Plunge Into This River

O man, plunge into this river!
by Charles Hadden Spurgeon

"I have loved you." Isaiah 43:4.
Come, heir of heaven, listen a moment. God has loved you eternally. Before the stars began to shine, and before the sun knew his place and poured forth his oceans of light, God loved you in particular! He has loved you actively and effectually, giving the unspeakable gift of His Only Begotten Son for you! He has given you everything in Him; a boundless ocean of love! He has loved you supremely, better than the angels. He has loved you unchangeably, never less, and never more. In all your sin the same; in all your sorrow still the same. He has loved you immeasurably. You can never know the heights and depths of your God's love to you.

O man, plunge into this river!

If you have hitherto gone wading into it up to the ankles, now get heart high into it! Yes, commit yourself to the fathomless stream, and swim in it as in a sea of bliss! "I have loved you." Let that dwell richly in your heart, and ring out celestial music for your comfort and delight!

Lean Hard

from Winslow's, "The Burden Cast upon God"

"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you."

Psalm 55:22.

It is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows and needs, to the Lord. Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon the soldier's spear! But you doubtingly ask, "Is the Lord able to do this thing for me?" And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust. And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says, "Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me!"

"Child of My Love! Lean hard! Let Me feel the pressure of your care. I know your burden, child! I shaped it- I poised it in My own hand and made no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength. For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, this burden shall be Mine, not hers. So shall I keep My child within the circling arms of My own love. Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds! Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden, so I might feel My child reposing on My breast. You love Me! I know it.

-

Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!"

The Ocean of Divine Love

by Octavius Winslow

The love of God to His people was as eternal as the eternity of His being, as everlasting as His uncreated nature. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." It panted, it yearned for an outlet. It sought and found it in Christ. Nowhere in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; no star, no flower, no creature, so reveals, expresses, and embodies the love of God as the gift of His dear Son to die for our sins! Oh, what love is this! "God so loved the world!" So loved, that He gave Jesus! Jesus is the most precious exponent of God's love: Jesus descends from the bosom of His love; Jesus draws aside the veil of His love; Jesus is God's love expressed, God's love incarnate, God's love speaking, laboring, dying, redeeming! Beyond this it would seem impossible that love could go. Jesus is the channel through which the ocean of Divine love washed the shores of this earth, its soul healing waves spreading like a sea of life over our sin tainted, curse blighted, sorrow stricken humanity. Oh, let every affection of our heart, every faculty of our soul, every power of our mind, every action of our life, embody as its grateful response the words of the adoring apostle, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift!"

His Reservoir Of Grace Will Never Dry Up

There is no reason for God to be good to me, yet He is so patient and gentle with me, the worst sinner I know. No one could love me like He loves me and forgive me like He forgives me. Though the cares of this world and my sin sometimes seems insurmountable, the Lord promises to strengthen us and will never leave or forsake us. His boundless reservoir of grace can never be exhausted! Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will strengthen thee. Isaiah 41:10

God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for he is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth's huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength. While he is able to uphold the universe, dream not that he will prove unable to fulfil his own promises. Remember what he did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how he spake and it was done; how he commanded, and it stood fast. Shall he that created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall he who doth this be unable to support his children? Shall he be unfaithful to his word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth not he ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds his chariots, and hold the ocean in the hollow of his hand? How can he fail thee? When he has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a moment indulge the thought that he has outpromised himself, and gone beyond his power to fulfill? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.

O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of thy grace can never be exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of thy strength can never be emptied by thy friends or rifled by thine enemies.

Now let the feeble all be strong, And make Jehovah's arm their song.

-charles hadden spurgeon-

Dark Clouds

"Are you about to enter some dark cloud? Do you ‘fear to enter the cloud?’ Take courage! It will be with you, as with the disciples on their Mount of Transfiguration, unexpected glimpses of heavenly glory —unlooked-for tokens of the Savior’s presence and love await you. If your Lord leads you into the cloud follow Him. If He ‘constrains you to get into the ship,’ obey Him. The cloud will burst into blessings. The ship will conduct you (it may be over a stormy sea)to a quiet haven at last. It is only the surface of the ocean that is rough. All beneath is a deep calm, and in every threatening wave there is a ‘needs-be.’ Oh! trust Him who is emphatically ‘the wisdom of God’. “…the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love…” - John MacDuff

His Love Stories

I know the following article is long, but I found it very helpful and encouraging, as well as convicting. There is no need to struggle with fear, doubt and imptaience concerning relationships or any area of life when we have such a loving and faithful God, and yet this article tells stories of real people struggling with those very things and how God changed their hearts and lead them to walk out their lives for their good and His glory. This article and many others can be found at www.boundless.org.

~

His Love Stories by Elisabeth Adams
At age 24, my sister Rachel was anything but looking for romance. Previously disappointed by a long-distance relationship, she longed for patient strength, laughter and bear hugs. "I guess what I'm asking," she wrote, "is for pigs to fly."

Last Christmas, my entire family spent a few weeks together in Jerusalem. Whether the 10 of us piled into two tiny rental cars, went on walking tours or decorated the house, I kept busy snapping pictures. And somehow, Rachel figured in more photos than anyone else, always with a megawatt smile on her face.

It wasn't hard to guess that she had found someone special.

When Rachel met Gabe, she did her best to scare him away. He should have been scared: After all, he had weathered his own heartbreak. But somehow, he just couldn't resist finding out what would happen if he took the time and effort to break through the defenses Rachel had built around her heart. And in spite of herself, Rachel let Gabe hang around because he was endearing: just an ordinary guy who embarrassed himself sometimes — but courageously insisted on being open with her, anyway. Oh, and the patient strength, laughter and bear hugs? Gabe spoke that love language fluently.

Before long, they fell in love. Past heartbreaks vivid in their minds, they were, quite frankly, scared. What gave them the courage to go forward? They looked for providences — and found them.

In Rachel's view, rather than a big thundering yes from heaven, it was more of a step-by-step being led. Gabe agrees:

In all our talking, and getting to know each other and her family ...

every time I have asked God if it's His will to let it happen, He has

[made it happen]. Somehow, there has always been a way.

Even a way to get engaged, when Gabe's job kept him anywhere but where Rachel was. Instead of fighting their circumstances, they allowed God to write a unique twist in their story. Inspired by her grandfather, who had to pop the question in a letter, he asked Rachel to marry him over the phone — and arranged for her best friend to deliver the ring. There was joy, laughter, tears.

Recently, I spoke about Rachel's engagement with a lady I had just met. After we savored all the girly details, she asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?" Good question. I am, after all, the older sister. Shy and unsure of where she was with God, I decided to go with the short answer. "No," I said. "Maybe someday."

Now I wish I'd had the courage to tell her the truth: God's goodness to Rachel does not leave me crushed or jealous, just hope-filled!

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. I like to think that, in a small way, each of us is also the Word made flesh; that each of us has a story in which the kindness of God is made visible to the world. Think how clear His kindness is in your salvation story. And when you listen to the salvation stories of others, don't you see how unique is the way He captures each of our hearts?

