Ruminations and Ramifications

It must not be dissembled, that, in the progress of such a reform, certain inconveniences will be necessarily encountered; but these will be speedily compensated by an influx of real and permanent advantages. The pangs which accompanied the "death unto sin," will be soon forgotten in the pleasures which result from a "life unto righteousness;" and the peace and hope which abound in the way, will efface the recollection of those agonistic efforts by which it was entered.

-John Owen

So this is what is meant by "regretting the poor decisions made in one's past".

XV. "Watch against the pride of your own reason and a vain conceit of your own intellectual powers, with the neglect of divine aid and blessing. Presume not upon great attainments in knowledge by your own self-sufficiency : those who trust to their own understanding entirely are pronounced fools in the word of God ; and it is the wisest of men gives them this character. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool," Prov. 28: 26. And the same divine writer advises us to " trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not to lean to our understandings, nor to be wise in our own eyes," chap. 3 : 5, 7.

XVI. Offer up, therefore, your daily requests to God the Father of lights, that He would bless all your attempts and labors in reading, study, and conversation. Think with yourself how easily and how insensibly, by one turn of thought, He can lead you into a large scene of useful ideas: He can teach you to lay hold on a clue which may guide your thoughts with safety and ease through all the difficulties of an intricate subject. Think how easily the Author of your beings can direct your motions, by His providence, so that the glance of an eye, or a word striking the ear, or a sudden turn of the fancy, shall conduct you to a train of happy sentiments. By His secret and supreme method of government, He can draw you to read such a treatise, or converse with such a person, who may give you more light into some deep subject in an hour, than you could obtain by a month of your own solitary labor.

Implore constantly His divine grace to point your inclination to proper studies, and to fix your heart there. He can keep off temptations on the right hand, and on the left, both by the course of His providence, and by the secret and insensible intimations of His Spirit. He can guard your understandings from every evil influence of error, and secure you from the danger of evil books and men, which might otherwise have a fatal effect and lead you into pernicious mistakes.

Even the poets call upon the muse as a goddess to assist them in their compositions.

The first lines of Homer in his Iliad and his Odyssey, the first line of Mussaeus in his song of Hero and Leander, the beginning of Hesiod in his poem of Works and Days, and several others furnish us with sufficient examples of this kind; nor does Ovid leave out this piece of devotion, as he begins his stories of the Metamorphoses. Christianity so much the more obliges us, by the precepts of Scripture, to invoke the assistance of the true God in all our labors of the mind, for the improvement of ourselves and others. Bishop Saunderson says, that study without prayer is atheism, as well as that prayer without study is presumption. And we are still more abundantly encouraged by the testimony of those who have acknowledged, from their own experience, that sincere prayer was no hinderance to their studies: they have gotten more knowledge sometimes upon their knees, than by their labor in perusing a variety of authors; and they have left this observation for such as follow, Rene orasse est bene studuisse, "praying is the best studying."

To conclude, let industry and devotion join together, and you need not doubt the happy success. Prov. 2:2: "Incline thine ear to wisdom; apply thine heart to understanding; cry after knowledge, and lift up thy voice: seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord," etc., which "is the beginning of wisdom." It is "the Lord who gives wisdom even to the simple, and out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

-Isaac Watts

I am currently reading Darwin's On the Origin of Species. What a fascinating book. I have a distinct feeling that those who claim to uphold this text as some great saviour to knowledge of our origins clearly have never read it. Darwin here is providing us with more questions than answers. Thus far, I am getting the distinct impression that what scientific philosophy perpetuated the geocentric model of the solar system is the SAME philosophy behind the perpetuation of evolution. Conjecture, and lots of it. Think what you want, whatever "seems" right. It's not enough to humbly accept missing information anymore.

And I know this from personal experience. How often have I lied to myself in order to provide some closure to holes in my knowledge. It was not with truth or fact that I closed the gaps, but with conjecture that had absolutely no basis on what really "was". The more I immerse myself in the fascinating world of scientific philosophy, the more I determine that empirical knowledge is still considered a debatable source of truth, and that conjecture is a viable substitute. Some things never change.

Not that all men are to be horribly blamed, I think. After all, we come to conclusions on our own after all the data have been mined, and the experiments are completed. How do we know what data to look at? How do we know what is the "truth" of all that we observe?

