Cords of Kindness

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. Hosea 11:3-4

One of my favorite phrases in Scripture is, steadfast love. This phrase is used much in the Psalms. Steadfast means:

1 a: firmly fixed in place : immovable b: not subject to change <the steadfast doctrine of original sin — Ellen Glasgow>

I love this descriptor of God’s love. It is a love that is firmly fixed in place. It is immovable. It is not subject to change. It is a lavish love that, for the Christian, never ends. Nothing cheers the soul more than the knowledge that the Creator of the universe loves me steadfastly. Trials may come, but He leads me with cords of kindness and bands of love. Often we may not understand why we are where we are. But, “the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness”. Oh the joy and peace in knowing that my Savior leads me with steadfast love!

Trouble Trusting?

Duet. 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

1 Chronicles 28:20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you…

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him…

Psalm 35:10 All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong; like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest, like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters, he casts down to the earth with his hand.

Jer. 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth…

Psalm 94:14, 18-19 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage…When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Ro. 8:22-39 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 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. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Faithfulness in the ER

At around 7pm last night I received a call, “Jess can you come take me to the ER.” My friend Emily had been in intense pain all day. Nausea had started a week and a half ago. Intense migraines started 5 days ago. Lower abdominal pain started on Sunday. The pain had increased and it hurt to move…any movement hurt. She was dizzy and nauseas if she stood up. We thought it might be her appendix. Not what you want. But, it would have been an answer. Emily has spent the past two years hearing “we don’t know what’s wrong with you.” You do have Celiac’s, but we don’t know the cause of your migraines, numbness, etc. We hoped to have some answers last night. They admitted her, gave her meds to help with the pain and nausea. They did blood work and a CT-Scan, it all came back clear. Her insides looked fine and healthy. (Yay! That was good to hear.) So at midnight, they sent her home. And she once again heard the words, “It’s a mystery, we don’t know what’s wrong with you.” They recommended getting a lower GI done.

As I sit here this morning (drinking lots of coffee to stay awake), my heart aches. I do not understand. I hate to see my friend in so much pain. I hate seeing her discouraged. I just want to make it all better. But, then I remember how much the Creator loves her. He died for her. He redeemed her. He has done amazing things in her life. She is not the same woman that walked into church almost 6 years ago. (I was freshly reminded of this fact as she gave a long list of “No’s” to the nurses questions last night.) He has provided for her again and again. He has used her to bring Him so much glory. But, I still can’t explain the why. Why has He allowed her to suffer so much? Why can’t the doctors figure this out?

I don’t know. My dad has said that you have to be comfortable with mystery. I cannot give a single answer to all the whys. But, this is what I know:

Psalm 121:5-8 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self  is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

1 Corinthians 10:22 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Psalm 27:13-14 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Isaiah 64:4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Psalm 103:13-14 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

2 Corinthians 12:9a My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Isaiah 41:10 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 73:25-26 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Isaiah 43:2a When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 145:13b The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord.

I can’t explain suffering. But, I know that God uses it for our good. It’s no fun, but often times it produces the most fruit. I’ve have seen God’s faithfulness displayed more during seasons of suffering than at any other time in my life. Though my heart aches for my friend, my hope does not lie in answers. My hope lies in a risen Savior. He loves her more than I can begin to imagine. He died for her. He sustains her. He has a reason for this trial. I don’t understand it, but I trust Him. I know that He is perfectly good and everything He does is good. If it wasn’t not, than He would cease to be God. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He sees the big picture. I trust His care, His love, and His wisdom for Emily. He knows. He is faithful. God provided an amazing staff of doctors and nurses. God displayed His love to Emily by giving her friends that surrounded her and cared for her. She now knows a lot of things that the pain is not. And most importantly, her loving Father has promised to never leave her and to uphold her.

So, it was a long night and I’m really tired this morning. But, it was so cool to watch God display His faithfulness and care in an ER room!

O Wondrous Love

O wondrous love that will not let me go
I cling to You with all my strength and soul
Yet if my hold should ever fail
This wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that’s come to dwell in me
Lord who am I that I should come to know
Your tender voice assuring me
This wondrous love will never let me go
I’m resting in the everlasting arms
In the ever faithful heart
The Shepherd of my life
You’ll carry me on Your mighty wings of grace
Keeping me until the day
I look into Your eyes
O wondrous love that sings of Calvary
The sweetest sound this sinner’s ever known
The song of Your redeeming Son
Whose wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that rushes over me
I can’t escape this river’s glorious flow
You overwhelm my days with good
Your wondrous love will never let me go

Words and music by Steve and Vikki Cook. © 2001 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved.

