"The life of faith [in Christ] is lived one day at a
time, and it has to be LIVED--not always looked forward to as though the "real"'
living were around the next corner. It is TODAY for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.

-Elisabeth Elliot

ALL Things

"If He [God] is indeed "Creator of all things visible and invisible" He is certainly in charge of all things, visible and invisible, stupendous and miniscule, magnificent and trivial. God has to be in charge of details if He is going to be in charge of the overall design. . . .

"If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things."

Elisabeth Elliot
Let Me Be a Woman

Trust

"We may not be able to trace God's hand, but we can always trust His heart."
~C.J. Mahaney

So Lord, Dear Lord . . .

"You be the needle
and I be the thread
You go first, and I will follow
wherever You may lead."

~Congolese Christian

Trust. It's a huge issue. I must constantly counsel myself, remind myself, rather than listening to myself. He is worthy of my trust. He is trustworthy.

In contrast, "Doubt" occurs when we exalt and elevate our own perceptions, feelings, and emotions over God and His Word and His promises. Doubt places that which is hollow--emotions, lies, myself, my thoughts, my fears--upon the throne rather than bowing to Christ as Lord of my life. This is sin.

Behold, God is my salvation
I will TRUST and will not be afraid
for the Lord God is my strength and my song
and He has become my salvation.
~ Lamentations

This God--HIS WAY is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him. ~ 2 Samuel 22:31

Trust, my Soul. Trust and Obey. He has been faithful thus far, and He will be faithful

Forever.

"If God would grant us the vision, the word sacrifice would disappear from our lips and thoughts; we would hate the things that seem now so dear to us; our lives would suddenly be too short, we would despise time-robbing distractions and charge the enemy with all our energies in the name of Christ . . . Lord speak to my own heart and give me to know thy Holy will and the joy of walking in it."

~ Jim Elliot

He is Worthy

I have been so challenged and encouraged by the testimony displayed in the lives of Jim Elliot and those who gave their lives in ministry in Ecuador. Despite tragedy and death while reaching out to lost souls, their hearts and words point to a greater hope, a greater treasure--the One who was over all. Over the next few posts, I hope to share a few quotes which illuminate Christ's sustaining presence in their lives.

"Their story . . . has pointed to one thing: God is God. If He is God, He
is worthy of my worship and service. I will find rest nowhere but in His will, and that will is infinitely, immeasurably, unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.

" . . . God is the God of human history, and He is at work continuously,
mysteriously, accomplishing His eternal purposes in us, through us, for us, and
in spite of us."

~ Elisabeth Elliot
Through Gates of Splendor

Go The Extra Mile

The Lord is encouraging me through a book called Through Gates of Splendor, the story of God's work through Jim Elliot and Nate Saint encompassing their testimony of faith and service to the hostile indians in Ecuador, South America. Not that I have gotten that far yet--still at the "setting the stage" part of the book.

These missionaries' passion for the Gospel really has encouraged and challenged my heart. I wish I was this way.

One quote particularly stirred my heart. Ed McCully, one of the missionaries who met up with Jim Elliot in Ecuador, tells of the Lord's burden on his heart for ministry inspired by his study of Nehemiah:

Here was a man [Nehemiah] who was left everything as far as position was concerned to go do a job nobody else could handle. And because he went the whole remnant back in Jerusalem got right with the Lord. obstacles and hindrances fell away and a great work was done . . .
I have one desire now--to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting ALL my energy and strength into it. Maybe He'll send me someplace where the name
of Jesus Christ is unknown . . .

I'm taking the Lord at His word, and I'm trusting Him to prove His word . . . [W]e've already put our trust in Him for salvation, so why not do it as far as our life is concerned?

If there's nothing to this buisness of eternal life we might as well lose everything in one crack and throw our present life away with our life hereafter. But if there is something to it, then everything else the Lord says must hold true likewise.