I rather like Wernher von Braun's opinion on the matter:

Scientific concepts exist only in the minds of men. Behind these concepts lies the reality which is being revealed to us, but only by the grace of God.

and Michael Faraday's as well:

Man's natural mind is a very unstable thing, and most credulous, and the imagination, often rules it when reason is thought to be there.

Now, I'm not going to say this out too loudly, but I figured I'd jot it down here anyway.

I've been very interested lately in scientific philosophy, and how even the way we gather scientific data, and analyze scientific data, say something about our love for truth. For THE Truth. How our knowledge of what God commands, and His sovereignty over all Creation, affects how science is conducted. How our submission to the Word of God, and our obedience to the gospel, affect how we conduct our inquiry into the world. I mean, it certainly ought to be the greatest influence upon how we live.

I'm only whispering this because it might make me look like too much of a nerd.

On doing hard things

Things that are difficult:

1. Being faithful with the little things. Like keeping the apartment swept clean and keeping up with exercise and staying faithful in the Word and prayer. Like getting to bed on time, and getting OUT of bed when the alarm goes off. Only getting the hot tea at Starbucks because it's the wisest use of my money.

2. Scheduling in the big stuff. Why is it that the small insignificant things that are selfish wastes of time seem to have no problem making their way into my day? Am I really that selfish?

3. Keeping up with relationships for the sake of the other person. It is easy to "work on" a relationship with people we enjoy being around. But what about the relationships that really require effort? Are they any less worthy of our time? What does this say about how I feel about my relationship with Christ, probably the most poignant and difficult-to-maintain relationship I will ever have?

4. Being holy. This one ought to be obvious. But so difficult.

Lord, make me ever mindful of my helplessness, and to deny any thought that any duty I faithfully maintain can recommend me more to you than any terrible deed can cast me off from you.

Change Upon Change
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Five months ago the stream did flow,
The lilies bloomed within the sedge,
And we were lingering to and fro,--
Where none will track thee in this snow,
Along the stream, beside the hedge.
Ah, Sweet, be free to love and go!
For if I do not hear thy foot,
The frozen river is as mute,
The flowers have dried down to the root;
And why, since these be changed since May,
Shouldst thou change less than they?

And slow, slow as the winter snow,
The tears have drifted to mine eyes;
And my poor cheeks, five months ago,
Set blushing at thy praises so,
Put paleness on for a disguise.
Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go!
For if my face is turned too pale,
It was thine oath that first did fail,--
It was thy love proved false and frail!
And why, since these be changed enow,
Should I change less than thou?

Step 1 of Directing Myself

Step 1: Register and start designing website, www.accasphoto.com.

DONE

Soliciting advice

It seems to me that all throughout life, and through college, I have been responding to a number of requests that have gotten me where I am. Marcia, do this. Marcia, do that. And this is how I finish high school, go to college, choose a career and complete the numerous daily activities that all of this requires.

But what if one discovers that when those external commands stop, one is horrible at commanding one's own direction?

Update

Just because I feel like writing something. maybe this will sound like a complaint, but I'm not complaining. I'm thankful. I'm just also sore from sleeping on the couch. All this North Texas rain and time has sufficiently weakened the roof of my apartment, and has efficiently caused the bedroom to remain in shambles with strategically placed buckets. The couch has been to escape the constant dripping sound of water falling eight feet. So tonight, I'm going to prepare myself for the next deluge promised in a few days. I'm installing string plumblines at the source of the leaks with the weights resting just above the bottom of the buckets. No more dripping noises. And no more waking up extremely sore.

That is all.

It's just one of those places in life where I feel like I'm spiritually down for the ten count.

What I've discovered lately is that we all seem to have answers. Sometimes those answers are not really answers at all, but more like opinions.

As a professional and a believer I am trying to find that balance of ministry and professional growth. It is easy for me to be rather imbalanced concerning the matter. Christ first, indeed. But how do I use my time to maximize my overall effectiveness? I'm not talking about reading books on leadership or engaging any kind of hocus pocus fluff. I'm talking more about learning to do the things that matter. Like being a better writer and communicator for the purpose of serving others. Like managing my time better to also better serve others the Lord has placed in my life.

Bottom line is that the Bible comes first. Nothing can be said or done that contradicts the word of God and still be given quarter in my life. All must point to loving God with ALL my heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving my neighbor as myself. I am starting to think that it does not mean what I think it means. Much of what I do is under the guise of loving God, but is really selfish. I know that. Many wasted hours of nothingness come to mind.

