Tried With Fire

We spent Christmas week visiting family. We talked, laughed, and ate far too much. One highlight of our visit was going bowling the day after Christmas. I'm a terrible bowler. I used the bumpers without shame, never quite got to 100, but I had a wonderful time. After two games, I had a sore forearm, but something else occurred. I was able to lay some painful memories to rest. It may have been only six or seven years but it seemed like an eternity since the last time I went bowling. My ex-husband and I would go out to dinner and do various activities with a few other couples. It was fun before the marriage turned sour. But once the relationship began to deteriorate, these outings were ordeals to endure. I put up a front that all was well because I was still hopeful, but as time went on, the acting became harder and harder. It was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually draining - a form of self-immolation on the pyre of keeping up a "good" Christian appearance. Our last...

So here's my "Favorite Books of 2013" post. I read a lot more this year and read more widely. I've also read more "fun" books and did not feel guilty one bit. Updated  4/29/14 -  I removed Extravagant Grace by Barbara Duguid. While there is much that is good in the book for someone recovering from legalism, I don't think I can recommend the book without some qualification. I think she swings on the pendulum too far the other way by overemphasizing gospel indicatives and minimizes gospel imperatives. They don't have to be either or but both. Theology/Christian Living: The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield - This book challenged my prejudices and lack of love for the lost. Select Letters of John Newton - "Much has been forgiven him, therefore he loves much, and therefore he knows how to forgive and pity others. He does not call evil good, or good evil; but his own experiences teach him tenderness and forbe...

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 Many people are quite satisfied with a religion of external rules and ceremonies because they have a superficial view of sin. Perhaps they have fairly loose rules, such as a minim requirement to attend public worship now and then. Or maybe they have stiff and complex rules consisting of behaviors almost as intricate as a Japanese tea ceremony. Either way, changes in behavior cannot purify the heart for it is the seat of our corruption. Christ said, "Either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt, for the tree is known by his fruit" (Matt. 12:33). Jesus came to become the root of a whole new tree. He is also the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). He is the head, and we are the members ...

ht: Dan Phillips on FB

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!  Merry Christmas!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 Every child of God has felt his soul cleave to the dust and melt for heaviness (Ps. 119:25, 28). Circumstances overwhelm us with hopelessness. Life in a sinful world weighs heavily on our hearts. On top of this sorrow is the pain that comes from persecution from the ungodly. The psalmist testifies of this, "My tears have been my meat day and night, while ...

I'm sharing another quote from Why Christ Came at Out of the Ordinary : "Many of God's people can remember what it was like to be without Christ, without hope, and without God in this world (Eph. 2:12)… Jesus came to seek these lost persons and save them. God in Christ is a seeker ( Luke 15:3-6 ). Nineteenth-century British poet Francis Thompson affectionately refers to God as the "hound of heaven" in a poem by that name. The author recounts how he deliberately fled from God, but throughout his life he sensed he was being followed by feet that moved "with un-hurrying chase and unperturbed pace" to bring him to salvation. Without fail, God always gets His man." Read more ….

Moms have super hearing. Your child can be across the house whispering and you know what she is saying. It's true. I tried this with my daughter, and she was amazed by this ability. But I guess this comes with the territory. When you're a mom, you're always on call, always listening, always aware. All it takes is a whimper or a whisper in the middle of the night to get you out of bed. Your child could be in a large group, and you recognize that unique cry among all the others. But what do you do when your child goes out of hearing range? She starts to take baby steps which get bigger and bigger until she's leaving the nest and flying away. I had my first taste of this last night when my daughter drove alone! at night! far away! (at least to me) to meet her dad for dinner. I think I was more worried than she was nervous. My vigilance can extend only so far because I'm limited by time, space, and mortality.  But isn't this the way it should be? As our kids g...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 God's love for the world seems incongruous, far-fetched, and even impossible. To believe in this love, we need irrefutable evidence. Jesus' coming to the world is the irrefutable evidence of the Father's love for it. People can talk about their love for others, but the proof of love is action, not words (1 John 3:18). The apostle Paul speaks of Christ's death for us as proof of God's love, asserting, "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom, 5:8)… God's love for His people can only be understood in relation to His love for His Son. The only begotten Son of God is the eternal object of the Father's affection… [T]he love between God the Father and God the Son is perfect, personal, intimate, deep, and committed. It is love without limits...

