Tenderhearted

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:1-3, 32

Dictionary:
adjective; soft-hearted, sympathetic; having a compassionate, kindly, or sensitive disposition

Thesaurus:
Main Entry: tenderhearted
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: tender
Synonyms: affectionate, all heart, benevolent, bleeding heart, caring, charitable, compassionate, considerate, emotional, forgiving, gentle, humane, kind, kindhearted, lenient, loving, merciful, mushy, sensitive, sentimental, soft, softhearted, sweet, sympathetic, thoughtful, understanding, warm, warmhearted

John Gill:
Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another
Good, affable, courteous; which appears in looks, words, and actions; by looking pleasantly on each other, speaking kindly to one another, and mutually doing every good office that lies in their way, and in their power:

tender hearted:
which is opposed to a being hard hearted to them that are in distress, and close at hand to the needy; to cruelty and severity to such who are subject to them, or have injured them; and to a rigid and censorious spirit to them that are fallen:

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you;
whatever offences are given, or injuries done by the saints one to another, and so far as they are committed against them, they should forgive, and should pray to God for one another, that he would manifest his forgiveness of them, as committed against him; and this should be done in like manner as God forgives in Christ, and for his sake; that is, fully and freely, and from their hearts; and so as to forget the offences, and not to upbraid them with them hereafter; yea, they should forgive them before they repent, and without asking for it, and that for Christ's sake, and because they are members of his: the Complutensian edition reads, "even as Christ hath forgiven us": the Arabic version also reads us, and so some copies: the words may be rendered, "giving freely to one another, even as God in Christ has given freely to you"; saints should give freely to one another, for outward support, where it is needful; and should impart spiritual gifts and experience for inward comfort, where it is wanted, and as they have ability; and that from this consideration, that all they have, whether in temporals or spirituals, is freely given by God in Christ, and for his sake; with whom he freely gives them all things; in whom he has given them grace, and blessed them with all spiritual blessings; as peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life."

Matthew Henry:
"Tender-hearted; that is, merciful, and having tender sense of the distresses and sufferings of others, so as to be quickly moved to compassion and pity. Forgiving one another. Occasions of difference will happen among Christ’s disciples; and therefore they must be placable, and ready to forgive, therein resembling God himself, who for Christ’s sake hath forgiven them, and that more than they can forgive one another. Note, With God there is forgiveness; and he forgives sin for the sake of Jesus Christ, and on account of that atonement which he has made to divine justice. Note again, Those who are forgiven of God should be of a forgiving spirit, and should forgive even as God forgives, sincerely and heartily, readily and cheerfully, universally and for ever, upon the sinner’s sincere repentance, as remembering that they pray, Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

This Is It

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

This week begins my 9th year homeschooling. Well, technically 13th, but we won't get technical.

A few things are happening to make this year particularly challenging. It also feels extremely special. There is a dynamic surrounding this time that I recognize, but haven't fully grasped. Likely, there are several dynamics and they are all circling my fuzzy brain just close enough to notice, but heavy enough to keep me searching.

At any rate, I find myself looking to the Lord more and more for the guidance and wisdom I need this year. I see how He has worked in the past to bring me to this place. I see how He is building on the work He has begun in our family. I see that it was a preparation for what lies ahead. 

I can't help but feel a very heavy burden on me each morning as I rise, considering all the tasks and responsibilities before me. Yet, He is here. You are here, Lord. Your word is alive and speaking of promise, comfort, strength and hope. You lovingly call out the truth that it is for this reason that I have been called by You.

The work You have been doing in me since the moment I met You, now is the time to see the fruit. I know I have much more to learn. I know I need so much more from You. But, in a little house, in a little town, in a not-so-little family, I see You pushing me forward into the life You have prepared for me. This is one of those moments, (and You know I've had them before) where I find myself standing at a huge precipice, overlooking amazing blessings and challenges before me. There is more awaiting me than I can fully embrace, and I cannot move forward without You there beside me. Yet, I am filled with such joy as I consider what You are doing in our lives and all that lies before us. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for the abundance of Your love for me. I am in awe over the work You do in my life.

So, This Is It.

What Has Been Done pushes The Work At Hand forward to embrace All That Awaits.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use They folds prepare:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou has bought us,
Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou has bought us,
Thine we are.

We are Thine-do Thou befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, Blesses Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou has promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful tho we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse and pow'r to free:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek They favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

(Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - William Bradbury, 1816-1868)

The Man Will Not Rest

Lord, I am so confused. This matter continues to weigh so heavy on my heart. I am reminded of your call for humility in this. I admit, it is too easy for me to walk in pride. My self-pity rises up and takes charge before I even recognize it. Forgive me.

I am still dumbfounded. I am hurt. I am angry. I am anxious. I am unsteady. I come to you, begging you to show me how to act, think and feel. I cannot trust my own emotions or thinking. I need you to renew my mind, that I may receive these matters in a manner that reflects your strength and peace.

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Ruth 3:18 "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."

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"She had done all that was fit for her to do, and now she must patiently wait the issue and not be perplexed about it. Let us learn hence to cast our care upon providence, to follow that and attend the motions of it, composing ourselves into an expectation of the event, with a resolution to acquiesce in it, whatever it be. Sometimes that proves best done for us that is least our own doing. "Sit still, therefore, and see how the matter will fall, and say, Let it fall how it will, I am ready for it.’’ 2. She assured her that Boaz, having undertaken this matter, would approve himself a faithful careful friend: He will not be at rest till he have finished the matter. Though it was a busy time with him in his fields and his floor, yet, having undertaken to serve his friend, he would not neglect the business. Naomi believes that Ruth has won his heart, and that therefore he will not be easy till he knows whether she be his or no. This she gives as a reason why Ruth should sit still and not perplex herself about it, that Boaz had undertaken it, and he would be sure to manage it well. Much more reason have good Christians to be careful for nothing, but cast their care on God, because he has promised to care for them: and what need have we to care if he do? Sit still, and see how the matter will fall, for the Lord will perfect that which concerns thee, and will make it to work for good to thee, Ps. 37:4, 5; 138:8. Your strength is to sit still, Isa. 30:7." Matthew Henry

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Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Lord, the only desire I have is to honor you in this. I desire to know you better, to lead others closer to you, to be found faithful, walking in Your strength when the matter is finished. I desire to speak, act and think in your peace regarding these things. I long to be free of any bitterness that threatens to take root.

Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Lord, your promise says you are at work in this. You are perfecting this imperfect matter. You are completing this unfinished busineess. Your mercy to me, an undeserving fool, continues to endure. I am the work of your hands, your own hands. Your promise is that you do not forsake me. Because of your great mercy, I am not forsaken.

Isaiah 30:7 "For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still."

There is no other source of strength but you. You ARE at work in this. YOU are at work in this. I must sit still. As Ruth was counselled, so am I. "The man will not sit still until he hath finished the thing..."  Any and all work I would attempt to do would only distract my thinking, deter my peace, and put my self in the place of worship. Forbid my heart to do this, Lord!

Psalm 46:10-11 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

I will be still. I will remain quiet. I will rest in humility, know you are truly God and I am not. You are at work, not resting in this matter. I am your servant, waiting on you. By that, I am strong and by that YOU are exalted among the earth. You are with me, Lord. When this rest feels to heavy to bear, I will remember you are my refuge. You are my strong tower. I am safe in you.