Life is to be enjoyed, for sure, and how much better for the one who has the ability to enjoy his life to just be happy? But I can't get past the fact that while all things are permissible, not all things are beneficial. Also, what I consider "happiness" may not coincide with others' definitions. To me, happiness is chasing storms, and being lost in the wonder of its architecture. Man, I'd chase a squall line, to tell the truth. Nothing but linear junk and lots of wind and rain. But there's nothing like sitting out a major downburst in one's car (or even photographing one from a distance).

If this is what I was made to enjoy on this earth (because truly, the capacity to enjoy this is a gift from God) then I hope that all of my enjoyment flows back to God in praise.

What else makes me happy? Conversation over coffee. A good NON-fiction book (but Jenna's latest novel has definitely won me over for the time being to the value of the story). Knowing (and even the search for) the truth about something. Grasping new knowledge.

I was contemplating the general revelation that God has put on this earth for us. It is to point us to Him, and throughout recorded history we SEE that. Religions are so entwined with the earth and sky. But what is missing? There MUST be that special revelation of God through His Word.

So what am I enjoying most these days? What makes me the most happy (clearly, I reason this, because it is what I have been engaging in)? Standing firm on God's special specific revelation of Himself, looking for the general revelation He has placed in the world He created. The meaning of all things is derived from its author. From the meaning of light to the why parents look like their children.

None of this is situational. I hope that by knowing God more, searching out the truth of Who He is in scripture, I may see more clearly how He has revealed Himself in nature.

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Recession

I once asked my boss what it meant to be in a recession. His answer was that we would work more for less pay. He was right on both accounts.

My goal: As much as I hate drafting, to be the best draftsman I can be.

1. For as much as I'm disappointed with Lewis' The Abolition of Man, in that it seems to be a large bit of man-made wisdom and discusses ideas that could be more clearly derived and explained from the Bible, I am ALSO curious about the fact that not too many people DO seem to either have chests OR a standard by which to make any sort of judgment. My main contention with Lewis in this book is his lack of defense of the real truth, the only Truth. Perhaps that is yours, too. He left his readers with guilty consciences and a number of avenues by which to attempt to assuage them. I know it's a philosophy book, but they should probably erase the references to his Christianity from it.

2. I have been reading articles about the benefit of hiring an architect in order to put together a similar summary statement for the brochure I'm designing for the firm. Being fond of old things, I decided to amble through Google books' treasury of architecture magazines from the early 20th century, and I found something strikingly odd. The reason for being an architect has shifted dramatically in the last 100 years. And I began to brood (as I often do) over why this was so (I discovered the bottom line to be money, really) and whether this was "good" for the profession. I haven't found any positive reasons yet.

3. So, what does it mean to be a professional? What does it mean to be a "misfit"? Doctors are regarded as heroes when they defy conventional practice in order to save the life of their patient. Lawyers are regarded as heroes when they risk their neck (and their practice) in order to make a stand for something that is "right". And where are architects? After my (depressing) reading, I think it's safe to say we've already sold out. We're using flowery language about how we can make the world a better place through design, and we're ignoring the fact that we also have a set of professional ethics we're expected to live by to the benefit of our client. If architecture could be a man, he'd be emasculated. While I know this is a result of the fall, it's depressing to go to work in an environment where the only thing that matters is the bottom line and there is no standard of care that is encouraged and modeled.

4. If I were to try to do things differently, I think I'd make more enemies than friends. *sulk*

5. On the flip side, when reading about what it means to be a professional, I am encouraged that there ARE a lot of qualities and values that are comparable to what Christians ought to be doing. Serving. Helping. Exercising compassion. But I'm not quite sure WHOM I should be serving, because the architect/client relationship is so ambiguous. I "serve" Fairfield Residential. It's like showing compassion to an unconscious machine. I can look at it this way, though: "Marcia, you can serve your boss and coworkers". And yes, that is true; I can, I shall, and I must. But I also want to selfishly interject that this is not the reason I went to school to become a "professional." I am a professional to serve the interests of my client with a clear view to what is right and wrong.

6. I'm not knocking Lewis. I think the book came off the shelf at the right time.

7. I have a lot more to pray about now.

8. My bottom line: Titus 2:9-10 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

There is a hidden danger in sentimentality, I believe.

Stuff like this just doesn't make the big time.

On the reading of old books

A wise man on going to the source.

