Sunday Scriptures
These are some of the random passages I was reading today in church:
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)
“It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:23)
“For though the Lord is high, He regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar.” (Psalm 138:6)
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)
“For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others.” (Matthew 23:4-5)
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence… For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:25, 27)
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 3:22-26)
“What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:14-16)
The Next President
On a sunny walk this beautiful September morning, our preschool class passed several posters promoting Barack Obama for president. One of the little boys pointed and said excitedly, “Look! There’s Barack Obama, the next president!”
My first reaction was to chuckle and be impressed that he was articulate and intelligent enough to communicate that thought. My next reaction was to think, I guess his parents are Democrats.
Then he said, “And after him will be John McCain!”
Later that day, on another walk, he repeated the same thought, and I asked, “So you want Barack Obama to be the president, not John McCain?”
He said, “Yes, Barack Obama will be the president, and then John McCain after him.”
Hmm. Sounds like a great plan, right? Let’s just give up on this electing nonsense and rotate every four years – Democrat, Republican, Democrat, Republican… oh, what a new can of worms that would open up.
Autumn Roads
I can’t help it. I have to do the obligatory beginning of autumn post, complete with a few apropos images, of course. (I’m even listening to Jon Foreman’s Fall album – he has a mini album named after each season, and they are really good.)
Fall feels inspiring. It seems full of beginnings, even more than spring; perhaps because for the past several years, most things have ended rather than begun in the spring for me. Today I was reminded of some of the small gifts God brings into my life, and how I should respond to those things with gratitude. They bring me joy, and although I do want all of my joy to begin and end in the Lord, it is right to find joy in His gifts as well. Little things like hot apple cider with cinnamon… mornings that tingle my nose with their crispness… telling my preschoolers about God’s creation (enthused at this knowledge, they rush to show me blades of grass and dry leaves that crumble at my touch)… sunshine warming our faces at midday… the scent of a bonfire wafting in at night, smoky and pungent… all tiny hints of our great Creator’s glory, kindness, and gracious condescension.
Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!
(Psalm 72:19)
Scattered Thoughts
Wow, I haven’t written since Monday. This week flew by, even though it wasn’t the best week. Every time I thought about writing, I couldn’t form an idea into a cohesive, neat little entry packaged with a catchy title and a pretty picture. I still can’t. So that’s why you’re left with these fragments this afternoon.
Yesterday I went to a women’s luncheon at my church and our missionary from Peru spoke (in place of his wife, who had been sick). He spent some time describing the circumstances that many Peruvian women find themselves in - abandonment, loneliness, discouragement, and utter poverty. Then he talked about how realistically, these circumstances are probably not going to change. The only hope these women will find is in God. And then, even for us American women, who have different circumstances, we can find hope nowhere else. He referenced Psalm 42-43, one of my all-time favorites, and said hope was different in biblical language – a constant expectation, not just a doubtful chance. Hope in God is a constant expectation that He is enough, that He will fulfill His promises. This reminded me of another favorite passage of mine – “For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening” (1 Peter 3:5-6). A very convicting passage for me.
It’s all related to something else God has been making even more clear in my heart lately – how important it is that I seek everything in Him. Idolatry is so evil (I just finished reading the book of Hosea) because we are seeking ultimate joy, satisfaction, and pleasure in something other than God. And we are supposed to seek every joy, satisfaction, and pleasure in God. Every reason not to put our trust in man, is a reason to put our trust in God. It is right to flee to Him as a refuge, to long to be close to Him, to pour our hearts out to Him, to be emotionally dependent on Him, to sacrifice everything possible for Him, to long for Him above all else – to come with high expectations! Let’s not be too easily pleased.
This morning in church we sang “Fly Away.” I love the verses of that song. Especially When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away / Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away and Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I’ll fly away / No more cold iron shackles on my feet, I’ll fly away. I looked around and saw people in my own congregation who will probably be “flying away” soon (although only God knows, of course). And I was thinking about the release from the prison bars and iron shackles of this earth… every impediment between Christ and me… one day all of that will be gone. Hallelujah!
