January 31 - Quietness

Oh my goodness. My head is spinning. Have you ever started to clean out some small compartment and found hours later that you have completely dissassembled the entire room! Well, I feel like that with today's reading! Here's how it has gone...

I read Streams and I highlighted a few things, one of which was the reference in the poem to Jesus as our "Elder Brother." I really liked that because I always wanted an older brother to look out for me. I have often thought of God as my father, Jesus as a husband, but never Jesus as my Brother. Anyhow, I went on to read Job 34 from which the verse for today's passage was taken: "He giveth queitness." I always like to do this to see the context of the verse and make sure I understand the occassion and the audience. (Too often I have seen verses misused because of man twisting them to mean what he wants to hear, so I find this step of our devotion very important.)

The context of this verse is regarding oppression of wicked men toward the poor. God hears crys of the afflicted and gives quietness. The occassion is Elihu (one of Job's friends) has listened to Job's defense in which he justifies himself rather than God. Elihu's wrath is arroused because of the poor council given by Job's three other friends, their inability to respond to Job's defense (they are 'dumb struck') and Job's self-righteouss claims. The audience is Elihu speaking directly to Job regarding the disciplinary and redemptive role of suffering, and the truth that no one is really innocent therefore God denies no one justice.

That said, in this particular verse, Elihu is repsonding to Job's accusation that the wicked do not see God's judgement. Elihu says that in fact God does hear the cries of the afflicted and gives quietness. I really like what he says in the rest of the verse, "when He hides His face, who then can see Him, whether it is against a nation or a man alone?" Sometimes it may seem as though God's face is hidden and he is not seeing our distress. This is what took me to Matthew 8:21 to follow up on the beginning of Streams where it talked about Jesus calming the storm.

The disciples did infact think that Jesus was "unaware" or that His face was "hidden" from their distress .

I then was prompted to read the sermon notes from my pastor (Pastor Paul Viggiano) on this passage and, although, all of it is edifying, I will put here just a few of the nuggets. You can click HERE if you want to read the sermon notes in full.

"Jesus, true to our experience, gives the appearance of being uninvolved...'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' Have you not been tempted to ask that question during the storms of your life?...(the disciples)failed to realize that Jesus, the man slept, but Jesus, the living God, never slumbers" Psalm 121:1-4 confirms that He does not slumber (love this song by Sons of Korah by the way).

"Let us never mistake God's apparent idleness to be genuine inacitivity on His part. His actions, be they blessings and curses are sure. God is not unaquainted or indifferent to your storm."

My pastor points out that Jesus corrected the disciples before He spoke to the storm...seemingly out of sequence. Wouldn't you rather He calm the storm first and then talk to you about it? But my pastor points out, "we are often most malleable amidst life's tempests." Now, I can certainly vouch for this. When I'm down and out...there is no where else to turn...but to Him.

Next, I love how my pastor asks the question, "(Would God) create a storm merely to instruct?" and then sites the passage Psalm 107:23-32. You have to read it...right now!

Lastly, there is this, my favorite point in the notes,

• "What had perhaps escaped their attention--what perhaps escapes the attention of many--is that Jesus is not merely the calmer of storms, He is the raiser of storms.


• Popular yet unbiblical is the notion that God is not the ultimate and first cause of our troubles--


• even employing Satan for His own desired ends (John 13:27).


• All of creation is His classroom and His children are His beloved students.


• Hence fear is always mixed with a want of faith."

(I added the bullets just to break out the points being made :)

I could go on and on, especially since the sermon notes go on to talk about whether or not fear is always an act of faithlessness, and my oldest son and I were discussing the sin of fear on the way to school this morning. But I think I have made the point that I am getting at, and that is, when you open your Bible...you never know where it will take you. Don't be afraid to dig deeper and deeper.

January 30 - As The Dew

It wasn't that long ago that I didn't even open my Bible every day. My spirit was "drooping for lack of dew.' Sometimes, I dare say, it was near shrivelling. But, even in these times, God was still using me. He was still directing my paths. Through the desert, I travelled parched...and that parched spirit magnified and intensified the dew when, at last, I arrived, ready to be tended by Him. Many times of late I have said, "I never want to go back to who I was before October 7th." Why? Because, now I am rich where then I was poor. Now I feel satiated in His Spirit...even in difficult times, I have a peace.

