It seems that there are often times in life when we don't do something or we refuse to fully engage in a relationship because we are fearful it won't last or that we might do something to spoil it. We spend our time anxious about whether the blessing that has been granted will remain, fretting over the unknown of when it might disappear. I spend far too much time analyzing the paths of my life - not that it is wrong to analyze, for wise examination is a profitable necessity for the sanctified believer. However, too much analyzing can remove the enjoyment of what God has given and is even an expression of sinful ingratitude. What it really boils down to is selfish pride, placing our own restrictions and expectations on what God, in His perfect providence, has graciously bestowed upon us.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).
Matthew Henry says this in his commentary on James 1:
"No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments."
So when I am blessed with a relationship that is precious, or a material good that somehow has enriched my life - may I remember to be humble in thankfulness, but to seek happiness in God alone, as all these other enjoyments will perish eventually, whether a physical good like a relaxing vacation or a reliable car - or if it be even an encouraging and precious friendship in which there is mutual spiritual care. Nothing will have permanent value outside of its relationship to man's salvation and sanctification. May I then not allow fear of losing something to hinder me from enjoying its sweetest blessings here, but in the power of the Spirit, transform that fear into a biblical humility that is overwhelmed with gratitude that a great and mighty God would allow me to enjoy the benefits of such a thing even for a few moments!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Emotions and the Love of Christ as All-Satisfying...
Typical emotional struggles women face:
-Jealousy – thinking we deserved something more than the one who got it
-Irritability – using the excuse of our fatigue or PMS for failing to exercise self-control
-Depression – we want to wallow in our unhappiness, refusing comfort
-Loneliness – believing that God has not given us enough
-Self-pity – we doubt the goodness of God and become angry when we don’t get our way
-Impatience – thinking we know what is best and God’s timing is off somehow; refusing to see that maybe if He has not given something it might not be in His will
-Fear – seeking attention by saying we want others good opinion; lack of trust
-Worry, anxiety – we place limits on what God can do, thinking it’s not the right thing
-Guilt – refusing to receive mercy and forgiveness, confess to others rather than God
-Bitterness, unforgiveness – making others suffer unduly for what they have done
Speaking of these emotions, Brian Borgman says: “The unrelenting pain of unforgiveness, the short breaths of anxiety, the cancer of lust, the devastation of volcanic anger, the ravages of insane jealousy, the inescapable ruts that lead to strife and broken relationships, habitual patterns that drag one into depression all have one thing in common: they are related to our emotions.” A great preacher of the faith, Martyn Lloyd Jones, further clarifies the significance of our emotions, stating: “Indeed, I suppose that one of the greatest problems in our life in this world, not only for Christians, but for all people, is the right handling of our feelings and emotions. Oh, the havoc that is wrought and the tragedy, the misery and the wretchedness that are to be found in the world simply because people do not know how to handle their own feelings! Man is so constituted that the feelings are in this very prominent position, and indeed, there is a very good case for saying that perhaps the final thing which regeneration and the new birth do for us is just to put the mind and the emotions and the will in their right positions.”
We are often misled and confused by our emotions because we have not truly tapped the root of the problem. We are constantly treating the symptoms and not the disease itself. Here we can be in a sound Bible-teaching church, and yet as one author states, “fail to progress…certain sins cling like sap from an evergreen, while certain fruits of the Spirit barely dangle from the branch…we do not have a biblical understanding of our emotions, and therefore there is little or no biblical handling of our emotions.”
The right and proper handling of our emotions is what brings us to maturity. What is preventing us from this right understanding? I would submit that it is a lack of love for God, and a lack of true understanding of His love for us!
How do we understand our emotions? And how do we come to understand the love of Christ more clearly? What is it that we need to know about emotions? How do our emotions impact who we are and how we relate to others, as a Christian woman?