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

Scripture & Commentary

Phil. 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount that believers are not to be anxious but are to entrust themselves into the hands of their loving heavenly Father, whose peace will guard them in Christ Jesus. Paul’s use of “guard” may reflect his own imprisonment or the status of Philippi as a Roman colony with a military garrison. In either case, it is not Roman soldiers who guard believers-it is the peace of God Almighty. Because God is sovereign and in control, Christians can entrust all their difficulties to him, who rules over all creation and who is wise and loving in all his ways. An attitude of thanksgiving contributes directly to this inward peace. –English Standard Version Study Bible

Heb. 4:16 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.

Draw near is used consistently in Hebrews to present a person approaching God, who is possible only when one’s sins are forgiven through the sacrificial and intercessory ministry of a high priest. The encouragement to “draw near” to God’s throne implies that Christians have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. Confidence translates…”boldness,” “confidence,” “courage”…It indicates that Christians may come before God and speak plainly and honestly (yet still with appropriate reverence), without fear that they will incur shame or punishment by doing so. throne of grace. God the Father, with Jesus at his right hand graciously dispense help from heaven to those who need forgiveness and strength in temptation. –English Standard Version Study Bible

I Pet. 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

The participle “casting” modifies the main verbal phrase “humble yourselves” from v. 6. Worry is a form of pride because it involves taking concerns upon oneself instead of entrusting them to God. Believers can trust God because, as their Father, he cares for them. –English Standard Version Study Bible

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be [1] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Psalm 130

My Soul Waits for the Lord

A Song of Ascents.

130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.

Random Musings From My Quiet Time

Out of the Depths

Out of the depths, O Lord, I cry to You
When I am tempted to despair
Though I might fail to trust Your promises
You never fail to hear my prayer
And if You judged my sin
I’d never stand again
But I see mercy in Your hands
So more than watchmen for the morning
I will wait for You, my God
When my fears come with no warning
In Your Word I’ll put my trust
When the harvest time is over and I still see no fruit
I will wait, I will wait for You
The secret mysteries belong to You
We only know what You reveal
And all my questions that are unresolved
Don’t change the wisdom of Your will
In every trial and loss
My hope is in the cross
Where Your compassions never fail

Words and music by Bob Kauflin. As recorded on Psalms. © 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). All Rights Reserved.

At New Attitude ‘07, Bob Kauflin sang a spontaneous song during worship. I felt like the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to listen to it this morning. It was once again encouraging. Circumstances should not dictate my feelings. God is faithful, powerful, all-wise, and loving. My hope does not lie in what I do or don’t feel, but in my powerful Creator!!! Here are the words to the song:

How long O Lord? Must I keep knocking at Your door? How long must I be waiting? I’ve prayed to You, but I don’t hear You speak. I’m waiting still and I am getting weak. My child, I know what you’re going through. I know your fears because I created you. And each step you take I gave to you. And I prepared what you have been going through. And you want to understand, you want to know, but I have engraved you on the palm of My hand. You want to feel my nearness, to hear me speak, but my power is perfected in the humble and the weak. I’ve spoken words just for you. I gave my Son to deliver you. And forever you’ll hear the sound of my voice, saying I brought you near, so you can rejoice. But, for now I’m calling you to trust, I’m calling you to believe, that I am a faithful God to you. For now, I’m calling you to believe what you cannot see. But, what you know is true. I can hear you, I am near you.

…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel…When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thrist, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I wil open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 41:10, 13-14, 18-20

Do Not Lose Heart

2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self [1] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Be Childish

Mark 10:13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Be childish. What? I was always told to act my age. When you’re an adult, who wants to act like a little kid? You’ll just look stupid and immature if you do. But, in Mark 10:13-15 that is what Jesus says to do, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child shall not enter it.”

Why would Jesus say this? I think there are many reason and conclusions that can be drawn from this. But in the context of the chapter, I think He was telling the disciples that the kingdom of God was for everyone, children (they were of little use and unimportant in Bible times) included. And that you cannot get saved unless you have a simple, child-like faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross.

I started thinking what child-like trust looks like. Yes, I’m saved and a member of God’s kingdom. But, do I have a child-like faith in God as His child? In all of life do I have that simple faith?

