Doing Good: by Christopher Momany

I'm reading this book on my Kindle right now: Doing Good by Christopher Momany. This is the first line of the description: "Christianity in its purest form involves putting God’s love into action. Wesleyans have traditionally understood this embodiment and expression of God’s love as holiness."
I'm not Wesleyan, I'm Baptist, but the subject is of interest to all persuasions of Christians: the Christian understanding of Love and Holiness is the main theme of the book. I like the author's perspective so far.
The book is free on Kindle right now, which is how I found out about it. I get notices from a Kindle Review website for free book offers.
I'll post any ideas I think are interesting for discussion.

New Covenant Living: Rob Bell's LOVE WINS

Yay! I'm glad somebody I usually agree with has reviewed this. I'll read it later.

New Covenant Living: Rob Bell's LOVE WINS

Sidewalk Prophets - You Loved Me Anyway

Evanġeliku: Deep in Church History

Evanġeliku: Deep in Church History: "(Gospel e-Letter - May 2011) John Henry Newman wrote, ‘To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.’ Does this often quoted stat..."

Before the throne of God above by "SELAH"

Our worship group sang this on Sunday, and I was up there singing with them. This message of the Great High Priest who stands at the right hand of the Father as my advocate and defender against the accuser, is one that should not be so hard to remember, since I love the book of Hebrews so much. This verse is so good:
"When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me."

Struggles

After getting through the fear (and inertia) that kept me from trying to sing with our church worship group, I have been enjoying singing and haven't felt very nervous up there. However, I knew that I would still have a problem with my other nemesis: pride. Even though I'm timid, I'm also vain and proud and like to show off, so now just when I really long to express praise and love, I don't feel it.

I'm also still dealing with the fallout in my spirit and heart from the struggle I described here. Even though I stepped out to obey God in joining the worship team, the enemy has me discouraged and feeling like I can't ever get back to where I should be. I'm hoping that's just a lie, and I can do as David prayed in Psalm 51:
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

This passage is also my prayer: Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

I need to spend time in prayer and have others pray for me about this too.

Resurrection's Promise: Pastor Bob Burridge

Pastor Bob Burridge has a new post up about the significance of the Resurrection.
Here's the intro:

There are good reasons to celebrate at this time of the year. Easter is a day we all enjoy, but it isn’t a holiday set up in the Bible. It’s a blending of the resurrection of Jesus with holidays and traditions from different cultures, cults, and religions in various times and places.

Even the ancient pagan religions saw the beauty of Spring, and set a time to celebrate it. It’s a sad fact though that those still tragically lost in spiritual blindness miss appreciating God’s glory in it all. They see the amazing way things seem to come back to life after a long winter, but they miss what it’s telling us about the one who made it all and keeps it all working. So the ancients made up god’s and spirit beings they honored at that time of year. As the message of Christianity spread into the different parts of the world the Spring holidays were adjusted and brought together on what we call Easter.

In the time of Moses, the Passover feast was established around this time of the year on their calendar. It celebrated how God delivered Israel from hopeless captivity in Egypt.

God planned that feast to teach about the Savior who would come to die in their place. Just as a lamb died in place of the first born sons back in Egypt, Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to die in place of his people on the cross at Calvary. Then he rose again from the dead to prove that he accomplished what he came to do.

All the beauties of spring and the wonders of the promises of God come together this time of year. We love to hunt for baskets of candy, get together for a good dinner, come to worship, and most usually get a day off from school or work. However, Easter is more than a time for budding trees, warming temperatures, and new spring outfits.

Those who don’t have hope in Christ are left with just the celebration of Spring. There’s a lot to celebrate when we think of the resurrection of our Savior. The date doesn’t fit well into our calendar because it’s based on the date of Passover. The day after Jesus and his followers celebrated that biblical feast, our Savior was crucified. On the third day after that, on Sunday, the first day of the week on the Roman calendar, Jesus rose from the dead.

Please read the rest at the link above.

Tenth Avenue North: Love is Here

The Captain of Our Salvation

Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:


“ I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

13 And again:


“ I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:


“ Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Restored Hearts by Eileen Hinkle Rife: Book Review

Restored Hearts is the story of a young man's struggle with homosexuality, but it could be anyone's story of the struggle against our inherited sinfulness and the brokenness brought about by disfunctional families, which can only be healed by the love of God and the love of His people. The author does a wonderful job of showing the process of healing, and the way that family members are interconnected so that they are each affected by disfunctionality, but respond to it in different ways. The members that seem to 'have it all together' have just as much need of healing and restoration as those that are more obviously troubled.
I love how the author related the struggle of the two brothers to the story of the prodigal son. This is so meaningful for everyone in the church, that we should love those that God loves, even though their sin condemns them. It's our job to show God's love along with sharing God's truth, not to act as judge. Only God has the right to condemn.

I highly recommend 'Restored Hearts' and I plan to go back and read the first book 'Journey to Judah' and the third book 'Chosen Ones', to find out more about the characters that I came to love in 'Restored Hearts'.

A Question About Predestination

NOTE: update added at the end of this post!

In the comments under this post, Christine asked "I wonder what you think of this post by Triablogue:

http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2011/04/all-is-adjective.html

I am always glad to remember that you are not a Calvinist, right?"

Me: Yes, you're right I'm not a Calvinist. I don't know if I'm an Arminian; I don't think so.
I think the author makes sense when he says the 'you' is what is being referred to by 'all' in that passage. But one verse doesn't make a doctrine. I think Calvinism is too cut-and-dried. There are too many things we don't and can't understand about this subject. I do believe the Bible teaches election and predestination, but I don't think we understand what it really means. There are too many pieces missing, and either God doesn't want us to understand it yet, or our unbelief prevents it. We tend to pick and choose and believe only the parts we want to.

Christine: Wow, I am totally confused by that answer, but thanks for the response.

Me: If you're confused because I agreed with the author of the blog post: just because that one verse seems to say that God is longsuffering toward us (or you) and is not willing that any of YOU should perish doesn't mean that God [wants] everyone else to perish. There are other passages that seem to say God doesn't want anyone to perish. Ezekiel 33:11 says: Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
And reading the whole chapter of 2 Peter 3, I's not clear that the 'you' only refers to believers, anyway. I don't know why Calvinists seem to have to stress so much that God doesn't want everyone to be saved. What's the point?

Me: In other words, even if I concede them their point here, it doesn't mean anything, because of the magnitude of the many scriptures that stress God's longsuffering and mercy and love toward the whole world.

