My baby will be 10 in a couple of months. In three years, my house will be full of teenagers. In four my oldest may be moving out... And in ten I will likely be an empty-nester. I've been married nearly half my life, and a mama only one year less. My last blog was addressed to young moms. As I've continued to think about the young/new moms in my life, I began to think about the dads too.
Dear Little Brother,
First, you have a high calling. You get to be a tangible picture of God to your children. Do you know how to do that? Dig deep into His word. Spend the best of your time knowing your God. Pray that He will grow your desire and love for Him. Strive to be eager to talk about the things of God. Model patterns of worship with your local church and in your home. You have a high calling.
Second, your bride has another new name. Mom. And with that name come all kinds of responsibilities and feelings and hormones. I beg you to be patient with her. Remember when you were first dating and you observed her closely? Don't stop doing that. Keep learning her. Pay attention to how much responsibility she's taking on, and if it becomes too much, lighten her load. I don't know exactly what that will look like, but you will. Serve your bride.
Third, for the first few months babies are pretty simple, feed them, burp them, keep them clean and warm. Then it gets interesting... I know you don't want to be the "bad guy" as soon as you walk through the door. But your wife doesn't enjoy being the "bad guy" all day long. And as I told my little sisters, possibly the best thing you can teach your baby is that he or she is a creature under authority. Again, you have the high calling to lead in the discipline of your children. Which sometimes means being the bad guy.
Fourth, your bride really does want you to lead. (I am assuming that I am talking to Christian men who are married to Christian women.) I don't mean come in and lay down the law and then insist on it. But if you think something is important, don't dump the logistics on her. Plan the date night-- including the sitter. When they are old enough, stay on top of them to do their chores. Again, I don't know exactly what this will look like, but you'll figure it out.
Finally, I know you have a high calling. I don't understand the entirety of the strain of that calling. What I do understand is that we serve a God who sustains us for the callings He gives us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, rest in the God who works all things according to the counsel of his will. You cannot screw up His purpose for your child. Work at faithfulness. And when you fail, rest in the God of restoration.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:25-30
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Colossians 3:12-21
"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
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
To the Young Mama
I read a couple of articles today about motherhood. They made me sad because both belittled the value of children and the value of motherhood. Now please don't hear me saying that every woman should be a mom, or that every mom should have as many children as possible. I don't believe either of those things. But I do believe that every human life is valuable because each one bears the image of our Creator. And I believe that motherhood is valuable because it can be a beautiful reflection of the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ.
I know several young expectant mothers right now. It is lovely to watch them grow and marvel at the life that is growing inside of them. It almost makes me miss my own pregnancy days. Almost...
Dear Young Mama,
First, I beg you to spend time knowing the Lord. You cannot be a faithful wife, you cannot be a faithful mama, if you are not growing in the knowledge of God. Your relationship with Him will fuel you for the sleepless nights and uncertainty that are an unavoidable part of parenthood. Only your Creator is sufficient to carry you through the challenges of raising a new person. Only He has the wisdom you will need to navigate the waters of parenting.
Second, work hard to not put your husband on the back burner. When this tiny new person invades your home, he or she will demand more of you than you can imagine. On those longest days after your baby has tugged at you ALL DAY LONG, it will be easy to dismiss your husband as an adult who can take care of himself. Please, Friend, remind yourself how much you love him. Remind yourself why you love him. And show him your love. Remember, this tiny person has invaded his life too. =)
Third, while it is likely that his every grunt and gurgle fills you with delight. And while you marvel at her every dimple and wave. While his antics are hilarious and her lively personality is enchanting, remember that your baby is not perfect. Your actions with regard to your little person will have far-reaching consequences. And possibly the best thing that you can teach your precious little one is that he or she is a creature under authority.
When my baby was two, she was about the cutest thing I had ever seen! We were visiting my in-laws one evening and she began to throw a fit, and it. Was. CUTE! 😄 My sister-in-law began to laugh, then quickly covered her face and said, "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't laugh, but she's just so cute!" I agreed, but my husband argued that it was NOT cute. We disputed over the cuteness for a couple of minutes, but agreed that the behavior was unacceptable and needed to be punished. Friend, what is cute at two is rarely still cute at ten. But the behaviors you allow at two set the stage for five and ten and beyond.
Finally, there is great joy in motherhood. There is also great grief. I can't tell you the measure of each that your mothering will contain. What I can tell you is that you have the profound privilege to lay down your body, your time, your comfort, for the good of another. You get to reflect the sacrificial love of the Savior.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
*** Note: I wrote this with the ideal situation in mind. If you find yourself in the position of being a single mama, you need even more to lean on your Heavenly Father.
