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Following in Faith

Could Not Say It Better

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A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of reading on social an article by Benjamin Knight who posted on the Reformation Resurgence. In these troubling days, his words struck me and I could not get them out of my mind. Oh how many need to hear these words and advice in their walking with other Christians and with humanity.

How we long for God’s truth and long to live for Him, looking forward to an eternal life serving Him. Do the scriptures change you when you read them? Have you taken the words to heart and understood who you are standing before Him? I cannot tell you how convicted I am after each sermon when gospel truth is correctly taught. In fact, I leave for home pondering with great wonder at how the Lord prompted one of his beloved shepherds to speak the truth that I personally needed to hear. I reflect on my own sins, my own failures, my own near miss temptations and sit in awe that He has given me truth so that I may repent, ask for forgiveness and do better than I have. I do not take the words of scripture lightly…. I accept them with great care knowing that living for Christ and in Christ is not easy and is a minute by minute decision. Out of which comes either success or failure. If I stay faithful to Him, I will never be lost. While I may wander, He will always find me and place me on the straight path.

Did you know that a puffer fish can inflate itself multiple times over its lifetime to survive? Do we as humans have unlimited “puffer” power or do we die slowly each time we puff ourselves up with our own context of “doctrinal truths” that fit our selfish wants and needs? Do we have such pride in our biblical knowledge that we feel we would rather win debates and argue rather than to take everything to our Holy Father in prayer? Do we thrive in doctrinal truths or do we enjoy walking around wearing crowns of pride to support our own agendas and our own desires?

Scripture is clear the responsibility a Christian should have in their walks with Christ:

Matthew 16:24-28. Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8. [7] “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
[8] He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Matthew 7:1-5. [1] “Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. [3] Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [4] Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

I have said many times over one of the best studies I had the honor and privilege to participate in was going over a book by Matthew Henry. The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit helps one become more aware of shortfalls that go along with humanity and of all sinners alike, including Christians. Bringing forth scriptures and doctrinal truths to help understand IN CONTEXT humility and the understanding of what that means. Are we in Christ through humility and grace or are we like the Pharisees, hypocrites and puffed up?

Matthew 23:25-26 [25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. [26] You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Psalm 10:2-7 [2] In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
[3] For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.
[4] In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
[5] His ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
[6] He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
[7] His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.

So much to say and yet, with the approval of the original author, I do not think I could say it any better. (Permission granted directly by the author, to be kept exactly as was written with mention of the Reformation Resurgence)

To My Fellow Reformed Brothers and Sisters,

There’s something heavy on my heart that I need to get out. It’s something that I wrestle with every day, and I believe it needs to be said—honest and unfiltered.

What good is sound theology if it doesn’t transform how we live and love? Yet, too often, we wear doctrine like a crown of pride rather than a mark of humility.

Being Reformed in India is often a lonely road. We are few and scattered across the nation. The joy of discovering the doctrines of grace is quickly tempered by the challenge of finding others who share this conviction.

Most of my interactions with Reformed believers have been online. Out of countless conversations, only a handful truly reflected humility, grace, and Christ-centred living. The rest were dominated by arrogance—heads full of doctrine, yet hearts devoid of its practical outworking. Theology, intended to humble the soul before God, had become a badge of superiority.

For example, a few days ago, I encountered a guy who called me a heretic over two secondary issues—Sunday worship and baptism. I mentioned that the specific day of worship is not the ultimate concern, citing Colossians 2:16–17. His response? A rigid defence of Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, quoting Calvin and the Westminster Confession of Faith. When I asked, “Have you ever been to a Muslim-majority country where Christians, including Reformed believers, meet on Fridays due to legal restrictions? Does that make their worship any less acceptable to God? What about persecuted believers who can only gather secretly and irregularly—will God reject their worship because it’s not on Sunday?” He ignored the heart of the matter. The conversation shifted to baptism, and his accusations escalated. Because I did not hold to the WCF’s view but the LBC, he insisted I was not truly Reformed and should stop using the term. His arguments, clouded by theological pride, missed the heart of the matter—valuing rigid tradition over Christlike humility.

Too often, we love to quote Calvin, the Puritans, and other historical figures more than we quote the Bible itself. While their contributions are invaluable, their words should never overshadow Scripture. Do we quote Scripture with the same passion we quote Calvin? Do we defend the gospel as fiercely as we defend our theological camp? If this makes a Reformed guy like me uncomfortable, imagine how a new convert or someone from another Christian tradition might feel. If Calvin or the Reformers were alive today, they would be the first to rebuke us for elevating their writings above the Bible. Their goal was to point people to Scripture, not to themselves.

