ad vitam aeternam

On a winter evening dreary as I lay down weak and weary,
And I closed my eyes, discouraged and depressed
My Savior came a-walking and we spent the time in talking,
and his Spirit ever-gracious gave me rest.
Oft times I sit and wonder as thru life’s dim maze I blunder
how the God of Heaven views a wretch like me
And the answer burns like fire thru the soul’s distressing mire:
“Oh my child, I have died to set you free.
And although you often stumble, I but work to make you humble,
for humility in you is what I ask.
When the trials seem unpleasant, look to the future, not the present,
and remember there is joy in every task.”
And at his words I cease my grieving; not fully seeing, but believing
that my God and Savior holds me in his hand
And someday soon I’ll cross the river where my Lord will then deliver
my eternal soul into the promised land.

taceo clamantis

There is a young man walking across campus. He has failed again today, perhaps having gotten angry at a roommate, or realizing that he has succumbed to unbelief once more. His heart is asking when this will end, when these failures and sins will cease to beset him constantly. He wonders how this will affect his future ministry, knowing that one day he will need to lead a family, a church, a mission. How can he do so when he doesn’t seem to conquer his everyday flesh impulses?

There is a girl lying on her bed in the dorm, staring at the ceiling above her. She looks back over her day, her week, and feels the dull ache of routine. Devos, prayer, classes, chapel, homework… but she hasn’t really felt the power of God in her life. Her heart yearns for more, and she has asked over and over for a fresh touch. Sometimes she wonders if this is all there is. She knows of the unfathomable miracle of redemption and the amazing gift of grace, but still she wants something beyond what she has now.

Can you answer him? Can you help her? Have you walked this path before and succeeded? Have you risen above these issues? Can you provide guidance, counsel, leading?

Then why aren’t you?

Deo gratias

I find myself living
at a time of thanksgiving
and therefore would like to express
with words and phrases
my heart’s praises
and gratitude and gratefulness.

Firstly for life and God’s salvation
and also for His vast creation,
for sunsets, starlight, dawn and day
and other blessings sent my way;
for freedom, love and Christ’s grace given
and knowing I am bound for heaven,
for peace and friendships, joy and songs,
for a Father able to right the wrongs,
for family, faith, and destiny,
and knowing that my God loves me.

- from one who too often forgets to thank the Lord of All for His gifts.

alea iacta est

"...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." ~ Job 1:21

When storm clouds gather overhead
And trials fast beset you
Recall your Savior who has bled
To save and resurrect you.

For in the oft-increasing pain
A lesson can we learn:
Through suffering we find our gain
If to His grace we turn.

And though relief may come but slow,
Rest in His arms; be still.
For we are sheltered here below
Safe in His sovereign will.

nosce te Deo

I want to know a million things
That all have gone before,
The secrets of the universe,
And what the stars are for,
The mysteries of sun and moon,
And earth and sky and sea,
And how the God of heaven thinks,
And what he thinks of me.

I want to know a thousand things
Pertaining to the earth,
About the seasons, days, and years,
And what my life is worth,
About the rocks, about the trees,
About the streams and ponds,
And why the spirit part of me
Is held in mortal bonds.

I want to know a hundred things
About the people here,
Of what they dream, for what they live,
And what it is they fear,
And what they want, and why they die,
And why they do and dare,
And if in life I make a difference
Whether they will care.

I want to know a billion things
That happen after death,
What I will see, what I will feel,
After my final breath.
I want to know what we will think,
And whether angels fly,
And if I’ll still have work and play
To do after I die.

"...now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

1Cor13.12

sola gratia

Strange how that which should drive us toward Christ so often seems to bar our way.

Who else but our Lord can cleanse us from our sin? Where else can we find restoration and renewal after our failures? And yet I find that my sin often leers at me from where it stands in the forefront of my mind, demanding what right I, a besmeared and corrupt mortal, have to approach the One whose purity is matchless, who alone is the ultimate image of holiness and sanctity.

It is truly one of the great traps faced by us, a veritable catch-22 of the soul, put in place by our pride and unbelief. There is difficulty in accepting the concept that we are unconditionally loved, and that regardless of our current state or feelings, our God is willing to receive us and plunge us once again under the tide of His glorious grace. Yet it is true nonetheless.

Lord, give me the humility and faith to see that you are not one who judges by merit or performance. Open my eyes to the true extent of your love and grant me the confidence to approach your throne of grace and mercy.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
~ Titus 2:13-14

memento mori

Something about facing your own mortality has always brought a fresh perspective. Suddenly one sees the various facets of life thrown into sharp relief and realizes the relative importance of each. Simply put, a brush with death throws something like a filter into the entire frame of reference, shaking the foundations of existence.

It’s a scary thing.

I realized the effect I could have on others; the fact that I occasionally (perhaps often) hold the lives of those I care about in my hands without even noticing. The smallest mistake, and an entire community can be crushed. Our lives are fragile things, ephemeral as a morning mist or a butterfly’s wing.

And then comes the question of “why?”

Why do we go through situations that cause pain? Why does God allow us to nearly lose that which we treasure most? Why are we tossed by events and forces that tear us apart and break us to pieces?

“… no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”

“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart…”

O Father, show me your grace and strengthen my faith, weak though it is. Grant me peace and help me to rest in your will.

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.