I know several young expectant mothers right now. It is lovely to watch them grow and marvel at the life that is growing inside of them. It almost makes me miss my own pregnancy days. Almost...
Dear Young Mama,
First, I beg you to spend time knowing the Lord. You cannot be a faithful wife, you cannot be a faithful mama, if you are not growing in the knowledge of God. Your relationship with Him will fuel you for the sleepless nights and uncertainty that are an unavoidable part of parenthood. Only your Creator is sufficient to carry you through the challenges of raising a new person. Only He has the wisdom you will need to navigate the waters of parenting.
Second, work hard to not put your husband on the back burner. When this tiny new person invades your home, he or she will demand more of you than you can imagine. On those longest days after your baby has tugged at you ALL DAY LONG, it will be easy to dismiss your husband as an adult who can take care of himself. Please, Friend, remind yourself how much you love him. Remind yourself why you love him. And show him your love. Remember, this tiny person has invaded his life too. =)
Third, while it is likely that his every grunt and gurgle fills you with delight. And while you marvel at her every dimple and wave. While his antics are hilarious and her lively personality is enchanting, remember that your baby is not perfect. Your actions with regard to your little person will have far-reaching consequences. And possibly the best thing that you can teach your precious little one is that he or she is a creature under authority.
When my baby was two, she was about the cutest thing I had ever seen! We were visiting my in-laws one evening and she began to throw a fit, and it. Was. CUTE! 😄 My sister-in-law began to laugh, then quickly covered her face and said, "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't laugh, but she's just so cute!" I agreed, but my husband argued that it was NOT cute. We disputed over the cuteness for a couple of minutes, but agreed that the behavior was unacceptable and needed to be punished. Friend, what is cute at two is rarely still cute at ten. But the behaviors you allow at two set the stage for five and ten and beyond.
Finally, there is great joy in motherhood. There is also great grief. I can't tell you the measure of each that your mothering will contain. What I can tell you is that you have the profound privilege to lay down your body, your time, your comfort, for the good of another. You get to reflect the sacrificial love of the Savior.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
*** Note: I wrote this with the ideal situation in mind. If you find yourself in the position of being a single mama, you need even more to lean on your Heavenly Father.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Feed Your Soul
If you know me well (or read my blog often ;) ) you will notice that food is a common theme in my life. I love to cook! I love to eat good food (taste-bud-tickling or "good for you")! And we have just celebrated one of my favorite holidays! Because PIE! I love the crust. I love the filling. I love the mixing and making. And when it's time for eating, I savor every bite. But unless some pies of the savory variety are included, you can't live on pie alone...
I was recently talking with a little sister in the faith about her wrestling with sin, and I asked her when was the last time she had read her Bible. She responded that she wasn't sure. Then I asked her when was the last time she had fed her physical stomach. It had only been a couple hours. You can probably guess that my next question was, "If you only fed your physical body as often as you are feeding your soul, how healthy would you be?"
So, Christian, I'll pose the same question to you. When was the last time you fed your soul?
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
John 6:35
I was recently talking with a little sister in the faith about her wrestling with sin, and I asked her when was the last time she had read her Bible. She responded that she wasn't sure. Then I asked her when was the last time she had fed her physical stomach. It had only been a couple hours. You can probably guess that my next question was, "If you only fed your physical body as often as you are feeding your soul, how healthy would you be?"
So, Christian, I'll pose the same question to you. When was the last time you fed your soul?
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
John 6:35
Friday, November 11, 2016
chasing a king...
I do not want to be known on social media for my political views. I personally wouldn't have been thrilled with either outcome in this election. I grew up in a very politically involved family, but while Shorty and I are not disinterested in politics, it does not consume our conversation at regular intervals. It has been interesting however, to begin to have conversation with my children about this election. Tuesday they were all worked up into a dither about how life was going to change if this one or that one was elected. It amused me to see them have such strong opinions with very little evidence! =D
During a particularly dramatic moment, I told them that we were made to long for a king. And the problem is that because of sin we run as far and fast as we can from the one King who can satisfy our longing. As I've watched my news feed the last few days, I've seen evidence of this longing again and again. Of course it isn't phrased that way, this is America after all...
But just any king will not do. We want a king who promises justice. We want a king who will champion the downtrodden and marginalized. We want a king who promotes prosperity. We want a king who guarantees our security. And every four years in the US, we get a procession of candidates who make these kinds of promises. And every four years many of our citizens hang their hopes on one or another candidate. But a president is not a king. And a human can never fulfill all these promises.
