How grass reminded me about common grace...

Every morning we are woken by the sounds of Good Morning Ulster coming from the clock radio. I kind of like it, as I slowly awaken I pick up what's going on in the world. However when Trev works the early shift they clearly feel that people who are up at that hour of the morning aren't particularly interested in world or local events to such an extent, so instead we have the Farming News. Now living in the city the farming news doesn't really interest me. I have no idea what a good price is for a cow so the fact that the cost has dropped by a few pound is of little relevance! However, the other morning through that sleepy haze I heard them talk about grass. Now apparently due to the cold spring we had experienced the grass had not been growing fast enough. This was leading to concerns that the animals wouldn't have enough to eat. However in recent days the sun had shone, the heat had increased and so the grass had grown meaning the farmers (and the animals) were happy! As the report closed the reporter commented that no matter what the weather was like it always evened out and in the end the grass always grew.

Through my sleepiness this got me thinking about common grace. Wayne Grudem defines common grace as "...the grace of God by which He gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation." The world deserves hell, yet everyday we see abundant examples of God's common grace. Be this in the provision of the so called basics of life like food and shelter, the ability to grow in knowledge and creativity, amongst many many other provisions. Common grace doesn't save individuals and because a non-believer may be more blessed than a believer in, for example intelligence, doesn't mean that they are more favoured by God. However Grudem states that there are 4 reasons for common grace

• To redeem those who will be saved
• To demonstrate God's goodness and mercy
• To demonstrate God's justice
• To demonstrate God's glory

As I thought about the grass that always grows it reminded me what a gracious God we serve. He could easily cause it to cease growing so the animals wouldn't have enough to eat and we in turn wouldn't have enough meat and milk. As sinners that is realistically what we deserve. Yet He doesn't. He is compassionate to all people. As Matthew 5:45 says:  "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (ESV) Our hearts should be full of abundant praise to God constantly for EVERYTHING! We are undeserving of anything- yet He gives us so much. So next time I look at the grass which I just take forgranted I will remember that we serve a great, good and compassionate God.

A Cure For Lame Table Prayers

So often I just say the same thing when my husband asks me to say Grace. It's pretty much exactly the same thing I used to say when my Dad used to ask me to do the same. In fact  I've said the same thing since I was about four. When I read Tony Reinke's article on Desiring God Blog the other day I was both challenged and rebuked. He comments that after reading  Douglas Wilson's new book Father Hunger,

"Instead of a vague prayer for the provisions, I gave thanks to the God who channelled his grace to us through a supply line of farmers ...through the factory workers ...through the unshaven truckers ... and through the grocery store stockers ... the men and women in this supply line have all been ordained, called, equipped, and preserved by God because God knows your name, he knows your tastes, he loves you, and because he wants you to enjoy a bowl of breakfast cereal in his name."

Read the entire article HERE and next time you say Grace you probably wont rhyme off the same old thing!

Sweet and Bitter

John Piper, This Momentary Marriage

Saturday Snapshot

Opportunity

There is a fear in the hearts of many women. A fear that they will never be able to fulfil the maternal desires which have been a part of them since the beginning of time. A fear that they will never feel that baby within their womb. A fear that they will never see that little face, the combination of them and their husbands. A fear that they will never hear that first cry. That they will never have that opportunity to be what they have always longed to be. A mother.

It stabs them to the core of their being as they see those who have abused this opportunity. Those who abuse their little ones. Those who complain. Those who simply are apathetic.

They cling to the Lord. Trusting that he knows best. Knowing that he has everything planned out. And that although there may never be the opportunity to hear that first breath, that first cry, that first giggle, He will provide other opportunities. Opportunities that are for our good. Even though it may not feel that way.

The Greatest Possible Joy and Glory

"God knows exactly what he is doing. You can have confidence in knowing that the events of your life are not spinning out of control or settled by random chance but that they are in the hands of God, who plans for you in love. Christians find joy in knowing that Gods plan will lead to the greatest possible display of his glory and the greatest possible joy for his people." 

