Short Thought - Don't Mistake God's Kindness for Weakness

A lot of bad behavior and wickedness gets overlooked in the name of the false "kindness" practiced by our present world. Because of this, there are people who have trouble understanding that God can be both kind and a righteous judge who will take vengeance on evil. They have mistaken kindness for weakness.

Jonah knew better. He knew that God would judge the sin of the unrepentant harshly, which is what he wanted for Nineveh. Because he also knew that God was kind, gracious and forgiving, he decided to try force God to judge the people he personally hated by refusing to give them the opportunity to repent. 

Jonah 4:2  And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

God is long suffering. He is patient. He is kind. But, He is not weak. When the day of reckoning comes, He will judge with the absolute righteous standard that only He possesses. Romans 12:19b ...for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

That is a solid promise. He will repay.

Are you banking on God's kindness to you as weakness and thinking that He will ignore your sin and never hold you accountable? Is someone you love living this way? There is no "right time" to play fast and loose with the vengeance and justice of God. You may think He is weak because He is kind, but you couldn't be more mistaken. 

2 Corinthians 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Don't imagine that because God has been kind to you this long that you can continue living in sin or rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation. God is not weak. He does not ignore sin. The day or reckoning is coming. This would be a very good day to confess and forsake your sin, or to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ if you are not already born again. Don't mistake His kindness for weakness.

Short Thoughts - Be Careful How You Fill Your Mind

Ecclesiastes 1:17-18  And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

One of the challenges in the day we live in is the mad obsession with information. People are addicted to hearing and telling a new thing, perhaps more than ever before in the history of this old world. It's important to remember that while our knowledge of God's word will make us wise unto salvation and give us light to live by, the knowledge and wisdom of the world tends to grief and sorrow. There are so many awful things in this world to find out about now, and even many good things are misconstrued.

Let's be careful of what we fill our minds with as we walk through this life. Some knowledge is needful, but a great deal of it serves very little good purpose, and too often no good purpose at all. Whether it's entertainment or just raw learning about various things, we need to be conscious of how we are using our time, as well as what we are feeding our minds. And, if you are struggling with sorrow and grief without an apparently good reason, maybe stop and ask yourself what you are putting in your head.

Even godly wisdom can tend to grief, though. That may sound odd, but the more wisdom we have in the word of God and in His ways, the more it can hurt us when we see people we love and care about doing things that will do them harm. This doesn't mean we should avoid knowing what the Lord says in His word, but it is a reminder that it is natural for one who has understanding in the word of God to recognize more of the ugliness and folly of this life. If we feel grief and sorrow at some of this knowledge, image how much grief and sorrow it gives God since He knows all. This should give us a respect for Him, and for His right to tell us how we should then live.

Ephesians 4:30-32 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

A Short Thought - God Is Love

Even in the midst of our sorrows and struggles, God is still love. His love is everlasting. His love is the greatest love. It is the most powerful force in existence. Did you ever think of that? It is a safe place to rest your weary soul.

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Short Thoughts - Envy and False Humility

 

If I cannot in happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.  - Amy Carmichael

Being offended when you aren't given a position you think you should have is something a lot of Christians would recognize as lacking humility. It is common for people to imagine they deserve a more important position or role in a given situation, from family occasions to church events. Most people will try to hide their envy or unhappiness in these situations simply to look "godly," even if they are furious inside. But, we probably all have seen it show through at some point, either in ourselves or others.

I would guess that more people don't recognize the false humility of making a fuss about one's unworthiness when asked to take first place. 

I remember a story my dad told us. Many years ago a position of leadership came open on a certain mission field. A man was asked to step in and take over that role. He knew he was able to do the job and so he quietly, and without fanfare, stepped into the role and began to do it well. There were other missionaries who were offended that he hadn't made a big deal about not being worthy. They considered him proud because he didn't pour on a bunch of fake humility before accepting the role. They didn't know it, but this said a whole lot more about them than it did about him. Eventually he left that role, and I think it was partly because of all the jealous people who thought they should have been asked instead of him. They couldn't stand to see him succeed when he hadn't made sure to declare they were all so much more worthy than he was. Yes, they were full of envy.

Proverbs 27:4  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Calvary love - the kind of love that took Jesus to the Cross for our salvation - doesn't stand around being resentful that it didn't get the job, nor does it hesitate when asked to do something where it is fully capable. 

