Tried With Fire

[I]n most of the conflicts in which we find ourselves, not least conflicts about the Gospel and the life and healthy of God's people, we do not know the outcome as we grimly enter the fray.  That knowledge is reserved for God alone.  Yet Christian faith is never to be confused with fatalism; the intervention of Mordecai and Esther demanded soul-searching faith, prayer, and obedience.  In retrospect even their presence in the court and on the fringes of the court was God's preparation, and certainly the outcome was God's doing; but never should our confidence in God's ultimate victory dilute our own passionate involvement, intercession, and insertion into the affairs that touch God's covenant people. From the reading for January 30 on Esther 7 from For the Love of God , Volume 2, D.A. Carson, Crossway. (emphasis mine)

My sister's mother-in-law, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, has been hospitalized with sepsis.  She seemed fine when they saw her yesterday, but they received word today that she had been hospitalized.  She was admitted for severe low blood pressure but subsequent tests revealed the sepsis.  She is a believer. Please pray for God's mercy and that this would be an opportunity to share the gospel with family.  My brother-in-law's family is mostly Buddhist or nothing at all. Thanks for your prayers.

Jesus, let thy pitying eye, Call back a wandering sheep; False to thee, like Peter, I Would fain with Peter, weep; Let me be by grace restored; On me be all its freeness shown; Turn, and look upon me, Lord, And break my heart of stone. Saviour, Prince, enthroned above, Repentance to impart, Give me, through thy dying love, The humble, contrite heart. Give, what I have long implored, A portion of thy love unknown, Turn, and look upon me, Lord, And break my heart of stone. Look as when thy pitying eye Was closed, that we might live; "Father," (at the point to die, My Saviour gasped), "forgive!" Surely, with that dying word, He turns and looks, and cries, "'Tis done." O my loving, bleeding Lord, This breaks the heart of stone. Charles Wesley 1749

Here's a convicting question from Dr. Joel Beeke: Is Scripture the mirror by which we dress ourselves (James 1:22-27)? Worth considering, no? from Living for God's Glory - An Introduction to Calvinism , Joel R. Beeke, Reformation Trust, page 134.

2011 Annual Theology Conference February 4-6, 2011 “Living Doxologically Through Doctrine; Turning the Ink of Doctrine into the Blood of Life” With Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. Associate Professor of Divinity/
Christian Preaching Beeson Divinity School--Birmingham, AL Robert Smith  joined the Beeson Divinity School faculty in 1997 and teaches Christian Preaching. He is the author of Doctrine that Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life; coeditor (with Timothy George) of A Mighty Long Journey, a collection of sermons on racial reconciliation.   His research interests include the place of passion in preaching and the literary history of African American preaching. An ordained Baptist minister, he served as pastor of New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 20 years. He and his wife, Wanda, are the parents of four adult children.    He holds both the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The Southern Baptis...

My thankful list: A mug of hot tea and a warm bowl of oatmeal on a damp and chilly day Morning greetings from the bunny Giving my daughter a kiss on the cheek to wake her up Being able to read the Word daily Conviction from the Holy Spirit Books that make me ponder Another day that the Lord has made

Come now, the whole of me, Eyes, ears, and voice. Join me, creation all, With joyful noise; Praise him who broke the chain Holding me in sins' domain And set me free again! Sing and rejoice! God says: "Dear child, don't you understand what I have done in drawing you to faith in my Son, the Lord Jesus?  In Him you have died to the old life and been raised to the new life.  You have died to sin - it no longer has dominion over you.  Count on it!  Count yourself to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." You are now in a position to refuse to let sin reign in your mortal body and make you obey its evil desires (Rom. 6:12).  You are able to resist the pressure you still feel from indwelling sin.  You can say: "I know you are there; I feel your influence and sense your presence, but I am no longer under your authority.  Therefore, I am not going to let you reign.  By God's grace, I have been delivered from your dominion, and I am determine...

For all you book lovers... Westminster Seminary California is giving away 5 copies of Dr. Michael Horton's new systematic theology book, Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way .  The deadline is midnight January 27.  Details here . Erik at J.C. Ryle Quotes is giving away Old Paths this month with the drawing on January 31.  There will be a giveaway every month in 2011. Finally, Petra at Penned Pebbles is giving away Think or Finally Alive by John Piper, winner's choice.  Contest ends February 5.

