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Lawyer Speak? Not really.
CNN.com reported on Gosnell's life sentences this morning. I've had it up in a tab of my browser all day and between feeling like I need to puke, cry and laugh all at the same time I've though about a lot regarding the absurdity of the pro-abortion camp.
I'll be happy to translate this little snippet from the defense attorney's 2.5 hour closing arguments. Two and a half hours trying to convince a jury that this man didn't really kill anyone. Even though there are photographs, baby body parts and witnesses to the fact of what this man did.
"Defense attorney McMahon, in an impassioned, 2½-hour closing argument, said said that none of the infants were killed. Rather, he said, they were already dead as a result of Gosnell administering the drug Digoxin, which can cause abortion.
After the Wednesday court appearance, McMahon said Gosnell did not believe his acts constituted homicide and said his clinic "was not a house of horrors"
'There was a lynching by the media prior to the trial," he said. "Dr. Gosnell performed over 16,000 abortions, helped many young women.'"
In other words: The man shouldn't be guilty because he had already killed the babies by poisoning them so he couldn't have killed them by snipping their spinal cords …
Right.
So go ahead and believe that if you want to, Mr. Lawyer and all you "pro-choice" folks.
We'll miss you Basha!
Resolutions of a Godly Man
Yesterday and this morning I listened to this sermon by Joe Morecraft titled "The Resolutions of a Godly Man".
At Dr. Morecraft's church they're going through the Psalms and he's now on Psalm 101 (not sure why the sermon audio titles are off by one. They are all good... this one struck me in particular since it still is near the beginning of the year and he hits on a lot of things that are important. Toward the end he talks about the importance of not allowing evil or ungodly influences into your home and in particular into your children's lives. Influences being not only things but certain people, etc. Bold and powerful... which is why I like Dr. Morecraft in general. He's not afraid to say "this is what the bible says - do it".
Enjoy the sermon!
Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below.
Oh and here's Psalm 101 in case you don't have your bible handy while listening:1I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. (Psalm 101, King James Version)
Christ Alone
This morning on Facebook the JC Ryle page posted this quote:
"The person who can take deep interest in politics, or sports, or money-making, but none in the conversion of souls, is no true Christian. They are 'dead' and must be made 'alive'. They are 'lost' and must be 'found'. ~ J.C. Ryle
Someone commented: "There's nothing wrong with deep interests in polotics, sports, money-making, or anything else as long as our relationship with our Lord and our commitment to the command of the Great Commission is above all else."
To which a reply came: "You can't take a deep interest in other things if your treasure truly is Christ."
I'm starting, more and more, to agree with the latter comment. Although I'm not really into sports at all, I have found a bit of an addiction to things politic these days and unfortunately, thinking about money-making, home businesses, etc., seems to consume way too much of my time on most days. (not actually making the money mind you, just thinking about it!)
When I've spoken to a couple of friends about it I've used the term "hypocritical" about myself. I say that Christ is the most important part of my life. I say that I desire to put Christ first when it comes to interacting with my girls, etc. I say that our driving verses for our lives are Deuteronomy 6:6-9:
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
But do I do it? Do I really live that way? Not really. More often than not "these words" are lost in the shuffle of the urgent of the moment - so much so that we can go for hours - or dare I say days - without talking about them at all.
Hence the hypocrite title. Isn't a hypocrite someone who says one thing but does another?
The Quest to Simplify
For many years now our family has been on this quest to become more "simple, separate and deliberate" in our lives.
And with the start of the new year it is always a good time to think about changes, goals, etc., so in the never ending quest for more simplicity here are some things that I’ll be doing this year. I share them here as encouragement for you to maybe set your own focus on a more simple and joy-filled life. Plus it’s a chance to possibly get some free orange juice (see below!) :)
1. Use technology strategically. Although originally designed to help us, it seems, to me anyway, that technology has not only complicated our lives but taken up all our time as well. I do appreciate the benefits that the internet, cell phones and other technological advances have given us but have fallen into the trap of the “urgent” becoming the “important”. Because of a few clicks I can find myself off on some rabbit trail sleuthing or solving some problem that I would have never known existed had I not clicked on someone’s link. Rarely do these types of things require my time or my “wisdom” and so, one huge step for me this year will be to “just say no” when it comes to clicking around on the internet. Also I’m going to avoid texting like the plague and use it only when absolutely necessary. A quick phone call will, in all likelihood answer any question or problem I might have.