Last! Writing in this journaling, stream-of-consciousness style that I don’t do very often made me think of something I wanted to say about blogging. I think there is a healthy boundary between what you share on your blog and what you keep in a journal or in conversation with people you know, etc. I’m not only talking about sharing very personal thoughts, but in general about how much of your writing and reflection is invested online, where anyone can read it. It’s harder to be completely honest with God and yourself when you know that potentially dozens of people (or more) could read what you post. I would just encourage you bloggers to make sure that you are also processing your thoughts and prayers and meditations in another venue. If you are a blogger, I’d love to hear what you think about this and how you keep a balance, or if you have thought about it.
Well, I’m off to enjoy Sunday afternoon…
“O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
from Me comes your fruit.
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.”
(Hosea 14:8-9)
The Safety of the Godly
This morning was particularly discouraging for me as I returned to work after a restful weekend. I was sad, thinking about how much less enjoyable life is as an adult sometimes (especially for someone who was blessed to grow up in the environment I did). Over lunch I read Psalm 121, the psalm that begins, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” And I just now read Matthew Henry’s commentary on it. It was so good and so applicable to my situation – and I suspect many of yours as well – that I have to share it here.
We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills? upon princes and great men? No; my confidence is in God only. Or, we must lift up our eyes above the hills; we must look to God who makes all earthly things to us what they are. We must see all our help in God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time. This psalm teaches us to comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are greatest.
It is almighty wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of those that put themselves under God’s protection. He is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; he is never weary; he not only does not sleep, but he does not so much as slumber. Under this shade they may sit with delight and assurance. He is always near his people for their protection and refreshment. The right hand is the working hand; let them but turn to their duty, and they shall find God ready to give them success.
He will take care that his people shall not fall. Thou shalt not be hurt, neither by the open assaults, nor by the secret attempts of thine enemies. The Lord shall prevent the evil thou fearest, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil thou feelest. He will preserve the soul, that it be not defiled by sin, and disturbed by affliction; he will preserve it from perishing eternally.
He will keep thee in life and death; going out to thy labour in the morning of thy days, and coming home to thy rest when the evening of old age calls thee in. It is a protection for life. The Spirit, who is their Preserver and Comforter, shall abide with them for ever. Let us be found in our work, assured that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours.
The Princess Syndrome
Breaking news: Princesses are taking over!
A friend and I were in Barnes and Noble a couple months ago. We noticed a display of children’s books and how many of them were princess-themed, with titles like A Little Princess, The Princess and the Pea, The Princess Diaries, and of course, the entire pantheon of Disney princesses. Not only are bookstores bursting at the seams with these tales, there are also the Christian versions – The Princess and the Kiss, His Princess: Love Letters from Your King, God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible, and Gigi: God’s Little Princess.
Even browsing the titles of these books is an indication of the importance placed on the position of princess in our (ironically democratic) culture. Little girls cherish fantasies of wearing a tiara and ballgown, capturing everyone’s attention with their beauty, and being won by the handsome and dashing Prince Charming. And not only does secular culture encourage this dream, but Christian culture does also – and the characterization is stretched to fit by saying that God is the King of the universe, and we are His daughters, so what does that make us? Princesses, of course!
Certainly, being a child of the Most High King is a high calling and an unmatchable privilege. He loves us deeply and unfathomably, so much so that He sacrificed His very life for us! We are precious to Him. But why did Jesus die? Was the ultimate goal that we would know our own value, enjoy being the monarchs of our own little kingdoms, and attract attention to ourselves? I cannot find a biblical basis for that perspective. Instead, I read: “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10).
I also love the quote from John Piper that says, “To make them feel good about themselves when they were made to feel good about seeing God is like taking someone to the Alps and locking them in a room full of mirrors.”
These truths are the reason I would hesitate to encourage the Princess Syndrome in my daughters someday. I am not saying this to judge those who allow a little innocent princess play. I think one reason young girls are attracted to the idea of being a princess is because it seems to encapsulate femininity, grace, and confidence, and that’s not a bad thing. However, it can be carried too far when girls are encouraged to think of themselves as Very Important Persons who deserve special treatment and consideration in every situation.
