I have undertaken this year to walk with my seventh grader through some of the great works of literature. Thus far we have covered several books of the Bible as well as Gilgamesh, the code of Hammurabi, and the Odyssey. But as we are nearing our holiday break, I've also begun to reread Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I can hardly believe that it has been four years since I read it last. Last time I found it insightful, challenging, and encouraging. Even though I am only a few chapters in, I've found it to be so this time as well. Every time I finish a section or chapter, I leave the book meditating through song. Sometimes it's a very old hymn, sometimes an even older psalm, and sometimes a more contemporary worship song.
As I was singing and pondering recently, I was struck by the wealth of words we have available to us with which to worship our God. We have the words of Scripture, of course, and they are rich and varied and living and active. But we also have writings from early church fathers like Augustine, reformers like Calvin and Luther, and great authors who are still filling bookshelves with new works today! And often I'm just too lazy to exercise my mind in pursuit of knowing God. The God who sent His Son to live in my place and die in my place. So I encourage you (as I'm encouraging myself) spend time today and every day in the most worthy pursuit of knowing God.
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalms 33:1-22
Monday, November 24, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Thank You
My Crew are pretty normal kids (as far as I can tell). They can make a massive mess in no time flat. They'd rather play than work. And they are often oblivious to what's going on around them.
Our week has been chaotic, and the chores have fallen behind. So after sending the kids to bed last night, I started cleaning the kitchen. Shorty was gone for a while, and that seemed like the best use of my time. When Shorty is gone at bedtime, the Crew is INCREDIBLY reluctant to actually go to sleep. So within a few minutes my son was back in the living room. I don't remember what his first comment was, but just before he turned to go back to bed he said, "Thank you for loading the dishwasher for me, Mama."
"Thank you" is such a small expression. Just two syllables. And yet, those two syllables have the ability to bring sunlight to the darkest of days. Why? Because "thank you" says I noticed what you did. It mattered. And I'm grateful for your sacrifice. So be ready to express your thanks next time someone serves you. And remember that there is no one more deserving of our thanks than Christ. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sin.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Our week has been chaotic, and the chores have fallen behind. So after sending the kids to bed last night, I started cleaning the kitchen. Shorty was gone for a while, and that seemed like the best use of my time. When Shorty is gone at bedtime, the Crew is INCREDIBLY reluctant to actually go to sleep. So within a few minutes my son was back in the living room. I don't remember what his first comment was, but just before he turned to go back to bed he said, "Thank you for loading the dishwasher for me, Mama."
"Thank you" is such a small expression. Just two syllables. And yet, those two syllables have the ability to bring sunlight to the darkest of days. Why? Because "thank you" says I noticed what you did. It mattered. And I'm grateful for your sacrifice. So be ready to express your thanks next time someone serves you. And remember that there is no one more deserving of our thanks than Christ. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sin.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Already Lovely
Our weekend was WAY too long. We stayed up late Friday watching a new movie. We hurried and rushed to soccer and a wedding on Saturday... and got home late. Sunday was full of church and friends. And now we are stumbling through our week. This morning we were behind in our schoolwork, and I'd forgotten to pack Shorty's lunch. About 11:00 Shorty texted me to say that he would swing by and pick up his lunch at noon. So I made sure that the Crew all had assignments and then told them that I was going to fix my hair and put on my make-up so I'd be lovely for Shorty when he got here. My middle daughter piped up to say, "You're already lovely, Mommy!"
As I fixed my hair, it was as if the Lord was whispering, "You're already lovely." I've been in a pruning season spiritually. It feels as if the Lord is showing me that everything I think I'm good at is really not so much. (Which is not to say that I'm not good at anything, but that I'm not as good as I'd like to think.) And while that process is the most loving thing He could do, that doesn't make it any less painful for my wicked heart. Throughout the day, I've continued to chew on the already lovely concept. Dear Sister (or Brother), in the eyes of your Savior, you are already lovely. What you do cannot make Him love you more, nor can it make Him love you less. Because He set His love on you, YOU ARE ALREADY LOVELY!
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Psalms 45:1-17
As I fixed my hair, it was as if the Lord was whispering, "You're already lovely." I've been in a pruning season spiritually. It feels as if the Lord is showing me that everything I think I'm good at is really not so much. (Which is not to say that I'm not good at anything, but that I'm not as good as I'd like to think.) And while that process is the most loving thing He could do, that doesn't make it any less painful for my wicked heart. Throughout the day, I've continued to chew on the already lovely concept. Dear Sister (or Brother), in the eyes of your Savior, you are already lovely. What you do cannot make Him love you more, nor can it make Him love you less. Because He set His love on you, YOU ARE ALREADY LOVELY!
