“A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, […] waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting for our response to His presence. This eternal world will come alive to us the moment we begin to reckon upon its reality.” -A.W. Tozer
Make room in your hearts
today!
The King has come
and is on His way!
Prepare the home
for Him
to enter in,
do not delay!
Jesus our Guest
is worthy
of the best,
the finest we can bring.
Are you ready
to host
Christ
the King?
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” -Romans 10:17
When my son was seven or eight he began sitting with me and my husband in worship service at church. Generally children starting at age five sit with their parents, but with his autism and developmental delay, the leaders graciously allowed my son to stay with the younger children a little longer. I learned a lot as Jesse participated in church with me and my husband. The first few years were quite bumpy and I know I was discouraged plenty of times. It is a learned skill for anyone to sit still in church, but especially for those given to hand flapping, involuntary noises and overall fidgeting. I quickly learned to pack his backpack the night before with books and quiet toys to keep his hands busy.
I remember taking him out of the sanctuary often because it was too much for him and a distraction for others. We would go to an unused quiet room where I could still hear the sermon and Jesse had more freedom to get the wiggles out. Still, we trained him, because my husband and I wanted to sit together as a family one day in church without interruption. But we were also cognizant of our fellow church members who showed us immense grace. It was their worship time too and we in turn wanted to demonstrate courtesy as they listened to the sermon, seeking to feed their souls.
As we have recently visited other churches it came as a shock to realize that this is not a courtesy all parents with younger children share. Perhaps because we have worked hard to get our son not to disturb others in church for years, it is disappointing to witness parents who have not considered their church family when meeting for worship. It becomes an issue of treating others the way you want to be treated.
By the end of the week my soul needs tending through the preached word. The preached word is a special means of grace which should not be taken lightly. It is a command for believers to frequently meet together (Hebrews 10:25) and sit under the preached word of God. But how can one receive this ministry if the competing sounds during a sermon are constant chatter, whining or crying? It is not beyond Satan to use adorable children as tools for distraction. Inaction to take children out who are causing a scene is disrespectful to the pastor who labors in preparing the sermon, inconsiderate to those trying to listen, but most importantly, irreverent to God. The consistent disruptive behavior in the middle of worship does not honor Him.
Most churches have a crying room, a nursing mother’s room or even an empty Sunday school room where parents can take their children and attend to their needs. It may be for a few months or years a parent will need to take their children out of service as they train them. This is a necessary training period which does require parental sacrifice to sometimes miss sitting in corporate worship. The good news is it does not last forever, and if done right, they will one day enjoy worshipping together as a family. But young parents are not doing any favors for their children by overlooking disruptive behavior. Who will teach them if the Christian parent refuses?
The grace that is extended to parents with young ones should also be reciprocated by showing like courtesy to those in corporate worship. If no one can hear the message because a child is too loud, then what is the point of attending church? There may be someone who needs to hear the gospel for the first time or a struggling believer who needs to be reminded that Christ died for their sins. If church leaders turn a blind eye to this lack of reverence they are not properly defending their sheep. Do they think they are more merciful than God by allowing consistently disruptive behavior to continue? Church worship then becomes nothing more than a show.
What if an older woman in the church gently pulled the young mother aside? I imagine a scene where the older embraces the worn out mom in a hug, because she’s been there too, knee-deep in motherhood. The seasoned mother perhaps encourages the younger by telling her how wonderful it is that she and her husband desire not only to come to church, but participate in corporate worship as a family. This is to be commended. Older women in the faith can also communicate that while children are a blessing, sometimes it can be hard to hear the sermon when they are too loud. They can gently suggest she use the empty crying room when it is too much for the children to sit quietly.
All truth must come from love when spoken, no matter how difficult or awkward. Seasoned with grace, even uncomfortable confrontations can be peaceable. This calls for courage and discernment from the older in the faith, but it is a command given to them to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-5), whether it is well received or not. Likewise, an elder can address the young father and counsel him in matters of child training (Titus 2:6-8). This is how the local church is to operate practically, which honors the Lord and preserves the purity of worshipping together joyfully!
We serve a holy God who is worthy of our worship and full attention when we gather together as a body of believers. His grace was lavished on rebellious sinners like you and me, His mercy rich toward dead souls- does not the Lord God deserve our reverence in worship?
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” -Hebrews 12:28-29
1 Samuel 12:24; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; Proverbs 22:6
Grace upon grace,
April
We look for stability in an unstable world.
We look for contentment in fleeting pleasures.
We long for roots in our temporary homes.
