Plea for Grace

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the Lord;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green,

to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no

unrighteousness in him.  Psalm 92:12-15 ESV

Yes, it has been a full 8 weeks since I have posted to this blog!  During my absence. . .

I severely injured my back, and had surgery to remedy the problem;

I became a grandmother for the second time (my two daughters had their babies 32 days apart; one in AK and one in OR)

I lost a friend to cancer;

I turned 52;

I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary (since I was recovering from back surgery and my husband subsequently injured his back again, we didn’t do much “celebrating”);

Of course, 56 days of “life” happened during my hiatus.  Paying bills, cleaning house, visiting the sick, listening to hurts, comforting the grieving, holding a baby, drinking coffee with a friend, church, work, home, family. . .

So, why this passage?  During this particular season, when I have been home because I can’t drive or sit up very long, and am weak from surgery and must very gradually build strength so as not to do further injury –

I find myself wondering, Lord, my work for you isn’t over because I’m still alive; but I certainly can’t “work” like I used to.  What is my place now?  Where do I fit?

I can be that flourishing cedar in the house of God.  Ever-growing, still lush and green even though years and years from a sapling.  I can be rooted and grounded in God and His Word.  I can declare, from my years of walking with Him, that He is absolutely upright; there is no unrighteousness in Him.  He is faithful; He is good.  As long as I have breath in my body, I will tell of all His wonderful works!

This statement was made by a young African martyr, penned just before his death.  The poem has become a battle cry for missionaries, not only in Africa, but around the world.

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  The die has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chained visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and warped goals.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, and paid up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go ’til He comes, give ’til I drop, preach ’til everyone knows, work ’til He stops me.  And when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.

(Courtesy of Every Home for Christ)

I want to be a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  Have you “crossed the line?”  Is your decision clear?

“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”

Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62

^{Psalm 73:23}Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
²⁴You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)

This psalm has meant so much to me in my walk with the Savior.  I was that “brute beast, senseless and ignorant” and the one who just couldn’t understand why the wicked seemed to have not a care in the world, and yet I was so unhappy . . . (see the entire psalm if that last statement is confusing).

This morning, as I was reading C. H. Spurgeon’s daily devotional, which is taken from this passage, my eye seemed to “catch” on Nevertheless. . . Though I don’t usually do this, I’m inserting the devotional, as Spurgeon expresses my heart and my awe of God. . .Read and be in awe, my friends.

“Nevertheless,”-As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God’s presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings “nevertheless I am continually with thee.” Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph’s confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say “nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!” By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;-the eye of the Lord never sleepeth, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me thence. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart for ever. Thou always thinkest of me, O God. The bowels of thy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always making providence work for my good. Thou hast set me as a signet upon thine arm; thy love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! Thou seest me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, thou beholdest me as wearing Christ’s garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in thy presence. I am thus continually in thy favour-”continually with thee.” Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within-look at the calm without. “Nevertheless”-O say it in thy heart, and take the peace it gives. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee.” (Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” — morning July 29)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”  2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

I’m not a helpless slave to my emotions.  I’m not a victim of my thought life or even what others say about me.  I have choices.

I have choices because of God’s tremendous mercy.  He has given (not I have earned it through brownie points and working harder and longer) me everything I need to live a godly life.  That “everything” is in His Word, His living and active Word.

Oh, Father, I do love Your Word!  I want to know You; I am so grateful that You have not set me up for failure, but You have provided all I need to live a life that is pleasing to You.  How much You love me!

And I am so grateful. . .