Sin, like some powerful astringent, contracted his soul to the very small dimensions of selfishness; and God was forsaken, and fellow creatures forsaken, and man retired within himself, and became totally governed by narrow and selfish principles and feelings. Self-love became absolute master of his soul, and the more noble and spiritual principles of his being took wings and flew away. But God, in mercy to miserable man, entered on the work of redemption, and, by the glorious gospel of his Son, began the work of bringing the soul of man out of its confinement and contractedness, and back again to those noble and divine principles by which it was animated and governed at first. And it is through the cross of Christ that he is doing this; for our union with Christ gives us participation in his nature.
Jonathan Edwards
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sound thinking
Here are some points of contrast between the woman who is not thinking soundly and the woman who is...may we learn to be the latter.
A woman who does not have sound thinking:
- is impulsive
- lacks discretion
- follows worldly philosophies
- is driven by her flesh
- lacks follow-through
- is self-centered
- is discontented
- has emotions controlled by circumstances
- seeks escapism from her problems
- is easily provoked
- falls apart in a crisis
- easily loses hope
- says what she is thinks without thinking first
- is highly opinionated
- is overly concerned about what other people think
- has unpredictable behavior
- procrastinates
- is a pleasure seeker
- is easily distracted
- struggles to develop consistent life disciplines
- enjoys mindless entertainment
- looks for the easy way out
- thinks about the short-term rather than the long-term
- is demanding
- fritters away time
- makes decisions based on what is easiest
A woman who does have sound thinking:
- is restrained in...
her thoughts
her tongue
her eating
her spending
her reactions
- is calm under pressures
- is purposeful in the use of her time
- is a good steward
- is morally chaste
- has a well-ordered life
- shows good judgment
- responds in faith versus fear
- guards her heart and mind
- evaluates all that she reads and hears in light of Scripture
- is mentally disciplined
- resists temptation
- shows delayed gratification
- demonstrates others-centered living
- is diligent and faithful in her responsibilities
- is intentional
- is modest in dress and behavior
- hopes in God
- gives thanks in all things
- makes wise, biblical decisions
- prays
- demonstrates the Spirit in controlling her flesh
(taken from www.reviveourhearts.com by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
A woman who does not have sound thinking:
- is impulsive
- lacks discretion
- follows worldly philosophies
- is driven by her flesh
- lacks follow-through
- is self-centered
- is discontented
- has emotions controlled by circumstances
- seeks escapism from her problems
- is easily provoked
- falls apart in a crisis
- easily loses hope
- says what she is thinks without thinking first
- is highly opinionated
- is overly concerned about what other people think
- has unpredictable behavior
- procrastinates
- is a pleasure seeker
- is easily distracted
- struggles to develop consistent life disciplines
- enjoys mindless entertainment
- looks for the easy way out
- thinks about the short-term rather than the long-term
- is demanding
- fritters away time
- makes decisions based on what is easiest
A woman who does have sound thinking:
- is restrained in...
her thoughts
her tongue
her eating
her spending
her reactions
- is calm under pressures
- is purposeful in the use of her time
- is a good steward
- is morally chaste
- has a well-ordered life
- shows good judgment
- responds in faith versus fear
- guards her heart and mind
- evaluates all that she reads and hears in light of Scripture
- is mentally disciplined
- resists temptation
- shows delayed gratification
- demonstrates others-centered living
- is diligent and faithful in her responsibilities
- is intentional
- is modest in dress and behavior
- hopes in God
- gives thanks in all things
- makes wise, biblical decisions
- prays
- demonstrates the Spirit in controlling her flesh
(taken from www.reviveourhearts.com by Nancy Leigh DeMoss)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Under the wings of God...
A dear friend of mine recently gave me a copy of John Piper's new book, A Sweet and Bitter Providence. At first, with so many other things to read for graduate school, I only read a page or two each night at bedtime. However, this weekend it has become something I haven't been able to put down!
At dinner with a fellow unmarried woman the other night, we were both reflecting on how abundant God's provision has been in both of our lives, particulary this past year. Maybe as we age, the needs of life become greater, especially as we encounter illness, financial hardships, car troubles, and all the things that come with greater adult independence. When I was in my early twenties, I remember wanting to be married because of all the romantic idealism that surrounded it. In recent years, the desire becomes more spiritually driven as I understand God's design for marriage. But it also becomes more practical in a sense too. The desire to be protected and provided for, to be given daily guidance in making decisions, to be granted relief when an unexpected financial burden comes, to receive sound wisdom in how to deal with all the demands on my time. These are all things that a husband (Lord-willing if I married a godly man) would be able to provide in my life. As my friend and I were discussing the mutual circumstances of our past year, we both were rejoicing in how Christ really has been that Husband for us, granting a multitude of blessings which have met the needs and demands that have been placed upon us as single women. He has used the means of our church family, our precious friends, and our physical families to provide for us in ways that typically a husband would.
