Broken-Down House January 28, 2010

I love word pictures – it’s how the Lord oftentimes speaks to me.  I compare it to a child’s love of picture books without words – I guess I’m elementary enough to need such communication, but the pictures offer so much more than books with only words  can provide.  This is why the Lord spoke so often in parables, He wanted to be sure we got the picture, so to speak!

I suppose this is why I am gleaning so much from Paul Tripp’s new book, Broken-Down House, Living Productively In A World Gone Bad.

He uses the metaphor of a broken, dilapidated old house in need of serious work.  But the restoration needed requires us to live in the midst of the mess.  We would much rather leave the work to someone else and come back when it’s all finished to enjoy.  But God has ordained, even commanded us to stay and dwell in a dangerous place where rusty nails, splinters and broken glass abound.  No matter how careful we are, we are sure to get hurt at some point in the restoration process.  Tripp shares in his Introduction:

“The bad news is that you and I are living right in the middle of the restoration.  We live each day in a house that is terribly broken, where nothing works exactly as intended.  But we do not live in the house by ourselves.  Emmanuel lives here as well, and He is at work returning His house to its former beauty.  Often it doesn’t look like any real restoration is goin on at all.  Things seem to get messier, uglier, and less functional all the time.  But that’s the way it is with restoration; things generally get worse before they get better.

So in the pages that follow, I invite you to consider one simple thing.  What does it look like to live productively in a world — a “house” — that is broken down?  Someday you will live forever in a fully restored house.  But right now you are called to live with peace, joy, and productivity in a place that has been sadly damaged by sin.  How can you live above4 the damage?  Even better, how can you be an active part of the restoration that is at the heart of God’s plan of redemption?

May God help you to be fruitful in all you do, even though you live in a broken-down house!”

Age of Opportunity January 25, 2010

My children are now 4, 8 and just turning 11.  In the recent months it has become quite apparent to me that we are entering a new phase with my oldest son.  All of a sudden, things seem different………his responses, questions, doubts, fears and joys are markedly changed.  It took me a little while to begin to see what was happening.  Then, suddenly it dawned on me.  He is getting ready to enter adolescence.  I must admit a little panic set in, not because of fear of what was happening to him, but more-so of feeling unprepared for the changes.  I knew they would one day come, but really didn’t know what to expect.  Then I remembered a book I had bought a while ago, which had been recommended by many friends.  It is Paul Tripps “Age of Opportunity.”  I have started reading it and oh how helpful it is to me.  It is both very practical and encouraging.  It is helping me to see the big picture, but also showing me how to put it all into practice.  The following is an excerpt which has been particularly helpful to me.

“We need to teach our teenagers what it means to live for God where they live every day, in all those unspectacular moments at home, at school, or with friends.  There are two questions that, if regularly asked, will bring God into every one of those moments.  We want to ask them of our teenagers until they learn to ask them of themselves.  They are summarized by these two words:  trust and obey….In every situation we want our teenagers to have a heart for God.  We want them to have the goal of living to please him.  So we must encourage them in every situation to ask, “What, in this situation, are the things that God calls me to do that that I cannot pass on to anyone else?” …Once the teenager has biblically clarified those responsibilities, the only proper response is to obey.   The word trust points the teenager to the fact that he has limits….So we need to get our teens to ask this question:  “What, in this situation, are the things I need to entrust into God’s capable and loving hands?”……we need to teach our children that every moment is God’s moment.  There is always a higher agenda than personal happiness, there is a bigger, more significant story than their story of the moment, and in every situation, they are called to trust and obey God.”

Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God January 22, 2010

If you’re not familiar with this title, it’s a wonderful book written by C.J. Mahaney and subtitled “What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know.” And it’s so true! It’s a part of the pre-marital material at Metro Life Church and, as I am nearly finished with this small volume, I’ve seen how packed it is with wonderful biblical truths of God’s design for marriage, sex and romance.

