not unto us

it should be enough.

2011-12-08T23:59:00.003-05:00

Jesus is mine and all is well, but I want

And sway by the swaying wants of men.

Love is mine and truth is real, but I feel

Less comfortable than before.

Song and story are mine, but true glory

Is not weighty and I think the beauty is me.

Goodness is mine and my hands are full, but I

Grasp the wind and must still learn

That no one else will do.

Here, the heart knows unsettledness: Place evades my certainty

And friends marry friends while I still long for that.

Another tomorrow came, and I have been carried by

Another will, but it all seemed so statically silent

Instead of brilliant with the news of my dreams come true.

Grace, astonish again

When I lean again to feel that it is not

Enough.

saturday's coffeehouse.

2011-12-03T18:38:00.005-05:00

Most often, it’s my favorite. Early for the prime corner, I plan to drink my fill of the evening;

But this time’s not the same, from the start.

Customary paper-covered tables for crayon scrawling;

But something about a pencil and journal page is (oddly) more appealing.

3-per-table tea lights, someone’s floor lamp - the glow is sweet;

But the performers up there are almost buried in their shadows.

Good song - Sufjan is a genius of a man. And I had no idea you were such a beast at that instrument.

But most talent doesn’t dazzle. Do they think they are singing in unison right now?

I ask a friend why her face is heavy;

But the crowd’s din is deafening, so she draws a schoolgirl’s hearts and initials to say she misses someone.

Time for coffee, if I can get to it;

But it’s watered-down or something. I drink it anyway, the donut might have helped.

Eye contact with deep eyes across a black-diamond-level maze of tables, chairs, and oblivious others;

But he probably wasn’t even looking at me. Psh… silly me. Of course not.

Time to sit and listen again - or try;

But the instruments are too loud and I just want the busy room to hush. Even a murmur would be nice.

Someone’s announcing a trivia question for a prize –

But either no one’s listening, or no one keeps track of celebrity baby names anymore.

So many pretty people in trendy clothes. I especially like the rolled-up plaid look,

But that’s all of the boys tonight. Just one big blur of flannelled men.

I finger my new beaded bracelet with the silver tree clasp. After 22 years, Daddy’s still my Valentine.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t long for another one. Some days more than others.

Attempted conversation. I laugh a lot, of course.

But it might not be real this time. I just can’t make my life sound interesting enough.

A new arrival picks up the burnt orange Crayola; will this be another friendly doodle contest?

But his face speaks a more serious intent.

I glance down, and see curiously written amidst the table’s sad, scribbled mess:

CHRIST WAS BROKEN FOR YOU.

Next to the most beautifully most Emptied and Alone on a tree.

Strangely stunned, I am drawn beyond the noisy place to the Truth on the next morning’s table.

The image of true fullness lingers as I leave,

Running to drink deeper.

Divided.

2011-05-09T12:19:00.001-04:00

Ezekiel 13:14

The house stands gleaming, but underneath

It’s split, creaking and shaky.

Most walls are shredding from rot

Underneath the smeared whitewash of a false peace,

But no one seems to notice.

The other rooms offend,

But it’s a holy blood that soaks them deep,

Throbbing life into the uncovered filth,

And whispering of future glory

When the age of war is done and the pretty dead walls are broken,

Leaving only the true ones forever –

resurrection

2011-05-02T16:03:00.001-04:00

The dust weeps.

Torrents cannot heal its rending, for

The Curse fingers its way past elements.

All the breathing fight and collapse,

Souls sighing thunder over the state of things.

Grasped pleasures dissolve to cold ash

As time takes and pain shakes

What was only meant for here

And now – in this dismal labor room,

The sweaty, straining City groans loud for

The last re-making.

the Only for the Nothing.

2011-04-26T18:51:00.000-04:00

The sanctuary’s rigid pew kept me still,

But my stormy mind refused to hush.

Thoughts were taken captive by an old friend I thought I’d moved past,

Who seemed to like these Sabbaths best

To bring bitterness to precious things.

Fierce attempts to be at rest and humble fell bloodied again, and grinning arrogance gained a decided seat.

Every try reeked of my unwelcome guest, dead to me – but we still held hands, tighter today it seemed.

No goodness this way. Let go.

Black sin-love was laid ugly and bare in the familiar good law,

And I wept over soul poverty with heavy confessions of need. I prayed to feel it, and it hurt, of course.

“It is sweet to be nothing” is truth, but only as the aftertaste

Of choking down this bitter pill – to ruin my heart-lean on anything plus.

I learned it again today and I only learn it hard.

It’s a Gospel of an Only,

And it’s only for the Nothing.

venture no. 5

2011-01-25T13:06:00.003-05:00

It takes shatterings.

Many heavy shatterings, because

The hallowing needs to hush them.

Loud, lying lovers – reveling in jactation;

Fraudulent food their famine feast.

The breaking came and showed beauty to the

Abysmally satisfied. Tenderness wrecked all imitations

Of the real gem –it wasn’t you after all.

Look, this –yesterday’s fallow flounderer now

Heaves for heaven. Sleepless seeker

Silenced by a strange undoing of death

By death.

Still we beg more

Crushing –flint-faced ruin races to

Win over the widening white.

Just –

Rend more busy shadows hard embraced for

A true sort of quiet.

incarnate.

2010-12-11T19:19:00.001-05:00

A strange grace invaded

this marvelously ruined city.

Highest glory is with us,

the God-man, breathing our

Sin-poisoned air and loving the

stumbling, the simple, all who

Dare not lift their eyes.

Our fathers coveted the sight.

Fainting hearts running to the child

whose blood would mercy-seat

Us to the King. [we hated but who yearns

still.]

Enfleshed, God inhabits darkness, tastes

weakness. Knows

Need. Temptation will be no stranger

to the forever firstborn, entering

Time to be the Fulfiller of wallowing

humanity. To hush the

Stubborn, bring near what we distanced.

The Branch, stooping lower than

Eyes were anticipating,

obeyed, [never scorning]

delivered, [idol-bound exiles]

redeemed [HIS].

lovely fury.

2010-11-27T12:53:00.001-05:00

I felt frigid chills as she drew

My eyes to the angst-ridden scene.

The air was not cold, but the warmth

Had escaped this chaotic mess.

Unkempt undergrowth dashed by the entangled

Branches of poor-postured trees.

In greenless grey, this bleak wilderness

Whispered the approaching bitterness

Of winter.

Had we come a few days sooner

There would have been vibrance

And delight in fall’s rich texture.

But she sensed a beauty that begged us to linger.

It was the grim desolation that pleads another garment -

This one of white so white no bleach could compete.

And we knelt to the grace that

Brought order to our disarray.

a constant.

2010-11-19T00:08:00.003-05:00

The somber hush falls, naked limbs scrape the sky.

Yesterday’s color seemed eternally bright

In a brilliance we forgot, this season’s might.

Black flocks forebode, we feel despair as they fly

In frantic formation, never ceasing their cry;

And they are restless and stirring before comes the night

We might not be ready, but the time must be right

For this sudden change. In the questionings why

We must silently wait. This death will not stay,

For a time will return for the budding of gold.

And change whispers something of a higher way,

As ever-constant Truth has wiser tales to be told.

And every season of grief and of fear in the fray

Cannot shatter the trembling lambs in His hold.

mirrors.