That's why my favorite love stories are true ones. In fact, I've probably read or heard the stories of nearly 150 Christian couples, each one as unique as a fingerprint. Some couples called it "courtship," some called it "dating," and some met and married long before the terms acquired their present meanings. God's kindness is evident in them all.

Jason and Heather
Jason and Heather had been inseparable for a year. Not surprising, considering the fact that they taught in adjacent classrooms, attended the same church, and worked with the same youth group. But it wasn't until Jason left for a three-month mission trip that Heather realized she was in love with him.

Not wanting to lose their friendship, she chose not to mention or even show her feelings. Instead, she began praying — hard — and leaning hard on Jesus.

A second year went by. Prompted by a big decision he had to make about his job, Jason embarked on a three-day fast, and Heather joined him. As they compared notes over the phone, Jason asked, "Is this a good time to talk about us?" He knew, he said, that they'd be perfect together, but he didn't know why he just didn't have any feelings for her.

Once she recovered from her shock, Heather replied, "Well, if you ever do get feelings for me, you might as well just propose, because dating wouldn't look any different from the way we are right now." Knowing that Jason had made a commitment not to date until it could end in marriage, she suggested that he "try to think of her 'in that way.' After all, it had been seven years since he'd had a girlfriend, and he was used to not thinking of women 'in that way.'" Heather had no idea if she'd been crazy, or Spirit-led! But three and a half weeks later, Jason celebrated her 25th birthday by calling her to the front of the church — and asking her to be his wife.

Jeremy and Trina
At 19 years old and 5'9" tall, Trina had just two things she wanted her future husband to be: godly and taller. However, the man who came knocking on her door was godly ... and shorter. Encouraged by God's reminder that while "man looks on the outward appearance ... the LORD looks on the heart," Trina grew to love him for his heart.

After a few months, however, the relationship came to an unexpected end. Despite her pain, Trina felt the time had not been wasted. "I was now more convinced than ever that whoever the Lord brought for me as a mate, He would also provide the grace for me to love and respect him — no matter what his age, height, background, or personality."

Time passed. When her pastor's son began working closely with her dad, she discovered that Jeremy was talented, personable, and funny ... as well as shorter. You guessed it: They fell in love and were married.

Trina writes, "My experience has been that as I was open to the Lord's leading, making His will my deepest desire, He led me into a relationship with more compatibility and fulfillment than I could have ever dreamed." It's true that she once believed this stand would also protect her from a broken heart. She learned that "sometimes God's perfect plan includes heartbreak.... When Jeremy and I look back, we see how God shaped our hearts for each other through the trials we went through."

Anthony and Tracy
As a cancer survivor, Anthony agonized over this question: Was it fair for him to pursue marriage?

When he learned that Tracy had lost her boyfriend to cancer, he had to know what she thought. Grieved to think he was questioning his "right" to love, Tracy felt compelled to reassure him that the right woman would think it a risk worth taking! As they talked about the deeply painful lessons they had learned, their friendship grew.

Anthony was the first to say "I love you." Though she felt the same, love had meant pain to Tracy, and at first she simply could not respond. Anthony patiently waited for her, and soon God changed her fear into deep peace that He had brought them together.

"It just seemed more clear than ever," she says, "that God was reigning in every single moment of our relationship." Anthony felt the same.

Eager to share their news, they met with all four parents, and there they learned that Anthony was an answer to Tracy's parents' prayers, and she to the prayers of his parents. Tracy writes, "Our relationship has shown us more than ever how God delights in us and in doing wonderful things in our lives, and how He gives us his peace and rejoices in our happiness."

Telling His Stories
I could tell you so many more stories! Stories about people I know and love. There's Michael, who waited for Bethany five years. When she finally realized she was in love with her best friend, she flew to Israel to find out if it could work. (It did!)

There's my grandma Connie, who couldn't decide whether or not to marry John, who was 10 years her senior. They ended up being the kind of married couple whose kids hear them late at night, talking and talking.

There's Everett, who needed his sister's help to even notice Liz ... but fell in love with her all by himself.

There's Jonathon, the older widower who had to ask never-married Dorothy three times — but persisted until she said yes.

And Nathan, who told God he had given up on marriage, unless He brought someone to his doorstep. This is just how Julia came into his life, when she arrived to care for his elderly parents.

Before My Story Begins
In my house is a small pottery jar imprinted with two potentially life-changing sentences:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.

"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future."

I say "potentially life-changing" because there is a choice involved. First, to believe that my Heavenly Father is the source of all that's good. Second, to believe that His plans for me are good. And third, "to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God ... that by testing I may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

If there is one Biblical way to "do" relationships, this is where it always begins.

I may be willing to risk my time, my affections and my emotional well-being with a reckless approach to relationships — but if I have given myself to Jesus, I don't have that right. I am not my own; I am His. Conversely, I may not be willing to risk my time, my affections, and my emotional well-being by committing to a relationship with a fallible human being. But these are not my own to hoard; I belong to Jesus.

I give the control to Him, not because it will make things easier, but because He has won my heart.

It was only because of the mercies of God that, after years of wrestling, I finally relinquished control of my love life to Him. Contrary to my expectations, it had nothing to do with ceasing to care about marriage. Instead I learned to become a living sacrifice: regularly, trustfully pouring out all my longings before Him.

And I am certain He hears. After all, God is "the best maker of all marriages," and I'm convinced that He loves to do it! He brought Eve to Adam. He prompted Eliezer's prayer for guidance, and then answered it by matching Rebekah with Isaac. He arranged for Ruth to "accidentally" bump into Boaz, inspired Naomi when she counseled Ruth to consider this man who seemed so beyond her grasp, and fueled Boaz's determination to finish the matter that very day.

This is a picture of God's heart. This is what He wants to do for all His children. This is what He wants to do for me.

If someday I live out my love story in light of the gospel, who can help seeing the pure and unconditional love of Jesus? That's an exciting thought!

But regardless of whether I marry or stay single, I deeply desire to make the kindness of God visible to the world. And I can, because the One who lives inside me now is the source of all that's good.

I asked the Lord that I might grow...

by Arthur Pink
"Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me." Psalm 25:4-5

There are two ways of learning of Divine things. The one is to acquire a letter knowledge of them from the Bible, the other is to be given an actual experience of them in the soul, under the Spirit's teaching. Many suppose that by spending a few minutes in a concordance, they can discover what humility is; that by studying certain passages of Scriptures, they may obtain an increase of faith; or that by reading and re-reading a certain chapter, they may secure more love. But that is not the way those graces are experimentally developed. Humility is learned by a daily smarting under the plague of the heart, and having its innumerable abominations exposed to our view. Repentance is learned by feeling the load of guilt, and the heavy burden of conscious defilement, bowing down the soul. Faith is learned by increasing discoveries of unbelief and infidelity. Love is learned by a personal sense of the undeserved goodness of God to the vilest of the vile. Patience cannot be learned from books—it is acquired in the furnace of affliction! It is thus with all the spiritual graces of the Christian.

