A Good Day

I'm sitting here at my desk watching snow falling quickly and scenically. I'm still in my pajamas because I've decided that the optional TA class was not worth braving the snow, and I have an omlet and peach tea and I'm about to start reading the Communist Manifesto. Ah, life is good. - Although of course, life would be way better if I were about to read Edmund Burke or Adam Smith, but the Communist Manifesto should get my blood pumping, so it's good enough.

That's all. Goodbye.

A Little Lower than the Angels

I should be studying for an Education final, OR editing my paper about Plymouth Plantation, OR checking my Bernard of Clairvaux paper, BUT my brain has stopped working, so I think it's time for a break! Besides if I don't write when I'm busy, I never do it at all!

At prayer meeting on Wednesday, we song this amazing hymn by John Newton:

Now let us join with hearts and tongues,

To emulate the angels' songs;

For mortals may address their King

With songs that angels cannot sing!

Maybe I was zoning before, but it felt like something actually hit me when I sung that last phrase. We emulate the song of unfallen beings, who constantly praise the Savior and yet we sing "that angels cannot sing!" And what is this unique song we sing?

They praise the Lamb Who once was slain,

But we must praise in higher strain;

Not only sing, "He suffered thus,"

But, that He suffered all for us!

Jesus did not die for the angels. He did not humble himself; he did not undergo humiliation for those who had served him perfectly and sinlessly. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for sinful humans. Spend one day with yourself, oh my soul, and then ask why the King of universe would do such a thing for you. Vile, wretched, self-consumed, and ugly. That is all I can of my own be, and yet God sent His Son because despite all of this, He loved us. Don't let the key chains and the posters and the other flimsy Christian paraphernalia cheapen this truth - Jesus loves us. "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Jesus, Who passed the angels by,

Assumed our flesh, to bleed and die;

And still He makes it His abode;

As man, He fills the throne of God.

I don't think about this enough. Jesus became man - yes, who could forget at this time of year? But He remains a man - even now in heaven. Wherever heaven is, there Jesus is in bodily form. He ascended into heaven, and there He sits. How glorious to have the same form as Jesus Christ has chosen to take. And as a man, He fills the throne of God, for He is God. The God-Man loved me; the God-Man died for me. How dare I ever feel lonely and unloved, when such a One died for me?

Our next of kin, our Brother now,

Is He to Whom the angels bow;

They join with us to praise His name,

But we the nearest interest claim.

Exactly! We were made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor, and yet BECAUSE OF our sin, God in His mercy has so joined Himself to us that we are now His brethren, His bride, His people - who have a nearer interest to Him than even the glorious angels do. Why is this not more a subject of our thoughts and conversations?

But O, how faint our praises rise!

This is the wonder of the skies,

That we, who share His richest love,

So cold and unconcerned should prove.

I am ashamed of how piercingly true this is. If this is the God I serve, then why so coldly and weakly? Why does my mind wander in worship? Why does my mind not constantly dwell at Christ's side? No wonder my coldness is the wonder of the skies. I have every reason to be on fire, and yet my warmest moment is but a flickering candle. But I bless God that although I am inconstant and wavering, His love is changeless and assured. How I long for heaven, for sinlessness, for constant, unimpeded communion with my Savior:

O glorious hour! it comes with speed,

When we from sin and darkness freed,

Shall see the God Who died for man,

And praise Him more than angels can.

10 Random Thoughts for Entertainment of the Nonexistant Audience

1. That was a really long title. I think I have inherited Pastor Martin's knack for titles, just as I have stolen this idea of random thoughts from my dear cousin. Did I hear a complaint? I'm only continuing my longstanding tradition of unoriginal originality.

2. I am reading Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis (are you there, Kaitlyn?) and I love it. I'm considering what college paper I can use to write about Lewis' Space Trilogy. I have a thesis developing about Lewis' synthesis/tension between Platonic ideas of a person's specific place in society and the doctrine of Predestination. Don't know yet, but I'm thinking.

3. Last week was the church's VBS. It was an amazing time. I had 12 kids who listened relatively attentively everyday as we worked through the story of David and Goliath. I probably learned the more from it than the kids and ended the week thoroughly encouraged. Two lessons stand out: Firstly, that God used David while he was in the path of duty. David was watching the sheep (he wasn't even out on the battle field) and when he did go to the battle field it was in obedience to his father's menial task of running bread and cheese 15 miles over to the Ekron. God uses those who are faithful in the little things and who the world doesn't even see!!!!! Secondly, when God fights, it's a rout. I get tingles down my spine every time I think about David holding up the head of Goliath and the warm blood of the enemy of the Lord dripping down all over the Lord's anointed! No one was confused any longer. The battle was most unmistakably the Lord's. I pray that God's work in me might be so definitive. Let sin flee, let lies be stopped, and may everyone know that THERE IS A LIVING GOD!