2010-09-30T12:39:00.000-04:00

the morning glass greets me with a frown as
again
i search it for my meaning.
what do i read?
am i pretty today?
“your hair is not gathered right,
and black would turn more heads,”
it whines,
devouring minutes,
never smiling, always pointing.
faults changing and shallow,
it is never pleased.
i can’t stay any longer.
the image there is not the fullness
is not forever
is not even mine.

a looking-glass of paper beckons
from the corner
i search it for my meaning.
what do i read?
i see heavier faults in me
past the skin
but constancy and hope.
that what these eyes can see
withers with the weeds.
that the forever Treasure is hard to chase
but His face is beauty.
they think they will see it
on the screen,
in this tangible glass.
but they will see beauty,
they will see
Him
in a girl that finds her meaning in a cross
and loves.

He came forward.

2009-07-30T19:52:00.002-04:00

They came with lanterns. Certain He was hiding himself in the darkest corners of the garden on this blackest of nights. He had to know they were after His life.

They came with weapons. Expecting inevitable resistance from His followers if not from Him. Their fingers itched to have Him bound and taken to trial. Then He would see who was really in charge.

But how wonderfully they were mistaken. They stopped dead in their tracks.

He did not hide. Even though He fully and perfectly knew all that was about to happen to Him. Even though He had just moments before been near death itself as He stared into the cup He was about to drink. Even though He cried to the Father two times for an alternative and heard nothing but silence from heaven. The most agonizing night. And the greatest agony to come in merely hours.

He did not flee. He came forward. Though He staggered in His soul, contemplating the work He had to do. He perfectly obeyed His Father. He loved Him. He was faithful to do what He had to do in order to fulfill the plan of redemption They had made together before time began. He knew His hour had come.

He came forward. Because He loved sinners.

He did not resist. The obedient Son asked the soldiers who they were seeking. When they shouted His name, He came forward and said He was the One they were looking for. They did not even have to search.

Before the men could even seize Him, they fell to the ground. Astonished. What? Who IS this man? His very words made them tremble. They could not even remain standing.

Again, He asked them who they sought. Again told them that He was the One they were after. Once the soldiers made it to their feet again, they bound Him and led Him to face it. Man's greatest act of injustice in all of history. Yet God's greatest display of justice and mercy for all the world for all of time. The cross.

Who was this Man that willingly handed Himself over to certain death? Certain wrath? The greatest human suffering possible? Unimaginable pain and separation? The horror and shame of the cross?

Who was He?

The only Man who was stronger than death. The Man who was God himself in the flesh.

The Man who saw our need. And gave Himself to be our Savior. Died in weakness, rose again in power. To be our peace. Our righteousness. Our HOPE.

And the only One who can save me. The only One who can save you.

He is Jesus Christ.

Let us worship and be amazed.

He was willing to go to the cross. He is willing to save sinners still!

What a Savior!

knowing? or being known?

2009-07-23T19:23:00.006-04:00

"What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it --

the fact that He knows me.

I am graven on the palms of His hands.

I am never out of His mind.

All my knowledge of Him depends on His sustained initiative in knowing me.

I know Him, because He first knew me, and continues to know me.

He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when His care falters.

This is a momentous knowledge.

There is unspeakable comfort -- that sort of comfort that energises, be it said, not enervates -- in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love, and watching over me for my good.

There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion Him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me.

There is, certainly, great cause for humility in the thought that He sees all the twisted things about me that my fellow-men do not see (and I am glad!), and that He sees more corruption in me than that which I see in myself (which, in all conscience, is enough).

There is, however, equally great incentive to worship and love God in the thought that, for some unfathomable reason, He wants me as His friend, and desires to be my friend, and has given His Son to die for me in order to realise this purpose."

-J. I. Packer Knowing God

Photo by Stuck in Customs

repent of my repentance

2009-07-06T10:19:00.011-04:00

Do you realize that our very acts of sorrow over sin and repentance before God are often in need of repenting of? It can be very easy to find ourselves listening to the lie that we are doing what God desires when we repent - which is true in and of itself. God does clearly command us all to repent of our sins, and it pleases Him when we come to Him seeking pardon. But far too often, our motives for repenting are themselves ungodly.

Examine your prayers of confession for a moment. Do you have an overwhelming sense of the vileness and danger of sin, as John Owen puts it "as represented in the blood and cross of Christ", always abiding with you? Is your motive a godly grief over sins that the Savior has spilt His blood to pardon - sins that He has already buried in the ocean of His mercy?

Or do you repent because you fear what God will do to you if you don't? Fear what the consequences of your sins will be? Do you repent out of some sense of necessity, as if the work of repentance must be done continually in order to maintain your state of salvation? Or merely out of a desire to ease your bothered conscience, with little or no concern for Christ and the way your sins have slighted and grieved Him? I think Tim Keller puts it best:

"Repentance out of mere fear is really sorrow for the consequences of sin, sorrow over the danger of sin — it bends the will away from sin, but the heart still clings. But repentance out of conviction over mercy is really sorrow over sin, sorrow over the grievousness of sin — it melts the heart away from sin. It makes the sin itself disgusting to us, so it loses its attractive power over us. We say, ‘this disgusting thing is an affront to the one who died for me. I'm continuing to stab him with it!"

You see what is being said here? If our repentance is not done for the simple fact that we have seen what our Savior has done in His rich mercy, and are continually and humbly beholding our sins in the horror and offensiveness of the cross, we have not really repented! "The heart still clings" to sin if we are merely sorry for our sin for any other reason.

So let us fix our eyes upon Jesus Christ - and leave them there. Let us be in continual awareness of our sin and His grace as displayed on Calvary. For how can there be any drop of arrogance, any self-centered prayer, any love for another, when we truly and rightly behold the beautiful Savior who died there for us?

And let us also behold this same Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. For He did not stay on the cross. He rose again. And "ever lives above, for me to intercede"! His perfect righteousness covers my every sin - yes, even those polluted prayers. His blood speaks a better word.

May this be our prayer today: (taken from the Valley of Vision)

O God of Grace,

Thou hast imputed my sin to my substitute,

and hast imputed His righteousness to my soul,

clothing me with a bridegroom's robe,

decking me with jewels of holiness.

But in my Christian walk I am still in rags;

my best prayers are stained with sin;

my penitential tears are so many impurity;

my confessions of wrong are so many aggravations of sin;

my receiving the Spirit is tinctured with selfishness.

I need to repent of my repentance;

I need my tears to be washed;

I have no robe to bring to cover my sins,

no loom to weave my own righteousness;

I am always standing clothed in filthy garments,

and by grace am always receiving change of raiment.

for Thou dost always justify the ungodly.

I am always going into the far country,

and always returning home as a prodigal.

always saying, Father, forgive me,

and Thou art always bringing forth the best robe.

Every morning let me wear it,

every evening return in it,

go out to the day's work in it,

be married in it,

be wound in death in it,

stand before the great white throne in it,

enter heaven in it shining as the sun.

Grant me never to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin,

the exceeding righteousness of salvation,

the exceeding glory of Christ,

the exceeding beauty of holiness,

the exceeding wonder of grace.

what is your life?

2009-06-15T10:10:00.008-04:00

The first thought I had of it came in church yesterday morning. The congregation heard the account of a woman in the hospital who was given a maximum of two days to live. She wanted a chaplain to come and talk with her. In God's merciful providence, the hospital could not get a hold of the chaplain on call. So they called the deacon from our church. He went in to see her, and the woman, barely able to talk, told him that she wanted her sins to be forgiven. "What does it mean to be a Christian?" she asked him. By God's grace, he told her the good news of Jesus Christ and prayed with her. This woman found the rest she was searching for - in the Savior. Merely hours before it happened...