What I have been so struck with while reading through its pages (and especially Carolyn’s “A Word To Wives”), is the idea of how essential selfless and sacrificial love is in marriage. Sure, love can be fun Facebook statuses, making a home together, feeling your heart leap when he walks in the door, anticipation of the honeymoon and other fun and meaningful things. But, wow, it’s so much more: it’s a daily laying down of my life, putting his preferences over mine, being aware of HIM. And what a privilege to do this for the one I love. I’m so looking forward to the lifetime opportunity to (continue to) do this for David…in 13 days!!!

Our God January 20, 2010

My favorite book I have read this year, and one of my all time favorites ever now, was Our God, by Octavius Winslow.  I did finish reading the book not long ago, but feel like I could only fully grasp and remember parts of it.  Our God is SO packed full of amazing truth that I plan on reading it again during my devotions this year.

Each chapter of Our God focuses on different “perfections” of Him.  Some of the chapters include:  The God of Love, The God of Holiness, The God of Patience etc.   Instead of using many of my words to describe this book, I will just write a few quotes directly from it.

“Oh, how the love of God changes the aspect of everything! Afflictions are revealed to be disguised blessings; trials, proofs of divine faithfulness; clouds, chariots paved with love and penciled with light, in which the Savior comes to us.”

“You have thought of Him, perhaps, as the God of holiness, the God of justice, the God of power, the God of judgment; come now and meditate on Him as the God of love. And while you muse on this marvelous and soul-subduing truth, may the fire of a responsive affection kindle in your heart so that your tongue breaks forth into thanksgiving and praise.”

“Why do you hesitate to trust all your personal interests and affairs and to disclose all your temporal needs and sorrows in prayer to God? He is not too hight for your lowest needs, nor too great for your smallest care.”

“Why do I need to be troubled about this matter anymore? Why yield to fear and despondency? I am released from responsibility, my obligation is cancelled, my debt is paid, and I am legally discharged from all liability, arrest, and judgment. I will emerge from the shadows and walk at liberty, bearing with me my legal protection and my full discharge, none daring to make me afraid.”

It is seriously like every single paragraph is packed full of amazing, spirit lifting, God glorifying truth. I am so grateful for books like this that God uses to send my focus back to where it should be.  On HIM!

Posted by Jaime

Prodigal God January 18, 2010

This week we’re going to share with you books that we’re reading and how they’re affecting us.  Not a book review, really; we’ll be sharing an  excerpt and how it’s helping us personally.  We begin with Debi who is sharing about Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller.

I recently finished this book and when asked to share with you on this topic – I knew the exact quote I wanted to share.  It was the only one I remembered off the top of my head – quite miraculous these days!

This section of the book is about relationships and how vital they are to our growth in godliness.  He shares an example from C.S. Lewis’ life that has had a lasting impact on how I value relationships in the church:

“C.S. Lewis was part of a famous circle of friends called the Inklings, which included J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, and also the author Charles Williams, who died unexpectedly after World War II.  In his book The Four Loves, Lewis wrote a striking meditation on his death in an essay entitled “Friendship.”

In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out.  By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity; I want other lights than my own to show all his facets.  Now that Charles [Williams] is dead, I shall never again see Ronald’s [Tolkien's] reaction to a specifically Charles joke.  Far from having more of Ronald, having him “to myself” now that Charles is away, I have less of Ronald…In this, Friendship exhibits a glorious “nearness by resemblance” to heaven itself where the very multitude of the blessed (which no man can number) increases the fruition which each of us has of God.  For every soul, seeing Him in her own way, doubtless communicates that unique vision to all the rest.   That, says an old author, is why the Seraphim in Isaiah’s vision are crying “holy, Holy, Holy” to one another (Isaiah 6:3).  The more we thus share the Heavenly Bread between us, the more we shall have.

Lewis is saying that it took a community to know an individual.  How much more would this be true of Jesus Christ?  Christians commonly say they want a relationship with Jesus, that they want to “get to know Jesus better.”  You will never be able to do that by yourself.  You must be deeply involved in the church, in Christian community, with strong relationships of love and accountability. Only if you are part of a community of believers seeking to resemble, serve, and love Jesus will you ever get to know him and grow into his likeness.”