4. Sir Tirian just had his first anniversary of arrival into our home. He got a couple of extra fish flakes, but he should be on a diet because he is humungous.

5. This week has been tough emotionally, and mostly because I get fixated on my little burdens. Then suddenly I looked up today and realized how much bigger burdens everyone else is carrying and how rather than stumbling because of a few pebbles in my pocket, I ought to be coming up along side and helping them with their stones and boulders. I am committed to do a better job at rejoicing in the Lord ALWAYS!

6. Writing blogs after 11pm is not something I recommend doing often.

7. Oh! If anyone has a sudden urge to make pickles, I just got a great recipe today which I would be happy to share. It works up surprisingly quickly.

8. I am so thankful for my five senses. Some might argue that I don't use them always to their fullest potential, but believe me, I love them. Can you imagine any of the following: not tasting the succulence of a peach when you bite into it, not feeling the pressure of your father's hand when he gives you a hug, not seeing the sun rays shining through the trees (and the humidity) when you head out for an early morning run, not being able to enjoy music while you're studying, not smelling the fragrance of a really delicious watermelon when it's being cut up? No, me either.

9. I will try to write a post on feminism before the school year starts again.

10. Goodnight.

Memorial to Those who Stand

Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. - Counte of Monte Cristo

Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. - Ephesians 6:13

Today, our nation remembered and memorialized those who have fought and died for the liberties we still enjoy. Veterans, who have served their country and put their lives on the line for fellow Americans, some of whom they will never know, marched in parades and threw candy at eager children. And for every veteran walking today, there is at least one comrade who actually died for American freedom. And for every soldier killed in action, there are wives, mothers, sisters, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends who have, either conciously or not, sacrificed something for their country too. Certainly, it is good to honor the men who have and are sacrificing their goals, dreams, security, and sometimes their lives for us.
Still, it is exceedingly better to take a moment to also remember others who have put their lives on the line everyday, who daily took up their crosses, who armed themselves for spiritual warfare, and who stood in the evil day. Whether it be the tragically inspiring examples of missionaries who have been murdered for Christ's sake, or perhaps the unmentioned, unnoticed sacrifices and battles of generations of Christians who have stood against materialism, complacency, and sweet-sounding lies, we are indeed surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. And furthermore, we have a Savior who laid down His life that WE might be free from sin, death, and the wrath of God.
At Memorial day parades, I am always inspired to greater patriotism. May I now be inspired to deeper Christian devotion and determination to fight for truth.
The Devil loves pacifists. Pacifism is not just an alternate biblical belief - it is a lie strengthened by a kernel of truth. God preaches hope and peace, but never pacifism. Pacifism cries "peace, peace," when there is no true peace. Peace is when the conflict is resolved and dealt with. This is what God did for us when Jesus settled our debt in the court of heaven and we are now at peace with God. Pacifism on the other hand refuses to deal with problems. (Well, yeah, I know that they talked, but if you hadn't notices, Iran has nuclear weapons . . . ) Now, pacificsm as a political policy may be a seperate debate, which I would argue is equally foolish, but which I will not argue now - but here is my point: this political policy is spiritually dangerous, because it gradually and subtly disarms half of the language of the Bible that commands us to fight with all our might against sin in the world, the flesh, and the devil, to champion for Christ until the sword so cleaves to our hand that it seems a part of our arm, to gouge out right eyes, to cut off right arms, to strive unto blood. Pretty graphic, huh. Well, if that's what our lives are to be, then there is NO room for spiritual pacifism.
The challenge? Arm yourself with the armour of God, rely on Him in All-prayer, sharpen your weapon, the word of God, and fight. And then, as the verse finishes, having done all - stand. You do not have choice. When there is nothing more that you can do, stand. When the world seems to powerful, when you seem too weak, when the Devil tempts to despair, stand. Stand on Jesus who is higher than the storm that you might weather, and stand on the promises of God that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand when you are all alone. Stand when you are fainting. Stand when you think you can no longer stand. And having done all, stand.