Friend, I don't care how you voted. This government of ours is good, but all governments will be corrupted because they are run by sinners. Governments and leaders will come and go. They will fail and fall. If you desire justice, pursue the holy God through whom we know what is just. If you want a champion for those on the fringes of society, turn to the God who changes hearts and cares for those who are most vulnerable. If you want prosperity, embrace the God who sent His Son so that we can have an eternal inheritance with Him. If you want security, trust the One who is able to keep you from all harm. Jesus Christ is the one king who will never fail.
And while we live under corruptible and corrupt governments, do all that is in your power to fight for justice, and to champion the weak, and to work for the prosperity and security of your community.
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalms 10:12-18
You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
Psalms 89:13-16
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.)
The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalms 145:8-18
During a particularly dramatic moment, I told them that we were made to long for a king. And the problem is that because of sin we run as far and fast as we can from the one King who can satisfy our longing. As I've watched my news feed the last few days, I've seen evidence of this longing again and again. Of course it isn't phrased that way, this is America after all...
But just any king will not do. We want a king who promises justice. We want a king who will champion the downtrodden and marginalized. We want a king who promotes prosperity. We want a king who guarantees our security. And every four years in the US, we get a procession of candidates who make these kinds of promises. And every four years many of our citizens hang their hopes on one or another candidate. But a president is not a king. And a human can never fulfill all these promises.
Friend, I don't care how you voted. This government of ours is good, but all governments will be corrupted because they are run by sinners. Governments and leaders will come and go. They will fail and fall. If you desire justice, pursue the holy God through whom we know what is just. If you want a champion for those on the fringes of society, turn to the God who changes hearts and cares for those who are most vulnerable. If you want prosperity, embrace the God who sent His Son so that we can have an eternal inheritance with Him. If you want security, trust the One who is able to keep you from all harm. Jesus Christ is the one king who will never fail.
And while we live under corruptible and corrupt governments, do all that is in your power to fight for justice, and to champion the weak, and to work for the prosperity and security of your community.
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalms 10:12-18
You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
Psalms 89:13-16
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.)
The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalms 145:8-18
Sunday, September 18, 2016
To War
It has been fifteen years since we were attacked on 9/11. It's been seventy since the Pearl Harbor bombing. And it's been one hundred fifty since we actually had a war fought inside our borders. We have enjoyed unmatched national peace with regard to wars and battles. I personally am entirely unfamiliar with the self-denial and sacrifice that are required for a tribe or nation to be victorious in a battle. One of my grandfathers talks about the rationing during World War II, and how his mother would send him and his sisters in separately to get rations so they'd have two chocolate bars. My sister shared with me recently that women started shaving their legs here in the States because all the silk was being used for parachutes. And I read an article shortly after the switch to Daylight Savings Time this year which stated that one of the arguments in favor of inaugurating DST was to have more resources for our troops in WWII.
Well, I say I am entirely unfamiliar. In fact, the call to follow Christ is a call to war. Not war against another nation or group of people, but against evil at work in this fallen world and against the evil in our own hearts. I have been wrestling mightily with my heart in recent weeks as the Lord has graciously revealed sin in my heart. It is hard. It is painful. It is war. And the only way to win is to fight the pull for comfort and ease, and to follow the Savior's example of trusting the Father. Dear Christian, keep fighting! To War!
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
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.
Ephesians 6:10-13
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 7:15-25
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Well, I say I am entirely unfamiliar. In fact, the call to follow Christ is a call to war. Not war against another nation or group of people, but against evil at work in this fallen world and against the evil in our own hearts. I have been wrestling mightily with my heart in recent weeks as the Lord has graciously revealed sin in my heart. It is hard. It is painful. It is war. And the only way to win is to fight the pull for comfort and ease, and to follow the Savior's example of trusting the Father. Dear Christian, keep fighting! To War!
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
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.
Ephesians 6:10-13
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 7:15-25
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
SSDD
You've probably heard the phrase "same sh** different day". Based on my title, you're probably expecting me to moan about how the same unpleasantness keeps happening in my life day after day after day... but you would be wrong.