Christine: OK, that helps. I'm wondering then, in what way do you believe in election and predestination? Just that God is able to foresee (of course) but does not foreordain, so that we can make truly free choices?

Me: That's a difficult question, but I'll try to answer it as soon as I can.

So, here goes. I'm going to just throw out some ideas and links here to help with this, because I myself always have to go back and study it again, since there is so much info. that I can't keep it straight.
One thing that occurs to me is that, for example, in 2 Peter 3:9, the passage used in the Triablogue article: Did God plan the Bible so that an unsaved person can read it and know that God is talking to him/her? The passage says God "is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." If someone reads this and thinks it is written for them, are they wrong? Should we tell them that is only written for believers? That would be terribly presumptuous, to say that God can't speak to whomever He wills through His word.

Following are some helpful web pages from my husband Eddie's Bible study website in which he discusses predestination and Calvinism. I agree with my husband on this issue, and also firmly believe that we should stick strictly to what Scripture DOES say, and not 'crystalize' our own extrapolations or conclusions as firm doctrine. There are many scriptures that contradict Calvinism.

http://www.exchangedlife.com/Sermons/topical/predestination/calvinism1.html

http://www.exchangedlife.com/Sermons/topical/christianity/UnderstandingPredestination.htm
http://www.exchangedlife.com/Sermons/topical/christianity/UnderstandingPredestination2.htm
http://www.exchangedlife.com/Sermons/topical/christianity/UnderstandingPredestination3.htm
http://www.exchangedlife.com/Sermons/topical/christianity/UnderstandingPredestination4.htm

I remember that in some of my earlier posts on Calvinism I've said that I think Calvinism is a 'false gospel' or 'false doctrine'. I've said that Calvinism takes doctrines from Scripture and then draws conclusions that contradict other scriptures,'crystalizing' things that should be left uncertain. I believe many Calvinists are believers. I also believe many Arminians are believers, and many Roman Catholics are believers, and many Methodists are believers, etc.. In other words, we know that many people that think they're saved, aren't saved, in all groups of Christians; but many are truly saved.

Even though we may look at certain groups or doctrines as 'heretical', the people in them can still be our brothers and sisters, and we need to love each one as such, and not condemn them. None of us is right about everything. There is a right doctrine that we all should strive to be united under, which is the Truth of Scripture. Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to think we're right and others are wrong, that's all, like Paul talked of in 1 Corinthians 1-3. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

So, should people even be calling themselves 'Calvinsists' then, or sticking so exclusively to one man's doctrines? Are there not passages of Scripture that contradict Calvinist tenets, and should we work so hard to explain these passages away? I think there is something beyond all the seeming contradictions (which Arminians and Calvinists constantly argue over, so it can't be denied that they exist) which we can't understand outside of the commandment to love God with all our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves.

All through Church history brothers have hated brothers for doctrinal differences, ignoring this greatest commandment. Being my father's daughter, and my husband's wife, I understand how important correct doctrine is, but love is the greatest doctrine for believers to remember. Not the slushy kind of love that ignores error, but the kind that doesn't puff itself up and push others down as 'heretics'. It's very hard to find that balance between Truth and Love, as history shows. I struggle with that balance in myself constantly. Another famous passage farther along in 1 Corinthians sums it up: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

UPDATE:
Christine, I looked back at the comments again and realized I hadn't answered all your questions, except to say I agreed with my husband's teachings in the articles I referenced above. Your question was "I'm wondering then, in what way do you believe in election and predestination? Just that God is able to foresee (of course) but does not foreordain, so that we can make truly free choices?"
You also said: "It seems to me that Calvinists believe in election such that some people are destined for heaven aside from their choices, and some are destined not to go to heaven and therefore deprived of the choice."

I do believe God is able to foresee, and that He does foreordain many things. I also believe we can make truly free choices to accept or reject salvation; to obey or not obey; to sin or not to sin. I think it's possible that God has foreordained some things, like Judas's betrayal, and Paul's commission as Apostle; but that everyone's future is not set in stone. My husband explained his view, that we are predestined to walk in good works, but that we can choose not to walk in that planned path. Maybe each person's path is planned, but some choose not to accept God's gift, and so God's best plan doesn't come to pass for them. It's an idea.
In Romans 9 and 10, which speaks of predestination, it seems to be speaking of God's plan for Israel and for the salvation of the Gentiles. It may point more towards the church as a whole being saved because of Israel's rejection. Israel will be grafted in again later, though they were cut off for disobedience. I think that's in Romans 11. I don't think this subject will ever be settled, but I don't see the point of saying it's God's will for most people who ever lived to be sent to hell forever. I don't think that's true, nor do I believe that's what is going to happen. Even Charles Spurgeon believed or hoped that there would be more in heaven than in hell. I hope so too. In 1 Corinthians 15 it says "For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death." and "“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “ O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”"
I don't believe eternal death will claim the majority of people, though I do believe in judgment. I don't know if we understand correctly how long hell will last, or how many will be there. A thousand years or two of torment would certainly be fearful and horrible enough. There were Fathers that believed in Annihilation, and Fathers that believed in ages of torment, and Fathers that believed God would make us forget those in hell, so we wouldn't weep for them anymore. There are still people today who believe those different things. I don't know which is true. I hope for the best.

Book Launch Party at eddiesnipes.com: 'I Called Him Dancer'!!!

Eddie's official book launch is today! Please go to eddiesnipes.com to read about the book, and to enter the 'Win A Kindle 3' Contest!!! There is no purchase necessary to enter, but you can get extra entries by blogging, reviewing the book, etc..
Also on Eddie's webpage today, you can request a free MP3 copy of the song that inspired the novel: Dancer written by Tralena Walker and Tom Webster. Also mentioned in the novel is their other song, 'I Know No Other Way'. This is also available as an MP3 on Amazon.com.

'I Called Him Dancer' is available on Kindle for 99 cents, and in paperback for $10.88.

We are asking for as many people as possible to order the book on Amazon today to make it move up in the rankings and get lots of attention. The book is getting really good reviews. Thanks for helping!

When people see a breathtaking performance, it looks like natural, raw talent. The truth is, behind the performer is a long road filled with struggle, pain, and hardship. In front of every winner is a mountain of failure they must first climb and conquer. The greater the mountain, the sweeter the taste of success. Michael Camp was an award winning dancer.



For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life.