In reflecting on those things, I was moved to read this book by Piper all the more, as he outlines the book of Ruth and God's careful and exact providence displayed in her life. Here are some of my favorite quotes so far:
Speaking of Naomi..."She knows there is a God. She knows He is sovereign and rules over the national and personal affairs of men. And she knows that God has dealt bitterly with her. Her life is tragic. What she does not see with the eyes of her heart is that in all her bitter experiences, God is plotting for her glory. This is true of all God's children. In the darkest of our times, God is plotting for our glory. If we would believe this and remember it, we would not be as blind as Naomi was when God began to reveal His grace."
"There is no doubt that the writer wants us to admire and imitate Ruth. She takes initiative to care for her destitute mother-in-law. She is humble and meek and does not put herself forward presumptuously. And she works hard from sunup to sundown. Initiative. Lowliness. Industry. Worthy traits."
"Notice verse 3 (chapter 2): 'So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz...' She just happened to come? You don't have to make your theology of providence explicit in every line. Sometimes it's good to leave something ambiguous to give your reader a chance to fill in the blank if he has caught on. The answer can be given later. It will be. In fact, Naomi, with her grand theology of God's soveriegnty, is the one who will give the answer. She praises the Lord 'whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!' (2:20). The answer is God - the merciful providence of God - guiding Ruth as she gleans. Ruth happened to come to Boaz's field because God is gracious and sovereign even when He is silent."
"Why would God show mercy to Ruth? Because she has sought refuge under His wings. She has esteemed God's protection superior to all others. She has set her heart on God for hope and joy. And when a person does that, God's honor - not the value of our work - is at stake, and He will be merciful. If you plead God's value as the source of your hope instead of pleading your value as the reason for God's blessing, then His unwavering commitment to His own glory engages all His heart for your protection and joy...So now back to Ruth's question in verse 10: 'Why have I found favor?' The answer is that she has taken refuge under the wings of God and that this has given her the freedom and the desire to leave home and love Naomi. She has not earned mercy from God or Boaz. She is not their employee. They are not paying her wages for her work. On the contrary, she has honored them by admitting her need for their work and by taking refuge in their generosity."
"With Ruth and Naomi, let us fall on our faces, bow before the Lord, confess our unworthiness, take refuge under the wings of God, and be astonished at His grace!"
Amen.
At dinner with a fellow unmarried woman the other night, we were both reflecting on how abundant God's provision has been in both of our lives, particulary this past year. Maybe as we age, the needs of life become greater, especially as we encounter illness, financial hardships, car troubles, and all the things that come with greater adult independence. When I was in my early twenties, I remember wanting to be married because of all the romantic idealism that surrounded it. In recent years, the desire becomes more spiritually driven as I understand God's design for marriage. But it also becomes more practical in a sense too. The desire to be protected and provided for, to be given daily guidance in making decisions, to be granted relief when an unexpected financial burden comes, to receive sound wisdom in how to deal with all the demands on my time. These are all things that a husband (Lord-willing if I married a godly man) would be able to provide in my life. As my friend and I were discussing the mutual circumstances of our past year, we both were rejoicing in how Christ really has been that Husband for us, granting a multitude of blessings which have met the needs and demands that have been placed upon us as single women. He has used the means of our church family, our precious friends, and our physical families to provide for us in ways that typically a husband would.
In reflecting on those things, I was moved to read this book by Piper all the more, as he outlines the book of Ruth and God's careful and exact providence displayed in her life. Here are some of my favorite quotes so far:
Speaking of Naomi..."She knows there is a God. She knows He is sovereign and rules over the national and personal affairs of men. And she knows that God has dealt bitterly with her. Her life is tragic. What she does not see with the eyes of her heart is that in all her bitter experiences, God is plotting for her glory. This is true of all God's children. In the darkest of our times, God is plotting for our glory. If we would believe this and remember it, we would not be as blind as Naomi was when God began to reveal His grace."
"There is no doubt that the writer wants us to admire and imitate Ruth. She takes initiative to care for her destitute mother-in-law. She is humble and meek and does not put herself forward presumptuously. And she works hard from sunup to sundown. Initiative. Lowliness. Industry. Worthy traits."