That afternoon, several families from our church went to visit the local nursing home. As I played the piano and the children sang songs about the Gospel, my heart was filled with hope. Here we were in a room filled with so many lonely people. Those who did have family visiting were accompanied by their guests. Even staff members were present, or would peek their head in the room out of curiosity. I don't think I had ever seen the room that full. I could barely make my way through the maze of wheelchairs and beds. All of them were there eager and glad to hear our songs and the message of the Gospel. What a glorious opportunity! After we were through singing, I made my way around to say hello to some of the residents. As I held their frail hands, and gave them a smile and a greeting, I felt an overwhelming sense of the eternal importance of what we were doing. I had done this countless times before, but never felt such urgency, such joy in giving joy to others. I prayed that their eyes would not just see cute children and kind people, but the beauty of Christ and the glory of the Gospel. This could very well have been the last time I would have seen some of these familiar faces. Praises be to God for the opportunity to show His love and sing of the hope of the Savior. These dear people are soon to face it...

At home that evening, my family gathered in the living room to listen to an excellent message by CJ Mahaney. One of my sisters and I had heard it given a few weeks ago at Next, but it was the first time to hear it for the rest of the family. Pastor Mahaney spoke on a topic of first importance, the death of Christ. He quoted Charles Spurgeon: "We cannot think of that death too often." Then he went on to proclaim the glories of the forsaken Savior and what it meant for Him to be cut off from His Father, and be left to drink the cup of God's wrath alone. "He drained the cup dry, leaving us not a drop to drink. He experienced wrath so that we might experience grace. He was forsaken so that we might be forgiven by the Father... He screamed so that we might sing nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. He was forsaken so that we might never be forsaken." What astounding mercy!

Then he spoke about the dying Savior. And I was reminded again of this fact. It comes to all men. The repeated phrase in Genesis 5 "...and he died" will one day be said of every one of us. Will one day be said of me. And because of the Savior's death, I need not fear death. Why? Because when I die, "the next face [I will see], and the next voice [I will hear], will be the Savior's!" Because He drained the cup of God's wrath dry for me, I know that only grace remains. All because of His... DEATH.

We do not know what our futures hold. But there is one thing certain to happen to all of us... It is the one thing that happens to everyone. Yet it is the one thing we treat as if it will never happen. Or something that is still a long way off. Yet James tells us... "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14) What does this mean? It doesn't matter if we live to be a hundred years old, or if we died this very day. Our lives will be over before we know it.

So then, the question remains...

"How then shall I live?"

Are we living and breathing to display the only true and lasting treasure - Jesus Christ? Are we people who are constantly surveying and pointing others to His wondrous cross - His death that makes all the difference in this life and the one to come? Are we counting all earthly things as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord? Are we using our material blessings to show that these things are not our treasure - Christ is?

Or are we storing up for ourselves treasures on earth? Things that may bring us temporary pleasure, but in the end mean nothing when we come to stand before God?

Don't waste your life!

equally skilled.

2009-05-31T15:05:00.009-04:00

He had just heard the voice of the Lord utter curses. Curses against His covenant-breaking, justice-hating, evil-loving people. A sort of divine lawsuit followed by a sentence of judgment. The people of God did not delight in the law of their Lord, the only true Counselor, but gave themselves over to hear the counsel of wicked earthly kings. As the psalmist declared, their end would be certain downfall.

The prophet Micah knows this. And he mourns in misery. He felt as though he had just arrived at the fields after a harvest, and there were not even any leftovers. Nothing to satisfy his craving for godliness. Where were the godly people? Gone. Vanished from the earth. The only people remaining walk only in wickedness. Their hands continually set on doing what is evil. And to do it well. "They all lie in wait for blood." Those in high places seek bribes. There is no concern for what is just and good.

Both of our hands are equally skilled at doing evil... at bribing the judges... at perverting justice... Both of our hands.

Micah warns that the judgment day is close at hand. Where to put his trust? Not his neighbor. Not his closest friend. Not even his precious wife. Trust no one. The son hates his father. The daughter hates her mother. Enemies dwelling with enemies in the very same household. But Micah's mourning turns to quiet confidence. He waits in expectation for the Lord to act.

Both of their hands are equally skilled at doing evil... at bribing the judges... at perverting justice... Both of their hands.

"Aha! There he goes! He will never stand, the fool!" is what the enemy cries. If only they knew. They will soon. Yes, I fall. But I will rise again. Yes, I sit in darkness. But the LORD alone will be a light to me. I am to patiently bear His indignation towards me for the wrongs I have done to His name. Then He will plead my case. He will bring me to light and just vindication. Now the enemy sees. The one who mocked "Where is the Lord your God?" will be covered in shame and trampled in the streets.

And our remnant will be preserved... our walls will be built... our kingdom established... many nations will flock to our City, while all else will surely become desolate. Were we so strong and wise that we turned ourselves around to become a faithful and holy people, who now love justice and right? No. Our hands were equally skilled at doing evil.

We needed a different pair of hands.

Both of HIS hands are equally skilled at outrooting evil... at judging the judges... administering justice... Both of His hands.

His hands are like none other. For He is like none other. Micah's lament ends in exuberant joy...

"Who is a God like you? Pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.

He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old." --Micah 7:18-20

Both of His hands are equally skilled at showing me mercy... at loving the loveless... administering justice... Both of His hands.

Both of HIS hands.

Italicized lines taken from Jon Foreman's excellent song "Equally Skilled". Listen to it here...

seek first.

2009-05-18T10:34:00.011-04:00

"But seek first the kingdom of God." Matthew 6:33

A verse I have known since childhood. But something that only challenges me more at time goes on. No, it is much more than a challenge. It is extremely hard. A battlefield. My every waking moment seems to be spent on relentless pursuit of my kingdom. My "righteousness".

But.

I am not mine. I have no claim on anything good that I possess. Every fiber of my being belongs to the King of a better kingdom. My only righteousness is that of Christ. He has covered my filthy rags with his spotless, seamless garment of radiant purity. The King cannot turn me away, for "my life is hid with Christ on high".

Why then does this earthly life only seem to get harder? Why am I so unable to further the Kingdom I love, the Kingdom where my heart rests? The more He grows me, the more I see how much farther I have to go. How frequently I fail. How much sin still must be wrestled with and defeated. How much I still cling to my kingdom and the fleeting pleasures of this world. This grip must be broken.

This world is not my home. I am a stranger and a pilgrim in this barren land. "I am weak, but Thou art mighty. Hold me with Thy powerful hand." This must be the cry of my heart. I know I have nothing to offer the kingdom but feeble hands. Can he use the weak and wounded? The frailty of being in the flesh weighs me down, calls me to take the easy road again. I must say no to its pleas. I must "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14).

Yes. He is able.

For His kingdom to be established in me, mine must be destroyed. And this battle will not end or become easier while I yet live on this earth. The more ground I gain, the more opposition I will face. This is why it is so hard. But also why it is so good.

By grace alone, the King of Glory who rescued me will indeed make me into His likeness and bring my salvation to completion. He will not break this bruised reed but will bring glory to His name through me!

Until that day...

His Kingdom must be the cause my heart beats for.

Let it come in my heart and in this world.

And may He use me as He sees fit.

