Tried With Fire

A tip of the hat to   Deejay O'Flaherty via FB

This week's list: ~Week-end weather in the 60's. Perfect weed grass cutting weather. Maybe I'll be industrious and bag up last year's gumball pile, too. ~ A bit of a break from work.  With one of my doctors on vacation, the work load has been lighter. After months of working nonstop, it is a gift to have some free time. ~ Regular exercise. ~ Being reminded there are so many things I take for granted - sight, hearing, current state of health, sleep, strength to perform everyday tasks, a roof over our heads, and food on the table.  Today we often think we are entitled to so many things, but all of these are due to the mercy of God, not because it is our right to have them. Therefore, I want to remember Jeremiah Burroughs' words and bless God for every crumb: "It may be that some of you have not your table spread as others here, but God gives you crumbs; now, says the poor woman, dogs have crumbs and when you can find your hearts thus submitting to God,...

Linking up to Petra's Wednesday's World of Wor k at This Good Steward ... This is an easy baby shower gift that is practical and fun. I adapted my version from this tutorial. Materials to make 6 burp cloths: 1 bath towel 1 yd fabric  - quilting cotton weight Matching thread 1. Wash and dry towel and fabric to preshrink.  Iron fabric. 2. Trim the hem from the top and bottom of the towel. I used a fast dry towel from Target which has a very narrow hem and no decorative banding, which would have to be cut off. The side seams can stay intact. 3. Cut the towel into 8 rectangles. These were roughly 15 x 12.5 inches. You will have 2 extra. (To use up the entire towel, you would need approximately 1.5 yards of fabric. You can customize the burp cloth size to suit your needs.) 4. Cut the same size rectangles from the fabric. 5. Place right sides together and pin. Stitch around the edge with a 3/8" hem, leaving an opening to turn the burp cloth right side out. 6. Clip cor...

Worldliness is departing from God. It is a man-centred way of thinking; it proposes objectives which demand no radical breach with man's fallen nature; it judges the importance of things by the present and material results; it weighs success by numbers; it covets human esteem and wants no unpopularity; it knows no truth for which it is worth suffering; it declines to be a 'fool for Christ's sake'. Worldliness is the mind-set of the unregenerate. It adopts idols and is at war with God... No Christian deliberately gives way to the spirit of the world but we all may do so unwittingly and unconsciously. That this has happened on a large scale in the later-twentieth century is to be seen in the way in which the interests and priorities of contemporary culture have come to be mirrored in the churches. The antipathy to authority and to discipline; the cry for entertainment by the visual image rather than by the words of Scripture; the appeal of the spectacular; the rise of fem...

Fact: I would not be a good entomologist . Fact: It's rather disconcerting to open the front door and have 3 largish crickets leap at you to get inside out of the rain. Because of the wet weather, it has gotten to the point that we either open the door with a broom in hand to sweep out any invaders or we stamp our feet on the threshold to scare them away from the other side of the screen door. Fact: Last month, my daughter was getting some clothes from her closet when I heard a scream. Coming to her aid, she said there was a large 2+ inch (including legs) spider in her closet. With gloves on and vacuum at the ready, we shook the hanging clothes to find the arachnid, but Shelob , as my daughter affectionately called her, was nowhere to be found. A few days ago, upon picking up the broom to deal with the crickets, a light brown object scuttled under the arm chair. Thinking it was a camel cricket, I pushed the chair aside, and with a few swift strokes, the mighty broom dealt a fat...

Paschal Lamb, by God appointed, Loads of sin on thee were laid; By almighty love anointed, Thou hast full atonement made. All thy people are forgiven, Through the virtue of they blood; Opened is the gate of heaven; Peace is made 'twixt man and God. Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory, There for ever to abide! All the heavenly hosts adore thee, Seated at thy Father's side. For thy people thou art pleading; There thou dost their place prepare; Ever for them interceding, Till in glory they appear. Riches, honour, strength, and blessing, Thou art worthy to receive; Loudest praises, without ceasing. Meet it is for saints to give. All the bright angelic spirits Bring their sweetest, noblest lays; Help to sing the Saviour's merits; Help to chant the Saviour's praise. John Bakewell (1721-1819) and Augustus Toplady (1740-1778)

The trailer for the 2012 Ligonier National Conference : .

I am thankful for: Sound sleep, which makes it easier to get up in the morning, which makes it easier to be more productive during the day. Seeing my daughter wrestle through a scientific concept and not giving up until she gets it. My mother teaching me to sew. I've put the skill to use this week and have thoroughly enjoyed it Good deals at the grocery store. Love those buy-one-get-one or even better, buy-2-get-3-free. A non-leaky roof over our heads as it pours outside. Small group tonight and further discussion on James 4:1-10. Thanking God that He gives more grace.