Beyond his short-lived success, stands a valley of despair with terrain so rugged, his very life will hang in the balances. If he survives, the mountain awaits. It has been said, unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it cannot blossom into life. Can Michael Camp trust enough to die, when life seems out of reach?



When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love. I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life.

What readers are saying:

This book is a page turner from cover to cover, Eddie makes you feel like you actually know the characters in his book. - B. Tillman, OR.

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Almost too good to put into words. ...you'll find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter". K. McNabney, IL

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This book is a must read. Through this book the reader will learn about true love and the power it holds. T. Franklin, TX

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I loved this book from cover to cover, the author makes you feel like you actually

know the characters in his book. T. Webster, VA

Reminder: Eddie's book launch tomorrow!

My husband Eddie's official book launch for his novel 'I Called Him Dancer' is tomorrow. We are asking everyone that wants to read it to order it tomorrow on Amazon.com so the numbers will go up and it will get lots of attention! It is available for Kindle for only $.99 for now. The book is getting very good reviews. I'll be announcing it again tomorrow.

P.S.: There will be a really good giveaway tomorrow on Eddie's website. I'll be announcing it in the morning!

Patricia Sprinkle: Hold Up the Sky: Book Review

Hold up the Sky

Patricia Sprinkle came to speak at our Christian Authors Guild spring conference a few weeks ago, and I went with my husband, who is the prez this year. Hearing Patricia speak and seeing what a good storyteller and communicator she is, I knew I wanted to read one of her many books. I picked Hold up the Sky, being more in the mood for a novel than a mystery, after Patricia described the plot to me. It is about 4 women who, through circumstances beyond their control, come together on a farm during a drought and end up canning vegetables in a hot kitchen, and also sharing memories and troubles as they preserve more than just food. It was right in line with my life right now, since I'm learning in our ladies' prayer group how good and necessary it is for women to share together and help each other in our struggles.
The book has so many good insights, many of which come directly from the mouths of the women characters as they share with each other. I loved Mamie's description of the love of God, and the emphasis on the sacrament of shared memories.

One aspect of the book that made me want to share it here is the interaction between Mamie, an elderly Baptist African American, and Emerita, a Roman Catholic Mexican immigrant who comes to town with her husband in need of a place to stay. The other two women are sisters who have run into trouble in their marriages. They all end up on a drought-ridden farm for the summer, and spend time together canning vegetables, trying to save and preserve the garden food. As I said, they end up preserving more than just food in the jars. Every jar represents a shared memory of intimate friendship.
I read the book entirely while on a 4 day cruise with my husband. The story was a page-turner; the characters became like close friends. I had a hard time putting it down, and I was sad when it ended. I hope to read more about the characters in the future. I highly recommend 'Hold Up the Sky'.

NOTE: Right now the paperback is on sale for $6.00 and the book is also available for Kindle.

Jennie, get a life

I'm sure ya'll have noticed I haven't been posting much lately. Here I explain one little part of why I've been absent. Don't know if I want to share this; it makes me feel vulnerable and ridiculous. I haven't shared it yet with the ladies' prayer group. Maybe I should, but I would feel like I needed a bag over my head; well, here goes. The Lord has been gently leading me, the timid and self-conscious one, toward being able to sing in our church services. He's been giving me the desire to show love to the body of Christ by singing. Singing brings healing, and praise brings the presence of God. I've always loved to sing, and I sang in youth chorus and in church choir when I was younger. I've always loved to listen to beautiful voices. When I was a child, I listened to Julie Andrews on my Mom's 'Sound of Music' soundtrack record, and as a young teen I listened to Luciano Pavaratti and Placido Domingo records. I love to listen to Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, Celine Dion, and others, from time to time.

I don't have a voice like that, but I have a nice voice, and the Lord has been showing me that it is to be used for Him. Two things have kept me from it. One is fear, but love for Him and for his people was casting that out. The second thing is a danger for all artistic people. Sensuality. King David was an artist, who loved beauty and was sensitive to the beauty of God. He also got distracted by the beauty of a woman because he was not where he should have been.

Since I've gotten interested in music again after being busy with other things for a long time, I have been listening to music on youtube alot: Contemporary Christian, and some classical singing, and celtic singing, etc.. I can't remember how I started listening to (and watching, since youtube is visual) some of the music I used to like in my college days. The difference is, in college I didn't watch the music, I just listened. I never watched MTV or music videos when I was young. I have always liked a few of Journey's love songs, but never knew much about the group and never saw photos or videos of them.

Here's where the big distraction came in. Not sensing the danger at first, I kept watching Steve Perry sing on youtube. He has an absolutely beautiful voice, which snagged me from the first. So I listened to the big voice instead of the still, small one. Not good. The problem was that the man looks as good as he sounds, and being human, and loving beauty, I pretty much got bowled over (Take my word for it, and DON'T go check it out). Didn't think it was possible; and didn't listen to the Lord; and here I was, almost not caring about what is really important any more.

Spring fever plays a part in my mood. Every year when spring comes there's a few days where I feel like I'm going to fly in pieces; took me this long to realize it's hormones. It must have been spring when King David was walking on that roof when he should have been at war. I obviously forgot to 'put on the armor of God', and that Christ said to 'Abide in Me'. I said before that I almost didn't care what is really important, but I do care, by the Lord's grace and mercy, so these passages are my prayer, especially this: Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

1 John 1:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.

18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

Lord, please lead me back in the way You want me to go, and help me to always care about what You care about (And You already know, I've deleted the Steve Perry videos from my favorites on youtube). BY THE TIME ANYONE READS THIS, I WILL HAVE SHARED THIS WITH MY HUSBAND, WHO, SINCE I WAS SITTING ON THE COUCH NEXT TO HIM MANY TIMES WHILE WATCHING YOUTUBE, PROBABLY WAS NOT UNSUSPECTING. (Yes, I am an idiot sometimes. Ya'll pray for me.) Also, Lord, please help me to be obedient by Your grace and do the things You have called me to do rather than shrinking back in fear or getting distracted by the idols of this world. Amen.
NOTE: You're probably thinking "Jennie, get a life!" Admit it, you are. Well, my husband took me on a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas last week, so I'm feeling a whole lot better now. :)
UPDATE: I received the courage to tell our worship leader that I've been praying about joining the worship team and/or singing solos, and he said I could join them for practice and that they'd be glad to have another female voice. I'm rather scared, but I feel better to have done what the Lord is directing. Maybe it will help keep me off of youtube ;)

Bob Burridge: Loved By the Triune God

John Cullimore had a post about our love for God, and here Bob Burridge has a post about God's love for us.

