Tried With Fire

I know many young evangelicals barely have any stomach for controversy, let alone strong words about a serious topic. But if there is no way to be simultaneously bold and humble; if there is no way to be a gentle, caring person while still speaking in clear tones about hurtful error; if there is no way to correct those who oppose sound doctrine without being a moral monster; if there’s no way to love truth and grace at the same time, then there’s no way to be a biblical Christian . Judgmentalism is a sin and Calvinists can be jerks. But not every judgment is sinful and not every truth is cruel just because Reformed people teach it. (From this post by Kevin DeYoung on the Rob Bell pre-book controversy , emphasis mine.)

I didn't grow up reformed.  Until three years ago, I had no idea what the word even meant, but when reformed theology found me, it opened a whole new world.  There are no words to describe the relief and freedom that comes when you realize your salvation in its totality depends on God and not you.  The Gospel isn't the recitation of the sinners prayer but a life changing truth that takes us from new birth until the very end.  Doctrine suddenly became a wonderful thing to learn.  I had never seen before how my view of God shapes my view of man and vice-versa  My concept of sin directly affects my understanding of grace. Same with wrath and love. These words have meaning, and rightly defining them makes all the difference in the world. A biblically robust, cohesive framework of truth is a beautiful thing. But sometimes I react against what I used to believe.  I'm a little too quick on the trigger when certain phrases or topics strike a raw theolog...

There is a little hollow in the sweet gum tree outside our sunroom window which makes a nice watering hole for the neighborhood critters.  I had taken a pic of the squirrels a few months ago, but I noticed the blue jay today. He/she posed very nicely for the camera.

O Love, beyond conception great, That formed the vast stupendous plan Where all divine perfections meet, To reconcile rebellious man. There wisdom shines in fullest blaze And justice all her rights maintain; Astonished angles stoop to gaze, While mercy o'er the guilty reigns. Yes, mercy reigns, and justice, too; In Christ, they both harmoniously meet; He paid to justice all its due, And now he fills the mercy seat, Such are the wonders of our God, And the amazing depths of grace, To save from wrath's vindictive rod, The chosen sons of Adam's race. William Tucker (1731-1814) 

I'm thankful for: Signs of spring even if they come from Trader Joe's. Hearing the birds sing for joy this morning. God's provision through my job.  I am now transcribing for all 5 doctors in the practice (one doc dictates as much as 4 or 5) plus 2 nurses.  I am working more hours and learning to not overwork myself.  My prayer is to not put my confidence in the provision but in the One who provides. For these quotes by John Flavel: In all the comfortable providences of you lives, eye God as the author or donor of them. Remember He is "the Father of Mercies" that begets every mercy to you, "The God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) without whose order no mercy or comfort can come to your hands.    Have you not seen the all-sufficient God in the provisions He has made for you and yours, throughout all the way that you have gone?  Who was it that supplied to you whatever was needful in all your straits?  Was it not the Lord? The Mystery of Prov...

The winners of The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel are Petra of Penned Pebbles and WhiteStone !  Congratulations, ladies!  Please drop me an email (pilgrim dot mommy at gmail dot com) with your contact info. Many thanks to everyone who entered.  I have more books to give away this year, so stay tuned.