What a precious picture of how each of us reflect the Savior.  I know more of Him by being friends with you!  This draws my heart to long to know others – to draw them out about their love for Jesus.  We need each other as Mom to Mom, but also friend to friend.  This has had a lasting impact on how I value each friend with whom God has blessed me.  Through them I will learn more about Christ – and this will last forever!

Posted by Debi

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross April 17, 2009

Several weeks ago I started reading Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross edited by Nancy Guthrie.  It is a short devotional book with the subtitle Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter.  The book is comprised  of 25 devotions, each by a different author, both classic and current, such as Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, C.J. Mahaney and more.  Each meditation is different, but all help us to keep our gaze on the Cross of Christ.  This book has provoked me and caused me to see how little time I really spend reflecting on the cross., but also how it can change my daily life.

This quote from J.C. Ryle is an example “Was he flogged? It was done so that “by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).  Was he condemned though innocent?  It was done so that we might be acquitted though guilty.  Did he wear a crown of thorns?  It was done so that we might wear a crown of glory.  Was he stripped of his clothes?  It was done so that we might be clothed in righteousness.  Was he mocked and reviled?  It was done so that we might be honored and blessed.  Was he reckoned a  criminal, and counted among those who have done wrong?  It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin.  Was he declared unable to save himself?  It was so that we might be able to save others to the uttermost.  Did he die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death?  It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.”

Writings like these are causing me to contemplate my Savior’s death and all it means to me.  This book was written for Easter meditations, but it is too good to keep for this short season.  These are things I need to think about deeply all year long.

Jesus, please do keep me near your cross all my days.  Help me to come to a deeper understanding of all you did for me, to experience the passion of your death and resurrection.  Help me to hate my sin more and more, see what you accomplished for me and put my hope in the promise of your resurrection.  Amen

Posted by Elyse

Devotions for a Sacred Marriage April 16, 2009

I wanted to share with you about a book that my husband and I are reading together.  We have benefited greatly in the past from Gary Thomas’, Sacred Marriage, so when we saw he had written a devotional we knew we wanted to read it. 

Now we haven’t quite finished this book, but we have already enjoyed it so much.  It is written with the intention to read it once a week for a year.  It is broken up into 2-3 page devotionals that we read aloud to one another.  They are interesting and easy to read and understand.  But the best part for us is that this book has encouraged great conversations.  Often, the topics that are covered are things that we wouldn’t think to talk about unless that particular situation had come.  This is allowing us to be proactive and to talk about these things when we are not in the middle of them!  These topics include: Being a God-Centered Spouse, Growing Old Together, Regrets, etc.   

One devotion that stood out was one that reminded me that the man I married is not only my husband, but he is a child of God – he is a son of God (little “s”).    Do I think about God being my Father-in-Law?  It was such an interesting thought that had never crossed my mind. 

I would highly recommend this book.  We look forward to this time we spend together each week and it has given us a good plan.  If you choose to read this book, I pray the Lord will use it to encourage and strengthen your marriage as well!

Posted by Stephanie.

Atheism Remix April 15, 2009

You’ve previously met one of the new contributors we’ve added to our blog team, Jennifer.  Today you meet a second.  Jaime is Sheree’s oldest daughter who has been married for 11 years and is the mom of four children ages 7 and under.  (Four adorable children, Sheree adds!)  Jaime’s real-life and transparent posts will regularly allow you to peek into her life as a busy wife, mom and homemaker.  But, as you’ll see today, she also has a love of biblical truth that motivates her to fit reading some meaty stuff into her life.  Welcome, Jaime!

I was attracted to Atheism Remix during the time Metro was going through the Proclaim series. (For those of you who are not at Metro, Proclaim is an evangelism training seminar our church had been doing in our small groups.) I decided to take a break from the books I would normally read (parenthood, marriage, etc.) and read something that would challenge me in a different way.

Atheism Remix, by R. Albert Mohler Jr., is a small, hardback book that is fairly short. It is 108 pages, but not necessarily an “easy” read. At least not for me and what I am used to.

There are only four chapters in the book.

In the first chapter, Mohler gives a history of what he calls “New Atheism”. He details the history behind modern atheists and how the New Atheists are different than the ones we have heard of in the past. In the second chapter he introduces the “Four Horsemen of the New Atheist Apocalypse.” He writes background information about them and tells why they have the greatest contribution to the rise of the New Atheists. The third chapter is about the defense of theism and the biblical response to atheism. The final chapter talks about the increasing challenge the New Atheists will bring to Christianity and how we must keep this in mind when we think about the future of Christianity. Mohler also states in the book that one of the main differences between the New Atheists, and atheists of the past, is that the new ones want to evangelize their ideology.

After reading Mohler’s book, I can’t help but have concerns for my children’s future and what they will come against in the next generation. One of the saddest things I read was the following:

“The New Atheists have begun to question the right of parents to inculcate belief in their own children. The accusation, most specifically from Dawkins, is that this is a form of child abuse.”   Wow.  I wish I had room to elaborate on this section of the book.

The book has definitely further envisioned me to study and become more knowledgeable about Christian theism. I want to be able to better articulate and defend my Christian faith, plus be able to help my children have a deep and knowledgeable faith as they grow older.

Here is a final quote about which to think:

“ Then, as now, the task is to articulate, communicate, and defend the Christian faith with intellectual integrity and evangelistic urgency. We should not assume that this task will be easy, and we must also refuse to withdraw from public debate and private conversation in light of this new challenge.”

Posted by Jaime

Our God April 14, 2009

Love…I often throw the word “love” around so cavalierly:

• I love Starbucks.
• I love this shirt I got on sale.
• I love this weather.
• I love texting.

I believe we have been, however subtly, influenced by our culture’s redefining “love.” It has so diffused the power that is contained in the true definition of this word that it has, I think, become very difficult for us to comprehend the love of God. It has become an ordinary, routine thought that is quite opposite His nature – for He is LOVE. And that is anything BUT ordinary or routine!

In reading the first chapter of Octavius Winslow’s Our God, I was so impacted by how he breaks down three words, “God is love (I John 4:16).” He breathtakingly describes love’s fundamental nature as found in God:

“Love is so completely the essence of God that it shines out in every perfection of His nature and is exhibited in every act of his administration. He is nothing and can do nothing foreign to Himself…And were not God’s perfections thus modified and softened by love – were they not led on by this commanding perfection of His nature – each one, and all combined would be terribly against us. His wisdom would baffle us, His power would crush us, His holiness would terrify us, His justice would condemn us…” (p. 4)

Wow. I read that and am very grateful that God is love. But beyond this, do I know how God loves ME? How does this nature of His help me to interpret the circumstances in my life? Because honestly, not everything I experience “feels” loving. Not everything I hear from others “sounds” like a loving God. However, in discussing God’s love in His dealings with people, Winslow explains:

“He is the God of love and He cannot change. He who smiles today and frowns tomorrow – who kisses now and smites us later – is the same tender, faithful Father whose love knows no change and whose faithfulness never fails. When the sorrow is past and the storm subsides, and in calmer moments we review all the way that He has led us, to what conclusion can we come but that, through it all, true to His nature and faithful to His promises, he was the God of love?…Into this ocean of divine love, my reader, let your heart plunge, just as it is. Take all its sin, sorrow, and weariness to no other purifying, comforting source but the shoreless, soundless sea of the love of God in Christ Jesus…Afflictions will be revealed to be disguised blessings; trials, proofs of divine faithfulness; clouds, chariots paved with love and penciled with light, in which the Savior comes to us.” (pp. 14-15)

