I enjoy reading the Reformation 21 blog, but had fallen behind on reading the posts there. Last Sunday, one of my favorite authors at that site, Rev. Richard Phillips, posted a great short article on what it means to keep the Lord’s Day holy. I hope you find it as helpful and refreshing as I did.
(Image from Snapshots of Joy.)
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
I know this isn’t my usual type of post. I’m not claiming to be a Bible teacher, but am thinking about Love For The Brethren, and am talking out loud to you, Dear Reader. I am at home with my dear Lydia who is sick with flu (boo hoo!), rather than at the evening worship service with the rest of the family. I love the book of I John, so that’s what I picked up to read this quiet Sunday evening.
In verse 16 I note that God the Son, Jesus Christ, has already shown His love to us in laying down His life for us. Regardless of what emotions I might be feeling at any given time, and regardless of circumstances being difficult, the fact of the matter is that God has already shown and is continuing to show ultimate love. In this I take comfort, and my heart is calmed.
Next, in verses 16 and 17, I notice the following things about the love Christians are to have for others, especially for the brethren:
- Love is willing to be inconvenienced (and more) for the sake of others.
- Love wants to know other people to the extent of knowing what their needs are. It isn’t shallow or superficial with others.
- Love is desirous to help meet the needs of those it professes to love at cost to oneself.
- Love shows itself by truly loving, helpful works.
- Love doesn’t PRETEND that everything is OK when it’s not.
I pray God that He would grow me in grace, that I might love Him more and that I might have this miraculous love for others.
(Image from Snapshots of Joy.)
PSALM 67: To the chief Musician on Neginoth, a Psalm or Song.
1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise the, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
This morning our pastor preached to us from Psalm 67, which is known as The Missionary Psalm.
It is true that in the Old Testament times, the oracles of God (the Scriptures) were committed to the Jews (Romans 3:1,2). Yet even in those times, God promised that blessing would spread through all nations, through Abram (who became Abraham), the father of the faithful. (Genesis 12:1-3).
One of the main points our pastor made was that the Church in not to be self-centered. We hear of false teachings that encourage Christians to seek health, wealth and happiness for themselves. The truth of the matter is that we are an undeserving, privileged people who have been called to bless others. As Christians, we are committed to do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10).
To that I would say, “Amen!” May I, as a Christian focus more and more on how I may be a blessing to others. And, may we as Christians reach out in true empathy and concern to others with their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
I was catching up on some blog reading this morning and came across a fascinating post at Radical Womanhood. The author, Carolyn McCulley, gives a brief synopsis of the devastation to families caused by the philosophy of Social Darwinism. If your curiosity is piqued, you can read her post, The Economic Base of the Family, here.
This will be my first “real” More Than Rubies Mondays post. Last Monday I typed up Proverbs 31:10-31, which you will find as one of my blog pages. You can reread that, if you so desire, to get the whole description of the virtuous wife and mother, whose “price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10b).
I don’t plan to go through these verses systematically, as a pastor would. I’ll just chat with you about whatever comes to mind each week.
So – here you go!
I don’t know about you, but one of my character flaws is that I tend to compare myself unfavorably with others. This is a form of PRIDE that says, “If I’m not the the best at (fill in the blank), I’m going to be depressed about it.”
Look at that Proverbs 31 lady. It IS true that her husband says of her (verse 29), “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” The message I get is that it IS hard work to be an excellent wife and mother, NOT that this lady is comparing herself with others. She is simply striving to do a competent job, as she does the work of a wife and mom. According to her husband, she surely does succeed!
I have also caught myself comparing my older self unfavorably with my younger self. “I remember when I used to work hard baking or cleaning until midnight. I just don’t have that kind of energy anymore,” I’ll say regretfully. The truth of the matter is:
- I DON’T have that kind of energy anymore. What kind of superhuman do I pretend to think that I am, that I would not age and decrease somewhat in vigor as the years march on?
- I don’t NEED to have that kind of energy anymore. I no longer have a houseful of little ones who need lots of attention during the day. Some of the children are grown and gone from the family home. Those left at home are competent and willing to share in the work of the home.
Yes. I want to be competent. I want to do well, and even very well, all that is mine to do in my marriage and family. What I am NOT going to do, is compare myself unfavorably with every woman, past or present, who is better than me at something or another.
I will focus on my work. You focus on yours. Hope you do a great job in your home. That’s what I’m aiming for here, too.
For this Thursday Thirteen
I offer you Thirteen Tips for Healthy Living. The first seven have to do with physical health, and the remaining six with mental well-being. These are suggestions for your consideration, not a pretended panacea:
- Go for a daily walk.
- Eat fresh fruit and veggies daily.
- Enjoy indoor pets, including cats and dogs.
- Wash your hands after using the toilet, changing the baby, caring for pets, before handling food, or, in other words, Keep your hands clean!
- Sneeze into the crook of your arm if no tissue is available, in order to stop the spread of airborne pathogens.
- Floss your teeth daily (Brush them, too.).
- Remove all wall-to-wall carpet from your home, and cover mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers.
- Do your part to live peaceably with others, especially those in your own home. Romans 2:18 is a Bible verse that expresses this thought.
- Think about praise-worthy, beautiful things more than “the dark side” of life. I’m especially thinking here of what “food” you feed your mind. Garbage in will yield garbage out, eventually.
- Treat others the way you would like to be treated, including your children and spouse. Matthew 7:12 is a Bible verse that speaks of this: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
- However, don’t be a Pollyanna who PRETENDS that everything is OK. Sometimes things ARE bad, or dangerous. These things can be dealt with in a responsible way, but pretending that something is good doesn’t make it so.
