"Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the people of Israel said to Samuel, 'Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines." 1 Samuel 7:7-8
And God did. The Israelites, after trying to manipulate God into saving them back in chapter 4 have truly repented and acting in faith they rely on God through prayer to save them. And God did.
"More and more God's people must walk the way of desperation-prayer. Once we see this, we will no longer regard prayer as a pious cop-out but as our only rationale activity." 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart by Dale Ralph Davis
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 65
Evidently this is a big deal...mortifying my sin and making a list of practical disciplines to love and enjoy my family more. I say that because it has been very difficult to sit down and think, pray, meditate, write, plan what that looks like and do what comes next. Praying that tomorrow I will make it happen!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 64
God is so good. I have been struggling with an issue I have. I speak very unkindly to my family, angry, even when I am not angry. I know that often, I am angry...when there is reason and when there is not a reason. I am missing much in enjoying them and being thankful for them. I have been asking God to show me how I can address this issue in addition to confession and repentance. What practical exercises of discipline can I do?
Here is how He answered me tonight.
Not Putting Sin to Death - take seriously the implications of my actions!
10 Steps to Stay Alive to the Beauty of God's World - or 10 steps to stay alive to the Beauty of God's creation in the form of my family.
Here we go...Let's see God work!
Here is how He answered me tonight.
Not Putting Sin to Death - take seriously the implications of my actions!
10 Steps to Stay Alive to the Beauty of God's World - or 10 steps to stay alive to the Beauty of God's creation in the form of my family.
Here we go...Let's see God work!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 63
The Old Testament is coming alive to me in exciting ways. I must admit that I need help training my mind to see what God is doing throughout the history of Israel but I rejoice when clarity is given and am thankful for the people who share their insights. Tonight, in addition to reading a Psalm and Matthew 6 I went back and read a commentary on 1 Samuel 5 and 6. At first I was motivated by hearing more about what was up with the tumors of gold as an offering to God. Then I was distracted by the possibility that the plague God sent was the bubonic plague...creating tumors in the armpits, groin, and neck and being carried by rats. Then God gripped me!
The Philistines had the ark in their possession. They suspected that Yahweh was behind these plagues and they wanted to be rid of His heavy hand...but they wanted to be sure. Seeking the help of the priests they made their offering and carted the ark, yoking two nursing cows whose calves were penned up. I never made the connection before that any nursing mammal would immediately return to their baby, thus making it nothing short of a miracle if they went instead, straight to Israel. This was the Philistines test. The part that gets me is that God condescends to speak to the Philistines through these cows. Bellowing all the way, the cows head off to Israel.
This grips me because it is grace! It is love for Israel's enemies-God's enemies! God revealed Himself to pagan gentiles and gave them the opportunity to repent and worship the One true God. What mercy! What kindness! Their response is too often my response. I was with the Philistines, an enemy of God, suffering under His heavy hand. Then He called me out and I repent but I also am satisfied with relief that the suffering is over instead of fear, trembling, and wonder at this AWESOME, GRACIOUS GOD...who pursues me and purchases me with His life and blesses me. Great thoughts to meditate on as I fall asleep.
The Philistines had the ark in their possession. They suspected that Yahweh was behind these plagues and they wanted to be rid of His heavy hand...but they wanted to be sure. Seeking the help of the priests they made their offering and carted the ark, yoking two nursing cows whose calves were penned up. I never made the connection before that any nursing mammal would immediately return to their baby, thus making it nothing short of a miracle if they went instead, straight to Israel. This was the Philistines test. The part that gets me is that God condescends to speak to the Philistines through these cows. Bellowing all the way, the cows head off to Israel.
This grips me because it is grace! It is love for Israel's enemies-God's enemies! God revealed Himself to pagan gentiles and gave them the opportunity to repent and worship the One true God. What mercy! What kindness! Their response is too often my response. I was with the Philistines, an enemy of God, suffering under His heavy hand. Then He called me out and I repent but I also am satisfied with relief that the suffering is over instead of fear, trembling, and wonder at this AWESOME, GRACIOUS GOD...who pursues me and purchases me with His life and blesses me. Great thoughts to meditate on as I fall asleep.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 62
God often uses my children to show sin and grace. Tonight one of the children was confronted with their sin. It was heart wrenching to watch the battle ensue. They knew they were a sinner and freely admitted it but defended the specific sinful actions as being misunderstood, adamantly.
