Not too long ago I finished a book called 'The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.' It was about a professor who taught and widely promoted a lifestyle that clashed greatly with the Word of God. Upon the completion of another published document she began to receive the typical large amount of letters and correspondence that often arrives shortly after a 'hot topic' comes off the press. She had 2 bins beside her desk. One bin held all the favourable responses to her latest publications. The other bin held the hate mail and all the letters of dislike.
One day she opened a letter from a reformed pastor. She read it. She read it again. It didn't really belong in her favorable bin. It didn't really belong in her dislike bin either. So the letter sat on her desk. An extremely organized person, the fact that the letter did not have a 'place' bothered the professor greatly. She read and re-read the letter. Finally she contacted this reformed pastor and asked if they could talk. What began after that can only be described as a 'tumultuous train wreck of a journey' (her words). The kingdom of darkness does not give up its children with ease.
It was absolutely fascinating hearing her tell of her journey. She was very honest in the way she portrayed her lifestyle. She presented the clash of the gospel as something incredibly intrusive. It was not at all a calm peace that settled over her soul as others claim conversion will do. Gospel light took away her job, her identity, her relationships, as well as her whole world view that she spent her entire life building. It threw her life upside down. Suddenly she had nothing left to hang onto.
Throughout the whole journey this pastor and his wife came alongside her. With much patience, kindness and hospitality they guided her along. They took the time to answer her questions. They showed much compassion. They offered their friendship. They offered their home. They gave of their time unceasingly. By and by, this professor was saved.
You know, I sometimes wonder if we know what we're asking for when we pray for the lost. Do we know the implications, the inconveniences that would bombard our lives if that prayer were daily answered? Are we ready to come alongside individuals and turn their entire world upside down for the sake of their eternal peace? Are we ready to get our hands messy as we delve into other people's lives? The alcoholic. The homosexual. The suicidal. The environmentalist. The promiscuous. Are you cringing?
When we pray for the lost these are some of the people we are praying for. Are we ready to have these people walk into our churches? Are we ready to speak to them? Are we ready to speak to them without revulsion? Are we ready to open our homes to them?
We pray for the lost in our congregational prayers and then later we mock their lifestyles through course jesting in our homes. We pray for revival in our churches while avoiding the local teenagers who have walked through the church doors. In our homes and amidst our friends so often our words drip with disdain as we condemn the unconverted along with their sordid lifestyles. For people who think we have our 'doctrine' all figured out we have a lot to learn.
The thing is, most of the unconverted think Christians are against them. They think we hate them. This may not be true but we have to realize that this stigma has stuck to us and it's up to us to break down that initial barrier. There are ways to speak to sinners without loudly condemning them to hell. No we don't compromise our faith, but compassion and kindness would go a long way.
So back to the reason that prompted this post. This post modern feminine lesbian professor is now a member in good standing in a Reformed church. As a previous popular speaker for gay activists, her conversion has caused enormous ripples. Despite her previous sordid lifestyle, she was one of the Lord's elect. He called her and she left an entire 'world' behind to follow her Shepherd. She was called out of the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light--no different from you or I.
The onus is on Christians. When we pray for the lost do we really know what this means? Are we willing to shed our cloaks of self righteousness to walk beside those who are lacking a Saviour? Do we really believe that the blood of Christ is the same required atonement for all? Think about it.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
He Gives with an Open Hand
It is well for us that God's bounty and kindness are not so scanty as our is to our fellow creatures. In our communication one with another, we soon think we have done enough, that we have done our share; we are ready to be careful not to do too much. We are ready to excuse ourselves from giving and doing for one another. When we give something liberally, or do any considerable matter for another person, it looks big in our eyes and we are ready to think that our kindness has proceeded to a great extent. We are ready to soon be weary of liberality to others. How well it is for us that it is not so with God, who is never weary nor wanting in doing us good. He gives us richly all things to enjoy. His bounty to us is like a river that is full of water: always flowing and never weary of overflowing its banks. Every day He gives to us with an open hand, and bestows blessings upon us of an innumerable kind and in a vast variety. He thinks nothing is too much for us, who has given us more than if He had given us the whole world, in that He has given us His own Son, a person of infinite glory, a Person infinitely dear to Him, who is infinitely His delight and is of the same nature as Himself. In His Son, He gives us His grace, and Holy Spirit. He gives us Himself and makes us to inherit a kingdom. He gives us the possession of all things. He gives us infinite riches and eternal glory and blessedness. He gives us as much riches and blessedness as our appetites can have, let us extend our desires as far as we will. And He gives us as much as we can enjoy, and that to all eternity. God sets no bounds to His bounty, and nothing is too much to bestow.