“We need a vision of human personhood that shows just why God made us with the minds and hearts that we have. We need to see the importance of cognition and emotion, of thinking and feeling, of truth and affections, to live out the Christian faith as God intends. We also need to understand the effects of sin on both our heads and our hearts. What is the relation between truth and feeling? How do I handle emotions of discouragement and despair? Is there a way that truth can affect emotions and emotions affect thinking? Can incorrect thinking bring emotional harm, just as sinful emotions can skew our thinking? Does God give guidance for us on these questions and others like them?” (Bruce Ware)
We want to see our emotions sanctified, conformed to the image of Christ. In order to do these things, our approach must be rooted entirely in the sufficiency of Scripture and a confidence in the grace and mercy of God. Jonathan Edwards said, “The nature of true religion consists in holy affections.” You will not find the answers in the world, or even in the typical Christian sphere that has been filled to overflowing with self-help books, positive thinking techniques, and psychological influences. We must discern between the biblical view of emotions and the wide-swinging pendulum of shallow interpretations of emotions. We cannot say emotions are of no significance at all, but also we cannot say that they cannot be helped or that we have no control over them. Both views are equally dangerous and stifling to the spiritual maturity of the woman seeking to live a life of biblical submission to God’s ways.
What are emotions? Brian Borgman says: “The emotions are an inherent part of what it means to be a person; they express the values and evaluations of a person and influence motives and conduct. The emotions are more than feelings; they tell us what we value and what we believe, producing desires and inclinations that affect our behavior. Emotions were given in order to energize behavior and were intended by God to be a catalyst for action.” And, as with everything, our emotions have been corrupted within us because of our sin nature. I would take this a step further by saying that our sinful interpretation and outflow of our emotions are rooted solely in pride – it is pride due to our own unbelief. Pride manifests itself when we selfishly believe that our fatigue or our misery over a difficult circumstance entitles us to fall into despondency, self-pity, complaining, bitterness, or a host of other emotional reactions to the God-ordained circumstances of our lives. It is pride because ultimately, we are refusing to rest in the promises of God! We are living the opposite of the way love is described in First Corinthians 13: “love…does not insist on its own way…it is not irritable or resentful…it bears…believes…hopes…endures” – living this way shows our immaturity in the faith, as evidenced further in verse 20: “do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking, be mature.” Our pride is always at work, convincing us that our emotions cannot be helped and that we must work through them or even express them in order to gain relief.
Our tendency is always toward idolatry – even the idolatry of others and their opinions or the idolatry of what we think would be best for our lives. We set about our plans, assuming that we are led by God, when really – oftentimes – have we not been led by our own hearts? Our own feelings and desires? NOTE – these can be good things, a ministry you are involved in, a precious and godly friendship, etc. – it is not the thing itself that is wrong, but your sinful attachment to it and your selfish clinging to it as something you must have. Ask yourself: what are your expectations? What is your agenda? How do your emotions and feelings often point to your personal agenda? More often than not, when we sincerely examine these matters, we will see that we have been seeking satisfaction in something (or things) other than Christ and His perfect love. We don’t trust that what He has ordained is best. We are like a child kicking against the providences before us. We seek to manipulate and maneuver by refusing to consider the sinful reliance we have placed on our emotions. Emotions expose our hearts as being for God or against Him, and they reflect goals that are either God’s or our own.
Here are some very practical ways in which you can learn to interpret and transform your emotions in a way that pleases God:
-Read and meditate on the emotions God has ordained as good and pleasing. Seek out ways to cultivate those biblical emotions. And when you do recognize a sinful emotion, such as anger or depression – use it as an opportunity to interrogate your heart! Ask yourself, what were you wanting in that situation that you didn’t get? What were you hoping in or placing your trust in that has now disappointed you? Confess that you were idolizing that thing or person and ask God to restore you to Himself.
-Speak truth back to yourself when you encounter sinful emotional responses. Do not continue to converse with yourself until you have consulted Scripture. Use that Scripture to speak to yourself about the truth of the situation. Use examples such as the apostle Paul, as a means of formulating a biblical response to sinful emotions. Paul responded to anxiety by rejoicing in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-6). Martin Luther said, “We must not judge by what we feel or by what we see before us. The word must be followed, and we must firmly hold that these truths are to be believed, not experienced; for to believe is not to experience. Not indeed that what we believe is never to be experienced but that faith is to precede experience. And the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word.”
-Remember your standing in Christ Jesus, and the love of the Father in sending His Son to redeem you from the pit. Ephesians 1:3-9 provides a vivid reminder of the great love that was bestowed upon the believer, which allows him to live resting in the promises of God. So our feelings really are a gift from God, to express His image, and to help us see our sinful remnants, forcing us to cling to His promises in faith. Change is only possible through His blood that was shed and through the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Take your mind captive for Christ Jesus’ sake: 2 Corinthians 10:5.