-Ed McCully

The Lord: Our Present Help

"Which is harder, to do or to endure? I think to endure is much the harder, and our Father loves us too much to let us pass through life without learning to endure. So I want you to welcome the little difficult things, the tiny pricks and ruffles that are sure to come almost every day. For they give you a chance to say 'No' to yourself, and by doing so you will become strong not only to do but also to endure.

"Whatever happens, don't be sorry for yourselves. You know how our Lord met the tempting 'Pity thyself' (Matt. 16:22). After all, what is anything we have to bear in comparison with what our Lord bore for us?

"I know that each one of you is in need of continual help [yes!] if you are continually to conquer. I have splendid words to give you. They are from the first verse of Psalm 46--a very present help.

"Our loving Lord is not just present, but nearer than thought can imagine, so near that a whisper can reach Him . . .

" . . . For Thou, Lord, hast never failed them that seek Thee."

~ Amy Carmichael
Candles in the Dark

"God, Keep Us Standing . . ."

An exerpt from Amy Carmichael's writings:

". . . but thank God for victory too, and we are nearer the Crowning Day this morning than ever we were before. 'And having done all, to stand.' God keep us standing. 'When I said, 'My foot slippeth,' Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.'

"And now as we look forward we see great stones, and many of them. 'Who will roll away the stone?' More and more I delight in the word that says, 'The angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat upon it.' We shall see the angel of the Lord sitting upon many a stone during the coming year. And think of it, we may see the Lord Himself, Christ risen, Christ CROWNED, this year. Oh, what will it be to see Him? To be forever with Him, holy forever, strong forever, never, never, to grieve Him again."

Be Still.

"Be still, my soul!
Thy God doth undertake
To Guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul:
the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below."




Be still.

:: :: ::

On The Tablet of My Heart

A TABLET Lord, .................Thy servant holds,

Down Soul’s deep depths ......Only your eye beholds.

It flows like a stream of water, channeled by your guiding Hand

A plot of SOIL for sweet seed of Word to season, grow, and stand.

The heart alone, easily drifting with the mold of worldly push and pull,

Is a master deceiver, twisting mind and shameful thoughts in full;

Stone dead, a pillar of salt, cold, unbelieving, unyielding,

So I withered away in sin’s death cry and decaying.

But in scarlet stream you gave with no measure,

Bathing the heart in heaven’s cleanser.

Now etched with your name,

And never the same;

Only For Thee

Will I Be.

"I thank God for all the strokes with which I was driven from darkness unto
light. It is better that we arrive beaten and bleeding at our glorious goal than
that we decay happily and contented in darkness. As long as things were right
with us, we did not know anything of God and the salvation of our souls."

- Abraham Poljak
A Jew who survived and escaped the brutality of Nazi Germany

Purpose to Praise

Snowflakes swirl down to kiss the ground below, leaving a frosted carpet of white. My eyes fluttered open this morning to peer through the crack of my window, and I let out a gasp to see snow drifting on the rooftop. The world looked like an inverted snowglobe, feathery flakes spinning softly through the air.

On days like these the heart beats the pulse of praise. A day of first snowfall, no school with Thanksgiving break, sleeping in, time at one's leisure . . .

A brother coming home, kitchen all a-bustle, friends coming to stay, family to gather . . .

Time to read, sip tea, watch a movie, soft yarn in one's hands, toasting in the warmth of a crackling fire . . .

It brings the spring in the step, puts a song in the heart, praise on my lips.

:: :: ::

Why can't all my days be like this? Or . . . can they? Can I sing praise on the bad days, too?

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; May my meditation
be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

Psalm 104:33-34

This verse immediately reminded me of Joni Erickson Tada. Despite her increased trial of battling cancer on top of paralysis, she continues to sing praises to her Lord and King. When listening to a Revive Our Hearts podcast the other day, I was challenged at how she could easily break out into song in the midst of her hardship. Her attitude is God-given, an attitude each of us should pray and long for: the heart of praise no matter where we stand.