Colin Smith, The Plan in The Gospel as Center

This Momentary Marriage

This video and a follow-up blog series was on Desiring God the other week. It is such a powerful example of self sacrificing love. I read This Momentary Marriage a few years ago just before we got married and I wasn't really I huge fan of it. (I'm sorry!!) However, throughout the video there were some amazing quotes, so I may go back and have a re-read.

God's Good Design

Last month the Gospel Coalition had on their blog, four books by women, about women. One of the books was Different by Design by Carrie Sandom which I read and reviewed last month. Another was God's Good Design by Claire Smith. When it arrived into the shop I debated whether or not to get it. I asked my husband- he told me that I should, but still I debated with myself. I wasn't sure I needed to read another book on the role of women!! However, eventually I decided to take the plunge and purchase it and I'm really glad that I did!

Unlike many books on the role of women this book focuses on Bible passages which cause great debate. Claire writes from the viewpoint of one who used to be a staunch feminist but since her conversion  has submerged herself in the study of the Bible both personally and at Bible College, thus we see someone who doesn't simply hold to her views because that is what she has grown up believing but rather because in depth study of the Word has convinced her that a complementarian view of men and women is Biblical.

The book starts with an overview of feminism and how the world got to where it is today. It then takes a two fold approach to the role of women: Within the Church and Within the Home. It covers the passages of 1 Timothy 2, 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, Ephesian 5, 1 Peter 3, Genesis 1-3 and Proverbs 31 in great detail, going back the original and what they really mean for us today. The book is grounded in Scripture and uses this foundation to apply these passages to our lives today. Although going into great detail on each of the passages the book is enjoyable and not unnecessarily complex for the reader. There is also a chapter on domestic abuse: "The Ultimate Distortion" and a chapter on how Claire came to her convictions and how they have been practically outworked in her life.

Although I didn't 100% agree with her on every single detail this really was an incredibly useful book. Bible passages which I previously didn't fully understand I now feel much more informed on and now could explain them to others with much greater confidence! Claire writes warmly and although clearly very able the book isn't written in a distant scholarly manner. Throughout the book time and time again we are reminded that we are all equal in Christ, with "a part to play in ordered and complementary relationships between men and women".

Published by Matthias Media

Saturday Snapshot

Perspective

As I sit at the computer looking at the word perspective I think of deep and meaningful things I could write. But the thing about this word is, there is only one thing that I can think about when I see it. Second Year Art. The events of that class have forever destroyed the word and any other meaning it may have...

At thirteen years old I take the word geek to a whole new level. I enter the art class room with a gigantic school bag and equally mammoth  ring binder. The braces and massive glasses only add to the total nerd look. I'm as quiet as a mouse and am in absolute fear of the art teacher, Mr Reid. He is the stereotypical art teacher. Massive curly hair. Knitted tie.

As I sit at the desk with my friends I'm not really listening to him going on at the front of the classroom. We've been studying perspective drawing now for weeks. Months actually. Possibly the whole year. Lost in my own little world I pick up that  we're today putting our skills to use and are going to do a wall display. Half the class are to draw the Titanic, the other half write the word, using perspective.

I'm on the word side and I set to work. Writing out each letter with a ruler, it's a painstaking task. Eventually I finish. Before everyone else. I feel that I have arrived. At last I've understood what perspective is all about and more than that I'm faster than the rest of the class. I leave. Victorious.

The next week we return to that musty art room. As we enter I notice that our display adorns the wall. I sit down and suddenly from the other side of the room I hear roars of laughter coming from the 'in crowd'. A voice booms across the room "Who wrote Tinic, Who can't spell Titanic?!!!"

It dawns on me. I'm the one who can't spell it. I've left two letters out. No wonder I was finished first.

Humiliation abounds.

5 years later school is nearly over for good. I'm walking down the corridor and I hear someone call "Tinic". And I turn around. Again.