Most Christians would agree God hates divorce.  It is the last thing that should ever happen to marriage particularly between 2 professing believers.  What God has joined together, let not man separate.  Yet it occurs far too often. Most Christians are familiar with the possible reasons that divorce would be permitted, namely adultery, desertion, abuse.  There are also those who stand for the permanence of marriage because it is a picture of Christ and the Church and question whether divorce or remarriage is permitted at all.  Thus the issue of whether a wronged party is scripturally permitted to seek a divorce is still up for debate. This is all well and good but very theoretical.  Unless you have been through a divorce, which I have, or have walked very closely with someone through this, there is another factor to this complicated issue that seems to be left out in these discussions. Once your spouse has filed for divorce, there is nothing, absolute...

'Tis my happiness below. Not to live without the cross, But the Saviour's power to know, Sanctifying every loss. Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me. Trials make the promise sweet; Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to his feet; Lay me low and keep me there. Did I meet no trials here, No chastisement in the way, Might I not with reason fear I should be a castaway? Bastards may escape the rod, Sunk in earthly, vain delight; But the true-born child of God Must not, would not if he might. William Cowper (1731-1800)

I am thankful for the body of Christ, both near and far. I'm thankful for the love and prayers of the saints, some of whom we may not meet this side of heaven. I'm thankful for these verses: Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.  1 Peter 4:19 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Have you ever braced yourself to receive bad news?  You know it's coming. You already know what the news will be.  It's not a matter of if  but when . When I picked up my daughter up on Monday evening, we had hardly pulled out of the parking space when she said, "I have some bad news and some good news." At that moment, I knew that when became  now . Her dad informed her that he was engaged and would be remarried in a few months.  We knew this was only a matter of time, but it didn't make it any easier. It was heartbreaking to listen as she related this news with tears, knowing that her relationship with her father will never be the same. By this time I was crying as well, grieving over the path that my ex-husband had chosen, grieving for those who had been hurt in the process, grieving that our daughter was suffering in this way. But then she told me she had good news. What was her good news? She still trusted in the total sovereignty of God. ...

Lord Jesus, hear my prayer, Your grace impart; When evil thoughts arise Through Satan's art, O, drive them all away And do you, from day to day, Keep me beneath your sway, King of my heart. You cannot rely on your experiences to prove the love of God.  They may indeed give you evidence of it.  But when you are in the dark, those things may seem to mock you. All of us at times find ourselves faced with these two great questions.  They are far from trivial.  They are the most important questions in the world: "What is God really like?" and "Where can I find help?" The answer to both questions is found in a single word: Jesus. If you are in the dark, whether inside the kingdom of Christ or outside the kingdom of Christ, this is where you need to go first: to Jesus the Savior, who died for us on the cross. Trust in Him.  He foils Satan's arts. By Grace Alone , Sinclair Ferguson, Reformation Trust, page 99.

Have ever felt a strange twinge of guilt for wanting to teach your child doctrine?  Have you had your interest in theology dismissed because the use of the mind is not as important in the pursuit of spiritual things?  Have you every wondered what was the origin of this mindset? These are the questions asked by Stephen Prothero in his book  Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn't,  HarperCollins, 2007 .  [F]or many American Christians, then and today, willingness to be a fool for Christ is a mark of true faith.  Christianity is about loving Jesus; it does not require knowing much of anything at all.  How did this happen?  How did religious ignorance become a sign--perhaps the sign--of genuine piety?  And what lessons might this story of our fall into religious illiteracy hold for Americans today? (page 87) Prothero is the chair of the religion department at Boston University and describes himself as "religiously...

Pastor Ryan spoke on the book of Hosea today.  It's a sad story - a story of Israel's spiritual adultery.  After being chosen by God from among the nations, delivered from Egypt, given the law, and the temple, they give their hearts to idols.  God pronounces judgment on the nation, and they are carried off into captivity. But this book is an amazing story of the God who is the faithful Husband, extending mercy to His faithless wife.  Even though they will suffer justly for their sins, He promises to restore them.  To show mercy to "No Mercy" and to make a people of "Not My People." This is our story too.  We were spiritual adulterers, giving our hearts and devotion to false gods and turning our backs on the One to whom we owed our existence.  God pronounced judgment upon us, but it did not fall on those who deserved it.  It fell upon His Son on the cross.  Thus He shows mercy to those who deserved no mercy and called us to be His people w...