Ah, my reader, we beg the Lord to teach us—but the fact is, that we do not like His method of teaching us! Fiery trials, storms of afflictions, the dashing of our carnal hopes—are indeed painful to flesh and blood; yet it is by them that the heart is purified.We say that we wish to live to God's glory—but fail to remember that we can do so only as SELF is denied and the Cross be taken up. God's ways of teaching His children are, like all His ways, entirely different from ours!

I asked the Lord that I might grow,

In faith and love and every grace,

Might more of His salvation know,

And seek more earnestly His face.

It was He who taught me thus to pray,

And He I trust has answered prayer.

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair!

I hoped that in some favored hour,

At once He'd answer my request.

And by His love's constraining power,

Subdue my sins and give me rest!

Instead of this, He made me feel,

The hidden evils of my heart.

And let the angry powers of hell,

Assault my soul in every part!

Yes, more with His own hand, He seemed,

Intent to aggravate my woe.

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low!

"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.

Will You pursue Your worm to death?"

"This is the way" the Lord replied,

"I answer prayer for grace and strength."

"These inward trials I employ,

From self, and pride, to set you free;

And break your schemes of earthly joy,

That you may find your all in Me!"

—John Newton

Submit To The Appointments Of Our Maker

By John Newton
How highly does it become us, both as creatures and as sinners, to submit to the appointments of our Maker! and how necessary is it to our peace! This great attainment is to often unthought of and overlooked; we are prone to fix our attention upon the second causes and immediate instruments of events; forgetting whatever befalls us is according to His purpose, and therefore must be right and seasonable in itself, and shall in the issue be productive of good. From hence arise impatience, resentment, and secret repinings, which are not only sinful but tormenting; whereas if all things are in His hand, if the very hairs of our head are numbered, if every event, great and small are under the direction of his providence and purpose; and if he has a wise, holy, and gracious end in view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient; then we have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and cheerfully to expect a happy issue. The path of present duty is marked out; and the concerns of the next and every succeeding hour are in His hands. How happy are they who can resign all to Him, see His hands in every dispensation, and believe that He chooses better for them then they possibly could for themselves!

Heavenly Father, You know the state of my heart this morning. Your know the darkness, doubt and fears I am struggling with. Help me to remind myself of the truth of Your word and Your promises. Help me hold fast to the fact that You are the "blessing of peace". You hold my past, present and futures days in Your hands. Thank you for the gift of perfect and complete atonement You have given. Help me to fully embrace that truth. Lead me down the path I should go. The path that will be for Your glory. Continue Your sanctifying work in my life and make my love for You grow into deeper and greater depths. Amen

Waiting On The Dawn

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you…And therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you.…blessed are all those who wait for Him…Isaiah 30:18"

I read the following excerpt from Spurgeon today. God is so kind to remind me of His promises. He waits to be gracious to us! God's sovereign hand and workings can be traced in every detail of our lives. It seems as though God has been constantly pointing my focus to not doubting His goodness and to never cease in my prayers. I was also reminded that waiting is not always easy. Jacob didn't get his desired blessing from the angel until the dawn of day...he had to wrestle all night for it. Paul, asked God several times to remove the "thorn in his flesh", but God kept him waiting so that He learned that He was enough and would sustain him. Who can pass up an offer from God to make requests of Him, trust Him and wait for Him to be gracious to us? Our prayers are not sitting in a trash can in heaven, but they have been carefully and lovingly filed. No matter how long the night seems, the dawn will always come.

“God often delays in answering prayer…Our Father has personal reasons for keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, so that we may learn that God has a right to give or to withhold. More often the delay is for our benefit…You are perhaps kept waiting in order that your desires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps you waiting, you will see your need more clearly, and will seek more diligently, and that you will treasure the mercy all the more on account of the wait.
Your prayers are all filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while they will be fulfilled to your delight and satisfaction. Do not allow despair to make you doubt, but continue to present your requests to God.” - charles haddon spurgeon

Everyone is that in reality, which he is at home.

It is easy for me to go from day to day and not have put any thought or effort into growing better in any specific areas. Okay, well maybe I have put some thought, but rarely any effort. I can often become discouraged and see no good end. But God is so kind to often bring inspiration from His word, encouragement from others or just motivating grace to me just when I need it most. So, one thing I am desiring to work on is to honor God more at home. To grow in unselfishness, diligence and piety. The home is a place I have daily access to. If I am living for God's glory at home, then I will most likely live for His glory outside the home. God is so kind to give me new mercy and new opportunities every morning.

"He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us." -Psalm 103:10-12

~

"Devils in their homes!" by Thomas Brooks

A true Christian will endeavor to obey God in relative duties. He will not only hear, and pray, and read, and meditate, and fast, and mourn--but he will labor to be godly in domestic relationships. Remember this forever--everyone is that in reality, which he is at home. Many make a great profession, and have great abilities and gifts, and can discourse well on any pious subject--whose homes are not little heavens, but little hells. Some are very much like angels in public, saints in the church, and devils in their homes! Domestic graces and duties do better demonstrate true piety and godliness, than public or general duties do. For pride, vain-glory, self-ends, and a hundred other outward carnal considerations, may put a man upon the general duties of religion. But it argues both truth and strength of grace, to be diligent and conscientious in the discharge of domestic duties.

Killing Unbelief

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”-Matthew 7.7-11

“If all these things are available by simply knocking at mercy’s door then, my soul, knock hard this morning, and make large requests of your generous Lord. Do not leave the throne of grace until all your wants have been spread before the Lord and until by faith you are confident that they will all be supplied. You need not be shy about taking Jesus up on His invitation. No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No coldheartedness should restrain when such blessings are to be obtained!”

"All God's gifts are prepared gifts laid away to meet wants He has foreseen. He anticipates our needs; and out of the fullness that He has treasured up in Christ Jesus, He provides from His goodness for the poor. You may trust Him for all the necessities you may face, for He has infallibly known every one of them…God is aware of all the requirements of His poor, wandering children and when those needs occur, supplies are ready. It is goodness that He has prepared for the poor in heart, goodness and goodness only. ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’ ‘As your days, so shall your strength be.’ You will never come into such a position that Christ cannot help you. You will never arrive at a place in your spiritual affairs in which Jesus Christ will not be equal to the emergency, for your history has all been foreknown and provided for in Jesus.”

charles haddon spurgeon morning and evening

Today the words of scripture accompanied by the words of Spurgeon drew my heart once again to God's faithfulness and goodness. I realized a long time ago, that my lack of going to God in prayer and petition stemmed from unbelief and pride. I didn't think I deserved anything I would ask for, which was not believing that I stood before God justified...just as if I had never sinned. But God, who is rich in mercy helped me to see that I was viewing Him as a stingy, tyrannical God. Over the years He has only continue to change my heart about this and I could not be more grateful. My communication with the Lord is one of my favorite and most cherished things. - "Father, continue to break down walls of unbelief and pride in my heart. May my prayers be pleasing to You and my motives honoring. Grant me the kind of faith that could move mountains. Help me to unselfishly ask great things of a great God. You have given us a key to Heaven's door...may I daily use it. Amen"