Studying Quietness

Definition:
–adjective

-restrained in speech, manner, free from disturbance or tumult; tranquil; peaceful; being at rest; refraining  from activity; 
-making no disturbance or trouble; not turbulent; peaceable; 
-free from disturbing thoughts, emotions,
-said, expressed, done, etc., in a restrained or unobtrusive way: a quiet reproach; a quiet admonition.
-not showy or obtrusive; subdued
-Free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled. 
-Restful; soothing; Tranquil; serene
-Not showy or garish; subdued; Restrained in style; understated: a quiet strength; a quiet life.

Hebrew: shaw-kat'
Verb

Definition: to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed; to show quietness; to cause quietness, pacify, allay
King James Word Usage - Total: 41
rest 16, quiet 16, quietness 4, still 2, appeaseth 1, idleness 1, settled 1

Joshua 11:23, Joshua 14:15  "...the land rested from war."
Judges. Kings, Chronicles "...the land had rest" (from enemies)

Ruth 3:18 "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."

Job 34:29 "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:"

Job 37:17 "How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?" (brings warmth, comfort)

Proverbs 15:18 "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
A wrathful man stirreth up strife:

"A man of a wrathful disposition, of a furious spirit, of an angry temper; that is under the power and dominion of such a passion, and indulges it, and takes all opportunities to gratify it; he stirs up strife and contention where there was none, or where it was laid; as a man stirs up coals of fire and raises a flame; see ( Proverbs 26:21 ) . He stirs up strife in families, sets one relation against another, and the house in an uproar; he stirs up contentions in neighbourhoods, and sets one friend and neighbour against another, whence proceed quarrels and lawsuits: he stirs up strife in churches, breaks brotherly love, and causes animosities and divisions; he stirs up strife in kingdoms and states, whence come wars and fightings, confusion, and every evil work;
but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife:
a man of a quiet and peaceable disposition, possessed of the true grace of charity; who is not easily provoked, longsuffering, bears and endures all things; he allays the heat of anger; he quenches the coals of contention; he calms the storm and makes it quiet, as the word signifies; he
``mitigates strifes raised,''
as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; he composes differences, reconciles the parties at variance, and makes all hush and still; and so prevents the ill consequences of contention and strife." John Gill

"Meekness the great peace-maker: He that is slow to anger not only prevents strife, that it be not kindled, but appeases it if it be already kindled, brings water to the flame, unites those again that have fallen out, and by gentle methods brings them to mutual concessions for peace-sake."  Matthew Henry

Isaiah 7:4 "And say unto him, Take heed , and be quiet ; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah."

Isaiah 14:7 "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing." (rest from captivity, persecution)

Isaiah 30:15 "For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
-in returning to the truth of God's word, aligning my life to His standard; the people of Israel would not do this, I pray, Lord, you would cause me and strengthen me to do so.

Isaiah 32:17 "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."

Peace and quietness, v. 17 "The peace here promised is of two kinds:—[1.] Inward peace, v. 17. This follows upon the indwelling of righteousness, v. 16. Those in whom that work is wrought shall experience this blessed product of it. It is itself peace, and the effect of it is quietness and assurance for ever, that is, a holy serenity and security of mind, by which the soul enjoys itself and enjoys its God, and it is not in the power of this world to disturb it in those enjoyments. Note, Peace, and quietness, and everlasting assurance may be expected, and shall be found, in the way and work of righteousness. True satisfaction is to be had only in true religion, and there it is to be had without fail. Those are the quiet and peaceable lives that are spent in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2:2. First, Even the work of righteousness shall be peace. In the doing of our duty we shall find abundance of true pleasure, a present great reward of obedience in obedience. Though the work of righteousness may be toilsome and costly, and expose us to contempt, yet it is peace, such peace as is sufficient to bear our charges. Secondly, The effect of righteousness shall be quietness and assurance, not only to the end of time, of our time, and in the end, but to the endless ages of eternity. Real holiness is real happiness now and shall be perfect happiness, that is, perfect holiness, for ever." Matthew Henry

Greek: Hesuchios
Adjective
Definition: quiet, tranquil, peaceable

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

to be continued..................

Studying Meekness

Meek
 –adjective,

1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
3. Obsolete . gentle; kind.

Hebrew:
`anav
Definition

poor, humble, afflicted, needy, weak and afflicted,,humble, lowly, meek


Numbers 12:3 "(Now the man Moses was very meek , above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)"
"When God’s honour was concerned, as in the case of the golden calf, no man more zealous than Moses; but, when his own honour was touched, no man more meek: as bold as a lion in the cause of God, but as mild as a lamb in his own cause. God’s people are the meek of the earth (Zep. 2:3), but some are more remarkable than others for this grace, as Moses, who was thus fitted for the work he was called to, which required all the meekness he had and sometimes more. And sometimes the unkindness of our friends is a greater trial of our meekness than the malice of our enemies. Christ himself records his own meekness (Mt. 11:29, I am meek and lowly in heart ), and the copy of meekness which Christ has set was without a blot, but that of Moses was not."  - Matthew Henry

Psalm 10:17 "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear :"

Psalm 22:26 "The meek shall eat and be satisfied : they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever."

Psalm 25:9 "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way."

Psalm 37:7-11 "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass . 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil . 9 For evildoers shall be cut off : but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace..."

Psalm 147:3-11 "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. 6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: 8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. 9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry . 10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy."

Psalm 149:4 "For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation."
"He will beautify the meek, the humble, and lowly, and contrite in heart, that tremble at his word and submit to it, that are patient under their afflictions and show all meekness towards all men. These men vilify and asperse, but God will justify them, and wipe off their reproach; nay, he will beautify them; they shall appear not only clear, but comely, before all the world, with the comeliness that he puts upon them. He will beautify them with salvation, with temporal salvations (when God works remarkable deliverances for his people those that had been among the pots become as the wings of a dove covered with silver, Ps. 68:13), but especially with eternal salvation. The righteous shall be beautified in that day when they shine forth as the sun. In the hopes of this, let them now, in the darkest day, sing a new song."  - Matthew Henry

he will beautify the meek with salvation;

"humble and lowly souls, who have been truly humbled under a sense of sin; brought to submit to the righteousness of Christ, and to depend upon the grace of God for salvation; are subject to the yoke of Christ, and patiently submit to the will of God under every dispensation of Providence; are not easily provoked to wrath; are free from envy and malice; have mean thoughts of themselves, and high ones of other saints; these the Lord beautifies now with more grace, with which salvation is connected; with the robe of Christ's righteousness, and the garments of his salvation, which are beautiful ones; and he will beautify them with eternal salvation, with the white robes of immortality and bliss, when they will shine as the sun in the kingdom of heaven." - John Gill

Proverbs 3:34 "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly..."

Surely he scorneth the scorners

"That make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, that scoff at the doctrines of the Gospel and the professors of it; these the Lord looks upon, laughs at, and has them in derision. The Greek version and two apostles render it, "he resisteth the proud", ( 1 Peter 5:5 ) ( James 4:6 ) . Such who are haughty and arrogant, that exalt themselves and despise others; as those of a pharisaical spirit are and do, are abhorred and despised by the Lord; he sets himself against them, is their enemy, "and scatters [them] in the imagination of their hearts", ( Luke 1:51 )
but he giveth grace unto the lowly;

or humble souls; such who are made truly sensible of sin, and lie low in their own sight on account of it; who, sensible of the imperfection and insufficiency of their own righteousness, submit to the righteousness of Christ; ascribe their salvation, and all the blessings of it, to the free grace of God; own the deficiency of their duties, and disclaim all merit in them; think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; and humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, and are patient under every adverse dispensation of Providence; knowing what their deserts are, how undeserving of any favour, and how deserving of the divine displeasure. Now God first gives grace to these persons to make them thus humble and lowly which they are not naturally, and then he gives them more grace, according to his promise;"- John Gill

Proverbs 14:21 "He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth : but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
 - If I despise even the weaknesses or lack of maturity or character in my neighbor (children), I sin. I need to strive for mercy to those who are poor in these things...or humble...or brought low by these things. My goal for myself should be mercy. My goal in training to is bring about humility as well.

