blessed insight

"What do you do all afternoon and evening?!"

This question is sometimes posed by my curious sister, brother, or student, all mystified as to what activities and responsibilities keep me busy (especially since I don't own a T.V.).
As I share with them, they come to a deeper understanding of who I am besides just a sibling or a teacher. It is a conversation of insight.

Likewise, through spending more time with my parents and with people who know them well, I've also received insight into who they are as gifted individuals. I've come to appreciate their unique talents, acts of love, and choices they've made.

The depth of understanding causes me to love them more and to be thankful. Simultaneously, it kindles a desire to continue to learn more about them.

Knowledge that leads to
respect,
excitement,
appreciation,
and love.

The parallel struck me today that just as my siblings and students are curious to know more about me,
and just as I cherish the insight into my parents' lives,
so I also I long to know more about our Great God.

I long to know more about...
...His actions, which awaken wonder and awe.
...His character, might, wisdom, and purposes.
...His love, as displayed through His governing, His Son's sacrifice, His faithfulness to His beloved church, and His daily blessings.

Through His Holy Spirit,
God has awoken a hunger for His Word, where we can so clearly see His acts and His character.
He has deepened an appreciation for the beauty and the mystery of the Creation around us.
He has intensifies thankfulness and wonder.

And the more we know, the more beautiful the knowledge is. The more clearly we will see His hand in the most incredibly tiny details of our lives (providence again!)...and the large and monumental events.
And the more we will long for that revelation.
May we humbly pray for this longing and knowledge as a Church.

Mysterious Ways of God

We don't and can't see the big picture, so we're called to trust.
Even when it hurts. Even when things don't "make sense" from our point of view.

Poet William Cowper knew that well, and with grace he penned the words of the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."
It continues to be one of my favourites hymns because it outlines so clearly how God's ways are beyond our ways, yet how there is purpose and precision in His perfect plans.

I have taken the liberty to underline my favourite lines.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Providence and Sovereignty

Providence. God’s “seeing before” and upholding of all things.
Sovereignty. God’s perfect and complete control of all things.
God’s perfect, rich, almighty, all-knowing plan, for the Glory of His name.

The riches of God have been so clearly revealed to me again through His Word and His gracious, gentle guiding. My heart bursts as I reflect on the past few days and the ways the Lord has again been instructing me, purifying me, and drawing me closer to Himself for His purpose and glory.

I stand amazed at this awesome God, Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider.

God’s Providence and Sovereignty are going to be my “theme” for 2009. I’m not really sure what that means since I’ve never had a “theme” for my blog before, but it has been made clear that I need to dwell further upon and delight further in our God as the great Provider.

* Recognizing, confessing, and enjoying God’ Sovereignty was the theme of the church service I attended with a friend on Jan 1st.
* God’s Providence and control in our lives was the theme of the LOGOS conference I attended Jan 1st-3rd.
* God’s Sovereignty was emphasized in my home church this morning.
* Even driving to church this morning, the song playing was "You Reign" by Mercy Me, which is about God’s Lordship over life and creation.

I look forward to reflecting upon, wrestling with, and praising the Sovereignty of God!

May this moment, day, and year be one infused with purposeful living, for the glory of God the Father.

(Please note: the descriptions of Providence and Sovereignty at the beginning are not meant to be definitions....I will expound over time).