The New Calvinism Considered: A Personal and Pastoral Assessment by Jeremy Walker, Evangelical Press, 2013, 128 pages. The New Calvinism Considered is Pastor Jeremy Walker's assessment of the recent trend toward reformed theology largely within American Evangelicalism. This short book gives an overview of the movement, commendations, concerns, and concluding thoughts. This is quite a task given the spectrum of people who would align themselves with New Calvinism (NC). Thus, Walker admits he is using a broad brush out of necessity. The author characterizes this movement by a return to the five points of Calvinism, God's sovereignty in salvation, and the influence of Jonathan Edwards via John Piper. The NC is shaped to a great degree by prominent pastors and theologians - Piper, D.A. Carson, and Tim Keller, organizations - The Gospel Coalition and Together 4 the Gospel, and bloggers - Justin Taylor and Tim Challies. There may be other key players as well, but names and ne...

Here's my reading stack for 2014. One title that is not in the picture is Bound Together by Chris Brauns which I will be borrowing from the church library. Unpacking Forgiveness , also by Brauns, is a reread.  I'm hoping to resist purchasing any new books next year since there are too many unread volumes languishing on the shelf. I am thinking of making an exception for used books and review books. What's on your reading list for next year?

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37 Pilate questioned the existence of truth, and his life bore the fruit of his doubts. He lived in fear of losing his position. Against his conscience, he gave deference to the mad request of the people. He disregarded the advice of his wife, who urged him to have nothing to do with Jesus' death. Pilate was in bondage because he didn't know the truth. Even though he spent many years bound in prison, the apostle Paul declares "Stand fast… in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Gal. 5:1). So you can be a prisoner and yet be truly free, or you can be a king and live in bondage. As Paul testified in chains before kings, it was clear that he, not they, knew true freedom (Acts 24:16, 25).  You...

Just in time for Christmas…. ht Grammarly on FB

“For no other Foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11.  It is not the union of men with men that makes a Church if Jesus Christ is not the center and the bond of the union. The best of men may come into bonds of amity and they may form a league, or a federation for good and useful purposes—but they are not a Church unless Jesus Christ is the basis upon which they rest. He must be the ground and Foundation of the hope of each and of all. Neither can a Church be created by a mere union to a minister. It is most good and pleasant to see Brethren dwelling together in unity—it is most advantageous that between the pastor and his flock there should be perfect love, but the relationship must not be exaggerated beyond due bounds. Brethren, there must be no glorying in men , nor blind following of them! A body formed of individuals whose religion lies in drinking in the theories and opinions of a religious teacher falls short o...

"In Christ's first coming, He implemented a rescue plan conceived in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. He did not come to promote holiday cheer, boost end-of-year sales, or serve as the central figure in a nativity scene. He came to save sinners…" Read more of this quote from Why Christ Came at Out of the Ordinary.

Not one of the Father's expectations were unfulfilled in Christ. When Christ said, "It is finished," He meant it (John 19:30). By His obedience to God's will, even in the things that He suffered, He secured salvation for us. As our high priest, Christ teaches us that we have no other way of dealing with our moral failure and its penalty than to come to God and say, "Nothing in my hand I bring, / Simply to thy cross I cling." As we study the early chapters of the Gospels, it is difficult to feel the full weight of Jesus' statement: "I come… to do thy will, O God." But later, especially as we read about Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, we begin to sense the depth of that commitment. In the garden, Jesus wrestles with the reality of Isaiah 53:10: "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him." In the garden, Christ was "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death," and "sore amazed" (Matt. 26:38, Mark 14:33). Paintings of Ch...

The cult of celebrity in the modern West has infiltrated the church, so much so that we can seem to be presuming that the Lord is obliged to work or invariably will work when the right person or persons are present: get someone prominent to preach and people are bound to listen! But this is to forget, if not to ignore, that the Lord is not bound in this way... All too often there is mere capitulation at this point, a failure to ask what these men stand for, what they carry with them by way of endorsement or conviction (even if not openly stated in a particular environment) and - sometimes at least as importantly - what they will open the door to by way of association... [I]t is all too easy to suspend our own rational faculties when a word is perceived to have been spoke ex cathedra , wherever that seat of power may be. Christians in any [many?] circles readily go beyond the respect which ought to be legitimately afforded to proven men and become nothing more than children led a...

