Lovely Pair

I read in the Psalms this morning. I've not taken much time in the Word this week, but since it's Saturday and we have nowhere to be until late morning, I took a stroll through Psalms. =) It was very refreshing. The Psalms have a way of really highlighting how insignificant I am and how glorious God is. So Psalm 15-16.

A Psalm of David. 
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? 
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
Psalms 15:1

Asking a question is a good way to begin a sermon-- or so I've heard. =) David wants to know who can have fellowship with God. The rest of the chapter gives us an answer.

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right 
and speaks truth in his heart; 
who does not slander with his tongue 
and does no evil to his neighbor, 
nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 
in whose eyes a vile person is despised, 
but who honors those who fear the LORD; 
who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 
who does not put out his money at interest 
and does not take a bribe against the innocent. 
He who does these things shall never be moved.
Psalms 15:2-5

At first glance, I may think that I fit the bill. I have not committed the "big" sins... but God always drives at the heart. The Psalm doesn't tell us when David wrote this, but I wonder if it was late in his life. I wonder when he wrote the line "and speaks truth in his heart", if he had realized how good our hearts are at deceiving us. And I wonder if he cried when he wrote the line "does no evil to his neighbor", remembering how he sinned against his neighbor Uriah. The line about "swears to his own hurt and does not change" really convicted me. I want to be a person who keeps my word, but I am fickle and weak. So after pondering this chapter, I've come to the realization that I do no deserve fellowship with the Living God. But there is One who fulfilled the demands of this Psalm. He did "swear to his own hurt" and "not change". He went to the cross to pay for all the times that I did not meet the standard. Which is why I think that 15 and 16 are such a lovely pair.

A Miktam of David. 
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 
I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
Psalms 16:1-2

This has always been the prayer of the saints. Not, "See, I have kept your word. You owe me your favor." But, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Followed by a commitment to treasure the things that please the Lord and forsake those that do not please Him.

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
Psalms 16:3-4

And now we've come to my niche. I love the fact that God is our greatest treasure, and that the more we treasure Him, the greater our pleasure!

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:5-11

Worth It

I made more jam this week! =) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of cooking yumminess! In the twelve years that I've been married, I've been primarily responsible for cooking for my family. The first year I didn't do a real great job, but my skills have improved. =) Now, if you know me, or have read much of my blog, you know that I love cooking and baking, AND I love eating the fruits of my labor! ;) However, I was thinking as I was stirring jam, that I have suffered countless cuts and innumerable burns in my years of cooking. And cuts and burns HURT! So why did I not stop cooking after the first cut... or the fifth burn... or the fiftieth? Well, one reason is because for us to eat, SOMEONE has to cook-- and I'm the most economical. ;) But the other reason is that I think it is worth it to suffer the occasional (or frequent) cut or burn, to savor the fresh yumminess that my efforts produced!

And then I thought about the walk of faith. I am an American, and so I enjoy comfort that many of my brothers and sisters around the world do not. And because of my comfort I tend to get my priorities mixed up-- I tend to think that comfort is more important than growth. But the biblical authors had a different view of things. They believed that whatever we may suffer (and for them that was A LOT!) was worth the reward in Christ's kingdom.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
 
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:12-14
 
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Lyrics

So, since we've been singing my song for two weeks, I think the lyrics are pretty set! =)

Delight in Me

Oh dear child of my heart, I love you so

That I gave my Son's life to buy your soul

Now my wrath is forever satisfied

As He sits interceding at my side

With my Spirit in you as guarantee

That you're part of my holy family

I delight in each faltering step you take

As you learn to follow in my ways

Chorus:

I have given you the greatest thing

I've drawn you to know me

for I delight in you

In my presence, join as angels sing.

Sing praises to the King

for I delight in you.

For now your heart longs for things you shouldn't love.

Precious child, 'til you know I am enough

Delight in me.