A book suggestion

This looks good.... not that I don't already have too many to choose from as it is.

I have realized that it has taken me thirty years to finally "grow up".

- I desire to be in the Word on my own, digging and finding out for myself what it says so that I may be able to refute those who contradict.

- I desire to work hard at work, and not slack off. To not do the least amount to get by, but to be excellent in everything that I attempt.

- I desire to use my free time wisely, either to educate myself further in natural matters, or in spiritual matters, or to serve others in the Body of believers.

- I desire to be in the world so that I may more fully engage those who are not believers with the truth of Jesus Christ.

- I desire to leave some of the more childish things behind, to stop looking back toward Egypt for safety and security, but to the face of God for upholding with His righteous right hand.

- I desire to daily nurture that blessed hope of the glory of God, and not neglect any longer to think on it and to live each day in the light of it.

What I'm reading, and why I'm reading it.

Briefly, what has come to my attention is that I have given too little quarter to work and to vocation. The one thing that is a constant in this world, although perhaps too little people value it as it ought to be valued, is the idea of hard work. Living in America, this can be easy. I have been given so much. Sometimes, I do not work hard, and do not even know HOW to. What is expected of me? How do I set expectations for myself? These are questions I still struggle with daily. So, I decided to immerse myself into this topic in order to gain understanding of how I am to use this life, these resources that I've been given as a ministry tool, a tool to share the gospel. Like anyone embarking upon what is promising to be a long and arduous construction project, I have a lot of tools gathered about me. This is the book I am reading now about vocation. While I cannot say that I agree wholeheartedly with everything in this book, I AM coming to an understanding of what my heart attitude ought to be toward my vocation and why it should be that way.

One thing I have determined. That when life's tempests toss my boat too high for my comfort, I find strength in the words "Thy will be done" and calm assurance in the situation of my heart in the same manner.

Thought for the day:

Divine grace is still at work in my life.

The More Excellent Sacrifice

You need peace. Satan threatens. The law condemns. Conscience accuses. Your wounds are deep. Your burdens heavy. Memory shews frightful spectres. The heart bleeds. You go mourning and heavy laden. You look to self.--It is despair. You look to the world.--It mocks your woe. You look to reform.--It is a broken cistern. You fly to outside performances of devotion.--They are reeds, which break and pierce the hand. How different is "the more excellent sacrifice?" It tells you, that God is satisfied, guilt remitted, and all accusers dumb. It thus brings peace--perfect peace, which passeth all understanding. Will you now be Cain-like and reject "the more excellent sacrifice?"

--Henry Law
Christ is All

Under Pressure

I am discovering in this fallen world of business, in which I work, that there is a great pressure to "ignore" the rules. It really is sin manifested in the actions of those around me, my coworkers. It engulfs me as a great pressure to fall in line with the consensus of the office, even if it is illegal. And all I can do is pray for a spiritual mind to combat the ruler of the air who rules in my office at the moment. It is very easy to forget that He is with me, protecting me, guiding me, correcting me, sheltering me, teaching me. But He is. He is kind always. Kind to me. To think anything less is blatant egregious sin.

It is easy to get frustrated and angry. But I am discovering that compassion OUGHT to be the response of my heart, because they are lost, and I was like them once, too. Compassion was the driving motive for Christ's manifestation among us, for His condescension, and His grace to us. Compassion was behind Christ's personal rescue of my soul from danger, His administering salve to open my eyes, His clothing me with His righteousness, His bestowing me with every inconceivable blessing and wealth that is from above. Compassion coupled with the truth ought to be the response to the pressure around me to live according to the standards of this present world, which is passing away with its lusts.

Lord, please grant us a compassionate heart, such as you have for your lost sheep, that we may lovingly convey the truth to those around us, even in the blazing heat of opposition. Teach our hearts to hold fast to the truth that no one can harm us, even though we are pressed and distressed.

I have been giving much thought lately to what it means to imitate God. What it means to please God. What it means to put off and put on, moment by moment. This is, after all, what we are called to do.

But we don't. We don't often see this as paramount to our lives here on earth. And then we wonder why Christianity has been hijacked by an empty purpose driven crowd urging us to live our best lives now. I wondered why there could be so much empty teaching out there. How did that happen? I think it might have had something to do with our impotent lives, and our daily refusal to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses and to follow Him.

We may THINK that our coworkers or friends will not see the connection between the way we live our lives, the decisions that we make, and the faith that we proclaim with our lips.

