A Little Something on God's Sovereignty

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:10-11

Today I find comfort by remembering that God's mighty hand is the one which will bring forth all of the details that he has mapped out for my life. It's easy to become discouraged when we have certan ideas that don't work out. But we can rest that no matter what, whatever it is that GOD plans, it will be accomplished. Thankful for peace and rest in the sovereignty of our Creator.

The Rainbow in the Clouds

The rainbow appears when we have most reason to fear the rain prevailing; God then shows this seal of the promise, that it shall not prevail. The thicker the cloud, the brighter the bow in the cloud. Thus, as threatening afflictions abound, encouraging consolations much more abound. The rainbow is the reflection of the beams of the sun shining upon or through the drops of rain: all the glory of the seals of the covenant are derived from Christ, the Sun of righteousness. And he will shed a glory on the tears of his saints.*

Yesterday evening while in Winamac (celebrating Alicia's completion of high school!), a huge storm came through.  Several of us stood outside watching the storm brew and standing in the midst of it while it greeted us with its powerful presence.  To experience things like this is a marvelous reminder of the power of God. 

I saw a miraculous thing yesterday. It may mean little to my readers but to me it was momentous.  I have been praying for a rainbow for some time.  I have experienced a few since, and although they are all beautiful, I've never seen anything like this one in my life.  I want to record this and share some photos. 

I'm so thankful to serve and know the God of all creation, who creates such beautiful things and blesses us by allowing us to experience his beauty through them. 

*Excerpt from commentary by Matthew Henry on Genesis 9:8-17.

Do All in Jesus' Name

"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 3:28

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23

These verses (along with the rest of the teaching in chapter 3) have been continually brought to surface in my life lately. It is so easy for us to do deceive ourselves into thinking that things we say or do are for God but ultimately what it boils down to is our selfish pride. We attain goals or say things to "build others up" but it's often resulting from our own motiviation to receive something for ourselves - not for the sake of Christ.

This may seem like a simple point on the surface.  Have you been able to unerringly apply this truth to your life?  I know I most certainly am not able to do it on my own - nor do I claim to have come even close.  Only through the power of the Spirit of God may we even come close to reaching this goal.

I don't bring this to you (nor do I usually bring anything that I share here), assuming it is something new or greater than anything else anyone else has said.  No, I hope I never reach that point in my walk as pride is our greatest enemy.  I share this to encourage others.  To point others to Christ.  And I hope if I am ever wrong or if others wish to share with me on my blog (or anywhere else for that matter), that they would speak up.

The Greatest Act of Mercy

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities."

I listened to this this morning. I found myself extremely humbled as I heard in intricate detail the pains and agony that Christ went through in his final hours, bearing the sin that I so selfishly commit against him every day of my life, so that I may be forgiven. I'm so thankful today for the grace that I do not deserve on my own, but through Christ I am granted, because of the selfless life and act of sacrifice and love that he poured out for all of us, so that our cups may truly overflow.
"He drinks for hours. He downs every drop of the scalding liquid of God's own hatred of sin, mingled with his white hot wrath against that sin. This is the Father's cup. Omnipotent hatred and anger for the sins of every generation past present and future. Omnipotent wrath directed at one naked man hanging on a cross. The father can no longer look at his beloved Son. His heart's treasure, the mere image of Himself; and he looks away. Jesus pushes himself upward and howls to heaven, "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" Silence. Separation. Jesus whispers, "I'm thirsty." And he sags. The merciful centurion soaks a spnoge in sour wine and lifts it on a reed to Jesus' lips, and the sour wine is the sweetest drink he ever tasted. Jesus pushed himself up again and he cries, "It is finished!" And it is. Every sin of every child of God has been laid on Jesus and he drank the cup of God's wrath dry.... "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And he dies." (Quoted from audio)

The picture painted here is a breathtaking representation of true love and sacrifice.

So here's what I heard: The Father's Cup: A Crucifixion Narrative


"Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much that you gave your life so that your children may be forever freed from the grips of eternal sin and death. Thank you for the forgivneess of sins that we now have as a result of the pains you bore on the cross. Please grant us grace to be more like you - to love selflessly and to truly desire to turn from our wicked sin. We know that each time we sin, it pains you deeply. Please help us to love you so much and hate our sin so much that we desperately want to please you, living every moment and taking captive every thought and action for you. Please help us through the power of your holy spirit to be strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might. Amen."