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Here's a shout-out to the ordinary Christians who have made an impact on my life. They may never write a best-selling book, be big-name conference speakers, or even have a blog that makes the top 150. However, they are faithful in little ways that count in the sight of God. I'm thankful for: My parents - God has kept them into their 80's. They love Him. They love His Word. They shared Christ with me. My sister - It's tough when you live far way from aging parents. I'm thankful for my sister's loving service to them. She's always been there for me, too. My daughter, my closest friend and my sister in Christ. My pastor who faithfully preaches the Word and shepherds the flock. The elders in the church - Their vision for the church is not about numbers and programs but about keeping us centered in the gospel for the glory of God. They've sacrificed their time and energy to serve this faith family, and I thank God for them The sister who coordin...

An accomplished and well-behaved young woman is an amiable object in the sight of her fellow-creatures. She may be sensible and obliging; she may dress and dance genteelly; she may play well upon the harpsichord; she may have much finer work to show than the coats and garments which Dorcas made; and, by her vivacity and good humor, she may become the idol of all her acquaintances; but, if she does not know her state as a sinner; if she admires herself, and is pleased with the admiration of others, while her heart is cold to the love and glory of God our Savior—if she has no taste for prayer or praise; if her mind is engrossed by the pleasures and prospects of this poor world—she is dead while she lives! In the sight of God her Maker, she is insensible and ungrateful, she is poor, blind, and miserable! When you were a child, I could observe in you, not only the sprightliness common to children—but indications of sense and mental powers above the common standard. Your character, I supp...

Like others have observed, in the good old days of blogging, you could write what you wanted to write without worrying about maintaining an image. Of course that was even easier when you were the only reader. I confess that lately I've worried about what other people think instead of just being who I really am in Christ, quirks and all. There's a time to be serious and a time for fun, but I never want to be anything other than myself in either case. If this is the heart of old-school blogging, then I'm going to stick with it. So to continue in that spirit, I am borrowing  Lisa 's idea. Here are seven things about myself that you may not know: 1. My sense of humor was formed (or warped) by Rocky and Bullwinkle and The Muppet Show . 2. My favorite article of clothing is an old UCLA hoodie which I am wearing right now. 3. I am an Anglophile thanks to Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, PBS Masterpiece Theatre, and Doctor Who. BTW, Tom Baker is my favorite Doctor. 4....

ht: Evil Darth Vader via Doctor Darth Baptist on Twitter ht: Kim's hubby via Diane on FB

I am thankful for: ~ Beauty in the ordinary. The last blue mistflower Crepe myrtle leaves Crepe myrtle tree ~ Friends who lend books.  ~ Relief from a lingering headache. ~ The little things in life that show God's grace. ~ A generous and loving God who did not withhold His only Son.

It's my turn at Out of the Ordinary in which I write about a subject that intimidates me - hospitality. I was recently convicted about my hospitality or lack thereof. I find it intimidating because I associate it with having a large home, a big dining room table, a love for decorating and cooking, and being an extrovert. Based on this ideal, which is largely a product of Martha Stewart phobia and Pinterest insecurity, I've failed because I don't fit any of those categories very well...  And this is where my problem lies. I've been focused on the outward and lost sight of what drives hospitality - the heart. Read more here .

In the spirit of old-style blogging, I'm linking to some previous posts from the past. Our house was invaded by mysterious intruders. When you were upstairs, it sounded like they were downstairs and vice versa, but there was no trace to be found. It was also no fun waking up in the dead of night and hearing something rummaging inside your house. I called the police on two separate occasions who found nothing. They may have thought I was a crazy woman who was hearing things, but in time, my ears and fears were vindicated. As to the reason why the sound came from below the 2nd floor and above the 1st floor ceiling? Our uninvited guests were between the floors. Here are links to our little raccoon saga because blogging doesn't always have to be serious. Things That Go Bump in the Night It Came From Beneath the Floorboards It's a Trap! The Raccoon Mystery I never found out how the raccoons escaped, and it remains a mystery to this day. We...

