Dividing the Spoil

November 30, 2009 By

This is why we pray for people we’ve never met, in places we’ve never been, for answers we may never see — at least not on this side of eternity.

11 The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host: 12 “Kings of armies flee, they flee, And she who remains at home will divide the spoil!” (Psalms 68:11-12 NASB)

Do you carry a burden for someone, or something that in the natural seems very far away? Don’t brush it off.  Stop and pray right where you are.  Pray with all your heart for however long you have to. Pray, even if  the odds of learning the outcome are slim.  If there is a victory to be had, God has decreed that you take part in the plunders of the conquest!  She who remains at home will divide the spoil!

Filed Under: Devotional, Prayer

A God Given Limp

November 29, 2009 By

The Bible tells us that one of the reasons we experience hardship is so “that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”  (I Corinthians 1:4) In other words, we can expect to be in places where pressure is mounting and distress is great. We shouldn’t be surprised when trials are long and desperate. God has purposed that they produce “patient endurance” in us. What will make the difference in these experiences is  how you minister to others afterwards (or even during). Will you minister from a place of hardness where there is no compassion, or comfort?  Or, will you love them from a place of brokenness?

In Genesis 33 Jacob returns to Canaan and is reunited with his estranged brother Esau. They had not seen each other for over 20 years. Jacob returns with obvious evidence of God’s blessings – flocks, herds, wives, children, etc. However, he’s also coming back with an injury. In Genesis 32:24 we are told, “And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.” Jacob survived the encounter but only after his hip was supernaturally “put out of joint.”  As a consequence, Jacob would have a limp for the rest of his life.

Upon their reunion, Esau pleads with Jacob to return with him. Jacob declines. He tells his brother in essence, “You go on ahead. As for me, I can’t go any faster than the weak and the frail that are with me. “

In the kingdom of God there will always be people who for one reason or another, lag behind. They are weaker, slower, and frailer than the rest. Jacob’s injury brought him to a place of humility. Never again would he forge ahead in youthful pride and power. Instead he would limp alongside the weak and the feeble.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
(Hebrews 12: 11)
Reposted from April 10, 2009.
Filed Under: Uncategorized

John Piper on Contending for the Faith

November 28, 2009 By

“Just because the brilliant Commander in Chief promises victory on the beaches doesn’t mean the troops can throw their weapons overboard. The promise of victory assumes valor in battle. When God promises that his church will be kept from defeat, his purpose is not that we lay down our sword and go to lunch, but that we pick up the sword of the Spirit and look confidently to God for the strength to fight and win. Wherever the promised security of God is used to justify going AWOL, we may suspect there is a traitor in the ranks.”

Read entire sermon here.

Filed Under: John Piper

When God Remembers

November 27, 2009 By

The phrase “God remembers” is mentioned 73 times in the Bible. Each time that “God remembers” He acts on behalf of someone according to His covenant promises. These actions are often miracles, and they are awesome displays of the loving-kindness of an Almighty God whose tender mercies are new every morning.

In Genesis 9:16, God remembers Noah and sends the rainbow as a sign of His everlasting covenant. God remembers Rachel when He opened her womb (Genesis 30:22). God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when the Hebrew people were groaning in their captivity (Exodus 2:24-25). In 1 Samuel 1:24, God remembers Hanna and hears the unspoken cry in her tears.

It’s a peculiar notion to think that God remembers. If God remembers, does it mean that He forgot? One of the definitions of the word “remember” is to mention (a person) to another as sending kindly greetings, such as when I ask that someone “remember me” in their prayers.

Hebrews 7:25 states, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” In this case, an Omniscient God “remembers” us because a faithful Jesus is there to keep us in the Father’s mind. In other words, Jesus is continually there to “remember” us to the Father. What an amazing thought. When I am too weak to pray for myself I can utter – even a silent plea to Jesus:  Oh Lord, remember me to the Father.Romans 8:34 states that Jesus, at this very moment, is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Imagine that? The only one with the power to condemn you is actually continually reminding God of His loving-kindness towards you.  He is perpetually bringing to memory every covenant promise that God has made to you that is “Yes” in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20).  He’s saying good things about you! Today, no matter what trouble or hardship you are facing; whatever secret longing is heavy on your heart; whatever miracle you need, be at peace and know that Jesus is remembering you to the Father.