Make It A Matter of Prayer

When you are weary in body and soul

Cumbered with many a care

When work is claiming its strength-taking toll

Make it a matter of prayer.

And when you're discouraged, distraught or dismayed

Sinking almost in despair

Remember there's One who will come to your aid,

If you'll make it a matter of prayer.

And when you are lost in this world's tangled maze

When life seems a hopeless affair

Direction will come for all of your ways

If you'll make it a matter of prayer.

- Unknown -

Hearing the Voice of God!

In the below article, John Piper explains how he heard the voice of God one morning in 2007. He talks about how he knew what he heard was clearly the words of God and how he will never forget those words and the details about which they came to him.

Can you imagine?! Hearing words directly out of the mouth of God, the creater of all of the world?! The One in charge of EVERYTHING who holds your entire life and all of the rest of the universe in the palm of his almighty hand?! Speaking to you?!

You can!! Pray. Open your bible. Read. His words are throughout all of the pages! :)

The Morning I Heard the Voice of God by John Piper

Our Aim

"You who see my soul within,
You who know my unknown sin,
Through your holy eyes let me
Learn what sin is unto Thee.

Make me, Pure One, as you art,
Pure in mind and soul and heart;
Never satisfied with less
Than your perfect holiness."

The Joys (and Not-So-Joys) of The Beginning Stages of Homeschooling

I've been mulling over many thoughts and ideas about exactly which approach I want to take with Ava (not that I'm planning to pick one set approach and cling to that alone and nothing more or less). I have planned to and continue to plan to educate her clasically, but even with that there are still so many options and ideas. From curriculum choices (Do I choose just one? Do I take some of this and some of that? Do I even bother with one?) to how to know when she is ready for which level, subject, etc., to which books to choose to how often we do everything... It might be an understatement to say that I am quite overwhelmed.

My natural inclination is to want to sort everything out and have it all organized and planned out so I know exactly what I am doing before I do it; however, I have come to a couple realizations regaring this: 1. It might take me a lifetime to gain all of the knowledge I would want myself to have before beginning (sometimes I set unrealistic goals for myself) and 2. I cannot let her sit idly while I try to figure all of this out. 3. REST in the Lord, Courtney! God is the pilot of our ships and he will not lead me astray. Give it to HIM! *Sigh of relief*

As a result of these realizations, over the past few days we have been inching our way into a (very casual) routine of daily exercises for Ava. Today we did shape tracing and I was so surprised at how well she did!

The first three shapes of each row (excluding the heart) were traced jointly with me guiding her hand (you can see at the bottom of the triangle how she got excited and was ready to start on her own, thus the slippage of the line :) ). The rest she did by herself after she said, "Watch me, Mom!" She then wanted to draw a heart for her Mamae so I made that possible for her.

I am loving this!!! Teaching and watching my daughter learn brings so much joy to me!! I wonder how much more joy does it bring to our Heavenly Father when he watches us act out His plans four our lives and obey and find comfort and rest and peace and joy in Him!?

P.S. Don't judge my title. James 1:2

Obedience

"So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran." Genesis 12:4

Throughout Abraham's life we saw many examples of what obedience should look like. Abram's obedience was driven by faith. He did not know where he was going. He didn't ask any questions. He didn't have to know all of the details - exactly how it would turn out, what (if anything) he might lose on the way. He didn't wrestle with God before moving. He cut his ties, and moved.

So often I hear God telling me to do something and I hesitate. I want to make sure the waters are going to part before I step foot in.

Oh, Lord! Please give us all the faith of our forefather. Please help us to trust you with every step you guide us to take, without question and without trying to step in as though our hand is somehow bigger than yours. Thank you that we can rest in your sovereign will to guide us to where you know is best.

The Throne of Grace

The throne of grace is for the needy!

Whatever your burden is, give it to God. From a mild affliction to a heavy burden - there is no better remedy than to cast it at the feet of our mighty God! Sometimes we want to dwell on it, or face it on our own, to prove to ourselves our own might or to "strengthen" ourselves against whatever it is that we are weighed down by. But that does us no good but instead usually ends up causing further destruction. Instead...

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

When we give our burdens to God and submit our wills to Him, it is the very essence of sanctification. Each time we face trials and temptations, we must look at it as a blessing for if it turns us to Him in prayer we are filled with the grace and mercy our soul needs. Our needs are thus met with blessings.