John Cullimore: Married for the money--something worth reading

John Cullimore of "And now...it is your block of wood" has a great post to help Christians think about our love for God. Ow. Remember the greatest commandment?

Eddie's new book launches on April 12th!

My husband Eddie has written and published a novel titled 'I Called Him Dancer'. The novel was inspired by a song about the title character, written by Tom Webster and Tralena Walker. We heard them speak at a writer's guild meeting, where Tralena also sang the song 'Dancer'. We are having the official launch for the novel on April 12th to encourage as many people as possible to buy the book on Amazon.com that day, which will help the book move up in the ranks that day and get it noticed by more people.
'I Called Him Dancer' is a moving and exciting story about a homeless dancer who is changed by the God's love and the love of his high school sweetheart. All the reviews so far agree that the book is a page turner, and I think so too! Keep an eye out on April 12th for my announcement of the launch!

O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS - Selah

Thank You Lord, for Your great love, that doesn't let go of me even when I go astray. Thank you for your gentle voice and hand that leads me back to your side. I love You.

Ash Wednesday: begins a time of repentance, fasting, and prayer

This is a little late, since Ash Wednesday is almost over, but I think it's a good time to remember that when we are tempted to sin, our response should be to look to our God in submission, and to repent of our sins, and to spend time contemplating our dependence upon Him as our Provider, Helper, and Savior. I've been struggling a bit this last few days, and I don't think it is a coincidence that I was reminded of my need for repentance and dependence upon God by being reminded several times of the coming of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Following are some passages relating to fasting and repentance.

Matthew 4

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:


‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,


‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Job 42

1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

2 “I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.

3 You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

4 Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’

5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.

6 Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”

James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:


“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Daniel 9:3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. 4 And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, 5 we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. 6 Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. 7 O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You.

2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.

Psalm 139: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 51: 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Living Lovingly: Bob Burridge

Pastor Burridge has a really good post on 'Living Lovingly', which as I said a few days ago, is one of the most important things to learn in the Christian life.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Challenging Your Rome-Colored Glasses - Set Aside Your Anachronism

Here's an interesting post by Turretinfan. Basically, I think, helping to show that the Fathers were not Roman Catholics. Neither were they 'protestants' or 'evangelicals'. They were just themselves, and they, like us, were not perfect or infallible. I've only skimmed the comments there, but looks like there was a little spat going on based on a response by Scott to 'Natamallc'. I really like 'Nat' and he isn't easily annoyed, so hopefully it will be peacefully resolved.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Challenging Your Rome-Colored Glasses - Set Aside Your Anachronism

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Dutch Church History: Why Start a New Church?

Good post by James Swan:

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Dutch Church History: Why Start a New Church?

Lots of 'little' things going on

I haven't shared alot on the blog the last few weeks. For one thing I've been busy with life and had lots of little things going on that I didn't take time to share; mainly because I didn't know where to start. I should have been sharing as I went along, but hopefully I can get it all down here going forward. I say 'little things' but they may not be so little; maybe little steps leading to bigger things anyway. Even though I am often unfaithful and forgetful, God isn't. He has been leading me each step of the way.
One of the not-so-little things is that the Lord led me to start a ladies' prayer group at our small church. As I shared months ago, I was feeling kind of left out of things, and being shy, had a hard time connecting. The Lord called me, the most fearful one, to step out and lead in an area that was very much needed. I had been seeing the need of more intimate connection between the members of the body so that we could help each other and lift each other up in prayer and encouragement. That has been happening as we meet monthly to pray and also have an online prayer site to share daily needs. Our church is becoming a safe place for us to share our faults and problems and needs, and God is uniting us and helping us to love one another more deeply. This is a big answer to prayer for me. Thank you Lord!

If I have not love, I am nothing

1 Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

God gives His people wonderful gifts. He first gives us salvation, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the body of Christ (the church) to help us in this life. He gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us to fulfill the commands He has given us to make disciples and to love, encourage and uplift the body of Christ. The gifts of knowledge, prophecy (speaking God's word), and understanding, and many others, are great gifts and very necessary. However the greatest gift is also the one that Jesus taught as the greatest commandment, which He gave us here in Mark 12:29-31: “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” God's plan from before the beginnning of creation was to create a people who would have this law of love in their hearts and so live to glorify Him and love Him and one another. There is nothing more important than this.
God has been gradually teaching me this lesson over the last year or so, and probably longer. I've gotten side-tracked sometimes by the cares and distractions of this life, but He keeps bringing me back to it. For me, it takes the form of learning that any knowledge and understanding I may have (or think I have) is nothing compared to the love that He showed me and that He commands me to show to others. He also, by grace through the Holy Spirit, gives me the ability to love others, and I need to keep walking in that love in my daily life as I interact with my family, other believers, and all that I meet.
The second form it takes is a continuation of the first, that I must give of the gifts and talents He has given me to uplift the Body of Christ, not giving in to fear and timidity. One of my precious friends once said to someone "Don't be a blessing stealer!' She meant 'you need to share what God has given so we all can be blessed.' That stuck with me. So ya'll pray for me as I try to walk in love. And forgive me for when I haven't but instead have used knowledge as a way to puff myself up. God bless all who come here!

Colossians 2:4-15 As you have received Christ, so walk in Him

4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Three Exercises for the Soul: Bob Burridge

Bob Burridge of the Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies has a new blog post up about three spiritual exercises that believers should remember to practice daily. They are taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I for one really needed that reminder.

You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham

Beautiful song about our beautiful Lord.

Sen. Rand Paul Opposes PATRIOT Act Renewal

Please contact your Senators to urge them to vote against the PATRIOT Act extensions. The House rammed through the extensions two days after an earlier vote had defeated them.

You can find your Senators here.

New Covenant Living: Americn Evangelicals Ignoring the Bible, Flocking To Dictatorial Pastors

New Covenant Living: Americn Evangelicals Ignoring the Bible, Flocking To Dictatorial Pastors

Here's a commentary by D.A. Carson posted by Jack at New Covenant Living. I'm going to have to read this one several times to take it all in, but on a first reading it seems right on target.