A quick look at the archives will reveal a break in my posting. Where once I was diligent in almost daily posting, there comes a reprieve. For those that know me intimately, it is not hard to guess why. I suffer from depression. And, it is my habit, to retreat into my shell when the clouds close in on me. But this last gloom was different. Though, physically the same, even emotionally the same, my spirit was not tread upon. Instead, I longed for heaven...for completion. Though I did not post, I read my streams every day. I read my Bible. There were times when I did not "hear" anything to help me...but I knew that the action, the commitment to do it anyway, was of utmost important. On January 23rd we read, "Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith..." It was faith to keep reading Streams and the Bible. It was faith to not let go when I didn't "feel" comfort or help.

Prior to October 7th, I would have allowed this slump to take me away from my soon to come"dew." Not having received the "quick fix," I would have put the Bible in a drawer and gone on, headed toward the desert and parching again. But, faith that has been strengthened kept me close. "We can counterpoise and overcome the other law that bears us down... (with) real spiritual energy and fixed purpose and a settled posture and a habit of faith." (Streams January 27th).

"...When the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according the the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." -Titus 3:4-8

So...even when it doesn't make you "feel" good and even if you don't "feel" like doing it, read, be still and know that He is God...because you have faith, you read. The blessings will follow...because He says so.

Stablish, Strengthen, Settle You

So, today the devotion talks about a "natural law in sin and sickness" and if we just let go and sink into our circumstances, this law will lead us downward, away from the things of God and into the power of Satan. It also states that there is another law of spiritual life and of physical life in the Lord, which we can seek after... which will overcome the heavy, burdendsome, natural law. It goes on to say that this takes effort and a "habit of faith."



This idea of working in our faith sometimes seems antithetical to grace, but of course, we know it isn't. I believe the author is right in implying that we need to work at our spiritual life. There are all sorts of ways of working at it, even being still before the Lord is a sort of working at it.

We have to show up to meet with Him in His word. We have to talk to Him to get to know Him better. When I first became a Christian, my college youth leader said that when people are asked about their walk with God, some say they are coasting along just fine. He then pointed out that in order to coast, you need to be going down hill, meaning that coasting isn't how we want our spiritual life. I guess we need that uphill struggle to keep us growing in godly ways.



Towards the end of the devotion, the author seems to be saying that God needs us to plug in for Him to work. I believe He will work anyway. He isn't dependent on our actions, however, he blesses us by allowing us to be plugged in. In fact, He is the plugger inner.



May we all seek God in an active way.

Feelings or No Feelings

"His promise of remembrance is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses." Our senses fail us time and time again - think of that bag game, you know the one where you stick your hand in a brown bag and try to feel and guess what you are feeling. That can be tricky and sometimes we guess wrong - or have you ever taken the pepsi challenge? My taste buds failed me numerous times with that challenge. Better yet, think of matters of the heart - have you ever made a bad decision and then made the comment "but it really felt right at the time"? Our senses WILL fail us BUT God never will. He knows what we need WAY more than we know what we need. He has a perfect plan for us and sometimes that includes witholding something we think we need - like encouragement, a sense of peace, a restored relationship, health or well, you get the picture. Of course, God never witholds these things longer than we NEED. He is so FAITHFUL and worthy of believing no matter the circumstance.

January 21 - The Open Secret

"Grief has always been the lot of greatness.
It is an open secret."

Yes, tis true. The Bible does tell of the suffering we shall endure and goes a step further telling us how to handle such suffering. And yet, it is like being warned of how your life changes when children arrive...you can be told but not understand until you are in the midst of it. Or, as an 'empty nest' mother said to me yesterday, "I think to myself, no one told me how hard it would be." But, perhaps, we are told but lack understanding. There is no way to prepare yourself for lessons which are only understood through experience. It is as if, sorrow is a hands on course. It is very much an "open secret"...it is known but still vailed.

"With seams of anguish deep in His brow, the "Man of Sorrows" said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation"--but after this sob comes the psalm of promise, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Yes, tis true. We all face tribulations of different sorts. Our sorrows are our own to bear and only His aid (the Word) brings releif.