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Psalms 45:1-17
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Bluesy
I was having a bluesy day yesterday. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe it was just fatigue at the end of the week. More likely it was related to the fact that I had not had my devotions for a few days. Whatever the cause, or combination of causes, my incurable optimism was flickering. But then I began practicing my memory verses. I use an online program called Scripture Typer. My first passage was John 1:1-18. But I hadn't even made it halfway through before my hope was refreshed.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In verse 4, I was reminded that Christ is life and light. My perspective is so limited, and my soul is so turned in on itself that I need CONSTANT help to see things correctly. I need life. I need light. I need Christ through His word. I need to be in the Scriptures. But the real blast came in verse 5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This book was probably written around 90 A.D. Most of the apostles had been martyred, along with many second generation Christians. Persecution was the norm. And yet John tells his readers that the darkness HAS NOT OVERCOME the light. We have hope! Christ conquered death and sin for us! He will come back to make all things right! What reason then do I have to be bluesy?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
John 1:1-18
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In verse 4, I was reminded that Christ is life and light. My perspective is so limited, and my soul is so turned in on itself that I need CONSTANT help to see things correctly. I need life. I need light. I need Christ through His word. I need to be in the Scriptures. But the real blast came in verse 5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This book was probably written around 90 A.D. Most of the apostles had been martyred, along with many second generation Christians. Persecution was the norm. And yet John tells his readers that the darkness HAS NOT OVERCOME the light. We have hope! Christ conquered death and sin for us! He will come back to make all things right! What reason then do I have to be bluesy?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
John 1:1-18
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Just Enough
My Crew are pretty typical kids. They are rarely eager to do their chores (unless they are expecting something fun afterwards). And most of the time, after a few minutes I hear, "Is it clean enough..." "Have I done enough..." "Is it straight enough..."
My usual reply is that if they have to tag on "enough", the answer is probably no.
The principle I see at work in my Crew is that they want to do "just enough" to not be in trouble, or to get to do whatever fun thing they have in mind. And as I pondered this, I was convicted of my tendency to try to do "just enough". I want to read my Bible "just enough" to ease my conscience, or to feel happy and peaceful through the day. I want to pray "just enough" to cover my responsibility to my friends and family. And then I was reminded of this exquisite hymn.
"When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far to small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
My usual reply is that if they have to tag on "enough", the answer is probably no.
The principle I see at work in my Crew is that they want to do "just enough" to not be in trouble, or to get to do whatever fun thing they have in mind. And as I pondered this, I was convicted of my tendency to try to do "just enough". I want to read my Bible "just enough" to ease my conscience, or to feel happy and peaceful through the day. I want to pray "just enough" to cover my responsibility to my friends and family. And then I was reminded of this exquisite hymn.
"When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far to small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Call to Arms
Today I had the privilege of witnessing my sister's promotion to Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. It was a stirring ceremony. And although I know I am not the first (nor do I think I will be the last) to write about it, I was struck by the connections between serving in the military and following Christ. You give of your time, your money, your energy, yourself. You bind yourself to your brothers-in-arms. You take on responsibilities that are foreign to those outside. There is an incredible amount of discipline required for you to fulfill your duties. There are great people who carried this burden before you, and there will be others to whom you will pass the standard. In short, I was challenged to persevere in the faith for the glory of the Great Captain, Jesus Christ.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Ephesians 6:10-24
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Ephesians 6:10-24
Sunday, September 14, 2014
You're Weird
My family is kind of weird. We like weird food (or so my husband tells me!). We go weird places (anniversary trips to museums and the zoo). We have the wonderfully weird combination of three girls and one boy. "You're so weird!" may be the most common sentence in our house. But I've been thinking about what we MEAN when we tell someone they're weird. I've come to the conclusion that it means, "You're not like me." And while most often, we use it in a joking manner, there is a troubling root. In this scenario, I'm holding myself up as the standard of what is "normal" or "right" or "good". It really doesn't matter whether my kid likes olives or doesn't like chocolate milk. It is of little import that their fashion style differs from mine. The things that boys do because they are boys are no more "weird" than the things that girls do because we are girls. I am not the standard. It all goes back to me having a higher opinion of myself than I should. In fact, it's a matter of me thinking of myself too much. Christ is the standard. Our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is our example of what is right and good. And Christ died to make us into His image.
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalms 33:1-22
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalms 33:1-22
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