I was driving to a job site last week with a few coworkers in the car. We were driving down a particular highway where a lot of police were known to set up and catch speeders. One coworker felt me braking as we approached a police car with his radar gun trained on the traffic, and said essentially "Don't brake, Marcia, just let your foot off the gas." and I asked him why. He said "because you look guilty if you brake." and I said "well, I AM guilty".

It is so easy to think that others think like we do and when presented with right and wrong, will point out the difference between the two and praise the right. But rather, they mostly seem to choose to play down the evidence of guilt even though every one can plainly see it. And I wonder, what is my responsibility to use that to point out what Romans says about sin and guilt, and what is my responsibility to use that to teach the gospel.

How about you?

Tip of the day:

If you ask the Lord to show you just how much of a sinner you are.... He will.

Psalm 139: 23-24

I can't remember the last time my marching orders included the words "plod." But I feel that I am there now. I am learning a lot about humility and godliness and holiness. And that it is no sin to imitate God, no matter how much the struggle.

Work is just as much of a struggle as it has ever been. But I am convinced that I am to be here. I will not take this with me, and I think that a revision in my own understanding of what work is to be about is in order. It must be about God and His work. I must keep my eyes fixed upon Heaven.

Oh, why is this so hard? Why?

Thoughts on books

I have been giving great consideration to the weather lately. From surface lows that unequally transport heat and water vapour across the face of the ground, to the severity of severe weather, to the gracious yielding of rain when most of the rest of the state is under the highest fire danger level. I used to give it sole consideration as an expression of architecture, but recently my mental emphasis has shifted. It seems that these past few months prior to the chase week have been void of any uniquely pressing matters, and have left me with more time with the Lord. I have been meditating on His goodness and Providence in great measure, and have been applying that knowledge to the weather.

So, about books. Perhaps this is just a little place mark to come back to one day, but I hope to write a book about the weather and the goodness of God. But also the power of God, the gentleness and kindness of God, the Providence of God, the wrath and might of God, and the mercy and grace of God. Who knows what will come of this little manuscript. Perhaps nothing. Perhaps I'll pair it with a handful of photos and make a nice Christmas gift with it, who knows.

But all things ought to result in ceaseless praise to God.

Where I've Been

I've come to settle temporarily on a future destination. Jetmore, KS, leave the light on for me. And maybe about 80 acres on yer west.
Discovering that of all our dreams for this life, should God choose not to bless them, He will absolutely provide something in its place.
A life lived in patient and humble obedience is the life best lived.
Cultivating godly character is a pursuit worth the time and effort, the sweat and the tears.
I am a creature of God whose life is but as the grass, and who should not worry about life overtaking her at an overwhelming speed like volcanic ash down a mountain, lest I keep apace. No, God will sustain me even at a slower pace in life, because this is all about His renown.
Oh, the quietness and peace about me I used to consider such a bane, as a stormy petrel is wont to do. But I've discovered that this very nuisance is actually but a grander blessing than can be weighed on earthly scales.

From an actual product's website:

This simulated stone is hand crafted from natural stone and is nearly impossible to detect.

So, don't go looking for our stone on your walls... you're likely going to have a hard time finding it.

Lessons

I am learning to slow down.
I am learning about repentance.
I am learning about love.

The Word of God must cut straight through to the heart. It must.

Another random and disjointed blog entry

I'm on the ride of my life at the moment. Spiritually speaking. Letting go of what I want in life is so hard, because there is the great fear that I will be made miserable by it. That if this is the one thing that I've always wanted, well, only a fool would stop pursuing that. Only a fool would let it go and seek to want Christ alone, and whatever comes with Him. That is what my mind constantly wants to remind me. But on the other hand, what evidence would I have to show that the Lord is ready and willing to be true to His promises? What proof would I have that He is true to His Word if I was not willing to put my earthly desires aside, to stop striving for them, and to wait for them to come to me in His time? What proof would I have that He is superior to all if I did not seek Him above all else, and be filled? How could I tell someone that He is worth it, if I did not see nor feel His worth? If I did not seek Him as rare and costly treasure? If I did not let Him lead me into a wasteland to be fed by ravens? Oh, what trust! Oh, what sacrifice! How much one must hate the world to follow Him? And yet, there is so much more to be enjoyed in this world when we set aside our own sketches of what it looks like outside, and actually open the door to see for ourselves. We may be so afraid that it will not look like the sketches and ideas we've been clinging to, and that we'll be disappointed by what we see. So we peer intently into the pictures we've drawn, longing to be made joyful by them. Walking in the trust we profess to have in Christ sometimes means putting the sketches down on the table, and going over to the door to open it and look outside at what He has actually made.

