Looking and Longing

It is always sad when someone passes away.  Sad for their families and those of us who are left. But when a believer dies there is joy in knowing they have gone to the Lord.

Psalm 116
15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Recently a friend of ours passed over to Glory!

She was a friend through being in-law to some of our good friends, but we had known and spent time with her over the last 26 years.   A godly woman, very hospitable, open, outspoken.  She was a woman  who joyed to go to His house  (Psalm 122) and she beheld how good and pleasant it was to meet with the brethren (Psalm 133). Her chief end was to glorify God. *"Maria" had suffered chronic illness all that time with Lupus and associated problems but was finally taken by cancer.  She was in her early fifties and left a husband, four children and several grandchildren.

*"Maria's" funeral service was a beautiful simple worship service and her Pastor, a friend since childhood, conducted it.  His own wife had been brought to Christ through "Maria's" witness  and friendship.  He preached from Joshua chapter 3 - the beautiful picture of the Israelites passing through the river Jordan on dry land  as the priests stood holding the Ark of the Covenant, and into the Promised Land..    Sign.....how touching, encouraging and attention getting that picture is.  It was a beautiful gospel message of hope in Christ for the unbelievers there and brought a sense of longing for our Promised Land  to all believers.

Psalm 130
 ⁵I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
 ⁶My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
 ⁷Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

One of the things which both moved and convicted me about "Maria" was the wonderful testimony she left.  In her final weeks of life I was also in hospital in Brisbane and her Pastor, whom I know, came to visit me.  He was able to share the beautiful way in which "Maria" was clinging to Christ through pain and fear.  She knew that even now, Christ could heal her and restore her earthly body, but she trusted that He would do all things well for her, his child, even if it was to receive her into glory and leave her earthly ties. 

Psalm 48
14 "For this God is our God, for ever and ever.  He will be our guide, even unto death."

1 Samuel 3
18 "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

Also, her children and everyone close to her - family, christian friends, unsaved co-workers - all spoke highly of her love of the Lord, her family and her concern for lost souls.  Her children, all adults now, were able to tell of the many years which she had endured pain, fatigue and stresses and yet never complained or over burdened them either physically or emotionally.  This spoke a lot to me in my own circumstances. Often we put on a brave face to the outside but what impression are we leaving with our families?

1 Timothy 6:6
 "But Godliness with contentment is great gain."

 Seeking help, accepting offers are all good and neccessary. I know that we need to let people know where we need the help, but "Maria" seems to have managed to do all that and yet not whinge and complain.     A marvellous work of Grace in her life. Would that we could all die with such a testimony to the abundant blessings of God on us, who once were lost.

Proverbs 31

¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 ¹²She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 ²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
 ²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 ²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 ³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
 ³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection

"Maria" ........
Resting in the grave till the Resurrection



* Not her real name.

The Saints in My Pocket

Recently, it was commented to me that my church family live in one another's pockets, spend too much time together etc. etc. This troubled me a little as it just didn't sit right with me. Most of us struggle to maintain both fellowship and charity and feel we are often isolated.  We do not want to become "Sunday" Christians with a cheery facade and shallow talk on the Lord's day and a self absorbed life the rest of the week.
One of the "pitfalls" I have seen with  some families is a tendency to not only teach the children at home, but to become insular and totally home focused to the exclusion of our other relationships in life.
Don't read me wrongly here, I strongly agree that our husband, children, home come first but there is a place for our wider circle.
How would one cope in the New Testament church where they had all things in common? I think our lives have become very selfish and man centred rather than God centred. People rightly protect their privacy but to the exclusion of the needy, the lonely, the hurting, sacrificing their own growth in the meantime. Breaking the bruised reed and quenching the smoking flax.

I was visited by two dear elderly saints last week. (You might remember them from here.) They were returning from an appointment and it was quite a huge effort to climb our stairs and make that visit. Once again they reiterated the great blessing that the brethren have been to them in these difficult days of sickness , pain and inability. The folk have faithfully visited and assisted for quite a few years now. Their own many years of service to others is being repaid many fold.

The same critic told me that people these days are stubborn and hard hearted and do not receive correction. Hmmm...no doubt this is true. Our hearts are hard but I see a correlation here. Being receptive and teachable  involves relationship. A closeness to God and to people. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. One who is unwilling to enter into the unique covenant relationship which Christians in fellowship share,  cannot expect to be embraced and listened to in the same way.

