The Discipline of Heeding

"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27

At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him.  Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him.  "What I tell you in darkness" -- watch where God puts you into darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut.  Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God?  Then remain quiet.  If you open your mouth in the dark, you will talk in the wrong mood: darkness is the time to listen.  Don't talk to other people about it; don't read books to find out the reason of the darkness, but listen and heed.  If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying.  When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.

After every time of darkness there comes a mixture of delight and humiliation (if there is delight only, I question whether we have heard God at all), delight in hearing God speak, but chiefly humiliation -- What a long time I was in hearing that!  How slow I have been in understanding that!  And yet God has been saying it all these days and weeks.  Now He gives you the gift of humiliation which brings the softness of heart that will always listen to God now.

Taken from: My Utmost For His Highest, Osward Chambers

Draw God

Later I would learn that Uccello painted the Battle of San Romano with tempera on wood panel in 1435, a scene recounting the victory of the Florentines over the Sienese.

But walking through the Louvre that day I didn’t know any of that. Frankly, the painting’s spirited clash of metal, charging horses, flapping banners appealed little to my pastoral, peace-loving sensibilities. But it was that boy sitting there….

If it hadn’t been for that cross-legged boy sitting on the floor of the gallery, a few feet from this masterpiece that purportedly once hung in Napoleon’s bathroom, I likely wouldn’t have given the work more than a passing glance.

But when I realized what this child attempted in the circling of tourists and foreign languages and the clicking of shutters, I lingered long, intrigued.

What I witnessed brushed me, dyed me, soaked into the fabric of me.

Actually, the young boy didn’t gaze on Uccello’s painting either. I never saw him look directly at it. Instead, this boy of perhaps ten turned slightly to peer at the canvas beside him. An artist had propped up an easel in front of Uccello’s Battle of San Romano, carefully dipped her brush into the palette atop a stool, and painstakingly copied every stroke of Uccello’s unto her canvas.

And this boy copied every stroke of hers.

By Ann Voscamp

Read the rest here.

Life in the Midst of Mess

Chapter One of The Grace of Catastrophe by Jan Winebrenner (2005) appears by permission of Moody Publishers.

God is what He is in Himself. He does not become what we believe. 'I Am that I AM.' We are on safe ground only when we know what kind of God He is and adjust our entire being to that holy concept.
A. W. Tozer

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:18-19

Desperation makes us do strange things—things like sit up all night in a cheap motel and read the Bible out loud.

It’s not something I’d usually do after a day on the road. On my best day, I’d probably watch a little TV, read a novel, then turn out the lights, and get to sleep early.

But let a catastrophe strike, and God has my attention.

The rest is here.

Exalting the "Main Thing"

Never Let the Gospel Get Smaller

March 17, 2009
By: John Piper

Here is a simple exhortation that I have been trying to implement in our family:

Seek to see and feel the gospel as bigger as years go by rather than smaller.
Our temptation is to think that the gospel is for beginners and then we go on to greater things. But the real challenge is to see the gospel as the greatest thing—and getting greater all the time.

The Gospel gets bigger when, in your heart,

grace gets bigger;
Christ gets greater;
his death gets more wonderful;
his resurrection gets more astonishing;
the work of the Spirit gets mightier;
the power of the gospel gets more pervasive;
its global extent gets wider;
your own sin gets uglier;
the devil gets more evil;
the gospel's roots in eternity go deeper;
its connections with everything in the Bible and in the world get stronger;
and the magnitude of its celebration in eternity gets louder.

So keep this in mind: Never let the gospel get smaller in your heart.

Pray that it won’t.
Read solid books on it.
Sing about it.
Tell someone about it who is ignorant or unsure about it.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel....

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:

that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Scripture Memorization: Yawn or Yippee?

Over at Between Two Worlds, they're encouraging folks to do some Bible memorization during 2009. In fact, a passage every week. That's a chunk.

I immediately wondered if this was something I could do, but really if this was something I wanted to do. Let's get real: Do I really think hiding God's Word in my heart is helpful? necessary? essential?