-Ultimately, you were created in the image of God, which means you are a worshiper. Everyone worships something or someone, because as a creation of God, we were created as a spiritual, worshipful being. What are you worshiping? What is most important to you? These answers are certainly revealed in your emotions. Again, consider Jesus: “Jesus experienced all the damage that our sinful emotions could do, as rebellious people like us focused their rage and hostility on Him. Yet, He loves us and calls us to Himself. This is the primary thought that we must keep before our eyes as we press through our feelings to love and serve Him” (Fitzpatrick). Richard Baxter says: “Consider well of the office, the bloodshed, and the holy life of Christ – His office is to expiate sin, and to destroy it. His blood was shed for it: His life condemned it. Love Christ, and thou wilt hate that which caused His death. Love Him, and thou will be made more like Him.”
-Jealousy – thinking we deserved something more than the one who got it
-Irritability – using the excuse of our fatigue or PMS for failing to exercise self-control
-Depression – we want to wallow in our unhappiness, refusing comfort
-Loneliness – believing that God has not given us enough
-Self-pity – we doubt the goodness of God and become angry when we don’t get our way
-Impatience – thinking we know what is best and God’s timing is off somehow; refusing to see that maybe if He has not given something it might not be in His will
-Fear – seeking attention by saying we want others good opinion; lack of trust
-Worry, anxiety – we place limits on what God can do, thinking it’s not the right thing
-Guilt – refusing to receive mercy and forgiveness, confess to others rather than God
-Bitterness, unforgiveness – making others suffer unduly for what they have done
Speaking of these emotions, Brian Borgman says: “The unrelenting pain of unforgiveness, the short breaths of anxiety, the cancer of lust, the devastation of volcanic anger, the ravages of insane jealousy, the inescapable ruts that lead to strife and broken relationships, habitual patterns that drag one into depression all have one thing in common: they are related to our emotions.” A great preacher of the faith, Martyn Lloyd Jones, further clarifies the significance of our emotions, stating: “Indeed, I suppose that one of the greatest problems in our life in this world, not only for Christians, but for all people, is the right handling of our feelings and emotions. Oh, the havoc that is wrought and the tragedy, the misery and the wretchedness that are to be found in the world simply because people do not know how to handle their own feelings! Man is so constituted that the feelings are in this very prominent position, and indeed, there is a very good case for saying that perhaps the final thing which regeneration and the new birth do for us is just to put the mind and the emotions and the will in their right positions.”
We are often misled and confused by our emotions because we have not truly tapped the root of the problem. We are constantly treating the symptoms and not the disease itself. Here we can be in a sound Bible-teaching church, and yet as one author states, “fail to progress…certain sins cling like sap from an evergreen, while certain fruits of the Spirit barely dangle from the branch…we do not have a biblical understanding of our emotions, and therefore there is little or no biblical handling of our emotions.”
The right and proper handling of our emotions is what brings us to maturity. What is preventing us from this right understanding? I would submit that it is a lack of love for God, and a lack of true understanding of His love for us!
How do we understand our emotions? And how do we come to understand the love of Christ more clearly? What is it that we need to know about emotions? How do our emotions impact who we are and how we relate to others, as a Christian woman?
“We need a vision of human personhood that shows just why God made us with the minds and hearts that we have. We need to see the importance of cognition and emotion, of thinking and feeling, of truth and affections, to live out the Christian faith as God intends. We also need to understand the effects of sin on both our heads and our hearts. What is the relation between truth and feeling? How do I handle emotions of discouragement and despair? Is there a way that truth can affect emotions and emotions affect thinking? Can incorrect thinking bring emotional harm, just as sinful emotions can skew our thinking? Does God give guidance for us on these questions and others like them?” (Bruce Ware)
We want to see our emotions sanctified, conformed to the image of Christ. In order to do these things, our approach must be rooted entirely in the sufficiency of Scripture and a confidence in the grace and mercy of God. Jonathan Edwards said, “The nature of true religion consists in holy affections.” You will not find the answers in the world, or even in the typical Christian sphere that has been filled to overflowing with self-help books, positive thinking techniques, and psychological influences. We must discern between the biblical view of emotions and the wide-swinging pendulum of shallow interpretations of emotions. We cannot say emotions are of no significance at all, but also we cannot say that they cannot be helped or that we have no control over them. Both views are equally dangerous and stifling to the spiritual maturity of the woman seeking to live a life of biblical submission to God’s ways.