Oh dear Church, you are my beloved one

You are clothed in the goodness of my Son

You were wandering in the darkest night

but I brought you into my kingdom's light

With my Spirit you now have eyes to see

In your life is reflected my Beauty

And you grow as I cherish you, my Bride

'Til the last day when you stand purified

Oh my Father, your love's beyond compare

So I'm resting securely in your care

How could I spend my time on foolish things

And pursue a world that can't know me

Your commands showing me the way that's right

You and your promises are my delight

You are the greatest treasure. I believe.

Precious Father help my unbelief.

Always My Turn

One of the first lessons that we began to teach our children was that they had to take turns, whether it was playing with a certain toy, or choosing what show to watch on TV, or spending some special time close to mama or daddy. And it is a lesson that we have to review on a regular basis. But we begin to like this lesson when it comes to responsibility. My Shorty and I used to "take turns" changing the poopy diapers, and now we look at one another and say, "Isn't it your turn?" when it's been a particularly long day of shepherding... ;)

When I was in high school, my Mommy shared an especially helpful insight with me. We were discussing what we had been reading and learning in our devotions. She had been in the gospels, and had recently read these two passages:

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
 
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Matthew 18:15

And she said, "I just realized that it is always MY turn. Whether I have sinned against someone else, or they have sinned against me, it is my responsibility to seek reconciliation." I cannot even begin to count the number of times that that thought has come back to my mind over the past 15 years or so. It has shaped many of my interactions, and continues to inform my relationships.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:16-18

Work is GOOD

I've been working hard to instill into my Crew the understanding that work is good. In fact, I've lost count of the number of times that we've had this conversation lately. It goes something like this...

Me: Work is GOOD!
Child: We know Mama (with many groans).
Me: How do we know that work is good?
Child: Because the Bible tells us so.
Me: Really? Is there a verse that says, "Work is good."?
Child: Yes.
Me: No! There is not a verse that says, "Work is good." So how do we know that work is good?
Child: I don't know.
Me: When did Adam get a job?
Child: When he was in the garden.
Me: Before he sinned?
Child: Yes, before he sinned.
Me: And what do we know about the world before Adam sinned?
Child: It was good.
Me: That's right. Everything was good. So since God gave Adam a job before he sinned, work is...?
Child: Good.

Well, I think that the Good Lord has been trying to instill that very concept into my brain a bit more solidly. This year I am teaching four grades at once, ranging from 1st through 6th grades. I'm teaching one to read while I'm learning a fair bit of history for the first time. I'm also trying to keep up with the cleaning required for a bigger house. =) Which I am quite thankful for! And I'm busy as usual with our various church ministries. Another first for me is not really having the mental fortitude at the end of the day (or beginning) to plan our meals. So I've begun making a weekly menu... but this also requires work once a week. And so I've found myself working, working, working. And while much of the time I don't mind, I have moments of rebellion when I want to ignore the responsibilities and curl up with a book. Notice my careful phrasing, "ignore my responsibilities". I know I need time to rest, but I tend to want to overindulge... And if the biblical model is the guide, it should be a 6:1 ish ratio =/
So, thought for the day: Work is GOOD! =)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Genesis 2:15
 
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9-10

My Song

Well, the song that I was collaborating on debuted in our worship service this past Sunday. And I was so thankful that it ministered to so many that were there. (That was the point!) But I really struggled with everyone calling it MY song. I only wrote the words... and I borrowed the concepts... and I just didn't want to take credit for it. I wanted it to be a service to my church family-- and beyond if it pleases the Lord. But my Shorty gave me an awesome insight on Sunday afternoon. (He's my best encouragement. =)) He commented that the song really fits my niche. He said, "You know, everybody's got their thing that they're really passionate about, and really good at. Your niche is delighting in the Lord. And your desire is that others delight in Him too, and know how much he delights in them." At that point, I realized that I can claim the song as my own. Because it IS my passion. It IS what drives my ministry to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Delight in the Lord!