Envy and false humility are two sides of the same coin. Neither one is "legal tender" in the economy of God. He doesn't trade on pettiness nor the pride of man. 

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Hebrews 13:15-16 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

Short Thought - One Day Nearer Home

 

When my husband and I got married my health was actually worse than it is now in some ways. There were times when I struggled so much just to get a meal on the table that it was very discouraging. My husband would sometimes gently remind me that it was one less meal to make before we went to Heaven. Some people might not understand, but this encouraged me. It reminded me that this was a small thing and that what I have to look forward to is so much better! It reminded me that this moment I was living in was not forever, and thank God for that! People talk a lot about "living in the moment" these days, but I can say from experience that not all moments are all that great to live in. What a blessing that we have so much more to look forward to in the future the Lord has promised His children.

Romans 8:17-23 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

In a general sense I would not say that making meals and accomplishing chores is suffering with Christ in the context of this passage. However, living in the body of this death with chronic health struggles and trying to do it wisely and to the glory of God is always a challenge, and sometimes it could be this kind of suffering. Yet, every day that we survive to praise God again or do some work He has given us, no matter how small, is still one day nearer to Home and all that that means for us and for all of God's creation. What a tremendous expectation this is!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Short Thoughts - Good All by Himself

All By Himself

A friend once sent me a link to a song. I don't remember what the song was, but something the singer said before she started singing made me think. She said, “God is just good, and He is good all by Himself!” Wow. What a statement. 

Do you realize that God doesn’t need us to “prove” that He is good? He doesn't need to do anything to "be good" like we do.  He IS GOOD – all by Himself. He is good in and of Himself. He doesn’t need anyone or anything to prove it. I think sometimes we get the wrong idea - that we have to somehow prove that He is good or that He is God. Why? He is Good and He is God without proving Himself to us, without our approval, without our proving it to others, to Him or to ourselves. Although He does prove Himself, He does not need to prove Himself in order to be good.

He does not technically need us to tell Him He is good either, though we know from scripture that He wants us to praise Him for who and what He is – including His goodness. It is expected of those who love, fear, and worship Him. But, He was good and wise and creative and mighty “all by Himself” before the foundation of the world. Or I should say, He IS all these thing before the foundation of the world. His goodness is not limited to time as ours is, or as our concept of Him is. John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

I don’t know what the lady was thinking when she said that God “is good all by Himself.” It might have been what Jesus said when He stated, "…there is none good but one, that is, God." Mark 10:18 God “is good all by Himself” in the sense that He alone is good (all others have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Rom. 3:23). He also is good alone, without the need of proof or commendation by anyone. It is a wonderful thought! It takes a lot of false responsibility off of us. It also reveals to us the blessing and privilege of worshipping Him outside of our own specific needs. He is not good and just and wonderful and powerful and mighty and wise because we found Him so, or because He proved Himself to be so to me or to you. He is not all these things because we say He is either. He is all these things without our praise, without our permission, without our being on the receiving end of them. He is "good all by Himself." He is I AM THAT I AM (Ex. 3:14).

And yet, He desires the sacrifice of praise from us in adoration and worship of Him as the good, creative, mighty, awe-inspiring God that He is! What a privilege! What a blessing! And yet, how humbling.

Psalm 104:35 Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD. 

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 

Short Thought - When People Leave Our Lives

Years ago when my dad was a young pastor he had a situation where an older man left the church. My dad was upset by this because this older gentleman had been the one to hold the church together while they didn't have a pastor and he had helped to get my dad there in the first place. But, this older man was grumpy when he couldn't manipulate my dad into doing things he wanted him to do, so he left. 

My dad called the man who was over him in the mission work he was doing at the time and asked him what to do. He told my dad not to chase that older man down the road, to let him go and just keep on with the work. It was good advice, and my dad has never forgotten it.

Over the years when friends left our lives or the churches we were in, my dad was apt to remind us not to chase them to try to get them to come back. He warned us not to have a bad attitude or talk bitterly about them, but also not to follow them trying to get them back. If it was God's will for them to come back, let Him work it out. And sometimes He certainly did, but other times it truly was for our protection or betterment to have someone removed from our lives.

It may not make sense to you now that someone has been removed from your life, but the Lord has a reason. Let Him be God and rest in His perfect wisdom.