What are emotions? Brian Borgman says: “The emotions are an inherent part of what it means to be a person; they express the values and evaluations of a person and influence motives and conduct. The emotions are more than feelings; they tell us what we value and what we believe, producing desires and inclinations that affect our behavior. Emotions were given in order to energize behavior and were intended by God to be a catalyst for action.” And, as with everything, our emotions have been corrupted within us because of our sin nature. I would take this a step further by saying that our sinful interpretation and outflow of our emotions are rooted solely in pride – it is pride due to our own unbelief. Pride manifests itself when we selfishly believe that our fatigue or our misery over a difficult circumstance entitles us to fall into despondency, self-pity, complaining, bitterness, or a host of other emotional reactions to the God-ordained circumstances of our lives. It is pride because ultimately, we are refusing to rest in the promises of God! We are living the opposite of the way love is described in First Corinthians 13: “love…does not insist on its own way…it is not irritable or resentful…it bears…believes…hopes…endures” – living this way shows our immaturity in the faith, as evidenced further in verse 20: “do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking, be mature.” Our pride is always at work, convincing us that our emotions cannot be helped and that we must work through them or even express them in order to gain relief.
Our tendency is always toward idolatry – even the idolatry of others and their opinions or the idolatry of what we think would be best for our lives. We set about our plans, assuming that we are led by God, when really – oftentimes – have we not been led by our own hearts? Our own feelings and desires? NOTE – these can be good things, a ministry you are involved in, a precious and godly friendship, etc. – it is not the thing itself that is wrong, but your sinful attachment to it and your selfish clinging to it as something you must have. Ask yourself: what are your expectations? What is your agenda? How do your emotions and feelings often point to your personal agenda? More often than not, when we sincerely examine these matters, we will see that we have been seeking satisfaction in something (or things) other than Christ and His perfect love. We don’t trust that what He has ordained is best. We are like a child kicking against the providences before us. We seek to manipulate and maneuver by refusing to consider the sinful reliance we have placed on our emotions. Emotions expose our hearts as being for God or against Him, and they reflect goals that are either God’s or our own.
Here are some very practical ways in which you can learn to interpret and transform your emotions in a way that pleases God:
-Read and meditate on the emotions God has ordained as good and pleasing. Seek out ways to cultivate those biblical emotions. And when you do recognize a sinful emotion, such as anger or depression – use it as an opportunity to interrogate your heart! Ask yourself, what were you wanting in that situation that you didn’t get? What were you hoping in or placing your trust in that has now disappointed you? Confess that you were idolizing that thing or person and ask God to restore you to Himself.
-Speak truth back to yourself when you encounter sinful emotional responses. Do not continue to converse with yourself until you have consulted Scripture. Use that Scripture to speak to yourself about the truth of the situation. Use examples such as the apostle Paul, as a means of formulating a biblical response to sinful emotions. Paul responded to anxiety by rejoicing in the Lord (Phil. 4:4-6). Martin Luther said, “We must not judge by what we feel or by what we see before us. The word must be followed, and we must firmly hold that these truths are to be believed, not experienced; for to believe is not to experience. Not indeed that what we believe is never to be experienced but that faith is to precede experience. And the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word.”
-Remember your standing in Christ Jesus, and the love of the Father in sending His Son to redeem you from the pit. Ephesians 1:3-9 provides a vivid reminder of the great love that was bestowed upon the believer, which allows him to live resting in the promises of God. So our feelings really are a gift from God, to express His image, and to help us see our sinful remnants, forcing us to cling to His promises in faith. Change is only possible through His blood that was shed and through the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Take your mind captive for Christ Jesus’ sake: 2 Corinthians 10:5.