I am learning what it means to be content, and to do one's work as unto the Lord. This means not worrying constantly about whether or not I am fit for the job, but whether I am, moment by moment, accomplishing the task. Not whether I can pound out more work than the next guy, but whether I am earning the paycheck my boss has agreed to give me. Work is not to me, but to God and His glory.

Jeremiah Burroughs in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

But you will object: What you speak of is very good, if we could attain to it; but is it possible for anyone to attain to this? It is possible if you get skill in the art of it; you may attain to it, and it will prove to be not such a difficult thing either, if you but understand the mystery of it. There are many things that men do in their callings, that if a countryman comes and sees, he thinks it a mighty hard thing, and that he should never be able to do it. But that is because he does not understand the art of it; there is a twist of the hand by which you may do it with ease. Now that is the business of this book, to open to you the art and mystery of contentment.

I hope you find time to read the book.

Dear Diary

Day 33 of my trek through the Bible in one year. Many evil deeds perpetrated on the young earth. Many animals slaughtered. But there is hope.

I wanted to stop at an unusual place. Leviticus 5:4.

Or if a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it -- when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters.

How often do I do this? How often do I make such statements against some thing or some one? And it is their carelessness that causes us to dismiss their value. They were insincere words spoken by us, so they ought not to mean anything. Right?

Now, I am not seeking to be legalistic. But I AM seeking holiness. I have been dealing with a desire to serve God, but with no idea where to start. How can my wicked heart know the right way?

Oh, but there is an answer for that in God's Word.

Psalm 119:9 tells us how. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.

Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

And finally
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

2009 is the year I begin reading the Bible all the way through. Now, there was a big hiccup at the end of Genesis, but I'm back on track in Exodus. I am gaining a lot more from reading the Bible through than I ever thought I would. I remember reading it through as a kid with my parents, but I never understood it. That was because I was not regenerated, and I COULD not understand it. I had to remind myself that I would most certainly get something out of every day, because I am now able to comprehend spiritual things. It is quite amazing how we often have to pull rank on our minds.

So, as I said, I am in Exodus. The children of Israel have just finished partying with the calf, and God has just shown Moses His back. And a few things have impressed themselves upon me, and I thought I would blog about them for once in a long while.

1. God is very jealous for His holiness. The oil and the incense that was ONLY to be used in the tabernacle, for example. And the priest's garments that could not touch anything unholy. Now, think about this for a moment. God is Holy, and He cannot be anything BUT holy. But what about us? We are commanded to be holy (Lev 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). We are priests (Exodus 19:6; Rev. 1:5-6), and we are His temple (John 2:21; 1 Cor 6:19). And are we so zealous for God's holiness as Moses was? I would say not many. I see how in my life I abuse grace over and over again. And the holiness of God is often far from my mind. It ought to be in front of my eyes.

2. In Exodus 33:18-23 Moses asks God to show him His glory. But the Lord says that no man can see His face and live, but that He will show Moses His back. And I considered how God does this often. We do not see the front side of God in His work, but after He has passed, we see the back of Him in the wake of provision He leaves after Himself for us. All the while, He covers us with His hand and protects us, as the Psalmist calls the Lord the rock of his refuge and strength. Oh, I wish I could say this more clearly.

3. What favor Moses found in God's sight, by the Lord's own choosing. (Exodus 33:17, 19b) And how steadfast he was for God's own glory.

Ruminations and Ramifications

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Monday, December 07, 2009

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

On doing hard things

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Step 1 of Directing Myself

Soliciting advice

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Update

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Recession

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

On the reading of old books

Thursday, August 20, 2009

A book suggestion

Monday, August 03, 2009

What I'm reading, and why I'm reading it.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The More Excellent Sacrifice

Under Pressure

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Thoughts on books

Monday, March 30, 2009

Where I've Been

Monday, March 02, 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009

Lessons

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Another random and disjointed blog entry

Monday, February 09, 2009

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Monday, February 02, 2009

Dear Diary

Sunday, February 01, 2009

About Me

The Fundamentals

Atmospheric Conditions

Essential Blogs

Currently Reading

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