"For here we have no lasting city. But we seek the city that is to come." Hebrews 13:14

Owen on The Means of Mortifying Sin

2009-01-06T22:12:00.003-05:00

"Let, then, your soul by faith be exercised with such thoughts and apprehensions as these:

I am a poor, weak creature; unstable as water, I cannot excel. This corruption is too hard for me, and is at the very door of ruining my soul; and what to do I know not. My soul is become as parched ground, and an habitation of dragons. I have made promises and broken them; vows and engagements have been as a thing of naught. Many persuasions have I had that I had got the victory and should be delivered, but I am deceived; so that I plainly see, that without some eminent succor and assistance, I am lost, and shall be prevailed on to an utter relinquishment of God. But yet, though this be my state and condition, let the hands that hang down be lifted up, and the feeble knees be strengthened. Behold, the Lord Christ, that has all fullness of grace in his heart [John 1:16], all fullness of power in his hand [Matt. 28:18], he is able to slay all these his enemies. There is sufficient provision in him for my relief and assistance. He can take my drooping, dying soul and make me more than a conqueror [Rom. 8:37].

'Why do you say, O my soul, my way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Have you not known, have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa. 40:27-31).'

He can make the 'dry, parched ground of my soul to become a pool, and my thirsty, barren heart as springs of water'; yea, he can make this 'habitation of dragons', this heart, so full of abominable lusts and fiery temptations, to be a place for 'grass' and fruit to himself (Isa. 35:7).

So God staid Paul, under His temptation, with the consideration of the sufficiency of his grace: 'My grace is sufficient for you' (2 Cor. 12:9)

Big Changes

2008-12-19T19:07:00.003-05:00

I am here to announce that I received a letter in the mail on Monday. It was an acceptance letter into the one and only college I have applied to since I left my local community college last year. It is the college that I looked at first when I even began considering college several years ago. Through all of the schools I have looked into, this one has always stood out. It is Grove City College in Grove City, PA. Yes, it is far away from home (over 7 hrs.) but it is indeed a wonderful school and I trust my experience there will be a much needed and very sanctifying challenge.

My classes start Jan. 19th... Just over 4 weeks away. This means plenty of preparation in not-so-much time. I will be able to start scheduling classes next week, which is very exciting. My last day of working at Chick-fil-A (at least until summer) will be Jan. 3rd. Soon I will be packing my boxes and bags to embark on the journey to the beautiful campus that will be my home for much of the next 4 years, Lord willing. I still cannot believe this wonderful blessing. God has been so gracious, and I am so thankful that He answered the prayers of many (which I am also very thankful for) that I would be accepted. I am thrilled to see what the Lord has in store as I go to study His Word in depth, make new friendships, experience a new way of life, and by His grace honor and glorify the name of the Savior!

Yes, I have my share of fears and doubts. But they soon lessen immensely when I think of the King and His goodness. Why should I fear change when the God who holds my life is Himself unchangeable? What a comfort to know that He is always faithful and full of steadfast love no matter what our situations in life. Blessed be His name! May He alone be glorified in me as I embark on this new (HUGE) change.

P.S. Did I mention that on the Friday of my first week at the college, one of my favorite singer/songwriter will be performing there with Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek? Guess who??
(photo by jrossol. picture of crawford hall, administrative offices at GCC).

What is Required?

2008-12-09T19:19:00.003-05:00

"Q. 160 - What is required of those that hear the word preached?

A. It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they...

1. ...attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer. Do you spend time in prayer prior to church, asking the Lord to help you be fight distraction and be attentive? Do you set the distractions, cares, and anxieties of the world aside for these moments of teaching? Are you disciplined in getting the rest and nutrition your body needs so that your mind is able to focus? Do you listen eagerly and humbly to the Words of God being taught?

2. ...examine what they hear by the Scriptures. Do you keep constantly in your mind that the words before you are our God's words to us, as if it were a letter from Him? Do you consider the message of the preacher and recall to mind or search for related verses to help you gain even better understanding and Biblical discernment? Do you continue investigating after church?

3. ...receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the word of God. Do you treat God's words to us as precious eternal and absolute truths, or do you treat it as if it is any other book? Do you spend your time in God's word trying to fit/allow for your current situation, or do you humbly feed upon God's word, willing for your sin to be exposed and dealt with accordingly? Do you seek to find Christ in every page, or do you carelessly skip through the "boring parts"?

4. ...meditate, and confer of it. Do you spend time frequently thinking back to God's word and its given application, and seek to apply it in every area of your life? Do you spend time discussing what you have learned with others? Do you seek further help if you are uncertain in some areas?

5. ...hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives." Do you daily strive to live and walk in obedience to Scripture? Do you continually seek its guidance for your every step? Do you make God's law your delight?

...question/answer taken from the Larger Catechism of the Westminster Assembly. italicized comments mine.

Who Is This?

2008-12-01T17:33:00.004-05:00

Who is this, so weak and helpless,
Child of lowly Hebrew maid,
Rudely in a stable sheltered,
Coldly in a manger laid?
’Tis the Lord of all creation,
Who this wondrous path has trod;
He is God from everlasting,
And to everlasting God.

Who is this, a Man of Sorrows,
Walking sadly life’s hard way,
Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping
Over sin and Satan’s sway?
’Tis our God, our glorious Savior,
Who above the starry sky
Is for us a place preparing,
Where no tear can dim the eye.

Who is this? Behold him shedding
Drops of blood upon the ground!
Who is this, despised, rejected,
Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound?
’Tis our God, Who gifts and graces
On His church is pouring down;
Who shall smite in holy vengeance
All His foes beneath His throne.

Who is this that hangs there dying
While the rude world scoffs and scorns,
Numbered with the malefactors,
Torn with nails, and crowned with thorns?
’Tis our God Who lives forever
’Mid the shining ones on high,
In the glorious golden city,
Reigning everlastingly.

-William How

Such a fitting reminder of the One we must fix our eyes on this Christmas and every day...

The Mercy Seat

2008-11-20T18:23:00.007-05:00

The following description is found in James Montgomery Boice's excellent book Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?. The ladies of our church are reading through and discussing it together. This portion is found in the chapter called "Christ Alone" which we discussed on Wednesday night. It was such a wonderful time of sweet fellowship and worship of our great Savior. It is my hope that you too will be left standing in awe before the precious blood of Christ that covers us at the mercy seat.

"This brings us to one of the most beautiful pictures of the work of Christ in all of the Bible: the ark of the covenant, which was kept within the Most Holy Place of the Jewish wilderness tabernacle and was the focal point of Israel's worship.

The ark was a wooden box about a yard long, covered with gold, and made to contain the stone tables of the law that Moses had received on Mount Sinai. (The first set of tables had been broken, but a new set had been written.) This box had a cover called the mercy seat, and upon the mercy seat, at each end, facing each other, were statues of cherubim (angels) whose wings stretched upward and then outward, almost meeting directly over the ark. In a symbolic way, God was imagined to dwell above the ark, between or over the outstretched wings of the cherubim.

As it stands, the ark is a picture of judgment, intended to produce dread in the worshiper through a disclosure of his or her sin. For what does God see as He looks down upon earth from between the outstretched wings of the cherubim? Clearly, he sees the law of Moses which each of us has broken. He sees that he must act toward us in judgement. God cannot ignore sin; sin must be punished.

But this is where the mercy seat comes in, and this is why it is called the mercy seat. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the Jewish hight priest entered the Most Holy Place to make propitiation for the people's sins. Propitiation is the very word which (in Greek) was used to translate "mercy seat". Moments before, the high priest had offered (in the outer courtyard of the tabernacle) a sacrifice for his own sin and the sins of his family. Now he took the blood of a second animal, entered the Most Holy Place, and carefully sprinkled the blood of that sacrifice upon the mercy seat, which was the ark's covering. What is symbolized now? Now, as God looks down from between the outstretched wings of the cherubim, he sees not the law of Moses which we have broken but the blood of the innocent victim. He sees that the punishment has been meted out. Propitiation has been made, and his love goes out to save all who come to him through faith in that sacrifice.