In Need Of Mercy

MERCY! by J. C. Philpot ("The Lord's Merciful Look Upon His People")

"Look upon me, and be merciful unto me." Ps. 119:132

When shall we ever get beyond the need of God's mercy? We feel our need of continual mercy . . .as our sins abound, as our guilt is felt, as our corruption works, as our conscience is burdened, as the iniquities of our heart are laid bare, as our hearts are opened up in the Spirit's light. We need . . .mercy for every adulterous look; mercy for every covetous thought; mercy for every light and trifling word; mercy for every wicked movement of our depraved hearts; mercy while we live; mercy when we die; mercy to accompany us every moment; mercy to go with us down to the portals of the grave; mercy to carry us safely through the swellings of Jordan; mercy to land us safe before the Redeemer's throne! "Look upon me, and be merciful unto me. "Why me? Because I am so vile a sinner. Because I am so base a backslider. Because I am such a daring transgressor. Because I sin against You with every breath that I draw. Because the evils of my heart are perpetually manifesting themselves. Because nothing but Your mercy can blot out such iniquities as I feel working in my carnal mind. I need . . . inexhaustible mercy, everlasting mercy, super-abounding mercy. Nothing but such mercy as this can suit such a guilty sinner!

This morning Philpot's words echo my own heart and thoughts. Though I believe God wants us to focus on Christs' work on our behalf far more then our sin, I think it's appropriate to remember why we need a Savior. Today I am tempted to feel condemned by my sin and overwhelmed with the truth of how unworthy I am, but instead I want to humbly go before the throne of grace, plead for mercy, and embrace that mercy. I know that the "evils of my heart are perpetually manifesting themselves", but I also know that God is working in me to make me more like Christ. This morning I need mercy and I know I will receive it from our merciful God. "God, have mercy on me a sinner". ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner! And Lord, I ask have the humility of the tax collector. Grant me the tears of a broken heart and the smile of a recipient of mercy. Amen’

Be Real...

This morning as I read the following quote by Spurgeon, I was provoked afresh with the desire to be "real". First and foremost I want to be real because that is what God has called me to be. To be real, honest, trustworthy and walking out my life in a worthy manner. The second reason, is because I don't want to bring reproach on God by living a hypocritical life and turn unbelievers off to the gospel. I know I have been hypocritical many, many times and I know I still am, but by God's grace there is hope to grow in becoming "real" for His glory. I can also struggle with the temptation to not be "real" for fear of getting hurt. It's true that without risk the potential to be hurt goes down, but so does the potential for blessing. Plus, God often uses all hurts as well as blessings to mold us into who we are suppose to be. - Another thing I was particularly convicted by was through Spurgeon's words about not flirting with Christ, but being married to Him. I know that there are areas in my life where I have not completely surrendered to Him or haven't been giving the attention that is needed. But God is faithful to continue His work in His children and I love how He stirs our hearts to desire greater holiness. God is good!

Be real! From Spurgeon's sermon, "Religion- a Reality"

Oh! you who profess to be Christians, do not live so as to make worldlings think that your religion is a trifling thing! Be cheerful, but oh! be holy! Be happy, for that is your privilege; but oh! be heavenly-minded, for that is your duty. Let men see that you are not flirting with Christ, but that you are married to him. Let them see that you are not dabbling in this as in a little speculation, but that it is the business of your life, the stern business of all your powers to live to Christ, Christ also living in you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you...

"But for me it is good to be near God..." - Psalm 73:28

I woke up late this morning. There was no time for devotions as I hurried out the door for work. I was so exhausted my eyes were almost swollen shut and the cold air was not as welcomed as usual. But in spite of how the morning started, I was unexplainably filled with joy, peace and an overwhelming desire to be near to God. The awareness that God was ministering to my tired soul made me feel so grateful and undeserving. In the world's eyes, nothing has happened today that would merit the feelings I am having, but to me, a lot has happened. I, who am the worst of sinners, have been redeemed. God, who is Holy and Righteous in all His ways, has cloaked my heart and mind in a peace that surpasses my understanding. Even though He is God, He still takes time to relate to His children. He is ready and willing to comfort us, convict, encourage, guide and provide. The least I can do in return, should be to offer Him my heart, mind, strength, time, praise...my life.

Also, if I woke up tomorrow and didn't feel any of these things, it doesn't mean God is any less active and near, but after having tasted of the sweet presence of God, it would make me want to seek Him all the more.

God, thank you for Your kindness to me this morning. I have been blessed by Your presence, with the joy of Your salvation, Your peace and with a greater hunger for You and Your word. Thank you for stirring all of these things up in my heart. May I never stop being thankful and aware of the work You are doing. Help me always strive to love You better. I have tasted and seen that You are good...in any and every circumstance. Amen

Seemingly Unimportant Tasks

The other day I read a story from Elisabeth Elliot about a Sunday she remembered when she was a little girl. Her father, who was a pastor, had already left for church early and her mother had the task of getting six children ready for church. She then lists a number of things that were going wrong, but how in the midst of it all, her mother was ready, calm and got them all put together and to church on time. Her point in sharing this story was how on Sunday mornings or ordinary days, when we are trying to complete “ordinary or necessary” tasks, it can seem very unspiritual and unrelated to God. But she writes that is not the case!

“But everything in this scene (the Elliot’s getting ready for church) is the King's Business, which He looks on in loving sympathy and understanding, for, as Baron Von Hugel said, "The chain of cause and effect which makes up human life, is bisected at every point by a vertical line relating us and all we do to God." This is what He has given us to do, this task here on this earth, not the task we aspired to do, but this one. The absurdities involved cut us down to size. The great discrepancy between what we envisioned and what we've got force us to be real. And God is our great Reality, more real than the realest of earthly conditions, an unchanging Reality. It is His providence that has put us where we are. It's where we belong. It is for us to receive it--all of it--humbly, quietly, thankfully.

Sunday morning, the Lord's Day, can be the very time when everything seems so utterly unrelated to the world of the spirit that it is simply ridiculous. Yet to the Lord's lovers it is only a seeming. Everything is an affair of the spirit. Everything, to one who loves God and longs with a sometimes desperate longing for a draught of Living Water, a single touch of His hand, a quiet word--everything, I say, can be seen in His perspective.