2. Grow a garden. With 5 inches of snow and ice on my driveway and yard it’s hard to really imagine growing a garden this year but I’m going to do it! Last year we decided to give the garden a sabbatical - which in our terms meant “we ain’t even gonna touch it”. That was very freeing for us but I missed the dirt and the bounty that some good outdoor digging brings. And so, this year, in an effort to simplify and save some good hard cash, a garden it is. I’ve already purchased my heirloom seeds and can’t wait for the chance to start some seeds out in the greenhouse. Now if we can just figure out how to stop the cat from using the seed pots as a litter box....
The Quotable Chesterton - Review
Book Title: The Quotable Chesterton
By: Kevin Belmonte
Published by Thomas Nelson
Book Description:
The Quotable Chesterton is a comprehensive, accessible survey of Chesterton’s greatest ideas and writings.
With more than 850 passages showcasing his brilliance and masterful writing style, it covers topics from Academia to Painting, Politics to Architecture, Jane Austen to John Bunyan, Jesus to Fairy Tales.
Fans and first-time readers of Chesterton will discover topics that dominated thought and life throughout the 20th century and have influenced our own time . . . all from the view of a man the New York Times hailed as a “brilliant English essayist” and who George Bernard Shaw called a “colossal genius.”
Chesterton created a bulwark in his own day to defend Christian faith and assert a Christian view throughout culture. As readers encounter the breadth of his genius, they will find compelling reasons to emulate his unceasing fight for truth and beauty.
My Review:
I’ve never met a Chesterton quote I didn’t like. That said, I haven’t read that many Chesterton quotes. Until now. This book is full of golden nuggets of wit and wisdom.
Since I’m always looking for quotes to send off in emails or written letters, this book is a treasure to keep close by. It’s well ordered so it’s easy to find a quote that’s suited to your topic/letter, etc., plus all the information that the author fills in with Chesterton history is enjoyable.
I’d definitely recommend this book to others.
I received this book for free in return for a review from Booksneeze.com. I was not required to give a positive review.
Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns
| Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal By T. David Gordon / P & R Publishing Dr. Gordon looks at changes in worship from the fresh viewpoint of a Media Ecology perspective. Changes in music have changed the way we think, and the way we worship - or are even able to worship. The musical culture we are immersed in has altered our ability to understand other genres of music - so much so that we find them strangely unhelpful. This means that worship has become a conflict area, rather than a source of unity. Dr. Gordon not only shows the problems, he also provides solutions - it's important, because how we sing affects how we live. |
It's an interesting perspective and one that all church going Christians should consider - no matter what type of music is typical for your church. Well written, easy to read and complete.
I really enjoyed this book.
The Family Altar
But it's not too late ... even if you have pre-teens, teens or even young adults in your home you can start having a family worship time each night... before bed, after dinner... whatever. Just do it. You'll all be blessed and future generations (your grandkids, great grandkids and beyond) will thank you!The fact of the matter is, family worship is a great investment. In fact, it is a no-brainer. It pays such high dividends that it is – to use the modern vernacular – like stealing money. In fact, I cannot think of many things in life that pay greater dividends than the ordinary practice of daily family worship. Let me quote Presbyterian minister Terry Johnson to give you an idea of what I mean:
If your children are in your home for 18 years, you have [over 5,600] occasions (figuring a 6 day week) for family worship.
If you learn a new Psalm or hymn each month, they will be exposed to 216 in those 18 years. If you read a chapter a day, you will complete the Bible 4.5 times in 18 years. Every day they will affirm a creed or recite the law. Every day they will confess their sins and plead for mercy. Every day they will intercede on behalf of others.
Think in terms of the long view. What is the cumulative impact of just 15 minutes of this each day, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, for 18 years? At the rate of 6 days a week (excluding Sunday), one spends an hour and a half a week in family worship (about the length of a home Bible study), 78 hours a year (about the length of two weekend retreats), and 1,404 hours over the course of 18 years (about the length of eight week-long summer camps).
When you establish your priorities, think in terms of the cumulative effect of this upon your children. Think of the cumulative effect of this upon you, after 40 or 60 or 80 years of daily family worship. All this without having to drive anywhere.
Super Moist Chicken - the easy way!
Rosetta Stone Giveaway
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By helping us spread the word you can win a Rosetta Stone Homeschool Edition Level 1 program, language of your choice, valued at $249.
This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever!
Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.