Proverbs 16:19 "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."
"Humility, though it should expose us to contempt in the world, yet while it recommends us to the favour of God, qualifies us for his gracious visits, prepares us for his glory, secures us from many temptations, and preserves the quiet and repose of our own souls, is much better than that high-spiritedness which, though it carry away the honour and wealth of the world, makes God a man’s enemy and the devil his master." -Matthew Henry

Isaiah 29:19 "The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel."

Zephaniah 2:3 "Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger."


Greek:
Praus
Definition: mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness
Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time.

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Blessed are the meek:

"Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable." John Gill
Blessed are the meek.:
"The meek are those who quietly submit themselves to God, to his word and to his rod, who follow his directions, and comply with his designs, and are gentle towards all men (Tit. 3:2); who can bear provocation without being inflamed by it; are either silent, or return a soft answer; and who can show their displeasure when there is occasion for it, without being transported into any indecencies; who can be cool when others are hot; and in their patience keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of any thing else. They are the meek, who are rarely and hardly provoked, but quickly and easily pacified; and who would rather forgive twenty injuries than revenge one, having the rule of their own spirits.These meek ones are here represented as happy, even in this world. 1. They are blessed, for they are like the blessed Jesus, in that wherein particularly they are to learn of him, ch. 11:29. They are like the blessed God himself, who is Lord of his anger, and in whom fury is not. They are blessed, for they have the most comfortable, undisturbed enjoyment of themselves, their friends, their God; they are fit for any relation, and condition, any company; fit to live, and fit to die." -Matthew Henry

Happy are the meek - "They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced."
They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness.They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." -John Wesley

1 Peter 3:4 "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

"More especially, the finest ornament of Christian women is a meek and quiet spirit, a tractable easy temper of mind, void of passion, pride, and immoderate anger, discovering itself in a quiet obliging behaviour towards their husbands and families. If the husband (or child - *my thoughts*) be harsh, and averse to religion (which was the case of these good wives to whom the apostle gives this direction), there is no way so likely to win him as a prudent meek behaviour. At least, a quiet spirit will make a good woman easy to herself, which, being visible to others, becomes an amiable ornament to a person in the eyes of the world. Thirdly, The excellency of it. Meekness and calmness of spirit are, in the sight of God, of great price-amiable in the sight of men, and precious in the sight of God. Learn, 1. A true Christian’s chief care lies in the right ordering and commanding of his own spirit. Where the hypocrite’s work ends, there the true Christian’s work begins. 2. The endowments of the inner man are the chief ornaments of a Christian; but especially a composed, calm, and quiet spirit, renders either man or woman beautiful and lovely.

to be continued...

Scripture Prayers

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Nearly thirteen years ago my prayer life went through a dramatic transformation. While attending a women's study of the book, Becoming a Woman of Prayer, I was awakened to the power of praying scripture. It is incredibly humbling and thrilling to know you can confidently pray God's will into any situation by praying His own words.

Over the years I have experienced lasting growth in this area. I have become confident in my prayers and I have seen the Lord use prayer to change me. When I seek out a psalm in distress, when I pray a proverb over our children's lives, when I speak God's own words of protection over our family, I am broken and overwhelmed by the amazing power of His word. I realize that He desires these truths to be realized in our lives. His intentions for us are far reaching and always filled with love. I often see my own error and can rightly confess my sin. He uses my times of desparation and fear, when I would most fervently pray, to change my heart and aline me correctly with His truth.

This week is a week of prayer for me. As my heart is hurting, I find myself coming to the Lord again, begging for His comfort, protection and healing. He has graciously shown me, through His word, more powerful and effective words of prayer for our family. I am planning to keep a journaled list here of the scripture prayers that the Lord gives as we work through this time of growth.

Thank you, Lord. May I continue to be changed for your purposes.

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June 14, 2010
Ephesians 1:15-19
"For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might..."
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June 15, 2010
Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith ; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
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July 16, 2010
Philippians 1:2-11
"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."
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August 13, 2010
Colossians 1:9-12
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."

Was it Just a Month Ago?

I've been taking this resting time after Baby's birth to reflect on how the Lord has been working in our lives. As I look through my journal, it is amazing to me that only a month has passed in this journey. So much of my thoughts, emotions and heart has been tied up in these lessons the Lord has been teaching me through this pregnancy and it's challenges. I'm afraid a huge part of me has retreated from the other areas of my life that needed attention. Yet, I could not find it in me to see beyond the trees of this forest I was in.  I confess, that the issues we dealt with seem miniscule compared to many challenges we could have faced.  Yet, in the midst of my fears, the Lord was patient and kind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Journal entry:
March 16, 2010
Today is my 3 hour glucose test. I am so relieved, and yet anxious at the same time. Father, I have not been walking in faith through this. I have been carrying fear, anxiety, confusion, frustration - so many stressful emotions. So many thoughts and actions that have drawn me away from you. How much have I even prayed about this? I say I just want answers - to know what to do - yet, I haven't truly asked You. I am looking for human wisdom for something that has no clear answer. These tests, these issues - even the medical community disagrees. Lord, You are creating this child. You know exactly what this baby needs to grow. You know where we need to be to keep Baby healthy and safe.

You also know our fears. You know the obstacles we face in having a hospital birth. You know our financial needs. You know how impossible that path looks to us.  These words have brought me back to my senses.

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil." 1 Thes. 3:3

How I need these words of comfort and hope. Truly, my mind sees the hospital and it's methods as "evil". I fear their judgement on me. I fear their intrusions and being forced into decisions and treatments. I fear the division that it all can cause between David and myself. Please, stablish me. You are faithful. I have not been faithful here. I have not turned to You. I've asked others to pray, yet I have not.

"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure." 1 Thes. 1:4

I have not been patient. I have not had faith. I have given up even wanting to endure. Forgive me, Lord! Forgive me for pursuing man's wisdom and knowledge above Your own. Forgive me for giving up on Your faithfulness to me. You have not left me. You have not given up on me. You will not. You will stablish me and keep me from evil. Help me walk with you and receive your work in my life today.

Stablish (sterizo) - to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix to strengthen, make firm, to render constant, comfirm one's mind. Strengthen, steadfastly set.

Your promise is to make me stable, place me firmly in the right way. To strengthen me, to confirm my mind. You will give me the confidence to follow You.

Keep (phullasso) - to guard; to watch; guard to keep me safe lest I suffer violence, be despoiled; to protect; to keep from being snatchd away, preserve safe and unimpaired; to guard from being lost or perishing.

From - Separation

Evil (poneros) - full of labors, annoyances, hardships; pressed and harrassed by labors; bringing toils, annoyances, perils: of a time full of peril to christian faith and steadfastness; causing pain and trouble; in a physical sense: diseased or blind; in an ethical sense: evil, wicked, bad.