My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.
(Job 16:20)

Reposted from November 17, 2008

Filed Under: Devotional

Why I am a Calvinist

November 24, 2009 By

It’s been a little under two years since my husband and I came to embrace Reformed Theology. Most people really don’t care, but every once in a while I am asked about our decision. In short, I respond by saying that I believe what John Calvin taught because I believe in the Bible. Reformed Theology is biblical. Since coming to understand Scriptures in light of John Calvin’s teachings, I have never been on such solid theological footing.

It’s always nice to read a commentary after studying a portion of scripture and get confirmation that you are on the right track. In the same vein, I like it when someone of spritual authority (like Charles Spurgeon!) captures with clarity exactly what I think — only better, of course.

Below please find in Spurgeon’s own words, why he believes the Gospel cannot be preached unless we preach what is “nowadays called Calvinism.” And, for the record, to the few that do care, I’m with Spurgeon!

“I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel…unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we can preach the gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought upon the cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called.”

C.H. Spurgeon, The Early Years, Autobiography, Vol.1, p.172

If you are interested in learning more about John Calvin and what is known as Reformed Theology, I highly recommend this book.

Filed Under: Calvinism, Charles Spurgeon

Note to the Preacher: Please don’t lead me into the ditch!

November 20, 2009 By

“I know of no surer way of a people’s perishing than by being led by one who does not speak out straight and honestly denounce evil. If the minister halts between two opinions, do you wonder that the congregation is undecided? If the preacher trims and twists to please all parties, can you expect his people to be honest? If I wink at your inconsistencies will you not soon be hardened in them? Like priest, like people. A cowardly preacher suits hardened sinners. Those who are afraid to rebuke sin, or to probe the conscience, will have much to answer for. May God save you from being led into the ditch by a blind guide.”

Charles Spurgeon

HT: “”> Puritanism Today

Filed Under: Charles Spurgeon, Preaching

Before I Was Afflicted I Went Astray

November 19, 2009 By

Last Sunday I had a conversation with a special woman of God. As we swapped stories of God’s amazing grace she said of my heartache, “This is keeping you on your knees.” Trials have a way of doing that. They keep us close to the cross. If you are facing a hardship today — painful though it may be, could it be that God has tucked you away in this hard place for your own spiritual safety?

Read this beautiful Puritan quote and ask God to open your heart to His amazing grace. The very thing that you think was designed to destroy you, could actually be God’s tool to heal you and make you whole.

“So long as men are in prosperity, and have their leaves on, they do not see what nests of sins and lust are in their hearts and lives; but when all their leaves are off, in the day of their affliction, then they see them and say, I did not think I had such nests of sin and lusts in my soul. … ‘Before I was afflicted I went astray,’ says David, Psa 119:67. And Job 36:10, ‘He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.’ Yea, these afflictions and sufferings of the saints not only reveal and heal their sins, but also put them upon the excerse of grace: ‘In their affliction (says God) they will seek me early,’ Hosea 5:15. Yea, they not only draw out their graces but reveal their graces too, which possibly they never too notice of before.”

William Bridge, “A Lifting Up for the Downcast”

Filed Under: Devotional, Encouragement

Preaching Christ Crucified

November 17, 2009 By

Back in April I posted on preaching Christ crucified in the midst of a culture in moral decline. Since then not much has improved. If anything, recent news developments are cause for even greater angst. Today, I encouraged my heart with 2 Corinthians 10:4 which says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” We Christians wage war on our knees. However, there is also a time to act. With that, I am re-publishing my April post with a few minor changes:

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to perceive the rapid moral decline in our society. From the redefinition of marriage, a sex-obsessed culture charmed by everything promiscuous and perverted, to government corruption, and corporations governed by recklessness and greed – we are in a free fall. The abortion industry commits unspeakable violence against the defenseless, murdering millions of innocent unborn souls. The threat of Islamic terrorism and jihad has never been so real to this country as it is now. Evil is called good and good is called evil. Truth has stumbled in the streets. All the meanwhile many professed Christians are content to operate in the safe-zone of “good works” and “political correctness.”

The temptation to lose heart and grow discouraged is great. I know I am not alone in my identification with Lot when Peter described him as being tormented in soul “over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard.” (2 Peter 2:8) What is vile is honored among us. What is evil freely flaunts itself and struts about. For many of us, the downward spiral is accelerating at such a rapid rate our heads are spinning.