To win this program, copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR post about this contest on your facebook page. Then go to the original page at http://www.triviumpursuit.com/blog/2011/01/03/rosetta-stone-giveaway/
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On All Fronts by Nancy Campbell
God is very concerned about guarding. We don't have to wait long in the Bible to learn the principle. When God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He told them to work in it and guard it! (Genesis 2:15)
To guard a home is high on God's priority. We turn over from the first book of the Bible to the last and find that God has twelve angels guarding the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:12) If it is important for God to have angels guarding each gate of His holy city, then surely it is important to guard the gates of our homes.
We go to 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 and see the gate-keeping Levites guarding the house of the Lord in Solomon's time, just as their ancestors had guarded the tabernacle in the wilderness. They guarded the entrance and they guarded the four sides, to the east, west, north and south... And they spent the night around the house of God, because the watch was committed to them.
In Nehemiah we read that they appointed guards,each in front of his house.
We are also gate-keepers, guarding on all fronts! We can never let down our guard. The enemy is subtle and he is out to destroy marriages and fragment godly homes.
The biggest threat to his success is godly gate-keeping mothers who will not allow one opening for him to enter their home. They watch at their entrance and they watch on every side. They watch what their children listen to, look at, read and even what they speak! They check what is happening on the Facebook accounts of their children. They establish God's standard of righteousness in their home, not the world's standard.
Consequently, when the enemy comes running to attack he comes to a screeching halt at the gates of this righteous home! He has no access! No loop holes to get in! And he bows! Proverbs 14:19 says, "The evil bow before the good: and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."
One of the greatest ways we guard is by example. Your children see whether you have courage to act according to your conscience or whether you compromise. Sometimes on the weekend the extended family will come and we watch a family movie together. We have a big screen for our songs at church so we can play the movie on the big screen. It is sad that we sometimes find a scene that is not wholesome, even with family movies! What do we do? We have to immediately stop the movie-that's the end of that, even though we could be tempted to see the ending!
But the children are watching. By our example they are going to learn to stand strong with their conscience or compromise!
An Above Rubies helper asked Evangeline how she guards her 10 children. She replied, "We train them to be gate-keepers themselves. We train their conscience. We teach them righteous principles and train them to keep to them, not just when people are looking, but to be true to their own soul."
We cannot weaken in training our children. Proverbs 29:15 NASB says,"The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother."
You leave your children unguarded when you let them get their own way. You are teaching them how to give into temptation. You are setting them up to be a prey to the enemy!
You are preparing them to have a turbulent marriage. The diligent gate-keeping mother will teach her children how to say No to the temptations of the flesh.
We also guard our home by conducting Family Devotions with our family each day, morning and evening if possible. It is hard for the enemy to take hold when we read God's Word and pray together each day as a family. In Chronicles 8:13-14 NASB tells us that, "Solomon offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of the Lord... and did so according to the daily rule..." he appointed the Levites for their duties of praise and ministering before the priests according to the daily rule...
This was a daily rule God expected of His people, morning and evening.
"What's all this business about a daily rule?" you argue. "Isn't that religiosity and legality? Shouldn't we do it when we feel the urge? I don't like the sound of duty."
Yes, I am sure that it could become tedious if it is done without the anointing of the Holy Spirit who illumines the Word. 2 Corinthians 3:6 tells us that the "letter kills but the Spirit gives life." But how can a daily rule be legality when we are reading LIFE GIVING WORDS? Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit," and they are (John 6:63).
God's life-giving words, anointed by the Holy Spirit will guard your marriage and your children from the deceptions of the enemy.
Read also Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Peter 1:3-4. Sadly many marriages are no longer together because they never established the daily rule of praying and reading God's Word together. Many families are in disarray because they have not gathered together daily around the Word of God which is our manual for life.
May the enemy be scared of you as you guard the entrance to your home! Guard your home on all sides! Give no foothold for the devil.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
Father, please teach me how to be a diligent gate-keeper of my home. Please show me areas that are weak in my marriage and in our family life and please teach me how to build up the wall again. I want our family to be a bulwark against the enemy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
AFFIRMATION: I am guarding my marriage and my home on all fronts!
Further Scriptures to read: Exodus 29:36, 38-39; Numbers 28:3; 1 Chronicles 16:40; 23:30; 2 Chronicles 2:4; 13:11; 31:3 and Ezra 3:3-4.