Our families and lives are private. but we should be living in a way which is open to scrutiny. Again, this person, though so critical  of others, makes their own home  like a no-go zone to others ~ hiding what?
We are told to be keepers of our own homes, not to run from house to house, not to be gossips. On the other hand we are to bear one another's burdens, help the sick, the widow and the orphan, encourage the downcast. It is natural to spend time with the ones we are closest to and get along with best, but we are responsible to include the less comely ones. The body (of Christ) aches when one part is severed.
It is not only heresy and liberalism which is tearing the Body apart but apathy and a neglect of this great biblical principle ~ we are united in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Hospitality is a requirement! Office bearer particularly are to be given to hospitality and it is a mark of the Proverbs 31 home to open ones arms to the poor and needy.

Friends, we all live shallow and sin laden lives when held up to the scrutiny of the Word. Forgive me if I sound jaded on this. I am very conscious of my own failings to love and support others, to  put God first and foremost and the work of the kingdom above what profits me. In New Testament time the people marvelled. See how they (Christians) love one another! Can this be said of us? We are to bear one another's burdens. We are to encourage and admonish one another. We are to walk along side as per Titus 2, both men and women. To show the scriptures more clearly as did Aquila and Priscilla. To lay down our lives if required!

John 13
34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Lord, grant me a heart to serve you and your people. To love the brethren and reach out to the needy. Forgive me also for an impatient and critical attitude and help me to be kind to those whose views differ.
Thank you, Lord, that my pockets are full! Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!

Pondering the Second

While I believe that all of the Ceremonial Laws of the Old Testament, all of the types and shadows used in those days by the people of God, are fulfilled in Christ, and no longer required to be performed by his people,  I also believe that the Moral Law, summarized in the Ten commandments is binding on the people of God to this day.

Galatians 3:24

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

We are not saved by it nor can we even fulfil it but Christ has done that perfect work for the salvation of his people. He fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law and God leaves his people with his moral laws which stand forever as our guide to faith and practice.
Some in our day believe that this has no use for the redeemed people of God, but how shall we know we are sinners and in need of a Saviour unless we know that God's holy Law is broken? Although the Law is written on our hearts we are slow and stubborn and God is merciful to set it before us from old.
Some say, that not all of this  moral law is binding on the people of God in the Gospel age. For example, that we no longer should keep a day entirely set aside to the worship of God. (4th commandment) But the command that I am pondering is the second:

Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Many say that this command is no longer a requirement of believers in the one true God. As I come from a religious background which uses many icons and images, this is a commandment which I see being broken constantly. People will argue that they do not worship statues and holy pictures etc. but the truth is that they are used as aids to worship and are idolatrous, often they are not even depictions of any of the persons of the Godhead .  Either way, they are not  acceptable to God.
God wants, yea commands, the broken spirit and contrite heart and is jealous for his worship. His Word and Spirit create in us the worshipful attitude. We are to worship in Spirit and in truth and not by the imaginations of men.



Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 50. What is required in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his word.

Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment forbids the worshiping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word.

Q. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God's sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he hath to his own worship.

Here's something to think about.

What of pictures depicting our Lord, Jesus Christ?

When I make up my Jewels

I had the great privilege to sit and reason together with two very dear and aging saints today. Where two or three are gathered, there is the Lord in the midst of us. As we yarned, laughed and praised God for his unfailing goodness, I sensed that true and beautiful unity that the saints share when we fellowship in his name. This godly man, now in a very rigid and painful stage of Parkinson's disease rested his head  back and  tears began to run down his face. His dear wife questioned him in alarm. But they were not tears of pain, he was trying to express something.
"Malachi, jewels," he said hoarsely.
"It's a verse!" I suggested. He's trying to tell us a verse."
Sure enough! As she pressed him and looked it up, he was quoting Malachi 3.


16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.


17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.


18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Need I say that I too shed a tear '-)

What Cost?

"The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death—we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow him, or it may be a death like Luther’s, who had to leave the monastery and go out into the world. But it is the same death every time—death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old man at his call.

"(The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Life After Motherhood

Now, that is a come along title isn't it?

Once a mother, always a mother! I only need to look at my own dear mother. Eighty, frail, forgetful. But always a mother. Even when she doesn't get our names right she is thinking all the time about us, how we are going, how the grandchildren are coping, where in the world everyone is.

But I am pondering the ways in which we should occupy our time when the home based years of training and raising children are over. What you say? But that time may come far more quickly then we imagine. I have sisters, friends and blog acquaintances already in this phase. A couple who are sadly, widows. Life will not always be as it is now.
What saith the scriptures?