This is a slightly modified recipe from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison, Broadway Books, 1997. You can vary the type of fruit depending on what you have on hand. The buttermilk gives the muffins a nice, light texture. Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups all-purposes or whole-wheat pastry flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (I used one small Cortland apple.) 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs lightly beaten 1-1/3 cups buttermilk 1/3 cup canola oil or melted butter 1 tsp vanilla Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin tins or use liners. Mix the dry and and wet ingredients in separate bowls. (I included the sugar with the wets. Don't know if that is proper baking etiquette or not. ) Combine dry with wet and mix with a rubber spatula until moistened. The batter will be lumpy. Spoon batter into tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12-18 depending on how full you fill the tins. En...

I know not a better  rule of reading the Scripture , than to read it through from beginning to end; and, when we have finished it once, to begin it again. We shall meet with many passages which we can make little improvement of, but not so many in the second reading as in the first, and fewer in the third than in the second—provided we pray to Him who has the keys to open our understandings, and to anoint our eyes with his spiritual eye-salve! The course of  reading  today, will give some light for what we shall read  tomorrow , and throw a farther light upon what we read  yesterday . Experience alone, can prove the advantage of this method, if steadily persevered in. To make a few efforts, and then give up—is like taking a few steps and then standing still, which would do little towards completing a long journey. But, though a person walked  slowly , and but a  little  way in a day—if he walked every day, and with his face always in the same dir...

Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions From One Generation of Women to Another , compiled by Donna Kelderman, Reformation Heritage Books, 2013, 416 pages. Seasons of the Heart  is a year-long devotional containing the wisdom of women from the past for women today. This book includes the writings of Susannah Spurgeon, Mary Winslow, Anne Dutton, Frances Ridley Havergal, Ruth Bryan, Anne Steele, and others. Although these women lived in different times under very different circumstances, they shared a devotion to Christ and a history of suffering, whether bodily or otherwise. Perhaps this commitment in the midst of trials enabled them to write as they did. This isn't a sentimental devotional but a spiritually meaty book. It reminded me of the Puritan devotional Voices from the Past , but with a woman's touch. These ladies weren't afraid to challenge their sisters regarding sin, holiness, and devotion to the Word. At the same time, their writings are full of gospel enc...

ht: Grammarly on FB

Yellow-rumped warbler ( source ) I'm thankful for: Brilliant autumn colors and crisp nights. Winter visitors -  yellow-rumped warblers and dark-eyed juncos. Microwave ovens and leftovers. Time to unwind after a busy day.  Writing just for fun .  Wisdom from my small group. They may not realize it but the sharing last night shed light on one of my  recent struggles. I love these brothers and sisters and how they encourage me in Christ. Grace that is greater than my sin.

"The superiority of a grown-up in Christ to his younger counterparts lies chiefly in the fact that the Lord has blessed his going to church, praying, listening to biblical preaching and receiving the Lord's Supper and has given him a clearer view of the greatness and majesty of Christ… He grasps the great mysteries of redeeming love and cherishes the One who took on human weakness in order to atone for his sin. He marvels at the stability, unity, beauty, and certainty of the Scriptures and frequently meditates on the height, breadth, depth, and length of the love of God in Christ for him. In fact, his greatest joy is to behold the glory of God in Christ, and as he gazes at the Savior, he is gradually changed into the likeness of the one he adores." Sounds a bit contrary to the Christianoid culture that seeks one emotional experience after another to compensate for the current one that has fizzled out. Who would have thought that grasping the gospel and "ordinary...

Newport News Victory Arch To the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces: God bless you and thank you!

Remember your exalted privilege—you have the Bible in your hands, and are not bound to follow books or preachers any farther than what they teach agrees with the Oracles of Truth. We have great reason to be thankful for the instructions and writings of spiritual men—but they are all fallible—even as ourselves. One is our master, even Christ—what He says, we are to receive implicitly—but we do not owe implicit subjection to the best of our fellow-creatures. The Bereans were commended because they would not implicitly believe even the Apostle Paul—but searched the Scriptures to see whether the things which he taught were true. May the Lord give us a spirit of humility and discernment in all things. A choice excerpt from John Newton

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation , Joel R. Beeke & William Boekestein, Reformation Heritage Books, 2013, 108 pages. Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation is great little devotional that looks at Jesus' mission and ministry beyond what we typically associate with Christmas.  Drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, the authors highlight different reasons why Christ came such as: - to die - to give us the spirit of adoption - to bring a sword - to bring peace - to fulfill the law and the prophets - to bind up broken hearts - to be the second and greater Adam - to reveal God's love for sinners You may think some of these reasons would be better suited for Easter, but our salvation hinges on God becoming man. Thus, the authors do an excellent job expounding these far-reaching implications of Christ's birth. The readings are scripturally based and rich in theology and heart-felt devotion. This would be a wonderful resourc...