For Our Good

Me and hospitals have always had a bad relationship. Really bad. It's the smell. The clinical nature. The fact that there is the possibility of seeing blood while simply walking round minding your own business. The death. The sadness. The separation. Yep, I really, really do detest them. However, despite my total disdain of the places, I haven't done particularly well in avoiding them. It's where I began my life. Then, being the oldest child I had to go and visit my siblings one by one as they were born in those sterile institutions. Then the doctor decided I'd bent in feet and so I seemed to spend a lot of time trying to get them fixed which was a total waste of time. My Mum was ill and had to go for testing for two whole weeks, which meant daily visits and my Gran was in hospital for pretty much a year which also required visits. And that's only half of it, there's been visits to casualty, the very sound of the word which is enough to send shivers down my back.

So, me and hospitals don't get on well. At all.

Thankfully of late we'd not had many dealings. However, a few weeks back a letter came. A letter with that brightly coloured hospital heading. The sort of letter that's meant to make you feel relaxed and happy, knowing that your now safe in the hands of your local hospital. The sort of letter which makes me physically feel ill. I stuck it on the fridge and put a pretty postcard over it. And dreaded the day.

I arrived at the hospital. And waited. My ever patient husband who spent a significant part of his childhood going to hospitals came too, somewhat bemused as to how the waiting room can cause such stress. It's the posters. I always imagine I've developed every condition the posters talk about. And the kidney dishes. Seriously, why do nurses need to constantly carry them about?!

After waiting for a decade or so 15 minutes my name was called. The nurse greeted me like this was some sort of pleasant social call I was making and I went into the room. The room with the medical apparatus and the couch. The couch. It was at that stage I lost it. Tears streamed down my face. You see the thing in the hospital that terrifies me the most is that couch. To me it represents terrible, life threatening illness. In my world you jump up on that couch and next thing your told you've got some horrible incurable illness. Irrational? Totally. Unfounded? Completely. Stupid? Without a doubt. 

I've been back at work for a good while now. Without any serious life threatening condition. I've had time to ponder my visit and all my irrational fears. That is what they are, irrational. I know deep down in my self that when there is something wrong the hospital is the best place to be. The Doctors and Nurses are the people who know what is the best for me. They have absolutely no desire whatsoever to hurt me. In fact the health care I received yesterday was top notch. The staff were wonderful; lovely and patient and in all honesty I couldn't have had a more positive experience of the NHS.

In life this is often the way I react as well. I have been been able to rhyme off Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good for those that love God" since I was a tiny little girl. However as life passes by sometimes it's harder to accept. I kick and scream at God and His plans for life. I know that He is sovereign and all in control and only wants the very best for me. In the same way in order to get better we have to pass through the unpleasantness of hospital, in order to fulfil Gods perfect plan for our lives, at times we have to pass through hard times, instances that we would never ever have wanted to go through. God brings us through such times because He loves us and ultimately it is what is best for us. This side of heaven we may never understand the purpose of being brought through things that we detest but we need to trust that what He is doing isn't for no reason but rather for our good.

God only gives good gifts. Even if we don't understand what is good about them. May we fully grasp and ponder the words of Luke ch 11 v11, as we face seemingly difficult providences:

    "What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” ( ESV)

When Mothers Day Doesn't Bring Joy

So here in the UK it was Mothers Day in March. Throughout the rest of the world it was Mothers Day Sunday past and the web seemed to have a good few articles on facing Mothers Day when it is a day of pain and sadness rather that a day of joy. Although the day is now over this year everywhere I felt that the following articles were useful throughout the year both for those who struggle with infertility and for those who have no idea what empty arms feel like, but need to learn to relate to those who do.

 Noel Piper, with a guest post at True Woman Blog shows how God knows our pain and suggests that we ask God to fulfil His purposes, place our confidence in the Lord, reach out to others and rejoice in the Lord.

Courtney Reissig uses the words of Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” to describe how the church should respond to motherhood. She comments: "May our churches be a place where the glory of motherhood is upheld and honoured, but the pain and sorrow of those who long for what they do not have is honoured as well."

Jonathan Edwards on True Christianity

A while back a new series of books arrived in the shop; The Essential Edwards Collection. I was interested in them, as I knew Edwards was one of the greatest theologians of all times but yet I knew very little about him. I felt that this series would provide a good introduction. There are five in the series and I chose to read Jonathan Edwards on True Christianity.