Titus 2
3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

We are told in .1 Timothy 2:14,15 that the woman, having been deceived,  shall be saved in childbearing. It  seems to me, that if the Lord wills, this serves to keep a woman occupied in the good deeds of caring for her husband, their home and their children where her natural inclination is to be easily led astray with other worldly distractions. So, from Titus 2 we may gather that, when we are aged we might be prone to some gossip and bad behaviour. Let's face it, we often need these good things to occupy us lest we might run amok! The tongue in particular can be a problem for the older and under occupied woman.

The more mature woman is to teach, by example the young women in her sphere of influence. For me this will include my daughters, but perhaps others who come into our lives through family, church and other Providences.

And in the empty nest stage of life, how important will be the foundation set in our relationships with our husbands. What we sow, so shall we reap. This is going to be so apparent both in our post children relationship with our husbands and in the ongoing role we play in the lives of our children and Lord willing grandchildren.

As I observe the older women in my own circle I see a variety of approaches. Some see this as the "selfish" time of life. They travel, spend money on luxuries and socialize a great deal. Others see this as a time to serve in a new way. This is where our christian world view influences our choices. the experienced Godly woman has such a lot to share, a great deal of encouragement and good advice. Wisdom hard won through a busy life in her child raising years.

I have many hopes and dreams for those years although right now I am making the very best of every day. I do not long to be out of this season but I look ahead hopefully to the next. As a woman in the mid season of life, I can already see the wisdom in the Titus passage and the responsibility we carry in passing on the meek and quiet spirit of godly womanhood. There are plenty today who claim Christianity but use the same strident voices as the feminists of this day. Does this reflect verse 5 to you? discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient . I esteem those older women who quietly lead by example. I have enough struggles with my own forceful nature, but we are to emulate Sarah whose daughters we are.

As often happens, my thoughts are floating a little. You  know that I do find it difficult to keep on track some times! But all these thoughts are related, I think. While the years without children in the home may seem far off, yet all our life is preparing for those days. Will I build up my house like a wise woman or tear it down? Will I lay a foundation now for the years ahead in serving the Lord in the realm of the aged woman? Will I be one who goes into that age bitter, twisted, full of gossip and running from house to house, or one who loves God and loves his people and reaches my hand to the poor ,  needy and the lost?

Proverbs 14:1

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

ooOoo

                                                                                                                                                   Psalm 128

1 Blessed is each one that fears the Lord,

and walketh in his ways;

2 For of thy labour thou shalt eat,

and happy be always.

3 Thy wife shall as a fruitful vine

by thy house' sides be found:

Thy children like to olive-plants

about thy table round.

4 Behold, the man that fears the Lord,

thus bless-ed shall he be.

5 The Lord shall out of Zion give

his blessing unto thee:

Thou shalt Jerus'lem's good behold

whilst thou on earth dost dwell.

6 Thou shalt thy children's children see,

and peace on Israel.

(Scottish Metrical Version)

Fruitfulness

Physically fruitfulness is a blessing from God. It is a coveted christian privilege and one that the world has sadly come to view as a curse.

But what of spiritual fruitfulness? This is what I have been pondering a lot lately. Am I growing? Am I blossoming? Am I beginning to bear much fruit?

We struggle with our besetting sins. We stumble, we fall. But the Psalm tells us that the man is blessed who fears the Lord and walks in his ways. This is the secret to happiness and he shall reap the fruit of his labour.

Do I exhibit love, joy and peace? how about gentleness, goodness, faith and suffering long? am I meek and temperate?
It's quite a hefty list when you look at it and really look at how you are going on a day to day basis. I know the struggles I have especially with losing patience, with having a meek and gentle spirit, with showing love.

But God....is working in his new creations. By his grace we are moving, no matter how slowly, on our pilgrimage in sanctification. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. I am so thankful and humbled by His amazing Grace.

I have studied before the "Fruits of the Spirit" . I need to seek more diligently to make them an evidence in my life of my love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Not just reading and praying about them (very important :-)
but making the fruits of righteousness evident in my life. The Holy Spirit indwells all who believe and trust in Him. May we live each day as witnesses to this great blessing.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5: 22,23



Very inspirational clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA&feature=player_embedded



This young man is a great witness for his faith in Christ and lives it! Take a look at the clip. .

Make Secular Things Sacred

.
We shall be wise to make secular things sacred by trusting them with God. Faith is not for eternity alone but for this fleeting hour also. It is good for the shop and for the market-place, for the field and for the domestic hearth. For the cares of the moment, as well as for all else, we take refuge under the wings of God. There shall we be blessed for Christ's sake.