Our ultimate authority is the Bible—not Calvin, not the Puritans, and not the confessions. These men are guides, not the goal. Their writings illuminate the truth, but they are not the source of it. Confessions summarize our beliefs, but they are not infallible. The moment we elevate them to the level of Scripture, we fall into the very error the Reformers stood against.

Our passion for doctrinal precision can sometimes blind us to the heart of the gospel. We become so focused on being theologically correct that we forget to be Christlike. We argue over doctrinal nuances while failing to show love, grace, and patience to those who differ. We can dissect every nuance of predestination, yet if our words tear others down, we betray the very grace we claim to believe. We can recite the Five Points of Calvinism flawlessly, but if our words lack love, we are nothing more than clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Ask yourself (as I often ask myself): Does my theology make me more like Christ or more like a Pharisee? Am I known for my love and humility, or for my ability to win arguments? The doctrines of grace should produce the most humble, compassionate, and patient people on earth—those who know they are recipients of God’s mercy, not because of their merit but solely because of His sovereign grace. Yet too often, we appear harsh, arrogant, and unapproachable. We win arguments but lose people. We defend truth but forget that truth without love is incomplete and ineffective.

I am not claiming to be prefect in my walk. I, too, stumble and fall short in many ways. There are times when pride creeps into my heart, and I am not as humble as I ought to be. Yet, we are called to grow together, encouraging and challenging one another to walk in greater obedience and faithfulness. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” True spiritual growth happens not in isolation but in community, where we lovingly correct, encourage, and build each other up in the truth.

Let our pursuit of sound theology never puff us up with pride. Instead, let it drive us to our knees in humility before the holy God who, by His grace, opens our eyes to His truth. May our knowledge of Him break our pride, deepen our worship, and lead us to love and serve others with the same grace and patience He has shown us.

Some Reminders for a Christlike Life:

Be quicker to listen than to speak. Arguments rarely soften hearts, but a listening ear can open the door to truth (James 1:19).

Pray more than you debate. God alone opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Serve with joy and humility. Let your actions display the gospel you proclaim (Philippians 2:3-4).

Be patient with those who disagree. God was patient with you (2 Peter 3:9).

So, brothers and sisters, let us return to what matters most—exalting Christ and pointing people to His Word. Let us defend sound doctrine with humility and grace. And let us remember that theology is not about winning debates—it is about knowing, loving, and glorifying God.

The world is watching. What will they see in us?

Soli Deo Gloria.

Jeremiah Knight –The Reformation Resurgence

If you are still reading, I implore you to read that last section again by Jeremiah Knight. Where do you stand within the church body as a whole? Who do you identify with, being Christlike or more like a Pharisee/puffer fish? I hope that you will join in me in self evaluation and be humble in doing so. Understand what motivates all intentions of your daily living, especially as you strive to become more Christlike.

Following in Faith

The Fear of The Lord

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What does it mean to fear the Lord? Yesterday I posted my own thoughts on fear and today I was blessed by a friend who read my blog and directed me to Ligonier Ministries, where they have daily discipleship resources. Under the section renewing your mind they have been discussing Fear of the Lord. Wow! How blessed are we when the Lord lays something on your heart for over a week and then He blesses with affirmation of your studies reminding how relevant and important His lessons are. I have now listened to all of them on fear from February 10, 2025 to today’s. I will continue to listen and learn and I hope that you will follow along.

There is a great deal to consider and a great deal to repent over in our sins. Understand your fear, understand your relationship with God, understand your obligation (which should come naturally when you have proper fear of God) so that you can properly worship, grow in your faith, have the peace you seek, and if you are dealing with a hardened heart you may be blessed with softness, compassion and joy. Standing before God, calling Him alone father is something that we all need to remind ourselves to do as we all will be judged according to His will.

I would be curious to know if you find yourself to be a rhino or a deer? What does your fear reveal? What are your priorities? Where does your security lie? Do you fear being a sinner or being exposed as a sinner? What is the state of your heart? Are you a hypocrite? Are you puffed up after studying theology? Do you pride yourselve on knowledge and power because we think we know more than others? Are you a theological thug? Do you have true knowledge of yourself? Things to ponder as you listen.

Praying that you find this to be a blessing in your walk through life. Be enriched by the Word dear one.

https://www.renewingyourmind.org/?utm_source=ligonier&utm_medium=homepage

Following in Faith

No Fear

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Green Back Walleye; one of so many…..2025. Bucket list checked off. No Fear!

