having a giveaway for a leather ESV study Bible.

My theology books now have a new home. They used to reside on top of a shelf over one the old-fashioned radiators. I found a great deal on some shelves at World Market and put them together this week-end. Now my books won't bake this winter. I might be adding more books to my library. My dad has a fairly large collection of Christian books. When they moved to the retirement community, he couldn't take them all with him. Now that their house has sold, the remaining books will need to find a home. I'm sure I can always find more room for more books.

This morning, the church gave away clothing, household items, and homemade baked goods to local families in need. It was a blessing to be able to serve in this way. Much was given away, and the remainder was taken to a local rescue mission. There were a few heart breaking stories from those who came. It seems like a drop in the bucket, but I pray that the Lord will use this small service done in Jesus' name.

Having fun with dumpr.net (ht: icanhascheezburger )

Bob Kauflin has a very interesting blog post on the top ten ways to write bad worship songs . (ht: Rebecca writes ) The discussion in the comments is worth reading. Reaching the next generation - a series of posts by Kevin DeYoung. This has implications for Christian parents as well as church leaders. Body and Soul (and Spirit?) - Pulpit blog

“Lamentations of the Father” by Ian Frazier Laws of Forbidden Places Of the beasts of the field, and of the fishes of the sea, and of all foods that are acceptable in my sight you may eat, but not in the living room. Of the hoofed animals, broiled or ground into burgers, you may eat, but not in the living room. Of the cloven-hoofed animal, plain or with cheese, you may eat, but not in the living room. Of the cereal grains, of the corn and of the wheat and of the oats, and of all the cereals that are of bright color and unknown provenance you may eat, but not in the living room. Of quiescently frozen dessert and of all frozen after-meal treats you may eat, but absolutely not in the living room. Of the juices and other beverages, yea, even of those in sippy-cups, you may drink, but not in the living room; neither may you carry such therein. Indeed, when you reach the place where the living room carpet begins, of any food or beverage there you may not eat, neither may you drink. But if yo...

The church is having a give-what-you-can yard sale on Saturday. This morning several folks sorted and organized the clothes, toys, and household goods that people donated. Several months ago, the church gave away boxes of food to families in need. These same families were contacted about the "sale". Our prayers is that practical needs will be met and the gospel can be shared. Today's post by Frank Turk was very thought provoking especially in light of this coming Satuday. Here's an excerpt: If you want an example of how to love, that's the example, folks: not filling a shoe box anonymously with some stuff for a kid who has a dad in prison (although, I admit, that's pretty good – it's a lot better than doing nothing), but finding that kid, or any of the people in your analogically-local trailer park, and doing something personally costly for them. Like being seen in public with them, and giving them a hug as if you mean it. You know: because you do it mor...

The yellow rumped warblers have returned to Virginia. These birds spend their summers up North and return here when the weather gets colder. We saw at least 10 warblers in the flower bed, looking for insects, and taking a dip in the bird bath outside the kitchen window. They blend in so well with the foliage. It is easy to miss them until you see the flash of yellow. I hope these little birds will find a safe winter home in our yard.

Many have recommended Holiness by J. C. Ryle to believers coming out of pietist/deeper life teaching. I heartily concur. The following excerpt is from chapter 7, Assurance . I am inclined to think that justification and sanctification are insensibly confused together in the minds of many believers. They receive the gospel truth, that there must be something done in us as well as something done for us , if we are true members of Christ: and so far they are right. But then, without being aware of it, perhaps, they seem to imbibe the idea that their justification is, in some degree, affected by something within themselves. They do not clearly see that Christ’s work, not their own work—either in whole or in part, either directly or indirectly—is the only ground of our acceptance with God: that justification is a thing entirely without us, for which nothing whatever is needful on our part but simple faith and that the weakest believ...