The book is written by Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney who use extracts from Edwards works to talk about what true Christianity really is.The book starts by outlining the problem of nominal Christianity in the United States. The figures were alarming. For example according to one survey, of those claiming to be born again:

• 33% hold a pro-choice stance on abortion
• 26% believe in astrology
• 20% believe in  reincarnation

Although an American book, written for an American audience, I'm sure the figures would be similar for the church here, in the UK.

After painting a bleak picture of the church today, the authors go on to outline the problem of nominal Christianity in Edwards' day. There are many quotes from his works and we see that this was a massive problem in the 1700's as well as today. We see Edwards as a man on a mission: to pluck out nominalism from within the church and see people truly converted with a genuine passion for the Lord, as he comments "...how many wicked are there that are not yet plucked away?" Works 14, 369

The third chapter discusses Edwards' answer to nominal Christianity and we see that the true marks of conversion are five fold involving love for Christ, hatred of sin, love for the word, love for truth and the things of God and love for believers.

It was chapter four, which I found the most challenging, as the authors include two examples of true Christianity. One is perhaps more well known than the other, being that of missionary David Brainerd, while the other is perhaps less well know, that of Abigail Hutchinson, a young lady who whilst dying of a terminal illness was totally sold out for the Lord. Edwards wrote about both of these young people and their example of true Christianity. As Abigail lies dying in great pain and suffering Edwards records her as saying "... this is for my good." What a challenge this is to us in our problems which are so much less than this!

The book concludes by outlining Edwards dismissal from his church following a debate as to who could take communion. We see that despite his passion for the Lord and commitment to true Christianity Edwards faced trials and on occasion didn't act as he should. The authors of the book don't hold him up as some sort of perfect human but rather as a real man.

This is a most challenging book as we  see Edwards trying to root out nominalism from within the church hundreds of years ago. We too as believers should follow his great example and seek to do the same to see a church developed characterised by a total commitment to Christ  "...and true Christianity... which is neither solely sorrow over sin or joy in Christ; it is both, married together, residing in the human heart which personally receives, believes and acts on these truths." (p142)

This is without a doubt an excellent and very readable introduction to the works and life of Jonathan Edwards.

Published by Moody Publishers

Identity

I wondered whether or not to take this slant on the word identity for Five Minute Friday, as for anyone outside Northern Ireland it may make little, if no sense. For some within Northern Ireland it may offend.However the point of Five Minute Friday is to write what we know and this is what I know.

_______

This small bit of land that I call home. Northern Ireland. I love it. I love it's beauty. I love the people. It is my  home on this earth and scene of time.

However this is a country which has been battered and bruised. Terror has roamed these streets and destroyed lives. Families devastated. Lives cut short. Bitterness is never far below the surface. Why? The problems run so deep and have been written about time and time again. By the scholar. By the man on the street. But one word can sum it up I feel. Identity. Am I British or am I Irish? Are they British or are they Irish? Which passport bears our name?

I am both. I am British. But I am also Irish. The money in my purse displays the face of the Queen. But I live on this island of Ireland. I was educated in the British system of education. But my ancestors were Irish.

I am Northern Irish. To me this perfectly combines both strands of my identity politically and culturally. My true identity however is in Christ. Who surpasses all man made identity.

Could he withhold any lesser good from you?

'He that spared not his own Son.' He gave his most precious treasure; could he withhold any lesser good from you? He has given you pounds; will he refuse you pence? No; while faith is thus quickened into lively exercise by the Spirit of God, the cadences of exulting praise must ring out, clear and loud, 'How shall he not with him also freely give us all things?'

Susannah Spurgeon, A Carillon of Bells, from Free Grace and Dying Love

You Make Me Feel So Guilty!

