Tried With Fire

God's real grace is gutsy, dynamic, transformative power. No one who receives this grace remains the same. It transforms and motivates. No transformation = no grace. If grace has not transformed your life to some degree, then grace has not saved your soul, either. And so, if we cherish any notion of "grace" that defines it as "God's way of making it okay for me to live as if He didn't exist, wasn't my Master, and hadn't spoken a word of command or prohibitions" - we had better lose that notion... Grace is God's dynamic, free, flowing gift of Himself that delivers us from the guilt and domain of sin (justification) and enables us to live lives that please Him (progressive sanctification). After we become recipients of justifying grace, we become participants in sanctifying grace. If the latter is not happening, then the former never happened. "Gutless" is the last thing God's real grace is. from The World Tilting Go...

As I embark on another decade, I think about growing older. It's funny to know I am theoretically old enough to be the mother of every adult in my small group. I realize I'm not young any longer, but I don't "feel" old either. I remember life before the Internet and wireless technology. I remember rotary phones, black and white TV, 45 records, and reel to reel. When the Commodore 64 was a smoking computer and a CP/M multi-user machine meant 2 people could work at a crawl provided you had a fan blowing at the CPU. Those were the days when there were no bike helmets, car seats, and over paranoid government regulations. I remember my parents remarking how expensive gas was when it rose over 30 cents a gallon. I'm more aware of the different mental outlook between my generation and those younger. I remember life before the feminist movement where practically all my schoolmates' moms stayed at home, before the era of pyscho-babble therapy, self esteem, poli...

From the Daily Press Fact: I am still amazed at God's mercy during Irene. Fact: Not that I didn't have my moments of fear, but events like these are wonderful opportunities to consider God's power and sovereignty. Fact: More than 623,000 customer's serviced by Dominion Virginia Power are still without electricity . Many people evacuated towards Richmond, but ironically 75% of the Richmond area lost power whereas only 50% of Hampton Roads was hit. This gives you an idea of the reach of the storm. Fact: The bunnies and I camped out with my pastor's family during the hurricane. It was a blessing and a relief to not be alone. Although nothing happened to the house, I think I would have been on high alert at every sound.  I especially enjoyed getting to know their 2 older children a bit more, and I even got to hold their new baby boy! Fact: During the hurricane, I had a whole afternoon to do nothing but read, which was a real treat. I finished The World Ti...

I never expected to be posting this soon. Thanks for praying. Irene weakened substantially before it hit our area, but many folks are without power and at least 6 deaths were reported due to the storm. I don't know what the coastal damage is like due to flooding, so prayers are still needed for those suffering now. Amazingly our neighborhood didn't lose power, which I fully expected. There was a large maple limb in my front yard which the pastor already tackled with his chain saw. My neighbor watched it break during the storm. It fell against the power lines causing the pole to dip. The pole sprang back up and the limb fell back in the yard. God was very merciful to answer my prayers that my neighbors wouldn't suffer because of my trees Thanks again for praying. Praise God for His kindness and mercy.

We're waiting for Hurricane Irene to reach Virginia tomorrow afternoon, and we're preparing as best we can. If she's anything like Isabel, we will be without power for an extended period of time. (It was 2.5 weeks with Isabel). Hope to be back after the hurricane, God willing. Your prayers are appreciated not only for us but for everyone in Irene's path.  Thanks. His oath his covenant, his blood, Support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

This week's list... Sight, hearing, and mobility.  How easy to assume these are givens when they are gifts from God. Face-to-face fellowship with sisters in Christ almost every day. Definitely not to be taken for granted. Christ upholds the universe by the word of His power. With the earthquake, we had a brief taste of the immense power of creation that's held in check. We will probably be getting another taste as Hurricane Irene skims the NC/VA coast on Saturday.  I'm praying we will be spared any damage, but God is in control - from the shifting plates in the earth to the exact angle and placement of every raindrop.