Over the years I have babysat a lot! Children are usually very trusting. They trust you to feed them well. They never question (because it doesn’t exist as an issue in their minds) if the food is healthy, fresh, or safe to eat. You have given it to them, so they know it’s ok. You take them to the store. They don’t question the condition of the van, your driving ability, or the weather conditions. They willing trust you, no questions asked. You take them to the playground and they are thrilled. They run around playing and do not worry about anything. You are there, why worry?

Do I have this child-like relationship with my Heavenly Father? Do I trust and willingly follow His lead with no questions asked? Do I trust Him with the future, laying it in His hands (and leaving it there)?

I have adult-like trust. I know God is in control. I trust Him most time. I trust God, yet I sit and imagine every possible path my future may lead. And then I worry about every single one of them. Instead of enjoying where He has lead me, I anxiously analyze every possibility in my path.

You have to plan, you have to make decisions. but, do you worry? Do you have child-like trust or do you analyze the safety of the playground? Elizabeth Elliot has said that God does not give grace for our imaginings. Why worry over what you have no control over? Just as a child has complete faith and trust in their parents, shouldn’t we/I have complete faith and trust in the Creator of the Universe. Who is also my Father, Savior, and Comforter. I have the Trinity planning and orchestrating my life…tell me again why I worry?

No Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

- 1 Corinthians 10:22

Great Is Your Steadfast Love

Psalm 86:1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.

8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Joyfully Being Used???

Mark 6:53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

This is amazing. Jesus lands on the shore and was immediately mobbed. How did these people know Him so well? If I’m reading scripture right, He’d only been in Gennesaret once (or twice). How did they know to bring the sick? How did the entire countryside know of Jesus? Because of a man who obeyed when he didn’t want to…

Mark 5:18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

To this man nothing could be better than following Jesus. Nothing made more sense. Jesus had just healed him and delivered him from a legion of demons. What else could a person do but serve Him? I can see this man asking Jesus as he begins to climb into the boat. I can see the expectation in his face, of course Jesus would say yes. How confused the man must have been when Jesus told him no. Instead he was supposed to go home and tell his friends and family what God had done. How unglamorous (I don’t think that’s a word!)!!! You’ve been miraculously healed. You have your life back. You want to devote the rest of your life to serve the One who saved you. You want to be His most devoted follower. And Jesus accepts his offer…but, not the way the man was thinking. What went on in the man’s head as Jesus said no. Was he tempted to anger? Was he confused? Was he tempted to doubt? Amazingly, the Bible doesn’t record his temptations and/or sin. Did Jesus have to correct his attitude? Did the man pause? I’m once again amazed that Scripture isn’t emphasizing sin and failure, but the end result (grace and obedience). All it says is that he went and obeyed. I wonder if he wanted to? Was he disappointed?

But, he didn’t waver. He was given an assignment and he did it! When I read verse 20 I see a joyful and excited man. Running around, eager to share what God had done for him! Not only did he obey, but I bet he obeyed with joy. God was using him differently than he wanted, but his joy was found in obeying God. However God wanted to use him, he was happy. He had been saved from a life of torment and misery…he was happy to be used however the Savior chose. The end result? EVERYONE MARVELED. And this was the same region that Jesus came back to. When Jesus came back, they welcomed Him (they had sent him away the time before). He was mobbed with people. They brought their sick and they were healed. He was able to minister to many Gentiles…why? He used the obedience of one man.

Do you wonder why God has you where He has you? Do you wonder, grumble, and complain? Take heart! It’s okay to wonder (the Psalmist did all the time). But, do you submit and joyfully obey while you ask questions? It’s interesting in Psalm 16 the Psalmist says:

Psalm 16:5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

But, if you read the preceding verses, his life wasn’t easy and happy. Yet, his hope, his anchor, his refuge was in God. Not in understanding his circumstances. Not in having a perfect life. He clung to the truth of God’s Word and chose to joyfully obey, even when he didn’t understand. God gave him the grace and power to do this. He didn’t conjure up the feelings and performance. Even obedience is all of God’s amazing grace!!!

God uses the obedience of His people to do amazing things…even if they don’t seem amazing at the time!

