Tell the Good News!

I love being around you and your classmates. I always gain insight into your surroundings which enables me to pray more intelligently! When I have the privilege to attend your school, one classmate always comes to my attention. One can’t help but notice him. His topic of conversation is the same, his adoption. John (not his real name) was adopted at age seven from an orphanage in one of the “stans”. He testifies that after Jesus, his earthly adoption is the highlight of his life. During my last visit, he explained the scenario in a little more detail. What great joy he experienced when the authorities informed him of his adoption.

During the first six years of his life, I’m sure he wondered, “will I ever be adopted?”. Not many parents are brave enough to adopt an older child. I’m sure the chances grow slimmer the older they become. John now lives in deep gratitude of God’s mercy. He went from a lonely life to a loving home; a home where he is taught the Gospel John can’t help but speak about this miraculous event that forever changed his life.

Our adoption into God’s family is no different.

We were once separated, alienated from God, without hope, without God. But, God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions rescued us. He transferred us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. He adopted us!

This miraculous salvation should dominate our thoughts and our speech. Witnessing to the lost should be easy. We must learn from John and boldly proclaim our salvation and our testimony of God’s love for us to everyone, everywhere.

Ps 145:9-12 Your godly ones shall......... speak of the glory of the Your kingdom and talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts.

High Position; Lowly Walk*

Beloveds, how royal we are! Because of the blood, we have been declared holy and blameless, we have an inheritance in heaven, we are seated in the heavenly places with Christ. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Underneath the water's surface, our inheritance is so vast, so rich, so mysterious, it's incomprehensible.

In sharp contrast, life on earth, as a follower of Christ, is polar opposite! It's a lowly call and a lonely walk. Picture the cross. That's your life!!! In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

In Phil 2 Paul says that we are to take the form of a bond-servant and become obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

That's radical obedience. That's a humble walk. So, don't be surprised with the plans God has for you. It's lowly, but it leads to eternal life.

Many want heaven, but they don't want the cross. Choose Christ. Choose the cross.

I love you.


*Title adapted from a title from one of John McArthur's sermons (Eph 4) Great sermons!

More Than the Watchmen for the Morning

I love mornings! I wish mornings lasted all day! Why? Because I have the privilege of rolling out of bed, drinking my coffee, and praying for you. Praying for you is cake! Pure joy! A great privilege, a tremendous blessing. I may fail in many ways as a Mom, but I pray I never fail to pray for you.

Yesterday morning, I prayed Ps 130 for you. Powerful passage! Look at the promises! Forgiveness, lovingkindness, abundant redemption!!! It's all ours in Christ Jesus. What more could we ask, my beloveds? What more could we ask?

We are helpless sinners, but we have a fabulous Savior. He will never forsake us. He will hear our prayers. He will forgive. He will redeem. That's why I shout with the Psalmist: "I wait for the Lord, More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.

He is coming. He will answer!!! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lean to watch and wait, more than the watchmen for the morning. It's the most productive work you can do.

Don't Waste Your Life*

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Beloveds, this weekend while Matthew was sick and we all sluggishly existed, the TV became central. I found, as always, the content and values of TV to be in direct opposition to God’s Word On the surface, many of the programs seem harmless, but they’re not. They are deceiving. Even, toxic to your mind.

Why is this? Most programs are written and produced by fools. A fool is someone who does not live according to the Word. They write and produce from an unregenerate heart. Therefore, don’t pollute your lives with their words, actions, and values.

A steady diet of TV is no different from “being a companion of fools”. God solemnly warns us: “The companion of fools will suffer harm” Don’t waste your life.* You were chosen, bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body. That includes your actions and activities.

I love you.

*"Don't waste your life" taken from John Piper's Book "Don't Waste Your Life"

You Have "Unending" Life Lines Left

One of my favorite things to do with you, my beloveds, is watch game shows. "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" is one of them. As you know, typically on game shows, each contestant has three lifelines. Once depleted, the player is defeated.

Thankfully, in the life of a Christian, defeat is not possible. We have unending lifelines. So, when puzzled and perplexed at your circumstances, call on the promises, they are your lifelines. They are your very present help in time of trouble. They will redeem you from the pit. They will cause you to soar as on eagles wings above the choppy sea of trials beneath you.

No need to despair.
Remember, understanding God and your circumstances are never required, believing the promises are. Get in the Word, call on His name, rest in the countless promises. You will find yourself singing.

David clinged to God's promises and His Word in all his affliction.
Ps 119:92
If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction.