Hello friends,

So, the kitchen is open a couple of weeks earlier than expected.  I’ve got a few goodies to share with you. I suppose you could consider these little tidbits appetizers of sorts, or better yet, how about some tapas? I’m still working on some larger items which I will tell you about towards the end, but in the meantime …

I stumbled upon this John Newton quote early one morning on my way to work. “And prisons would palaces prove, If Jesus would dwell with me there.”  Conversely, without Christ, palaces can be like prisons. This is what so many discontented people don’t get – especially those who espouse a worldview which aims for utopia here on earth. Both rich and poor alike are slaves without Christ.

On the subject of utopia, here’s a quote I’m half-tempted to share with some of the lingering OWS’ers here in the financial district, many of whom appear slightly dazed that their movement has all but fizzled out.  “Self-pity is a powerful, negative attitude that gives rise to many, many excuses for sin. People fall into Satan’s trap of giving themselves “permission” to sin to compensate for the difficulties and trials they’ve had to bear. Self-pity is a direct rejection of God’s control. It is saying, “I don’t like what you’ve done in my life, and I absolutely will not be content! I can’t change it, so I’ll just be angry and miserable.” –  (John Youngts, “Everyday Talk, Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children” p. 140.) (HT: Truth Matters)

As part of our leadership training for the young women’s ministry at our church, my ministry partner and I read, “The True Woman” by Susan Hunt. Oddly enough, both us, according to God’s good pleasure, are childless and probably always will be.  As women who do daily enter the workplace, we looked forward to hearing what Susan Hunt had to say about domesticity. Here’s a brief excerpt from that chapter, “… we must identify ourselves with the people of God. This means moving beyond a casual involvement in our local church … Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and friends who take children to church and enfold them into the life of covenant community help them to make this identification. These women make church feel like home.”  (Susan Hunt, “The True Woman” pages 194-195) This challenge is for us, my sisters.  No matter where the boundary lines have fallen, or what season of life you are in, make God’s people your business by making your church a refuge, a safe haven, — a home.

And since we’re on the subject of the workplace, every now and then someone will find out I work on Wall Street and they’ll ask me for a “tip”.  As if! So, here’s a tip for ya!  “Buy low, sell high.”  Now beat it!  Scram. Get outta here.  Ridiculous.

More and more it is evident that women need to know how to rightly handle the Word of God.  We do this first and foremost because we love Jesus. But we have a secondary motive, too.  So many trusted teachers, even within the Reformed camp, are veering to the left and right. This excerpt, compliments of Delighting Grace , articulates the importance of becoming a woman of the Word.

“One of our greatest needs as women is to become women of the Word, so that our prayers, our responses, and our words are saturated with God’s way of thinking. The world does not need to hear our opinions. When friends approach us for advice about dealing with their children, their boss, their finances, their fears, their depression, or other issues, they don’t need to hear what we think. We should be able to take them to the Word and say, “I don’t have the answers you need, but I know Someone who does. Here’s what God’s Word has to say about this situation.”

God didn’t intend for pastors to be the only ones who point people to the Word. Each of us should be able to use the Word effectively, not only in our worship and our own walk, but also in ministering to the needs of others. If we’re going to be women of the Word, we must make a priority of spending time daily in the Scripture—reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, personalizing, and praying it back to God—letting Him teach us His ways.” – (Nancy Leigh DeMoss,“Biblical Womanhood in the Home” p. 73)

I’ve been working out pretty hard lately.  Here’s a picture of me and my friend at the gym. 🙂

For those believers still seeking a greater “sign and wonder” than the conversion of a sinful heart, here’s one for you!

And this is my little tri-pawd, Jake, just before getting tossed off my reading chair. Actually, I didn’t toss him at all.  How could I? I snuggled with him instead. Two things I would like to say about my little dawgie: (1) Pit-Bulls are such a misunderstood breed. I used to be afraid of them but now I’m the biggest advocate. (2) Please don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a breeder when so many animals need a loving home.  Go to your local pet shelter and rescue a dog or cat — or a weasel, or a rabbit, or a reptile.

This excerpt from the diary of James Smith, reminds us of grace.  Saving grace and keeping grace. Bless God for that! “How much I require to humble me, empty me, and keep me in my proper place! How often do I perceive that but for the Lord’s keeping — I would be undone!  I cannot be trusted for one moment!  I see it, I feel it, I confess it before God; and yet if others were to say so of me, or to me — how would my pride be hurt! …. It grieves me, that I not only procure trouble to myself — but that I trouble others; and if God were to withhold His grace — I would do but little else! However, God has promised grace — and grace will pardon what it does not prevent. But the pardon is often preceded by bitter experience, arising from conviction, self-reproach, fear, darkness, bondage, and distance from God. O for preventing grace — as well as pardoning grace!”  

As the tenor of civil discourse continues to decline in this country, I find it ironic that Democratic officials continue to liken Republicans to Nazi’s all the meanwhile championing Planned Parenthood whose founder, Margaret Sanger, was a proponent of eugenics, an evil practice associated with the Third Reich. If I were a journalist, I’d write an article.

Last night I dragged myself to prayer meeting.  And I do mean drag because sometimes it’s hard after a long work week.  But I’m glad I did because we prayed for this nation.  More importantly, we prayed for the church.  In that vein, Paul Washer hits the nail on the head with this quote: “The problem is not liberal politicians, its evangelical preachers.” Please pray that God would raise up fearless men who, in the spirit of the reformers, will call the church back to the old paths. So much to say on that topic …

 As I mentioned in my last post, our next young women’s meeting is September 21st.  Having spent the summer being deliberate about getting to know our girls and building relationships, we concluded that a simple presentation of the Gospel was in order.  Please pray that God would help us convey the message of salvation in Christ alone adequately. I hope to share that message here on the blog.

Also, I’ve been preparing for our series on “Justification by Faith”. R.C. Sproul calls this doctrine the “storm center of the Reformation.” Calvin and Luther understood the church to rise or fall on this doctrine. I expect to share more as I continue studying.  As in the past, I welcome recommendations and suggestions — provided of course, that you come from a vantage point of belief.  If not, please keep it to yourself.

Next Saturday, September 15th, I have a special treat for you.  Our dear sister Rosemary, who blogs at Rosemary at Home, has contributed a beautiful piece for “The Legacy Series”.  Her story will encourage you to trust the hand of God amidst all the painful providences of your life. Reading her post, I am reminded that one never knows what rugged road our friends have traveled until they open up.

So, that’s it for now.  Please keep praying for our country and especially the church.  That God would have mercy, grant us repentance, and that there would be a new reformation in our day.

Finally, here’s a little cuteness for your day!