Revision Requested

Well, I think it is official that blogspot needs an undo button. I just accidentally deleted in three keystrokes an entire post I was working on. Talk about frustrating. Oh well, I'll restart it later.
In the meantime, I thought I'd let you all know why though I have been done with school for almost two weeks there have been no blog posts on this blog. Well, first, I would refer you all to the family blog which has not been entirely neglected in the past few weeks. I have also been keeping intensely busy doing among other things the following: Meal planning and cooking (I have a new appreciation for all the work moms do), selling back all my textbooks and earning back money I spent ;-), attending the college graduation of my best friend (inspired me to keep running!), visiting my old co-op (they set up an alumni day and it was great to see and talk with everyone), organizing and documenting on excel the entire tape collection of a family from our church, visiting Grace Church in Downingtown, PA with my family this past weekend, and attending a half-million concerts. My current project is, with my mom, to plan and collect materials and write questions and project ideas for next year's ancient history program for my brother and another family. I've also been doing lots of reading - so far this summer I've read Scarlet Pimpernel, a biography of Anne Bradstreet, and What Happens when I pray?. Presently, I'm working through Going Rogue - trust me, a blog is coming on that book.
Until I leave for vacation - in 19 days! - I have a long list of other projects to complete, and I understand that my mom also has a long list - so while you will hopefully be hearing more from me in the next few months than you have in the past four, don't hold your breath.
Oh, and I'm also trying to work up to running five miles in one shot. Pain.
I hope that all my faithful readers are having a great May and enjoying whatever degree of warmer weather you're having.

All in a Day's Work

1. I was informed that Luther did not believe in reality, because it couldn't all be proven. Hence sola fide. I don't know about ya'll but that is not a very logical argument, and the first premise is wrong.

2. Oh, and did you also know that faith cannot produce certainty? But of course, that means scientific certainty. So do you believe that science can produce certainty? Isn't that faith? Sorry, I forgot that they are irreconcilable (snicker)

3. On top of that, because Calvinists must believe, and therefore cannot be certain, in salvation, then they live in fear and trembling. I was also notified that I not a pure Calvinist because I am not in fear and trembling. Wow, thanks for letting me know. By the way, Calvin seems pretty certain about salvation. Didn't he believe in the perseverance of the saints?

4. I was called as close to ignorant as I ever have because of my limited "religious mind!" Okay. I'm cool with that.

5. I was told that heaven can be found in the here and now when we all work together to find truth. Well, I love a good debate, but what good is heaven if my Lord and Savior Jesus isn't there?

6. I almost forgot - I'm also arrogant, because I claim that I'm right and everyone else is wrong. Does that make me wrong? ;-)

In fact, I might be wrong, but I have to say that faith in Jesus Christ as my only hope, but as a sure, firm foundation is an amazing way to be wrong!

But at the end of the day, whether I'm right or not - God said that He exists, that He is good, and that He defines truth. That's settles it. (no commas)

Praise the Lord for a firm standard that is not within myself and that is not defined by myself! "Let God be true, and every man a liar."

God has Died, and You have Killed Him

If this reminds you of Friedrich Nietzsche, think again, because I am actually paraphrasing Peter at Pentecost.
To begin some meditative thoughts on Acts 2:23: God died. The immortal experienced the horror of mortality as a mortal. This is a mystery to boggle the mind and cause one to fall down to the ground in wonder and awe. Only God could die and bear the wrath of God for others, and yet it must be a mortal who was the sacrifice for mortals. A conundrum? Not for the perfect wise Son of God, who became flesh to die.
Why did He die? Because of us. Our sins were the cause of his death. We killed him. Peter does not blunt his words to the Jews at Pentecost. "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death." Oh yes! Praise the Lord that the whole time it was in his determined purpose and foreknowledge, but do not let the doctrine of soveriegnty ever blunt the horror of our sin. Every sin we have ever committed or will ever commit - every unkind word, every hateful thought, every single sin - are what necessitated the death of Jesus. God forsook God because of us. Oh, the benighted state of humanity! Oh, the black wretchedness of sin!
But that previous statement is incomplete. Peter does not just want the Jews at the Pentecost to wallow in regret and despair. Instead, the fact that Jesus died because of us is intimately connected to the truth that Jesus died for us. He took all the wrath of God upon Himself and therefore we can be right before God. Note the profound import of these words: "He became sin for us, that we might have the righteousness of God in Him."
Finally, Acts 2: 23 cannot be separated from verse 24: "whom God raised up." God has died, but wait, Nietzsche - God is not dead. The God and Savior of the world had His heal crushed, but He crushed the head of His mortal enemy - the war is won! So, my friends and patient readers, fight on. If Christ has won the war, why let the Serpent win the battle of the day. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
His strength and His power is real and unconquerable, because HE IS RISEN, and He leads captivity captive!!
"If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! . . . BUT now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep!" - 1 Corinthians 15:17,20