As Tommy took over the situation I sat back and reflected and repented for my sin in the situation and for how I was tempted to do the same thing. I know I am a wretched, vile sinner...I know what is deep within me...and yet the Word says in Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it?" I struggle to defend myself in my own heart because I am the parent. I am right and this child should not argue with me.
Now, I don't really believe that and I went and I asked for forgiveness for exasperating the situation but it is only by God's grace that I am able to see the truth about me...that I deceive myself. It makes Christ so much more precious to me, to know that He can see rightly how wicked I am...better then I can see, and still forgives and then rescues me from myself. Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.
As Tommy took over the situation I sat back and reflected and repented for my sin in the situation and for how I was tempted to do the same thing. I know I am a wretched, vile sinner...I know what is deep within me...and yet the Word says in Jeremiah, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it?" I struggle to defend myself in my own heart because I am the parent. I am right and this child should not argue with me.
Now, I don't really believe that and I went and I asked for forgiveness for exasperating the situation but it is only by God's grace that I am able to see the truth about me...that I deceive myself. It makes Christ so much more precious to me, to know that He can see rightly how wicked I am...better then I can see, and still forgives and then rescues me from myself. Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Day 61
Everyday it is something. Today was supposed to be a huge prep day for school starting back tomorrow. The Lord had another plan. I made reference a while back about a decision we needed to make and how God had blessed us with an answer. Today a new opportunity came up and we were flung back into the tumult of discerning what would glorify God most out of two very good choices. I am not complaining, I am thankful that both options were good but that was almost more difficult. This consumed our afternoon.
I found myself offering up small, quiet prayers to the Lord as we discussed the options. I wish that these prayers had been bold and out loud. I wish that my personal prayer life was more then it is. I wish that I was more comfortable and determined to take my thoughts and requests to God that it overshadowed my fear of man, fear of rejection, fear of anything. Unfortunately, it is not.
This has been my concern lately. I have been blessed greatly by this daily personal time in the Word but I am concerned at how quickly it can turn into a good luck charm. During my study of 1 Samuel 4 I was struck with how Israel expressed their "rabbits-foot theology" when they brought the Ark into battle against the Philistines because God was not winning for them. Dale Ralph Davis cautions us today to be wary of this fallacy. If we do what we are supposed to do (read the Bible everyday) then God will bless me and my life will be wonderful. I don't really believe that but it takes work to keep reminding myself that that is wrong thinking. It takes work to renew my mind and counsel myself to seek God because I love Him and study His Word so as to know Him...not to do better for Him, as if to make myself holy. I can't do that on my own. That is the crazy part. I need God's grace to seek God rightly.
Grace Lord, please give my grace. Help me to love you and strengthen this seeking of You in Your Word with seeking You in prayer!
I found myself offering up small, quiet prayers to the Lord as we discussed the options. I wish that these prayers had been bold and out loud. I wish that my personal prayer life was more then it is. I wish that I was more comfortable and determined to take my thoughts and requests to God that it overshadowed my fear of man, fear of rejection, fear of anything. Unfortunately, it is not.
This has been my concern lately. I have been blessed greatly by this daily personal time in the Word but I am concerned at how quickly it can turn into a good luck charm. During my study of 1 Samuel 4 I was struck with how Israel expressed their "rabbits-foot theology" when they brought the Ark into battle against the Philistines because God was not winning for them. Dale Ralph Davis cautions us today to be wary of this fallacy. If we do what we are supposed to do (read the Bible everyday) then God will bless me and my life will be wonderful. I don't really believe that but it takes work to keep reminding myself that that is wrong thinking. It takes work to renew my mind and counsel myself to seek God because I love Him and study His Word so as to know Him...not to do better for Him, as if to make myself holy. I can't do that on my own. That is the crazy part. I need God's grace to seek God rightly.
Grace Lord, please give my grace. Help me to love you and strengthen this seeking of You in Your Word with seeking You in prayer!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day 60
Today was another interesting day. It was brought to my attention that I sound like I am running out of things to write about. It made me pause and think. Well certainly there are plenty of things that God is exposing and teaching me...why am I not talking about them? A list of reasons raced through my head. It's been busy. I am not feeling well. It is always too late. I realized that those were all excuses. The real reason is that it is painful to confess my sins and failings AGAIN and I have just been too weary to deal with that pain.
Today is a good example. I lost it this morning. Tired and fighting a sinus infection I woke up to four disrespectful children. This has been a growing problem over the last few weeks and it seemed to come to a climax today. I was offended. I was angry. How dare these children continue to talk back to me and Tommy! They know our expectations and they know what the Word says about children honoring their parents. Outrageous! Lets just say that the kids were in tears by the time we left for church and I was horribly ashamed.