--Jonathan Edwards
From 'It Is Well for Us That God is Not as We Are'
--Jonathan Edwards
From 'It Is Well for Us That God is Not as We Are'
Sunday, February 24, 2013
More on Goodwin
I know, I talk about Thomas Goodwin's book 'Heart of Christ' a lot. When a book makes such an impact on you--when it changes your whole perspective--when it breathes LIFE and VITALITY into weary bones you can't help but talk about it. And here I'm going to talk about it again. As I was flipping through my rugged copy of 'The Heart of Christ' I observed a note I had scrawled in one of the margins. It said,
"Oh...to be able to do a study on the Holy Spirit with Goodwin!"
Meanwhile I have saved up all my egg money and have bought the works of Goodwin (12 books). They are sitting on my top shelf. And volume 6--the entire book--deals with 'The Work of the Holy Spirit in our Sanctification'.
How sweet is that?
Where did this love of Puritans come from? Well part of the story lies here. And maybe one day when I get really brave I'll tell you the rest of the story.
"Oh...to be able to do a study on the Holy Spirit with Goodwin!"
Meanwhile I have saved up all my egg money and have bought the works of Goodwin (12 books). They are sitting on my top shelf. And volume 6--the entire book--deals with 'The Work of the Holy Spirit in our Sanctification'.
How sweet is that?
Where did this love of Puritans come from? Well part of the story lies here. And maybe one day when I get really brave I'll tell you the rest of the story.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Death to Muskrats!!!
I don't like furry woodland creatures. Ironic really, when I pretty much live in the middle of a bush. I don't like porcupines. I don't like skunks. I don't like moles, gophers or badgers. And I HATE muskrats. YUCK!
The last 2 days we've been cleaning out the barn. Yesterday my father-in-law said he saw a muskrat and tried to drive over him with the tractor. Sadly, it didn't work (much to my chagrin). Shouldn't these little buggers be hibernating???????
My hatred for muskrats probably stems from a time when I was young (yeah, yeah...blaming it on my 'childhood'--that is sooooooo cliche). Our dog had caught a muskrat and was hurling it high into the air, over and over. Meanwhile the muskrat was sending out this awful high pitched scream. I get shivers up my spine just thinking of it. I remember that icky, shiny black tail flying high in the air and THUD it would hit the ground again. Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck!
This morning I was sweeping the barn. I moved a big board away from the wall and there was the muskrat--shiny black tail and all. I shoved the board back and high tailed it OUT of there. I went looking for a pitch fork. Then I realized the brand new shovel would probably be a little less messy. A couple whacks is generally a cleaner way to dispose of vermin than a multiple stabbing.
Next I flagged down my father-in-law who was driving by again on the tractor. He's a brave man. I'm a damsel in distress. Besides, he'll probably get a nice chuckle out of my reaction. I'll make his day and he'll save mine.
My father-in-law (the hero) happily came to my rescue. I, once again, pulled the board away (Ok, I just got shivers again just writing that!) and he whacked the bugger a few times with the shovel. Job done! He went straight back to work. I of course, had to analyze the situation...and observe my enemy up close. I even had to take several pictures of him.
Soon my husband came to haul him away. That icky muskrat is now buried deep in a manure pile where the high ammonia and nitrogen levels will eat his body away in a matter of days. It was a triple effort--I found him, my father-in-law killed him, and my husband buried him. And as a result, my little world is a little happier again.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Just a Day
What do I do in a day? Sometimes it's awfully depressing. For example I think back on today and know that I really needed to get a whole lot more done. I never got around to Science or Social today. That's not good. It was Monday and I did not get any laundry folded today. Seeing as the rest of the week is going to be crazy, I won't be getting to that pile either until at least Thursday late afternoon. I didn't start Eric on catechism. Now, while I did make time for that, it was obvious that Eric was not feeling well and he just wanted to go to bed. So back to the question: What did I do today? Here's a run down.
5:51--I awoke to kids fighting. I corrected them and went back to bed. I did not get back to sleep.
6:21--Got up. Made coffee. Went to the office to read.