There are so many things in life to be afraid of, loss, loneliness, criticism, uncertainties, future, past haunts, temptations, judgements, and losing ones voice. I often sit back and consider my own concerns or fears and remind myself that there truly is nothing in this world I need to fear if I am in Christ. Reminding myself that He gave me the breath of life, He brought me into this world, He guides my paths, He has chosen me to be a daughter, a granddaughter, a wife, a mother and a friend. He has chosen my path in this life and I just need to be patient, be encouraged, be hopeful, and faithful in knowing that nothing in the path I walk is a mistake in God’s plan. It may look different than I had hoped for or expected, yet it is His perfect plan and I will not fight against it.

I have been thinking lately about Christian liberty and moral self righteousness in the context of righteous anger. It’s an interesting concept, and when you really think about it, there is a temptation into thinking that one is acting with indignation to a cause in support of what they deem to be the moral high ground in their faith. Curiously I ask if it really is? I mean, what is the path taken to get the end result of what one expects? Is it a path of destruction, character assasinations and broken hearts? Is it a path of bitterness, anger, pride and stiff necks? Oh the pondering I do to try to explain that which I witness, and experience in witnessing others behaviors. It seems that in each situation, the main culprits of sin include and are not limited to gossip, resentments, hatred, self pity, bitterness, self righteousness, pride, broken hearts, and one of the biggest is fear. I just keep thinking that fear is one of the biggest issues humanity deals with. That being said, if one is claiming to live for Christ and in the Word, how can they blast through life leaving a path of destruction being led by fear? Living with a heart full of love and compassion, being in the Word daily and living a prayerful life, one would assume that fear would be abated. Yet, fear is offering gratification of self preservation for one’s own prideful nature. Oh Lord help us….

Many years ago I mentioned to a family member that with humility I feared God most of all. I was taken aback when their response was that I should never fear God, that God is love. I remember quieting myself and praying for them at that moment asking the Lord to open their heart to His truth and to know Him completely. Our society, through a great deal of media interference I may add, has taken God out of the picture and created an environment where many no longer fear God, they fear man and humanity. They fear for themselves that their own identity or their own personal desires will not be met. They take on the fear they feel others should have in life, they fear that salvation will not be theirs or that of other loved ones. Fear mongering as we would call it is running rampant in our culture along with self preservation. Goodness gracious I often ponder and ask the Lord if He is weeping over creation and over the evil that has begotten so many. Non believers and believers alike share in fear. Our churches are falling apart at the seems in this generation of self seeking prideful dispositions that believe authority is old fashioned and part of a tradition they do want to take part in. Little do they realize, authority came from their creator and from their beloved Lord who gave them the breath of life. I hope you caught that, self seeking prideful dispositions. After all, isn’t that what pride is? Self seeking feeling as though one is better than another, that one has more wisdom than another? Trust me, out of want to clear the air and make things (which I truly have no control over) right for peace, I myself feel the taste of a prideful heart that is self seeking. I am also reminded that it is out of fear of the Lord that squashes that taste and the sweetness of the Lords words overtake the bitter taste of a self serving moral high ground.

So how does one overcome the fear in life? How do good stewards of the Lord feed the masses with God’s manna for their own survival? Honestly, after a great deal of pondering, praying, seeking wisdom through God’s Word, I have come to the conclusion that through stillness and quietness in one’s own mind is best. Remembering that fear is of Satan, not of God. That alone should be key, yet sometimes humility is so far under the radar that one cannot see that a humble spirit is Godly. Humility and being meek and quiet in spirit often concludes with recognition of God’s blessings for salvation of a soul and also of God’s retribution toward the wicked. God does not allow anything to go wasted, not a prayer, not a thought, not a conviction of heart. Seeing a blessing through the thicket of the brush is something that does not come easy when there is pride, closed mindedness, selfishness, bitterness, anger, blindness, lack of faith, loss of hope …. The list goes on…..

What is my surety that fear is NOT of the Lord? Here are just a few of my reminders, hope they will also be yours:

The Lord is my shield (Genesis 15:1b) The Lord hears my voice where I am at in my journey of life (Genesis 21:17b) The Lord is with me at all times (Genesis 26:24) The Lord blesses those who have faith without fear (Deut. 1:21). The Lord fights for believers in Him (Deut. 3:22). Keeping Gods commandments brings blessings (Deut. 6:2). God makes it clear that It is the Lord God that should be feared (Deut. 8:6) Being courageous and valiant without fear is of the Lord (2 Samuel 9:7). Prosperity in life comes with the fear of the Lord acknowledged and pursued (2 Chronicles 26:5). The knowledge of God comes through fearing the Lord (Proverbs 2:5). Fear of the Lord is hatred of evil, pride and arrogance. (Proverbs 8:13). The fear of the Lord is wisdom and insight. (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of the Lord prolongs life. (Proverbs 10:27). Fearing the Lord allows for uprightness and strong confidence. (Proverbs 14) The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27). Instruction in wisdom and humility rather than honor (Proverbs 15:33).