You will make me stable and firm by your protection over me. Through this, You will separate me from the annoyances, toils, labors, hardships, blindness and disease around me. I will and am in the midst of these evils, yet You keep me separate from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That day I failed the test. Yet, I gained new hope and confidence in the Lord's purpose and promise to carry me through and accomplish His plan.

Glorify Thy Name!

"I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people:
I will sing unto thee among the nations. 

 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens,
and thy truth unto the clouds.

 Be thou exalted , O God, above the heavens:
let thy glory be above all the earth. "

Psalm 57:9-11

Matthew Henry writes:
"God’s mercy and truth reach to the heavens, for they will bring all such to heaven as lay up their treasure in them and build their hopes upon them. God’s mercy and truth are praised even to the heavens, that is, by all the bright and blessed inhabitants of the upper world, who are continually exalting God’s praises to the highest, while David, on earth, is endeavouring to spread his praises to the furthest, v. 9.V.

How he leaves it at last to God to glorify his own name (v. 11): Be thou exalted, O God! The same words which he had used (v. 5) to sum up his prayers in he here uses again (and no vain repetition) to sum up his praises in: "Lord, I desire to exalt thy name, and that all the creatures may exalt it; but what can the best of us do towards it? Lord, take the work into thy own hands; do it thyself: Be thou exalted, O God!"

Amen!

The Reports of Spies

A Pregnancy Devotional

by Jennifer Vanderlaan

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/

Numbers 13:26 -14:11

I wonder what happened to the 10 spies who spread a bad report among the people. They had lived through the exodus. They had committed themselves to follow God's laws. They had seen God provide food and water in the dessert. They had lived through such miracles that their lack of faith in God seems unthinkable.


Somehow, they let their fears overtake their faith in God's sovereignty. They saw how large the people were, how numerous the people were, how powerful the people were and they gave up before they ever started. Somehow, they must have thought that these people were too powerful for God, or God wouldn't be with them anymore.


I remember reading a commentary by an archaeologist that explained in these ancient cultures, the belief was that gods had power only in their "part" of the world. So for the Israelites, it would only seem normal that a desert god like theirs would not have power in a lush and fruitful area like "The Promised Land." In effect, they let their understanding of what God can do be based on the cultural norms rather than on what God said.


We do the same thing with childbirth. Instead of understanding that with God's power we will be successful, we are overcome with fear from spies with bad reports. We believe that labor is too difficult. We believe that God is not strong enough to help us. We believe going into labor with God as our protection will get us destroyed.


Whose report do you believe? Whose report do you spread among the people?

This article challenges me in more than just our upcoming labor and birth. I confess that everything that awaits us in the coming months has been a source of fear and believing the "bad reports" in my mind. From the final weeks of pregnancy, to birth to the first weeks of life with a newborn, it all threatens to overwhelm me at times. I need to refocus my mind and heart moment by moment as I ask myself these questions.

All Stopped Up

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Ps. 51:6

Strong's definition: hidden: to stop up, shut up, keep close (Qal); secret (participle); (Niphal) to be stopped up

In every cross reference of this word it is referring to stopping up a well of water or some type of running water. The idea that a needed source of life has been shut up and hidden from anyone who would seek it or need it. This is profound to me. In my casual reading of this text, I would have assumed that "the hidden part" that needed wisdom was the same as the inward parts that the Lord desires truth. Yet, I see that they are different. In the context of this psalm, David is pouring forth his heart in confession of his sin against the Lord. He is "all stopped up" in his heart with corruption, lust and guilt.

The Lord desires me to walk in truth in my heart and mind while He gives wisdom to those areas in my life that are "all stopped up".  Where am I struggling? Where am I buried in frustration, fear, selfishness and sin?

Matthew Henry writes in reference to this verse:  "What God requires of us he himself works in us, and he works it in the regular way, enlightening the mind, and so gaining the will.  Some read it as a prayer: "Lord, in this instance, I have done foolishly; for the future make me to know wisdom.’’ Where there is truth God will give wisdom; those that sincerely endeavour to do their duty shall be taught their duty."

As I read through the commentaries, I admit that I am on a lone track here with my thoughts on this verse. I am certainly willing to step aside and allow those far more learned than I teach the depth of this passage. However, I willingly accept the Lord's challenge to me this morning to search my heart and see what sins may have shut up my understanding and knowledge of His will and work in my life.

Psalm 51
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned , and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest , and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean : wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice . Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise . Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."

Thinking of Baby Dear

I was thumbing through the hymnal tonight with my five year old daughter. She loves to sing and we were working on learning a couple of the new songs we heard this past Sunday. I came across this song and it struck me. I couldn't help but think of our precious baby being molded and formed within by the Master Potter. As I sang through the words in my heart, it became a prayer for our little one we soon will meet as well as for myself. Not only is this baby being knit into the beautiful person the Lord desires, but I am also being changed, cleansed, and filled with His spirit as I learn to lean on His power and strength more and more each day. Thank you, Lord. And please, Have Thine Own Way!

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5

Paul: Our Parental Example

Verses:
1-3 Paul is affirming what he has already taught the believers
4-10 Paul is affirming their position in Christ and duty as believers

In these verses, Paul is reminding the church of the eternal perspective he has already begun to teach to them. He is giving them a worldview that puts their current lives into a larger picture of the Lord at work. He is setting before them the ability to focus on the Lord’s work on their behalf both now and for the future. He is giving them the gift of hope and purpose to their momentary struggles and the promise that they will be carried through.

Reflect/Discuss: Do I see my life from this eternal perspective? Am I looking forward and upward for the purposes behind my daily tasks, challenges and joys? Am I establishing this worldview into my children? Do I cause them to understand that every detail of their lives is connected to the Lord’s plan for their own present and future lives, as well as the future of the world we live in?

V. 11 Key verse! A summary of our role as members of the body of Christ

Paul’s List for Discipleship: What should we teach?
Verses
12-13 – Respect, appreciation and love for elders and those in authority
13 – Live in Peace
14 – Admonish the Unruly
          Admonish: remind, warn, to warn of a fault, to reprove gently or kindly, but seriously; to exhort; to put one in mind of something forgotten, by way of warning or exhortation.
                Exhort: to incite, encourage; to incite by words or advice; to advise or warn earnestly.
                   Incite: to arouse to action; spur on, urge on, stir up, excite to action, prompt.
          Unruly: not submissive to rule or restraint; turbulent, ungovernable, refractory.
                  Refractory: obstinate; unmanageable, resisting ordinary treatment.
14 – Encourage the fainthearted
          Encourage: i.e. Comfort; to speak to, address one, whether by way of admonition and incentive, or to calm and console
          Fainthearted: i.e. feebleminded (KJV); lacking courage; cowardly; timorous; lacking conviction or boldness or courage;
14 – Help the Weak
         Help: i.e. Support (KJV;) to hold before or against, hold back, withstand, endure; to keep one's self directly opposite to any one, hold to him firmly, cleave to, paying heed to him. (See Mt. 6:24; Titus 1:9 – “hold, hold fast”)
         Weak: weak, infirm, feeble; without strength
14- Be patient with everyone
         Patient: to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart; to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles, to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish

Reflect/Discuss: Do I see the individual personalities and needs of each of my children? Do I see how they need me to come alongside of them in varying ways to guide them further in their walk with the Lord? Do I take the time to understand the unique design the Lord has created in them both in strength and weakness?