7:10--Turned on computer. Checked facebook and e-mail.
7:25--Surfed the net for poems to read to the kids so they can choose 1 to memorize for their poetry unit.
7:40--Realize that I better make breakfast.
7:46--Gave my little girl good morning snuggles.
8:17. Survived another chaotic breakfast rush. Looked around to see mess everywhere. Wasn't this place tidy yesterday?????
8:18--Start dressing kids and tidying up. every time I rush past the counter I take another bite out of my English muffin.
8:27--The kids are dressed and the place is livable. I eat my last bite of breakfast.
8:30--Called my sister to wish her a happy birthday. Had a GREAT conversation.
9:07--Started the school day by reading another chapter of C.S. Lewis book "The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe"
9:26--Finish reading and encourage some extremely reluctant children to do some school.
9:37--Eric ends up going to the barn with his dad. Lindsay starts her Language Arts and I try to encourage Paul to do his Math. Seth is bawling because he lost computer privileges and Courtney is erasing the content on my school whiteboard. The house is a mess again and I'm a little frazzled.
9:51--I throw in a load of laundry. I can't seem to find my birthday cards. I have a nephew who turns 6 next Sunday and I need to get a card in the mail.
9:58--I find the cards. It's too big for the envelope so I trim the top. I hope he doesn't notice the top of the card is now a little crooked. I tell Paul to get back to work. The house REALLY needs tidying.
10:09--The kids are working well. I am tidying like crazy, stopping only to listen to Seth's story where a dragon is terrorizing our home and Seth has stabbed the dragon in the belly and saving us all. I am so thankful I have such a brave son.
10:32--I rediscover the bottle of raspberry vodka cooler I didn't finish yesterday evening and take a few sips. YUMMY!
10:48--Re-teach Lindsay contractions. She's still doing Language Arts. Paul's STILL doing Math. neither of them have any motivation whatsoever. This is NOT turning out to be the productive school day I needed to have today. I'm getting a little frustrated and more than a little agitated. I immediately feel guilty for the frustration and agitation. Company's coming this afternoon and we're shipping chickens tonight. The next 2-3 days I'll be in the barn. That means no school gets done. Lindsay really needs to crunch down on piano. Eric needs to start his catechism. The stress is hitting me like a ton of bricks. The to-do list is EATING at me.
11:30--The kids have finally found a good pace.
12:28--I start making lunch--buns with lunch meat and cheese.
12:42--Courtney comes streaking by(yes, naked) and jumps into the tub with her brothers who just came in from the barn. The bathroom floor and the kids' clothes, which of course were discarded on the floor, are covered in water.
12:49--We eat lunch.
1:12--Done lunch. Cleaning up. Courtney goes for a nap. I make coffee.
1:26--Taught Eric about equivalent fractions and reviewed long division.
1:38--Reviewed piano with Lindsay downstairs.
1:39--Called to offer a child a little bathroom assistance upstairs.
1:40--Go back down stairs to get Lindsay re-focused on the piano lesson. The random thumping she's doing won't help for her next lesson.
1:58--Come upstairs to a discipline issue. Administered discipline. Opened Lindsay's reader and helped her finish her questions.
2:10--Cleaned up a nice pile of dog poop on the floor. Why do I have an outside dog in my house right now? Yeah...I don't know either!
2:14--Get Paul started on Social Studies. Sent Lindsay to the office to do her math.
2:32--the kids are all working well. I test a Science experiment regarding ocean currents affecting our weather. Hopefully I can do this with the kids today yet.
3:11--the company shows up. Make coffee. I will have to finish Science and Social after supper.
4:43--Start making supper. Chicken burgers, fries, salad. Tidy up the place.
5:40--Start eating
6:10--Read the Bible and start cleaning up the dishes. Put PJ's on all kids.
6:44--Make coffee!!!!!!!
7:01--Bring Courtney to bed.
7:07--Start preparing food for the chicken catchers who will be working tonight. Buns with meat and cheese, cookies, fruit and pop.
7:08--Make a second pot of coffee. I didn't get a cup from the first pot.
7:26--Bring Lindsay, Paul and Seth to bed.
7:35--Tidy up the kitchen a little more.
7:41--Do catechism with Eric.
7:43--Eric begs to go to bed. He is not feeling well. He did not eat much supper either. This is quite unlike Eric.
7:45--Bring Eric to bed.
7:49--Bring the prepared food to the barn.