Does He watch? Yes, "Thou God seest me" (Genesis 16:3). Is His love surrounding us? "I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). "I will never leave thee or forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). May I offer to Him my feeling of the dislocation between reality and my ideals, that great chasm which separates the person I long to be, the work I long to do for Him, the family I struggle to perfect for His glory--from the actuality? I may indeed, for it is God Himself who stirs my heart to desire, and He can easily see across the chasm. He enfolds all of it, He is at work in me and in those I pray for, "to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). I may take heart, send up an instant look of gratitude, and--well, get that beloved flock into the van and head down the freeway singing! Sir Thomas Browne wrote, "Man is incurably amphibious; he belongs to two worlds--to two sets of duties, needs, and satisfactions--to the Visible or This World, and to the Invisible or Other World".

I confess that I have often battled with conflicting feelings over reality and my ideals. I have desires I have of the person I long to be or things I long to do, while still having to hash out the daily duties I am called to. But it was so encouraging to read that God is desirous for us to bring those thoughts, feelings and struggles to Him, for He is the one who has stirred those things in us in the first place. Whatever desires God may fulfill and call us to in the future, the truth of the matter is that we aren’t doing anyone any good if we’re trying to live in that “future”. Today is what we have been called to. Everything, even the most boring, menial task is an affair of the spirit. I pray that I will follow the example of Elisabeth Elliot’s mother and accomplish today’s duties with gratitude and joy. Whether we realize it or not, God is fulfilling His sovereign future plans for us at every step and turn….I just have to make sure I’m being faithful with present plans He has called me to.

The Blowing Of A Grain Of Dust...

Lord, help me to not be anxious today, but to trust wholeheartedly in Your purpose and providence. It's amazing that You have numbered all the hairs on our head and are concerned with the smallest detail of our lives. Your predestination in working out those details truly is fatherly, wise and kind. How great is Your love. Amen.
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Purpose & Providence! by Charles Spurgeon

"Everything is in the Divine purpose, and has been ordered by Divine wisdom. All the events of your life- the greater, certainly; and the smaller, with equal certainty. It is impossible to draw a line in Providence and say this is arranged by Providence and that is not. God's Providence takes everything in its sweep- all that happens. Divine Providence determines not only the movement of a star, but the blowing of a grain of dust along the public road. God's Providence knows nothing of things so little as to be beneath its notice, nothingof things so great as to be beyond its control. Nothing is too little or too great for God to rule and overrule. All that a man undergoes is also ordained of Heaven. God ordained....when we would be born; where we would be born; who our parents would be; what our lot in infancy would be; what our path in youth would be; and what our position in manhood would be. From the first to the last it has all happened according to the Divine purpose, and ordained by the Divine will. Not only the man but all that concerns the man, is foreordained of the Lord- "The very hairs of your head," that is to say, all that has anything to do with you, which comes into any kind of contact with you and is in any sense part and parcel of yourself, is under the Divine foresight and predestination. You shall neither die before your time, nor live beyond it. All that concerns you, from first to last, all that is of you and in you and around you, is in the Divine purpose. Fate is hard and cruel, but predestination is fatherly and wise and kind. When we see that all things are arranged by Him who orders all things according to the counsel of His own will, then we bow our heads and worship. Our happiness lies very much in our complete submission to the Lord our God. Oh, it is a blessed thing when we know that God is ordering all the events of Providence. Then we dissolve our own will into the sweetness of His will and our sorrow is at an end! Since even the very hairs of our head are all numbered; since everything is really ordained by the Most High concerning His people, let us rejoice in the Divine appointment, and take all as it comes, and praise His name, whether our allotment is rough or smooth, bitter or sweet. Let us cheerfully say, "If the Lord wills it then we will it, too. If He has purposed it, even so let it be, since all things work together for good to those who love God, even to those who are called according to His purpose."

Just One Little Day...

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more." - Psalm 103:15-16

I remember when I was little, people would always tell me that the older you became, the quicker time would seem to pass. I can testify that their words seem to have come true. So, when days seem to pass more quickly then I can grasp them...when two days ago are a distant memory and a month a time long past, it makes me see how precious the time we've been given is. Days not to be spent in worry, anger, selfishness, or laziness. They aren't to be days full of regret over things we can't change or have been forgiven for. They are to be beautiful days lived for God's glory. Days full of the grace that He has given to sustain us until the next rising of the sun, when His mercies are poured out anew. When I worry about tomorrow, I'm giving up today. When I think I can't make it through another trial, I have to remind myself that I have enough grace to make it until tomorrow. " Life does not come to us in lifetimes, it comes only one day at a time." So, though there are days I sometimes wish would just be over, I am all too aware that all my days that make up my lifetime will be at an end before I know it. Days are important to me...how I live my days is important to God. The following quote by Miller is one of the most beautiful and inspiring pieces I've ever read concerning the topic of "days". I hope it provokes you as much as it did me.

Just One Little Day by J.R.M.

"Give us today our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
One secret of sweet and happy Christian life—is in learning to LIVE BY THE DAY. It is the long stretches which tire us. We say that "we cannot carry this load until we are eighty—or that we cannot fight this battle continually for half a century." But really, there are no long stretches. Life does not come to us in lifetimes; it comes only a day at a time. Even tomorrow is never ours—until it becomes today; and we have nothing whatever to do with it—but to pass down to it a fair and good inheritance in today's work well done and today's life well lived. It is a blessed secret—this of living by the day. Anyone can carry his burden, however heavy—until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard—for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, quietly, patiently, lovingly, and purely—until the sun goes down. This is all the life which we really ever have—just one little day. God gives us nights to shut down the curtain of darkness on our little days. We cannot see beyond—and we ought not to try to see beyond. Short horizons make life easier, and give us one of the blessed secrets of noble, happy, holy living. We ought not to be content to live otherwise—than beautifully. We can live our life only once. We cannot go over life again—to correct its mistakes or amend its faults. We ought therefore to live it well. And to do this, we must make every day beautiful, as it passes. Lost days must always remain blanks in the records; and stained days must carry their stains. Beautiful days make beautiful years, and beautiful years make a beautiful life!"

As your days—so shall your strength be."-Deuteronomy 33:25

Engraved!

by John MacDuff

"Behold! I have engraved you on the palms

of My hands!" Isaiah 49:16

"Behold," says Immutable One, "I have engraved

you on the palms of My hands." Not on the mountains,

colossal as they are, for they shall depart; on no page

of nature's vast volume, for the last fires shall scorch

them; not on blazing sun, for he shall grow dim with

age; not on glorious heavens, for they shall be folded

together as a scroll. But on . . .

the hand which made the worlds,

the hand which was transfixed on Calvary,

the hand of might and love;

I have engraved you there! No corroding power

can efface the writing, or obliterate your name!

You are Mine now, and Mine forever!

"Behold! I have engraved you on the palms

of My hands!" Isaiah 49:16

Oh, magnify the Lord with me...

I think Psalm 34 is going to be my new endeavor to memorize. There is so much wealth of wisdom, conviction, encouragement and praise in this psalm. It brought me to tears as I read it this morning. Taste and see that the Lord IS good.

Psalm 34

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

This & That...