15 – Do not repay evil with evil – Romans 12:17; Seek after that which good for others
16- Rejoice always
         Rejoice: to rejoice, be glad; to rejoice exceedingly; to be well, thrive
17 – Pray without ceasing
18 – Give thanks in everything; THIS is the will of God
      "The way to rejoice evermore is to pray without ceasing. We should rejoice more if we prayed more. We should keep up stated times for prayer, and continue instant in prayer. We should pray always, and not faint: pray without weariness, and continue in prayer, till we come to that world where prayer shall be swallowed up in praise. The meaning is not that men should do nothing but pray, but that nothing else we do should hinder prayer in its proper season. Prayer will help forward and not hinder all other lawful business, and every good work. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving in every thing.  We should be thankful in every condition, even in adversity as well as prosperity. It is never so bad with us but it might be worse. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks, seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks."  Matthew Henry

19 – Do not quench the Spirit
         Quench: to decrease; to extinguish; to make an end of; as to quench a fire; of emotions: to suppress or subdue; to extinguish by satisfying (thirst); to cool suddenly; to subside; to become calm or cool.
         Concordance: Mt. 12:20; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Eph. 6:16; 1 Thes. 5:19; Heb. 11:34
         A Journal Entry: There is this constant reference to fire. This idea of a burning that is extinguished. The Holy Spirit – as he has come to us- is revealed as a flame or fire. A burning - a passion - something that consumes – fire. It also grows – becomes hotter- affects others. It can be extinguished, though. Quenched. Smoldered. Put out. What is in my life that would or is doing that? I am to “fan the flame.” Am I? I know my time in your word certainly does that. I know more time in prayer would also do that. What is keeping me from those things? Make a list.

20- Do not despise prophetic utterances
        Prophetic utterances: i.e. phrophesyings (KJV) a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events
        Despise: to make of no account; To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern
21 – Examine everything carefully; hold fast to the good
22 – Abstain from every form of evil
Verses 23-24:  A prayer focusing on the Lord’s role in accomplishing these things in their lives. The above lists aspects of sanctification, therefore His work in our lives. We cannot manifest these things in our own hearts or our children’s hearts. The Lord has to do this work, even as we obey Him in directing one another to these ends. It is always for His glory and His purposes.

Discuss/Reflect: As I work to train our children, do I see the Lord at work? Do I understand that I am one of his tools to accomplish His work of sanctification in their lives? Do I remember that if they reject these instructions, they are rejecting the Lord and not me? (see 1 Thes. 4) Have I removed my own desires and goals so that I am not standing in the way of the Lord’s work in my life or my children’s lives?

25 – acknowledge and teach the need to pray for parents; our children are a great gift that the Lord has given to lead us closer to Him. Their prayers are powerful tools to accomplish this work.
26 – relationships with other believers
27 – study and share the scriptures
28 – closing prayer

May the Lord give us continued direction as we work to lead our children in their knowledge and love of the Lord. May He grant us wisdom and understanding as we join Him in His work of sanctification both in our own lives and in the lives of our family. May we joyfully receive all of His works designed to make us holy as we are drawn closer to Him through our role as parents. Praise Him for the unique gift of discipling our own young believers, that we may better understand His work in discipling our own hearts. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.

Assignment: Pray 1 Thes. 5:23-24 over your children and yourself. Read through the book of 1 Thessalonians again, with a new focus on the lives of the church members. What were their lives like? How were they known? What work was the Lord doing in and through them? How can you apply this to your life and those you are leading?

Redeeming the Time ~ Buying the Opportunity

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph 5:16

Strong's definition:
Redeeming; to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own

Matthew Henry:
"It follows, redeeming the time (v. 16), literally, buying the opportunity. It is a metaphor taken from merchants and traders who diligently observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade. It is a great part of Christian wisdom to redeem the time. Good Christians must be good husbands of their time, and take care to improve it to the best of purposes, by watching against temptations, by doing good while it is in the power of their hands, and by filling it up with proper employment—one special preservative from sin. They should make the best use they can of the present seasons of grace. Our time is a talent given us by God for some good end, and it is misspent and lost when it is not employed according to his design. If we have lost our time heretofore, we must endeavour to redeem it by doubling our diligence in doing our duty for the future. The reason given is because the days are evil, either by reason of the wickedness of those who dwell in them, or rather "as they are troublesome and dangerous times to you who live in them.’’ Those were times of persecution wherein the apostle wrote this: the Christians were in jeopardy every hour. When the days are evil we have one superadded argument to redeem time, especially because we know not how soon they may be worse. People are very apt to complain of bad times; it were well if that would stir them up to redeem time..."

John Gill:
" Redeeming the time; 'ye buy this opportunity'...taking time for a space of time, it denotes a careful and diligent use of it, an improvement of it to the best advantage; and shows that it is valuable and precious, and is not to be trifled with, and squandered away, and be lost, as it may be; for it can neither be recalled nor prolonged: and taking it for an opportunity of doing good to ourselves or others, it signifies that no opportunity of discharging our duty to God and man, of attending on the word and ordinances of the Gospel, and to the private and public exercises of religion, of gaining advantage to our own souls, or of gaining the souls of others, and of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men, should be neglected; but even all risks should be run,"

John Wesley:
"With all possible care redeeming the time - Saving all you can for the best purposes; buying every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan; out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business; the more diligently, because the present are evil days, days of the grossest ignorance, immorality, and profaneness."

Lord, you have given me "purchase money" to redeem the time in my life. Spirit, stir up within me your zeal and well doing that I may watch against temptations and do good while it is in the power of my hands to do so. Help me to fill my time with proper employment as a way to preserve my life and those around me from sin. My time is a talent given by You, Lord,  for some good end, and I misspend and lose it when it is not employed according to Your design. I should never neglect an opportunity of fulfilling my duty to You and man, of time spent in Your word and teachings of the Gospel, and to the private and public exercises of my faith, of gaining advantage to my own soul, or of gaining the souls of those around me, and of doing good either to the bodies or souls of men.  But I should risk all to pursue these things.  Forgive me for the many times I have failed to do so.

Lord, using the gift of your strength and zeal teach me to buy every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan; out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business and the many distractions and sins that lure me from You. I praise you that you cleanse me from these sins, you equip me with the necessary tools to overcome them and empower me to deny my selfish heart as I learn to follow You.

The Hospitality of Home Church: a Book Review

The Hospitality of Home Church: A Woman's Perspective

by Shelley Howland

What a fantastic find I have in this little book. While the purpose of the author is to give practical advice to women on the details of hosting a home church meeting, I found that her insights and biblical truths shared pertain to all aspects of hospitality as well as preparing our hearts for the Lord's day, regardless of the location we choose to celebrate.

The title of this book, alone, was like a magnet to me. In effect, it said..."Hey! You have a unique purpose in this calling. You, as a woman and helper to your husband are vital to this ministry the Lord is setting before you."  Speaking to this, Mrs. Howland writes;

     "A man who decides to home church will tell his wife that church will be in their home every other week. 30 or more people may attend, they are going to break unleavened bread, eat a full meal together and worship. Now see, I think that's funny. Men, you're not getting it are you?
     You see, a group of 20 or 30 people coming for dinner would normally be considered a large gathering or event. But when you home church this is potentially a regular occurance. When a husband tells this to his wife, she immediately begins to think about the details, it is just natural. We were designed as helpmeets and that is where our minds begin to go." (p.6-7)

In this book you will find practical helps that equip you to take on this privilege of hosting a home fellowship meeting with confidence. Such details as: Preparing for Sunday, Get the Family Involved, House Rules, The Meal, Seating, Pets, Children, Clean Up and How to Be a Guest.  You'll also uncover deeper subjects such as: Spiritual Preparation, Regarding Romans 14, Women's Silence and Headcovering.  Each of these chapters is graced with Mrs. Howland's experience, humor and wisdom.  It is a quick read, but one that you'll want to return to again and again.