This world will pass away and so will we. Our memory may be blotted out by mankind, our bodies decay, but the soul remains. Our souls never die. God knows His children whose names are permanently written in the Book of Life. We are never forgotten or forsaken by the Creator and Overseer of our souls. This is the truest reality, the unseen and not yet.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” -Psalm 90:12
Thousands gathered on Sunday at the State Farm stadium in Arizona to remember Charlie Kirk. More were across the street in an overflow location, while the rest of us watched from our living rooms. The scene displayed worship of God and patriotism for America, neither of which we are to be ashamed of. There is room to have a high view of God and gratitude for the country we live in without it becoming idolatrous.
When someone young dies, it makes people stop and consider their own mortality. “If he died so young, then it can happen to me too”. The reality of living under the curse of sin is that death doesn’t have an age number. So the question to consider is, what will we do with the time God has given us?
In Psalm 90, the first psalm written and the only one penned by Moses, we are encouraged to consider how to live our lives well. Moses is writing this at the end of his full 120 year life. He has witnessed an untold number of deaths as an entire generation died in the wilderness. He understood life is short and filled with pain. His prayer is to have wisdom while on earth and to live out the beauty of holiness. The answer to his prayer comes at the end when he pleads, “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, Your splendor to their children. May the beauty of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands” (vv. 14-17). The way to live our lives with wisdom instead of wasting it is to learn how to be satisfied in God alone. This is what enduring joy looks like.
No matter what circumstances we face, enduring joy comes from remembering God’s presence with us always and standing upon the promises of the Bible. For the Christian, the bedrock of His presence and promises came from Calvary. When we live with eternity in view and can say Jesus is enough for us, humility and boldness for Christ will follow. A friend of Kirk’s who is not a professing Christian commented that Charlie was a “joyful warrior”. When you die, will others have to speak of Jesus when they talk about you because He was in everything you did and said?
My prayer is that spiritual revival will spread in this nation and across the world. Seeds were planted on Sunday as the gospel was shared by many speakers. I pray it will take root. The death of Charlie Kirk is an eye opener that this war is spiritual, masked in culture and politics. It is bigger than us, but we serve a big God. We can be faithful to do the works God has prepared for us by simply doing the next right thing out of love for Jesus. My personal world is very small, homeschooling my son with autism. Part of God’s plan for me is to teach him the truth about Jesus through songs of praise, Bible stories and even by my flawed example. Whether you are constantly surrounded by people or less visible in the world, God can and will use you if you surrender to His will of obedience. I pray God gives us more opportunities to share the gospel, encourage other believers to persevere, and disciple those in our sphere of influence.
You were made for such a time as this. It is not an accident that you live where you live, have a certain job or know the people you know. In Kirk’s last interview, just an hour before he was shot, he was asked what life quote he lives by. He answered with Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The Lord is at work. Let’s join Him as He leads on. Matthew Henry in his commentary on Psalm 90 notes, “Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct.” Our enduring joy for now will one day lead to eternal joy if we do not give up. Keep going beloved Christian, imitating the faith of saints who have gone before us.
Grace upon grace,
April
A helpful understanding of Psalm 90 🙂
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” -Psalm 19:1
Currently my son is learning about birds for science. A few days ago we (and I mean we, because homeschool has been my second education) learned about starling birds. Mostly they are a nuisance because of how rapidly their population has grown, but there is one interesting fact. Starlings will group in large numbers and do a type of dance in the sky around dusk. I looked at a number of videos to make sure this wasn’t AI, because their graceful swirls seem almost unbelievable. Here’s a video to see:
If the God of the Universe designed one type of bird to display His glory this way, then how much more does He care for us, created in His image? More than that, how much more are we the beloved Church precious to the One True Living God? I think our understanding of who God is and His love is very limited, but He does give us glimpses in His creation, the church body, the Bible, and in the sacrificial gift of His Son Jesus. God is sovereign over all, which means He knows all about you. Your trials and joys have not escaped Him. He isn’t scrambling for a plan B because He “messed up your life”. The God of Heaven with all glory and power knows those who are His, perfectly loving you every step of the way.
Grace upon grace,
April
God Knows
‘God knows
all about
the boats,’
said an older
missionary
to the younger.
Fretting
over its late
arrival
and missed opportunities
was not on
the older’s agenda-
it was on
God’s.
He knows all about
your trials,
dreams and
circumstances too.
We don’t give
God enough credit
sometimes.
If He perpetually
orders the skies,
commands a blazing
star
to rise by day
and set for
sleep,
if He calls
trees to grow,
birds to gather
flowers to bloom,
is He not
watching over your
every moment too?
