Mariah turns three!

A trip to Holland!

Well, to make sure that I am not misunderstood, we were able to journey this past weekend to Holland, Michigan, and actually, there was about three inches of snow on the ground and the trees were dark and ghastly, seemingly void of any life. While we were there, we observed a massive army of squirrels, and if they are as fond of tulips as are the ones that dug mine up a couple years ago and ate them, I am uncertain whether this spring's tulip festival will be anywhere near as grand as the photo!

I enjoy visiting Holland, Michigan. In fact, setting aside the area in which we reside, I think this area is one of the most agreeable habitats that I have observed. It is bordered to the west by Lake Michigan, which tempers the bitter bite of the Midwest winter winds, but also serves to cool the hot, southwest winds of summer. The sandy soil of the region and the ample rainfall provides a favorable environment for fruit production, and within the city limits you can find acres of orchards, blueberries, and vineyards. I am rather partial to the blueberry fields and am intrigued by the vineyards. I have planted both on our property and thus far I have had no grapes, 5 pea sized blueberries, and 5 fat rabbits who constantly worry them. Thankfully, our friends pick some blueberries and freeze them for us so that we can enjoy their bounty when we visit. In fact, as I type this, I find my belly swollen with the two slabs of blueberry pie that Rachel made for me today!

We visited some dear friends of ours, Vic and Bev Edwards, who were the first people that we met in person after establishing an internet relationship. Our frienship was established back in the day of the 2800 baud modem, thanks to the invention of a former vice president who was at least engaged in some activity while his boss was chasing around the college interns. They (The Edwards, that is, not the politicians) are both dear friends of ours and have shown our family an incredible display of kindness and generosity. We have been able to help them on a few projects and every visit, whether for work or play, are centered on discussions (sometimes lively arguments!) over various theological topics.

Vic pastors Spurgeon Heritage Church, a baptist church much like ours that seeks to embrace and teach the doctrines that once defined the historical Baptist chuch. You can find Pastor Vic's blog here: http://xchristianity.blogspot.com He describes himself as a small "r" reformed, but capital "B" Baptist. While I prefer "R"eformed "b"aptist myself, we find much to agree and even those occasions in which we don't, I am pretty sure that he secretly believes that I am right but feels that he is to old or stubborn to admit it!

One of my favorite things in this world to do is to meet the saints that are faithfully serving and worshipping God. It is a great joy to enjoy the sweet communion of the saints and I was pleased to be able to attend services there Sunday morning and to even have an opportunity preach a message there. I am saddened for the listeners, for they were forced to endure what the people in our church have to put up with this week, but I trust that they were to find something of use in the words that were shared. I rejoice and praise God for these dear saints and I trust that God will be pleased to bless them as they labor to advance the gospel and to train and edify the saints that God adds to their church. I trust that you will be faithful to pray for the dear saints that labor faithfully around this globe.

Nehemiah - a Godly patriot

I have been teaching through a series on Nehemiah and thought I would share some of my thoughts here for those interested in reading. My comments are largely derived from the first chapter.

There is some dispute as to the details surrounding Nehemiah. Most commentators agree that he was not a Levite and some suggest that he descended from the tribe of Judah. As we see the unfolding of that part history of Isreal while under the Persian captivity, we observe the grand display of God's gracious use of godly men. We find in Nehemiah a godly man who exhibited a godly outlook and was used mightily by the Lord. Even though he was able to accomplish much, he always attributed any successes as flowing from the hand of God.

Through God's providential working, Nehemiah finds himself first a captive, but ultimately a captive with a daily audience before one of the most powerful kings of the time. His conduct much have been upright and although a slave, he conducted himself with a godly nobility. Upon hearing the news of Jerusalem, a disheartened countenance was such a rare display that even the king took notice.

While many men have corrupted themselves by striving for every mastery that can be had at a kings court, Nehemiah's heart still belonged to his God and his countrymen. Observe some of the characteristics of a true patriot:

1) He has no desire for personal advance, but rather concerned himself with the affairs of his countrymen.

2) He is moved with true sympathy over the plight of his people. His thoughts and motives are not directed toward his own personal state, but immediately are bent toward the benefit of his people.

3) He is cognizant of the fact that God remains sovereign over the affairs of man and country. When he hears of the sad report of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, he falls to his face in prayer and acknowledges the God who causes calamity to fall upon a city.

I am often very disturbed by the conduct of those who profess to know God and would suggest that they would seek the high moral path. Nehemiah bowed himself to the will of God and purposed in his heart to do whatever task the Lord had need of. We seem to spend much time in voicing opinion, deriding those we deem to be in theological error, and mocking those with whom we disagree. We are often filled with a haughty pride that fills us only with a desire to do much talking, yet accomplishing little of substance. We have recorded for our own instruction the actions of a righteous man and there is much that we can learn.

Nehemiah was a man of prayer:

First, let us observe the reverence with which he yeilds his heart in prayer. He acknowledges the Lord by recognizing that He is greatly to be feared. He recongnizes Him as the High and Lofty one who inhabits the Heavens. Nehemiah himself falls prostrate before His holy name.

Second, we do well to notice his persistence in prayer. Nehemiah was truly grieved and diligently besought the Lord, day and night. "The fervent prayer of the righteous avails much"

Third, observe his penitence in prayer. He is woefully aware of his personal sin, the sin of his father, and the sin of the land. He would seek to confess these sins before God and to cry for His forgiveness.

Fourth, we note that he was biblical in his prayers. This was not the prayer of a foolish man asking for things so that he might consume them upon his lusts. He knew and understood that God was in sovereign control of all things and that He was faithful to chasten those who disobeyed and that He would keep His covenant with those who obeyed Him and kept His precepts.

Fifth, he was direct in his prayer. He was sensitive to the task before him and he knew what he must do. He understood that God had providentially placed him into a position that he make a difference. He was willing to use these means, but knew that he could only prevail as God's mercy and grace smiled down upon him. He must speak to the king, but he did not desire to trust in his own ability or to lean upon his own understanding, but desired instead for God to direct his steps and to light his path.