Allow me to share with you one of my favorite insights I gleand from this book. It regards the concept of hospitality in general and how the practice of it reflects the heart. She writes,
    
    "Let's take a look at the difference between hospitality and entertaining. Webster's says that hospitality is a 'generous and cordial reception of guests,' to offer a 'pleasant environment.'  Entertaining, on the other hand, is a 'public performance,' 'something diverting or engaging'. One is me focused, my cooking abilities, my hostessing skills and such, the other is you focused, 'how can I serve you?' 'How can I make your visit in my home the best it can be for you?'  I believe the Lord wants us focused on the needs of others. That's hospitality." (p. 14)

Here is one last nugget of wisdom I'd like to share. I've taken this on as a new challenge in our lives. This week I am working on rearranging our weekly routine to refocus our attention on preparing for Sunday.  I am excited to make our Sunday meeting time such a prominent and special day in our lives that we cannot help but turn our hearts to it every other day of the week.  Mrs. Howland explains this idea with a great visual description.
    
     "There is a book called Making Sunday Special by Karen Mains. The basic concept of this book is to look at your week as sort of a wave, with the high part of the wave being Sunday when your church body gathers. That is the highlight of your week. From Sunday to Wednesday you refelct on Sunday. From Wednesday to Sunday you prepare for Sunday. How often are we rushing around on Sunday doing things that could have been done Thursday, Friday or Saturday? Write down those things that need to be done and space them out from Wednesday to Sunday. I believe we need to practice 'making Sunday special'..." (p.16)

I am grateful to have this little gem in my hands now. Along with giving me useful advice regarding the how-to's of hosting a larger group in our home, I am challenged to consider my heart and motivation in these preparations.  It is truly a gift to understand that all we set our hands to accomplish should and can give glory to the Lord. Our Sunday preparations are a new tool the Lord has given us to grow me in this area. An added benefit is seeing our children join in the preparations and begin to understand that our Sunday morning experience effects every other day and moment of our lives. That is an invaluable truth that I pray they cling to for their whole life.

UPDATE: I received a lovely email from the author. She's given her link to purchase this book: http://www.abundantblessings.ecrater.com/  You'll find the book listed under "House Church" but do plan to spend some time there looking through her other items for sale. Thank you, Shelley!!

At Sundry Times In Diverse Manners

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1-2

In our study time during Sunday worship this week we began to look at the book of Hebrews. I've been reflecting on this teaching, particularly the phrase, "at sundry times". It's not a phrase I was familiar with and as our discussion unfolded and my meditation has increased, I am struck by its signficance.

First, as it relates to the context, I see how the Lord revealed His plan and purposes of our salvation through Christ in portions or "separate parts" as Matthew Henry describes it. We have the advantage of looking at the Old Testament revelations through the lens of the New Testament fulfillment, so it is difficult for us to comprehend the importance of this small phrase and method the Lord used. To reveal His complete plan for our redemption in one sitting, well, how could our feeble minds comprehend it? How would we respond? Would we even accept it? Would we have even had the sense to see our desparate need for such a plan of salvation through Christ and the completeness that lies therein? Instead, he spoke and revealed His actions and future plans in portions appropriate to our understanding, needs and ability to respond. Please forgive me if this makes light of His awesome and eternal wisdom, but it seems he chose to leave us clues to piece together, wrestling with them one generation at a time, for the whole picture at once would have left us with a burden we could not fully grasp.

Matthew Henry's Commentary:
"The order in which God spoke to men in those times that went before the gospel, those past times: he spoke to his ancient people at sundry times and in divers manners. At sundry times, or by several parts, as the word signifies, which may refer either to the several ages of the Old-Testament dispensation—the patriarchal, the Mosaic, and the prophetic; or to the several gradual openings of his mind concerning the Redeemer: to Adam, that the Messiah should come of the seed of the woman,—to Abraham, that he should spring from his loins,—to Jacob, that he should be of the tribe of Judah,—to David, that he should be of his house,—to Micah, that he should be born at Bethlehem,—to Isaiah, that he should be born of a virgin."

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes:
"God, who at sundry times - The creation was revealed in the time of Adam; the last judgment, in the time of Enoch: and so at various times, and in various degrees, more explicit knowledge was given."


Another crucial aspect of the Lord's method of revelation is that each of these portions would create unity in His plan. Each time a new piece of revaltion is given, or clue is revealed, it supports, enhances and strengthens the prior truth. We are given an important measuring tool in understanding how these prophecies and truths are bound together to reveal a thorough and unified plan. Even in messages that appear to differ, God's spirit reveals the minute details that actually bind them together.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible:
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

The apostle begins the epistle with an account of the revelation God has made of his mind and will in former times: the author of this revelation is God, not essentially, but personally considered, even God the Father, as distinguished from his Son in the next verse; for the revelation under the Old Testament is divine, as well as that under the New; in this they both agree, in whatsoever else they differ: and this revelation was made at several times, at different seasons, and to different persons; and consisted of a variety of things relating to doctrine and worship, and concerning the Messiah, his person and office; of whom, at different times, there were gradual discoveries made, both before and after the giving of the law, from the beginning of the world, or the giving forth of the first promise, and in the times of the patriarchs, of: Moses, David, Isaiah, and other prophets: and this was delivered in various manners; sometimes by angels; sometimes in a dream; at other times by a vision; and sometimes by Urim and Thummim:"

My heart rejoices in seeing the Lord's mercy and favor in his dealings with men throughout history.  He loves us so much that He chooses to share His ways and thoughts with us, yet in such a way that we will have time to grasp it's truth...at least in part. He is patient and longsuffering as we wrestle with understanding the mind of the Lord. What a dear Father we have, who would not only make a way for us to be forgiven and accepted into His perfect presence, but also take the time to walk us through that process.

I began to consider how this relates to His work in our lives today.  Our family is standing at a crossroads of sorts, begging the Lord to reveal His will and direction for our family. We feel confused and unsure of what this season of "drought" could mean. Do we continue to trust through the "famine" and stay where the Lord has placed us, developing the endurance He desires? Are these "closed doors" the Lord's way of telling us that a change is in order and we need to prepare and pursue new horizons?

In light of Hebrews, it appears that the Lord has been giving us these answers over the years. He chooses to reveal His plans at sundry times in diverse manners. We are challenged to reflect back on previous times we have seen the Lord speak and direct us and then pray to understand how these are all connected as pieces of a larger picture. Rather than asking the Lord to reveal His plan for this particular season, we would be wise to ask how the portions He has already given us will lead us to further understand His complete purposes for our lives. As we do this, we can measure our thoughts and ideas against what we already know of His truths. The past will agree with the present and bring unity for our future. If they do not, we can know we are on the wrong path.

I also understand that His ways are not my ways, yet they should be. I should work to adopt my Lord's methods as I communicate with others, particularly my family. I need to see each of my children as unique in their ability to understand and comprehend the information given to them. I need that patient, longsuffering endurance and wisdom that will help me to reveal just the portions they are able to grasp...at sundry times in diverse manners.