Outside the Mayflower Hotel after tea Thanks to Stephanie for the photo It's hard to condense our very full week-end in D.C. But here are a few highlights: - Traveling to D.C. with Melissa and the fellowship on the way. I was disappointed that Amtrak divided the passengers by destination on our return trip, so we weren't able to travel home together. - Meeting Trina, Christine , Ruth, Teresa , Stephanie , Elizabeth and Tony, and Diana and Pete and their charming son, Harry. - Navigating the Metro with only one mishap. Due to too much chin-wagging, a few got off in time leaving the rest of us stuck on the train. We learned our lesson. - Having "known" these sisters to varying degrees, it was a blessing to learn a little of their stories and how they found one another over the Internet. We were relatively new to the group but felt right at home, which is a lot coming from an introvert like me. - Very posh tea at the Mayflower Hotel complete with clo...

We experienced a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, VA. We happened to be in the kitchen when the quake began. The fridge and the kitchen table rattled a bit as though the house was a subway car. It lasted about 15 seconds and was over. I don't think I was particularly frightened, but my head feels like I've gotten off a roller coaster ride. It never dawned on me to move to a doorway or go outside even though I knew what was happening. The first thing that came to mind?   On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

We had a wonderful week-end in Washington D.C. to meet some sisters in Christ for the first time. I now have faces to put to names. Hopefully more details in tomorrow's post. I have 2 umbrellas as souvenirs from our nation's capitol as we were completely unprepared for a few  summer thunderstorms. The Metro doesn't give very much time to get in and out of the trains. I'm a bit sore from all the walking, but it was good exercise. We were able to visit the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History.  I think I prefer natural history.  IMO, God's creative genius dwarfs the best that man can do. We were able to attend Capitol Hill Baptist's Sunday morning service. Mark Dever did not preach, but I was blessed and challenged by the brother who gave the word from Ezekiel 33:1-11. Time to make my morning cup of tea and do some work.

Dearest Saviour! we adore thee, For thy precious life and death; Melt each stubborn heart before thee; Give us all the eye of faith. From the law's condemning sentence, To thy mercy we appeal; Thou alone canst give repentance; Thou alone our souls can heal. John Newton (1725-1807)

With apologies to any Tim McGraw fans...

This week's list: Sisterly fellowship near.  At the ladies meeting on Tuesday, there were 12 of us. Different ages, different seasons in life, different backgrounds, but we were there to dig deep into God's Word and have it change our lives. As we read how Paul gave thanks to God for the believers' faith in Jesus Christ and love for one another, I was reminded how blessed I am to know these women. I'm thankful for their friendship and how they have encouraged me in the Lord. Sisterly fellowship from afar. I have the opportunity this week-end to meet some sisters face-to-face who I have only known via the Internet. I'm a little nervous and very excited, but the connection we have in Christ is a wonderful and amazing thing.

Congratulations to Leslie, the providential winner of Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by John Flavel. Thanks to everyone who entered! God willing, there will be more giveaways this year, so stay tuned.

The Titus 2 women's group has been studying Ephesians. In preparation for tonight's study, I've been pondering verses 21-22 from chapter 1: Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church If there's any question about Christ's absolute power and rule over all things, Paul certainly lays that to rest, not only here but in other passages as well. Every name that is named is all inclusive. The present age and the one to come covers all time. All things means all things. So this leads me to wonder, where on earth do we get the idea that we "make" Jesus Lord of our lives? Where do we get the idea that we "let" Jesus into our lives, but then we can confine Him to a broom closet where He is pining to be invited to share the whole home of our hearts?  Doesn't "all t...

Having been inspired by Gregg  and  Petra , who were inspired by  Larri , and not having the time to write much this morning, here are some miscellaneous facts: Fact: Our neighborhood was blanketed by smoke from the Great Dismal Swamp fire yesterday afternoon. Fact: We're having unusually cool weather for August. Believe me upper 80s is a relief for southeast Virginia. Fact: The car passed inspection this morning. Fact: You can friend dead theologians on Facebook. Fact: There's still time to enter the John Flavel book  giveaway . The name will be drawn Wednesday morning. Fact: Continuing to read The World Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips.    It's scripture-saturated, very meaty, very accessible, very foundational. Really liking it so far. Fact: Praying and preparing for a workshop on The Organized Hear t by Staci Eastin. Fact: Off to do some work.