I wanted to share this beautiful poem I came across which is such comfort to me. It encapsulates the desire of longing to go but willing it stay. I can read it over and over and never tire of its sweet saddness and obedient acquiesence. I hope that it blesses you also.

The Distant Voices
by Anna Shipton

Nearer and nearer day by day the distant voices come;
Soft through the pearly gate they swell, and seem to call me home.
The lamp of life burns faint and low; ay: let it fainter burn;
For who would weep the failing lamp when birds announce the morn?
I saw the faces of my loved gleam through the twilight dim,
And softly on the morning air arose the heaven-born hymn.
With looks of love they gazed on me, as none gaze on me now;
The glory of the Infinite surrounded every brow.
Fair lilies, star-like in the bloom, and waving palms they bore,
And oh, the smiles of peace and joy those heavenly faces wore!
Thou who hast fathomed death's dark tide, save me from death's alarms;
Beneath my trembling soul, oh, stretch Thine everlasting arms!
No second cross, no thorny crown can bruise Thy sacred brow;
Thou who the wine-press trod alone, o'er the dark wave bear me now.
A parting hour, a pang of pain, and then shall pass away
The veil that shrouds Thee where Thou reign'st in everlasting day.
No sin, no sigh, no withering fear, can wring the bosom there;
But basking in Thy smile I shall Thy sinless service share.
How long, O Lord, how long before Thou'lt take me by the hand,
And I, The weakest child, at last among Thy children stand?
Beyond the stars that steadfast shine my spirit pines to soar,
To dwell within my Father's house, and leave that home no more.
O Lord, Thou hast with angel food my fainting spirit fed;
If 'tis Thy will I linger here, bless Thou the path I tread;
And though my soul doth pant to pass within the pearly gate,
Yet teach me for Thy summons, Lord, in patience still to wait.

13 January ~ God Has Chosen Me

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isa. 48:10).

The burden of suffering seems a tombstone
hung about our necks,
while in reality
it is only the weight which is necessary
to keep down the diver
while he is hunting for pearls.
~ Richter

While circumstances smile I forget that it is the pearls of God's wisdom and truth that are my treasures. When the tide turns and the waters become murky I seek out the depths of clarity found in God's Word and I discover a richness beyond measure.
The knowledge of His Sovereignty and His Goodness revealed in His Word sustain me when all earthly supports fail.

A blessed Lord's Day to all...rest in Him.

January 9 - Suffering Toward Perfection

I loved the story of the moth becuase we (humans) are far too shortsighted. We seldom see the big picture. Especially in the culture we live in. Fast food, fast fun, fast communication...there is very little time to pause and look toward the future. My dad used to tell me, "If you want something done, do it yourself." In addition to that he would tell me, "Don't do a "mickey mouse" job." Together it meant, if you want it done, do it and do it right. So, I go through life doing what needs to be done. If there's a job to be done...do it. I can easily see myself looking at the cocoon and saying, "oh, just let ME do it for you." And, then there would be the poor broken moth. Never able to live up to its capacity. Have you ever said, "I wish I could be sick instead of 'so and so' or "I wish it had been 'so and so' who 'such and such' instead of 'so and so'." We are putting our thinking before God's knowledge. It is a sneaky deception creeping into our hearts in which we assume we know who could have benefited more from the situation.

"False Tenderness" was a phrase that struck me between the eyes. Anything with the word "False" attached to it is repelling...false teacher, false prophet, false accusation, etc. It's as if you don't want to have anything to do with it. But, how easily we can be guilty of false tenderness, as described in the previous paragraph. The pretense of being sympathetic and instead blasphemeing God's perfect purpose/plan/glory. I have decided that any words of compassion not drawn from one of God's 66 infallible books of The Bible are 'false tenderness.' For we have nothing to offer from ourselves. It is only God through us that can comfort.

This week, as I have hushed my new nephew's cries on many occasions, I have often thought of C-bug crying on her 10th bday. She cried out for her daddy while her mom and I held her...never once telling her "shhhhhhh." It was hard for me to hold a crying child and not hush the tears. How often our weak minds want to "hush" suffering...cut it short...put an end to it. But it has a purpose. Tears are as important as a smile or hearty laugh. God has called each of us to different circumstances and we each have a different capacity of emotion. It is all a part of His plan to carry out His glory. We must not hush suffering or try to cut the moth out of his cocoon. We must watch and learn...and endure.

