Friday, March 23, 2007

Sin, Righteousness and MERCY

Just had to share this post.
Mercy Me: Psalm 51 and Everyday Life.
It was one of those moments you want to take back. It was one of those times when you go where your desires and emotions are leading you. It was one of those situations when you know you should stop or walk away but feel you can't. And it was one of those moments when afterward you are confronted with the sin that still lives inside of you. Yes, it was one of those moments.It wasn't a big deal in one way. Just a small conversation that had turned a bit ugly. It wasn't a dramatic life-altering moment. It was in the privacy of my home with one of my family members. But maybe that's the point. Perhaps it's very important because that's where I live everyday. You see, you and I don't live in a series of big, dramatic moments. We don't careen from big decision to big decision. We all live in an endless series of little moments. The character of a life isn't set in ten big moments. The character of a life is set in 10,000 little moments of everyday life. It's the themes of struggles that emerge from those little moments that reveal what's really going on in our hearts.So, I knew I couldn't back away from this little moment. I knew I had to own my sin. The minute I thought this, an inner struggle began. "I wasn't the only one at fault. If he hadn't said what he said, I wouldn't have become angry. I was actually pretty patient for much of the conversation." These were some of the arguments I was giving myself.Isn't this interesting. Rather than appealing to the mercy of the Lord in the face of my sin, what I actually do instead is function as my own defense lawyer and present a list of arguments for my own righteousness. The theology behind the defense is that my greatest problem is outside of me, not inside of me. In so arguing, I'm telling myself that I don't really need to be rescued by the Lord's mercy. No, I'm telling myself that what I need to be rescued from is that sinner in the room who caused me to respond as I did.Here's the point. Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It's not just your sin that separates you from God, your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don't seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can only be found in Jesus Christ.What's actually true is that when I come to the Lord after I've blown it, I've only one argument to make. It's not the argument of the difficulty of the environment that I am in. It's not the argument of the difficult people that I'm near. It's not the argument of good intentions that were thwarted in some way. No, I only have one argument. It's right there in the first verse of Psalm 51, as David confesses his sin with Bathsheba. I come to the Lord with only one appeal; his mercy. I've no other defense. I've no other standing. I've no other hope. I can't escape the reality of my biggest problem; me! So I appeal to the one thing in my life that's sure and will never fail. I appeal to the one thing that guaranteed not only my acceptance with God, but the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. I appeal on the basis of the greatest gift I ever have or ever will be given. I leave the courtroom of my own defense, I come out of hiding and I admit who I am. But I'm not afraid, because I've been personally and eternally blessed. Because of what Jesus has done, God looks on me with mercy. It's my only appeal, it's the source of my hope, it's my life. Mercy, mercy me!
posted by Paul Tripp Ministries

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Home, Sweet Home

We had a great time at the retreat! The teachings were outstanding and the worship, ministry times, fellowship and food were wonderful!! We learned and experienced the grace of God for the paths He’s placed us on. What a joy to walk together with one another, praying for and caring for each other.
On the way home, one of our dear sisters received terrible news that her aunt had suddenly and tragically died. We all grieved together, prayed together and sought to bring the comfort of God to our dear friend. It was truly a beautiful picture of the body of Christ at work and I know none of us will ever forget this ride home.
One of the wonders of the church is the gift of fellowship and enduring friendship that only God can give. We're truly family!
I’m so thankful that we’re not called to walk the road alone, but God gives such grace through his people. Thank you, Lord!

Friday, March 09, 2007

Ladies' Retreat!!

I'm so excited to go to the Chesapeake Ladies' Retreat next week with eight other ladies from our church!! It will be a first-time experience of this special retreat for each of them, except Karin and me. We're so blessed to be invited and I know that the ladies are in for a huge treat. Every time I've gone with my dear old home church to this retreat I've met the Lord is life-changing ways and have been prepared for the next chapter in my life. I especially remember the year, let's see, it must've been 1996 or 97 , when I was wrestling with God and the decision whether to home school Daniel for fourth grade. I was really afraid of this decision and the Lord graciously gave me much faith and peace for it.
Another great memory is bringing my neighbor Michelle to the retreat and watching her encounter God in worship for the first time! That was powerful!!
What a tremendous privilege I have to introduce the ladies from King of Grace to sisters at Chesapeake. It's like a family reunion to me!!!
Please pray for us as we travel down in the big rossmobile! The road trip should be a blast!!
Most importantly, that we'd all meet the Lord in life-changing and refreshing ways.
Thanks!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Romans 8; Hallelujah!

We've been memorizing Romans 8 as a family and it is so life-giving and sweet to my soul! Here are some of the gems:

1-2 There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin an death.
5-9 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of Christ dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
11-15 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"

'Grace, Like Rain' is a beautiful song we sang at church yesterday and it's playing in my soul today. This version sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen, but the classic message still comes through ~

Grace, Like Rain

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Unworthy Servant

Luke 17:7-10

“Will any of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the fields, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

I love to recline after serving the Lord and often feel this is my due. How lacking I am of this servant’s mindset that Jesus portrays. In fact, lately I’ve been complaining in my heart about the many nights of meetings we have scheduled.

Father, forgive me for complaining about the work you’ve called us to. Thank you for the privilege of serving You in the work of plowing fields and tending sheep. Please make me a humble servant who recognizes the privilege it is to serve You!