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"
Psalms 118:14-16
 
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! 
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Psalms 119:9-16
 
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalms 37:4-5
 
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9

Beauty

After watching an episode of our current series last night, I began turning over one of the characters. Shorty and I have discussed how much we enjoy the growth in this character over the course of the series. How it seems realistically gradual, and how even though his character is far from morally admirable, he is moving in the right direction as a result of his relationship with the lawman in the show. He was a conman and thief. Before being caught and imprisoned, he had stolen and forged a significant number of famous artistic works. But the thing that impressed me last night is that he really APPRECIATES the art. Many of the people in his circle of thieves are simply concerned with the dollar amount that is attached to a piece. And while that is not insignificant to our character, it is not his only interest. Over and over in the series, he is portrayed as recognizing and admiring beauty. (Though not always in healthy ways...)

For the last two weeks, I've been collaborating with our church worship leader on writing a new song for our congregation. (I'll share the lyrics when I'm sure they're baked to perfection. =)) But between the writing of that song, and the singing of another Grace Bible Church original, I've had beauty on the brain. And I realized, as these two songs and the TV character swirled through my thoughts, that I am often blinded to what is truly beautiful. You see, in American culture beauty is presented as shiny, glamorous, (often photo-shopped) prettiness. But true beauty, that reflects the truth and beauty of the one true God, is most accurately displayed in sacrifice. And sacrifice is NEVER pretty. And always painful. But God teaches us that it is BEAUTIFUL.

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:3-5
 
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 53:10-11
 
Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Psalms 96:1-13

Anger

I am an angry person. I have a Short Fuse. And this weekend, I've felt and shown way too much anger toward my family. However, I've been reminded to guard myself against my sinful anger twice during my devotions.

First was this command from Psalms, that is echoed in Ephesians.

Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Psalms 4:4

I'm not sure that this is even possible... I feel certain that I've never experienced true righteous anger... But as I was practicing my memory verses, this next verse hit me like a brick in the middle of my forehead!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
Psalms 37:8

I fretted all weekend over the various responsibilities that I was trying to prepare for. I was doing my best, but my best didn't seem good enough... and I was angry-- and fretting-- and tending to evil. =(
So these earlier verses in Psalm 37 are a better place to be.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalms 37:3-5

Bleak Picture

We've been working on a new memory verse during our family worship. (I think we've been at it off and on for about three weeks.)

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
Habakkuk 3:17

The first night we went over this, I explained to the Crew that this is a pretty bleak picture. A fig tree was a source of fruit (fiber and sweetness). The vines yield grapes, another fruit, but also wine. The olive could be eaten raw, but was also pressed to make oil. The fields would be the grain for flour. The flock (sheep) would give you fibers to make cloth, as well as meat. And the herds (cows and goats) would be another source of meat, as well as milk. So Habakkuk is painting a very bleak picture. But if you noticed, the end of the verse is NOT the end of the sentence...

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

Habakkuk realizes that even when the physical side of things here looks really bad, we still can AND SHOULD rejoice in the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
(This last verse is courtesy of my little helper this morning. She started singing this after reading that last line over my shoulder! =))

and they glorified God...

For any avid followers of my blog-- sorry for the silence! I've been in the throes of prepping for our new school year. Which has meant schedules, lists, more schedules, more lists, practicing games, signing kids up for sports, more schedules, more lists... ;) And I'm excited-- in a very TIRED sort of way. But that is not the point of this post. =)

This evening, Shorty was reading to our Crew during family worship from Mark 2. And something really stuck out to me.

And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Mark 2:12

I briefly talked to Shorty about this one (as we were trying to get the Crew to stay in bed), and we both think that the people in this verse were not intentionally glorifying God. In fact, they may not have even been AWARE that they were praising Him. But the very fact that they were saying, "Dude! This is impossible!" (my contemporary paraphrase! =)) was bringing glory to God!

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalms 8:1-9