What will I do with this challenge?

Here's the list.

Just Do It!

No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome

by putting them off till tomorrow.

It is only when they are behind us and done,

that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards,

and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties

unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant.

Accomplished, they are full of blessing,

and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us.

Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility,

and hindering our communion with God.

If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink,

go straight up to it, and do it at once.

The only way to get rid of it is to do it.

-Alexander MacLaren (1826–1910), Scottish preacher

from Spurgeon

It is a vain idea of ours,

to suppose that if our circumstances were altered

we should be more at rest.

My brother,

if you cannot rest in poverty,

neither would you in riches;

if you cannot rest in the midst of persecution,

neither would you in the midst of honour.

It is the spirit within that gives the rest,

that rest has little to do with anything without.

Show Some Gratitude!

Let us continually. ..praise. ..God...giving thanks. - Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

At a Women of Faith conference they were short of space for 150 people, so the staff brought in narrower chairs. Everyone had a seat, but conditions in the auditorium were cramped and nobody was happy. The director asked the guest speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada, to help calm the crowd. A childhood diving accident had left Joni quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. As the attendants pushed her out onto the platform she addressed the audience: "I understand some of you don't like the chair you're sitting in. Well, neither do I! But I've a thousand handicapped friends who'd gladly trade places with you." Immediately the hall went quiet and the complaining stopped.

When Paul was training Timothy he said, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ" (2 Tim 2:1), and gratitude is an offshoot of grace. The Bible says, "Let us continually [not just when you feel like it!] offer the sacrifice of praise to God...giving thanks to His name." After the Bible expositor Matthew Henry was accosted and robbed he wrote in his diary: "Let me be thankful, first, that I was never robbed before, second, that although they took my purse they didn't take my life, third, that although they took everything I had, it wasn't much, fourth, that it was I who was robbed, and not I who did the robbing.

"If you're struggling to find something to be grateful for today, here's a good reason: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (Ps 118:29 NIV).

SoulFood Bible Readings: Ezek 22-23, Luke 21:1-11, Ps 78:17-31, Pr 20:15-19 as seen in word for today http://www.rhema. co.nz/index. php#email

====From Cup O'Cheer Compiled by: Kimberly B. Quiggle. Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc. rr.com

"The More"

The more generous we are,
the more joyous we become.

The more cooperative we are,
the more valuable we become.

The more enthusiastic we are,
the more productive we become.

The more serving we are,
the more prosperous we become.

The more outgoing we are,
the more helpful we become.

The more curious we are,
the more creative we become.

The more patient we are,
the more understanding we become.

The more persistent we are,
the more successful we become.

- William Arthur Ward

Found at: A Ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt Communications
http://www.cybersalt.org Subscribe for yourself!

This really got me thinking...

Christian amusements

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures" 1890)

Amusement must never become an end in life. Itmust always be a means, a help on the way--just as sleep is, just as rest is. An hour's amusement, should be to you, just what a night's sleeping is. It should make you stronger, clearer-headed, braver, calmer-souled, more hopeful, more earnest, more enthusiastic--inspiring you for godly living.

Anything which leaves a taint of impurity upon the life, or starts a thought of impurity in the mind, anything which degrades or debases the soul--is an unfit and unworthy amusement for a Christian. Christian amusements must be such as do not harm spiritual life; they must be means of grace.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do

~ do everything for God's glory!"

1 Cor. 10:31

Unto the end!

"Having loved His own who were in the world --He loved them to the end."

John 13:1

The most wonderful thing in the universe, is our Savior's love for His own people. Christ bears with all our infirmities. He never tires of our inconsistencies and unfaithfulnesses. He goes on forever forgiving and forgetting. He follows us when we go astray. He does not forget us--when we forget Him. Through all our stumbling and sinning, through all our provocation and disobedience, through all our waywardnesses and stubbornnesses, through all our doubting and unfaithfulness --He clings to us still, and never lets us go. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures"

Laundry List for Life

Written by Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 90 in August, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11 . Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Life is hard for most people

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

We should train ourselves to such regard, to such respect for others, that we shall never hurt the heart of one of God's creatures, even by a disdainful look!

Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor may have his faults—but we are taught to bear with one another's infirmities. If we knew the story of men's lives, the hidden loads and burdens which they are often carrying, the unhealed sore in their heart—we would have most gentle patience with them. Life is hard for most people; certainly hard enough without our adding to its burdens by our censoriousness, our unkindness, our jeering and contempt.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

In my inbox today...

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.

Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me.

"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I'm clapping and cheering for you today, dear sisters.

Another great memo from . . .

The Monday Memo
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2008

THE BIG PICTURE
EPHESIANS 5:16

Mary David Fisher said, "The length of our life is less important than its depth."

Her saying reminds of something that musician Eubie Blake said on his 100th birthday: "If I'd known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

We never know how much time we have left, either in this life or in this ministry, but the question of longevity isn't nearly as crucial as the question of intensity. Even though quantity is an unknown variable; quality must remain consistent.

I think of this when I spend time with my kids. They're out of the house now, living in other cities, starting new lives. When we're together, it's only for a few days -- sometimes only a few hours. When I see them, I forget about what's on TV and my cell phone gets turned off. I want to make every second count.

We need to approach our lives and our work the same way. Paul used a phrase in Ephesians 5 that is translated in the NIV as "make the most of every opportunity." The King James uses the phrase, "redeeming the time." In order to do this, we need to understand two things:

1. Our lives fit into the Big Picture of God's plan.
2. The Big Picture is played out one frame at a time: one day, one hour, one moment at a time.

If you're like most of us, your plate is already full. At any moment there are a dozen things you could be doing. The important question is: "Of everything on my list, what is the best thing I can do right now?"

You can't answer this question without a good idea about where your life is going. Grasping the Big Picture empowers you to shape your plans day by day.

So your day is full. Maybe you'll spend some time today cleaning up yesterday's mess. Maybe you'll spend some time putting out today's fires. These things are inevitable. But the biggest "maybe" is if you'll spend some time today preparing for what your life will become tomorrow.

If we're not careful, we can spend all of our time focused on yesterday and today. The result is that the Big Picture stuff doesn't get done -- until it becomes another fire to put out or another mess to clean up. (Need examples? Waiting until December 10 to decide how you'll pay for Christmas; waiting until you're 62 to decide how you'll pay for retirement; waiting until September 15 to decide who will speak at your Fall Retreat ... and so on.)

Redeem the time. Make the most of every opportunity. Think about the hours you have at your disposal. What's the best thing you can do -- not just for the crises you're facing now, but for the life you want to have in the months ahead and in the years to come?

Determining the most important thing to do at any given moment isn't as easy as it seems. It takes practice, discernment and wisdom. And it takes a grasp of the Big Picture. The pay off is that your days have meaning, and your life tells a story that brings glory to God.

--Steve May

About the Monday Memo
The Monday Memo is a weekly devotional for leaders sent out each Monday by Steve May. This is a free service. For more information, to change your email address, or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit http://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm

I'm getting that "give up" feeling

What should I do? I should look at the cross and not myself. I should preach the gospel to myself daily. That means right now! I should thank God for His immeasurable grace. I should thank Him that I am doing far better than I deserve. Now all that brings biblical perspective. It doesn't make problems and discomfort go away but it shines gospel light so I can really see what's going on in my heart. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

One Minute Uplift

Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
11-15-07

Don't Give Up
By Rick Ezell

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised."
(Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

Effective people never buckle under. Despite mounting criticism and intensity of opposition and overwhelming obstacles they persevere with determined resolve. They refuse to throw in the towel. They accomplish the seemingly impossible task because they never give up.

Often, the easiest thing is quitting, giving up. Return to the comfort and convenience of mediocrity. Forget about one's dream, one's passion, and one's goal. Give in to the words of the critics, give up to the opposition, and give way to the obstacles. Simply, tuck tail and run away.

Great power is embodied in perseverance. The race is not always won by the fastest. The game is not always won by the strongest. But rather victory comes to the one who does the will of God, who keeps on keeping on, who refuses to give up. Doing the will of God is that important.

