The Prudent Sees Danger and Hides Himself, but the Simple Go On and Suffer For It

My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times….Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 119:20, 24. ESV.)

Boy am I thankful for an all knowing God who not only knows the exact number of hairs on my head but who also knows my heart, the desires of my heart, and things I need to work on in my life. As a work in progress, it blesses my heart when God answers, teaches, and/or intervenes…sculpting me more and more like Him. It’s even nicer when this molding happens without the pain that comes with pruning and refining but rather is a gentle forming. Lately, I have been beseeching my King for wisdom and for Him to search me and make known to me areas in which I need improvement.

Two answers came to these sincere prayers. One was in the form of a book which was given to me by a dear sister in Christ. Though she was not aware of my heartfelt pleading to my King, it was placed on her heart to share this book (which she had read) with me. It has truly been a blessing! The book is BOUNDARIES: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life by (believers) Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Within its pages the written words pierce my heart and give biblical answers.

The second response to my prayers came in the form of a person…a very biblical, knowledgeable, sister in Christ…my aunt. As God would have it, my aunt and uncle were on vacation in the Carolinas when their hometown was hit by terrible weather and they got snowed out. Even though the steep road which leads to their home was plowed, the ground is too cold for the salt to make a difference and the precipitous street cannot be used. We received a call after 10:00 p.m. Saturday night asking if they could come here for a bit, until they would be able to return to their house. They arrived Sunday evening and fellowship with them has truly been an unexpected, indescribable blessing to my soul!

My aunt, so filled with understanding of God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit has been counseling me on the 10 year tribulation I have been seeking the Lord though. As a lady whose heart beats with love for our Heavenly Father and speaks as the Holy Spirit leads her heart, her wisdom and advice has been (and continues to be) immeasurable!

The combination of the two blessings from my King has once again paved the way before me.

There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. (Proverbs 15:10. ESV.) Cloud and Townsend remind me, "To rescue people from the natural consequences of their behavior is to render them powerless." (BOUNDARIES, Cloud and Townsend, p. 51.)

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:17-18. ESV.)

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:11-13. ESV.)

…for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. (John 12:43. ESV.)

Cloud and Townsend also remind me, "Separating ourselves protects love, because we are taking a stand against things that destroy love." (BOUNDARIES, Cloud and Townsend, p.54.)

I have been fighting the good fight for 10 years! Not one year, not five years, but 10 years…and that is a long time. I will continue to do my part and seek the will of the Lord and wisdom…only from a safe distance.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. (Proverbs 22:3, 27:12. ESV.)

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16. ESV.)

C. S. Lewis on What God Foreknows

C. S. Lewis on What God Foreknows
(Desiring God Ministries: John Piper)

Reflecting on why God put Abraham’s faith to the test by commanding him to offer his son, Lewis says,

“If God then is omniscient, he must have known what Abraham would do, without any experiment. Why then this needless torture?” But as St. Augustine points out, whatever God knew, Abraham at any rate did not know that his obedience would endure such a command until the event taught him: and the obedience which he did not know that he would choose, he cannot be said to have chosen. The reality of Abraham’s obedience was the act itself; and what God knew in knowing that Abraham “would obey” was Abraham’s actual obedience on that mountain top a that moment. To say that God “need not have tried the experiment” is to say that because God knows, the thing known by God need not to exist. (The Problem of Pain, 101)

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The Many Ways of Destroying the Church

The Many Ways of Destroying the Church
(Tim Challies)

‘If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple (1 Cor. 3:17).” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Reflecting on the Reason for the Season

I love these blog posts from Noel Piper re: Santa/Christmas:

Jesus Tree

Thinking About Santa

If Not Santa, What?

Christmas Dilemma

I am without a car and devoid of money, which poses a double dilemma for me…how and what am I going to get my loved ones for Christmas?

I suppose I could search the web and local businesses for all the freebees I can get…and to start brainstorming creative gift ideas. I do have a "white elephant" gift (I won) and I can make some cookies to pass along but other than that I have nothing tangible to offer…except maybe some homemade cards (and a smile).

Now, before I go and make the illusion of a pity party for myself I want to make something very clear…I am thankful for where God has me in this season! It (though it may not appear to be) is a very special blessing and answer to a deep heartfelt prayer I have been repeating for many months (at least 6-12 if memory serves). My joy is in my sovereign King who as a Father has given His daughter her most genuine and pure of heart request. The lack of a vehicle and funds is merely a small technicality in a vast ocean of a blessing.