7:52--Sit and play a board game with the company who are still here.
9:32--Finish board game and say good-bye to company.
9:35--Finally time for a shower.
9:52--Check e-mail and facebook
10:05--Fill I-pod with material to keep my mind occupied while I work in the barn the next few days. I am excited about the contents!!!
11:00--Write this blog post.
It's late and now I really want to go to bed. I did not get to read Thomas Goodwin as I so badly wanted to do tonight. But perhaps tomorrow night I can. If not, certainly Wednesday should be alright.
5:51--I awoke to kids fighting. I corrected them and went back to bed. I did not get back to sleep.
6:21--Got up. Made coffee. Went to the office to read.
7:10--Turned on computer. Checked facebook and e-mail.
7:25--Surfed the net for poems to read to the kids so they can choose 1 to memorize for their poetry unit.
7:40--Realize that I better make breakfast.
7:46--Gave my little girl good morning snuggles.
8:17. Survived another chaotic breakfast rush. Looked around to see mess everywhere. Wasn't this place tidy yesterday?????
8:18--Start dressing kids and tidying up. every time I rush past the counter I take another bite out of my English muffin.
8:27--The kids are dressed and the place is livable. I eat my last bite of breakfast.
8:30--Called my sister to wish her a happy birthday. Had a GREAT conversation.
9:07--Started the school day by reading another chapter of C.S. Lewis book "The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe"
9:26--Finish reading and encourage some extremely reluctant children to do some school.
9:37--Eric ends up going to the barn with his dad. Lindsay starts her Language Arts and I try to encourage Paul to do his Math. Seth is bawling because he lost computer privileges and Courtney is erasing the content on my school whiteboard. The house is a mess again and I'm a little frazzled.
9:51--I throw in a load of laundry. I can't seem to find my birthday cards. I have a nephew who turns 6 next Sunday and I need to get a card in the mail.
9:58--I find the cards. It's too big for the envelope so I trim the top. I hope he doesn't notice the top of the card is now a little crooked. I tell Paul to get back to work. The house REALLY needs tidying.
10:09--The kids are working well. I am tidying like crazy, stopping only to listen to Seth's story where a dragon is terrorizing our home and Seth has stabbed the dragon in the belly and saving us all. I am so thankful I have such a brave son.
10:32--I rediscover the bottle of raspberry vodka cooler I didn't finish yesterday evening and take a few sips. YUMMY!
10:48--Re-teach Lindsay contractions. She's still doing Language Arts. Paul's STILL doing Math. neither of them have any motivation whatsoever. This is NOT turning out to be the productive school day I needed to have today. I'm getting a little frustrated and more than a little agitated. I immediately feel guilty for the frustration and agitation. Company's coming this afternoon and we're shipping chickens tonight. The next 2-3 days I'll be in the barn. That means no school gets done. Lindsay really needs to crunch down on piano. Eric needs to start his catechism. The stress is hitting me like a ton of bricks. The to-do list is EATING at me.
11:30--The kids have finally found a good pace.
12:28--I start making lunch--buns with lunch meat and cheese.
12:42--Courtney comes streaking by(yes, naked) and jumps into the tub with her brothers who just came in from the barn. The bathroom floor and the kids' clothes, which of course were discarded on the floor, are covered in water.
12:49--We eat lunch.
1:12--Done lunch. Cleaning up. Courtney goes for a nap. I make coffee.
1:26--Taught Eric about equivalent fractions and reviewed long division.
1:38--Reviewed piano with Lindsay downstairs.
1:39--Called to offer a child a little bathroom assistance upstairs.
1:40--Go back down stairs to get Lindsay re-focused on the piano lesson. The random thumping she's doing won't help for her next lesson.
1:58--Come upstairs to a discipline issue. Administered discipline. Opened Lindsay's reader and helped her finish her questions.
2:10--Cleaned up a nice pile of dog poop on the floor. Why do I have an outside dog in my house right now? Yeah...I don't know either!
2:14--Get Paul started on Social Studies. Sent Lindsay to the office to do her math.
2:32--the kids are all working well. I test a Science experiment regarding ocean currents affecting our weather. Hopefully I can do this with the kids today yet.
3:11--the company shows up. Make coffee. I will have to finish Science and Social after supper.
4:43--Start making supper. Chicken burgers, fries, salad. Tidy up the place.