And my response to this incredible revelation of the Gospel at work in all of creation? It should be to love Him more in return! And yet Winslow challenges us to prize it above my “choicest blessing.” Which caused me to wonder…do I prize the Gospel? Do I prize it above my own happiness? Do I prize His love – which is the very core of the Gospel – above my desire for a good marriage, lots of friends, obedient children or getting that promotion at work? Having read this chapter, I am so grateful for a deeper desire and understanding of what this should look like and am confident that (through His love) He will enable me to grow in prizing this above all else in my life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your love! Thank you that your love for me is never changing, constant and good. Please help me to be aware of your love in all the circumstances in my life that you have brought me to. And help me to prize the Gospel – your love for me – above all else in my life. I do not deserve this love but am overwhelmed that I am a recipient of its saving power. Amen

Posted by Jennifer

The Enemy Within April 13, 2009

We hope you enjoyed our Do Hard Things series on this blog.  We have decided to do book reviews this week of books we have recently read, or currently reading.

We recently learned that if you read 15 minutes a day you will get through 10 substantial books in a year.  Wow!  We hope this week will inspire us all to make God-centered reading a priority in our busy lives.   

I recently finished Kris Lundgaard’s excellent book, The Enemy Within.  This book takes two of John Owen’s classic writings on sin and makes them easy for us to read today.  From the moment I began reading I knew that God was having me read this as an important and timely reminder — my battle with sin will never be over in this life.

For example one chapter is titled, “No Easy Peace”.  Here, he describes in detail the peace that comes from our flesh:

“Remember that the flesh is a con man, and it will do anything to keep you from killing it.  One of its best cons is to make you believe that God is soothing your wounded conscience, so that you ease off your battle against sin.

You’ve got to learn how to discern between the comfort of God and the easy peace of the flesh.”

How often I find myself quick to move on from battling my sin.  I feel a strong hatred for it one day, and the next day I completely forget what the fight entailed.  He provides three indicators to help discern whether or not the peace I’m experiencing is from the flesh or from God.

1. You know it’s your flesh talking when the peace comes and you don’t yet abhor the sin.
2. You know it’s your flesh talking when peace comes only by logic.
3. You know it’s your flesh talking when you take peace lightly.

I am in a season where I am being pulled upon in every direction.  It is a great opportunity for me to discover what sins still lurk within my heart.   What complaints are being uttered through my words, thoughts and actions?  Why am I doing the tasks before me – for God’s glory or to look good to others?  What does my heart crave when the pressure increases?  These are all good questions to ask when I’m being pressed on every side.

However, I often cry out to God not in repentance to change, but for my circumstances to change.  I falsely believe the latter will bring me peace.  This is how my flesh draws my heart into it’s powerful con game.

After reading this book I’m freshly aware of my need to pursue God’s peace, not peace of my own making.  The best way to do this is to know Him and His voice.  How do we do this?  By spending time daily in His presence and reading His Word.  Day after day, precept upon precept, God is teaching me who He is.  I am recognizing more and more His still small voice, and I trust Him.

Here is what Lundgaard has to say about the Peace of God:

“My sheep know my voice” (John 10:4).  Christ’s faithful lambs know his voice because they are used to the sound of it.  Because they commune with him often and hunger for the words that fall from his lips, they recognize the tone and rhthym of his precious words.  They can tell at once whether he or a stranger is declaring peace.  They know his voice because it speaks good to their souls.  His word of peace humbles souls, cleanses from guilt, transforms lives, melts their hearts, and endears Christ to them.

“When you hear Christ speaking peace to your soul, you can rest in his comfort.  But your flesh will grow sickly and pale, drained of its power by a renewed taste of God’s mercy in Christ’s blood.”

Father, thank you for the gift you have given me with this excellent book on fighting sin.  I pray that its truths will trickle deep down into the soil of my wicked heart and begin producing fruit that will remain, regardless of the circumstances I face.  You are the God of Peace.  Help me to know You more – Your voice more – and may I experience more of Your peace in the days, weeks and months to come.  I love You because You have first loved me.  Thank You!  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!

Posted by Debi