Jesus told a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee; the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up to pray - as everyone would have agreed he should do: "Come here, Mr. Pharisee. Stand up where we can all hear you. Be quiet, everyone. The Pharisee is going to pray."

And pray he did. He prayed a magnificent prayer - about himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like the other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." (Luke 18:11-12). The Pharisee was not lying. He really did give a tenth of his income to the temple. He really did fast twice a week. He was not a thief or an adulterer. Moreover, I am sure others would have concurred in this evaluation. Here was an outstanding man, a credit to his community. The point of Jesus' parable depends on recognizing that if anyone could hope to be accepted by God on the basis of his character or good works, it was the Pharisee.

Then there was the tax collector. He "stood at a distance" - where he belonged. Jesus said of him "He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner'" (v. 13). And why not? He was a sinner. He had plenty to beat his breast about.

It is had to imagine a greater contrast than the one between these two men: moral versus immoral; noble versus base; proud versus shameful; self-confident versus cringing. Yet when the Lord ended his story, he reversed the judgement every one of his hearers had been making and declared: "I tell you that this man [the tax collector], rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (v. 14). No cinematic melodrama or dime-store novel ever had a more surprising ending than this parable.

Why did the tax-collector, rather than the Pharisee, go home justified? It is true that the Pharisee was a sinner. He was a sinner in spite of his self-righteousness. But so was the tax collector. The only differences between the two men were that the tax collector knew he was a sinner, while the Pharisee did not know it; and the tax collector approached God, not on the basis of his good works (which he did not have), but on the basis of God's provision, symbolized by the mercy seat and the propitiation that took place there. The tax collector's prayer literally reads, 'God, be "mercy-seated" to me, the sinner.'

The prayer is worth exploring. The first word of the prayer is 'God'; the last word is 'sinner'. This reflects what happens when a human being becomes aware of the true God. When a person becomes conscious of God, he does not proceed unchanged in his supposed 'righteousness', as the Pharisee did. Rather he becomes conscious of sin, and the more so the closer to God he comes. We know that the tax collector knew God because he knew he was - and did not hesitate to describe himself as - a sinner.

Then, between the beginning of the prayer ('God') and the end of it ('me, a sinner') are the words 'be mercy-seated to me.' This shows that the tax collector also understood propitiation. He knew that between the presence of the Holy God (who looked down in judgment upon the law which he had broken) and himself there had to come the blood of the sacrificial victim. He was coming to God on the basis of the mercy already provided by God through the sacrifice. The tax-collector was saying 'Treat me on the basis of the blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat.' No one can be saved without propitiation."

O Little Town of Bethelehem

2008-11-14T18:41:00.003-05:00

I know, I know... Christmas music already?! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! BUT I saw this video on a blog today and I really liked it! It is a new version of the classic Christmas hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Alli Rogers. I was a bit skeptical as I began watching, since many old and wonderful hymns have been written into horrible new tunes. :) But not all new tunes are bad... there are some excellent ones that I believe truly capture the meaning of the words even better than the original tunes. I think this one is very lovely. And Alli Rogers' voice and guitar-playing only add to the beauty. :)

Post-Election True and False Quiz

2008-11-06T22:54:00.005-05:00

I first saw this on the Founders Ministries Blog (founders.org/blog) and thought it was a very fitting reminder of where our hope must lie both now and forever... Not in any man or any power of man, but in Christ alone and in the power of His gospel!

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

Thanks be to our great God! Although the days ahead seem grim and uncertain, we need not despair. Our God will never change, and He rules faithfully over all. Lift up your eyes and behold the wondrous Savior! His glorious Word is our only certainty and the foundation of our hope in the midst of these storms and shifting sands.

"Neither need we fear crosses, or sigh, or be sad for anything that is on this side of heaven, if we have Christ."
"The floods may swell and roar, but our ark shall swim above the waters; it cannot sink, because a Savior is in it."
-Samuel Rutherford "The Loveliness of Christ

P. S. Please remember to pray for our nation, our president-elect, and the unborn children who are being slaughtered every day. It is every indication that nothing will be done to stop abortion or reduce it in any way while we have a President Obama. He has promised Planned Parenthood to lift all restrictions that are currently placed on abortions, as well as enact the Freedom of Choice Act. We must continue to speak for those who have no voice and fight against this horrendous "silent holocaust" that is taking place. May God hear our cries for justice and mercy upon these children!

I Recommed These Blogs...

2008-10-28T20:16:00.006-04:00

1 - (therebelution.com) The Rebelution by Alex and Brett Harris. If you have not yet checked out this amazing movement by 2 very godly young men committed to God's word, then you are surely missing out! They direct the main thrust of their message towards teens, but it is surely not just for teens! The material you will find on this site, whether written by the Harris twins or others, is excellent, gospel-centered, and will prove beneficial to people of any age. As a matter of fact, today marks Alex and Brett's 20th birthday. The most recent post, "Turning Twenty", was a great reminder that the Do Hard Things message does not end once you stop being a teenager. But rather, the struggle has only just begun. Brett's article contained some very encouraging words for those of us about to enter or just begin the twenty years.

2 - (firstimportance.org) - Of First Importance: Living Each Day in the Good of the Gospel. I recently stumbled across this neat blog run by three Christian men from BC. Each day is posted a cross-centered quote to help its readers "remember what's of first importance - the gospel of Jesus Christ". As their "About Us" page states, "We’ve all spent far too much time looking inward instead of upward (Col 3:1), only to futility and despair. This blog was born out of our own need to live each day in the good of the gospel." It does our souls good to be reminded every day of the blood of the Savior that was poured out for our salvation and redemption! Today's quote by Charles Spurgeon is particularly good.

3 - (theblazingcenter.com) - The Blazing Center: Connecting God's Truth With Real Life by Mark and Steven Altrogge. A truly wonderful blog by a father-son duo with a love for the gospel and the glory of God. Each post is good to feed and meditate upon, and no matter what the topic, it seems as if every post is consistently brought back to "the blazing center" (the Cross of Christ). The latest post - "5 Surefire Ways to Ruin Your Devotions" may be a bit humorous but it sure is convicting.

What blogs do you enjoy reading?

Pray for Election Day

2008-10-21T20:57:00.005-04:00

As I'm sure all of you know, Election Day is only two weeks away as of today. As Americans, we face a huge decision. As Christians, we face an even greater challenge of being biblically discerning as we cast our votes. And for many voters, including first-time voters like me, the uncertainties of what lies ahead for our nation can often seem overwhelming and even terrifying. I hope you will join with me in prayer for this day and for our nation in the days ahead.

God of the Nations, We praise you for your eternal sovereignty and goodness. We thank you that not only do you hold the world in your hands, but you hold our hearts in your hands. We think of your words to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 5:21 "the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will" and we rejoice! Father, in this time and always, may our eyes be continually upon You. As we look around us and see what looks to be a nation that has forgotten You and is only going further into destruction, help us to look to You, O God, the sovereign King, and remember that You work ALL things together for good to those who love You. (Romans 8:28).

We lift up to you all of Your people in this nation. We pray that you would help us to earnestly seek the wisdom and discernment that is from You and Your Word as we prepare to enter the voting booth. Thank You for the privilege and freedom we have as a nation to choose our own leaders. Let us not take this privilege lightly, but carefully and soberly consider the issues at hand. We pray that all who vote would not go into the polling places blindly, O God, but that all would realize the crucial importance that each individual vote plays in the outcome of this election and the future of our nation. But remind us again that ultimately the decision is Yours. Give us strength to be faithful with what You have entrusted to us.