There are so many more; 365 fear not statements in scripture, one for each day. Necessary for encouragement to the heart and mind of a Christian. A believer that has humility and fears the Lord will be blessed with safety, life and wisdom in truth.

Friend, where are you in this mire of a life? Are you stirred by self righteousness which you use as a religious crutch to build yourself up? Are you caught up in bitterness and anger that swells the hatred against others? Are you seeking the truth through humility and fear of the Lord so that you are given wisdom to know better? We are all sinners and we all have wrinkles that we need to seek ironing out. I encourage you as well as myself in great humility to stay focused on the Word, glorify the most holy of holiness, study and remind yourself that fear is not of God and that being alive means having no fear. Trust in Him, in His will for your life, in His leading and guiding without fear. Pray when that beast of pride begins to knock on the door of your consciousness and remind yourself that you are no better than anyone else on this earth, you are a sinner, you are not more important than the Lord our God, and that every time you allow yourself judgement on others you unsurp the glory of God off his throne. There is one judge and jury and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So fear the Lord, know who He is wholly and completely, and live having no fear other than that of the Lord!

God bless you.

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

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Colossians 1:14

[14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (ESV)

view of ocean during golden hour
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In the stormy seas of life, many will often times forget to look at the beauty that surrounds them. The focus is on the here and now and it is forgotten that nothing happens without cause and reason. Excuses for bad behavior are given, white lies are told, walking away without explanations are common and the waves overtake the whole being so that one drowns in the sinfulness of darkness without reaching the light that is within grasping hands.

Have you found yourself being in this situation? Have you sat alone pondering to yourself “what just happened”? I challenge you today, to understand that you are not feeling anything other than what every other person has felt at one time or another in their life. I am not talking about in just today’s time or in just this century. I am talking about any time in life since Christ died on that cross. The verse today sums up the message of the gospel in such a short half sentence that reading it makes ones head swell with awe.

Let’s take a look at just one word for a moment. Redemption is a noun yet it has a verb twist as it’s an action of sorts. Redemption in the dictionary says its the release of; the saving of sins. The biblical meaning of redemption says it this way; (Greek: apolutrosis) refers to the deliverance of Christians from sin. It assumes an important position in salvation because the transgressions in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless. (Wikipedia). Did you catch that last part? If not read it again…. “a great system against which human power is helpless.”

There are many religions throughout the world that would teach and have their followers believe that there is always something you can do to for yourself to calm the storm and deliver oneself from sin. That if you just trust enough, if you just do enough, if you are a kind person, etc. Redemption doesn’t work that way, it’s something that no one can do for themselves. Do you remember the biblical testimony of the calming of the sea? Writing this made me think of that. Let’s take a look shall we?

Jesus Calms a Storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Jesus is the gospel truth. He is the one who restores from a life of sin to a life worthy of salvation. He saves because he loves. There is nothing anyone can do for themselves. One cannot calm the seas around them, one cannot steer the boat to safety when the waves are crashing around the uneven rocking sides, and one cannot just call out for deliverance without their own sacrifice. Turning toward the Word of God, and putting faith in Jesus Christ who withstood death and was raised to sit at the right hand of the Father to judge the wicked is the way in which one survives.

Easy it is not. Who after all likes to admit they were wrong in action and deed? Who likes to admit that they’ve stood before others in deception? Redemption has happened to save those whom are called to serve and worship Him. Repenting and asking for forgiveness to those whom have been wronged is necessary. It’s the one requirement in which then leads to a life of having faith in that which is unseen yet felt. A calmness from the storm that rages around trying to sink the boat. A calmness felt without fear. A calmness that sits before fear and locks in a life that will never feel death.

You notice from the verse quoted above that even Jesus’ own disciples had fear. The walked with the prophesied Messiah, they knew him and yet they had fear. Many in the Old Testament sinned. Repentance and faith in God and what knowing what was yet to come is what saved them. Walking away from a life of sin is not always easy. There are definitely challenges and there are always slip ups. Everyone is a sinner, that’s human nature. What is done in one’s life to prevent sin and actions taken to rectify a sinful act is the important part of surviving the storm around and seeing the beauty of the calm that is available. The beauty of a life given for a life to be saved.

The forgiveness of sins is what Jesus came to this earth to accomplish with His death on the cross. This, is the calm within the storm. Won’t you consider joining others in this joyous new birth in faith?