If the lioness
hunts for food
as He provides
for the hummingbird
and ladybug,
is He not providing
and protecting
you,
a soul He
fashioned from
nothing?
Give Him glory
for His wisdom
and power,
love and attention
to such a lowly
and favored creature
that is Man.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14
I believe it was J. I. Packer who said, “Trust God and get going.” Waiting is active, faith building muscle with every decision. It takes courage and discernment which the Holy Spirit provides when the Christian asks for it (James 1:5). Throughout this psalm David is steadily trusting in God’s character and promises. This verse is no different, except now action must be taken on his part. Wait on God.
When Christians pray, we bring praises and petitions to the Throne of Grace. The believer must then trust God’s will through those prayers. As we wait for Him to act the believer is also obeying what he already knows to be true in Scripture. Faith is not a passive activity where we treat Yahweh like a genie and sit on our hands. Nor is the faithful Christian to approach life apathetically, with a hyper focus on God’s Sovereignty, thereby excusing man’s responsibility. God has granted Christians the privilege to co-labor with Him. So then, we commit ourselves to His kingdom work each day with courage and power from the Spirit.
For David, and all Christians with seen and unseen enemies, we are to leave room for God’s power and His wrath. Vengeance belongs to Him and He will repay with perfect justice (Romans 12:17-21). This is something David understood, as he entrusted himself to the Lord’s care in this psalm. The longer a believer faithfully walks with God, the more enemies he will accumulate. This is actually a good thing, for if the Christian finds they get along with the world just fine then what it is they are conforming to? Believers are united to one another through Christ, but divisive to worldly standards of doing what is right in our own eyes (Romans 1:18-32).
Truth is hated, therefore God is, so Christians should expect opposition and persecution. It may take on extreme measures, like for David, who ran for his life. It could cost us our jobs, homes, or relationships. Typically in the western world it looks like cancel culture. Being snubbed, treated unfairly, overlooked with intent- these are all ways to inflict harm without directly bearing responsibility. This too, is in the Father’s hands.
The comfort believers have when despised is that nothing is permitted without the Father’s consent. If He allowed David to literally run for his life, it was meant to strengthen his faith, as well as us. Because of David’s experiences we have the beautiful psalms he penned to sustain us in our own weariness. Conformity to Christlikeness is more important to God than easy living. If God knows what is best for His people, and He does, then it is wise to wait for Him to act and not operate out of our own strength. Stay diligent in obedience, trusting in the Almighty’s way. He is our fortress against evil doers and suffering. What then, do we have to fear?
Grace upon grace,
April
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” -Psalm 27:13
I remember when I was young we would visit my aunt’s family in the neighboring county. It was only about a 45 minute drive, but it felt like forever. Car rides seemed so long back then. I don’t think my sister or I ever said “Are we there yet?” out loud, but I definitely thought it. Sometimes we are tempted to get impatient with the Lord’s timing, “why hasn’t He returned yet?” Perhaps we get restless with the monotonous landscape of our lives, or we just want quick relief from all the heaviness life throws at us. Are we almost Home yet? How much further until we get there?
David took comfort in the Lord’s future graces, learning to wait on the Lord’s plans, not his. By taking the long view he was able to serve God wholeheartedly in the present. His life, like all of us, is but a candle, easily snuffed out at the Lord’s command. While God had the shepherd king on earth, he was used by Him. The believer is an instrument of righteousness in God’s armory. He will sustain and keep His beloved children in their faith until it is made sight.
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Throughout this psalm, David’s confidence rests in God’s character and promises. He knows what God can and will do for him. In this verse, the king’s confidence extends even further by obtaining an eternal perspective. Will God always be good to him? Yes. Even when the narrative seems otherwise. Hardship and danger do not cancel out God’s goodness to us but provide a channel of trust in His sovereignty. The end result is always the Lord’s faithfulness. No matter our circumstances, an eternal view for the Christian is peace and freedom to live boldly now. We know how the Story ends. The interim is but a means to that end. When we close our eyes in death it isn’t the end, but the beginning of our forever with the Lord. The purpose of our lives is to be used as holy instruments in the Lord’s hands while He gives us time here on earth.
The land of the living that David refers to is our destination, our true Heavenly Home. While we pilgrim on earth, the children of God live among the children of the world. Wheat and tares must grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:24-30). Then every eye will see the Lord’s glory and bow down. Yet it is only God’s children who will see the fullness of His goodness. It is a promise meant just for us. As if redeeming our dead souls from eternal Hell wasn’t enough, our gracious Father shares His love without end. Think of how much you love your children, grandchildren or spouse. God loves you exponentially more than the love we have in those earthly relationships. His fellowship will be sweeter because we won’t be burdened by spiritual warfare anymore. To be free from sin and a broken world is relief. To enjoy unbroken fellowship with the King of Glory is supreme.