We also pray for those who are running for the office of president, and other various leadership positions in this nation. We pray for much wisdom and humility to be imparted to them. Lord, save those who are lost and are seeking this position merely for selfish gain. Turn their hearts around to serve the only one true Living God and to forsake their idols of fame and wealth. May they seek Your glory and the good of this nation before their own interests.

O Savior, our souls take great comfort in knowing that our hope does not lie in feeble man. But our hope is in You and in Your cross. Whatever Your glorious will may be for our nation in these coming days, give the hearts of us Your children great delight in our Savior, our only true and everlasting hope both for now and for eternity to come! All glory be to your holy and glorious name! Amen.

Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians

2008-10-07T18:53:00.009-04:00

Covenant Life Church of Gaithersburg, Maryland is currently doing a sermon series on the book of Ephesians. I have been listening to them on Sundays via podcast, and I must say they have been very helpful and a great blessing. I have even been working on memorizing Ephesians 1. This past sunday, I listened to Jeff Purswell's excellent message on Eph. 1:15-23. I just wanted to share some of my notes on Paul's prayer. In his prayer, he asks God to deepen the Ephesians' knowledge of Him, and that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation would continue to work in their hearts. Here are 3 ways Mr. Purswell points out that God reveals Himself to His children:

(These are my notes from the sermon, hence they are not quotes, but not my words either.)
1. The hope of His calling (v. 18) - If you are a believer, you are called! You have a glorious hope! (1 Cor. 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"). Lord, show us what awaits! Life forever in Your presence! On that day we will see how every single second in our lives worked to our good! "When our hope lies ahead, our lives will follow." The Spirit produces this hope in our hearts. Let us pray for more of this hope!

2. The riches of His inheritance - (Deut. 4:20 "But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of His own inheritance, as you are this day.") WE are GOD'S treasured possession! And it is all because of God's choosing, calling, and redemption. Not by any merits of our own. But rather in spite of our demerits! God has loved us! He has chosen sinners as His treasure! I am His and He is mine! This is the noblest and highest calling.

3. The greatness of His power (v. 19) - What is this greatness of God like? Look at v. 20. The power at work in us is the very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead! We are new creatures in Christ! There is no power so great but Christ is above it ALL! Therefore we have nothing to fear. God's power is greater than all our uncertainties.

Let Paul's prayer and desire be that of our own hearts! Oh that we might know our Lord as we ought!

By Your Side

2008-09-30T20:01:00.009-04:00

Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away.

Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough?
To where will you go, child?
Tell me, where will you run?
To where will you run?

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you.
My hands are holding you.

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life.
I want to give you life.

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight these hands that are holding you.
My hands are holding you.

Cause I, I love you.
I want you to know.
That I, I love you.
I'll never let you go.

- "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North -

I fell in love with this song before the first stanza ended. A truly beautiful picture of the Father's deep love and care for His wandering and wayward children. I love how the third verse so clearly points to the greatest display of God's love - the cross. Come, let us worship and bow down before Him!

His love will never let me go.

Gianna Jessen: Abortion Survivor by God's Grace Alone

2008-09-23T17:59:00.003-04:00

I was so thrilled to watch this video of a young lady interviewed on Hannity and Colmes. She survived an abortion. Now she joyously lives to tell about it and do all she can to put an end to this horrendous attack on human life. Not only that, but she loves our Lord and is not ashamed about it. May many be blessed by her example and testimony!

Human beings are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of their Creator! Let us do all we can to defend the unborn for the glory of God!

My Cup Runs Over

2008-09-16T19:27:00.004-04:00

When was the last time you were truly thankful? As weak and selfish human beings, we are so prone to forget to give thanks unto the Giver of all good gifts. We are so quick to grumble and complain when things do not go the way we want them to. Rather than being thankful to God for providing abundant rain to water the thirsty ground, we grumble because we are getting wet or because we wanted to get some things done outside. Rather than praising the Lord for granting us senses and the ability to work and interact with people, we complain when we are asked to stay an hour later to help out. No matter what the situation, somehow we can always find something to complain about. This attitude springs from pride and arrogance.

A recently-read quote by C. J. Mahaney helps put things in their proper perspective:

"Let each of us recognize every day that whatever grace we receive from God is so much more than we're worthy of, and indescribably better than the hell we all deserve."

Even on those days when it seems like things could not go any worse, we must remember that we are already receiving so much more than we deserve. What we deserve as sinful, proud, ungrateful beings is nothing less than God's wrath. We deserve hell.

We must remind ourselves daily that the very fact that we are breathing should be ample cause for humble rejoicing and adoration at the great mercy of our Savior! Not only does our God richly supply us with temporal blessings, but he also grants us the greatest gift of all - the answer to our greatest need - grace and peace through Jesus Christ and His saving work on the cross! What a marvelous gift!

I close with a portion of the Puritan prayer "Evening Praise" taken from The Valley of Vision.

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world -
the refreshing air,
the light of the sun,
the food that renews strength,
the raiment that clothes,
the dwelling that shelters,
the sleep that gives rest,
the starry canopy of night,
the summer breeze,
the flowers' sweetness,
the music of flowing streams,
the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends,
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort.
My cup runs over.
Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.
Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil.
I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces,
the full warmth of faith,
the cheering presence of Thy Spirit,
the strength of Thy restraining will,
the spiking of hell's artillery.

Blessed be my Sovereign Lord!"

Give us humble and thankful hearts, we pray, O God!

Cool Websites

2008-09-09T18:26:00.008-04:00

Here are two very cool websites I have recently come across through other blogs:

1. wordle.net - All you have to do is submit words (I used lyrics to a song) and it will make a really neat picture out of those words. You can change the fonts, colors, etc. The larger words are those that are appear more frequently in your submission. To view mine, click here: title="Wordle: beautiful the blood"> src="http://wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/175081/beautiful_the_blood"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"> My Wordle is the lyrics to "Beautiful the Blood" by Fee. A wonderful song about the cross I discovered at...

2. pandora.com - A site that allows you to listen to music. But not just any music. You enter in an artist or even a specific song that you like (or simply feel like listening to at the moment), and a playlist of songs from that artist and similar artists will be created for you to enjoy. I heard the Fee song on the Sovereign Grace Music station.

Check them out!

Pray for our Muslim Neighbors

2008-09-02T21:16:00.002-04:00

Yesterday marked the beginning of Ramadan, a month-long Muslim fasting observance that takes place every year. Many Christians are taking the commitment to praying each day of this month for the Muslim world. (For more info. see www.30-days.net, also where I got the photo of Mecca above.) Whether or not you take this commitment to 30 days of prayer, I strongly encourage you to cry out to our God with His people on behalf of our Muslim neighbors.

PRAY:

- That the kingdom of our God would advance and the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ permeate the hearts of many who will be participating in this observance. Pray that many would turn from worshiping false gods to faith in the one and only true God.
- For Christians who were once Muslims, and for those who will come to believe in Jesus Christ. Pray that they would gladly take hold of Christ and risk death than continue following false religion and practice.
- For Christians living in largely Muslim areas, that they would have boldness and zeal for the glory of God, and lovingly proclaim the gospel to those observing Ramadan. Pray for opportunities. Pray that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God's Word will take effect and show those who are lost that their only hope for salvation rests only in Christ, not in their confession of sin to Allah or attempts to purify themselves through their own good deeds (both of which constitute large parts of the Ramadan fasting observance) .

And above all else, May God be glorified!

Every Thought Captive

2008-08-26T18:30:00.008-04:00

The following quote is taken from James Montgomery Boice's book Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?