More mashups here .

I'm thankful for: - Tea bags. - The freedom to vote. - God's watchful eye over everything from election outcomes and devastating storms to the tiniest sparrow. - Daily strength. The time change wiped me out this week. - Knowing that God never leaves me nor forsakes me even when I feel spiritually dry. - Resting in what Christ has done, not in how I feel.

I'm sharing a quote by John Newton at Out of the Ordinary which I've also posted here. As I consider the years I've been a believer and how much further I have to go, his words perfectly describe what I want to be when I grow up: Much has been forgiven him, therefore he loves much, and therefore he knows how to forgive and pity others. He does not call evil good, or good evil; but his own experiences teach him tenderness and forbearance. He exercises a spirit of meekness towards those who are overtaken in a fault; and his attempts to restore such, are according to the pattern of the Lord's dealings with himself. Read more .

August 17, 1776 My dear friend, It befits every Christian to say—It is not necessary for me to be rich—or what the world accounts wise. It is not necessary for me to be healthy—or admired by my fellow-worms. It is not necessary for me to pass through life in a state of prosperity and outward comfort. These things may be, or they may not be—as the Lord in His wisdom shall appoint them for me. But it is necessary for me to be humble and spiritual, to seek communion with God, to adorn my profession of the Gospel, and to yield submissively to His disposal, in whatever way, whether of service or suffering—that He shall be pleased to call me to glorify Him in this world. It is not necessary for me to live long—but highly expedient that while I do live—I should live unto Him! Here then, I would bound my desires; and here, having His Word for my rule, I am secured from asking amiss. Let me have His presence, wisdom to know my calling, and opportunities and faithfulness to improve them; and ...

The Golden Years: Healthy Aging & the Older Adult by Christopher W. Bogosh, Good Samaritan Books, 2013, 136 pages. The Golden Years is a very practical book that tackles a topic many of us avoid -  aging. Author, Christopher Bogosh, draws from his experience as a nurse and a minister to offer counsel on growing old for the glory of God. He discusses the aging process, tips for healthy living, managing one's health care, and common and chronic health problems. In the section on health care management, Bogosh covers the importance of making decisions about future medical care prior to any emergency. As Christians, we know that death is not the end nor is it to be fear. At the same time, we also believe in the sanctity of life. Hence we need wisdom to consider advance medical directives and such in a God-glorifying manner. The book also discusses financial and insurance issues specific to the elderly living in the United States. I wonder if the author w...

And Luther at the Diet of Worms in LEGOS!

I am thankful: For the saints who gave their lives so the Bible could be unchained, translated into the vernacular, and available to the average person. My conscience is not bound by magisteriums, great or small, ancient or present, but by the Word of God alone. The freedom to read the Word and the privilege and responsibility to be a Berean. That a perfect God saves very fallible people and uses them for His purpose. The doctrines of justification by faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone. Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.     Martin Luther

A Charlie Brown Reformation Day:

The Christian blogsphere is a big place, but in God's sovereignty, He brings people across your path. One such person is Diane Bucknell who writes at Theology for Girls . I've appreciated her wise posts, love of God's Word, and sense of humor. Diane and talented husband, Robert , were visiting Washington D.C., so we hopped on a train, met them at Union station, and spent a few hours together. It was a blessing to give her a hug in person and have some face-to-face fellowship. I hope God will cross our paths again this side of glory. Don't they make a nice couple? Sisters in Christ

"Jesus, to whom I have been led to commit myself, has engaged to save me, absolutely, and from first to last. He has promised not only that He will not depart from me—but that He will put, keep, and maintain His fear in my heart—so that I shall never finally depart from Him! And if He does not do this for me—I have no security against my turning apostate! For I am so weak, inconsistent, and sinful; I am so encompassed with deadly snares from the world; and I am so liable to such assaults from the subtlety, vigilance, and power of Satan—that, unless I am "kept by the power of God," I am sure I cannot endure to the end! I do believe that the Lord will keep me while I walk humbly and obediently before Him; but, were this all—it would be cold comfort! For I am prone to wander—and need a Shepherd whose watchful eye, compassionate heart, and boundless mercy—will pity, pardon, and restore my backslidings! For, though by His goodness and not my own—I have hitherto been prese...