:: :: ::

In good times and in bad times may my heart and mouth be faithful to declare your greatness. Let me not become muddled with faithless thoughts. Turn my heart to see your Light--your glory--in every place you ordain. By your grace enable my heart to purpose to praise you every day, whatever the circumstance. Let me praise you as long as I live.

Let Us Praise

Thanksgiving season serves as a reminder to turn our hearts in praise toward God. However, should we not have this attitude every day?

:: :: ::

Nancy Leigh DeMoss gives 9 reasons to praise God in her Seeking Him devotional:

1. God loves praise and is looking for worshipers.
2. Praise is the primary occupation of heaven. We’ll do it for eternity.
3. God commands us to praise Him.
4. He deserves our worship and praise.
5. We were created to bring Him pleasure and praise Him.
6. Praise takes us into His presence.
7. Praise is a cure for spiritual dryness.
8. It defeats Satan.
9. Praise sets us free from spiritual bondage.

Let's remind ourselves to turn our gaze to the one who deserves true praise every day. How can I praise Him today?

:: :: ::

All is Grace

All's grace. The words of a fellow blogger made me think.


True humility is recognizing the grace one has received by God and responding in worship.

1 Chronicles 17:16
"[words of King David] Who am I, Lord God, and
what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?"

Today, Lord, help me to truly see that "All is grace" -- undeserved, unmerited, yet given freely by You. Open my eyes to see and give you the glory!

Psalm 103

He does not deal with us according to our iniquities nor repay us according to our sins. For as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is His steadfast love on those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us."

The sweet fragrance of scarlet red lingers . . . .

Will I pause to acknowledge and give thanks to Him for the unmerited blessings, His provision, His sacrifice?

Full Moon

on a long drive in the dark night of winter, I tiredly looked out the car window and noticed the bright light of the full moon. It illuminated the countryside, the trees, the snow-covered ground in a glorious way . . .

Photo credit : (cc-by-nc-nd) Bruno Monginoux / http://www.landscape-photo.net/

A full moon shines bright, a beacon in the dark night.
Reflecting the Light of the sun above,
Proclaiming the splendor and glory of the Great One,
Hidden, yet to be revealed.

In this world of black lies,
Barren wasteland,
Cold, frozen ground
Dead, dying limbs hold arms upward
Frail, brittle, lifeless,
Thirsty.


Lord, let the Light of Christ shine through me
Piercing the darkness
Exposing the shadows.
May my life reflect the glory of the unseen
Declaring the presence of the Mighty One
THE source, THE Light, The only Truth.

Lord, let Your Light be seen in me.

With His Hands

Knitting needles have been clacking for several weeks now, many projects taking shape. Nothing like the feel of yarn through your fingers...


My hands are always cold. icy. frigid. When I saw a pattern for "fingerless mittens" on Martha Stewart's website, I whipped out some scrap yarn from a previous project and eagerly started knitting. Now, while scratching away with pencil and paper during these monotonous, winter school days, I sport their colorful design.

But, no sooner did I finish when Mom made admiring comments. As Christmas was just around the corner, I modified the pattern to make a pair for her to enjoy.

^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *

My cold hands He holds in His.

Though I hold them outstretched

These hands have nothing they can give.

Veined to an icy, cold heart

A source hardened, uncapable to produce the life-giving flow.

But He warms my heart

Melts the stone cold soul

Showing me His soft touch

Clasping my weak hands in His

His hands hold mine

Giving the warm surge

Rush of life

That I might touch another

Reaching out a hand like His

with His.

^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your
work shall be rewarded.

- 2 Chronicles 15:7

For He wounds, but He binds up; He shatters, but HIS hands heal.

- Job 5:18

Behold, you have instructed many, and YOU have strengthened the weak hands

- Job 4:3

For you, O LORD, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of YOUR hands I sing for joy.

- Psalm 92:4

Stop and Savor

With a cup of hot tea in hand, I closed the door and snuggled up in a cozy blanket on the porch. Rays of sunshine pour down from above, red maple glows with leaves afire, wind rushes through the tall grass, chimes softly sing. I crack open a book, my icy fingers clasping the warm teacup as its hot vapor curls upward in the frigid fall air.

I drink its sweetness . . .

All too often we fail to consider the big picture; we box up our minds to only see the duties, the tasks, the trivialities of life. Our focus can be so limited, only giving attention to the needs, the wants, the aches and pains, the schedules, and the responsibilities, causing us to lose appreciation for the season God has placed us in. With selfish focus we gloss over the blessings God has given, the work He is doing, the precious memories in the making. We miss the joys of the treasures given here and now.

Stop. Stretch your eyes. Look for the beauty around you. Like a vapor, these things, these seasons, this life, shall pass. Savor. Remember. Worship.

Sunshine *

I'm treasuring the sunshine, *
its sparkling, shining rays * *
have kissed these golden stars, * * *
and now their faces glow * * * *

Bottled up with lighted smile, * * *
overflowing in endless glee
they tell me of the joy of day * *
Teaching blinded eyes to see

joy in today.
joy in every day.

Pattern of Perfection

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

>*< * >*< * >*<

Blind belief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

~William Cowper

exerpt from“God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” 1774

For the last several months I have worked on an easy, yet involved knitting project with much trial and error. One could say I “bit off more than I could chew” with this particular project. I have knitted, re-knitted, attached, detached, ripped out, snipped, pulled, and tugged, with hopes that all would turn out right. To put it bluntly, although it has taken form and now shows signs of promise (after I decided to modify the pattern my own way), there is a good chance it may not turn out as I first envisioned. When finished, my sweater may end up worn once and then left in the deep confines of my closet—one of those humble “learning” projects left to be forgotten about. However, I hope it will not be so.

In contrast, as I think about the stitches and rows and the slow development of this piece as it takes form, I am reminded of God’s expert hand in shaping our lives. Unlike me, inexperienced and unsure of the end result, He has planned every curve and has a perfect design in mind. Rather than making adjustments along the way, He has established His plan and intentions for me long before.

How encouraging to know the Lord has a purpose for every little frill, twist, turn, and loop in life. We can rest secure in the knowledge that He knows what lies ahead. We can draw comfort because He is the perfect guide; He leads us—more often, carries us—through all of life, strengthening and preparing us for what He has in store. We can trust Him because He is our light.

>*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*<

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me that path of life; in Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasure forevermore.

~Psalm 16:9-11

For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your Name’s sake you lead me and guide me; . . . Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

~Psalm 31:3, 5

>*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*< * >*<

Lord, how easy it is to say, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit,” or “I Surrender All,” but give me a heart which truly bows to You each day, desiring Your will and Your ways as my own. Let me give myself wholeheartedly and without reserve to further the glory of YOUR name; help me to walk in obedience on the path You have designed, trusting in your perfect plan and knowing that what You choose is what is best.

Words of Life

Several months ago my mom started compiling a verse chain to document passages of Scripture which spoke to her soul during her quiet time. As the days passed and note cards rapidly began to accumulate on her ring, she encouraged me and several others in our family to use this tool as well.

As I read my Bible, I keep a stash of blank white note cards on my desk to jot down verses which refresh and challenge my soul. Already I have thick stack of these cards; I see them as sweet morsels of Scripture overflowing with words of life to embrace again

And again.

Some may bear rich meaning now, others have been slipped onto the ring to deliver refreshment in times to come. Rather than resting unopened in my journal collecting dust, they sit clasped in a place where I can see them, hold them, and revisit the depth of their meaning.

The words written on their face document struggles; they recall victories; their message points to His promises. In the midst of the raging battle they speak of love, hope, and security to deliver my soul from fear. Countless times the Lord has brought comfort through the verses he burdened me to add to my chain in those times of quiet.

I am so thankful for God's Word and for how He uses it in our lives.