These are not things that I enjoy letting you all know. However, I do know that I was wondering if so-in-so ever lost it like I just did...or you-know-who....what I wouldn't give for someone else to be humble enough to confess when, how, and why they lose it. I know there are others out there craving the fellowship of needing grace. So, I am letting you know that I need grace too!
I also want to encourage you because I know God blesses the humble who repent and I was blessed by our Lord through the service today. Constant reminders of how God knows I need grace and it matters so much to Him that He sent Jesus...the sermon was from Hebrews 2:16-18
16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
So encouraging to someone who was not only tempted but failed. There was also the music.Receive the Glory by Sovereign Grace. All I Have is Christ by Sovereign Grace. and Mercies Anew:
Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew
When I’ve fallen and strayedThere were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew
© 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
The morning was just full of these wonderful reminders that the only good that comes from me is actually Christ in me. Fruit from parenting...not me, Christ. Resisting temptation to sin...not me, Christ. Humility to repent...not me, Christ. So as I go to sleep tonight, I will sing of Your mercies anew. Tomorrow morning when I wake up, I will sing of Your mercies anew.
Decision made about what to read this year. I have decided to continue with my slow trek through the Old Testament and Wisdom Literature for the year because, I want to get to the prophets. I have always failed in the past at reading through the Bible and so I never make it to the prophets so I am just going to keep moving on from here and not go back to Genesis yet. For the New Testament though I am going to follow the ESV reading plan called Outreach New Testament. It will take me through the New Testament in 6 months and the plan is to go through it twice. If you need some ideas or help with a plan there are 10 options here that you can follow and they have different ways of reminding you (email, print, google calendar).
Today is a good example. I lost it this morning. Tired and fighting a sinus infection I woke up to four disrespectful children. This has been a growing problem over the last few weeks and it seemed to come to a climax today. I was offended. I was angry. How dare these children continue to talk back to me and Tommy! They know our expectations and they know what the Word says about children honoring their parents. Outrageous! Lets just say that the kids were in tears by the time we left for church and I was horribly ashamed.
These are not things that I enjoy letting you all know. However, I do know that I was wondering if so-in-so ever lost it like I just did...or you-know-who....what I wouldn't give for someone else to be humble enough to confess when, how, and why they lose it. I know there are others out there craving the fellowship of needing grace. So, I am letting you know that I need grace too!
I also want to encourage you because I know God blesses the humble who repent and I was blessed by our Lord through the service today. Constant reminders of how God knows I need grace and it matters so much to Him that He sent Jesus...the sermon was from Hebrews 2:16-18
16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
So encouraging to someone who was not only tempted but failed. There was also the music.Receive the Glory by Sovereign Grace. All I Have is Christ by Sovereign Grace. and Mercies Anew:
Every morning that breaks
There are mercies anew
Every breath that I take
Is your faithfulness proved
And at the end of each day
When my labors are through
I will sing of Your mercies anew
When I’ve fallen and strayedThere were mercies anew
For you sought me in love
And my heart you pursued
In the face of my sin
Lord, You never withdrew
So I sing of Your mercies anew
And Your mercies, they will never end
For ten thousand years they’ll remain
And when this world’s beauty has passed away
Your mercies will be unchanged
And when the storms swirl and rage
There are mercies anew
In affliction and pain
You will carry me through
And at the end of my days
When Your throne fills my view
I will sing of Your mercies anew
I will sing of Your mercies anew
© 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
The morning was just full of these wonderful reminders that the only good that comes from me is actually Christ in me. Fruit from parenting...not me, Christ. Resisting temptation to sin...not me, Christ. Humility to repent...not me, Christ. So as I go to sleep tonight, I will sing of Your mercies anew. Tomorrow morning when I wake up, I will sing of Your mercies anew.
Decision made about what to read this year. I have decided to continue with my slow trek through the Old Testament and Wisdom Literature for the year because, I want to get to the prophets. I have always failed in the past at reading through the Bible and so I never make it to the prophets so I am just going to keep moving on from here and not go back to Genesis yet. For the New Testament though I am going to follow the ESV reading plan called Outreach New Testament. It will take me through the New Testament in 6 months and the plan is to go through it twice. If you need some ideas or help with a plan there are 10 options here that you can follow and they have different ways of reminding you (email, print, google calendar).
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