C.H Spurgeon

Humble Servants

"The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." — John Calvin

I read this recently at a blog I was visiting and Calvin's quote came back to me as I was pondering the role of the Pastor (Teaching Elder) in our congregations. I have previously discussed the Pastor here. In that post I was pondering what our responsibilities are toward him and about the great stresses and pitfalls which men who are called into the ministry encounter.

Just now I am thinking about the Minister and his position in relation to his congregation. He is an elder, but one by reason of his calling by God to preach the gospel . He has authority and great responsibility in expounding God's precious Word to the people. This is the voice Calvin referred to as gathering the sheep, He teaches, exhorts and Lord willing unites the flock.
In his preaching and teaching he also has the difficult task of admonishing and warning the people. Driving away false teachers and those who would draw the people into false doctrines and practices. Again, it is a reminder to me to constantly pray for the Pastor, his labour in the Word of God, his family and that Satan would not get a foot hold. It seems that this is the devil's delight ~ to strike the (under) Shepards and scatter the sheep.

Someone said to me that the Pastor is to be held in respect. I do believe and seek to do this as his office requires. I do think however that a minister can become haughty. Most of us who have been in the Church for many years will have seen men who have become so proud of their knowledge/ gifts etc that they loose touch with the people to some extent. Some times he goes off on a tangent on some doctrinal issue and maybe leads away a group of followers who have slavishly listened or causes members to leave the assembly because of his domineering tyranny. Often when splits in churches occur they are not even over an issue of doctrinal conscience but rather personality clashes. Unity is lost.

While we are all responsible to search the scriptures and test the teaching we receive, we should all be willing and teachable when we have been heading down a wrong path. We make the minister's job so much more difficult when we are dull of hearing and hard of heart. But we must also be wise as serpents, alert to false teaching and "hobby horses" being pushed. This means reading, praying, meditating constantly on the Scriptures.

I have been thinking of the Lord Jesus, our perfect example both in Christian life and for the ministry. Yes, he spoke boldly and always the truth. Not everyone listened or received his perfect teaching.
But he was also meek and lowly in heart. He was despised and rejected but he answered not again. He was a humble servant. He washed the feet of the saints. This is a picture to think upon and treasure. The good shepherd who would leave the ninety nine safe and go looking for one lost sheep.

I trust you appreciate and pray for your Pastor. May the congregation of the Lord's people be blessed by Godly servants, humble in their high calling to proclaim the Gospel. And with eager "Bereans" in the pews who gladly receive the Word and live it.
God help us.

1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Choices and Consequences

As we began a series from the Book of Ruth yesterday morning, Pastor pointed out the choices and consequences made by the characters in Ruth chapter 1.

The choice of Elimelech, unbelieving and unwise. A choice which let to disastrous consequences for himself and his family.

The choice of Naomi, hopeful but doubting. She chose what was right and good for herself but lacked trust to bring her daughters-in-law with her.

The choice of Ruth. The choice made in faith!

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee:

for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:

thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Ruth 1:16

The Book of Ruth is the story of the redemption of one family. But greater still it points to the redemption found in Christ. Our own choices always have consequences either for good or evil. I look back over my life and know that many choices have been made in unbelief, doubt, fear and lack of wisdom.

Oh to be like Ruth. To choose to cleave only to the Lord and his people and to choose that good and right path. What great consequences came about from her faithful life.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever, He will be our guide even unto death."

Psalm 48:14

A True Confession

Last week Jillian posted some excellent thoughts about the attitude we should have towards all our mundane tasks, namely ironing. This post received a surprising number of comments. Obviously, ironing is a subject very close to all of our hearts!
Some more serious subjects were covered as well, like...er..the return of the Lord Jesus Christ! Pop over if you are interested to read what everyone had to say. It was a good example of encouraging one another in doing well and being ready for that great day.
.

Now I am quite open that I do not particularly like to iron. I do it. We have good garments which need pressing. For the most part we are all at home most of the time and I endeavour to buy house/ work clothing which needs little or no ironing. When it needs to be done I try to do it with a good attitude.
"Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. "
I have even on occasions done ironing for friends when they are unwell or have new babies etc. This was something I always appreciated myself. My lovely mother ironed here once a week when my boys were little and we had school and a lot happening. She didn't much like it either but she figured it was a big help and something she could do out of the way. A labour of love♥

Two Things I Confess
.
#1 I have, in periods of extreme pressure/ over whelmedness/ illness PAID a lady to do ironing.