Following in Faith, Why?

Sufficiency of God

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God’s care for his people is sufficient!  There can be no doubt.  Joy comes from knowing who He is, what He has done for us, what he has provided for us, and what we have to look forward to in serving Him.    I sat in amazement the other night in church as the teaching was on Approaching God from Psalm 131.  It was a very nice follow up to what I had previously that morning posted on my blog.  It wrapped up my thoughts and was like a gift handed back.  I just had to share it here with you.  Hope you will take the time to listen.

Following in Faith, Why?

What Really Matters?

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For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.  Who is sufficient for these things?  For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.        2 Corinthians 2:15-17

Watching the news can be traumatizing these days.  It seems the world is falling apart and no one has control over anything.  There is conflict everywhere.  War overseas, tensions amongst Americans, divorce between parents, millennials not knowing when adulthood begins, sexual confusion tearing at the seams of the fabric of creation, growing numbers of cases of disease and outright moral conflict between right and wrong.  Where in the world do we find peace and hope?  Is there any?

If you haven’t noticed, I have been out of the loop lately.  My blogging has been a bit sparse.  I blame it on quite a number of things, from loss, to health, to not knowing what to say in times of constant turmoil.  I mean, what I want to say and what I should say are not in conjunction with one another and finding the right words were not coming as easily as they normally do.  That is however, until today.  Well, that’s only partially true…I started stirring with “blogger” thoughts last week, today is the first day I’ve had time to sit down and put them on the board.

A friend and I began doing a book study together.  Something that we both were excited to start for a few months.  We finally began and I have to say, I am thrilled.  Anything that can bring me closer to the Lord in study is a joy.  It gets me out of the “what is happening in this world” mentality, and takes me to the “thank you Lord for saving me out of this world” mentality.  Those little reminders to thank the Lord for life, grace, and eternal salvation bring a smile to my face, hope in my thoughts, stamina to continue on and keep me grounded in purpose.

And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13

I often wonder what people think of when they consider their lives.  I mean, do they look at their lives and thank the Lord for what they have and for their future?  Or do they look at their lives and say, “I’m just not rich enough, happy enough, or wise enough so I need to make changes… so look out world here I come.  I don’t care who is in my way or who I destroy in the  mean time.  After all, my life is my life and I need to be happy and have it all.”  Crazy as that may sound, in my eyes, that is what I see in people when I look around.  I see it in relationships, in groups, in family, on TV and in movies.  I have wept, prayed, prayed some more and at times come close to shutting down, wanting to turn off all social media, electronics and lock the door from the world.   Right or wrong, it saddens me that the world is so brutal to human emotion.  That being said, as I write this it’s noticed that what was just said has one considering “I” and “me”.  This life isn’t about “me”, it’s about something greater than that.

The sadness I have felt over these issues however, has been overshadowed with joy in the last few weeks.  Why?  Well, its due to the simple fact that I am reminded,

For by grace you have been saved through faith.   And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   Ephesians 2:8-10

In our study  we are reading about our purpose in this life.  Why were we created to be saved?  The answers are always present and sometimes it takes the nudge of the Lord during these times of distress to remind us of His plan for us and how we should be living.  Remembering this, takes the “me” out of living.

Am I speaking about you?  Do you have the hope needed to continue on in this life?  Consider it.  Consider where you are.  Consider how you are living.  Consider what could be holy vs. worldly.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought  life and immortality to light through the gospel…  2 Timothy 8-11

Does suffering for the gospel mean that we are unhappy?  No.  We don’t have the need for the fancy car, the perfect spouse, the perfect house, perfect job, perfect health, etc. etc.  Looking at the fact that God called his people out of a life of sin brings joy to believers, and a peace that nothing can compare to.  Just as I said above, we may get sad over the thought of the destruction of this world that was created so beautifully by God, yet we have joy knowing that there is so much more.

Prayerfully, my thoughts will continue to swell with blog worthy writing and a sweeping message of hope will be captured for others to embrace.   Have a blessed week/weekend and enjoy the sun this summer day.

Following in Faith, Lymes, Why?

Reflection and Progression

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Picture taken from Omnibus III
Picture taken from Omnibus III

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 

Sitting in a chair facing my friend, who sits reclined back comfortably in her recliner we discuss our new book and what a wonderful author John Bunyan is.  His incredible allegory of the walk of a Christian in Pilgrims Progress. We usually meet once a week at her home (she is completely home bound and unable to do anything for herself anymore) and read a chapter or two of a book.  This week, we began a new book and because we both were enjoying it so much, decided to throw in a second day.  Our visits over the last 6 months have been pretty much the same, we visit first, her husband sweetly confirms she is comfortable and as he exits to his “man cave” office, she and I share a little more of our week and I begin to read.