Ricky and Jenn’s Wedding: The trip to Baltimore was great. We arrived late Friday afternoon and rushed over to the rehearsal. The rehearsal dinner was at an Italian restaurant and was quite comical and fun. The wedding was wonderful and was such a testimony of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. The bridesmaids looked pretty in their gray dresses and red shoes, while the groomsmen looked…well, let’s just say they all looked good until you reached the feet. Just kidding, the converse shoes were a fun touch. The reception was a couple hours after the wedding and about an hour away at a manor. It was beautiful! My favorite part of the wedding just might have been my brother, Landon’s best man speech. For those of you who may not know, he really is quite witty. He had everyone laughing as he slammed Ricky…I mean encouraged the bride and groom. I also loved being able to see my sister and brother-in-law. Though it was a quick trip, we were able to enjoy our time together. There were lots of funny moment (mom/rain/bags ordeal =), and many wonderful memories made. So, that is my brief overview!

The Girltalk blog has been doing a series on “A Mother’s Faith” and it has been very good! But since I am not a mother, God has been using this series to speak to me in a different way. This faith they are speaking of is not just for mother’s. It could be applied as a father’s faith, a daughter’s, brother’s, man’s, grandmother’s…it’s a faith for everyone. In one of the posts, Carolyn Mahaney was remembering a time when her and her husband were at a parenting conference and being interviewed. The moderator asked them, “If you could parent your daughters all over again, what you would do differently?" Carolyn said that although there are many things she wishes she had done differently, there was one thing that stood out among them all… "I wish I had trusted God more."

“For every fearful peek into the future, I wish I had looked to Christ instead. For each imaginary trouble conjured up, I wish I had recalled the specific, unfailing faithfulness of God. In place of dismay and dread, I wish I had exhibited hope and joy. I wish I had approached mothering like the preacher Charles Spurgeon approached his job: ‘forecasting victory, not foreboding defeat.’” – C.M.

This concept should be applied to every area of life. God is aware that we sometimes, or often times, struggle with trusting Him. But He is more than willing to help us grow. Just as Carolyn said that successful mothering doesn’t begin with hard work, sound principles or consistent discipline (as necessary as these are), neither should the daily tasks of our lives. “It begins with God: His character, His faithfulness, His promises, His sovereignty. And as our understanding of these truths increases, so will our faith…” in whatever we are being called to do.

“The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Fear is sin. And as my husband has often graciously reminded me—God is not sympathetic with my unbelief. Why? Because fear, worry, and unbelief say to God that we don’t really believe He is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15. We are calling God a liar.” – C.M.

None of us would outwardly call God a liar, but when I don’t trust Him and His faithfulness, that is exactly what I’m doing. Everything I do, whether big or small, important or seemingly insignificant, should be laced with faith. If our practices are not motivated by faith, they will be fruitless. Having strong, unwavering faith is one of the best ways we can honor the Lord. That kind of faith crushes fear, increases fruitfulness and most importantly glorifies our Father. So, as always, I am praying that I will have less regrets, BECAUSE I trusted God more.

Nothing Escapes His Notice!

by Arthur Pink

What a wondrous Being is the God of Scripture!

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the

eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13

God is omniscient.

He knows everything:

everything possible,

everything actual,

all events,

all creatures,

of the past, the present, and the future.

He is perfectly acquainted with every detail in the

life of every being in heaven, in earth, and in hell.

Nothing escapes His notice, nothing can be

hidden from Him, nothing is forgotten by Him.

His knowledge is perfect.

He never errs.

He never changes.

He never overlooks anything.

God not only knows whatever has happened in the past in every part of His vast domains; and He is not only thoroughly acquainted with everything that is now transpiring throughout the entire universe—but He is also perfectly cognizant of every event, from the least to the greatest, that ever will happen in the ages to come! God's knowledge of the future is as complete as is His knowledge of the past and the present; and that, because the future depends entirely upon Himself. God has Himself designed whatever shall yet be, and what He has designed, must be effectuated. God's knowledge does not arise from things because they are or will be—but because He has ordained them to be! Yes, such is the God with whom we have to do!"You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue—You know it completely, O Lord!" Psalm 139:2-4

Our Personal Phone Booth

Prayer has always been one of my most cherished gifts from God, but it has become even more precious over the last couple of months. To know that I am able to go to my best friend and Father with any fear, any troubling circumstance, any joy or praise at any moment of any day makes my heart fill with gratitude. God constantly tells us in scripture to bring our praises and petitions to Him. There is even the parable of the persistent widow in scripture about continuing to be constant in prayer and even when you think your prayers are not being answered, Jesus instructs us to keep praying. He is more then ready and willing to hear anything we have to say to Him. Prayer is a faith builder, a relationship strengthener, a peace giver and is one hundred percent beneficial. I never have to fear investing time and emotions in prayer and being disappointed with the outcome…because our faithful and sovereign Father is always at the other end of those prayers. God loves when we simply come before Him just to talk. I’m so thankful He never tires of my going to Him with all my, often times, silly prayers. God has given each of us our personal phone booth to go to whenever we want. And best of all, it's free and there will never be a line we have to wait in! “Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer. Without it, I would be lost.”

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:22

“But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” – Psalm 66:19

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” – Matthew 21:22

God arranges the smallest things…

Take little troubles as they come,

and remember them to your God

because they come from Him.

Nothing that concerns His people is small to God.

Your little anxieties are not too small for His notice,

for the very hairs of your head are all numbered (matt 10.30).

You may pray to Him about your smallest grief.

If not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will,

then you have reason to see that He arranges the smallest events in your career.

So accept them with joy.

This is a truth on which you may implicitly rely.”

“He knew all that would happen and all that you would do.

Nothing is a surprise to Him.

Known to the Lord from the beginning were all your trials

and all your sins.

Nevertheless, He still loved you.

In the foresight of all that was to happen,

do not think that He will now or ever forget you.

He will not!

If He so loved you, even when you were dead in sins,

will He deny you anything that is for His glory and your good?

If He loved you when you were a mass of corruption,

will He not answer your prayers now that He has made you an heir of heaven?

Beloved, be of good comfort!"
CHS

A Woman's Best Ornament

by J. C. Philpot

("Every Man's Work to be Tried with Fire")

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty
that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive
jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be
known for the beauty that comes from within,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:3-4

This "beauty that comes from within" is that . . .
meekness,
quietness,
gentleness,
brokenness of heart,
contrition of spirit,
humility of mind,
tenderness of conscience,
which are fitting to the children of God.

A gentle and quiet spirit is a woman's best ornament.

As to other gay and unbecoming ornaments, let those
wear them, who wish to serve and to enjoy . . .
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life.

Let the "daughters of Zion" manifest they have other
ornaments than what the world admires and approves.
Let them covet . . .
the teachings of God,
the smiles of His love,
the whispers of His favor.
The more they have of these, the less will they care
for the adornments which the "daughters of Canaan"
run so madly after; by which also they often impoverish
themselves, and by opening a way for admiration, too
often open a way for seduction and ruin.