Finally, I cannot help but see how this relates to news I learned just yesterday regarding a dear friend. Last week, their family was anticipating an ultrasound that would give them a peek at their newly developing baby. They rejoiced to see that little person wiggling about and to learn that their long-awaited wish for another daughter had been granted. Oh, what rejoicing came from that portion of knowledge the Lord had given!

This week they received more revelation concerning their precious daughter. That same ultrasound revealed that this precious child has Down's Syndrome, club feet and some heart disorders. This portion of revelation is still received with gratitude, yet mixed with fear and grief.

As I pray for my friend and her family, I cannot help but think of the Lord's mercy in revealing His plans for us at sundry times. If the whole picture were revealed at once, just how would we be able to stand?  In the smallest portions He gives us the truths we need as we are able to grasp them. Each part of His plan is connected to a previous part. Each portion is leading us to another and they will all bring unity. We can rest in the moment, knowing that He has given us enough of Himself and His ways.  We can rest because we know that He will reveal the next portion in His providence, keeping His love for us always in mind.

A Melting Heart

I'm so blessed by what I am learning through God's word in 1 Thess. One of the truths that continues to press in my mind is found in this verse:
1 Thessalonians 4:8 "So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."

The "this" Paul is referring to in the context of the passage are the teachings and instructions he has given and is now repeating to the believers in the church. He is listing for them the characteristics of their sanctification, the very things that God desires to complete in their lives to identify them as His followers. It strikes me that as I focus on this same list to use as I disciple my own "believers" (my children) that any rejection they give is an important sign of my need to prayerfully consider their hearts and my own.

I know that in my imperfections, my training is often faulty in it's methods.  There are times that my desire and efforts to teach God's truths are defeated by my selfish motivations or impatient actions. In short, I get in the way of what the Lord is working to accomplish in their lives. When I see my children reject my instruction, my first thought should be, "What have I done to impede their hearts? How am I presenting His truths? Am I communicating in the power of God's spirit or in my own desires for gain? Am I exasperating my children?"  More often than not, my sinful heart is, at least in part, the cause of their resistance.

There are times, however, where I see my children genuinely reject the work the Lord desires to accomplish. I confess that when this happens I am again tempted by my pride to take this as shame and guilt on my behalf. Yet, I understand, through this verse, that my children are also responsible for their own hearts and there will come times when their rejection of truth is a result of their rejection of the Spirit's work in their life. That pierces my heart. When I remove myself and my hurt feelings over their resistance, I see that my dear children are rejecting the work of God in their lives. Oh, how that grieves me! How I long to wrap them up and cry out, "Receive the Lord! Soften your heart to His commands. Embrace His teachings so that you can live and enjoy His blessings!"  This is a clear call from the Lord to fall upon my knees on their behalf and pray for His victory in their hearts and minds.

This past Sunday, in a time of fellowship with another family, we searched God's word and discussed the idea of hardening our hearts against the Lord. It was evident that this idea of rejecting the Lord's work is directly related to the sin of hardening our hearts. I love when the Lord continues to bring similar truth to my mind to cement His revelations. I could see that as I work with my children, I need to pray for their hearts. That they would not harden their hearts against the Lord.

In Matthew Henry's commentary regarding this hardening of hearts, he identifies this sin:

The causes of their sin. See what God imputed it to: It is a people that do err in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. Men’s unbelief and distrust of God, their murmurings and quarrels with him, are the effect of their ignorance and mistake.

First, Of their ignorance: They have not known my ways. They saw his work (v. 9) and he made known his acts to them (Ps. 103:7); and yet they did not know his ways, the ways of his providence, in which he walked towards them, or the ways of his commandments, in which he would have them to walk towards him: they did not know, they did not rightly understand and therefore did not approve of these. Note, The reason why people slight and forsake the ways of God is because they do not know them.

Secondly, Of their mistake: They do err in their heart; they wander out of the way; in heart they turn back. Note, Sins are errors, practical errors, errors in heart; such there are, and as fatal as errors in the head. When the corrupt affections pervert the judgment, and so lead the soul out of the ways of duty and obedience, there is an error of the heart.

I see now, that along with prayer, there is something else that I can do when I find my children rejecting the Lord's instructions. First, it is a result of their ignorance. I can come alongside of them and open the scriptures to them so that they will have the knowledge that can lead to repentance. Secondly, it is a result of their "corrupt affections", those sinful desires that plague us all. Through God's word, I can help them see how their sinful passions are perverting their judgement and setting up prominence in their hearts against the Lord. I cannot change their hearts, but I can hold of the mirror of God's truth so they can see what is causing their discontent and the reality of their sin.

Now comes the completion of how the Lord works in my life. As I reflect on how to better reach my children's hearts and grow excited at finding yet another practical application of His word, His spirit churns within me asking, "How is it with you?" Forever I will praise the Lord for His gift of motherhood. I cannot imagine a more effective way for Him to twist, chisel and prod at my own hardened heart than through the lives of the precious children he has given. As I read further through Mr. Henry's commentary, the Lord's spirit worked to caution and direct my own heart where it needs to be softened:

Psalm 95:8 "Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,"
Thus here, Harden not your heart as you did (that is, your ancestors) in the provocation, or in Meribah, the place where they quarrelled with God and Moses (Ex. 17:2-7), and in the day of temptation in the wilderness, v. 8. So often did they provoke God by their distrusts and murmurings that the whole time of their continuance in the wilderness might be called a day of temptation, or Massah, the other name given to that place (Ex. 17:7), because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or is he not? This was in the wilderness, where they could not help themselves, but lay at God’s mercy, and where God wonderfully helped them and gave them such sensible proofs of his power and tokens of his favour as never any people had before or since.

Note, (1.) Days of temptation are days of provocation. Nothing is more offensive to God than disbelief of his promise and despair of the performance of it because of some difficulties that seem to lie in the way.

(2.) The more experience we have had of the power and goodness of God the greater is our sin if we distrust him. What, to tempt him in the wilderness, where we live upon him! This is as ungrateful as it is absurd and unreasonable.

(3.) Hardness of heart is at the bottom of all our distrusts of God and quarrels with him. That is a hard heart which receives not the impressions of divine discoveries and conforms not to the intentions of the divine will, which will not melt, which will not bend.

(4.) The sins of others ought to be warnings to us not to tread in their steps. The murmurings of Israel were written for our admonition, 1 Co. 10:11.2.

I am amazed at the peace the Lord has given us in these last couple of months. The idea that we are in the midst of "Days of Temptation" is powerful. When I consider the time that has gone by with David not working and the changes our family has gone through resulting from that, it delights my heart that I find myself rejoicing. It can only be the work of the Lord that He has caused me to be thankful for this time of trust, of seeking His face, of receiving His provision, seeing that He brings "something out of nothing". As we move forward each day, clinging to His promises, I am reminded that I need to reflect back on the powerful ways the Lord has already worked on my behalf and in the lives of others. We may very well face even more temptation and struggles in the coming weeks, yet I will not harden my heart to the Lord's ability to provide what He knows is necessary for our growth and livelihood because I have seen His faithfulness proved mighty time and again. I will embrace His instructions to trust and look for His purposes beyond my needs and desires. I will ask Him to remove my ignorance, my corrupt desires, my doubts and distrust, the very things that work to harden my heart against Him.

