"...It Was Good."

God in His grace and love for us created this beautiful earth. He said, "Let the earth bring forth ..." and it was done. Soon after the words were spoken, this world was filled with plants - herbs, grasses, bushes, trees with buds then flowers and fruit -- in abundance! God planned every type of vegetation that we would need and put it on this earth, fully available to everyone of us! We have not even begun to determine all of the wonderful uses for our natural resources. The colonists, Native Americans and pioneers all used roots, stems, leaves for a variety of purposes. Some of that knowledge has been hidden from us today. Pharmaceudical companies are continuing to find remedies for all types of ailments through testing on many types of plantlife. Yet, when the process of Creation was complete, in God's eyes, "it was good." That phrase is used four times in Genesis chapter one. Something totally incomprehensible to me is that it is not only good, It Is GREAT! It is unbelievably incredible. If God sees His creative work in this earth, as being "good," what more can we expect when we enter into the gates of Heaven. Revelation 22:1-6 give us just a little glimpse of what that will be. In the meantime, we have representations of the the Genesis Creation in our own gardens; the very flowering plants, herbs that we tend to give us pleasure. Let's thank Him for those bright spots which draw us to meditate on His Goodness. PS Photo Coming

"The Lord hear Thee ..."

Psalm 20:1 declares a promise and with confidence; we can most certainly believe that The Lord hear Thee. King David wrote many of the Psalms; these will be found from Psalm 3 through Psalm 72 as concluding verse 20 states, "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." His life with many details is unfolded before us from I Samuel chapter 16 as a young man possessed of strength to slay both a lion and a bear until I Kings chapter 2 which depicts his death after reigning 40 years, sovereign king of Israel. David's words declare that God indeed will listen to our voice, our whispered prayer of uncertainty, our earnest plea for deliverance, our angry cry in troubled times. He will hear our gratitude which can hardly be uttered through tears of joy; when voices are lifted in songs of praise to declare His goodness. King David harbored and shared all of these emotions.

The Lord will hear you. That is a fact. So much so that David had to write it many times: Psalm 4:3 "The Lord will hear when I call." He hears us anytime and all the time "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning(Ps 5:3). God heard David in distress "I am troubled, mourning, groaning, diseased, feeble, broken, failing, without friends, deaf, dumb, ...Thou Wilt Hear" (Ps 38:15). "God shall hear"(Ps 55:19).

Such a precious promise which is reinforced by so many verses in the Psalms. And the beauty is that we can depend on God to listen, provide an answer, grant strength to move forward. "Blessed be the Lord, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore, my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him" (Psalm 28:6,7).

"I would seek unto God ... who giveth rain upon the Earth"

We've just come through a very rainy few weeks. Many could think it a depressing month with the dark skies and thick cloud cover. Despondency could have overcome many who were normally of a sanguine nature. Yet, farmers and gardeners would agree the rainfall provided amazing nourishment to the seedlings for an exceptional growing season! My own perennials seem to be two weeks ahead of schedule; they are thriving.

The book of Job has given us five beautiful words: "I would seek unto God." This is the very best advice; but, only because Job lived through the very worst times. The storms literally encompassed him and tore everything away. In a very short time Job received reports of total loss and destruction. He learned that his animals had been stolen, his servants slain, his sheep consumed, home destroyed, his children lifeless from a great wind. Shocked and saddened by this devastation the Bible says, "Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job 1:22). What did Job do? He sought God. He sought God immediately and said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Can we find a better example of one who walked by faith and retained integrity amidst the very worst calamity?

Reflect for a few moments on the words of Job 5:8-11 and let these words be a source of encouragement when days may seem cloudy or dreary. "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: to set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety."

"Their Soul Shall be as a Watered Garden" Jeremiah 31:12

Many places in the Scripture, the Lord uses a simile to bring us to a better understanding of His Promises and Provisions. The word pictures that are painted through many passages and verses in particular provided a very vivid description of what we can expect from Him. Jeremiah chapter 31 is one specific example of this. The chapter begins by showing us that God is faithful to His children, with gentleness and caring kindness His has pulled us to himself. It strengthens this concept by telling us why: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." Such and emphasis on God's love is incomprehensible, especially when one considers the fact that we are so worthless in our natural state of sin and that we continually withdraw from all the goodness He has so freely given to us. Verse 9 states, "...with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble..." Our God is there for us, meeting our needs, directing our steps, caring for our children, gathering our flocks, protecting us from evil. He causes us to dance and sing because of His Goodness -- He Is Good! And, our very innermost being -- our heart, our soul -- can feel God's presence. Just like a tropical garden that has had its fill of nourishing rain and refreshing dew, our soul can drink of God's grace and be overflowing from His Love, His Everlasting Love.

     Terraced Gardens at Meadowbrook Hall, Dodge-Wilson Mansion in Auburn Hills, Michigan, July

Abundant Life

It's been a beautiful spring day -- warm and wonderful. The sun has been shining brightly and signs of life are everywhere! In my garden, crocuses open wide in vibrant violet, lavender and a soft white with yellow centers. The lenton rose has little pink buds that will soon unfold into full bloom. These are the prelude to even more signs of lush outdoor life. How much we enjoy these first touches of color and the light fragrances that are gently lifted by the breezes.

Jesus has said, "I am come that they might have life." The life that Jesus offers is two fold. He can give our temporal life a sense of daily peace, knowing that eternal life will be granted in the future, beyond the grave. We can have contentment by walking with our Lord moment by moment, day by day.  The eternal life in His very presence is something more, more than we could ever imagine with our eyes and all of our senses. The beauty in spring then summer that we encounter through flowering orange blossoms or below in the hyacinths with delicate bell shapes, pales in comparison to what lies beyond.
                       

John 10:10 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." In just a few weeks, the sights and scents of spring will be rich and full. We have confidence that every year the lilacs will fill the air with their sweet perfume. Just as sure as the tulips spread their brilliant petals, our Lord has promised us life -- not just an existence, but abundant life in Him and through Him. We'll be given a future that does not stop in death but with the Hope of Heaven. My daughter Heidi has shown me this sentence from CS Lewis in his book Mere Christianity. I think you will agree with Mr. Lewis' keen perception when he states:

                                Public Park with Gardens in Barcelona Spain - Summertime July

"If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world." How very exciting to contemplate that other world and know we will be a part of it, abundantly, eternally.

The Lord Upholds Us

"The Lord Upholdeth Him with His Hand"

Have you felt the hand of God?  Have you felt the lift when you've been disheartened?  As  parent, I've been particularly discouraged over the decisions I've made to press and seek the direction most pleasing to God.
When children are involved these times can be unbelievably weighty since it is their goodwill that is our ultimate result.

Often along our path, the Christian walk, we meet with a roadblock. The trials may be of an extremely difficult nature or could be something rather trite and irritating. The book of Psalms draws us to King David and we are reminded of the extreme tests of faith that he underwent as a shepherd, a servant, a soldier, a husband, a king and yes, a father -- parenting!! David reminds us that though we are oppressed and downcast, though we are fighting or fleeing from the wicked, though we may be consumed by evil, our Lord is there with us. Psalm 37 is an amazing comfort along the path which seemingly is amiss.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Thou he fall he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth and his seed is blessed." Psalm 37:23-26

So many promises in these few verses: The Lord has ordered our path! We are a delight to our Lord! We will not be totally downcast! We have the Lord's strong hand holding us up! Our God will not forsake His people! God is merciful! He lends to us in times of need! He will bless His descendents! So many phrases that bring comfort to God's people in just four short verses. Praise Him for His love and care especially in our times of distress and discouragement.   Those very moments when we struggle with our parental decisions has been addressed so simply: "and his seed is blessed."

Here scanned is a sketch of Jonathan Edwards, Puritan Preacher, Pastor, Theologian, Author, and President of Princeton whose works influenced the Great Awakenings of the early 1730-1740s.  He is featured here because of his humble dedication to the God he served and diligent study of the Scriptures.  His wife Sarah Pierpont gave birth to eleven children.  Below is their legacy, a testimony to Psalm 37:26 "his seed is blessed."

http://www.joymag.co.za/article.php?id=96    -   Link to JOY! Magazine with this passage Aug. 2006.

Jonathan Edwards (born 1703) was a man wholly devoted to Jesus Christ. ...  On their wedding night they committed their marriage to the Lord. By 1900, their descendants included 300 clergymen (pastors, missionaries and theologians), 100 attorneys, 60 judges (one dean of a law school), 60 doctors (one dean of a medical school), 60 authors of fine classics, 100 professors and 14 presidents of universities, 3 mayors of large cities, 3 state governors, a controller of the US Treasury and a Vice-President of America who became President Theodore Roosevelt.

Erin Georgiou, Editor of JOY! Magazine.      

This sketch of Sarah Pierpont may have been drawn sometime before her wedding ceremony to Jonathan on July 20, 1727.  Sarah was 17 and Jonathan 23, their marriage lasted over thirty years until Jonathan's death from small pox. George Whitfield commented on the marriage, complimenting Sarah's home management style that was cheerful, efficient, peaceful; the couple shared a mutual support and admiration toward each other.  Whitfield stated, "a sweeter couple I have not seen."
Upon his death, Jonathan's last words were to his wife:  "...give my kindest leave to my dear wife and tell her that the uncommon union which has so long existed between us has been of such a nature as I trust is spiritual and therefore will continue forever; and I hope she will be supported under so great a trial and submit cheerfully to the will of God."

Great and Precious Promises

An amazing sense of peace and pleasure comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father has filled His Good Book with numerous promises for us to enjoy while living on this earth, here and now!
Simply put, a promise is an expectation of success to come, improvement or excellence. It can also be a provision that will likely yield good results, a successful prospect.

That we may embrace these promises, knowing our Creator is the benefactor, is an extraordinary blessing. He made us -- certainly He would know how to improve us and provide goodness to us!! The apostle Peter refers to "great and precious promises" in his second epistle verse 4. These promises accompany a precious faith through Christ, as well as a special calling to glory and virtue. And, why are these precious promises strongly connected to faith and a calling? I believe it is because our Lord would encourage us to strengthen our faith and firm up our calling.

As we move forward on God's path, we can take hold of His precious promises (improvements in our lives). Peter speaks of godliness, a life of knowing Christ which seems to precede the gift of these promises. Peter also asks for grace to be given to his readers. Grace which will help us hold on to God's promises(provisions) in the walk of faith as struggles arise from the bonds of sin.

And, what is the ultimate promise or "expectation?" Look just a little farther in this chapter, it is revealed: His Kingdom. II Peter 1:11 ... "an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."