“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
The veil is so thin
don’t waste
the suffering you’re in.
He is faithful,
God of the ages
from eternity past.
Immanuel is here,
and His Spirit everlast.
Your Father, Friend and King
will lead you
in the Way everlasting.
Heaven is but
a breath away;
and angels peek from
behind the curtain,
to see His will
is certain,
as earth plays out
Providence
in the Throne Room
of God’s confidence.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us un all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” -2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I am reminded of past saints who have suffered and used their circumstances to bless others. It does not mean they were super human, exempt from pain. They too experienced deep valleys. But through them, because they rested in Christ’s power to work in their weaknesses, those Christians can testify to God’s refining power from suffering. Amy Carmichael, Elisabeth Elliot, John Bunyan, William Carey, Gladys Aylward, Corrie ten Boom, Charles Spurgeon and Margaret Clarkson to name a few, withstood the fiery trials and the Lord beautified their faith as precious gold. These are the ones who have said God is enough in pain, let me tell you too so that your suffering is not for nothing.
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 🙂
“Yet is is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.” -W.L. Watkinson
It has been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered. He was a force for good in politics, promoting civil discourse, patriotism and Biblical values. More than just a conservative activist, Charlie was a man of faith. He was a soldier for the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost. As Abigail Dodd noted, Kirk was “a man in the arena”, alluding to the famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt. Charlie understood that we don’t stop fighting for freedom, namely religious freedom and freedom of speech. These gifts are never to be taken for granted. It is not lost on many of us that he wore a t-shirt with the simple but powerful word, ‘Freedom’, the day he was shot.
This man in the arena lived out his faith by going into the lion’s den of some of the most hostile and liberal universities. He went there to engage dialogue on political and cultural hot topics, but his main purpose was always to point people back to basic Biblical truths. Men and women are biologically different, all of life is sacred created in the image of God, go to church, get married, have families, were constantly woven into his talks. He was an apologist, defending the validity of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, the accuracy of Scripture and why Christianity is the only religion that improves civilization. Charlie Kirk evangelized the Christian faith under the job description of activist. Less than three months before his death, Kirk was asked in an interview what he wanted to be most known for when he was gone. He thoughtfully replied, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith.”
Two passages in Scripture came to mind following the news of Charlie’s death. John 15:18-21 speaks of how Christians should expect hatred from the unbelieving world. Typically in the West, being persecuted for your faith looks like cancel culture, losing a job promotion, rejection from peers or even family. It normally doesn’t require losing your life. Yet that is exactly what happened to Charlie which is why his martyrdom is such a big deal. If you can be killed for your faith, for speaking freely and truthfully in the freest country in the world, then nowhere is off limits. Believers know this is what we have signed up for. It is not an easy path, but the Bible says if anyone wants to follow Christ he must “deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). For the Christian, our lives are no longer our own, but bought with the precious blood of Christ. For most of us, it will require courage and obedience just to get up each day and live out the truth we know, dying to selfish desires. But it might cost us everything, like it did for Charlie.
The other passage in Scripture that keeps coming to mind is in Ephesians 6, “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (vv. 11-13). Spiritual warfare has always been a reality this side of Heaven, but there are times in history which are like needles that burst our bubbles of acceptance in this world or assumed safety. This is one of those moments, a turning point, that draws a line in the sand of standing for truth. We either tell people Jesus Christ died for sinners, defeating death and is Lord of all like Charlie did, or retreat in silence and cowardice. An event like this can help refine our own faith, eroding the fear of man and death out of our hearts. Jesus reminds us to “not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in Hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Vigils instead of violence have filled universities across America, and in cities around the world like London and Sydney. Martyrdom doesn’t kill the message, it makes it spread like wildfire. Believers are rightly evaluating their own lives in how each of us are living out the gospel faithfully right where we are. Will we talk with co-workers, neighbors, family, friends and strangers even about the hope we have? Have we been doing the work God has called us to? Unbelievers may be considering for the first time their own mortality and eternity. People who consider themselves religious but not zealous might be open to hearing why you are completely sold out for Jesus. Isn’t it just like God to use the death of one of His children to spread the gospel even further?
Charlie Kirk carried a torch that is now passed on to us. Whether you’re 10 or 90, all of us can live with boldness and mercy toward others. His death is a call for all Christians to shine their lights brightly by staying faithful in speaking the truth with love, discipling and serving others for the glory of God. It wasn’t just a call on Charlie’s life although God had a specific purpose for him, as He does for you. But we follow Charlie’s example of evangelism because he followed Jesus’ example. The question is, are we ready? Have we woken up yet?
Grace upon grace,
April
“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:13-16
“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.
“It’s not what happens to you in life that matters… it’s how you handle it that determines your character.” -Chuck Colson
Wisdom is living by preparing to die.
Enjoying life
is not wasteful.
Finding joy
in the little things
is to live
life on purpose.
Practicing joy
leads to
wonder
in the grand,
awe
in the miniscule.
Fighting for joy
creates a heart
of worship,
a mind continually
renewed in what is
good, beautiful and true.
God is the Giver of all
good things.
Be a gracious
receiver
with eyes wide open
to the thousands of blessings
poured upon you
every day.
Take joy
by giving back
a grateful heart.
Live for joy
because this is
God’s good design
for His chosen people.
It is wisdom lived out.
“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” -Westminster Shorter Catechism
“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.
redeemed in grace 