Consider the postage stamp. Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Race car driver Rick Mears said, "To finish first, you must first finish."

When you are tempted to quit, resist. We must endure in the battle until the evil day is over. We must press on in the face of the temptation to quit. Until the war is over, we must fight to the end. Until the race is finished, we must keep running. Never give up. Never. The promises of God are always at the end. So, don't quit. Don't give up.

About the Author

Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

Some good ideas

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. Then, genuinely ask for forgiveness.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. How about three?

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. This will serve you well.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "God bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Transition(s) / Update(s)

Early this morning, Chris' mom (Sue's mom-in-law) left this life for her heavenly home. Words are never enough at these times. We mourn with you. We're praying for you.

We cried and waved goodbye to dear friend Diane and her family as they relocated to Spokane two weeks ago. Gone, never forgotten. Your place at the posse table never to be replaced. Hugs.

Posse member in the midwest, Jennie -- thank you for a wonderful visit. So far you've had a virtual seat at the posse table. Won't it be fun when we can all be together? (Hmm... perhaps Secret Travel Agent Joycey will be able to help us out sometime in the future.) You are a great example of what it means to serve your husband and the body. Thank you for serving Memorial so faithfully. Much fruit will be reaped.

Joycey, you have 5 teenagers (youth is a better biblical term) in your house. Whew. May God continue to give you grace, strength, wisdom and energy. Jerry chose well when he chose you. I am provoked at how well you speak of him, submit to him, encourage him, and look to him. Way to go, girl.

Steffer, you're doing well. From a preschooler to an eleventh-grader and points in-between, there's always something going on at your house. It is definitely the place to be! You receive counsel well and promise to think on counsel given. You are to be commended. Plus the fact that you are a much sought-after friend, you are greatly treasured!

And then there's me. We are praising God for Coy's job -- five months now. It's a virtual lovefest. We are so grateful. We have one youth and a 'tween. Please pray for us as we have entered in to the waters of leading and mentoring boys to young men. Additionally, many of you know my dad has Alzheimers; he requires 24/7 care. Mom is doing her best to provide care for him but she is losing ground physically trying to keep up. We would appreciate your prayers when they come to mind.

Thank you for the fellowship we share together around the cross of Christ. It is all because of Him. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Savior, help us, as we start this new week!

The most effective eloquence!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

What unspeakable injury has been done to the cause of Christ, by the inconsistent lives of many professors of religion! To unholy lives, must be ascribed the comparatively little progress which Christianity has hitherto made. It is this . . .

which emboldens the scoffer,
which encourages the profligate,
which strengthens the hands of the infidel,
which seals the eyes of the impenitent

in death-like slumber!

Those who bear the name of Jesus should ever remember--that the eyes of an ungodly world are upon them, and that their impression of the gospel, both in its nature and results--is derived from what they witness in the conduct of those who are identified with it!

"The Bible," as one observes, "is God's revelation to Christians; and Christians are God's revelation to the world." The sacred Scriptures are not read by the careless and ungodly multitude--but they are eager in reading the character of the followers of Christ!

How important is it, then, that they should give, by their spirit and deportment--a correct representation of our holy religion!

Great is the power of impassioned oratory, as embodied in burning words, dramatic gestures, and flowing tears. But, after all, the most effective eloquence--is that of a pure, upright, consistent life! This shames the accusers of our holy faith; and puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Christian, let it be your earnest prayer and daily endeavor, to adorn the doctrine of your Savior, not in some things--but in all things. Adorn it . . .

by the purity of your conversation,
by the blamelessness of your life,
by the integrity of your dealings,
by your abhorrence of all which is base or
impure.

Adorn it in the various conditions in which you may be placed--

in prosperity or adversity;
in obscurity or eminence;
in health or sickness;
in joy or sorrow;
in youth or old age;
in life or death.

"For this very reason, make every effort to

add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

(John MacDuff, "The Precepts of Jesus" A guide through life to immortality!)

A grateful day for all!