In reality, we are miserable, wretched sinners who deserve death and hell. The only change in our situation as Christians is caused by the death of Christ for our sins, so that we may be reconciled with God. Now we are indeed called and set apart for the high privilege of being His children. Yet let us not presumptuously assume that we deserve anything more than we did before our adoption. (This idea is in direct contrast to beliefs preached by pastors like Joel Osteen, who says that Christians should expect “preferential treatment.” In stark contrast, the Bible warns us over and over again to expect suffering and persecution; even to welcome it [e.g. Romans 5:3, 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3, 3:12, 1 Peter 2:19, 4:12, 5:9].)
As an alternative to the Disney princess model, why don’t we as Christian women seek to model our lives after such women as Esther, whose bold trust in God and love for her people impelled her to proclaim in the face of enormous risk, “If I perish, I perish”? Or Mary, who submitted with humility to the mysterious and terrifying will of God for her life? Or Sarah, a holy woman who hoped in God, did what was right, and did not fear anything frightening? These are the women I want to be like, even though I often find myself so far from their godly examples.
How much better to seek a life like theirs, of trust and humility and submission and hope, rather than imitating the vacuous and shallow examples of Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, and Ariel. Let us adore our King, and throw off the entangling temptations of a world that promises to adore us instead.
Not a “felt needs” Savior
There are no prayers or songs in the Bible that take their cues from the current therapeutic felt needs.
That mere fact should give serious pause to anyone drifting in the direction of a therapeutic understanding of how unexamined desires link up with Jesus’ gospel. Imagine, “My Father in heaven, help me feel that I’m OK just the way I am. Fill me with self-confidence. Protect me this day from having to do anything I find boring. Hallelujah, I’m indispensable, and what I’m doing is really having an impact on others, so I can feel good about my life.”
Have mercy upon us! Instead, in our Bible we hear a thousand cries of need and shouts of delight that orient us to our real needs and to our true Savior.
I’m loving these biblical counseling articles on Boundless by David Powlison. This excerpt was from The Therapeutic Gospel: Part 1. I love the list of “true, life-and-death needs” he has earlier in the article; for example:
I need mercy above all else: “Lord, have mercy on me.”
“For Your name’s sake, pardon my iniquity for it is very great.”…I want him to deliver me from my obsessive self-righteousness, to slay my lust for self-vindication, so that I feel my need for the mercies of Christ, so that I learn to treat others gently.
It’s revolutionary from a worldly perspective, but completely true that Jesus didn’t come to fulfill what we perceive as our greatest needs. He came to turn our worlds upside down and show us what our needs really are. Our hearts can’t be relied on: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
An unplanned day…
If it were up to me, I would never have a headache. Especially a nine-hour, nauseating migraine-like experience. (I don’t really know what’s classified as a migraine, but the headache I had today sure felt like one!) I would so much rather be at work all day.
I wish that I were the kind of person who could turn being sick into one long prayer time, but for some reason the more I try to focus my thoughts, the more I focus on my physical malady, so I usually just send up little petitions for help and mercy, instead of trying to string coherent thoughts together.
It reminds me of those verses in Romans 8:26-27: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
I know this passage is speaking of our patience and hope as we wait for the end of our suffering on earth, for the redemption of our bodies, for the fulfillment of all that we are promised now. Being the prisoner of pain for a day helps make this reality more clear. I can’t imagine what some of my brothers and sisters go through in their sufferings – even people in my own church fellowship. Heaven must look wonderful to them. I love to think that when we are so sick (in body or spirit) that we can hardly pray, the Spirit of God Himself prays for us. What a merciful God we have.
So today was a day I had no control over… and I don’t like to relinquish control. I don’t like to be at the mercy of my own discomfort. But in reality, I have no control over any day of my life, so I might as well give up that imagined control to begin with, and surrender myself to the mercies of Him who has been faithful each and every day of my life, and will continue to be so forever.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
Ten Thousand Charms
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity, love, and power
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorified
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Come, ye weary, heavy laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry till you’re better
You will never come at all
View Him prostrate in the garden
On the ground your Maker lies
On the bloody tree behold Him
Sinner, will this not suffice?
Lo, the incarnate God ascended
Pleads the merit of His blood
Venture on Him, venture wholly
Let no other trust intrude
(lyrics)