Lord, as I allow your Spirit to keep my heart soft to your work in my own life, may I be an example to my children of the joy that comes from being willing to bend and melt into Your image.

1 Thessalonians, chapters 3 and 4

Paul’s Example – A New Season of Growth

1 Thes. 3:1-5
 In Paul’s separation and suffering, he continues to carry the burden of the young believers’ growth in the Lord. He takes action to encourage them as they deal with fears over his life. (Maybe they are wondering, “Will this happen to us?”)

Consider/Discuss: When our children see us struggle, are we taking action to strengthen and encourage them in their own faith? Have we prepared them in advance that we, as followers of Christ, will have to endure hardships, yet can trust the Lord’s will and purpose? Do we respond to our struggles in a way that builds and strengthens their faith?

3:6-10
What gave Paul comfort in his distress?
    >Timothy’s good news of their faith and love, always thinking kindly of Paul, longing to see him, their faith.

What causes Paul to “really live”?
     >“if you stand firm in the Lord”

What is Paul’s continued role in their lives, even while separated?
    >night and day keep praying, longing to complete what is lacking in their faith

Consider/Discuss: Where do we look for comfort in our own distress? Do we see our children as God’s tool to strengthen us in our weaknesses? Do we see them as fellow believers? What causes us to “Really live”? What is our role in our children’s lives as they or we move on to new paths?

3:11-13 – A prayer for our children

Paul’s Example: Committed to Continued Education

4: 1 Paul’s instructions have been given. He now commands them to Excel Still More. Same instructions, Repeat Often. (as parents, we often feel discouraged when we need to repeat ourselves. Yet, we see here that it is the KEY to maturity in our children's lives.)

4:2-12 The Instructions Paul has given and repeats as to how they ought to walk and please God

  >2 Commands given by the authority of Jesus.

  >3 God’s will is their sanctification, which involves:

  >v. 3 abstain from sexual immorality

  >v. 4-5 know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor without lustful passion (Self-Control in all things)

  >v. 6 no man transgresses and defrauds his brother in the matter (in immorality or passions)

  >v. 9-10 love one another

  >v. 11 lead a quiet life, attend to your business, work with your hands (be busy for the Lord!), take care of each other.

  >v. 12 behave properly toward unbelievers

V. 7-8 Reminder! If anyone rejects these teachings and work of sanctification, they are rejecting God and His work in their life. They are not rejecting man efforts.

Consider/Discuss: If I am teaching God’s truth, in His love and grace, and my children reject that truth, they are not rejecting ME, they are rejecting the Lord. This should drive us to our knees. How do I deal with my child’s rejection of what I am teaching? (am I taking it personal or getting out of the way so the Lord can work?)

What are the areas of sanctification in my children’s life that I need to focus on training and instruction from Paul’s list of commands? Where should my greatest efforts be placed in the day to day discipleship of my children? (see list from verses 3-12) Will I need to repeat these instructions? (oh yeah! And in varying degrees. What they "get" at age 7 will need to be "gotten again" at age 12 at a new level.) Will they get it the first time? (nope, Do I?) Will I challenge myself to Excel Still More?

How will this training worked out among believers affect our influence to unbelievers? Where is the majority of time spent in the life of a young believer? (with whom should their training primarily take place?)

4:13-18 Paul continues to be a source of instruction
   >answers their questions, encourages them to comfort one another with words of truth.

Consider/Discuss: As Paul reiterates the teaching he once gave, he is moving them in a direction to care for one another as he steps away as their “primary care-giver.” We can see his commitment to their faith and growth never stops, but it does take on different forms as he allows the believers to take more responsibility for their faith and each other. Our role, as parents, is to do the same. Commit to the faith and growth of our children. Instruct them in God’s truth, that they will grow in His sanctification. Repeat those instructions in various ways to encourage our children to continue to excel still more in the way of the Lord.

Assignment: Read 1 Thessalonians 5, Pray 1 Thes. 3:11-13 over your children daily.

1 Thessalonians study, Part 2.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. 3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit ; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 5 For we never *came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed -God is witness - 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted *our authority. 7 But we proved to be gentle among *you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers ; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, 16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved ; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. 17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short *while -in person, not in spirit -were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. 18 For we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, more *than once -and yet Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation ? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming ? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul: Our Parental Example

v. 1-3 review of Paul’s experience and courage in sharing the gospel in the midst of persecution.

v.4 What does God say about what He has done for us and how He has equipped us?

- approved us  (See Who Am I in Christ? at this link:) http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist

- entrusted us with His gospel

The Result: We speak (the gospel) to please God, not men.

Consider/discuss: Where is my focus? Why do I speak?

v. 5-6 How should we speak? (to our children)

- without flattering speech - are we praising them or the work we see the Lord doing in them? Are we puffing them up or are we pointing them to Jesus?

- without a pretext for greed - are we motivated to train/teach our children for our own gain? Are we after making our own life more comfortable or working to make their lives fruitful?

- not seeking glory from men - are we focused on giving glory to the Lord through our work in our families, or are we seeking the praise, acceptance and validation of men? (i.e. evaluators, superintendants, parents, friends, etc.)

- not asserting our own authority - do we demand our children to respect our authority, or are we winning their respect by winning their hearts? Do I demand authority in my child's life or do I direct them to the Lord's commands to honor and obey?

Consider/discuss: Do I train so others are impressed or my children hear the gospel? Am I seeking my glory or the Lord’s?

v.7-11 How should we behave? (please note, Paul gave us an example of discipleship based on the roles he knew that mother's and father's played in the lives of their children. He took on these roles together in order to raise up these young believers. While there are distinctions in how fathers and mothers are required and naturally inclined toward working with their children, Paul is showing us that he took on all of these roles to affectively impact their lives. We are wise to pray for the ability to do the same.)

- As a nursing mother: gentle, tender, having a fond affection
   >pleased to impart the gospel
   >pleased to impart her own life - am I willing to be real, transparent, show my hopes and strengths as well as admit my failures? Is there any area of my life that I withhold from my family? Do I demand my "own time"?
   >laboring, enduring hardship, working night and day so as not to be a burden, in order to proclaim the gospel - labor and hardship cannot be escaped in motherhood. Yet, do we accept and serve our families so as not to be a burden, or are we counting the cost? Do I work with a heart of joy, so that my children will see the gospel lived out, or am I complaining and drawing attention to my "sacrifices"?

- As a father:

· devout, upright, blameless

· exhorting – to incite by words or advice; to advise or warn earnestly (parakaleo)

· encouraging – To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to animate; hearten; cheer on or up. (paramutheomai)

· imploring – To call upon, or for, in supplication; pray to, or for, earnestly; beseech, entreat. (marturomai)

Challenge: Make it a goal to see the distinction in these words and apply them in your daily training in your home.

Consider/discuss: What area of mothering is the Lord refining in me?

v. 12-20 WHY should we behave and speak in these ways?

So that our children will:

v.12 – walk in a manner worthy of God, into His kingdom and glory.

v. 13 – receive the word of God which they have heard from us, accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in them who believe.

v. 14-16 – become imitators of the church of God in Christ Jesus, willing to endure sufferings

v. 17-18 – create a desire to be together and keep relationships strong

v. 19-20 – (see v. 5-6) they would become our hope, joy and glory at the time of His coming.

Assignment for: Read 1 Thessalonians 3-4; pray 1Thes. 3:11-13 daily for your children.