- Set priorities for your day, based upon your current calling in life, and do the work in order. This way you won’t be overwhelmed by stress, or the tyranny of your TO DO list.
- Cultivate the habit of THANKFULNESS. As a Christian, I am first of all thankful to the Lord for all His undeserved blessings. But I also mean, say, “Thank you!” to the people in your world.
I’m interested in trying a new meme for Mondays called More Than Rubies Monday. I imagine that my posts are meant to have something or the other to say about Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the life of a godly wife and mother. The title of the meme is taken from verse 10: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” My daughter Laura, ever one to keep me humble, said to me on the phone, “That sounds funny to me, Mom. Are you going to talk about all the fields you’ve bought, or how all your family is clothed in scarlet?”
Honestly, I have no intention of coming across like some homemaking guru-ess. I just like thinking a lot, and thinking about my role as a Christian wife and mother. Besides, the lady who provides the buttons for the meme has made so many PRETTY ones. I like pretty buttons!
So, for those of you who may not be familiar with the story of the Proverbs 31 woman, my first post will simply be a recording of verses 10-31 of that chapter of the Bible:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
I’ve been thinking a lot about MARRIAGE, probably because of the emphasis on romance that is part of the holiday just past.
In theory, most of us are willing to admit that we have our faults. We will admit, as well, that our husband has his faults. This leads to the reasonable conclusion that there is no such thing as a PERFECT MARRIAGE.
Personally, I have noticed some faulty thinking on my part which does NOT contribute to happiness:
- I am generally surprised and disappointed at instances of imperfection which occur. I want them to be fixed. NOW.
- I tend to FOCUS on the imperfections and failings (of myself; of my husband), until they seemingly FILL my view of the marriage.
I was thinking today what a downer it must be for my husband that I get so sad when things are not PERFECT. I have been praying that the Lord would help me, through His Word (the Bible) and through the teaching of His Holy Spirit, to think about things properly.
I read something this afternoon from the titus2talk blog that really hit home. It puts into words the vague resolution that had been swirling around my heart and head. This portion of the post is my favorite, and is from a sermon by John Piper in a series entitled Marriage: Forgiving and Forbearing:
Picture your marriage as a grassy field. You enter it at the beginning full of hope and joy. You look out into the future and you see beautiful flowers and trees and rolling hills. And that beauty is what you see in each other. Your relationship is the field and flowers and the rolling hills. But before long, you begin to step in cow pies. Some seasons of your marriage they may seem to be everywhere. Late at night they are especially prevalent. These are the sins and flaws and idiosyncrasies and weaknesses and annoying habits in you and your spouse. You try to forgive them and endure them with grace.
But they have a way of dominating the relationship. It may not even be true, but it feels like that’s all there is—cow pies. I think the combination of forbearance and forgiveness leads to the creation of a compost pile. And here you begin to shovel the cow pies. You both look at each other and simply admit that there are a lot of cow pies. But you say to each other: You know, there is more to this relationship than cow pies. And we are losing sight of that because we keep focusing on these cow pies. Let’s throw them all in the compost pile. When we have to, we will go there and smell it and feel bad and deal with it the best we can. And then, we are going to walk away from that pile and set our eyes on the rest of field. We will pick some favorite paths and hills that we know are not strewn with cow pies. And we will be thankful for the part of field that is sweet.
Our hands may be dirty. And our backs make ache from all the shoveling. But one thing we know: We will not pitch our tent by the compost pile. We will only go there when we must. This is the gift of grace that we will give each other again and again and again—because we are chosen and holy and loved.
So, what do you think? Do you find this advice to be biblical and helpful, too?
Here is an excerpt from today’s edition of Day By Day Grace by Bob Hoekstra. I appreciate the reminder that I don’t WORK my way into heaven, yet there are plenty of good WORKS the Lord expects me to do:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Although we are not saved by good works (”not of works, lest anyone should boast” — Ephesians 2:8-9), we are saved unto good works (”created in Christ Jesus for good works“).
(Image from Snapshots of Joy)
So much crying here,
Sorrow beyond description.
Can this pain be eased?
In my sphere of life
I do what I can to help,
Reaching out to some.
God cares: This I know.
In His time, makes all things right.
Looking up, I’ll hope.
Sometimes I get to thinking about one sad thing after another. My daughter Laura told me about a truck driver whose vehicle slid on the icy roads where they live. His vehicle went off the overpass, and the poor guy died a fiery death, leaving behind his wife and children. We truly live in a vale of tears. Unborn children have life snatched away from them at the behest of their mothers. Children who make it to birth are sometimes unloved and neglected. Children who are loved are sometimes orphaned.
I believe what the Bible teaches, that all of this wickedness and misery resulted from mankind turning from God. It should not surprise me that trouble abounds here below. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 19, asks, “What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?” The answer given is: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. (Scripture verses cited for this answer are Genesis 3:8,10,24, Ephesians 2:2,3, Galatians 3:10, Lamentations 3:39, Romans 6:23, and Matthew 25:41,46.)
But, thank God, that is not the end of the story. Question 20 of the Shorter Catechism asks, “Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? The answer is: God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
When I remember that God cares, that He has provided a real escape from this sorrowful valley, where even the most beautiful, productive life ends at last in death, then the tightness in my throat eases, and I am able to draw a deeper breath.
Here are a couple verses I find comforting, Matthew 6:33,34: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
For more Haiku, visit Jennifer over at Playgroups are No Place for Children and Christina at A Mommy Story.
Quotation of the day