The throne of grace is for the needy!

Our Master's Works

"All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created." John 1:3

We like to look at a beautiful piece of workmanship, and remember that some beloved friend of ours fashioned it. This makes it more precious and sacred.

Some orphan children had been received into an institution, and were exchanging their old garments for new ones. One poor boy was seen picking up the wretched cap he had been wearing, and tearing out of it a piece of faded silk that had been sewed into it. He was asked why he wanted to keep the patch; and he said, his eyes full of tears, that his mother had sewed it into his old cap with her thin frail fingers when she was on her death-bed, and he wanted to keep it in remembrance of her.

Men prize old paintings, and pay large prices for them, because they were painted by some famous master. All the works of nature would be sacred to us—if we but remembered that our Savior made them. The sweet flowers in the field would be all the sweeter—if we only thought as we look upon them, "The hands of Christ painted these!"

Let Nothing Be Wasted!

"Gather the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted!" John 6:12

It seems remarkable, that He who so easily could multiply the five loaves into an abundant meal for thousands, should be so particular about 'saving the fragments'. But Jesus would teach us economy. No matter how great our abundance, we should take care of the 'fragments'. After we have eaten at our tables, there are hungry people who would be glad for the pieces that are left over.

This applies also to the fragments of time. Many busy people waste whole years of time in their life—in the minutes which they lose every day! If at the end of a year they could gather up all these 'fragments', they would have many basketfuls of golden time in which they might do much good!

Likewise, we should not waste our strength. Many people waste their bodily energy, using it in play, or useless amusements, when it belongs to God—and ought to be employed to its last particle for His glory!

Likewise, we should not waste our affections by allowing them to be given to unworthy objects or people.

There is no limit to the application of this principle. We must give account of everything we have, even the minutes of time, the little fractions of strength, and the smallest bits of bread on our tables!

"Gather the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted!" John 6:12


(By J. R. Miller, "Miller's Year Book—a Year's Daily Readings")
Source: http://www.gracegems.org

A Challenge to All Fellow Believers

Remember next time you are tempted to look sideways at a brother or sister for an action of theirs that you are only a step away yourself from "falling off of the curb" (or mis-stepping, trespassing, SINNING). Put yourself in their shoes for a minute in your mind and ponder not only how you would feel but also if you would be in need of a friend. Would your heart not be even more deeply burdened by the gawking and slander of seemingly perfect people? And at what point was it that you yourself reached perfection? We are told in the fourth chapter of the book of James to not speak evil against one another or to judge (v. 11), and that there is only one lawgiver and judge and he is able to save and destroy (v. 12) - what can you do for that person? You can do what Christ would!

Would Christ turn his head the other way when that person comes walking across their path because he is worried he might say something wrong as a result of his own harsh opinion? He would put his loving arm around that person's shoulder and gently guide him back in the direction he needs to go and will speak the sweet words, "You are forgiven."

That is exactly how we need to be - full of grace and forgiveness, and willing to help one another get back to where we need to be.

(Disclaimer: This post is not being written because I have a specific example in mind of when this was done. I am not writing this to any one or group of individuals and it does also apply to myself. It is just simply something that I came to realize tonight and I hope it is taken well. Sometimes words of truth are not what we want to hear and can be perceived as harsh. I am not saying this to judge those who are doing the judging either, but rather to encourage them to look at the picture a little differently. I also do realize that not everyone is approachable and willing to accept the help of others, but we can still show grace without speaking!)

A little bit of humor..

My sisters and I put together a quick comic strip after dinner tonight about our mother who has an unending supply of great new ideas for what she will sew next for her etsy shop! We love you, Mom!




Oh, the little scribbles on the wall on slide number 3 are of Ava's special touch.

"Christ is All"

“If a man has Christ, then what does he want else? If a man has Christ, he has everything. If I want perfection, and I have Christ, I have absolute perfection in Him. If I want righteousness, I shall find in Him my beauty and my glorious dress.

I want pardon, and if I have Christ, I am pardoned. I want heaven, and if I have Christ, I have the Prince of heaven, and shall be there by-and-bye, to live with Christ, and to dwell in His blessed embrace for ever. If you have Christ, you have all.