And here, in the midst of this sin of worry, is where I NEED to stop listening to myself, start preaching to myself, and take careful consideration of all my thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches me to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." A post by 9Marks was an excellent reminder to me of this and James 1 which talks about testing of faith.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing…. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him…. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:1-4, 12, 26-27. ESV.)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:33-34. ESV.)

Matthew 5:20: 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

1 King 3:11-14: And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."

1 Timothy 4:8: for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Peter 3:9: Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

James 4:13-14: Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"— 14yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

As for the creative gift ideas…here are some websites I have found with really neat suggestions and recipes.

100 Home-Made Gift Ideas

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10 - For Any Occasion of the Year!

Free and Low-Cost Christmas Gifts: Homemade Christmas Gifts that Won't Break the Bank

Through Love Serve One Another

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (James 1:23-24. ESV.)

This scripture reminds me of an illustration about which I read in a book. (It is my opinion the author's picture was reminiscent of Matthew 7:3-5.) He wrote about a person looking at his/her reflection in a mirror and rather than seeing the dirt on his/her own face instead claimed the mirror to be dirty.

Unlike the Matthew 7:3-5 reference, James 1:23-24 is speaking of those who hear the word of God and do not do it.

Romans 2:13: For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

James 2:14-20: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Matthew 7:24-27: "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

John 13:17: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Galatians 5:13: For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Peter 2:16: Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

John 8:32: and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

You Lord have created me and know the deepest depths of my soul. You have searched me and know my heart. You and you alone will judge me according to Your laws.

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm1:1-2. ESV.)

Trusting God Through Unemployment, Part 1

Trusting God Through Unemployment, Part 1
(9Marks: Greg Gilbert)

How Do You Deal With All This Suffering?

How Do You Deal With All This Suffering?
(9Marks: Michael Mckinley)

O Little Town of Controversy

O Little Town of Controversy
(Jews for Jesus: David Brickner)

Take a tour to Israel and there is one town you'll need to think twice about visiting.

Matt Chandler’s Pathology Report and a Call to Continued Prayer

Matt Chandler’s Pathology Report and a Call to Continued Prayer
(The Gospel Coalition)

An update from the Village Church on the pathology report that Matt and Lauren Chandler received yesterday:

Christmas Blessing: North Korea is underway!

Christmas Blessing: North Korea is underway!
(Voice of the Martyrs: Persecution Weblog)

It’s begun. One of our most exciting Christmas Blessing projects has been launched and we are tremendously excited.

If Our heart Does Not Condemn Us, We Have Confidence Before God

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5. NKJV.)

I saw this scripture in the comments section of a dear sister in Christ's blog and it was such an indescribable blessing to me that I had to share it!!!

I feel it is so easy to look at a person's life and pick it to pieces (at times tearing down instead of lifting up). However, without taking a single step in their shoes leaves portions missing to the (sometimes complex) puzzle. Only knowing someone on the surface leaves much to be discovered as though looking at them in the dark while they shine a flashlight on their own face. Features look distorted, perhaps unrecognizable or questionable. It is my opinion that a lot of hard work goes into truly knowing an individual just as it takes a lot to dig deep into God's word. Merely staying on the exterior (top layer) leads to misunderstanding.

Out and out sin is one thing (James 4:17, Revelations 21:8, among many others) but preference is something completely different! For example, my personal partialities range from little things (like teaching Sunday school instead of volunteering elsewhere in the church) that do not really make waves, to mediocre things (that stir up emotions in others at times) such as working in the home (rather than out of the home) and "homeschooling", to bigger things that can really cause a ruckus and get juices flowing - for instance favoring Calvinism over Arminianism. Only God can see hearts. Now that is not to say there should not be discernment as Matthew 10:16 teaches "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves". What I am saying is,

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17.)

Further scripture on the matter:

Acts 23:1: I have lived my life before God in all good conscience…

Job 9:15: Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser (judge).

1 John 3:21: Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;

Matthew 13:29: But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.

Romans 2:16: on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:13: each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

2 Corinthians 10:18: For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

1 Corinthians 3:8: He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (James 1:23-24. ESV.)

Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable. (Job 36:26. ESV.)

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18. ESV.)

for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7. ESV.)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8. ESV.)

But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3. ESV.)

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:11-12. ESV.)