Shane & Shane - When I Think About The Lord

Love in the Bible: Bob Burridge

Bob Burridge of Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies has a new blog post up called 'Love in the Bible' that is very helpful. I've been learning about love and God's grace lately and have been praying for God to help me to show love to others, and to love Him more and show this in an obedient life. Jesus said that all the commandments of God are summed up in two commands: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. The Christian, as Pastor Burridge brings out, is equipped to obey these commands by God, but must learn to obey by God's grace in every area of our lives. As 1 Corinthians 13 teaches, love must pervade all our interactions, or all we do is worthless. God's plan from before the beginning of time, as revealed in Scripture, is for His people to be a people of love and glorify Him.

Evangeliku: Do We Need More?

Dr. Joseph Mizzi of Evangeliku has a new post up called 'Do We Need More?'

Sanctus Real - Forgiven

Here's a good song for when you're feeling like a mess. Here's my status from facebook this evening: "My Christmas tree is still up, I have hairballs on my carpet, and I'm grumpy; but my two youngest girls are going to bed happy, Natalie gave me a big smile, and Sophia said 'I love you Mama!' and gave me a hug." I could add alot more to that, and maybe I will later on, but for now I hope the song is uplifting.

Exchangedlife.com is moving

I have various posts that link to my husband's website, exchangedlife.com. Eddie is moving his studies from the old site to a new one, which is also called exchangedlife.com. While the transition is going on, the Bible studies can be found by going here and clicking on the link provided to the old site. Then click on 'Bible Studies' and scroll down to find the one desired.

Reading 'Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy' by Eric Metaxas

Last week I started reading 'Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy' by Eric Metaxas, while still also trying to finish up Thomas Merton's 'Seven Storey Mountain'. I hope to say more about both books. It's interesting to read them both close together and compare and contrast them. For instance, both men visited Harlem in the 30's (Bonhoeffer in 1930 and Merton later in 1939) and were very impacted by the conditions there, as well as by the presence of the church there. More later....

What is Reformed Theology? Bob Burridge

Here's another good post by Bob Burridge of the Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies. Following is a quote from the post:

The result of re-forming what was believe about God came to be called “Reformed Theology.” What had been accepted as fact was being poured back into the mold of Scripture to restore the original shape God had revealed in his written word....We have enough to deal with in working to understand what God tells us in his written word. We dare not presume upon those things which remain unrevealed. When human inventions distort what God has said we need to be reformers for our present age. All that we believe must be poured back into the mold God has given so that a purified theology comes out, a set of beliefs that are formed by nothing less than, nothing more than, what God has revealed to us in his word. That is what we mean by “Reformed Theology.”

Scripture was and is the mold that reforms our beliefs, after the fire of the Holy Spirit burns in our hearts and minds to melt down our hardened doctrines, and get rid of the dross of accumulated traditions.

A Lesson in Humility from 1 Peter 5:6 by Bob Burridge

I'm so glad I found Bob Burridge's blog and website. He has so much good to share from scripture. Today's blog post goes right along with yesterdays: We submit to God in order to resist temptation, and we humble ourselves and submit to God because of what He has done for us as He gives us grace to live as He commands.

How to Escape Temptation: Bob Burridge of the Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies

Pastor Burridge has posted a very helpful exhortation today about how to escape temptation.

Another good passage on escaping temptation and conquering sin:

James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:


“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

A Meaningful Life: Dr. Joe Mizzi of Evangeliku

Here's an encouraging reminder from Dr. Mizzi.

When It's Hard to Agree With God: Bob Burridge

Bob Burridge of Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies has a helpful new post up today about the confession of sin.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Merry Christmas! Celebrate the Incarnation! Matthew 2:1-12

Here's a really good post by Ken at Beggars All:

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Merry Christmas! Celebrate the Incarnation! Matthew 2:1-12

'The Hope of the Whole World': John Cullimore

John Cullimore has a really good post up (he's had alot of good ones recently) called 'The Hope of the Whole World'. What John said about the treatment of an autistic boy, Neal, compared with how God entered our world, really struck me.

The Name of Jesus: Bob Burridge of Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies

Merry Christmas!!! Here's the latest post in 'The Truth About Christmas Series' called 'The Name of Jesus'.

Great God Of Wonders: Samuel Davies (1723-1761)

My old teacher Bob Burridge recommended this hymn by Samuel Davies, a preacher of the 18th century who was also a President of Princeton University. Pastor Burridge writes about Davies in this blog post.

Here are the lyrics for the entire hymn, which gives praise to God alone.

The Birth of Our Savior: Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies: Bob Burridge

My favorite 7th grade science/Bible/homeroom teacher, Mr. Burridge, has recently started a new website and foundation, the 'Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies'. On the Institute's blog, he has a series of articles about Christmas. Here is Part 8: The Birth of Our Savior, which again mentions 'upper room' (Greek 'kataluma') as the true translation of the place in which there was no room for Christ, rather than the traditional 'inn'. The article, and the others in the series, look at the Christmas story from the perspective of Scripture, removing the false impressions that have been added by years of tradition. I hope you will read this article and then take the time to read the others in the series, as I plan to.

Mr. Burridge is no longer a science teacher. After teaching for many years, he became pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Pinellas Park, Florida. Here is a page about the Institute and its founder.

Bigger and Better than Mary: Drunken Mystic blog

Here's a new post by Britt Mooney about the way God works, beginning with the physical and ending with the spiritual, saving the best for last, as He did when He turned the water into wine in John chapter 2.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: An Evangelical Introduction to Church History (Part 2)

Here's a great post by Ken over at Beggars All:

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: An Evangelical Introduction to Church History (Part 2)

'The Seven Storey Mountain' by Thomas Merton: Divisions

Starting here in Thomas Merton's book 'The Seven Storey Mountain' Merton writes about part of the process of his conversion to Catholicism. He speaks about taking a class at Columbia from a professor named Dan Walsh, who was a visiting professor from Sacred heart College at Manhattanville. The class was on St. Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus. If you read at the link and go a few pages you'll get to the place where Merton admires Walsh for having

"the most rare and admirable virtue of being able to rise above the petty differences of schools and systems, and seeing Catholic philosophy in its wholeness, in its variegated unity, and it its true Catholicity. In other words, he was able to study St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure and Duns Scotus side by side, and to see them as complementing and reinforcing one another, as throwing diverse and individual light on the same truths from different points of view, and thus he avoided the evil of narrowing and restricting Catholic philosophy and theology to a single school, to a single attitude, a single system.
I pray to God that there may be raised up more like him in the Church and in our universities, because there is something stifling and intellectually deadening about textbooks that confine themselves to giving a superficial survey of the field of philosophy according to Thomist principles and then discard all the rest in a few controversial objections. Indeed, I think it a great shame and a danger of no small proportions, that Catholic philosophers should be trained in division against one another, and brought up to the bitterness and smallness of controversy: because this is bound to narrow their views and dry up the unction that should vivify all philosophy in their souls."

This is a very striking statement of Merton's, first of all because as a protestant it speaks to me of the stifling effect of sectarianism among protestants, who are subject to separation because of issues of philosophy, doctrine, and also of ecclesiastical structure, etc. There are valid reasons for separation, but in many cases I believe Christians allow differences and conflicts to come between when they should be learning from each other with forbearance and love. There are some differences that do not affect salvation and should not come between fellowship in the body of Christ, but these differences are often allowed to cause bitterness, pride, and broken fellowship in the body that should be united with Christ as our Head. Paul said in Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Jesus said in John 15:16-17 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.
So, as Merton said about Catholicism, I believe many of protestantism's differing views could be seen as perspectives that can complement one another and lead us all into greater understanding and unity, rather than division, such as the sometimes rancorous division between Calvinists and Arminians, whose respective advocates have been known to regard one another as even being heretical.

Merton's words are striking, secondly, because of the admittance that there is sectarianism within Catholicism, between different philosophies, followings, and orders, which causes division and bitterness between them; as well as the idea that this adherence to one philosophy brings "the evil of narrowing and restricting Catholic philosophy and theology to a single school, to a single attitude, a single system." The latter criticism could be applied to the whole of Roman Catholicism itself, because the dogmatism of Rome has restricted 'Christian' doctrine and philosophy to its own tradition and made these traditions the only ones that can be accepted and believed in order for its members to be saved; for example, Catholics must accept the dogmas of transubstantiation, Papal infallibility, and the Marian doctrines in order to be considered in fellowship with the Church. This narrowing by Rome has caused division after division over the centuries by those believers who could not in conscience accept these dogmas. Yet these dogmas and others were not accepted or even thought of by the early church, which was taught to 'preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace' and knew how to do it in humility and love. Jesus taught in Matthew 18 that "offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes." In other words it could also say: sins that cause division must come, but woe to him by whom those sins come. Here's the whole passage, which then goes on to say that we must separate ourselves from what causes sin:

6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

The whole passage of Matthew 18 is talking about the body of Christ, and the 'little ones' Christ speaks of are not children, but those who have 'become as little children' by faith. If someone causes the little ones of God to stumble into sin, then woe to that person. The Reformers believed vehemently that the church of Rome was causing many little ones to stumble into idolatry, as well as preventing many from entering into the Kingdom of God by teaching a false gospel of works. The Reformers hoped to reform the church from within, but eventually were forced out by the Church itself and by their own consciences. The offenses of Rome caused a 'cutting off' in the body of Christ because one part of the body caused the other parts to sin.

Paul also taught in 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?....18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
We Christians are too quick to puff ourselves up in our own supposed wisdom and look down upon others with differing perspectives as if they had nothing from God to give. We forget that all we have and all we know comes from God, and we have nothing that comes from ourselves. We were commanded to love one another in humility and patience, and we totally disregard that command given by the Apostle and by Christ our Lord Himself.
As a final note, I believe we can pursue unity with individual Catholics when we see the bond of common faith in the Spirit, though I can't see that unity with the Roman Church will ever be possible. An obstacle I encounter in fellowship with individual Catholics is that they have so completely accepted the idea that the RCC is the one true infallible church that they can't go very far in a reciprocal relationship where we can learn from each other, because they don't believe the Spirit and the Word speak directly to believers outside the magisterium, so that believers can exhort one another; nor can they believe that the true church is not the RCC, but consists of a remnant all over the world inside and outside of the many church organizations.

"What must I do to be saved?"

Dr. Joe Mizzi on 'What must I do to be saved?' (Come to Jesus!)

Charles Spurgeon's testimony: "Look, look, look! You have nothing to do but look and live!"

Jesus on salvation: John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

Sophia's Nativity Picture

My 6 year old daughter came to me last night and showed me this picture she had drawn: so adorable, beautiful, and sweet.

Psalm 147: "He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes"

Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars;

He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble;

He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds,

Who prepares rain for the earth,

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food,

And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,

In those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;

He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders,

And fills you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like morsels;

Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob,

His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation;

And as for His judgments, they have not known them.

Praise the Lord!

It’s a Secret: Eddie Snipes

It’s a Secret

Here's a Christmas commentary on my husband's blog.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Puritan Gem of the Day

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Puritan Gem of the Day

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: “No coincidence that the first works of papal history are fictitious accounts written by the popes”

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: “No coincidence that the first works of papal history are fictitious accounts written by the popes”

Casting Crowns God is With Us

Here's another great song by Casting Crowns. They have a great gift of sharing the old, old story in a way that makes it newly meaningful.

Casting Crowns - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day Live

I love this version of 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' by Casting Crowns!

Celtic Woman - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (live)

Here is some more lovely Christmas music to enjoy!

Amazing Grace - Mark O'Connor

I'm on a music spree, so here's another beautiful song for you to enjoy!

Hebrew for Christians website: Really neat!

Here is a neat website called Hebrew for Christians, which I have linked to once before when I accidentally came upon it in an online search about Joshua the son of Nun. 'Nun' is one of the Hebrew letters, so it came up in my search, and I posted the page for it here. The author has done amazing work to share with us the richness of the Hebrew language. Even each letter is rich with meaning. I encourage you to read through some of the pages on each letter of the 'aleph-bet'. The author, John Parsons, also has much free downloadable teaching material for homeschool or for adult students, as well as some materials for purchase.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Several people have shared this video in the last few days, so I thought I would post it for you to enjoy. I hope everyone is having a blessed Christmas season!

The Light Came to the World: Dr. Joe Mizzi

Dr. Joe Mizzi has a good post up called 'The Light Came to the World'.