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 55:8-9  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Worth Repeating - Some Thoughts On Spiritual Warfare

Here are some short thoughts over at The Home Maker's Corner on spiritual warfare to remind us to be sober minded, to resist the devil, and to fight the good fight of faith.

Some Thoughts On Spiritual Warfare 

Short Thoughts - You Are A Keeper to God

In this life some things are "keepers" and some things are not. We run across things all the time that are not worth keeping in this cluttered world. But to the Lord, all those who are born again into His family are keepers. Every one. No exceptions. If you are His child by faith in Jesus Christ, He will no more disinherit you than he would the Lord Jesus Himself. 

It's too easy to forget that our whole, our entire, our finished, our complete salvation is all in and through and because of Jesus Christ. If He can't lose His relationship to God the Father - silly thought, right?  - then we can't either. 

Colossians 2:9-15  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

If Jesus could stop being God (He can't) you could stop being saved. So, rest assured. He intends to keep you.

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

The Double Clasp

The Saviour's hand - how close its hold,

That none can loosen, none can break.

No powers of heaven or earth or hell

That loving clasp can ever shake.

And over Jesus' wounded hand

The Father's hand of strength is laid,

Omnipotent to save and keep;

Thus is our surety surer made.

So, one beneath and one above,

Father and Son their hands unite.

How safe, how safe the ransomed are

Within that clasp of tender might!

Annie Johnson Flint

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. 

Twenty Years of Pain...and Thankfulness - By Martha Snell Nicholson

 

Twenty Years of Pain...
and Thankfulness

by Martha Snell Nicholson
[lightly edited]

I am looking back over more than twenty years of illness and thanking God for them. Does that sound strange? Ah, but they have brought me gifts, those weary years. I do not enjoy sickness nor suffering, nor the nervous agony and exhaustion that are harder to bear than physical pain. And an invalid must bury so many dear dreams which have death struggles and refuse to die decently and quietly. But God has a way of taking away our toys, and after we have cried for awhile like disappointed children, He fills our hands with jewels which “cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.” [Job 28:6]

And what friends He has given me! Are there more loyal friends than those who stand by the sick through the years? My family and friends have prayed for me, encouraged me, quietly sacrificed for me, washed my dishes, rubbed my aching head, offered me everything from new books to their very life-blood for blood transfusions. I should like to speak of a very devoted and tender husband, but that is a matter too personal.

Continue Reading.

Word of the Day - Weakness - Part 2

Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength.

- Dwight L. Moody -

God does not need your strength: he has more than enough of power of his own. He asks your weakness: he has none of that himself, and he is longing, therefore, to take your weakness, and use it as the instrument in his own mighty hand. Will you not yield your weakness to him, and receive his strength? 

- Charles Spurgeon -

Continue Reading.

Guest Post - Social Media - Why Jump Ship?

My sister-in-law wrote this last year and gave me permission to share it. 

Editor's Note: This issue about social media and jumping to alternate, sketchy services to make a point over politics happened in 2021, but it is something that Christians need to think about soberly and wisely.  One service some Christians were going to and supporting at that time ended up in the midst of criminals, filth, and others who were looking for freedom from the law and decency, not freedom of speech to say right things. Please consider my sister-in-law's useful observations on the matter and ask yourself this question: Why am I really on social media in the first place, and should persecution or opposing political views change that objective?

Continue Reading.

The Brightening Path of Pain - by Martha Snell Nicholson

The Brightening Path of Pain

by Martha Snell Nicholson
[lightly edited]

Everyone needs to work in order to remain normal, and it is such a comfort that none of us are too ill to know the joy of accomplishment, the opportunity to win crowns, sheaves to lay at the feet of the Lord of the harvest. Years ago I was reading the Bible to a little boy of nine who had recently given his heart to Christ. He had had no Christian upbringing and thus the truth of the Word of God was new to him. I found that he caught the marvel of it in a way that shamed me at times. I was explaining about the five kinds of rewards, and read to him the verse, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness...” [2 Tim. 4:8]

His eyes grew bigger and bigger, and at last he fairly gasped, “Oh, are there going to be crowns too? I should think it would be enough just to save our souls!”