 

So he supplies perfectly measured grace to meet the needs of the godly. For daily needs there is daily grace; for sudden needs, sudden grace; for overwhelming need, overwhelming grace. God's grace has given wonderfully, but not wastefully; freely but not foolishly; bountifully but not blindly. -John Blanchard

He will not err in any of His dealings with us. He will take away and give; He will afflict and bereave; He will move and He will settle, with . . . perfect wisdom, at the right time, in the right way. The great Shepherd of the sheep makes no mistakes! -J.C. Ryle

HE IS RISEN!!!

1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body [1] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But [2] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 

Happy Easter!!!

The Lord Is

Last night Matt read Psalm 23. I have had this Psalm memorized since I was a child. It’s so familiar that, sadly, I do not meditate on it or read it often. But, as Matt read it out loud, it came alive. Especially since we had just finished singing The Lord Is off of the Psalms cd. This morning I revisited this Psalm with my ESV Study Bible…

“This hymn is usually classified as a psalm of confidence in the Lord’s care. It uses two images: the Lord as Shepherd who cares for the sheep, and the Lord as Host who cares for his guest. These images would be familiar from everyday experience; but they also evoke other ideas common in the ancient Near East, with the deity as shepherd of his people and the deity as host of the meal. In worship, the faithful celebrate God’s greatness and majesty; and when they sing this psalm, they see his majesty in the way he personally attends to each of his covenant lambs. He is the shepherd for Israel as a whole; and in being such, he is the shepherd for each faithful Israelite as well.”

As I read Psalm 23 this morning I inserted my name into the personal pronouns…

23:1 The Lord is [Jessica’s] shepherd; [Jessica] shall not want.
2 He makes [Jessica] lie down in green pastures.
He leads [Jessica] beside still waters. [1]
3 He restores [Jessica’s] soul.
He leads [Jessica] in paths of righteousness [2]
for his name's sake.

4 Even though [Jessica] walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [3]
[Jessica] will fear no evil,
for you are with [Jessica];
your rod and your staff,
they comfort [Jessica].

5 You prepare a table before [Jessica]
in the presence of [Jessica’s] enemies;
you anoint [Jessica’s} head with oil;
[Jessica’s] cup overflows.
6 Surely [4] goodness and mercy [5] shall follow [Jessica]
all the days of [Jessica’s] life,
and [Jessica] shall dwell [6] in the house of the Lord
forever. [7]

The Lord Is

As recorded on Psalms
Listen to song sample

The depths of Your grace who can measure
You fully supply all I need
You restore my weary soul again and again
And lead me in Your righteousness and peace
You’re with me through every dark valley
There’s nothing that I have to fear
You are there to comfort me again and again
Protecting me, assuring me You’re near

The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not want

You gave Your own life for my ransom
So I could rejoice at Your side
You have shown Your faithfulness again and again
There’s nothing good that You will not provide
I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life
I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Music by Pat Sczebel, Words by Pat Sczebel and Bob Kauflin. All Rights Reserved.

Never Leave

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 …a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Isaiah 41:9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

13 For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”

17 When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Fear & Blessing

Deuteronomy 14:22 “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. 23 And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. 24 And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, 25 then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses 26 and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. 27 And you shall not neglect the Levite who is within your towns, for he has no portion or inheritance with you.

Tithing does not mean the giving of the surplus. Tithing would teach Israel to trust God that the remaining 90 percent was sufficient and that God would provide each year. Israel should have learned this fear through the provision of manna in the wilderness (Deut.8:3)…when the Lord your God blesses you. Underlining this whole legislation is a clear expectation of blessing. –ESVB

As I was reading Bible verses on fear this morning, I was intrigued by Deuteronomy 14:23. To insure I was reading it correctly and in context I read the verses surrounding it (above). I’m glad I did, it made vs. 23 even clearer. Three things stuck out to me:

1. This tithe was not burnt or given away to the priests. The family ate it! They left their farms, traveled to Jerusalem, and partied. God was requiring their trust, but blessing them in the process. Yes, they had to trust, but this requirement was for their good. It was to bless them and to give them enjoyment.

2. It is assumed that God would bless the Israelites…”when the LORD your God blesses you”.

3. Trust/Fear. Leaving their livestock and crops required much trust in God. Would they be there when they got home? It wasn’t just the husband that traveled to Jerusalem, but the entire family. They had to leave everything behind, trusting God to provide and protect their livelihood. He provided the food to tithe on. He commanded them to go to Jerusalem. So they must obey in faith. Trusting that everything on the home front would be ok and that the 90 percent left would be enough for the year.