As we began our new book, we were thrown a curve ball.  I began reading and when I finished page 16, I began reading what I thought was page 17 only to realize that the story didn’t make any sense at all.  I looked up to see that the page after 16 was actually page 23. Now, keep in mind that I cannot read on my own without having to read one page several times due to my Lymes and my friend cannot read at all and depending upon the day may have issues with processing information due to her corticobasil degeneration.  That being said, you can just imagine my dismay to find that in a neatly hardbound book there were no pages ripped out and yet pages 17-22 were missing.  We both sat there laughing not quite sure what to do.  We quickly realized that our time together that day may be cut short by a error in the binding of the book.

Upon further investigation, I found the rest of the pages… 10 pages further into the book.  So, as if it isn’t funny enough that we are reading Pilgrims Progress together, both of us having cognitive issues and both of us being more tired in the afternoon, I now was challenged with reading from right to left rather than left to right and my friend had to endure me stopping at critical parts of the story just to find my place.  Honestly, I kept thinking it would have made for a great home video recording.

Well, as it is with my memory these days, I completely forgot this when I went over to read to her the second day.  So of course, I began reading where I left off and of course ended up reading some of what we had already read earlier in the week amongst the new pages of the story.  Once again, we had to laugh and I had to regroup and figure out where my next pages were.  Were they 10 pages forward or 2 pages back.

Having Lyme makes life so interesting!  Seriously, I can relate to the frustration that was felt in the movie Still Alice… I am physically so much better than last year that I am not complaining at all.  Last year at this time I could not walk up a flight of steps without nearly passing out and I could not do anything for myself except maybe a shower, and that was not daily as I just didn’t have the energy for it.  I was in constant pain, my exhaustion was unexplainable and my energy level was at best good for only about an hour.  By mid afternoon my brain was so foggy that I could not process information, I was unable to drive as I forgot where I was going and when I drove I completely blanked out and couldn’t remember I had driven at all.  To go anywhere that needed walking I had to use a wheelchair.

After 10 months I had serious doubts I’d recover from this illness. You can imagine my my excitement when I found the doctor and protocol I had been looking for since being first diagnosed.  So in early May, my Integrative doctor agreed to let me try the protocol of the other doctor I found and by June I was going to the Highland games with the family and the wheelchair stayed in the garage.  I’m not saying it didn’t need to be brought out from time to time, but overall I was seeing improvements.  By July I was able to make an 8 hour drive to our cottage alone with my daughter and by September I was driving to CA with the kids.  The pain subsided within that first month and slowly my energy level began to increase.  The brain fog has also improved, unless of course I am extremely tired and have not slept well.  Learning my limitations, keeping track of my symptoms and making adjustments with my meds has been such a help.  Having two doctors who look beyond, listen to me with all ears and keep an open mind to the research I also do has been a blessing.

Your likely wondering why I went from reading Pilgrims Progress to my health.  Well, as we read on Thursday, I couldn’t help but to think about the characters in the story, what they stood for and how even though the book was first published in 1678, the allegory is so powerful for us today.  No wonder it is the second most widely published book in world to this day, second only to the Bible.  Although I enjoyed the book a few years ago when the kids and I read it together and studied it, I think after the last year I am enjoying it even more.

On Thursday we read about Christian meeting the Interpreter and what he finds in the Palace prior to going any further on his journey.  Within the Palace there are a number of rooms.  One of the rooms was rather small and introduced were two children, Passion and Patience.  The characteristics of the two were such:

Passion was seen as being discontent; wanting of all things now, and at that moment Patience was quiet; willing to wait for that which is yet to come

In the story, the Interpreter explains:   “These two lads are Figures; Passion of the men of this World, and Patience of the men of That which is to come:  For as here thou seest, Passion will have all now, this year; that is to say, in this world;  so are the men of this world:  they must have all their good things now, they cannot stay till next year, that is, until the next World, for their portion of good.  That proverb, A Bird in the Hand is worth two in the Bush, is of more authority with them, than are all the Divine testimonies of the Good of the World to come.  But as thou sawest, that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags; so will it be with all such men at the End of this world.  

Christian replies:  Now I see that Patience has the best Wisdom, and that upon many accounts.  1.  Because he stays  for the best things.  2.  And also because he will have the Glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.