#2 I have in situations where a friend has been under extreme pressure/ overwhelmed/ unwell/ snowed under with school/ many children/ a new baby, SUGGESTED that they PAY someone to do their ironing.

There, I said it. Am I lazy? A bad housekeeper? a poor friend? (okay, I openly admit I am not a good house keeper:-) Most of us who are homeschooling and one income families cannot really justify this long term, but sometimes it is worth the budgeting sacrifice to keep on top. Ironing ladies usually work fairly cheaply and it is amazing what a lift it can give a girl to have that wretched job out of the way. Also allows her to get the family out of the house looking good when she needs to and have hubby nicely dressed for work.

As with my blog and friends on the net, my real life friends and I try to build up and encourage one another. We can do this in practical ways as well as discussing deep theological issues. It is often our practical coming along beside a friend which helps us and them to deal with life and in turn devote more time and energy to the more important spiritual matters. Faith without works is dead.

Mary chose the good part. She sat at the Lord's feet and was not hindered by cares and cumbrances. She did the one thing needful. While I struggle to keep up with my household chores, I like to think that the priorities are in place. I'm plugging away at it!

My home is clean enough to be healthy

and dirty enough to be happy!

Worldly Cares are Great Hindrances

Matthew Henry

"Worldly cares are a great hindrance to our profiting by the word of God., and our proficiency in religion.  They eat up that vigour of soul which should be spent in divine things, divert us from duty, distract us in duty and do us most mischief of all afterwards, quenching the sparks of good affection and bursting the cords of good resolution; those who are careful and cumbered about many things commonly neglect the one thing needful.

Psalm 119

15 I will thy holy precepts make
my meditation;
And carefully I'll have respect
unto thy ways each one.

16 Upon thy statutes my delight
shall constantly be set:
And, by thy grace, I never will
thy holy word forget.

(Scottish Metrical Version)

Roots and Wings

"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings."



Roots, to be firmly established and grounded in love. and wings to fly and reach heights beyond your expectations.

Psalm 1 tells us that the man is blessed who does not walk in the council of the ungodly, nor stands with sinners nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But rather delights in and meditates on the law of the Lord.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

The roots of a strong faith, a loving family, parents committed to one another,
enable a child to grow into a grounded and confident adult. To dare to dream dreams and know that the home team is cheering. Always supporting and encouraging. This child reaches for goals that we as parents may have never dreamed of.
WingsSee how the Eagle soars! Such grace, such freedom, such confidence! He has trust in his abilities, his skill and he knows he has a firm and protected base to return to. He dares to soar out beyond the line of vision and try new pastures.

As parents, though we have invested many years, many tears, many prayers into the raising of our children, our job is not done until we have rooted and grounded them firmly enough to let them go. They are going to make mistakes, they are going to make decisions we do not agree with. They know what we believe on things. that our life and faith is grounded in the Word of God, yet they will at times make contrary choices. But if they know that we are behind them, upholding them in prayer, loving them, then they will spread their wings and fly!

Ah, there are reams that could be written about the does and don'ts of child rearing. From catechizing to spanking, not supporting our children in sinful lifestyles, not holding on, not letting go,..... but just for now think of

Roots and Wings!

Closer than a Brother

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. : Proverbs 18: 24


And of course the remedy and beautiful conclusion to the thoughts of my post last Friday, is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

For all of us who trust in him as our saviour, we have placed our trust in him and he is faithful. If you have walked with the Lord a long time, you will know and lean on this with confidence. It took me many years to embrace this, I regret to admit. I spent many hours wallowing in the slough of despond when troubles came. But gradually, I came to recognize that each and every time, the Lord upheld me, comforted me and lifted me up. He brought true friends along side as well to help bear my burdens. He showed me how to be a good friend to others.
As one commenter said, we learn not to cling to these earthly friendships, but to appreciate them and be thankful for them, even when they come into our lives only for a short season.

Wrong friendships.

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4


As his bride, we must keep faithful to our spouse, our closest friend, and avoid the alluring friendships of this world. Be wise in your choices for many there be that walk the broad road which leads to destruction.


We sang this Psalm yesterday morning and it again reminded me where my only hope and confidence lie.

He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he;
He only is my sure defence:
I shall not moved be.