I've mentioned before that we left a church and stayed out of fellowship for a number of years. It's been more than a decade, but I had some nagging questions and recently got some answers.The more I learned about the past, the more I realized how much we practically set aside the Word of God. Sole adherence to the scriptures would have been vehemently affirmed, but when problems arose, maintaining the status quo, expediency, and man's opinion were the deciding factors. I wasn't making up the statement about God not caring about our repentance in my last post. I heard it from the pulpit. I knew something was wrong but couldn't put my finger on it, because I had no clue how to be a Berean. In a discussion group following that particular talk, I saw people twist their brains into all sorts of mental contortions to somehow make that statement jive with scripture. But sadly, those in authority were never to be questioned on any account, let alone things spoken from th...

If someone tells you from the pulpit that God does not care about your personal repentance, run the other way as fast as you can.

Fact: The temperature dropped 20 degrees from Thursday to Friday, so we turned the heat on this week-end. Fact: I was feeling the beginnings of a cold Saturday afternoon. Here's a home remedy for colds that is not for the faint-hearted: swallow one small crushed clove of garlic 3x a day until the symptoms disappear or you can't bear the garlic fumes any longer. Don't take it on an empty stomach and drink plenty of liquid to wash it down. I've read that garlic has natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. More likely one's breath scares the germs away. Fact: I have 3 baby blankets and burp cloths to make this week. It's easier to find cute fabric for girls than boys. Fact: Thanks to all who were praying for me for the workshop on The Organized Heart .  God was good to use the time to encourage us in practical, grace-motivated living.  I was blessed that the sisters were willing to meet at 8:00 AM on a rainy and chilly Saturday morning. I'm also thank...

Say, Christian, would'st thou thrive, In knowledge of thy Lord? Against no scripture every strive, But tremble at His word. Revere the sacred page; To injure any part, Betray, with blind and feeble rage,  A hard and haughty heart. If aught there dark appear, Bewail thy want of sight; No imperfection can be there, For all God's words are right. The Scriptures and the Lord Bear one tremendous Name; The written and the Incarnate Word In all things are the same. For Jesus is the Truth, As well as Life and Way; The two-edg'd sword that's in His mouth, Shall all proud reasoners slay. Why dost thou call Him, Lord? And what He says resist? The soul that stumbles at the word, Offended is at Christ. The thoughts of men are lies; The word of God is true; To bow to That is to be wise; Then hear, and fear, and do. Joseph Hart (1712-1768)

A classic...

I'm thankful for: ~ A good start to the school year. ~ Cooler weather. If the weatherman is right, it will finally feel like fall tomorrow. ~ Grace for preparation for the women's workshop this Saturday. ~ The truth and safety found in God's word. I wonder how much trouble would be nipped in the bud in our lives and in the church if we truly held to Sola Scriptura? ~ God's providence is amazing and humbling. Considering the changes in my life over the last 11 years, I thank Him for where He has brought me and how He has brought me.

James is not the book to read if you want to feel complacent about yourself. He doesn't mince any words about selfish ambition and bitter jealousy. In our day when narcissism has risen to new heights, we need to be reminded that these things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, because it's the heart of "You will be like God". It's easy to point the finger elsewhere, but we're all infected by this disease of me, myself, and I. Even if your pond is the size of a bathtub, you want to be the big fish. And we see it every day -  little girls manipulating and vying to be queen bee of their play group, the self promotion of politics and entertainment, the petty power plays that tear down the church, even wanting recognition for writing such an insightful blog post. So what is the antidote? The wisdom of the world is all about personal advancement, but the Gospel frees us from wanting to build our own kingdoms to pursue the kingdom of God.  We are given wisdom...

In  Evangelicalism Divided , Iain Murray writes of the danger of redefining "Christian" by any means other than scripture: Is it not offensive and intolerant to suppose that anyone can distinguish true Christians from others? Are there not, it is said, many kinds of followers of Christ and does not love demand that we regard them all as 'fellow Christians'? This objection often proceeds on the basis of another argument - usually unstated - namely, that the New Testament itself does not give us enough light to be definite. And if Scripture does not resolve the question, 'what is a Christian?' then we must tolerated and justify a breadth of opinion on the subject. But if the New Testament does settle the question then we have no liberty to redefine 'Christian' in terms which neither Christ nor his apostles ever authorized. Evangelicalism has historically been distinguished by its conviction that Scripture speaks plainly on this fundamental issue; it giv...

Fact: I must be true Baptist. I made my first green bean casserole on Friday. Fact: Ack! I've had 2 senior moments this week. Fact: Looking forward to getting past Indian summer. I shouldn't complain because upper 80's are better than upper 90's, but it felt too hot to cut the weeds grass this week-end. Fact: I am an indifferent gardner. Probably because I don't like getting bitten by the mosquitos, and I dislike weeding. I had good intentions for the front bed in the spring but then the heat of summer arrived. I have good intentions to plant pansies now. We'll see if it becomes a reality. Fact: I'll be leading a workshop this Saturday on The Organized Hear t by Staci Eastin. Out of the mouth the heart speaks, and what's in our heart dictates how we order our lives. I'm praying this book and our discussion will help the women in our church in our rubber-meets-the-road sanctification. Fact: I can remember exactly where I was and what I was ...