And did the holy and the just, The Sovereign of the skies, Stoop down to wretchedness and dust, That guilty worms might rise? Yes, the Redeemer left his throne, His radiant throne on high, (Surprising mercy! love unknown!) To suffer, bleed, and die. He took the dying traitor's place, And suffered in his stead; For man, (O miracle of grace!) For man the Saviour bled! Dear Lord, what heavenly wonders dwell In thy atoning blood! By this are sinners snatch'd from hell, And rebels brought to God. Jesus, my soul, adoring, bends To love so full, so free; And may I hope that love extends Its sacred power to me? What glad return can I impart, For favours so divine? O take my all, this worthless heart, And make it only thine. Anne Steele (1717-1778)

Our small group met this evening after a break for the holidays. Even though we saw one another on Sundays and on other occasions, I missed meeting together.  It was a blessing to worship, pray, and discuss Psalm 46.  I'm very thankful for these brothers and sisters. I'm also thankful for God's faithful provision for us.  It was a hard lesson to have financial and emotional security stripped away with the divorce, but a bitter providence becomes very sweet when you realize that He is your only hope and refuge. God literally dropped my current job as a medical transcriptionist in my lap.  He has provided increasing work, and today I was given the opportunity to transcribe for the entire practice.  I couldn't ask for a more ideal situation where I can work from home and homeschool. I thank and praise Him for His provision, but my security isn't found in the provision.  It's found in the Provider, and I don't want to forget that. (The lovely tul...

Congratulations, Michelle!  I emailed you via google regarding your book. Many, many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.  Stay tuned for more giveaways in the future.

Now all my heart's desire Is to abide In him, my Saviour dear, In him to hide, My shield and buckler he, Covering and protecting me; From Satan's darts I'll be Safe at his side. How do you know God is really for you? Where should you look for proof that God is for you?  Does it lie in the fact that your Christian life has been unbroken happiness?  Does it lie in the fact that your Christian life has been one of ecstatic joy? There is only one irrefutable answer to these questions.  It cannot be found in our circumstances.  It lies only in the provision that God has made for us in Jesus Christ. This is the whole point of Paul's question in verse 32 ( Romans 8:32 ).  We can be sure that God is for us because this God, the God of the Bible, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up to the cross for us all. If this is true, Paul affirms, we can be confident He will give us everything we need. This is the only way we can...

The main reason that thinking and loving are connected is that we cannot love God without knowing God; and the way we know God is by the Spirit-enabled use of our minds.  So to "love God with all your mind" means engaging all your powers of thought to know God as fully as possible in order to treasure him for all he is worth. God is not honored  by groundless love.  In fact, there is no such thing.  If we do not know anything about God, there is nothing in our mind to awaken love.  If love does not come from knowing God, there is no point calling it love for God . There may be some vague attraction in our heart or some unfocused gratitude in our soul, but if they do not arise from knowing God, they are not love for God.  Think - The Life of the Mind and the Love of God , John Piper, Crossway, page 90.

Here are two pieces from my daughter's recital in September.  Both works are from the 20th century.  Hope you enjoy them. (The links are working now.) Prelude Op. 12, No. 7 ~ Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Hosted by kiwi6.com free hotlinking . Toccata, Op. 1 ~ John La Montaine (1920- ) Hosted by kiwi6.com free hotlinking .

"I am, " says Christ, "the Way"; Now, if we credit him,  All other paths must lead astray, How fair soe'er they seem. "I am," says Christ, "the Truth"; Then all that lacks this test, Proceed it from an angel's mouth, Is but a lie at best. "I am," says Christ, "the Life"; Let this be seen by faith, It follows, without further strife, That all besides is death. If what those words aver, The Holy Ghost apply, The simplest Christian shall not err, Nor be deceived, nor die. Joseph Hart (1712-1768)

For all you book lovers out there, here are even more giveaways: Trisha at A Multitude of Mercies is giving away Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  Don't be put off by the title.  This book encompasses many of the discouragements we face in our daily walk.  His answer?  A clearer understanding of the gospel.  It's an excellent book! Christina at Heavenly Springs is giving away 2 books by the great Puritan author Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm and The Fight of Faith Crowned plus a surprise! Finally at While We Sojourn , John is giving away an autographed copy of Christ Formed in You by Brian Hedges.  You can read John's review here . Don't forget there's still time to enter the Think giveaway right here .