There is so much we who are the Lord’s can do. I have long had the habit of praying for those whose stories of sin and sorrow are spread all over the pages of our newspapers, even for the murderers awaiting execution. And, of course, I pray for all Christian work and workers everywhere.

Then there is that very quiet work of grace. All summer I have thrilled to a miracle in our back yard. We had a sapling fig tree, only knee high. We poured on the water, and it drank it in and spread its little branches to catch the sunshine. I took such pride in it and would stroke its straight strong trunk and limbs so unlike my twisted body. It grew so quietly, never a sound nor a stir, yet now it is six feet tall, and this fall gave us largess of gifts, great fat figs bursting with their own sweetness. So we, on quiet beds of pain, may drink in His Word, and open our hearts to His Holy Spirit until we too bear fruit.

It is such a blessing to know that God makes no mistakes, that this illness is not something that just happened to me. “Shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He hath no understanding?” [Is. 29:16]  No, the enduring is mine, to be sure, but the responsibility for it is entirely His, and what a difference that makes! Nothing can even touch the child of God without His permissive will. It is not necessary for me to know the reasons, for they are safe with our dear Lord, “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” [Col. 2:2-3]

I am no wise theologian, but I have thought that surely God will be glad when this is all over and He will no longer have to watch His children suffer, when all tears will be wiped from our eyes, and a song put upon our lips. Until then cannot we “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” [2 Tim. 2:3] and spare Him the sound of our wailing?

"Let Us Go Hence" - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint and A Thought

Photo taken near Kingston, Tenn.

I think pretty much all of us have experienced the difficulties, dramas, and sorrows of the last couple years in one way or another. This poem reminded me that we are not always called to a quiet, peace-filled life, though there are times of that. There will also be periods of turmoil and confusion, sometimes more than others. It is a bit daunting when it feels like everyone is going through things at the same time, but it is good to remember that other eras of God's workings with mankind have also ended on a sour note, so perhaps we are only tasting the first traces of the next era as we finish out ours. Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Whatever the case, let's remember that in these troubled times we're going through there are still ways that we can be about our Father's business as we follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Let Us Go Hence”

 

“Let us go hence—from out the quiet chamber

Where soul with soul could meet,

From peace and safety, love and deep communion,

From tender counsel sweet:

“Hence”—to what grief, what terror and confusion,

Bewilderment and loss,

To shrieking mobs, to furious reviling,

The lash, the thorns. the cross.

 

And hast Thou called us, Lord, from peaceful pastures

To turmoil and to care,

To days of toil and nights of weary waking,

To watch with thee in prayer?

Then let us go, be it to shame and scorning,

To suffering and loss;

Even,—if Thou art with us, blessed Master—

 Yea, even to a cross.

- Annie Johnson Flint -

1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

I would add one word of caution here. If you are going to suffer persecution or even death, let it be for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Politics and personality cults are not worth dying or suffering for in the context written here.

Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Worth Repeating – Are You Warming or Chilling the Lives of Others?

 

Psalms 91:2-4  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

By Marsha Burkholder, February 2014

This seems to have been one of the coldest winters I remember in Austin since we moved here over 30 years ago. Most of the Austin winters have always been too mild for me. I tolerate the heat of summer and love the cold of winter. There are some Austinites who do not share my enjoyment of this winter weather. Of course, if I had to work out in the cold or lived in an area where the winters were much colder and longer in length, I might not feel as enthused about winter.

Some of the things I enjoy about winter are sleeping under thick blankets, wearing sweaters, basking in the warmth of a fireplace, coming into a warm, cozy house, drinking hot chocolate with melting marshmallows and in the rarest of Austin times having to stay home because of inclement weather. I guess when I look at what I like about winter, it looks like I like it most when I’m doing things that will keep me warm. These thoughts made me think of a quote I read:  “This cold world needs warmhearted Christians.” Indeed, this world is a spiritually cold place. I don’t enjoy its kind of coldness; however, it gives us Christians an opportunity to be someone’s spiritual blanket, sweater, fireplace, heater or hot chocolate. That unsaved person we meet at the grocery store, the school, the work place, etc. who seems to be chilled to the bone, burdened with the cares of this world needs our smile, our encouragement and most of all our witness of the Savior and His wonderful salvation. Even that saved person who may be going through a wintry time in his life is in need of our warmth.