I guess I was struck by the direct correlation between trust/fear in God, obedience, and blessing. I often think that trials/affliction are what produce trust/fear (which they do!). But, it seems like blessing does too.

Steadfast Love

Did you know that “Steadfast Love” appears 206 times in the Bible? 206 times! Over two hundred times that God is reminding us that His love towards us is firm, never changing, unmovable, unshakable.

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness… Exodus 34:6

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Psalm 17:7

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3

I think God is trying to make a point. What do you think?

Steadfast Love in the ESV

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Dry wells send us to the fountain.

No pen, no words, no image can express to you the loveliness of my only, only Lord Jesus.

- Samuel Rutherford, The Loveliness of Christ

God-centered Life

In the next verses, Paul writes, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (5:16-18). How can you be joyful always? Not by centering your life upon circumstances. Circumstances will always change. However, if you center your life on God, regardless of what happens at work, regardless of what happens at home, regardless of what happens at church, you can be joyful. God is at the center of your being, and he does not change!

How then do you center your life on God? First, pray continually, as Paul says in 5:17 (1 Thessalonians). Second, give thanks in all circumstances, as he says in 5:18. As him for what you need. Thank him for what you have. The Christian life always has God at the center. Is God always at the center of your mind and thoughts?

- Mark Dever, The Message of the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians: The Second Coming

Election Reflections

John 6.37-40 ESV All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Where God is the focus, hope is the result. – Jim Britt

I was struck this morning how contemplating election gives me hope for so much more than just my salvation. Duh, I know. But, I was reading over the sermon outline on my church’s blog. During the sermon (and today) I found the Scripture above so comforting. Jesus does the will of God. Always. And it is God’s will that He should never loose a single redeemed sinner. That brings so much hope! My sanctification is based in the will of God, it’s based in the gospel. It’s God’s will for me to be His child, for me to belong to Him. It’s His sovereign desire for me to become like Him and live in Heaven with Him for all eternity. If it’s God’s will, then you can take it to the bank that it will happen. What does that mean? He will keep me. He will guard me. He will protect me. The emphasis is on God working out my sanctification, not me pulling myself up by my boot straps. I participate, but it is only by His grace and power that I succeed. It is such a glorious truth, I can’t go anywhere! I can’t leave His side. I am His and He is never letting me go!!! WooHoo! Now that’s something to party about.

Some may say, that this reassurance would tempt people to license. And given human nature, I’m sure that it does/can. But, God has changed my heart. And while I still sin all the time, my desire is to serve my Heavenly Father. Love motivates my obedience. Love to the Redeemer who snatched my soul from Hell. I want to be kept. I don’t want to leave His side. And even though there is a Gollum-like battle in my soul constantly; I do not want to sin. So this truth/Scripture produces hope in my soul. Hope to ride out the storm of life. Hope that God will give me the power to fight sin (Ro. 1:12). Hope that His love is not based on my performance. Hope that I will reside in Heaven one day. Hope that He will perfect the good work He began. Wow, what a God I serve!

God Is Our Fortress

God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord,how he has brought desolation on the earth.He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46

As I was reading this passage this morning, a couple things came to mind:

• What is the reason we do not need to fear? God is our refuge. God is our strength. Our trust, lack of anxiety is based in one thing...God. It's not based in our circumstances, health, wealth, or the political climate. It is based in the Creator of the Universe. No matter what happens in my life, there is no legitimate reason to fear. God is my strength, He is Who I turn to. He is orchestrating my life, He is in control.
• Not only is God my refuge, He helps me. I love how this portion of the sentence is worded. It doesn't just say God helps in trouble. He is a very present help in times of trouble. The Psalmist is emphasizing just how much help God is. Not only is God helping, but He's always there. He's present when I'm in trouble. Not only is He present, but He's VERY present.
• The Psalmist describes the difficulties and troubles of living on earth (the nations war, etc.), but He puts it into perspective. All around these verses are reassurances that God is with us. God is our fortress.
• Then we are told to behold the words of the Lord. What is the end result of this contemplation? Awe. Basically the Psalmist says to shut up (Be still). Contemplating the works of the Lord makes us aware how much God is in control. How other than us He is. How big and awesome He is. Why would we not trust Him? Of course He is our refuge.
• Then we are reminded the reason for everything...that God is exalted in all the earth!
• But, the Psalmist doesn't end there! That should be enough. We should trust and be silent because God is God. But, he once again reminds us that this awesome God is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.