Interpreter:  Nay, you may add another, to wit, the Glory of the next World will never wear out; but these are suddenly gone.  Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience, because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion, because he had his best things last; for first must give place to last, because last must have its time to come; but last gives place to nothing; for there is not another to succeed:  He therefore that hath his portion first, must needs have a Time to spend it; but he that has his portion last, must have it lastingly:  Therefore it is said of Dives, In thy Lifetime thou receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented.

Christian:  Then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come.  

And in conclusion, I want to end with the beginning of what Interpreter has to say next:  “You say truth:  For the things that are seen are Temporal; but the things that are not seen are Eternal:  

I have to admit that last year when I was diagnosed, I wanted my body to heal and for my life to go back as it used to be.  I wanted to go back to being the super mom who could get up in the morning, make breakfast, school the kids, drive them around town for their activities, pull weeds out of the garden, help my friends paint their houses, stop for groceries and spend long hours in the kitchen preparing dinners for my family, all in one day.  I wanted to be able to plan out events for the homeschool community or prepare classes as I once had in our co-op classes.  I wanted to be organized without losing things.  I wanted healing at that moment.  I tried to be patient, and I even prayed that the Lord use my illness for His good will.  Yet internally, my mind wanted desperately to have my life back.

In reading the above exchange between Christian and Interpreter, I was seeing myself as being like that of Passion.  Although my heart longs to be more like Patience, I know that my human nature as a sinner is more like that of Passion.  As the months drew on and  now another year, I am learning more and more the importance of the lessons of Patience.  The story has resonated in my mind ever since our reading on Thursday and I know it’s through the Providence of God that He continues to teach this weary being of lessons He needs for me to learn, sanctifying me so that perfection may still yet be seen.

If I had received the blessing of quick healing, would I have followed the leading of my heart to go see my friend who was already home bound?  Would I have understood what it was like for those who have no or limited social interaction with others?  Would I be reading Pilgrims Progress with a friend who needs to be reminded of the eternal blessings yet to come?  Would I have understood that I truly had sisters that took time out of their days to help me cope in my own loneliness?

Honestly, I think not.  If God had allowed me to follow my own way, just as Passion, then I am quite certain my short lived illness would have been placed in a box on a shelf where dust would settle only to be forgotten.  I would have gone on with my days wanting to be something more and someone more than I am meant to be.  I would have likely filled my days with things that have no real meaning other than for self.  My friend would still be sitting in her recliner, yet I would have missed the blessings of seeing her smile, her sense of humor with her husband and our wonderful discussions that come out of our readings.  I would have missed an opportunity to serve another who was and is desperate for her own healing and for understanding as to why her life has taken the turn it has.

As I continue to read through Pilgrims Progress I look forward to seeing what the Lord once again has to show me.  I hope that as you read this post, you too may consider reading along with us.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Luke 8:15
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

 

Following in Faith

Abiding in His Love

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But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2Corinthians 4:7-11

I’ve written it before, and I think it needs to be the reminder in our home right now.  Praise God for the glory of His word to teach us, build our character, shape us, and connect us to Him.

For the love of God is eternal, unconditional, just and perfect!  May we always remember, live by, abide by and stand firm in His word.

Following in Faith

A Little Perspective

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.   2Corinthians 1:3-4

In studying JOB, I have come to understand more clearly the value of trusting God, His Word, and His mercies that are offered to His flock.  Calling out to him over the last year, whether my day was filled with pain or exhaustion, I admittedly had moments where I complained over my circumstances, yet I also knew and had faith that God had a plan.  I was comforted in knowing that He would utilize my situation to His glory and that nothing I go through in this world is too great when I have Him by my side.

I have a picture with a beautiful poem about the Lord carrying us in our times of trouble and the picture has one set of footprints walking in the sand.  Although I enjoy the concept of Him carrying us through this life, I think I would rather consider Him as a partner walking beside me like a seeing eye “friend”.  Pointing out obstacles, directing my footsteps, guiding me down the path of life leading to His narrow gate.  Nurturing me along the journey so that in the end He will be glorified.

One of our questions in our study asked whether we have ever encountered God in a way that transformed our understanding of or attitude toward Him?  We were then asked to share the experience and tell how our view of God was changed.

My answer was yes and I went on to explain.  Our move to our current location was not an easy transition.  We moved to a state that we had never stepped into, knowing absolutely no one, and to top it off it was in the winter.  We lived in a two bedroom apartment for two months while we sought out our current home.  The kids had school and were making friends, my husband had work and new relationships to nurture while I had a realtor once a week.  My days were very lonely.