5:40--Start eating
6:10--Read the Bible and start cleaning up the dishes. Put PJ's on all kids.
6:44--Make coffee!!!!!!!
7:01--Bring Courtney to bed.
7:07--Start preparing food for the chicken catchers who will be working tonight. Buns with meat and cheese, cookies, fruit and pop.
7:08--Make a second pot of coffee. I didn't get a cup from the first pot.
7:26--Bring Lindsay, Paul and Seth to bed.
7:35--Tidy up the kitchen a little more.
7:41--Do catechism with Eric.
7:43--Eric begs to go to bed. He is not feeling well. He did not eat much supper either. This is quite unlike Eric.
7:45--Bring Eric to bed.
7:49--Bring the prepared food to the barn.
7:52--Sit and play a board game with the company who are still here.
9:32--Finish board game and say good-bye to company.
9:35--Finally time for a shower.
9:52--Check e-mail and facebook
10:05--Fill I-pod with material to keep my mind occupied while I work in the barn the next few days. I am excited about the contents!!!
11:00--Write this blog post.
It's late and now I really want to go to bed. I did not get to read Thomas Goodwin as I so badly wanted to do tonight. But perhaps tomorrow night I can. If not, certainly Wednesday should be alright.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Seth's Birthday
Seth is 4. he's been talking about his birthday since November. He's had his cake picked out (a rainbow cake with orange icing and a chicken on it) and his presents chosen (a blue loader, tractors, cars and CARS lego). Today the day finally arrived.
He awoke to orange and yellow balloons. He heartily approved. Next came going out for breakfast with dad. Dan takes all the kids out for breakfast on their birthday. The two of them took a quick check on the chickens and then got into the red truck (because dad knows how cool the red truck is to Seth) The 2 of them headed off to Tim Hortons for a breafast sandwich, donut and hot chocolate. When they got home Seth got to open his birthday presents.
A little while later his friend 'J' and his family came over. We had that wonderful nutritious Kraft Dinner for lunch (Seth's request) along with store bought chocolate milk. This was a MAJOR treat for the kids since I refuse to buy that stuff. Ususally we drink water and 1% milk here. After lunch we blew out candles and Seth opened his birthday present. Then the kids went out to play and the adults chatted. Soon it was mid-afternoon. The company left and we chilled till suppertime. Supper consisted of tacos and left-over birthday cake. Seth loved his day.
Best quote of the day?
Seth: Mommy, will I still be 4 tomorrow?
Me: Yes Seth.
Seth: And will I still be 4 after that?
Me: Yes Seth. You will never be 3 again.
Seth: (completely satisfied now) OH GOOD!
He's such a great little guy. he loves to help his dad in the barn. He loves it when I make up a page of shapes that he has to color. He's super laid back and isn't embarrased to sit with his mom or to come get a hug. He's different from the rest of them and yet fits right in.
Happy Birthday son!
Monday, February 11, 2013
A Fruitful Work
I had such a great conversation in the church library yesterday morning.
A few months ago someone asked me what my favorite book was--my favorite book in the church library. I responded by handing the lady my own personal copy of Thomas Goodwin's 'Heart of Christ.' I gave her a few directions in terms of reading it (you know, take your time, it's pretty intense at times--don't feel bad if you have to put the book down at times). Well, yesterday she came back to the library to return the book to me. The effect the book had on me was almost exactly mirrored in her experience in reading the book.
She read it slowly. She told me that at times she could only read 1 paragraph. The intensity of the words hit her with such force that she had to put the book away and digest what she had just read. I had that exact same experience.
The entire message of the book just blew her away. Not to mention, she fell in love with the language too (it's written in an older style English). Just like I did.
She told me that she wants to read it again. I offered my copy back to her but she declined. No, she had already ordered her own copy with the intent to mark pages, underline pieces and make marginal notes. I also had done that exact same thing. In fact, I own 2 copies of the book--one is completely marked up and the other one is in perfect condition--that's the one I loan out. I also have now read the book 3 times--almost back to back. The book was first loaned to me by my pastor when I mentioned that I was interested in reading a little of Goodwin. Soon thereafter I asked for my own copy for my birthday. While reading that one, I ordered another copy to mark up. I don't know what it is about that book. I have never read anything like it.
Anyways...back to yesterday....