Rejoice, ye saints, in every state, Divine decrees remain unmoved; No turns of Providence abate God's care for those he once has loved. Firmer than heaven his covenant stands, Though earth should shake and skies depart. You're safe in your Redeemer's hands, Who bears your names upon his heart. Our Surety knows for whom he stood And gave himself a sacrifice: The souls once sprinkled with his blood, Possess a life that never dies. Though darkness spread around our tent, Though fear prevail and joy decline; God will not of his oath repent: Dear Lord, thy people still are thine! Benjamin Wallin (1711-1782)

Another book arrived in the mail today. The latest addition to the library is  The World Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips  (also of TeamPyro ). Here's a bit from the intro: "People leap for an experience, fall short of truth, and wander off lost and aimless. A truncated "half-spell" has been substituted for the biblical Gospel. The "nice bits" are snipped out, isolated, and dolled up as more marketable. Folks have signed on without any real grasp of the Gospel in all its fullness and power. "Many professed Christians regard the Gospel as our ticket "in", and then we're done with it. It's like a contract: We ignore the lawyer-talk, sign it, and then forget about it. We think that the Gospel was beginner's material. Pray a prayer, pen your name, you're "in"; now move on to something else. "But what too many of us have not grasped is: who we really are what kind of world we are really living in how the w...

The list this week: ~ Finishing all my outstanding dictation. God was merciful in preserving my hands, my concentration, and giving me the time to catch up. I felt a huge load come off my shoulders when I turned in my work yesterday. ~ Sleep. When my daughter is away I don't sleep as well, mainly because it's just not normal. I'm thankful for answered prayers in this regard and that this is her last extended time away until December. ~ Friendship in Christ. We said good-bye on Sunday to our friends who were relocating. Good-byes stink, but God is good to give us friends even if it is for a short season. I'm also thankful that nowadays we're only a mouse click or a phone call away. ~ God answers prayers. Not in a vending machine way but in the way we need. Where else can we go and Who else can we trust to decide what's best for us?

I was flipping through Hope by Jeremiah Burroughs when I came to the appendix, containing a reprint of one of his works. I wonder what Joel Osteen would think of the title,  The Misery of Those Whose Portion is in This Life ? Be content with your portion here; do not murmur and repine, for though you have not so much as others have yet you have what will make you happy forever...  So may I say to you who are godly, has God given you Jesus Christ? Has He given you Himself to be your portion? And are you troubled that you have no more of what beasts may have as well as yourselves? Oh, be ashamed of any mournful discontentments for want of the comforts of this world! From The Misery of Those Whose Portion is in This Life , appendix in Hope by Jeremiah Burroughs, Soli Deo Gloria, pg. 141.

This month I'll be giving away a copy of Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by the Puritan John Flavel, first published in 1682. This book is part of a series from Reformation Heritage Books to make the writings of the Puritans more accessible to the modern reader while not compromising the author's intent. More info from the publisher  here . In this little book, Flavel tackles types of fear, uses of fear, causes of sinful fear, and the effects of sinful fear. The longest chapter is devoted to remedies for sinful fear for those who are in Christ such as studying the covenant of grace, preparing for suffering, committing one's self to God, recording God's faithfulness, and exalting the fear of God in our hearts.  He encourages the reader to turn the focus away from ourselves and circumstances and fix our gaze and plant our hope in God. When will we do away with our unbelieving "ifs" and "buts", our questioning and doubting of God's power, wisdom, a...