The land of the living has no more night, death or sorrow. Those troubles are banished to Hell. King Jesus lavishes His grace upon grace over the redeemed, as God has promised in Scripture. Christ fulfilled this promise by laying down His life in the place of every Christian. The fullness of God’s promise will be brought to completion at the end of Time when Christ returns. Only believers forever taste and see that God is good. This world is not the end, but a gateway into either Heaven or Hell, depending on what or Who you are trusting to save you. Are you confident in where you will be for eternity? God will rescue all who belong to Him. Then one day, our eyes will close in earthly death and open in the land of the living. You are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
“The earth is the land of the dying.” -Matthew Henry
Growing deeper: Revelation 21
I heard this song for the first time last Easter at my church and loved it. It’s a beautiful reminder of what the Christian has to look forward to. May it bless you too.
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.” -Psalm 27:11-12
God loves justice. One day, He will dispense perfect justice for all mankind and every wrong will be made right. For the Christian, this incomprehensible work was done for us at the cross. All our injustices toward God and others was laid on Jesus’ body. The price to pay for the Christian’s crimes was the life of the sinless and innocent Christ. This is the best news. The worst news is justice given to every unrepentant soul. God’s mercy is no more once their short lives end. It is then too late.
As David cries out for help against present enemies, he commits his life and circumstances to the omnipotent God. Throughout his life experiences, David is aware of God’s sovereignty over events and people. Therefore, his prayer is a plea and a confession of trust. When you know God is for you it doesn’t matter what lies ahead or who is against you. There is no one like God to trust so fully, His covenant of love over you securely. Keeping an eternal perspective when the dark waters rise is crucial. When the disciples were beginning to drown in the storm, Jesus challenged them over their lack of faith (Mark 4:35-41). Faith that the Lord is sovereign, good and victorious is the framework for peace filled Christians. If the Lord allows people or circumstances to slay us, it is only for a moment. This was Job’s cry when his livelihood, family, servants and health were taken from him (Job 13:15) because he knew this life is temporary.
God will not be mocked, therefore He will not allow His children to be mistreated in eternity. We do not lose even when all signs appear otherwise. Perfect justice will be executed by the God of Heaven and earth in His perfect time and way. David looks to God each time he is in distress. Yahweh is his protector, provider and teacher. The shepherd king does not rely on his own understanding, but looks to God for instruction (Proverbs 3:5-7). David’s humility to be teachable produces wisdom and spiritual maturity over his lifetime. When God leads our day to day, we are safe and victorious over anxious thoughts, fear and pride.
The Lord’s battle plans might look different than what we would expect, but believers who remember this will not grow easily discouraged. Keeping an eternal perspective is the key to live in the present with peace and joy. If your soul is kept in Heaven by God and your enemies will meet their Maker one day, what do you have to lose? We do not have to fear even death, because that too, is temporary. Death is only the beginning. Dearly beloved Christian, be confident in Who you serve, the time you’ve been given to faithfully live for the Lord without reservation, with a pure and holy passion.
Grace upon grace,
April
“Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my Helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” – Psalm 27:9-10
Does it ever feel like God is hiding from you? As if God is absent? The Bible says He is always actively at work for His children (Philippians 1:6). He also promises in Scripture to never leave you, but always be with you (Hebrews 13:5). The believer’s help comes from the Lord. He says we belong to Him, sinful though we are. Sanctifying faith wrestles with our feelings on a daily basis! The temptation to despair and throw in the towel is a spiritual fight straight from Hell. The Lord will not let you go if you belong to Him. He has received you. This is the greatest news a soul can hear. You, dearly beloved Christian, are accepted by God, loved by Him and sustained in your faith by Jesus. He prays for you, interceding on your behalf to the Father’s ear because the Perfect Sacrifice is also your Great High Priest.
Even if all others turn away from you because your pursuit of God in practical holiness seems too zealous, too self-righteous for some, trust that God knows your sincerity. Sincerity is vulnerability of worship and this God will not despise. When we come to our Father in humble transparency, He will honor this posture of worship. We bring nothing to the Father but our sin and need. As the old hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” The Lord receives the contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17). Even if all others reject you or disappoint, God will not. He has been our faithful helper and will continue to be as we serve Him. God gives enough grace for this small day to put our hand to the plow. Perhaps the work you do isn’t considered “spiritual”? It all matters to God. All work done for His glory is worship and “spiritual”. Whether you change another diaper, write code for computer software, wait on tables, plant a garden, or drive a loved one to another doctor appointment- the attitude we have determines whether it is pleasing to God or not.