It is absolutely thrilling to see that a recommendation meant so much to a person. I was deeply grateful to the one who lent me the first copy. I am thankful I could pass on the 'gift'. It is at times like this that I love my job in the library. It's not just about checking out and shelving books...putting in the 20 minutes of 'service' for the church on the occasional Sunday--it's about finding the right book for the right person and seeing the fruits of true spiritual growth. That's what a church library is built for.
May God continue to bless the work.
A few months ago someone asked me what my favorite book was--my favorite book in the church library. I responded by handing the lady my own personal copy of Thomas Goodwin's 'Heart of Christ.' I gave her a few directions in terms of reading it (you know, take your time, it's pretty intense at times--don't feel bad if you have to put the book down at times). Well, yesterday she came back to the library to return the book to me. The effect the book had on me was almost exactly mirrored in her experience in reading the book.
She read it slowly. She told me that at times she could only read 1 paragraph. The intensity of the words hit her with such force that she had to put the book away and digest what she had just read. I had that exact same experience.
The entire message of the book just blew her away. Not to mention, she fell in love with the language too (it's written in an older style English). Just like I did.
She told me that she wants to read it again. I offered my copy back to her but she declined. No, she had already ordered her own copy with the intent to mark pages, underline pieces and make marginal notes. I also had done that exact same thing. In fact, I own 2 copies of the book--one is completely marked up and the other one is in perfect condition--that's the one I loan out. I also have now read the book 3 times--almost back to back. The book was first loaned to me by my pastor when I mentioned that I was interested in reading a little of Goodwin. Soon thereafter I asked for my own copy for my birthday. While reading that one, I ordered another copy to mark up. I don't know what it is about that book. I have never read anything like it.
Anyways...back to yesterday....
It is absolutely thrilling to see that a recommendation meant so much to a person. I was deeply grateful to the one who lent me the first copy. I am thankful I could pass on the 'gift'. It is at times like this that I love my job in the library. It's not just about checking out and shelving books...putting in the 20 minutes of 'service' for the church on the occasional Sunday--it's about finding the right book for the right person and seeing the fruits of true spiritual growth. That's what a church library is built for.
May God continue to bless the work.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The Dog's Name will Be....
This is our new dog. We picked him up today in Alder Flats. His name is Lincoln
Naming a dog is never easy--especially when you let 5 little people weigh in on the decision. Here's what everyone had to say:
PAUL:
Sam
Frodo
Gimley
Fridge
Venom
Spaghetti
Mario
Samson
Joseph
Groundhog
LINDSAY:
Chester
Pepper
Gandolf
Mongo
Romeo
Gladys Aylward
Christian
SETH:
Snow
Mr. Bear
ERIC:
Iron Dog
Killer of the 7 Coyotes
Petey
DAN:
Waurg
Aslan
Thor
Lincoln
Grizzly
Kodiak
Moose
Boston
YOURS TRULY:
Ivan
Boris
Sasha
Napoleon
Molson
Bruno
Monday, February 4, 2013
Wait on the Lord
A few weeks ago, someone asked me to write some 'words of wisdom' for their graduation. I don't consider myself wise, but at the same time I recognize that the Lord has taught me some lessons in this school called life. And while I still lean heavily on the wisdom of those older than me, I recognize that I also have a duty to those younger than me. What follows is my response to her request.
Psalm 27:14- Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Waiting well is like learning patience--it only comes through much practice. Life is full of waiting--doctor's offices, grocery check-out lines, etc. The Christian life is full of waiting too. Waiting for an answer to prayer or waiting for a godly spouse. In a Christian's life, waiting has less to do with patience and a lot more to do with faith--faith in a sovereign God who upholds and controls all things.
Wait on the Lord as you start out in life. Begin your day on your knees. Do not run ahead of your Lord. Bring Him your thoughts, your plans. Weigh them in the light of Scripture. Wait in faith and expectation for His leading and guidance. He will answer. To wait on the Lord means to be strong in the Lord. It is recognizing that he is your Captain and it would be considered mutiny to run ahead and pursue your own agenda before hearing His wise direction. The Lord is your Creator. In Him you live and move and have your being. You cannot operate apart from God. You were made to bring Him much glory. And yet the Lord has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11). Wait, and he will reveal it to you. He knows you. He knows your needs. He has inscribed you on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49: 16). He has left heaven to die on a cross for you. Trust in Him!