The pace of life in general will be picking up for me. I have been working part-time from home as a medical transcriptionist for the past two and a half years. I have recently enrolled in an online self paced course in the same field. Many transcriptionists work from home via the Internet, so my hope is to transition to full time work in this profession. This will enable me to continue homeschooling as well. It's a completely different discipline from what I had done prior to being a mom. I had been working as a database administrator, but my skills are 14 years old and more or less obsolete. Part of me is afraid that I won't be able to balance work, homeschooling, and this course which requires 20-25 hours per week. Part of me is wondering what will happen when the six month course is up, and if I will be able to find a job from home where I can continue to homeschool. I also don't like change unless I am the one initiating it. I'm not looking forward to having less fr...

Jewish Olympic swimmer ht: Disapproving Rabbits Derby (ht: Carly & Art's bunnies )

Tonight, our small group discussion was on Acts 5:1-11, the episode involving Ananias and Sapphira. It is a very sobering passage to consider. Mentally, one can acknowledge that God is holy and just in what He did. However, there is a human reaction of "it's not fair that they died" and "they weren't given a chance." However, one brother asked if we ever think, "It's not fair that I'm still alive". It is sobering to remember that I am no better than Ananias or Sapphira. It is sobering to realize that God would be perfectly just in striking me dead for my sin. It isn't only the act of sin that is an affront to God, but the sin that is in me through and through. The very fact that I am alive, that I find myself saved by grace and accepted by God in Christ should cause me to worship Him. But God , who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grac...

"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are just, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75 Sometimes the ways of God do seem hard. Our fondest hopes are crushed; our fairest joys fade like summer flowers; the desires of our hearts are withheld from us. Yet, if we are God's children, we believe that a blessing is hidden in every one of these losses or denials. Right here, we get a glimpse into the mystery of many unanswered prayers. The things we seek, would not work good for us in the end--but evil. The things we plead to have removed--are essential to our highest interests. Health is supposed to be better than sickness--but there comes a time when God's kindness will be most wisely shown--by denying us health. He never takes pleasure in causing us to suffer; He is touched by our sorrows. Yet He loves us too well, to give us things that would harm us, or to spare us the trial that is needful for our spiritual good. It will be seen in the end, that m...

Just when I tell myself "NO MORE BOOKS!", Soli Deo Gloria has printed Biblical Theology - The History of Theology from Adam to Christ by John Owen. This has only been available in Latin until this edition. At 912 pages, I would surmise that every paragraph is packed full. I have only read abridged versions of Owen, but this book looks worth the effort. The volume also includes his Defense of Scripture against Modern Fanaticism which is "an affirmation that the Bible is the perfect, authoritative, and complete Word of God. Owen also defends proper interpretation against what was known in his day as "inner light", and what is so common in our day - subjective, experience-driven interpretation." *sigh* However, I will do my best to restrain myself. Maybe this will give me incentive to finish the books I already have...

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112: 7 His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. He is neither fickle nor cowardly; when he is undecided as to his course he is still fixed in heart: he may change his plan, but not the purpose of his soul. His heart being fixed in solid reliance upon God, a change in his circumstances but slightly affects him; faith has made him firm and steadfast, and therefore if the worst should come to the worst, he would remain quiet and patient, waiting for the salvation of God. C.H. Spurgeon from The Treasury of David

I spoke with my mom this evening. She is very calm and trusting the Lord for whatever the outcome will be. The surgeon believes the cancer is at stage zero. However, the definitive diagnosis can only be made after surgery when the pathology results come back. Surgery is scheduled in two weeks. Thanks for your prayers. We appreciate them so much.

I just found out that my mom has breast cancer again. She successfully underwent lumpectomy and radiation treatment on the right side in the past. This is now on the left. Thankfully, it was caught early with a mammogram and sounds like it is noninvasive at this point. My parents go meet with the surgeon tomorrow. Knowing my folks, my dad is probably more worried than my mom. They are believers who love the Lord but may not have the same view of God's sovereignty as I do now. I pray for grace and strength for my mom as she faces surgery again and possible additional treatments. I pray for my dad because it's hard to watch someone you love go through something when there's nothing you can do to alleviate it. I pray that he would rest knowing God will take better care of my mom than he can. If God is in control over the heavens, He is also in control over every cell and subcellular component in our bodies. He is Lord of the universe, and Lord of cancer, too. I also learned of...