Lord, I Am Your Child: Sharon Lee Beavers

Here's a beautiful song written and performed by Sharon Lee Beavers(Gianuzzi), our Koinonia home school co-op music teacher:

"He waters the hills from His upper rooms"

I posted a few days ago on an Answers in Genesis article called "Born in a Barn?, which states that the word translated as 'inn' in Luke 2:7 is actually the Greek word for 'upper room'; the same word that is used in referring to the room where Jesus met with His disciples. It is a guest room, considered the best room in the house. It stated also that Mary and Joseph may have been planning to stay at a relative's home, but that since there were so many people coming to Bethlehem for the census, that the guest room was full, and Mary and Joseph were staying in the lower room where the animals were sometimes brought if it was very cold outside. The other day, while I was continuing to read Thomas Merton's 'Seven Storey Mountain', Merton quoted from Psalm 104, which in the Douay-Rheims version says "Thou waterest the hills from thy upper rooms: the earth shall be filled with the fruit of thy works." This of course brought to mind the 'upper room' in the gospels and in the article. What an amazing parallel, that God waters the lower rooms, the earth, sending His goodness down from the highest place to the lowest place. As was brought out in an earlier thread, water always flows downward to the lowest place it can reach, and seeps down into the ground to refresh it. This is what God did when He sent His Son to earth. There was no room for Him in the upper room, but He came to the lower room to bring us life, and He said "In My Father’s house are many mansions [rooms]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!" Psalm 68:19

Psalm 133

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: An Evangelical Introduction to Church History

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: An Evangelical Introduction to Church History

Unity and the Roman Catholic Church

Here's an interesting post on unity from Paul Pavao, basically saying unity comes from believers enacting love within the local church.


Unity and the Roman Catholic Church

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: A word about "intellectual converts"

Interesting post; both the post and the comments mention things that coincide with impressions I've gotten about the RCC and 'converts vs. cradle Catholics'.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: A word about "intellectual converts"

Answers in Genesis: Born in a Barn?

Here's an interesting article on the Answers in Genesis website about whether or not scripture says Jesus was born in a stable.

Evangeliku: Dr. Joe Mizzi: Who do you say that I am?

Here is a recent post by Dr. Joe Mizzi on his blog, Evangeliku.

Eddie's Word Turnings: Death of a Christmas Tradition

Here is a link to a short story written by my husband Eddie. It has nothing to do with the normal subject of this blog, but it made me laugh alot, so I thought I'd share it for you to enjoy.

Eddie's Word Turnings: Death of a Christmas Tradition

Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton: Still Reading!

I've finished part two of 'Seven Storey Mountain' and have gotten into part three. It's going to be a difficult task to give a review of this book, since there is so much in it that I could comment on. I'm going to try to just give excerpts and comment on them from time to time as I read. There are things I can relate to and agree with in Merton's story of conversion, and then there are things I definitely disagree with, so reading this book has been a very odd experience, since to me it feels like Merton is being influenced by two separate parties which sometimes coincide with one another and sometimes oppose one another: God and Catholicism; specifically, on one side I see God and Scripture and on the other side I see Catholic philosophy, history, and devotion to 'the Mother of God'. Catholics will see no contradiction between these influences, but going with Merton's own description of entering into the 'wilderness' like the Israelites following Moses, I believe he, like all Christians, encountered the same trials and temptations that the Israelites did and, again like all Christians, succombed to some of them. I would count Merton's devotion to Mary as one of those temptations. Merton is very critical of protestantism in this book and probably considered that protestants have fallen into certain of these temptations too. We are so able to see others' failings, but not our own so easily. If only we could listen to one another humbly, and give exhortation in love, we could learn so much. I wonder what he would say about me, for instance. My book is at home and I'm not, so I'll have to post some excerpts later on and comment on them.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Scott Windsor (3): Defense of the Papacy from the Early Church

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Scott Windsor (3): Defense of the Papacy from the Early Church

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Built on Sinking Sand: The “Scriptural” Foundation for the Papacy (2)

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Built on Sinking Sand: The “Scriptural” Foundation for the Papacy (2)

Here is Part One.

Home Living Blog: Thanksgiving

Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving, by Jennie Brownscomb


Here's an interesting post on Lady Lydia's 'Home Living' Blog about the Mayflower Pilgrims. Lady Lydia posted an article written by Richard J. Maybury called "Why the Pilgrims Starved and Then Prospered".

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving with help from some Catholic Pilgrims from Roman, Inc.. I've been trying to find a pretty set of Pilgrims for years. Why is it that the best ones are made by a Catholic company? It's kind of ironic to have Mayflower Pilgrims, who were Calvinist protestants, made by a Roman Catholic company, but then, maybe they can represent both sides of my heritage. My Italian-American Catholic family always loved thanksgiving, and they would serve lazagna first, and then bring out the turkey and dressing! Have a great day!

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

My youngest daughter Abigail, who is three, was dancing and singing along to the Koinonia High School advanced class dance "You are Worthy" and she started singing enthusiastically "You are Woody, you are Woody, you are Woody!!!" After I stopped laughing and wiped my eyes, I explained to her that the word was 'worthy' and what it meant. I'm not sure she understood or even listened, since she and her sisters were all excited about practicing their dances for a program tomorrow night. I may have to do some more explaining on that one. Kind of goes along with the kid who thought a certain hymn title was "Gladly the Cross-eyed Bear".

The Resurrection of the Body: Visits to Candyland

Here is an interesting subject posted by Kelly at Visits to Candyland blog.

"Yea, doh I walk fru da vawey of dah sadow of deaf, I wiw feew no ebooh."

Here's a video someone posted on facebook of a little girl reciting the 23rd Psalm. Her way of speaking makes it so memorable that I think we should all remember it this way when we need it some day, as if we are a little child speaking to our Father and Shepherd.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: “We are the Church” according to Calvin, and it is Rome that needs to repent and return to the truth

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: “We are the Church” according to Calvin, and it is Rome that needs to repent and return to the truth

The Pilgrim Church: The Conversion of Augustine

Here's another excerpt from 'The Pilgrim Church' by E.H. Broadbent, about the conversion of Augustine, which sounds similar to the conversion stories of St. Patrick (who was not Roman Catholic, but came from the Celtic line which descended from very early evangelism in the British Isles) and of Charles Spurgeon.

One of the great figures of history meets us at this period, Augustine (354-430),[17] whose teachings have left an indelible mark on all succeeding ages. In his voluminous writings and especially in his "Confessions", Augustine reveals himself in so intimate a way as to give the impression of being an acquaintance and a friend. A native of Numidia, he describes his early surroundings, thoughts, and impressions. His saintly mother, Monica, lives again in his pages as we read of her
prayers for him, of her early hopes, and of her later sorrow as he grew up in a sinful manner of life, of her faith in his eventual salvation, strengthened by a vision and by the wise counsel of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. His father was more concerned for his material, worldly advancement.