I'm guest blogging at Housewife Theologian today. The topic of last week's episode of Mortification of Spin  was emotional and verbal abuse in the Christian home. After listening to the podcast, I couldn't get Todd Pruitt's question out of my mind: What is the dynamic that would prevent her [the wife in an abusive marriage] from going to an elder or going to a pastor and saying, ‘Please, please help’? I started typing like crazy, trying to capture some of the reasons why a woman won't ask for help. This is the result. Many thanks to Aimee for sharing my post on her blog. I hope it will raise awareness of what may be going on behind the scenes. Also thanks to the Mortification of Spin team for tackling this troubling subject.

Source I'm thankful for: Crisp mornings, pumpkin bagels, and hot tea. Warehouse clubs and bread machines. Laughter and lame puns. Connecting with friends from afar. I'm looking forward to meeting  Diane face to face on Saturday. Life defined by the gospel.

It's my turn at Out of the Ordinary today.  "If you could pick a fantasy worship team like fantasy football, who would you choose? Keith and Kristyn Getty? Chris Tomlin? Or how about a converted Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Philadelphia Orchestra to lead the hymn singing? A cappella Psalms anyone? If you could satisfy your musical taste every Sunday, would you be able to worship better?" Read more here .

This high and lofty One, who inhabits eternity, before whom the angels veil their faces—condescends to hold communion with those whom men despise. He passes by the kings and the princes, to manifest Himself to an humble soul in a mud-walled cottage! He comforts them when in trouble, strengthens them when weak, makes their beds in sickness, revives them when fainting, upholds them when falling, and so seasonably and effectually manages for them, that, though they are persecuted and tempted, though their enemies are many and mighty—nothing is able to separate them from His love! And all this he does alone. All the abilities, powers, and instincts, which are found among creatures, are emanations from his fullness. All changes, successes, disappointments—all that is memorable in the annals of history, all the rising and falls of empires, all the turns in human life—take place according to his plan. In vain men contrive and combine to accomplish their own counsels, unless they are parts o...

A Hope Deferred: Adoption and the Fatherhood of God by J. Stephen Yuille, Shepherd Press , October 2013, 146 pages. As believers, we know that God has cleansed us of our sins in Christ, but have we realized all the blessings of being made children of God? In A Hope Deferred: Adoption and the Fatherhood of God . author J. Stephen Yuille unpacks the doctrine of adoption by walking the reader through Romans 8. The particular blessings of adoption are: Cleansed Sins Renewed Affections Satisfied Longings Answered Prayers Sanctified Afflictions Defeated Enemies These are discussed in the odd-numbered chapters. In the even chapters, Yuille tells his family's story - a story of the pain of infertility, the blessing of a child, the sorrow of miscarriage, and the long wait for the adoption of their daughter from China. This alternating between doctrine and testimony works well because theology is brought down to earth in their trials. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this boo...

If you didn't like Beaker's version, here's another.

Carolina wren I am thankful for: The sunshine after a week of heavy rain. An opportunity to share good food and fellowship with the ladies in the church. News of new babies. My hard-working college student. Her composition teacher wants to use her paper, The Reason to Read, as a model essay. Reminders to find my ultimate identity in Christ. The amazing truth that Jesus Christ loves me.

First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mark 4:28 In Extravagant Grace , Barbara Duguid distills several of John Newton's letters on the progression of Christian growth. For new believers, there is great enthusiasm and zeal. They have new revelation and gain victory over certain sins, but often there is less compassion and understanding. They view other Christians through the lens of their own experience which may result in a legalistic and judgmental attitude. I would also add cage-stage believers in this category too. As one blogger wrote , "No Calvinist is so brutal in his assessment of Arminianism as the recent Calvinist." Sound familiar?   I love how Newton describes the process in which God humbles us through our own struggles with sin.  We realize where we've been too big for our britches. We appreciate His forbearance which results in greater compassion for those who are struggling. This is what I want to be by His grace. ...

If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2 Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign. It suffices that through God's glory we have recognized the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day. Do you think such an exalted Lamb paid merely a small price with a meager sacrifice for our sins?  Excerpt from a  letter  from Martin Luther to Philipp Melanchthon,  Letter no. 99, 1 August 152...