I’m reminded of an old saying that something “warms the cockles of my heart” i.e. brings joy and warmth to the innermost part of a person. Only Jesus can bring that kind of joy and warmth.

Christians can become cold when they stray from the Lord’s warmth. In that state, we cannot give off the warmth to the unsaved who are truly the coldest of all. When one is cold, it doesn’t do him any good to shake hands with someone who has cold hands. When one is cold spiritually, there is the same effect on another.  Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” God’s provision of salvation, His daily provisions and love are truly warmth for the cold in heart. May those around us never feel spiritually cold from having been around us but desire to know the One Who keeps us spiritually warm.

-----------------------

Editor’s Note: It is amazing how much a kind word and a cheerful smile can improve someone’s day and warm their heart, and it usually costs us nothing more than the effort. Even more importantly, we need to point others to the only true source of spiritual warmth and light – the Sun of righteousness with healing in his wings… Malachi 4:2

-----------------------------

Originally published here Jan. 2015.

You Can't Hurry Through Grief - A Short Thought

One of the weird things about grief is how it ebbs and flows. It ebbs and we think that it's lessening and now things will be better and we can move forward. Then something happens and it flows freely again. Sometimes the oddest things will set this off. It can be discouraging and exhausting. We may be in a hurry to get past this painful point, and then feel guilty for wanting to feel better. 

The thing is, God doesn't hurry. Neither does He stay always in one place. It is ok to feel and then to move on as well. Let's rest in the knowledge that the Lord knows exactly where we are in our process and He knows what will affect us deeply and what will not. He allows these things to touch us for reasons we don't always understand. Let's leave our grief timeline with Him knowing that He will in any eventuality give us the comfort that we need when we need it.

Psalm 31:15 My times are in thy hand...

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation...

Like A River Glorious

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase,
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day;
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest,
Finding as He promised
Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand;
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care;
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do,
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

- By Frances Ridley Havergal

Short Thought - How Are Others Using Your Time?

 

"A man who has nothing to do with his own time has

no conscience in his intrusion on that of others."

Jane Austen

Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 

Sometimes when we really need to get things done we may need to avoid people who have no respect for other people's time. Of course, this is not speaking of your children or those for whom you are directly responsible, but those whom you may actually avoid. It can come at us in a lot of ways - text messages that distract us, phone calls, chats online or in the store, family members that interrupt and expect our undivided attention (while not helping with the tasks at hand), etc.

This may sound harsh is some ways, but Jesus did not always allow the multitudes to consume His time. Sometimes He avoided them. We need to be attentive to His leading as to whom we are really meant to communicate with and spend time on, and whom we should avoid in specific circumstances. Sometimes it will even be necessary to excuse yourself so that you can get on with the things that need to be accomplished. Some people find this hard to do and then are stressed because they didn't get something done when it should have been done. Learn to politely, but firmly, disengage when it is necessary. 

I remember my parents struggling with people interruptions sometimes when my dad was a pastor. There were times when it was difficult to know who was really needing help and who was just looking for attention or an ear to monopolize. There were a couple times when my dad had some man coming to him over and over for "help" or to talk out his struggles, but the man never actually did anything my dad told him he should do to resolve things or live more biblically. Eventually I think my dad told both those men that if they weren't going to do the (biblical) things he suggested, then he didn't have time to talk to them.

In John 4 Jesus Christ went out of His way to meet the woman at the well, and yet in Mark 3:31-35 when His own mother and brethren stood outside the group and sent someone in to call Him away, He refused to go - without apology. Mark 3:31-35 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Sometimes family will be the hardest to walk away from, but if they are interrupting things that you know are the Lord's will, you have to do it. It won't be easy, and it may not feel good at the moment, but it's about doing God's will and honoring Him with our time and energy.  

By the way, shoving everyone out of your life so you can do your own thing isn't the answer to interruptions. If you are the one who lacks skills in stepping back graciously at appropriate times, you need to work on that, not just push everyone away. We are called to serve and minister. But, there has to be a balance that is in accordance with God's will. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom if this is something that is a struggle for you.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

A Few Thoughts On Being A New Creature

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 An elderly lady I knew years ago used to quote this and say, "If you aren't a new creature, you better find out why not." 

Being a new creature in Christ is a big deal. It means more than what we're often lead to believe in this era of Christianity when so many love to embrace the world and the old life.