Subjectivism not only produces error and distortion, but it breeds arrogance as well. To believe what I believe simply because I believe it or to argue that my opinion is true simply because it is my opinion is the epitome of arrogance. If my views cannot stand the test of objective analysis and verification, humility demands that I abandon them. But the subjectivist has the arrogance to maintain his position with no objective support or corroboration. To say to someone "If you like to believe what you want to believe, that's fine. I'll believe what I want to believe," only sounds humble on the surface. Private views must be evaluated in the light of outside evidence and opinion because we bring excess baggage to the Bible. No one on the face of this Earth has a perfectly pure understanding of Scripture. We all hold some views that  entertain some ideas that are not of God. Perhaps if we knew precisely which of our views were contrary to God, we would abandon them. Bu...

Now I have found the ground wherein My anchor, hope, shall firm remain, The wounds of Jesus, for my sin Before the world's foundation slain; Whose mercy shall unshaken stay, When heaven and earth are fled away. O grace thou bottomless abyss, My sins are swallowed up in thee! Covered is my unrighteousness; From condemnation I am free. For Jesus' blood, through earth and skies, Mercy, eternal mercy, cries. Jesus, I know, has died for me; Here is my hope, my joy, my rest; Hither, when hell assails, I flee; I look unto my Saviour's breast. Away, sad doubt and anxious fear; Mercy and love are written there. Though waves and storms go o'er my head. Tho' strength, and health, and friends be gone. Though joys be withered all and dead, And every comfort be withdrawn, Steadfast on this my soul relies, Redeeming mercy never dies. Fixed on this ground will I remain. Though my heart fail and flesh decay; This anchor shall my soul sustain, When earth's foundations melt aw...

ht:   Calvinist Cartoons

This week's list: ~ Morning quiet with no other sounds than the wren outside the window. Time to pray, read, and consider the day ahead. ~ Completing the paperwork and curriculum purchases for homeschooling. I just need to order 1 more item, and we're good to go. ~ Daily grace for daily tasks. ~ Freedom to read the Bible, own a copy of the Bible, and gather as the church without restriction. During our hermeneutics course last week, we prayed for the church in various parts of the world to remind ourselves that not all of our brethren enjoy the same freedoms. May God help us not to treat our access to the word casually or carelessly.

"That's your interpretation, and that's fine for you. I don't agree with it, but my interpretation is equally valid. Though our interpretations are contrary and contradictory, they can both be true. Whatever you like is true for you and whatever I like is true for me." This is subjectivism. Subjectivism takes place when the truth of a statement is not merely expanded or applied to the subject, but when it is absolutely determined by the subject. If we are to avoid distortion of Scripture, we must avoid subjectivism from the beginning. In seeking an objective understanding of Scripture, we do not thereby reduce Scripture to something cold, abstract, and lifeless. What we are doing is seeking to understand what the word says in its context before we go about the equally necessary task of applying it to ourselves. A particular statement may have numerous possible personal applications, but it can only have one correct meaning . Alternate interpretations which are c...

This is the Cliff Notes version of our 3+ hour hermeneutic crash course last Friday. It was a bit like drinking from a fire hose since this was a condensed version of our pastor's seminary class taught by Dr. Robert Plummer at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Having lived through many hermeneutical nightmares, how we divide the word is critical to every believer. These aren't heady academic ideas, but the framework we should be using every time we open our Bibles. As R. C. Sproul says, "It is a tremendous thing that people are beginning to open up the Bible and study it together. But it is also an exceedingly dangerous thing. Pooling of knowledge is edifying to the church; pooling of ignorance is destructive and can manifest the problem of the blind leading the blind." from Knowing Scripture , IV Press, pg. 40. (Much of the material came from Dr. Plummer's book,  40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible,  Kregel 2010. Any errors are due to incomplete no...

The text from yesterday's sermon was James 1:22-25: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. A few snippets from my notes: The book of James is about sound, saving faith, but a true saving faith will be a faith that works.  Both the gospel and the totality of scriptural revelation will lead us to action. So the implication is: 1. Look into the word. If I am not in the word, what does that say about me and my profession of faith? 2. Persevere in the word.  Not perfect, but persevering - meaning we will have highs and lows, but do we we keep pressing on? 3. Take action.  Don't fall...