Lord, let this be my practice and my prayer. Let me have a gentle and quiet spirit, which is to walk humbly before You and man. Help me to covet You and Your favor above all others. Develop in me these qualities, which are so precious in Your sight. Amen

Ricky & Jenn + November 15 = A Wedding!

Tomorrow my family is leaving for Baltimore for a wedding of a close family friend. It should be a fun and unique wedding! All the groomsmen are wearing converse shoes and I "Heard" that the bridesmaids were too, but that has yet to be validated. Anyway, this wedding is yet another example of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. I know Ricky and Jenn sought to walk out their relationship in a God glorifying way and I'm sure they would both agree that everything was worth the wait and occurred in God's perfect timing. Maybe I'll post some pictures when I get back...maybe.

"Love Is Waiting"

Brooke Fraser

In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the ordinary sounds

I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through

I watch as lovers pass me by

Walking stories - whos and hows and whys

Musing lazily on love

Pondering you

I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell

When it's time to walk that way we wanna walk it well

Chorus: I'll be waiting for you baby

I'll be holding back the darkest night

Love is waiting til we're ready, til it's right

Love is waiting

It's my caution not the cold

there's no other hand that I would rather hold

the climate changes, im singing for the strangers about you

dont keep time, slow the pace

Honey hold on if you can

the bets are getting surer now that you're my man

I could right a million songs about the way you say my name

I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again

and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,

neither should I rush my way into your heart

Random Thoughts...

I thought the following Spurgeon excerpt was encouraging and once again praises God's sovereignty and provokes me to place complete trust in Him. We can rest securely in the fact that though trials and hardships may come, they come with God's permission. They come for His glory and our good. Our "troubles" have already been weighed for us in the scales of His love. God is faithful.

Your Future? by Charles Spurgeon

Your future path has all been marked out in the great decrees of God's predestination. You shall not tread a step which is not mapped out in the great chart of God's decree. Your 'troubles' have been already weighed for you in the scales of his love. Your 'labour' is already set aside for you to accomplish by the hand of his wisdom. Remember, you are not a child of chance. If you were, you might indeed fear. You will go nowhere next year except where God shall send you. You shall perhaps be thrust into the hot coals of the fire, but God shall put you there. You shall perhaps be much depressed in spirit, but that heaviness shall be for your good, and shall come from your Father. You shall have the rod, but it shall not be the rod of the wicked--it shall be in God's hand. Oh! how comfortable the thought that EVERYTHING is in the hand of God, and that all that may occur to me during the future years of my life is foreordained and overruled by the great Jehovah, who is my Father and my friend!

Also, Boundless posted an article yesterday called "Caution and Courage" concerning people's fears about pursuing relationships due to worrying over finding "the one", because then, they think they will have a perfect marriage and no problems. It helped me see that in all areas of life, I often lean more on my understanding then I trust God and I like to have all the details worked out before I "step out in faith". This article was a good reminder that we are not in control of every detail of our lives and God calls us to be courageous people governed by wisdom. How strong is our trust and faith in God? For myself...their is much room to grow!

Teach Me Your Paths

Discerning the will of God has always been an area I can sinfully stress over. Through the years I have often worried about failing to make the right decisions, take the right fork in the road and follow God where He was leading. Would I be able to hear His voice? To sense His leading?

I have come to see that a possible reason for this continuing to be a battle is because I sometimes look to others to help me see God’s will in a matter instead of exercising faith and trust on my own. When I have to make a serious decision and I don’t know what to do, I want someone to tell me what to do. Anxiety can begin to rise up in me and that is always my first signal that I am not trusting God and am trying to be self-sufficient. This has always been a struggle for me and still is, but God in His kindness is helping me learn that I often make things WAY more complicated then they need to be. Like so many authors have said before, God is our Shepherd and is far more willing to show His sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. Knowing what I know of God and His character, I realize that it is ridiculous to think of God not faithfully leading us when we humbly go to Him.

I am reminded that discerning the will of God starts first and foremost with having a right relationship with God. Pursuing time with Him, praying and reading scripture. Every day of our lives we are called to do His will. I am to honor my parents…that’s God’s will. I am to be faithful at work…God’s will. Yes, things come along that we have to stop and consider what decision to make, but it’s in the ordinary duties that He is helping us learn to walk out His will effectively.

I think a lot of the time I am more aware of already knowing the answer to a decision then I readily admit. I go through the process of examining every detail and possible outcome and then fearfully worry about making the wrong decisions. That is a bold faced statement to God of my lack of trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness. This quote by Elisabeth Elliot helps me to see things more clearly.

“It's alluring to think of our own situation as very complex and ourselves as deep and complicated, so that we waste a good deal of time puzzling over "the will of God." Frequently our conscience has the answer.”

Even though I would like to imagine God audibly speaking to me as He did Moses and Abraham and Samuel…He most often speaks to us through conscience, His written word, through other people and through events.

“Events themselves, the seemingly insignificant happenings of every day, reveal the will of God. They are the will of God for us, for while we live, move, and have our being here on earth, in this place, this family, this house, this job, we live, move, and have our being in God. He "pulls strings through circumstances," as Jim Elliot said, even the bad circumstances (see Genesis 45:8, 50:20).”- Elliot

Elliot also poses three questions in helping to discern God’s will in a matter:
(1) Have I made up my mind to do what He says, no matter the cost?
(2) Am I faithfully reading His word and praying?
(3) Am I obedient in what I know today of His will?

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:8

Learning To Be Still...

Stillness by Elisabeth Elliot

"Stillness. Perfect stillness. It is a very great gift, not always available to those who would most appreciate it and would find joy in it, and often not appreciated by those who have it but are uncomfortable with it.

I think it is possible to learn stillness--but only if it is seriously sought. God tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10, NIV). "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15, KJV).

The stillness in which we find God is not superficial, a mere absence of fidgeting or talking. It is a deliberate and quiet attentiveness--receptive, alert, ready. I think of what Jim Elliot wrote in his Journal: "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

This is not so difficult, perhaps, for a sports fan, eyes riveted on the game. For me, however, this quietness in the presence of God, this being "all there" for Him, though I treasure it and long for it, is not easy to maintain, even in the beautiful place where I live. I am easily distracted, more so, it seems, as soon as I try to focus on God Himself and nothing else. Why should this be?"

Elliot then quotes C.S. Lewis as saying a main reason for this being difficult is because of all the noise going on in the world. People are uncomfortable with silence. Lewis references noise as a grand dynamism, the audible expression of all that is exultant, ruthless and virile.