So often, as women we feel guilty about silly, little, insignificant things like eating one too many chocolates or someone making their own bread! Nancy Ann over at Femina Blog says that "We ought to quit letting other women’s successes provoke envy or jealousy in our hearts. We should be content. Then we can enjoy and benefit from their fruitfulness rather than “feeling guilty” over it. We ought to quit feeling guilty over stupid things, and we should encourage one another, where there is real sin, to repent."

Read the rest of the article HERE

Psalm 8 -How Majestic Is Your Name

 

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.

² Out of the mouth of babies and infants,you have established strength because of your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

³ When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;you have put all things under his feet,

⁷ all sheep and oxen,and also the beasts of the field, 

⁸ the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

 ⁹ O Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

 Photos of Portstewart, Northern Ireland, May 2012

Adopted for Life

In the in forward to Adopted for Live C.J.Mahaney says that reading the book will leave you so moved you'll need tissues near by. I can assure you he was not wrong! This is without a doubt one of the most moving, biblically based and challenging books I have read in a long time, if not ever. The book is by no means a step to step guide through the process of adoption, though it does provide a lot of information on the process. It's purpose is rather to show how we, as believers have been adopted by Christ and how this in turn should affect our attitude to adoption.

The author, Russell Moore adopted 2 little boys when he and his wife were faced with infertility. Throughout the book we travel with Moore as he explores the doctrine of adoption as we see it in the Bible. The book is submerged in scripture and everything he says is backed up with verses printed out in full. We see those in the Bible who were adopted, we see the fact that we are adopted into the family of God and we see that any prejudices we have about those who are different to us, be that because of their colour, or special needs they have are like us, made in the image of God. At times the book made me squirm as I realised how forgranted I take my adoption into the family of God and how many prejudices I often hold within my own heart.

The author continues by going into many issues surrounding the practicalities of adoption and all matters, from the age of the child to whether the child has disabilities, from whether to adopt domestically or internationally are treated not from a purely human standpoint but rather from scripture. He states that the issue of adoption is not exclusively a matter to be considered by the infertile couple but is a matter that should affect everyone within the church, whether that means the family with children already adding to their family through adoption or the elderly couple giving money to help the young couple in their church with their adoption fund.

I finished the book with a real passion to see children placed in christian homes and a real vision to share this with others. This book will without a doubt challenge your ideas on families and make you incredibly grateful for the adoption we have in Christ. Russell Moore finishes the book on a most challenging note, as he comments : "Maybe there are abandoned children languishing right now in cribs somewhere who will be blowing out birthday candles with their new families this time next year because of your witness, your money, or your encouragement. Maybe they'll be yours. I don't know. Like I say I don't know you. But maybe your waiting for the sound of footsteps too."

Published by Crossway

Saturday Snapshot

Real

Earlier this week my little baby sister finished school. Forever. The hurdle of A-levels and then that's her done. On to University and a whole new chapter of life. As I looked at her Facebook and saw her leavers day photos I was taken back 9 years. Standing in that exact same Assembly hall, in that exact same blue blazer and grey skirt, with those exact same tear stained eyes, was me. At 18 I had great plans. I thought I'd my entire life planned out. I'd pass my A-levels and study Nutrition in Scotland. I'd meet the man of my dreams and I'd return home after 4 years with a ring on my wedding finger. I'd marry the next year and then rapidly produce beautiful babies.

My plans didn't exactly work out.

God was working in other ways. I'd drop out of University the first time and return home to study politics. Boys would cause me hurt and I'd finish  University very much single. I'd work for years in a job I didn't love and at 25 I'd meet and marry the most amazing man ever. And I'd continue to work in a job I didn't love and we wouldn't be greeted by gurgles from a cot every morning.

This is real life.

These are God's perfect plans for us.

And real life? It's far far better than my plans when I left those school gates at 18.

When Your Life is really Wrecky

Sometimes it feels like I just constantly clean and tidy up. It never ceases to amaze me how two people living in one small house can create so much havoc, in such a short space of time! This article  by Maggie Paulus on the True Woman blog reminds us that a day will come when "...this whole wide chaotic, messy, broken world will be made right again." She goes on to tell us how we can preach this to ourselves as we go about our cleaning and definitely provides some wonderful food for thought.