"Mindlessness [is] the inability or unwillingness to look at life in a thoughtful way. Since we are called to 'mind renewal'... our present cultural mindlessness must be part of the 'pattern of this world' that we are to recognize, engage, and overcome... We will not think at all if we do not believe thinking is worthwhile."

We live in a culture that often scorns thinking. Even Christians daily face the temptation to be mindless. Mr. Boice points out later on in his book that he believes the main source of mindlessness in our culture is television. I couldn't agree more. Television eliminates the need to think and process information. It simply feeds our brains with whatever images are portrayed on the screen. If not used properly, television is a big-time mind waster.

Jeff Purswell, in his excellent message called "Don't Waste Your Mind" asks the heart-piercing question:

How can we waste something that's not ours?

If we are Christians, our entire beings belong to Christ. That includes our minds. As a matter of fact, mankind was created to be a thinking creature. Yet as sinful, fallen human beings we tend to discourage thinking. After all, thinking is hard, and requires alot of effort! As Mr. Purswell put it "We think when we have to." He continues with asking the question "What is happening" when our attitude towards thinking is like this? The answer? Our thoughts are not captive to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), they are captive to US. Yet we are called to love the Lord our God with all our mind!

How can we make our thoughts more captive to our Lord? Mr. Purswell offers two very helpful and practical ways:

1. Immerse your mind in God's Word. "We must constantly be tending to His Word and reviewing His saving actions!" "Loving God with all our minds means thinking. Thinking God's thoughts after Him... The goal is not to be a better thinker. But to be a better lover of God and of His people."

2. Pursue lifelong learning for God's glory. "A Christian's mind ought to be the best mind." We please and glorify God when we exercise our minds the way he has created us to.

What are some other practical ways for us to pursue taking "every thought captive"?

Unashamed

2008-08-22T20:31:00.004-04:00

You were not ashamed to be
Emptied and poured out to death
Unashamed to give Your dying breath
You were not ashamed to bear
All of my reproach and sin
Jesus, You were such a faithful friend
So I will glory in the cross
And in the blood You shed for us
Glory in the gospel of Your grace

Let me be unashamed
Jesus, to speak Your name
For You were the one who came
The Savior of the world
Let me be unashamed
Jesus, to speak Your name
Let me be bold to claim
You as my Lord

You were not ashamed to give
Your body to a Roman lash
Unashamed to bear God's holy wrath
You were not ashamed to hang
Naked bleeding on a tree
Gladly You did all of this for me
So I will glory in the cross
And in the blood You shed for us
Glory in the gospel of Your grace!

Let me be unashamed
Jesus, to speak Your name
For You were the one who came
The Savior of the world
Let me be unashamed
Jesus, to speak Your name
Let me be bold to claim
You as my Lord!

-Mark Altrogge (from the Sovereign Grace album "All We Long to See)

Our Savior is not ashamed to call us his brothers! (Hebrews 2:11)

Are we ashamed to call Him our Lord?

Humility

2008-08-19T18:18:00.003-04:00

As mentioned earlier, I have recently read C. J. Mahaney's excellent book Humility: True Greatness. This book was a great help and encouragement to me. I don't know about you, but for me, battling against the sin of pride is one of the hardest things I struggle with. Have I seen a decrease in the amount of pride in my life after reading this book? No. To the contrary, I am more aware of areas in my life where I harbor pride than ever before. The author himself mentions that it is necessary to be aware of our greatest enemy, pride, so that we might be faithful and active in waging war against it by pursuing humility.

The book provides many practical and helpful ways to help us do this on a daily and lifelong basis. It also mentions that the best (and only sure) way to truly cultivate humility in our lives is to "Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ."

C. J. Mahaney writes:

"To be truly serious and deliberate in mortifying pride and cultivating greatness, you must each day survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died.

'Fill your affections with the cross of Christ,' write John Owen, 'that there may be no room for sin.' And that includes no room for pride.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote the following about the surest way to pursue humility:

'There is only one thing I know of that crushes me to the ground and humiliates me to the dust, and that is to look at the Son of God, and especially contemplate the cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Nothing else can do it. When I see that I am a sinner... that nothing but the Son of God on the cross can save me, I'm humbled to the dust....Nothing but the cross can give us this spirit of humility.'

John Stott helps us understand why the cross has this powerful effect:

'Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to be saying to us "I am here because of you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying." Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our true size.'"

Where can we go when guilty of pride and selfish living? Where can we run to find peace and forgiveness for "this sin of pride that God hates"? The cure is the cross! The only place where we can rightly view our nothingness in light of the glory and love of our merciful Savior! Flee to the cross of the only humble one!

Laden With Guilt and Full of Fears

2008-08-17T14:05:00.004-04:00

Laden with guilt and full of fears,
I fly to Thee, my Lord,
And not a glimpse of hope appears,
But in Thy written Word
The volumes of my Father's grace
Does all my griefs assuage
Here I behold my Savior's face
In every page.

This is the field where, hidden, lies
The pearl of price unkown
That merchant is divinely wise
Who makes the pearl His own
Here consecrated water flows
To quench my thirst of sin
Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
No danger dwells within.

This is the judge that ends the strife,
Where wit and reason fail
My guide to everlasting life
Through all this gloomy vale
Oh may Thy counsels, mighty God,
My roving feet command,
Nor I forsake the happy road
That leads to Thy right hand.

-Isaac Watts

Have you fed upon God's precious Word today?

Doing Hard Things... a Joy or a Burden?

2008-08-15T18:21:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago, my sister Emily and I attended the Rebelution Do Hard Things Conference in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It was an incredible experience that I am sure we will not soon forget. At the conference, we both purchased really cool t-shirts. Mine is dark blue, with "Do Hard Things" written on the back. (Exactly like the picture shown). As I wore my shirt around the house a few days later, so excited and ready to do hard things, one of my other sisters, who is 9 years old, made a comment. She said something like this: "Do hard things? Who would want to do that? That shirt should say 'do easy things'!"

While the statement is funny and made me laugh, it also saddened me to see how she misunderstood it. And I also think that there are many, many others who would say the same thing. I mean, really? Why would you want to do something hard when there are so many easier and "fun" things you could do instead? I started saying something like: "No! Doing hard things is good! If you always do what's easy you will waste your life!" I wanted so bad for her to see and understand the foolishness of an easy life and how good it was to do hard things!

But lately, I have been thinking. So often we as Christians think along those same lines. We know that following Christ in this world will be hard. But far too often we give in to that temptation to do what the world and our own sinful nature tells us, which is to do the easy thing. We grow tired of fighting sin so quickly. We even try to rationalize sin by making excuses that are even more sinful.

Every moment of every day we as Christians ought to be resisting sin and striving after righteousness, holiness, and humility for the glory of God in our lives. John Piper wrote in his book What Jesus Demands from the World says that the "Greek word behind the English "strive" is recognizable in English transliteration agonizesthe. You can see the word "agonize" in that Greek word. The implication is that we must struggle, wrestle and exert ourselves." In other words, striving after righteousness and living for Christ is extremely hard.

While we are still on this earth, and still in this weak and fallen flesh, though we are redeemed by Christ's blood, we still must wage war against the powers of evil within and without us (Romans 7). We so often tend to think that the more we grow in godliness and holiness, the easier it will be to overcome sin. How we fail to realize the truth is the exact opposite. It only gets harder. John Owen writes in his book Sin and Temptation, "There is no duty we perform for God that sin does not oppose. And the more spirituality or holiness there is in what we do, the greater is its enmity to it. Thus, those who seek the most for God experience the strongest opposition."