How can we reverse this? What are we to do in the face of it? There is only one answer: We are to preach Christ crucified. Why? Because the “Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) Nothing in the entire universe has the power to transform but the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This means that the Church will have to drop every crutch and empty herself of everything that reeks of the flesh and the earth. Christians will stand with fear and trembling – and like Paul, we will pray for the boldness to preach a “crucified Christ” to a hostile world.

Truth be told, I don’t have much confidence in my own ability to do this. I know myself too well. But, I take heart in the words of my Savior. “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Filed Under: Preaching

Jesus Christ is Stronger!

November 17, 2009 By

“Ready for some good news? . . .

Jesus Christ is stronger!

Stronger than my fears about the future or my shame over a past that cannot be altered though I wish so much I could do some things differently.

Stronger than my tired prayers with well-worn phrases and weary pleas.

Stronger than my need to know now, and have the trial terminated.

Stronger than the enemy of my soul who would discourage me with my own failings and disillusion me with the faults of others.

Such a simple truth—Jesus Christ is Stronger.

‘Stronger than what,’ you ask?

Stronger than whatever would cause you doubt or discouragement today.

James McDonald, “Jesus Christ is Stronger”

HT:  Of First Importance

Filed Under: Devotional

A Tribute To My Dad on Veterans Day

November 11, 2009 By

SCAN0028It’s Veterans Day and I couldn’t let it go by without honoring my Dad. This is a picture that he sent home while serving in Vietnam. It’s very faded so you can’t see well, but he wrote, “Pray for peace or I’ll kill ya!”

Daddy enlisted in the Army after graduating from Columbia University in NYC.  His degree was in Psychology but he also had a knack for languages.  Immediately after boot camp he was sent to Army Lingustics School where he learned to speak Vietnamese fluently. He then went on to serve 2 tours in Vietnam as an Army interrogator in the division known as First Calvary.

Today I thank God for the men and women of the armed forces whose sacrifices, among other things, have allowed me to enjoy my religious freedom.  We in this country are blessed to reap with joy what others have sown with blood and tears. I am especially thankful  for a father who, while far from perfect, took his responsibility to his daughter seriously.  I love you Daddy!

NOTE: Daddy did not know Jesus for most of his life.  But on his death bed, a little old lady from Puerto Rico, in broken English, and barely a 6th grade education, led him to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God likes to chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise! One of my greatest joys is that I will see both Daddy and Grandma again in heaven!

Happy Veterans Day all!

Filed Under: My Dad

Taking Comfort in the Sovereignty of God

November 9, 2009 By

One of the greatest assurances that I have known as a Christian is that all things are subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  All things.

“The mystery of iniquity is at work in the world during this interim time, and it is not always clear how its malignant work is being checked, overridden, or woven into the glorious purposes of God. We need to remember, though, that while Judas betrayed Christ, and woe to him for doing so, it was God’s plan that Christ was thus betrayed. Evil by its very nature opposes the purposes of God, but God, in his sovereignty, can make even this evil serve his purposes.”

David F. Wells, The Courage to Be Protestant

Filed Under: Devotional, Sovereignty

Thanks Be To God Through Jesus Christ!

November 8, 2009 By

The longer I serve the Lord, the more I appreciate Romans 7:24-25.   In fact, I’ve taken to regarding it as the “battle cry” of every blood washed saint.  It is the Christian’s answer to sin, and all its consequences thereof.  In these verses Paul describes the conflict of a Christian who inwardly loves God and Truth with every fiber of his being.  Yet, at the same time, he is at odds with another law that is raging inside of him.  That is, the law of sin and death.

Recently my pastor preached a sermon that was very hard for many to hear — including me.  For at least a good three-quarters of the sermon he preached on God’s “ideal,” setting forth God’s holy pattern and righteous decrees.   Then he went on to explain the devastation that results when we don’t do it God’s way.  Many of us in the congregation had first hand knowledge of the personal and relational carnage he was talking about.  For a moment in time, I for one, tasted the hopelessness of life without Christ.  But, then the good news!  Jesus.  He came to save us from our sins.  (Matthew 1:21b)  He came to destroy the works of the devil.  (I John 3:8b)   He came to open blind eyes, free captives, and release those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7)  He came to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and transfer us into the kingdom of His Son. (Colossians 1:13)  Because of Jesus, sin shall not be our master because we are under grace.  (Romans 6:14 )

Isn’t that beautiful?  Every broken, soiled, and sin marred thing in our lives is redeemed and restored in Jesus Christ.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a)

Filed Under: Devotional
« Older Posts