Though seeking light he found himself hopelessly bound by a sinful, self-indulgent life. For a time he thought he had found deliverance in Manichaeism, but soon perceived its inconsistency and weakness. He was affected by the preaching of Ambrose, but yet found no peace. When he was 32 years of age and was employed as a teacher of rhetoric in Milan, he had reached a desperate state of distress, and
then, to use his own words: "I flung myself down, how I know not, under a certain fig-tree, giving free course to my tears.... I sent up these sorrowful cries, 'How long, how long? To-morrow and to-morrow? Why not now? Why is there not this hour an end to my uncleanness?' I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when lo, I heard the voice as of a boy or girl, I know not which, coming from a neighbouring house and oft repeating, 'Take up and read, take up and read.' Immediately my countenance was changed, and I began most earnestly to consider whether it was usual for children in any kind of game to sing such words, nor could I remember ever to have heard the like. So, restraining the torrent of my tears, I rose up, interpreting it no other way than as a command to me from Heaven to open the book, and to read the first chapter I should light upon.... I grasped,
opened, and in silence read that paragraph on which my eyes first fell--'Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.' No further would I read, nor did I need, for instantly, as the sentence ended--by a light, as it were, of security infused into my heart--all gloom of doubt vanished away."

This, his conversion, caused the greatest joy, but no surprise, to his praying mother Monica, who, as they were returning to Africa a year later, died in peace. Augustine was baptised by Ambrose in Milan (387) and became later Bishop of Hippo (now Bona) in North Africa (395).

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Tying up some loose ends from yesterday: "The one true church"

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Tying up some loose ends from yesterday: "The one true church"

Finished part one of 'Seven Storey Mountain'

I finally have got through part one of Merton's 'Seven Storey Mountain'. So far it has been a long and depressing story because of the aimless selfishness of his early years. I know that his conversion to Catholicism is coming soon, but I don't know what else to expect. In part one, Merton did bring out some insights that were interesting and helpful from a human standpoint. Here's one quote from fairly early in the book:

Indeed, the truth that many people never understand until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer, because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you, in proportion to your fear of being hurt. The one who does most to avoid suffering is, in the end, the one who suffers most: and his suffering comes to him from things so little and so trivial that one can say that it is no longer objective at all. It is his own existence, his own being, that is at once the subject and the source of his pain, and his very existence and consciousness is his greatest torture. This is another of the great perversions by which the devil uses our philosophies to turn our whole nature inside out, and eviscerate all our capacities for good, turning them against ourselves.

That isn't necessarily a spiritual insight, but it is an observation that I can relate to. As someone that has suffered from depression since I was small, and used to suffer acute anxiety as well; and as someone who is often way over-sensitive and has tried for most of my life to escape from and avoid pain and discomfort, I can see the truth of Merton' statement. Maybe he learned this truth from personal experience as well. This attitude of escaping from pain comes from selfishness and unbelief; from a lack of faith or trust in God's goodness, and that He works for the good of those who put their trust in Him. This is something that God has been showing me for a long time, little by little, to help me trust in Him more and more. I'm learning to 'trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.'

More to come....

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The Reformation was not a "day", but an increase in understanding, caused by the opening of the Scriptures.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The Reformation was not a "day", but an increase in understanding, caused by the opening of the Scriptures.

Finished 'Choosing to SEE' by Mary Beth Chapman

Last week I finished reading 'Choosing to SEE' by Mary Beth Chapman, who, as many know, is the wife of Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. It is an amazing story, very uplifting, though as one might imagine, very difficult to read when Mary Beth relates the story of their child's death and the aftermath. The story has many funny moments as well.
The main themes of the story are the goodness and faithfulness of God; God's grace in our weakness and trouble; God's plans are usually not the same as ours, so we may find ourselves doing the things we said we'd never do; and God brings good out of what the enemy means for evil.
Mary Beth writes very candidly about her feelings, faults, weakness, and troubles, as well as the triumphs that come when she and her family look to God and trust in Him for their help and strength. She also writes about the strength and help that come from the body of Christ when others pray and help and weep with those who weep. Another theme is revealed towards the very end of the book and I won't say what it is, but God truly brings beauty from ashes in this family's story, which is the theme of one of Steven Curtis's songs that came out of Maria's death.
Mary Beth also writes quite a bit about the adoptions of her three daughters from China, and about the way that God changed her during the process; also about the new children's home, Maria's Big House of Hope, that was built and dedicated recently in China, as one of the ministries of Show Hope, the adoption grant organization founded by the Chapmans.

Pray for Haiti: Cholera Outbreak!

Haiti is having a cholera outbreak which began abut 2 days ago and has already claimed over 150 lives.

Pray for the people, the government, the missionaries, the aid workers, and the medical workers in Haiti. Pray for the body of Christ there; pray that God will bring spiritual and physical healing as people cry out to Him, that God will be glorified, and the gospel will go out clearly. Pray that God will call, equip, and send laborers into the fields.

Here's a link to the 'Bakers in Haiti' blog with a little more info: http://ourlifeinhaiti.blogspot.com/2010/10/cholera-outbreak.html

The Invocation of Saints: Dr. Joseph Mizzi

Here's a new post by Dr. Joseph Mizzi of 'Evangeliku' blog, comparing the way Catholics may pray to Mary and the saints to how one might ask a fellow Christian to pray or intercede.

Quote and passage from 'Choosing to SEE' by Mary Beth Chapman

Quoted in Mary Beth Chapman's book 'Choosing to SEE': May this be your experience: may you feel that the Hand which inflicts the wound supplies the balm, and that He who has emptied your heart has filled the void with Himself. James Hudson Taylor


Psalm 40:
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Hurray! I got a Kindle for my birthday!

My husband gave me a Kindle for my birthday yesterday, and put 'Choosing to SEE' by Mary Beth Chapman on it for me, so I'll be starting to read it today. I'm still working on 'Seven Storey Mountain' by Thomas Merton. It's very long and I haven't gotten to his conversion yet. The early part of his life is pretty depressing, since he lived such an aimless and selfish life, and was moved around so much by his family; then he traveled around alot by himself in his later teens and early twenties without any direction. I'll try to comment soon about some of the things I've seen so far that are interesting or helpful.

Matt Redman - You Alone Can Rescue