In our natural way of thinking we make sense of things based on what our past experience has taught us - the environment we grew up in, the places we've lived, how we have interacted with people in various situations, how we have been treated ourselves, our family history (stories, traditions, legends), our culture, our religion, and our national tendencies. Many of these things have errors within them or are wrong altogether for one reason or another.

This is why becoming a new creature in Christ is so important. Old things are passed away, all things are become new. 

In the word of God we now have a source of knowledge, wisdom, and judgment outside of our own limited ideas and viewpoint. We have a way to redefine the things of life more accurately - by God's standard.

We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us who will guide us into all truth if we follow His leading. Jesus Christ said, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:13-14 

We have a new family, a new and goodly heritage, and a new set of traditions and stories. We have more truth by which to live and the power to live through the Bible and the Holy Ghost. 

Ephesians 1:5-12 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

Speaking of the Israelites in the O.T. Paul wrote, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians 10:11 These are our stories now as well as Israel's. And because Abraham is our father in faith, we can call the godly ones our people, those who went before us. Galatians 3:7-8 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 

All the things that don't serve us in our walk with God and ministry to others we can now forget and leave behind as Paul did as well. Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Becoming a new creature in Christ is a miracle. It is a complete change of focus and viewpoint, but it's also a completely different way to look at the world, others, and ourselves. Nothing is based on the nebulous and uncertain foundation of human experience any more. It is based on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the one and only true foundation worth building upon. It is a completely new way of living.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

Are you a new creature in Christ, friend? Are the old things passed away? Are all things made new?
If you are a believer, are you living like one? Can others see that you have left the old behind and are walking in newness of life?

We are not meant to be "the same but better." We are meant to be completely new in Christ - delivered and separated from the old life that was on the road to destruction.

 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Autumn Roses, A Poem, and Some Thoughts on Quietness

 

Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. 

Psalm 4:4-5 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Isaiah 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; 

 

2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

Sometimes in a world where there is so much noise, so much talking, so much activity, so much commenting, and so very many opinions it can be hard to find quiet let alone appreciate it. We can become accustomed to the clatter and chatter and forget the value of quiet. Yet, it is spoken of a number of times in scripture as a good thing. I find it curious in these present times that so many people are resentful and angry about having to physically "sit down and be quiet" - so to speak. This is especially disappointing coming from Christians who claim to know the word of God. When we fail to value quietness, we are failing to value something that God likes, that He has spoken well of, and that He has even commanded at times and in places.

Did you ever stop to think that one of the outstanding aspects of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on this earth and of the new heaven and new earth is that we will dwell quietly? As I consider how many Christians, especially in America, complain and chafe against living a quiet life with less excitements and external activities, I can't help but think how much they are going to have to be changed in the resurrection in order to enjoy the quiet God has in store for us. And I would say that most of us are affected by the allure of activity and the busy life to some degree. But should the thought of a quiet life be so shocking?

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

What does a godly, quiet, contented life look like? How can we live a quiet life today that glorifies God and rests in His strength? How can we alter our thinking and our expectations so that we can be content with less excitement and entertainment, so that we can appreciate the enforced quietness that we find ourselves in sometimes?

Jesus! I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,

And Thy beauty fills my soul,

For, by Thy transforming power,

Thou hast made me whole.

Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,

Vaster, broader than the sea:

Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,

Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,

Know what wealth of grace is Thine,

Know Thy certainty of promise,

And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,

Satisfies my heart,

Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets, supplies its every need,

Compasseth me round with blessings,

Thine is love indeed.

Ever lift Thy face upon me,

As I work and wait for Thee;

Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,

Earth’s dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father’s glory,

Sunshine of my Father’s face,

Keep me ever trusting, resting,

Fill me with Thy grace.

- Jean Sophia Pigott

Guest Post: Truth or Fact?

Today I am sharing a short, but cheering, thought related to the power of the resurrection and the Lord's ability to change facts with His truth. This item is posted at The Home Maker's Corner. It is written by my brother, Dan, and used with his permission.
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Truth or Fact?

Are these two things mutual? Immutable in their connectivity? From a humanistic perspective, we would ascertain that they are indeed always linked. From that humanist perspective we therefore tend to stray quickly into the realm of unbelief.

Here is an example of Truth not being equitable to "fact" which I would like you to ponder on.

Continue Reading Here.