-Ultimately, you were created in the image of God, which means you are a worshiper. Everyone worships something or someone, because as a creation of God, we were created as a spiritual, worshipful being. What are you worshiping? What is most important to you? These answers are certainly revealed in your emotions. Again, consider Jesus: “Jesus experienced all the damage that our sinful emotions could do, as rebellious people like us focused their rage and hostility on Him. Yet, He loves us and calls us to Himself. This is the primary thought that we must keep before our eyes as we press through our feelings to love and serve Him” (Fitzpatrick). Richard Baxter says: “Consider well of the office, the bloodshed, and the holy life of Christ – His office is to expiate sin, and to destroy it. His blood was shed for it: His life condemned it. Love Christ, and thou wilt hate that which caused His death. Love Him, and thou will be made more like Him.”
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Him whom my soul loveth...
Today I watched a dear young sister in the Lord take a benevolent and wise young man as her forever husband. It was beautiful, Christ was exalted! I am so grateful to God for the past couple of weddings I have had the privilege to take part in and witness the abundant mercy of our great God to faithfully knit two hearts as one in a glorious display of His own redemption toward man. Sitting in the bride's room this afternoon, I had the privilege of reading this devotional from Charles Spurgeon to the glowing bride and the other bridesmaids. It was a joy to hear as each one echoed with firm "mm'hmm"s and "yes" as we all reflected on Christ, our own true Husband, who is coming for us one day. Until that day comes, may we eagerly seek to be fashioned like Him and wedded to Him in purity and submission.
“I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go.”
Song of Solomon 3:4
Does Christ receive us when we come to him, notwithstanding all our past sinfulness? Does he never chide us for having tried all other refuges first? And is there none on earth like him? Is he the best of all the good, the fairest of all the fair? Oh, then let us praise him! Daughters of Jerusalem, extol him with timbrel and harp! Down with your idols, up with the Lord Jesus. Now let the standards of pomp and pride be trampled under foot, but let the cross of Jesus, which the world frowns and scoffs at, be lifted on high. O for a throne of ivory for our King Solomon! Let him be set on high forever, and let my soul sit at his footstool, and kiss his feet, and wash them with my tears. Oh, how precious is Christ! How can it be that I have thought so little of him? How is it I can go abroad for joy or comfort when he is so full, so rich, so satisfying. Fellow believer, make a covenant with thine heart that thou wilt never depart from him, and ask thy Lord to ratify it. Bid him set thee as a signet upon his finger, and as a bracelet upon his arm. Ask him to bind thee about him, as the bride decketh herself with ornaments, and as the bridegroom putteth on his jewels. I would live in Christ’s heart; in the clefts of that rock my soul would eternally abide. The sparrow hath made a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God; and so too would I make my nest, my home, in thee, and never from thee may the soul of thy turtle dove go forth again, but may I nestle close to thee, O Jesus, my true and only rest.
“When my precious Lord I find,
All my ardent passions glow;
Him with cords of love I bind,
Hold and will not let him go.”
“I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go.”
Song of Solomon 3:4
Does Christ receive us when we come to him, notwithstanding all our past sinfulness? Does he never chide us for having tried all other refuges first? And is there none on earth like him? Is he the best of all the good, the fairest of all the fair? Oh, then let us praise him! Daughters of Jerusalem, extol him with timbrel and harp! Down with your idols, up with the Lord Jesus. Now let the standards of pomp and pride be trampled under foot, but let the cross of Jesus, which the world frowns and scoffs at, be lifted on high. O for a throne of ivory for our King Solomon! Let him be set on high forever, and let my soul sit at his footstool, and kiss his feet, and wash them with my tears. Oh, how precious is Christ! How can it be that I have thought so little of him? How is it I can go abroad for joy or comfort when he is so full, so rich, so satisfying. Fellow believer, make a covenant with thine heart that thou wilt never depart from him, and ask thy Lord to ratify it. Bid him set thee as a signet upon his finger, and as a bracelet upon his arm. Ask him to bind thee about him, as the bride decketh herself with ornaments, and as the bridegroom putteth on his jewels. I would live in Christ’s heart; in the clefts of that rock my soul would eternally abide. The sparrow hath made a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God; and so too would I make my nest, my home, in thee, and never from thee may the soul of thy turtle dove go forth again, but may I nestle close to thee, O Jesus, my true and only rest.
“When my precious Lord I find,
All my ardent passions glow;
Him with cords of love I bind,
Hold and will not let him go.”
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Seasons of separation...