Come, ye souls, by sin afflicted, Bowed with fruitless sorrow down; By the broken law convicted, Through the cross behold the crown! Look to Jesus; Mercy flows through him alone. Sweet as home to pilgrims weary, Light to newly-opened eyes, Flowing springs in deserts weary; Is the rest the cross supplies; All who tastes it Shall to rest immortal rise. Blessed are the eyes that see him; Blest the ears that hear his voice; Blessed are the souls that trust him, And in him alone rejoice; His commandments Then become their happy choice. But to sing the "Rest remaining," Mortal tongues far short must fall; Heavenly tongues are ever aiming, But they cannot tell it all; Faith believes it - Hope expects it -  But it overwhelms them all. Joseph Swain (1761-1796)

A simple gift is never  just   a simple gift.   Thoughts on thankfulness from Rebecca Starke. The  difference  between remorse and repentance. This  post  by Mike Riccardi at The Cripplegate is an excellent example of how to offer appropriate criticism with humility and respect. My friend, Becky, is  giving away a copy of Matthew Henry's Method of Prayer .  Her post includes suggestions on using this book to enrich our prayer lives by praying scripture. The giveaway ends Tuesday, September 13.

For my coffee drinking friends...

My friend Trisha posted that some may think "gratitude lists are born from perky people with perfect lives. How untrue!" I give her words a big AMEN!  So like her, I want to disabuse that notion. The reason why I post this weekly list is to deliberately remind myself what I owe to God whether it's big or small. Why? Because I owe Him everything. The fact that I am breathing, my heart is beating, my brain is functioning properly so instructions can flow to my fingers to type these words are all gifts from God. Every possession and every relationship is because of His goodness. Every circumstance, whether good or bad by my estimation, is ordained in love, so I will be transformed to be more like Jesus. So for this week, I'm thankful that although I once was spiritually dead as dead can be,  He has made me alive in Christ. And this changes everything!

and nowadays  the fingers  ... In the sermon on James 3:1-12, Pastor Ryan stated that although the Internet wasn't alive in James' day, electronic communication isn't exempt from the charge to bridle our tongues.  Therefore, we should consider well what we "say" even if it isn't with our mouths. Tweeting, Facebook, blogging, etc. are all venues which have elevated the volume of idle words to new heights. Don't get me wrong. I think these forms of media can and have been used for the glory of God. But it's a lot easier to fire off an electronic missive without a second thought or taking the time to consider its impact. One could say, "It's my blog, so I can say what ever I want." But just because I have a pulse and an electronic soapbox doesn't necessarily mean that my opinion is beneficial. I'm not advocating milk-soppishness and politically correct "niceness" when it comes to robust declaration of the truth or de...

I spent a good part of yesterday re-reading The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin.  Staci's book covers four potential idols that can creep into our hearts - Perfectionism, Busyness, Possessions, and Leisure.  What these all have in common is that they're good things that can go bad, and they go bad when they cease to be done and used for the glory of God and become ends in themselves for ourselves. Striving for excellence for the glory of God can morph into pride in performance. Diligent hard work and productivity can turn into a never ending hamster wheel of task upon task that leads to burn-out. Possessions, which are gifts from God, can mutate into false security and fool's gold when treasured above the Giver. Healthy recreation and pleasure can become toxic when the pursuit of amusement becomes the ultimate goal of our existence. I'm not a fan of morbid introspection. But healthy evaluation in the light of God's word is a good thing. So ask myself, have I an...

Assist my soul, my heavenly King, Thy everlasting love to sing; And joyful spread thy praise abroad, As one, through grace, that's born of God No, it was not the will of man My soul's new heavenly birth began; Nor will, nor power of flesh and blood That turned my heart from sin to God. Herein let self be all abased, And sovereign love alone confessed; This be my song through all the road, That born I am, and born of God. O may this love my soul constrain To make returns of love again; That I, while earth is my abode, May live like one that's born of God. May I thy praises daily show, Who hast created all things new; And washed me in a Saviour's blood To prove that I'm a son of God. And when the appointed hour shall come, That thou wilt call me to my home; Joyful I'll pass the chilling flood, And die as one that's born of God. Then shall my soul triumphant rise To its blest mansion in the skies; ...

Trying another one...

My thankful list: Signs of fall. The sky has lost its hazy, humid look. It's been cooler outside than inside the past few evenings which is a welcome relief. It's also time to throw another blanket on the bed. God's mercy during Irene. People are still without power and waiting for rivers to subside, but there was much less damage than anticipated. The Gospel in a hurricane. I was driving back towards Irene on Friday wondering if any of the trees along 64-E would still be standing. But my thoughts then turned to the power of the Creator of the tress and hurricanes. If we think a cat 3 hurricane is strong, it ain't nothing compared to our God. But because of the Gospel, because Jesus took the full force of God's wrath on the cross, that power which is far beyond human compression will never be turned against those whom He has saved for punishment for sins. Contemplating Ephesians 2:1-10 in anticipation of the next women's study. "But God" is one...