With every hand bowed, head closed, and eyes folded... (I couldn't resist posting this even though it's been up on the big blogs.) HT: Lane Chaplin

I'm thankful for a slow return back to health.  My daughter was sick after Christmas and shared her cold with me even with our attempts at good hygiene.  Nothing major, but my ribs and diaphragm are sore from the coughing.  After several days of not being able to smell or taste anything, I am much more grateful for these small mercies. I'm thankful for heart-to-heart talks with my daughter.  I'm glad she isn't afraid to ask me about subjects that I was reluctant to discuss with my mother.  I certainly don't have all the answers, but it gives us both a chance to look at these issues in the light of scripture. After reading a few chapters of Think , I'm thankful to be able to read, to read God's Word, and for the desire that God gives us for His Word.  Definitely not to be taken for granted!

Having been unexpectedly blessed with 2 copies of Think by John Piper, I will be passing one of these books on to you. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment stating why you would like this book.  (U.S. addresses only due to postage.)  The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, January 12, at which time a providential winner will be randomly picked. Here is an excerpt from the introduction: This book is a plea to embrace serious thinking as a means of loving God and people.  It is a plea to reject either-or- thinking when it comes to head and heart, thinking and feeling, reason and faith, theology and doxology, mental labor and ministry of love.  It is a plea to see thinking as a necessary, God-ordained means of knowing God.  Thinking is one of the important ways that we put the fuel of knowledge on the fires of worship and service to the world. Therefore, the main reason God has given us minds is that we might seek out and find all the reasons that exist...

And when I think of how, At Calvary, He bore sin's penalty Instead of me, Amazed, I wonder why He, the sinless One, should die For one so vile as I; My Saviour he! When God made His covenant with Abraham, He moved as a light between the two parallel lines of slain animals (Gen. 15). God said, symbolically, to Abraham, "If it costs Me My existence to bring this covenant promise of blessing to pass, I will pay that price." This is the heart of the gospel.  That is the reason why God became man.  That is the meaning of Jesus' life and ministry. That is the significance of the cross.  The arrow of God's judgment against our sin penetrated the heart of God Himself on Calvary.  As he brought His covenant pledge to fulfillment, God Himself took our guilt and and its judgment.  The cross says: "I am bearing the penalty of your guilt Myself, and I will set you free from its bondage and its power." The exchange on the cross of Calvary is the fundamental exchange...

"Let go and let God" is one of those Christian phrases that is used frequently.  But is it scriptural? Here are John Frame's thoughts on this: [W]e should not wait passively for God to sanctify us.  Some have taught that the way to holiness is to "let go and let God."  But that is not biblical.  In the first place, we don't need to "let God," for God is sovereign and does not need to wait for us to let go before he can work.  And we should not let go, for God commands us to fight in the spiritual battle.  So, there's the paradox: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2: 12b-13).  God does it all, but he does it by the use of human effort (2 Peter 1:5-11). Salvation Belongs to the Lord , John M. Frame, P&R Publishing, pg 217.

How watchful is the loving Lord, How sweet His providential word, To children that believe! Your very hairs are numbered all; Not one by force or chance can fall Without your Father's leave. Why should I fear when guarded so, Or shrink to meet a deadly foe! His mouth is held with bit; I need not dread his utmost spite, Nor can he bark, nor can he bite, Unless the Lord permit. No cross or bliss, no loss or gain, No health or sickness, ease or pain, Can give themselves a birth; The Lord so rules by His command, Nor good nor ill can stir a hand, Unless He send them forth. Since Thou so kind and watchful art, To guard my head and guard my heart, And guard my very hair, Teach me with child-like mind to sit, And sing at the dear Saviour's feet, Without distrust or fear. So, like a pilgrim let me wait, Contented well in every state, Till all my warfare ends; Live in a calm and cheerful mood, And find that all things work for good, Which Jesus kindly sends. John Berridge (1716-17...

I started the New Year by finishing John Frame's Salvation Belongs to the Lord .  After reading this book and listening to R. C. Sproul's talks on reformed theology last year,  I realize how little I know and how much I need to learn.  In one sense, I will never fully grasp all there is to know about God because He is so great.  But in another sense, He makes Himself known and desires that we know Him.   Lord willing, my goal is to read through the Bible this year using the Robert Murray M'Cheyne reading plan in conjunction with D. A. Carson's For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word.   Dr. Carson has written daily reflections that aim to edify as well as build a whole biblical theology based on chapters from the M'Cheyne reading.   After too many years of reading my chapter a day for a quick edification fix, my prayer is to read and think .  At first I wasn't going to use a plan, but the plan will help...