I don't often speak on specifically personal things on my blog, and I rarely share photos. But tonight I have been particularly reminiscing on a couple of sweet friends, whom I miss so much it aches sometimes. God has been so generous in blessing me with some very precious friendships, and I praise Him for allowing me to walk side by side with some very special women these past several years. But I certainly have my moments where I long to be with them again and anyone who knows me well knows I don't take to change very easily. Yet again, God mercifully provides each time He removes a friend from my daily physical presence. I cannot wait to spend an eternity with these ladies, worshipping before the throne of our great Saviour and precious Redeemer! Until then, I will choose to fondly remember them and pray for them
.
"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17
.
"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17
Monday, February 1, 2010
Mothering, the spiritual kind...
As my days are quite busy, I find less time to write as much as I would like, particularly original writing. But I do read a TON, between teaching, grad school and just personal study, so I have been reflecting a little on spiritual mothering for the past several months. I have read many things about this topic, so what I share in this brief post is merely a drop in a giant bucket of material that could be offered. Pat Ennis, author and professor of Home Economics at The Master's College, has this to say about spiritual mothering:
Let's examine some of the basic virtues you are to exemplify, using the letters that form the word "mother" as our foundation:
M - modeling the character qualities that you want your spiritual daughters to embrace (I Co. 4:16; 11:1)
O - obedient to those having authority over you (Heb. 13:17).
T - teachable (Ps. 27:11; 86:11) and capable of teaching (2 Tm. 2:24; Titus 2:4).
H - humble (Prv. 16:19; Is. 57:15).
E - exhorting and encouraging (1 Thes. 5:14).
R - reputation for good works (Prv. 31:29; 1 Tm. 5:3-10).
Today I chair the Home Economics Department at a Christian college that is based on the Titus 2:3-5 precept. It is the second college program based on Titus 2:3-5 I have established. Much of what I impart to my students is generated from the foundation I received through my adopted and spiritual mother's training and example.
What I thoroughly love about Ms. Ennis's testimony regarding spiritual mothering is that she has never been married and has no children. I believe this is a key observation because as single women, we often think we are not called to spiritual motherhood unless we are a wife/mother. But Scripture does not exempt us from this role. There are many women mentioned in God's Word who are clear examples of biblical womanhood, including the mother-like care they provided for younger women. Even as a younger single woman, I am always going to be older than someone, and so therefore, am called to be an example of biblical womanhood, teaching them - just as I am being taught by my spiritual mothers - to love God, love their husbands, submit to their authorities, care for the children God has providentially placed in their lives (whether physical or spiritual), and to exalt the name of Christ in all matters - dress, speech, attitudes, service. May we never neglect this principle, regardless of the age or season we are currently in.
Let's examine some of the basic virtues you are to exemplify, using the letters that form the word "mother" as our foundation:
M - modeling the character qualities that you want your spiritual daughters to embrace (I Co. 4:16; 11:1)
O - obedient to those having authority over you (Heb. 13:17).
T - teachable (Ps. 27:11; 86:11) and capable of teaching (2 Tm. 2:24; Titus 2:4).
H - humble (Prv. 16:19; Is. 57:15).
E - exhorting and encouraging (1 Thes. 5:14).
R - reputation for good works (Prv. 31:29; 1 Tm. 5:3-10).
Today I chair the Home Economics Department at a Christian college that is based on the Titus 2:3-5 precept. It is the second college program based on Titus 2:3-5 I have established. Much of what I impart to my students is generated from the foundation I received through my adopted and spiritual mother's training and example.
What I thoroughly love about Ms. Ennis's testimony regarding spiritual mothering is that she has never been married and has no children. I believe this is a key observation because as single women, we often think we are not called to spiritual motherhood unless we are a wife/mother. But Scripture does not exempt us from this role. There are many women mentioned in God's Word who are clear examples of biblical womanhood, including the mother-like care they provided for younger women. Even as a younger single woman, I am always going to be older than someone, and so therefore, am called to be an example of biblical womanhood, teaching them - just as I am being taught by my spiritual mothers - to love God, love their husbands, submit to their authorities, care for the children God has providentially placed in their lives (whether physical or spiritual), and to exalt the name of Christ in all matters - dress, speech, attitudes, service. May we never neglect this principle, regardless of the age or season we are currently in.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Charity and Its Fruits...
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
Jonathan Edwards
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!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)