Wait on the Lord when trials press hard. The way to heaven is the way of affliction (2 Cor. 1:7). The word of God speaks much about trials. There is much comfort written for saints in trial. Man constantly wants to change his own circumstances. But sometimes God wills us to be silent. He lays the rod of affliction across our backs in such a way that we cannot raise ourselves from the dung heap. Yes, he is teaching us to trust Him. He is teaching us to draw our eyes heavenward and to wait on Him. Trials are a critical part of our sanctification. Here, more than in any other classroom in Christ's school do we learn to wait upon the Lord. We learn courage. We learn longsuffering. We learn how utterly useless and insufficient the world's wisdom is to a heavenbound pilgrim. We learn to cling to God--yes it seems by our very fingernails at times. When you meet someone who is very near to the Lord you can be sure that individual has spent a great deal of time under sore trial and difficulty. Little wonder James 1 can talk about counting it all joy when we fall into trial. The Lord is refining us. He is teaching us. He is drawing us closer yet to Himself. He has a vested interest in us, sealed with Christ's precious blood.
Wait on the Lord with great expectation for that wonderful Great Day. As pilgrims, we will have waited and longed for that heavenly home, sometimes with great intensity. Oh blessed, blessed day when the clouds will be rolled back and our eyes will see Him whom our soul loves so much. Best of all days when our precious Lord will come and gather His beloved to Himself and bring them to that home which He has prepared for them--a place of perfect, uninterupted communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. Is this not worth waiting for?! Worth striving against the flesh, the world and Satan these 80 or so years? As we wait for that day, press on! Live each and every day with eternity in mind. Live life, gazing heavenward.
Isaiah 25:9- And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and he will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; We will be glad and wait for His salvation.
Psalm 27:14- Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Waiting well is like learning patience--it only comes through much practice. Life is full of waiting--doctor's offices, grocery check-out lines, etc. The Christian life is full of waiting too. Waiting for an answer to prayer or waiting for a godly spouse. In a Christian's life, waiting has less to do with patience and a lot more to do with faith--faith in a sovereign God who upholds and controls all things.
Wait on the Lord as you start out in life. Begin your day on your knees. Do not run ahead of your Lord. Bring Him your thoughts, your plans. Weigh them in the light of Scripture. Wait in faith and expectation for His leading and guidance. He will answer. To wait on the Lord means to be strong in the Lord. It is recognizing that he is your Captain and it would be considered mutiny to run ahead and pursue your own agenda before hearing His wise direction. The Lord is your Creator. In Him you live and move and have your being. You cannot operate apart from God. You were made to bring Him much glory. And yet the Lord has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11). Wait, and he will reveal it to you. He knows you. He knows your needs. He has inscribed you on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49: 16). He has left heaven to die on a cross for you. Trust in Him!
Wait on the Lord when trials press hard. The way to heaven is the way of affliction (2 Cor. 1:7). The word of God speaks much about trials. There is much comfort written for saints in trial. Man constantly wants to change his own circumstances. But sometimes God wills us to be silent. He lays the rod of affliction across our backs in such a way that we cannot raise ourselves from the dung heap. Yes, he is teaching us to trust Him. He is teaching us to draw our eyes heavenward and to wait on Him. Trials are a critical part of our sanctification. Here, more than in any other classroom in Christ's school do we learn to wait upon the Lord. We learn courage. We learn longsuffering. We learn how utterly useless and insufficient the world's wisdom is to a heavenbound pilgrim. We learn to cling to God--yes it seems by our very fingernails at times. When you meet someone who is very near to the Lord you can be sure that individual has spent a great deal of time under sore trial and difficulty. Little wonder James 1 can talk about counting it all joy when we fall into trial. The Lord is refining us. He is teaching us. He is drawing us closer yet to Himself. He has a vested interest in us, sealed with Christ's precious blood.
Wait on the Lord with great expectation for that wonderful Great Day. As pilgrims, we will have waited and longed for that heavenly home, sometimes with great intensity. Oh blessed, blessed day when the clouds will be rolled back and our eyes will see Him whom our soul loves so much. Best of all days when our precious Lord will come and gather His beloved to Himself and bring them to that home which He has prepared for them--a place of perfect, uninterupted communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. Is this not worth waiting for?! Worth striving against the flesh, the world and Satan these 80 or so years? As we wait for that day, press on! Live each and every day with eternity in mind. Live life, gazing heavenward.
Isaiah 25:9- And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and he will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; We will be glad and wait for His salvation.
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