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.