A couple years ago, I wrote a blog titled Thank You and spoke briefly about the value of expressing thanks. But this basic event repeated itself with a different kid earlier this week. And I started thinking about how quick I am to get stuck on the yucky stuff, and just skim over the good things. Like when my children are laughing together. Or that I woke up without pain. Or having the strength and brainpower to tackle today's list. Or a chat with a friend. Or sunshine instead of rain (or vice versa!). Or pumpkin spice everything! ;)
Did you know that when you make an effort to be thankful, it is very difficult to be bitter or angry or otherwise unhappy? We sometimes play a game where we take turns listing things for which we are thankful. (Inevitably video games and food are mentioned. =)) It sounds kind of goofy, but just speaking things for which we CAN be thankful cultivates feelings of thankfulness. But more than anything that I listed so far, if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, you can be thankful that you have been redeemed from your sins and have a future with Christ! And if you have not, and you are reading this, there is still time for you to join us in our hope because you're alive. So go practice some thankfulness!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
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
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalms 107:1
A couple years ago, I wrote a blog titled Thank You and spoke briefly about the value of expressing thanks. But this basic event repeated itself with a different kid earlier this week. And I started thinking about how quick I am to get stuck on the yucky stuff, and just skim over the good things. Like when my children are laughing together. Or that I woke up without pain. Or having the strength and brainpower to tackle today's list. Or a chat with a friend. Or sunshine instead of rain (or vice versa!). Or pumpkin spice everything! ;)
Did you know that when you make an effort to be thankful, it is very difficult to be bitter or angry or otherwise unhappy? We sometimes play a game where we take turns listing things for which we are thankful. (Inevitably video games and food are mentioned. =)) It sounds kind of goofy, but just speaking things for which we CAN be thankful cultivates feelings of thankfulness. But more than anything that I listed so far, if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, you can be thankful that you have been redeemed from your sins and have a future with Christ! And if you have not, and you are reading this, there is still time for you to join us in our hope because you're alive. So go practice some thankfulness!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
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
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalms 107:1
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Where's Waldo
I imagine that you are familiar with the Waldo character. Blue pants, red and white striped shirt, beanie, brown hair, and round glasses. Perhaps you've spent hours pouring over pages simply CRAMMED with other characters and objects, searching for the ever-elusive Waldo. Or maybe your children have played the computer equivalent. There were even TV episodes starring him for a while.
If you've spent any time at all searching for Waldo, you know that sometimes he can be pretty hard to find. But once you know where he is he sticks out like a neon light.
I've written before about how every page of Scripture whispers about Christ. And I have encountered that again recently as I've studied Ruth. Most teachers I've heard agree that Boaz is a shadow pointing to Christ because he redeems Ruth and Naomi in the story. But as I meditated on chapter two, I saw SO MUCH MORE than just the climactic purchase of the land and marriage of Boaz to Ruth. You see, just after Boaz meets Ruth, he begins to provide for her in extraordinary ways. First he tells her to stay with his own servants for her safety. There was also an element of security for her in knowing that she can return to glean in Boaz's fields throughout the harvest. He provides her the water that his servants have drawn. Later in the day, he gives her so much food that she is unable to eat it all. And He commands his reapers not only to allow Ruth to glean wherever she wanted in the fields, but even to pull out extra stalks of grain for her to gather. This command allowed her to bring home an unheard of amount of grain that first day, which lightened her burden as she worked to provide food for herself and Naomi.
As I pondered these wondrous ways that Boaz generously provided for Ruth, I was reminded of the ways that Jesus provides for His people.
He is our protection.
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1
The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
Psalms 37:32-33
He is our security.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
He is Living Water for our souls.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:10-14
He is the Bread of Life.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
He lightens our burdens.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
And He does redeem us from our sins!
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:23-26
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10
If you've spent any time at all searching for Waldo, you know that sometimes he can be pretty hard to find. But once you know where he is he sticks out like a neon light.
I've written before about how every page of Scripture whispers about Christ. And I have encountered that again recently as I've studied Ruth. Most teachers I've heard agree that Boaz is a shadow pointing to Christ because he redeems Ruth and Naomi in the story. But as I meditated on chapter two, I saw SO MUCH MORE than just the climactic purchase of the land and marriage of Boaz to Ruth. You see, just after Boaz meets Ruth, he begins to provide for her in extraordinary ways. First he tells her to stay with his own servants for her safety. There was also an element of security for her in knowing that she can return to glean in Boaz's fields throughout the harvest. He provides her the water that his servants have drawn. Later in the day, he gives her so much food that she is unable to eat it all. And He commands his reapers not only to allow Ruth to glean wherever she wanted in the fields, but even to pull out extra stalks of grain for her to gather. This command allowed her to bring home an unheard of amount of grain that first day, which lightened her burden as she worked to provide food for herself and Naomi.
As I pondered these wondrous ways that Boaz generously provided for Ruth, I was reminded of the ways that Jesus provides for His people.
He is our protection.
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1
The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
Psalms 37:32-33
He is our security.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
He is Living Water for our souls.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:10-14
He is the Bread of Life.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
He lightens our burdens.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
And He does redeem us from our sins!
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:23-26
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10
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