Do not be desponding, do not give ear to the whisperings of Satan that you are not the children of God; for if you have Christ, you are His people, and other things will come by-and-bye. Christ makes you complete in Himself; as the apostle says, “Ye are complete in Him.”

I think of poor Mary Magdalene. She would have nothing to bring of her own. She would remember that she had been a harlot but when she comes to heaven’s gates, she will say, ‘I have Christ,’ and the command will go forth, ‘Let her in, Gabriel; let her in.’

If a man has Christ, he has all for eternity. And if he has not Christ, he is poor, and blind, and naked, and will be miserable forever. Will not you, then, who are listening to me now, resolve, in the strength of the Lord, to seek Him at once, and make Him your Friend?

No matter what may be your state or condition, you are invited to come to Him. Ye blind, ye lame, who are far from Christ, come to Him, and receive your sight, and obtain strength! He is made your all; you need bring nothing in your hand to come to Him.

‘Ah!’ says one, ‘I am not good enough yet.’ Beggars do not talk thus: they consider that, the more needy they are, the more likely are they to obtain that for which they ask. The worse the dress, the better for begging. It is the same with respect to the gospel.

You are invited to come to Christ just as you are, naked and miserable, that He may clothe and comfort you.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon, “Christ is All” an exposition of Colossians 3:11 delivered on February 18, 1915, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England.

First Love

"So, beloved, if we live near to Christ, we cannot help loving him: the heart that is near Jesus must be full of his love. But when we live days and weeks and months without personal intercourse, without real fellowship, how can we maintain love towards a stranger? He must be a friend, and we must stick close to him, as he sticks close to us—closer than a brother; or else, we shall never have our first love."

I just finished listening to this sermon by C.H. Spurgeon this morning on the Declension From First Love. The message is based on Revelation 2:4 where Paul is speaking to the church at Ephesus. The Ephesians had seemingly everything in order in their church, but they were missing something important - they had left their First Love.

Brothers and Sisters, if you are suffering today, perhaps it is that you have lost your first love. Maybe your walk is well seasoned but your passion for God has dissipated. Or perhaps you are a young Christian and you are still blossoming - the fire has not gone out but is burning brightly. We must remember that it is bound to happen to all of us that the fire will go out for a time. The points that Spurgeon makes here are helpful in guarding against that likelihood of letting your First Love slip away from your hearts and minds and also in getting your First Love back.

There are so many points I want to make here, but I'm afraid I'd go into too much detail and then prevent you from actually listening to the message which is given much better than I ever could (possibly because I'm not intended to)! So I will end my portion here and allow you to move forth and fill your cup with spiritual goodness.

So here it is:

"Declension From First Love"
C.H. Spurgeon

L.O.V.E.

God's love is perfected in us if we love because he loved... [1 John 4:7-12]

This love (agape) is not the love that we as humans are capable of producing on our own based on feelings/emotions. This love is a selfless love - a love that we may only receive from God. A love poured out through us, given us by the Holy Spirit. It is a sacrificial love. A love that gives without expectation. A love that gives unconditionally. It is through this love that we love one another as Christ loved us.

The perfect example of this kind of love was acted out when He sent his Son to die on the cross for undeserving sinners (us!) to provide eternal life through the ultimate sacrifice.

"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

So with that being said... let us LOVE!

(It is so exciting to be able to understand these things!!!! OK, This is the end of my thought process for it is late. It is bedtime now... Goodnight my nonexistent readers!)

Puzzles and Cups

I am often amazed at God's timing of things and how he brings about little pieces of wisdom to fill our personal puzzles with.

I continue to be thankful for the fact that I am able to serve a God who is not only gracious but loves to see us happy and bless us.

Today, my cup is full.

"For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the work of your hands I sing for joy." Psalm 92:4

What A Savior!

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolation cheers my soul." Psalm 94:19

I am so thankful for God's mercy and grace, and the joy he fills me with even amidst the most pugnacious of trials. Thank you, God, for all you do - for never leaving or forsaking your children.

Words by Jim Elliot

"O Lord, against this bosom blast
of coiled and seething feelings.
Batt'ring passions, ebbing yearnings,
oozing ache of inner man,
Raise Thou the flinty walls of stuff of
which Thy Son was made,
Yea, build in me the buttressed
bastions of faith.
That shall resist the undersucking flow
of soulish tide,
And make me to endure this late attack.
I pray, in Jesus' name."

Written by Jim Elliot.
Taken from Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot.