Wednesday, January 31, 2007

What Value Does The Bible Have To You? ...


If they dusted your Bible for fingerprints,

would they find any fresh ones?


Over at OldTruth.com Jim has a post that is heart-wrenching. It is a must read/watch post.
http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.443

He tells us about a Puritan evangelist, John Rogers, who warned his congregation against neglecting Scripture by telling them what God might say: "I have trusted you so long with my Bible - it lies in some houses all covered with dust and cobwebs, you care not to listen to it. Do you use my Bible that way? Well, you shall have my Bible no longer". Thomas Goodwin was so moved by Rogers's presentation that when he left church he wept upon his horse's neck for fifteen minutes before he felt strong enough to mount it.

When was the last time tears stained the pages of your Bible?
When was the last time you went on your knees before your Holy God?
When was the last time you spent longer than 15 minutes in the Word?
When was the last time you were cut to the quick by the Holy Spirit like Thomas Goodwin?
When was the last time the Lord called you out of your slumber to pray for someone?
When was the last time you gave praise to the Lord for an answer to prayer found in His Word?
When was the last time you got up and spent time in the word before you looked at the morning paper?
When was the last time you shared an understanding of a verse with a friend that you had been struggling to grasp?
When was the last time you read scripture aloud just to yourself and the Lord when no one was home?
When was the last time you gave your personal Bible to someone else who did not have one?
When was the last time you opened the Word of God in a public place like the Doctor or Dentist's office?
When was the last time you handed out a New Testament?

I guess this is my "Enter the List" like over at Rebecca Writes!

I'm just asking you to ponder how important your Bible is to you. I am not one good at memorizing scripture. I can tell you whether the scripture is on the right or left hand page, top, middle or bottom ... but I struggle with memorization. My Bible is precious to me. I have the whole Word of God, all 66 books, in various translations and formats. I have been convicted as of late contemplating what it would be like to have perhaps only one page of scripture or a chapter only ... it is hard for me to comprehend this. How much more precious would the Word be to me? How much more would I be reading that one page of verses? How much more would I push to memorize? How much more would my tears stain that page?

What say you? ...

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Devotional Time Ideas ...

Looking for ideas for your devotional time? I will share mine and I ask you to share yours.

I have used a few different ideas for my devotional time but the one that was/is the best for me – a Prayer Basket.

I purchased a nice basket with a handle. Rather large sized to hold my items I keep in it. Here is the list of items:

** My Devotional Bible (this is a bible that I record dates, notes, answers to prayer, etc. I recently started a new one – the ESV’s Journaling Bible. It is small but mighty! Has lots of room to write in the margins, it reminds you of Moleskin notebook, and it has a stretch band to go around it to keep notes inside. http://www.gnpcb.org/product/158134838X)

** My Prayer Notebook – I took a 5x8ish zippered notebook, purchased blank tabbed pages, monthly calendar, blank note paper and created a tool I can take with me wherever I go. You can even print off pages of the Bible, punch them and insert them into this notebook. I even removed Psalms and Proverbs from a paperback Bible and punched them to fit inside. You do not need to have the whole book but just the pages you are studying/reading that day. I like a Psalm and a Proverb a day. Each day of the week is a different prayer focus. Monday is for Me; Tuesday is for Family; Wed. is for Friends & Others; Thurs. is for Missions; Friday is for Church; Sat. is for the Pastor, SS teachers, who will bring the Word to the Church family on Sunday; Sunday is Praise & Worship.

** A recently purchased Trinity Hymnal from my Church. I pray and sing hymns during my devotional time. Have you ever tried praying a hymn? What a blessing!

** Colored pens and pencils for marking in my Bible. Anything having to do with women gets marked in PINK! That way it jumps out at me on the page – telling me it is just for me.

** A Pretty hankie from my Grandmother’s collection she gave to me and of course paper ones! I just like the pretty ones – makes me feel feminine. Yes. Fluff is good once in a while!

** A very nice pen just to write in my Prayer Notebook or for taking notes. Mine right now is a nice fountain pen with turquoise ink.

** A Notebook for writing down what the Lord is teaching me during this time with Him. I will admit it is tear-stained for sure.

** Whatever devotional book I am using at this time – I used to use Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost For His Highest”, I am currently using Spurgeon’s “Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith”.

** “The Valley of Vision” a book of Puritan prayers.

** A nice tea cup and saucer for a special spot of tea for drinking after prayer time and during devotional reading. You could put special tea bags and a fancy spoon in there, too! (Sometimes its coffee in a big mug.) My dear sweet friend from God, Joanne, gave me a matching Tea pot, tea cup and saucer from Colonial Williamsburg on my 50th birthday this past Oct. I treasure this gift from her and I use it for my “special time” with my Awesome God. Thank you again dear friend!

** A small fragrant candle. I received a gift of a fancy white milkglass candle holder with a MacIntosh apple scented candle, this gives a nice sweet smelling aroma to my space. (more fluff!) I live in a home with my husband, 2 sons, 2 hunting dogs, camo everywhere – my shower curtain even has a hunting scene on it! I hunt and fish, too .. but I need some fluff gals! Plus – I DO NOT stare at the candle flame nor do any repetitive stuff! ;-))

With my Basket setup like this I can just pick it up and go. If I want to go to a park and have my devotions I’m ready to go (all but the hot water or coffee thermos and a scone!) Sometimes I go to the woods and set down on a log; I might go to the local park or dam; in the back yard at the picnic table; or with a good friend to her house. I have taken it along camping; on fishing trips; archery festivals; it can go anywhere! I have also removed the items from the basket and put them into a very large duffle with Bible Study material and went on trips.

I have a cloth napkin or towel on the bottom that can be used on the picnic table or such as is needed. You can also make stretchy cloth bands out of seasonal printed material for the outside of your basket to FLUFF it up a bit if you so desire!

Try creating your own Prayer Basket and let me know how it works for you ... may the Lord bless your time with Him.

pam <><>


Discernment on Prayer ...

Contemplative Prayer & Spirituality

Contemplative Prayer – is a method or technique that helps an individual empty their mind of thought through repetition using a word or phrase or breathing exercise. Contemplative prayer’s purpose is to allow an individual to enter into an altered state of consciousness in order to find one’s true self, therein finding God. This true self relates to the belief that man is basically good. Contemplative prayer teachers (spiritual guides) teach that all human beings have a divine center and that all, not just born again believers, should practice contemplative prayer.

Thomas Merton, (http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/merton.htm) in his book, “Thoughts on the East” – page 34 states, “Contemplative consciousness is a trans-cultural, trans-religious, trans-formed consciousness … it can shine through this or that system, religious or irreligious.

Jodi Mailander Farrell states in “A Quiet Revolution”, a Miami Herald article, – “Sparked by Eastern meditative techniques, today’s version of centering prayer is bent on stilling the mind.” (This article has been removed from the Miami Herald archives.)

Here is what Contemplatives Have To Say About This Form of Prayer and the Contemplative Lifestyle:

"For Fr. Bede, being universal meant to be centered and grounded. He generated this universality of heart through his daily practice of meditation and contemplative prayer, and this opened him ever more to the myths, symbols and teachings of the other great religions of the world."
Man, Monk, Mystic” by Pascaline Coff, O.S.B. Speaking of Bede Griffiths.

"This understanding of the unity of the human family is central to Christianity. Our spiritual journey, especially contemplative prayer, together with its practices for daily life, are processes of becoming aware of just how profound that unity is with God, ourselves, other people, other living beings, the earth, and all creation." Thomas Keating in “The Transformation of Suffering”

"... beyond our methods and understanding is an ultimate reality that is open to all people regardless of their religious traditions. The overwhelming sense of this groundbreaking conference was the unifying force of a contemplative prayer practice."
Jena Hatchett WCCM 2001

Contemplative Terms
"inside" terms used by contemplatives:

  • Labyrinths
  • Enneagrams
  • Prayer Stations
  • Breath Prayers
  • Jesus Candles
  • The Jesus Prayer
  • Lectio Divina
  • Taize
  • Palms Up, Palms Down
  • Yoga
  • The Silence
  • Sacred Space
  • Ancient Prayer Practices
  • A Thin Place
  • Divine Mystery
  • Spiritual Direction

  • Ignation Contemplation
  • Contemplative
  • Centering
  • Centering prayer
  • Prayer of the Heart
  • Dark night of the soul
  • Practicing the Presence
  • Divine Center
  • Inner light
  • Mantra
  • Awareness of Being
  • Slow Prayer
  • Being in the Present Moment
  • Beyond Words
  • Spiritual Disciplines
  • Spiritual Formation

Many of these terms are considered "inside" terms according to many contemplatives, such as Youth Specialties writer, Michael Perschon. On April 16th, 2006, Youth Specialties issued a new article by Perschon that coincidentally illustrates the very

thing we are saying here.

"Fitness buffs have an inside language. The
really serious ones like to use proper anatomy
terms, like gluteus maximus instead of bum.
They still mean bum but, like most experts,
enjoy having some special knowledge others
don't have. People who practice contemplative
prayer are often no different. Like any other
practice, contemplative prayer has its own
inside language, which is clear to the initiated
but means little to outsiders. Much of the
writing on contemplative prayer uses this
inside language."
Michael Perschon,
Contemplative Prayer Practices

Eugene Peterson’s “The Message Bible” – promotes contemplative spirituality – it uses terms like “as above, so below”; The Message "Bible" Omits "Lord Jesus" The King James Bible refers to Jesus as "Lord Jesus" about 115 times. The New King James Bible uses this term about the same amount of times and the New American Standard about 100 times. How many times does Eugene Peterson's The Message use the phrase "Lord Jesus"? None! Not once. Never! (Check it out at (www.biblegateway.com) I would not use this Bible nor have it in my home!

Promoters of contemplative prayer believe this mystical experience is a bridge between Christianity and other religions, particularly Islam and Buddhism. Read these Contemplatives as they speak of their interspirituality:

"Those who have practiced Transcendental Meditation may be surprised to learn that Christianity has its own time-honored form of mantra meditation ... Reliance on a mantric centering device had a long history in the mystical canon of Christianity." —Ronald Miller, As Above, So Below, p. 52.

"This mystical stream [contemplative prayer] is the Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality." —Tilden Edwards, Spiritual Friend, p. 18.

"Our job is to construct a bridge that connects the ancient text with our contemporary audience, making it easier for them to see the immediate application of God's Word." Rick Warren, Pastors.com

Pastor Bob DeWaay over at Critical Issues Commentary has an excellent informative article about “The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines” I highly recommend the reading of it. http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm

I also highly recommend the following websites for sharpening your discernment in days such as these …

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

www.str.org

www.erwm.com

www.letusreason.org

www.diceptioninthechurch.com

www.crossroad.to

www.oldtruth.com

Just to name a few. I ‘lurk’ these sites often just to keep my iron sharp and my salt salty. Spend some time reading these sites – especially Lighthouse Trails – excellent stuff on Today’s Christian Women, Christianity Today magazines and their connections to contemplative spirituality.

Rosemary over at “Seasonings of the Heart’, and Jules at “Everyday Mommy” has some good posts going. I commend Jules for asking for scripture proof in the comments on this topic. “You go Girl!”

This I leave with you from the Word of God Himself:

ESV – 2 Tim. 3 -- 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom [1] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.

AND – 2 Tim. 4:1-5 ESV -- 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound [1] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

AMEN!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

My Survey Results for Kim @ Hiraeth ...

Kim over at Hiraeth http://hiraeth.squarespace.com/journal/2007/1/24/reading-as-a-christian-discipline-survey.html has asked her blog readers the following questions. My responses are in green.

I'd like to open a discussion on the virtues of reading as a Christian Discipline as it relates to blogging and reading blogs. To begin the discussion, I'd like to ask you a few questions:

Has reading Christian blogs increased your desire to tackle weighty Christian tomes?

Absolutely! As iron sharpens iron! I have been blessed beyond measure.

Have you learned of Christian authors and theologians that you might not have otherwise known or read?

Having recently left a ‘partial reformed’ (4 point Calvinistic, but not Covenant) church and searching for material that now falls in line with a reformed, covenantal view has been expensive! The material in my bookshelf was a blend. I have realized I have more reformed works and I am enlarging and moving books and materials. Some views are different in reformed circles but much worth the read.

Have you purchased or borrowed books that were recommended by bloggers?

The following blogs/sites have been a tremendous help: The Thirsty Theologian; The Shepherd’s Scrapbook; Pyromaniacs, Fide-O; Unchained Radio (what a blessing this has been – we are die-hard listeners, esp. Covenant Thursdays); Grace To You; Reformation Theology; Camponthis; Calvinistgadfly; Riddleblog; Old Truth; In the garden; Rebecca Writes; Morning Coffee with Gomarus; Presbyterian Thoughts; Seasonings of the Heart; The Vossed World; Hip and Thigh; The White Horse Inn; Truth Matters, Challies; monergism; Hiraeth; plus more.

Have you read fewer "real" books as your blog reading has increased?

No! I am reading more books. I just have had to rearrange my time and given up some sleep time or rise earlier.

Has the availability/searchability of great Christian works caused you to rely upon them merely as resources?

No, I need to read them for myself. I want them in my hands. I mark up most books.

Do you think reading the great Christian authors and theologians is important and/or profitable?

Amen! The Reformers and Puritans! Thirsty Theologian blogged about the book “Meet the Puritans” by Beeke and Pederson. I bought it right away and it has been a tremendous read! I love that book! My new church I am attending, an OPC, has a recommended book reading list plus I can purchase books from the church at very affordable prices. Amazing – my other church never promoted reading and studying like the encouragement I receive now. Here is a link to the reading list -- http://www.hollidaysburgopc.org/hundredbooks.php

And check out the prices! My/our personal library has more than doubled. I am like a sponge – I can’t get enough. I would much sooner pay $20 for a book/books rather than pay $20 for a current women’s bible study that CBD is promoting. My study flavor has shifted for the better me thinks! ;-)

Do you read them?

Yes, we do. But my husband and I also discuss things of Scripture more now than we ever did. He reads his choice and I read my choice and then we talk about what we are discovering and looking up the truths found in the Scriptures. Bible Study has taken on a whole new dimension. Our Bibles are opened along with these books. The Bible always comes first, then the other reading. But how the Lord causes everything to fall into place!

If so, who do you recommend?

Spurgeon, Watson, Sproul, MacArthur, both Vos’s; O. Palmer Robertson; Godfrey; Edwards; Pink; Riddlebarger; Horton; Boettner; Machen; I. Murray; Ryle; Piper; Williamson; Gruden …

A real big THANKS to Kim at Hiraeth and those of you whose blogs I lurk! You have been a blessing!

Blessings! – pam <><

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Remembrances ...

Rose of No Man's Land ...

There's a rose that grows on no man's land,
And its wonderful to see.
Tho' its brave with tears,
It will live for years,
In the garden of memory.
Its the one red rose,
A soldier knows,
Its the work of the Master's hand.
Mid the wars great curse stand the
Red Cross Nurse.
She's a rose of no man's land.

I have found a link here to the music ... http://www.ww1photos.com/TheRoseOfNoMansLand.html

I have been up in my attic cleaning out and re-organizing things better and I came across my Grandmother's school books. Gram was born in 1906. She has since gone to be with our Lord but she has been on my mind much as of late. In her school composition book she has written in pencil and ink poems and songs from her studies in a one-room school house with grades from 1 thru 8.

Penmanship was much desired in days gone by. When you look back over the past years their penmanship was beautiful. I have an old autograph book with dates from in the 1920's thru 40's and it is artful to say the least. They used quill pens, nibbed pens and some of the inks colors were pretty. Greens, ruby red, turquoise blue,
but the fanciful scripts really draw your eye. Some even have small drawings on the pages next to their signatures. The little ditties they wrote, well, here is a neat one -- "Yours till Niagra Falls freezes over!" Well, thats for a long time isn't it! I haven't seen anyone use an autograph book in years.

I also have her "Gospel Primer." The person who used it before her wrote their name in it. A John Franklin Miller, Dec. 6th, 1900. On the inside it says it was published by Pacific Press Pub. Co. Oakland Cal. - New York - Kansas City and Review & Herald Pub. Co. Battle Creek, Mich., Atlanta , GA. 1900. The pages has a Bible verse printed on it -- "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15 There is 128 pages.

Here are pics of her Gospel Primer and Composition book ...



Sunday, January 21, 2007

Hymn for the Lord's Day

Ivory Palaces

Henry Barraclough
Psalm 45:8

My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine,
With joy my being thrills.

Chorus:
Out of the ivory palaces
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love ...
Made my Savior go.

His life had also its sorrows sore,
For aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross he bore,
My eyes with tear-drops start.

Chorus ...

His garments too were in cassia dipped,
With healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped,
He took me from its clutch.

Chorus ...

In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav'nly home,
To dwell forever more.

Chorus ...

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/v/ivorypal.htm



Thursday, January 18, 2007

Feasts for the "wild" men ...


Crock Pot Venison Stew

1 med. onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups of Venison cubed
Saute above ingredients till
onions are limp.
Put into Crock Pot then add:
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp. dried currants,
cranberries or raisins
3 Tbs. tomato paste
1/4 cup burgundy wine
1 Tbs. wine vinegar
1 Tbs. brown sugar
dash of cinnamon
dash of cumin (optional)
dash of ground cloves
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Stir together in Pot then add the meat and onions and stir again.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to 4.
20 minutes before serving, cover with 1/3 cup of grated Monterey
Jack cheese (or any Cheddar cheese) and 1/4 cup of broken
walnuts. Cook on low for 15 more minutes.

I serve this with buttered noodles, mashed or boiled potatoes, or rice.

Can also be cooked in the oven for 2 hours on 350 degrees.


The meat in the pot today is from my guys WV Deer Hunt 2006
Let's go hunting baby!!! ....

Tune in next Thursday for another
"Feast for the "wild" men ...

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Remembrances ...

As I was walking by my pond today I began to hum a tune I haven't heard for a few years. It brought back a flood of memories and some tears. Here in PA the weather has been goofy. One day it is warm and you don't even need a jacket. The next day you are all bundled up. I noticed that my goldfish in the pond were getting a little frisky with the warming up of their water in the pond. I have a small pond and it warms faster than the big ones. The fish were swimming around as opposed to their floating in the same spot for days. I asked my friend if I should feed them but she said not to, they would be fine. As I gazed down into the water it turned my thoughts to how my two frogs are passing thru this winter. I have not seen them, they are down under leaves on the bottom. The little child in me wanted to poke around and stir them up but the adult in me said to just leave them alone. Then this tune popped in my head, one my Grandma Anna used to sing and teach us. She went to school in a one room schoolhouse with 8 grades of children being taught all at once. She learned alot of poems sung to tunes. I believe they called it 'rote'?

Twenty Froggies she called it.
I have it written down in her handwriting, it goes like this --

Twenty Froggies went to school,
down beside a rushy pool;
Twenty little coats of green,
twenty vests all white and clean.
"We must be in time," said they,
"First we study, then we play;
that is how we keep the rule,
when we froggies go to school."
Master Bullfrog, grave and stern,
called the classes in their turn;
Taught them how to nobly strive,
likewise how to leap and dive.
From his seat upon a log,
showed them how to say, "Ker-chog!"
Also how to dodge a blow
from the sticks which bad boys throw.
Twenty froggies grew up fast;
Bullfrogs they became at last.
Not one dunce was in the lot,
not one lesson they forgot.
Polished in a high degree,
as each froggie ought to be.
Now they sit on other logs,
teaching other little frogs.

Oh Grandma I love you so and miss you dearly!
As she taught me, so I look forward to the day when
I can teach this to my grandkids.

Thank you Lord for life's little blessings.
Though tears may fall my heart is blessed beyond
measure. I have felt the touch of The Master's Hand.
All this while gazing into a small pond wondering at His creation
and thanking Him for these remembrances on a cold gray day in PA.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Snap.com

Whew-Hoo! All you Bloggityville folks -- check this out!
http://www.snap.com/about/spa1B.php

Run your mouse over any link on my page and a preview link of the website/blog comes up! Really cool huh! Check it out, use it! Easy to install -- especially if I did it!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Hymn For The Lord's Day


Safely Through Another Week
Trinity Hymnal
#391

Safely through another week
God has brought us on our way;
Let us now a blessing seek,
Waiting in his courts today;
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.

While we pray for pard'ning grace,
Through the dear Redeemer's Name,
Show thy reconciled face;
Take away our sin and shame;
From our worldly cares set free,
May we rest this day in thee.

Here we come thy Name to praise,
Let us feel thy presence near;
May thy glory meet our eyes,
While we in thy house appear:
Here afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast.

May thy gospel's joyful sound
Conquer sinners, comfort saints;
May the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief for all complaints:
Thus may all our Sabbaths prove,
Till we join the church above.

Friday, January 12, 2007

The Old Paths ...

Greetings on this dark dreary day!

As I sit at my 'puter reading thru the blogs and sites I lurk, (I have come to realize I am considered a "lurker" - one who anonymously reads but does not comment), that there is a cry for a return to the 'Old Paths' the paths of the Reformers and Puritans. Not a path of the contemplatives that the Emergent church folks are pushing but a calling to return to the discipline of devotions, reading and pondering the Word of God, studying what the 'Men of Old', those mighty men like Spurgeon, Pink, Edwards, Watson, etc., have to teach us about our Christian walk and the God we worship.

My Pastor is asking our church family to work together thru M'Cheyne's Reading Plan for this year. The calendar is published by the Banner of Truth Trust as an aid to systematic Bible reading. I have never used this before and am looking forward to something different. For my devotions I am using Spurgeon's Cheque Book on the Bank of Faith in the morning; Susannah Spurgeon's free grace and dying love', and The Valley of Vision in the evening. I am also reading thru a book I highly recommend, "Meet the Puritan's" by Joel Beeke and Randall J. Pederson. Those of you who homeschool I would recommend this as reading material. It is excellent! I am learning so much about these "Mighty Men" who I have come to respect so much the more.

Over at Old Truth,
http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.590
there is a post for today you should read. It also contains some short video and promotes a DVD series that also comes highly recommended.

Jerry Marcellino tells us this --
"For some reason 'progress' makes people, more often than not, despise the past. (As though it no longer offers anything of any value). This is especially true in our own day (amongst this present generation. . . who live in the lonely age of iPods, CD-Roms, the Internet, and cellular technology). Even among today's professing Christians there is a subtle rejection of historic Christianity at the cost of presently remaining restless, in the shallow fads of a modern 'Christianity'; a Christianity that has taken on the attributes of a shallow culture, and not knowing why." But what will return the Christendom of this present generation to a "salty Christianity" (as Matthew 5:13 calls a Christianity that is vital, and that acts as a powerful preservative against sin)? What will return modern-day Christendom to a Christianity that will act as a "preserving agent" to a decaying society? What can offer certain hope . . . to a nation of families that are in utter disarray? ANSWER: "A present return to the old paths".
Let us return to the old paths. Share with me what you do for your devotions, bible reading, bible study, prayer time -- what blesses your heart? Share what works, what doesn't and why. Reading eyes want to know! Comment if you would, and feel free to lurk! I do it alot!

pam <>< 1 Tim. 1:15-17

Monday, January 8, 2007

Married Life

I am currently reading the book, "Susannah Spurgeon, free grace and undying love." It is a book of devotions by her and also about her life, published by Banner of Truth Trust.

On this day, Monday, Jan. 8th, Susannah Thompson married Charles Haddon Spurgeon at the New Park Street Chapel in the year of our Lord, 1856. From my reading I understand this must have been a wedding of huge proportion for the day, as far as crowds are concerned. (The reading of this wedding reminds me of watching Prince Charles and Dianna's wedding on TV.) Special police were summoned to prevent accidents. The building they said was filled to capacity, those who had tickets to be at the wedding could not even get in the door, some headed back home, while others lined the streets. That's big for that time and era.

Spurgeon has to leave the wife and home to do the work of the Lord. A conversation ensued between them as to his coming and going, "The constant absence from home of Charles Haddon Spurgeon in fulfilment of his preaching engagements were sources of sore trial to the young wife. ... Once and once only she broke down, where her dear one was about to leave in the early morning for a distant mission, and the tears could not be kept back. 'Wifey,' said her husband, 'do you think that when any of the children of Israel brought a lamb to the Lord's altar as an offering to Him they stood and wept over it when they had seen it laid there?' and when she replied in the negative he added, tenderly, 'Well, don't you see, you are giving me to God in letting me go to preach the gospel to poor sinners, and do you think He likes to see you cry over your sacrifice?" When they were getting ready to be apart he would say to her, "What! crying over your lamb, wifey?" She says, "could ever a rebuke have been more sweetly and graciously given?"

(You can read all this here at this link -- http://www.biblebb.com/files/SPURGEON/mrsspur.htm)

As my eyes fell upon those last few words, it caused me to examine my responses to those in my home -- my husband and my two sons. "More sweetly," and "graciously given," I admit my responses have not been sweet nor gracious as of late. While putting away the Christmas stuff my husband has decided to put a floor down in a section of our attic which had none. All the stuff from that side of the attic that sat upon boards, is now in my living room and kitchen. I appreciate the fact he is doing it ... honestly, but now I am enduring the verbage, "Why are you saving this stuff?" and then there comes, THE LOOK!, gee whiz! The burning barrel has been hot as of late, the neighbors are probably wondering where all this cardboard is coming from, but my sons and I are having a blast looking thru old artwork, school papers, cards, toys and such.

My husband has also found my stash of books, but they are not going to the burning barrel, maybe to the book bin at the Goodwill Store ... maybe ... ;-)

Then the Lord brings to mind a verse I had taught on in October to a group of women from my church at a retreat. Eph. 5:2 -- "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Look at the word 'fragrant' as in aroma. Therefore, I am now thinking, "What kind of aroma/fragrance have I been lately?" OUCH!
Strong?
Salty?
Bitter?
Stinky?
Sweet?
Musty?
Fruity?
Flowery?

Spicy?
etc., etc., etc.

Have I been a single fragrance? A potpourie? An essential oil? A toilet water?
A cologne?

I have been mulling this over and over and it has not been pleasant. I have had to fall on my face, seek God's forgiveness and my families. This is a gut wrenching experience. I did not like myself for a few days, but God in His graciousness has shown me how me to be a pleasing fragrance. Ask God to reveal to you what type of fragrance you are. Then adjust whatever, wherever, however you have to, but JUST DO IT!

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Hymn for the Lord's Day

Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Trinity Hymnal #370

Revive thy work, O Lord,
thy mighty arm make bare;
speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
and make thy people hear.

Revive thy work, O Lord,
disturb this sleep of death;
quicken the smould'ring embers now
by thine almighty breath.

Revive thy work, O Lord,
create soul-thirst for thee:
and hung'ring for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.

Revive thy work, O Lord,
exalt thy precious name;
and, by the Holy Ghost,
our love for thee and thine inflame.

Revive thy work, O Lord,
give Pentecostal show'rs;
the glory shall be all thine own,
the blessing, Lord, be ours.

Hab. 3:2
"O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
in the midst of the years make it known;
in wrath remember mercy." (ESV)

Monday, January 1, 2007

A Hymn for The Lord's Day


My Times Are In Thy Hand
Trinity Hymnal

My times are in thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul, I leave
Entirely to thy care.

My times are in thy hand;
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee.

My times are in thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

My times are in thy hand;
Jesus the Crucified;
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.





"The Great Exchange"

Away from the world and hidden from public view,
I exchange my weariness for His strength;
my weakness for His power;
my darkness for His light;
my problems for His solutions; my turmoil for His calm,
my hopes for His promises;
my afflictions for His balm of comfort;
my questions for His answers;
my confusion for His knowledge;
my doubt for His assurance;
my nothingness for His awesomeness;
the temporal for the eternal and the impossible for the possible.

taken from A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

A New Year - A New Blog


Welcome to my new endeavor for a brand new year!
As with all new things I am sure there will be some mistakes
but come along side and join me
as I grow in this world of blogging
I pray you will laugh, cry and maybe get to know me
a little better but most of all that I throw around a little "heavenly salt" to keep you sharp and discerning in 2007.

So grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfy and let's begin!