I had left behind a volunteer position at the kids school that kept me working every day as the school librarian, room mom for one class, a bible study that I had been a part of for 10 years, childhood friends, college friends, family and ladies that I had befriended after our third move.  My involvement with our church included VBS, women’s ministry, fundraisers and the meal delivery service for our brothers and sisters within the church that I was in charge of.   I  was running with kids to Karate classes two days a week, baseball three days a week, dance classes 3 days a week, boy scouts  and brownies every other week and our weekends were spent at a cottage.   To say that I was busy is an understatement.  In fact, one of my friends gave me a mug for my birthday that said, “Note to self:  Stop volunteering for stuff”.

In my loneliness, I found that going to the Lord was giving me encouragement.  In my times of human weakness, however, I sought out to find purpose for myself in our new town.  I thought I needed to be a part of something, other than just looking for a house for the family.  So after a month of spending one day a week cleaning the apartment, grocery shopping and doing laundry, another day going out with the realtor, and the rest of my week spent sitting alone reading the word of God, I went in to our new church and requested a list of activities and groups that our family could be a part of.  I distinctly remember breaking down in tears in front of the secretaries.  Not sure what else to do, they presented me with a list of people to call and activities that may interest us.

One by one we reached out, seeking out purpose, more for myself than the rest of the family.  After all, they were meeting people and making friends.  I was the one who was trying to find my niche.  Each time we reached out, we hit a dead end.  Either the groups were full or after receiving information we decided that the group was not what we were interested in.  Once again, I remember finding myself in tears.  As our second month approached, we had found our house and we were waiting for it to be completed as it had been a new construction.  One more day would be added to my loneliness as I no longer had my day with the realtor.  Another moment of tears.  I remember asking God why and I also remember complaining.

One day, as I was reading His word, I was struck by the time I had to be with Him.  I’m not sure exactly what took place, however, I felt this peace that I had not known since our move.  I came to the realization that prior to our move, my time with Lord was when I could fit Him in, between projects and activities.   I scheduled my time with Him based on what worked for me.  In the two months of being in the apartment I realized that all I had was time to spend with Him.  He had become my best friend, my caretaker, and my encourager.  He was walking beside me and was giving me comfort in my times of loneliness.  I was not alone, I just didn’t have perspective.

I remember thanking Him for all that He was doing for me and my family.  For giving us all that we needed.  Even though we were in a two bedroom apartment and ate dinners at a table in the living room by the couch.  We all have said that they were the best two months we’ve ever had as a family.   As a family, we grew closer, enjoying our time together since we didn’t have any extra curricular activities vying for our time.

I would say that during that time I encountered God as I had not known him before.  The focus in my years prior to our move were spent trying to do all the good in the world, doing all that I could for my family and for others.  I spent time with him when He fit into my schedule, praying while I was driving and in my quiet time upon waking and before bed.   After our move, I had refocused my attention, turning my daily schedule into a time of continued worship of Him.  To my pleasant surprise, my Heavenly Father was there waiting for me and He met with me giving me peace, understanding and perspective.  He didn’t ask me to wait until He had time in His schedule, He was ready and willing to offer mercy, grace, and love when I needed it the most.

Rather than seeing Him as a Holy God who was too busy to notice whether or not I took time out for Him, I realized He was a Holy God who is a jealous God that needed me to take that next step in knowing Him.  I was transformed!  I don’t mean that I became a christian at that point, I knew I was a christian and had been for many years.  I was however, growing in my knowledge of Him and who He truly was.  Humbled by His time with me and my recognition of His Almighty character, I prayed that He would lead me and open doors when He was ready for me to once again serve outside of the home.  I said that prayer in church one night and at the end of the service a woman approached me asking me to be a part of a prayer group.  Timing was everything.  Once again, I thanked Him, knowing that all He wanted me to trust in Him and His plan for my life.   Each experience I have endured since the Lord called me by name has helped me to grow closer to Him and has given me new perspective.

In watching Bethany Hamilton in Soul Surfer recently with my daughter, I am reminded that sometimes we need to be in a different place, focusing on something other than ourselves to gain perspective.  Not unlike what God did with JOB.  JOB had his own thoughts and considerations in defending himself pridefully with his friends, yet it took God’s audience with JOB to show him a new perspective that included who he was in comparison to who God was.   Isn’t that so like the life of a christian?  When we stray from the herd, our shepherd uses His staff to to gently remind us of our place in the flock.

I challenge you reader to look at your current affliction and look for opportunities to give you a new perspective.  Preferably, allowing God to be a part of that process.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  2Corinthians 4:7-11

 

Following in Faith, Why?

Waking up to Snow

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Snow is here.
Snow is here.

The Compassion of the Lord – Isaiah 55

55 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
hand I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,
and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but sit shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the Lord,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”