I know for myself I am often quick to move on when I’ve been in silence for too long and am not hearing anything. But part of being still is waiting. The psalms tell us to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him”. I have to remind myself that silence is a form of worship. Silence is a way to honor God. Even in heaven when the seventh seal was broken there was silence for a brief time. With such a world full of noise we have to be intentional about being still and getting comfortable with silence. It’s a perfect time to be still before him and trust Him to know the perplexities of our hearts that even we can’t put into words. As I was reading Elliot’s words above, I was reminded about the story of Samuel. It was in the stillness of the night that the Lord spoke to Samuel and then when he kept going to Eli thinking he had been the one calling him, Eli told him to go lie back down and wait for the Lord to speak to him. Then Samuel said to God, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Being still before the Lord is a constant area I am trying to grow in and with His help and by His grace it is possible. I know I’ve posted the lyrics to the following song before, but I often read these words to help inform my heart and it always gives me fresh excitement for being “still”.

The more I get alone, The more I see I need to get alone more, Cause just when I think that I'm alone, Your Spirit calls out to me, And even silence has a song, Cause that's when you come, Sing over me

Still, let me be still, Let me be OK, With the quiet in my heart, Still, I want to be still, I'm so quick to move, Instead of listening to you, Shut my mouth, Crush my pride, Give me the tears, Of a broken life, Still

Oh this world, it falls around me, And flutters all it's beauty in my eyes, But let me choose the solitude, Simplicity has always simply changed my life, Cause even stillness makes me move, Cause that's when my heart, Learns to dance with you

Still, let me be still, Let me be OK, With the quiet in my heart, Still, I want to be still, I'm so quick to move, Instead of listening to you, I'm your child, Tame my heart, Obedience To me impart, Still

Hold me, Cleanse me, Change me, Oh God, Change me while I am, Still, let me be still, And know that you are God, And you are always enough, Still, I want to be still, To take all that I am, And simply lift it up

Life Is Hard For Most People

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2We should train ourselves to such regard, to such respect for others, that we shall never hurt the heart of one of God's creatures, even by a disdainful look!Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor may have his faults—but we are taught to bear with one another's infirmities. If we knew the story of men's lives, the hidden loads and burdens which they are often carrying, the unhealed sore in their heart—we would have most gentle patience with them. Life is hard for most people; certainly hard enough withoutour adding to its burdens by our censoriousness, our unkindness, our jeering and contempt.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

J.R. Miller

A Letter Of No Regrets...

I think every person on this planet has at some point or another struggled with regrets. Some struggle more than others. I confess that regret is something I often battle. So, when I read Elisabeth Elliot’s devotional yesterday, I was freshly convicted and encouraged. She features a letter from her grandfather to her grandmother who was struggling with regret over an incident that had occurred several years prior. I was reminded that when we let regret take over our thoughts and emotions we will not be able to be affective in the now. “None of us could be alive to the pressing needs of today if we should carry along with us the dark heaviness of any past, whether real or imagined.” I’m not saying we should never be grieved over our failures and sin, but after we have “briefly” grieved, move on. Regret is a burden God has never asked us to carry. We are to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. The other thing I loved about Elliot’s excerpt was how her grandfather was encouraging and speaking truth to his wife. He then references how he sometimes battles regret and depression and how his wife is always reminding him to “look up”. They are going back and forth in uplifting each other. Ephesians 4:9-10 speaks of the advantages of having someone to be there for you, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” This provokes me to want to be a greater source of encouragement to others with whatever they may be struggling with. There is nothing sweeter than when someone comes alongside us to gently speak truth to our hearts and lift us up. - Regrets are things of the past and God calls us to live in the present. No matter what we have regrets over, we can be confident that God is sovereignly working it all out for our good and His glory. With God as our Shepherd, nothing ever enters our life that He has not allowed. I am praying to honor God with regret free days and a hope filled heart.

"Regrets" by Elisabeth Elliot
When my father was twelve years old he lost his left eye through disobedience. He had been forbidden to have firecrackers, but he sneaked out early in the morning of July 4, 1910, and, with the help of a neighboring farmer, set off some dynamite caps. A piece of copper penetrated his eye. Four years later my grandfather wrote this letter to my grand-mother:
Dearest:
I am not one bit surprised that after all our experiences of the past four years you should suffer from sad memories, but I really do not believe for a moment that you should feel you have any occasion to let remorse bite into your life on account of Philip's accident. Surely we cannot guard against all the contingencies of this complex life, and no one who has poured out life as you have for each one of your children should let such regrets take hold.
None of us could be alive to the pressing needs of today if we should carry along with us the dark heaviness of any past, whether real or imagined. I know, dearest, that your Lord cannot wish anything of that sort for you, and I believe your steady, shining, and triumphant faith will lead you out through Him, into the richest experiences you have ever had. I believe that firmly.
I have had to turn to Him in helplessness today to overcome depression because of my failures. My Sunday School fiasco at Swarthmore bears down pretty hard. But that is not right. I must look ahead, and up, as you often tell me, and I will. I know how sickening remorse is, if anyone knows; yet I also know, as you do, the lift and relief of turning the whole matter over to Him. We must have more prayers and more study together, dearest. I haven't followed the impulses I have so often had in this.

Lovingly, your own Phil.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13, 14

Seeing Things As They Should Be...

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. - Luke 18:35-43

Yesterday I received an email with a story that in essence spoke about sacrifice, gratefulness and complaining. It also, spoke about the truth of our human nature to forget where we have come from and what we’ve been saved from. How often have I been struggling with a sin in my life, been delivered from it and then had judgmental thoughts about someone else who is struggling with a sin? How many times have I had little, been given much and demanded more? How many times have I forgotten about the wrath and judgment I’ve been saved from and walk through my day in pride and self-righteousness? How many times has a friend or family member laid down their life for me and I only return the same kindness when it’s convenient? Here is part of the story from the email I received…

“There was once a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'”

This story reminded me of the great potential there is for me to take advantage of the people God has placed in my life, but more importantly of the potential to take advantage of Christ’s sacrifice for me. You see, the boy in the story gave his girlfriend his eyes because he loved her above all else. There was no sacrifice too great. But as soon as she had been set free from her blindness, she went her own way, forgetting about where she had come from and who had truly loved her. Christ loved us so much that he gave his very life. How many times have I chosen my own path and desires and forgotten about the one who died for me? When I consider His sacrifice, I should love Him all the more. This should also produce a heart of gratefulness, not complaint. A heart of humility, not pride. God has called us to praise and thankfulness, which honors Him, not complaining which is self-centered. He has not called us to die for the sins of all the people we know, but to die to our flesh. He has called us to cherish, love and serve those he has placed in our life and to love the lost souls of this world with the gospel. I know I can’t do any of these things on my own, but I have hope and faith that I can grow in these practices with God’s help and strength. “Lord, teach me how to truly love You and others in a way that glorifies You. Help me to see who I can sacrifice for today. Give me a heart of gratefulness for You and others. Keep complaining far from my lips and may I overflow with praise and thankfulness. Help me to not be blind to the things that really matter and to see things the way You see them. Amen”

Second part of the email…with a few edits.
Ways To Help Battle Complaining:

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who has lost theirs or is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about America, elections and government - Think of someone in another country who has none of the freedoms we have and who are persecuted, tortured and killed for being a Christian.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

When you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and Christ died in your place.