Psalm 62:6

(Scottish Metrical Version)

Of B & S Balls and God's Good Hand

Last week in my post on How Aussie are You? one of the questions was whether I had attended a B & S Ball. Bachelor's and Spinster's Balls were very much the rage in the 80s, when I was a young unsaved woman in my late teens and early 20s. Usually they were held in out of the way locations, remote sheep and cattle stations, shearing sheds or the hall of a one horse town. The girls dressed to the nines and men wore penguin suits. They were entire weekends of dancing, drinking and partying. Drunkeness and immorality were common and accepted . Sunday was "Recovery" held at a nearby country pub, the Lord's Day being totally desecrated.

How amazing is God's grace!

I rarely reminisce over those days because I see little/ no virtue in them. Though I was considered conservative even then among my friends, it was a lifestyle far from the Lord or even the good moral upbringing I had received.
Any of you who have known the gracious salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ, will be thankful also. Praise God! We can look back over every event of our lives and know that all that happened to us was in the providence of God. Except I had lived enjoying the fleeting pleasures of this world and experienced their emptiness, I might not now appreciate so great salvation. His mercy and loving kindness in preserving me through every stage of my life until now are such a comfort and assurance to think on and remember in difficult times.
I had many great friends in those days, some of whom I am still in contact with. It is a marvel to ponder why God chose me out of that group of people, called me, justified me and now by his grace is sanctifying me
All things work together for good to them that love God!

Ephesians 2
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: "

The Sword of the Lord

Here is great little historical snippet at

Virginia is for Huguenots.

It is about William Wallace so if you have Scottish heritage or love that era of history check it out.

The Will of God Concerning You

Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18

The Scriptures are full of treasures to be mined, studied, memorized, loved by the people of God. Not in a lifetime can we know it all. Every reading, every day there is something new to ponder and digest. The very word of God, the words of eternal life!

Yesterday we heard a very challenging and thought provoking message from 1 Thessalonians regarding that glorious and much anticipated event, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. I've said before I am not courageous enough to tackle the end times on my blog, but what a wonderful chapter to read and contemplate this is.

I am thinking on the above verses this morning which come toward the end of that chapter. The Bible is full of deep and sometimes difficult teachings, but look at the simplicity of these instructions. Short, direct, clear, simple. Rejoice, pray, give thanks.

While we wait in longing and expectation for the great and terrible day of the Lord, let's apply these positives to our lives.

Have a good and productive week everyone!

Robert Murray M'Cheyne ~ I love the Lord's Day

"We love everything that is Christ’s. We love his word. It is better to us than thousands of gold and silver. “O how we love his law! it is our study all the day.” We love his house. It is our trysting-place with Christ, where He meets with us and communes with us from off the mercy-seat. We love his table. It is his banqueting-house, where His banner over us is love - where He looses our bonds, and anoints our eyes, and makes our hearts burn with holy joy. We love his people, because they are His, members of His body, washed in His blood, filled with His Spirit, our brothers and sisters for eternity. And we love the Lord’s day, because it is his. Every hour of it is dear to us - sweeter than honey, more precious than gold. It is the day He rose for our justification. It reminds us of His love, and His finished work, and His rest. And we may boldly say that that man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ who does not love the entire Lord’s day."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

From his sermon, "I love the Lord's Day", preached December 18, 1841

The Narrow Way

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew7: 13, 14

Our Pastor recently used a good illustration when preaching on this passage.

Imagine a great mass of people, packed into the street, surging forward.... In the excitement many are carried along. The street is filled, everyone is caught up in the frenzy. Who knows what the final destination is?

But then, imagine a solitary explorer, in a tunnel. The path is narrow. the cliffs rise up on either side. There is darkness all around and only one way out. Just one possible destination.

I've been thinking more on this. Last year we visited the local caves. The guide turned off the lights and the darkness was a deep "felt" blackness. But what made the tour possible for us? The light! "I am the Light of the world" .

These have been good thoughts to begin a new year. It is usually a time when we make resolutions, re-schedule, re consider our commitments. As I think about 2010, I am purposing anew to follow the straight path. It is the narrow path, the path less travelled. But it is the path that leads unto life! If we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, read, study and put into practice his Word, we have that assurance that we are on the right path. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

Ruth

Here is a link to a write up on the Desiring God blog about John Piper's newest book "A Sweet and Bitter Providence". A book about the biblical Book of Ruth. It piqued my interest and I thought it might yours, though I have not ordered it and will refrain from doing so for a while as I have a PILE of books in the reading queue at present.

You would think being holidays I would be doing heaps of reading, but there is just so much to do, so many places to go, people to see, babies to googaa at .... :-)

Hopefully one day, I shall manage to read this highly recommended book on the noble Ruth. If you happen to read it - let us know what you think.