The Lord Himself has called His children to take up their crosses and follow Him. Our merciful Savior Himself endured the greatest hardship and suffering that any human has ever known at the cross of Calvary. Who are we as His followers to think that we deserve an easier life?

Yes this Christian life is hard. And yes this fierce and daily battle will continue as long as we live on this earth. But there is hope and comfort in the Savior, who has promised at the end, to deliver His children from their bodies of death. What a glorious hope we have in Him!

Let us keep pressing on, rejoicing in the great privilege we have as God's children, to be followers of His Son, bearers of His cross, and those who count all earthly gain but loss for the sake of knowing Him! There indeed is nothing harder than living for the Savior in a world and hearts where sin is rampant. But there also nothing that brings greater joy!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1

Why Do I Believe in the Doctrine of Election?

2008-08-12T18:20:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, I had a rather interesting discussion/debate with two co-workers of mine on the doctrine of unconditional election. One of them was strongly opposed to the doctrine, while the other one had never heard of it and was simply interested in learning what it was all about. While I probably did not do a very good job of defending the Scriptural teaching on election in a loving manner, (actually, I think I may have confused my listeners quite a bit), I was thankful for the opportunity, and that the Lord gave me boldness to speak.

Needless to say, I have been thinking about this topic alot lately. I am reading an excellent book by C. J. Mahaney called "Humility: True Greatness" (which, Lord willing, I will post more about later). As I read the chapter on identifying evidences of grace in others, I came across this quote by Spurgeon. It really helped me to see the ultimate reason the doctrine of election stands firm, besides the fact (and I believe Spurgeon's veiwpoint is also based upon this truth) that God is the Sovereign Creator, therefore we should be silent and stand in awe at the mystery of His grace (Romans 9). If we should be asking anything, it ought not to be "Why does God send people to hell if they are just going to go there anyway?" but "Why should God save anyone, when we are all children of His wrath, bent on rebellion against and hatred for Him since the day of our birth?"

"I believe in the doctrine of election, because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him; and I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards; and He must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I could never find any reason in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love."
-Charles H. Spurgeon

Praise the Savior for His Sovereign, saving grace given FREELY to us through the cross! Worship and adore Him and thank Him that our salvation IS a gift, and not something that we can come to on our own. We love only because He first loved us! He chose us, we did not and COULD not choose Him! For how can dead men grab hold of anything to give it life? He is dead! Indeed, we who were once dead in our sins are now alive in Christ by His sovereign electing grace! Soli Deo Gloria!

The Valley of Vision: The Broken Heart

2008-08-10T16:24:00.004-04:00

O LORD,

No day of my life has passed that has not proved me guilty in Thy sight.

Prayers have been uttered from a prayerless heart;

Praise has been often praiseless sound;

My best services are filthy rags.

Blessed Jesus, let me find a covert in thy appeasing wounds.

Though my sins rise to heaven thy merits soar above them!

Though unrighteousness weighs me down to hell, thy righteousness exalts me to thy throne.

All things in me call for my rejection,

All things in thee plead my acceptance.

I appeal from the throne of perfect justice to thy throne of boundless grace.

Grant me to hear thy voice assuring me:
that by thy stripes I am healed,
that thou wast bruised for my iniquities,
that thou has been made sin for me
that I might be righteous in thee,
that my grievous sins, my manifold sins, are all forgiven
buried in the ocean of thy concealing blood.

I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.

Give me perpetual broken-heartedness,

Keep me always clinging to thy cross,

Flood me every moment with descending grace,

Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through my wilderness of life.

Amen.

The above prayer was taken from a book called The Valley of Vision, which is a collection of Puritan prayers. This book has been a great help to me in my private prayer time. The prayers are not only beautiful, but they draw your gaze directly to the cross of our Savior! I highly recommend that every Christian own this book and use it often.

Pray for China

2008-08-08T21:53:00.002-04:00

Today marks the start of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.

Please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in China.

My father ordered some "Pray for China" prayer bands like the ones shown above so that we can remember to pray throughout the day. (If you are interested in getting some, they are available from Voice of the Martyrs at www.persecution.com) China is a country that is very hostile to the gospel. Every day Christians are persectued for the sake of Christ. Please pray for the glorious gospel of our Lord to continue advancing boldly even in the midst of such terrible opposition.

I read on the Internet that 10,000 Chinese/English ESV Bibles will be distributed during these Olympic games. What a glorious opportunity! Let us pray for the Lord's blessing!

PRAY FOR CHINA

God is Greater Than Our Hearts.

2008-08-05T18:16:00.005-04:00

As I pondered Sunday's sermon (see last post), I was reminded of a passage of Scripture I had recently read and been greatly encouraged by. It's not talking about exactly the same thing, but it is a wonderful reminder of the infinite greatness and grace of our Lord.

1 John 3: 19-21 (emphasis mine) John is speaking of love for the brethren:

"By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God."

What do these verses mean? I was slightly puzzled as I read it at first. The footnotes in the ESV Reformation Study Bible were a great help.

"v.16-24: Mutual love in the fellowship is evidence of new life. It is based on the love of Jesus Christ, who 'laid down His life' in our place. Measuring ourselves against such an example, our heart 'condemns us' (v. 20) and our confidence can only be restored by someone greater than our hearts - God Himself. God, who 'knows everything', has proved His love for sinners by the gift of His Son. (4:10; Rom. 5:8). Confidence founded on this reality carries with it the assurance that our deeds are also accepted by God (v. 22), and when guilt is dealt with we are relased to pray unhindered (v. 22). Confident prayer is a hallmark of the children of God."

"v. 20 - The Word of God which acquits us must prevail over the word of our hearts that condemns us."

As I read these notes, my heart took great comfort and rejoicing in these verses.

You see, as Christians striving to be like Christ, our hearts can only condemn us because of how greatly we fail to love as He loved. Remaining sin often discourages and weighs us down. (Rom. 7) BUT there is hope. Our hearts need something greater than ourselves. And as believers, we have something Greater! He is the Lord, our Savior, who is infinitely greater than our hearts!

Through the Savior, our deeds are accepted before a holy God. For He lived a perfectly holy and sinless life on our behalf! Therefore He is our only hope, and our only plea before the Father. Rom. 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Let us rejoice in our merciful and faithul High Priest! "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

His Grace is Sufficient

2008-08-03T14:43:00.004-04:00

Today at my church we were blessed and encouraged by our guest speaker, Pastor Craig Harris, who brought us a very convicting yet encouraging message. I was reminded of the absolute sufficiency of the grace of God, especially as he read this quote from Charles Suprgeon.

"MY grace is sufficient for THEE. ‘Why,’ I said to myself, ‘I should think it is!’ and I burst out laughing. It seemed to make unbelief so absurd. It was as though some little fish, being very thirsty, was troubled about drinking the river dry; and Father Thames said: ‘Drink away, little fish, my stream is sufficient for thee!’ Or as if a little mouse in the granaries of Egypt, after seven years of plenty, feared lest it should die of famine, and Joseph said, ‘Cheer up, little mouse, my granaries are sufficient for thee!’ Again, I imagined a man away up yonder on the mountain saying to himself, ‘I fear I shall exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere.’ But the earth cries: ‘Breathe away, O man, and fill thy lungs; my atmosphere is sufficient for thee!’”

In other words, we never need to fear that we have or will somehow exhaust the storehouses of God's grace. We can never drain the oceans of His mercy. We can never empty the storehouses of His blessing. We never need to fear our own weaknesses and failures, our situations, or our surroundings.

Why?

Because His grace is sufficient.
Let us cling to it.