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:32-38 From today's sermon : 1. Faith in God does not mean release from suffering but being sustained in and through suffe...

Kids will be kids, no matter what galaxy they live in. News of the swine flu has reached the Hundred Acre Wood.

The pastor, his wife, and two brothers from our small group helped us with some yard work this afternoon. The bushes hadn't been trimmed for at least three years, volunteer trees had sprung up in the beds, and vines were climbing onto the roof. In the picture above, Pastor Ryan is on the roof freeing the gutter from one of the invaders. We accumulated quite a large pile of trimmings after a few hours. We are studying Acts in our small group. The early church helped one another in practical ways "as any had need." Today was a modern day example of that. This job was more than I could tackle on my own even with my daughter's help. I am grateful to the Lord and to my brothers and sister for their help today. Thank God for Christian community.

when you combine an insomniac, agnostic, and a dyslexic? A person who stays up all night wondering if there is a dog. ht: Wittenburg Door

"Cast your burden on the Lord--and He will sustain you." Psalm 55:21 Cast your troubles where you have cast your sins; you have cast your sins onto Jesus--cast your troubles there also! As soon as the trouble comes, quick, the first thing, tell it to your Father in heaven! Remember, that the longer you take telling your trouble to God--the more your peace will be impaired. The longer the frost lasts--the more likely the ponds will be frozen. Oh! It is a happy way of smoothing sorrow, when we can cast our burden upon the Lord. Oh, you agitated Christians, do not dishonor your religion by always wearing a 'frown of concern'. Come, cast your burden upon the Lord. I see you staggering beneath a weight, which He would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden--would be nothing but a bit of dust to Him. See! The Almighty bends His shoulders, and He says, "Here--put your troubles here!" ~ C.H. Spurgeon "Cast all your cares upon Him--because He cares abou...

This evening I was thinking about where I was two years ago. I was terrified of the future. I was full of fear of man and full of unbelief towards God. I knew it was sin, but I was powerless to deal with it. I was so sure that what was going on was not the will of God and yet it was happening to me. Fast forward two years. You could say my worst case scenario came to pass. You could also say this was God's best case scenario. I find myself two years later in a totally different spiritual state than I could have ever imagined. When we asked for bread, He did not give us a stone. When we asked for an egg, He did not give us a serpent. He guided us in a way we did not know, turning darkness into light, and making rough places level ground. He gave me my life back again. I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record. Won't she ever drop this subject? Probably not because I forget so easily. I fall back into imagining the future as I would like it to be and then get distraught whe...

If I could leave you with one thought, it's this: Go. Go to church. Don't go for the coffee, the presentations, the music, or the amenities. Don't even go for the feelings you may or may not get when you go because, no offense, these feelings may or may not be trustworthy most of the time. Go for the gospel. Go for the preaching. Go to be near to God's Word. Go to church this Sunday and worship there in spirit and truth, be patient with your leaders, rejoice when the gospel is faithfully proclaimed, bear with those who hurt you, and give people the benefit of the doubt. While you are there, sing like you mean it, say hi to the teenager no one notices, welcome the blue hairs and the nose-ringed, volunteer for the nursery once in awhile. And yes, bring your fried chicken to the potluck like everyone else, invite a friend to church, take the new couple out for coffee, give to the Christmas offering, be thankful someone vacuumed the carpet, enjoy the Sundays that click for ...

The animal kingdom's version of the Clone Wars

The church is not an incidental part of God's plan. Jesus didn't invite people to join an antireligion, antidoctrine, anti-institutional bandwagon of love, harmony, and reintegration. To be sure, He showed people how to live But He also called them to repent, called them to faith, called them out of the world, and called them into the church. "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Cor. 13:7). If we truly love the church we will bear with her in her failings, endure her struggles, believe her to be the beloved bride of Christ, and hope for her final glorification. I still believe the church is the hope of the world - not because she gets it all right, but because she is a body with Christ for her Head. Why We Love the Church ~ Kevin DeYoung, Ted Kluck, Moody Press, page 226

Is someone trying to tell me something? It was the same cashier, too.