"Notice verse 3 (chapter 2): 'So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz...' She just happened to come? You don't have to make your theology of providence explicit in every line. Sometimes it's good to leave something ambiguous to give your reader a chance to fill in the blank if he has caught on. The answer can be given later. It will be. In fact, Naomi, with her grand theology of God's soveriegnty, is the one who will give the answer. She praises the Lord 'whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!' (2:20). The answer is God - the merciful providence of God - guiding Ruth as she gleans. Ruth happened to come to Boaz's field because God is gracious and sovereign even when He is silent."
"Why would God show mercy to Ruth? Because she has sought refuge under His wings. She has esteemed God's protection superior to all others. She has set her heart on God for hope and joy. And when a person does that, God's honor - not the value of our work - is at stake, and He will be merciful. If you plead God's value as the source of your hope instead of pleading your value as the reason for God's blessing, then His unwavering commitment to His own glory engages all His heart for your protection and joy...So now back to Ruth's question in verse 10: 'Why have I found favor?' The answer is that she has taken refuge under the wings of God and that this has given her the freedom and the desire to leave home and love Naomi. She has not earned mercy from God or Boaz. She is not their employee. They are not paying her wages for her work. On the contrary, she has honored them by admitting her need for their work and by taking refuge in their generosity."
"With Ruth and Naomi, let us fall on our faces, bow before the Lord, confess our unworthiness, take refuge under the wings of God, and be astonished at His grace!"
Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Living in covenant community...
Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit, there's much to be done...
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love...
Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us...
We will come reaching, with a song of healing...
And they will know us by our love!
The time is now
Come Church arise...
Love with His hands
See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love...
Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above
You will be reaching, long after we’re gone,
And they will know you by your love!
Written by Christy Nockels
Walking in the Spirit, there's much to be done...
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love...
Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us...
We will come reaching, with a song of healing...
And they will know us by our love!
The time is now
Come Church arise...
Love with His hands
See with His eyes...
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love...
Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above
You will be reaching, long after we’re gone,
And they will know you by your love!
Written by Christy Nockels
Saturday, January 9, 2010
No-Bake Dark Chocolate & Mint Cheesecake
So my blog is predominantly thoughts about God, singleness, biblical counseling...and more. But today I just have to post this amazing recipe I tried out over the holidays that was a big hit and a personal favorite.
Ingredients:
1 prepared 9-in. chocolate crumb crust
1-2/3 cups (10oz.)Dark Chocolate & Mint morsels, divided
2 pkgs. (8oz. each) lowfat cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Set aside 1/2 cup morsels for ganache topping. From remaining morsels, sort out 1 tbl. mint morsels and place in small, heavy-duty plastic bag for drizzle and set aside.
Melt remaining morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high power for one minute, stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals, stirring just until smooth. Cool slightly.
Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, 2 tbl. cream and vanilla extract in medium mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add melted chocolate, continue beating for one minute. Spoon into crust and smooth top.
Microwave remaining 2 tbl. cream in 1-cup glass masure on high for 20 seconds or until boiling. Add reserved 1/2 cup morsels to cream, let sit for one minute. Stir until smooth. Cool for five minutes. Spread ganache over cheesecake to within 1/4-in. of edge.
Microwave reserved mint morsels in bag on medium-high power for 20 seconds, knead. Microwave at 10-15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag. Drizzle over top of ganache. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Enjoy!!!
Ingredients:
1 prepared 9-in. chocolate crumb crust
1-2/3 cups (10oz.)Dark Chocolate & Mint morsels, divided
2 pkgs. (8oz. each) lowfat cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Set aside 1/2 cup morsels for ganache topping. From remaining morsels, sort out 1 tbl. mint morsels and place in small, heavy-duty plastic bag for drizzle and set aside.
Melt remaining morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high power for one minute, stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals, stirring just until smooth. Cool slightly.
Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, 2 tbl. cream and vanilla extract in medium mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add melted chocolate, continue beating for one minute. Spoon into crust and smooth top.
Microwave remaining 2 tbl. cream in 1-cup glass masure on high for 20 seconds or until boiling. Add reserved 1/2 cup morsels to cream, let sit for one minute. Stir until smooth. Cool for five minutes. Spread ganache over cheesecake to within 1/4-in. of edge.
Microwave reserved mint morsels in bag on medium-high power for 20 seconds, knead. Microwave at 10-15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag. Drizzle over top of ganache. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Enjoy!!!
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