Lastly, I have often thought, would Sixbit have wanted it any other way? Were death to knock at the door, would he have wanted his wife or children to have taken his place? NO and YES. He would have not thwarted God's plan...for such was his character. He, like Abraham, would have obediently offered up any of his family members including himself to please His Heavenly Father. Who are we to judge what God should do...who are we to say "it's not fair." Who are we to try and take away the suffering that our sister and her children endure? We must be a source of encouragement for them. Continually praising their reliance on God's strength. Do not cut away at the cocoon, or the means by which they are growing and struggling toward God, instead sing hymns to them, send scripture, read the Bible aloud, hold a hand, hug without hushing...let tears fall, cry together. Praise together...this is how we encourage one another...not by silence, not in quiet places...
Live Out Loud
Love Out Loud
Praise Out Loud
Encourage Out Loud
He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorow
AND HIS MERCIES NEVER END

January 7 - Be Content

The Heartsease, also known as the Jonny Jump Up...who'duh thunk it!

Do you find yourself reading today's devotion and still struggling? I am an optimist...my glass is half full most always. and this is how I see it...there is always something or someone for which you can give thanks. When discontent creeps in, shine the light of this thankfulness on it. For instance, when sick and feverish, coughing and cold...shine the light "I'm thankful it is me and not _____." When friends have forsaken you or dissapointed you, "I'm thankful Christ never will." When pain and hopelessness threaten your joy, "I'm thankful my loved ones are not terminally ill."
We all have suffering---in different capacities---and every one can shine the light of thanksgiving to chase away the shadows and darkness. Futhermore, He is the Light!

January 2 - UPward NOT Forward

"Many Saints are content to live like men in coal mines." Typically, I think of contentness as a good and holy attribute. But here the writer is challenging us NOT to be content in our spiritual walk. Spurgeon tells ust to press on toward the goal - just as the apostle Paul said. We need to be content with where God has placed us, our circumstances, but never with our walk to Christ.

Often times, this world can distract us from keeping our focus upward. So much busyness around us, can make our heads drop as we begin to look forward and not upward. It is unavoidalbe and yet resistable.

Continually, at His feet, day by day, we must ask Him to raise our heads and eyes to focus upward. We must weigh every decision in the light of His will. When I wake up in the morning, I am flooded with thoughts of all I have to do...my eyes are forward. But when I take a breath and say, "What will You have me do today, Lord?" He raises my eyes upward. I say, "I will do today what He will have me do." This is freedom from the burden to get it all done. This is how I decide between dishes and storytime. I have come to terms with cleanliness and orderliness. When my children are grown and moved out...my home will be in order. Until then, I will have clean toilets and bed sheets; I will have lots of time to spend with my children, helping them to raise their heads and eyes upward, always upward.

Jan 1 - E.D.'s Challenge

In case any of our blog readers do not read all of the comments, I wanted to repost the challenge from E.D. for our lives in 2008. This is something small that we can all do and it will greatly enrich our lives.

"I challenge all that read this blog to write out your "hither to" - remember all that God has done for you by writing it in a journal. What a great exercise to see the evidence of God at work mightily in your life! "

It is also very Biblical. On Thanksgiving, my mother in love asked us to read Psalm 136 aloud. Rob read the first half of each verse and everyone said in one voice, the second half of the verse, "For His mercy endures forever." Taking time to right down your 'stones of remembrance' will help you create your own Psalm 136. And perhaps, by Thanksgiving 2008, you will have a version of your own to read aloud.

Last night, during our family devotion, we were told to 'write down some of the great things God has done for you.' I immediately thought of this challenge. But as we went around the room...do you know it was harder than I thought it would be...not for the children...but for Rob and I. So, don't take this challenge lightly. As adults, we are less grateful than children. Our children do not have jobs, money, etc. to fool them into thinking they provide for themselves. As adults, we can easily be fooled into thinking we contribute to our own success...In FACT, it is all from God. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..."(Eph.1:5a) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17) We must beware of deception!