The Lord will never turn His face away from His own, but how are we living faithfully in return? If God is not ashamed to call helpless rebels His adopted children, do we shame His Name by our grumbling and thanklessness? Let us not grieve the Spirit with callous hearts. This is the day that the Lord has made. He commands us to rejoice in it, to enjoy Him and His blessings (Psalm 118:24). Even when life is bleak and gray so that putting one foot in front of another is a challenge know this: the Sovereign Lord who sent His Son to die for you will never cast you off even when it feels that way (John 6:35-40). God always proves Himself faithful as a constant friend and helper, even if all others fall away. Remember what Christ endured for you so that these truths could become your reality.
Jesus bore the Father’s wrath and rejection so you never have to. “The LORD will receive me” is a precious promise for the Christian pilgrim to carry. You are His, but do not grieve Him with shallow faith and an anxious heart. Grow deeper, by His grace, and drink deeply from the cup which never runs dry. His mercies are new everyday. Truth and grace are freely given to the one who asks. His storehouse is abundant, His vow to you unbroken and constant.
Faith over feelings will sharpen your spiritual vision, helping you patiently endure God’s will for your life. One day when you look back on it all, the loneliness and hardship of following Christ will be worth it (Romans 8:28-29). Becoming more like Jesus is costly, but it is a priceless treasure which will never run out or wear out when we are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
O MY LORD AND SAVIOUR,
Thou hast also appointed a cross for me to take up and carry,
a cross before Thou givest me a crown.
Thou hast appointed it to be my portion,
but self-love hates it,
carnal reason is unreconciled to it;
without the grace of patience I cannot bear it,
walk with it, profit by it.
O blessed cross, what mercies dost Thou bring
with Thee!
Thou art only esteemed hateful by my rebel will,
heavy because I shirk Thy load.
Teach me, gracious Lord and Saviour,
that with my cross Thou sendest promised grace
so that I may bear it patiently,
that my cross is Thy yoke which is easy,
and Thy burden which is light.
‘The Grace of the Cross’ -Valley of Vision
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.” -Doxology
In the early morning hours after Election Day, Donald Trump was declared the 47th President of the United States of America. A group of his supporters broke out in praise singing the hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’. Along with a Republican presidency, the party will gain control of the Senate and most likely the House of Representatives. It was a clean sweep. If the elections results had to be summed up in a few words it would be this: God spared us. He spared us from a Harris administration that would have signed abortion back into federal law. Notably, Trump out-performed all across the board with Hispanics, African Americans, Orthodox Jews, young men and women, and voters with no religious affiliation at all. Even pagans can see that inflation, open borders, boys in girls’ sports, and sex change operations on minors is a bad idea!
Donald Trump is still a flawed candidate, namely because he is a sinner just like everyone else. So I don’t think it is appropriate to assume he can do no wrong and now the country is “saved”. But we can celebrate this earthly blessing rightly viewed, as God’s mercy on America. He could have handed this nation over to the most liberal, progressive and wicked agenda in the history of our country, and be right in doing so. But the Lord in His grace did not. Just as we celebrate weddings, the birth of our children, getting a new job or promotion, and birthdays, this political win is cause for thanksgiving. I don’t believe that is considered idolatry. As Christians, we get to enjoy our temporal blessings, while keeping an eternal perspective.
I also think this does not mean Christians can check out and coast the next four years. Sadly, the majority of states which voted to keep abortion practices in place succeeded. There is still work to do in swaying public opinion on the evil of the Silent Holocaust. Believers are salt and light whenever and wherever God has placed us, which means we pray and speak. Those who hate the outcome of this election are already speaking (yelling and crying) loudly, so it is prudent for Christians to pray. Here are a few things to pray for:
-Salvation for Donald Trump and all elected leaders
-Wisdom for him to lead this country in peace, prosperity, promoting good
-To surround himself with godly counsel
-An end to abortion
-Repentance and spiritual revival in America
-bold and humble Christians
Of course there are many other things we can and should pray for in this country, but this short list can serve as a guide. Never have I been more convinced of the spiritual warfare being played out right before our eyes. Satan is at work, but so is God. The Lord’s purposes will not be thwarted. He uses whatever means to accomplish His will, for His glory and our ultimate good. Praise God.
Grace upon grace,
April
*This is a testimony from a woman who survived a saline abortion when her mother was 7 1/2 months pregnant with her. It is an amazing story. She is using her story to tell others the horrors of infanticide and glorify Jesus.
redeemed in grace 