To understand more of the Morning and Evening principle, go to Articles and Stories, Click on Bible in the Home; and then The Morning and Evening Principle
Many women like to save these devotions. They print them out and keep them in a folder to read over and over again. Some print them out and pin them on the fridge with a magnet to read through the week. If you are printing this devotion and need it to be smaller, highlight and change to a smaller font.
If you know others who would be blessed by these devotions, you are welcome to forward them or let them know they can subscribe by sending a blank email to subscribers-on@aboverubies.org
A time to pray ... and pray we must
- Image via Wikipedia
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour" (I Timothy 2:1-3).The Lord convicted me pretty hard last night that I need to stop my inward (and outward) complaining and start praying - more often and more fervently and quite specifically.
It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. Daniel 4:22-27An a year later, when Nebuchadnezzar had built things just as he wanted and was relishing in his great success:
All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. Daniel 4:28-33But guess what happened? Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses:
And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Daniel 4:34-37The other thought that came to me was the story behind the song Amazing Grace written by John Newton. I had heard the story before of course but we recently purchased the movie Amazing Grace which is more about William Wilberforce and the abolitionist movement in England but factors in Newton's life as a repentant slave trader turned Anglican Priest.
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He Is Holy
Another post from my old blog ... slowly moving things over here...
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By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored. Lev 10:3God's pretty specific with how He wants to be treated it seems. And very serious about what He has commanded as well as what He forbids. And in this example it would seem that anything He specifically doesn't command when approaching Him is completely off limits as well. I read this quote by John Knox the other evening:
"All worshipping, honoring, or service invented by the brain of man in the religion of God, without His own express commandment, is idolatry."Pretty heavy. But it makes sense to me. This is the article I found online that contained the Knox quote. It's very good too!
Questions For Sabbath Evening
This is a repost of something I posted back in 2009. Enjoy!
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Just got home from the symphony – very good – very intense but wanted to get this posted… another section by Harvey Newcombe on the Sabbath called “Questions For Sabbath Evening”. Imagine how our Lord’s Day would be different if we would come to the day with the following things in mind – or reflect on how our day was spent this evening…
Enjoy!
QUESTIONS FOR SABBATH EVENINGS.
Did I yesterday make all needful preparations for the holy Sabbath?
What was my frame of mind, on retiring to rest, at the close of the week?
When I awoke, on this holy morning, towards what were my first thoughts directed?
How did I begin the day?
What public or private duties have I neglected?
What has been my general frame of mind this day?
With what preparation did I go to the sanctuary?
How were my thoughts occupied on the way?
What were my feelings, on entering the house of God?
What was my general frame of mind, while there?
What my manner?
Have I felt any sensible delight in the exercises of public worship?
With what feelings did I join the devotional exercises of singing and prayer?
In what character did I view the preacher?
As whose message did I receive the word?
For whom did I hear—for myself, or for others?
Was the word mixed with faith?
How much prayer did I mingle with hearing?
What evidence have I that it was attended by the Holy Spirit to my heart?
Did I indulge wandering thoughts, in any part of the public services?
How much progress have I made, in overcoming these heart-wanderings?
How were my thoughts occupied on my return from public worship?
How much time have I spent this day in my closet?
What have been my feelings in prayer?
What in reading God’s word?
What in meditation?
Have I felt and acknowledged my dependence upon the Holy Spirit for every right exercise of heart?
What discoveries have I had of my own guilt and helplessness, and my need of a Saviour?
How has Jesus appeared to me?
What communion have I enjoyed with God?
How have I felt, in view of my sins, and of God’s goodness to me?
What have been my feelings, on coming anew to the cross of Christ?
Have I, at any time this day, indulged vain or worldly thoughts?
Have I sought my own ease or pleasure?
Have I engaged in worldly or unprofitable conversation?
Do I now feel my soul refreshed, and my strength renewed, for the Christian warfare?
I ♥ Faces Pet Photos
I love this photo of our sweet kitty Scamper. I don't think I have ever met a sweeter cat in the world. But boy oh boy was he ever naughty! And we loved him for it because with him around, we always knew we'd be laughing!
Unfortunately, he got really sick a few years ago and didn't last long. We still miss him... and the laughter.
The photo is one of his cute but naughty moments. I opened the cupboard to get a glass and he immediately jumped in and made himself at home... and then tipped his head as if to say "you know I'm cute so there's no reason to get mad!"
We loved you Scampiness!
Disclaimer - I love my camera but am not a budding photographer in the making. I let my daughters (see here and here) take the really good shots... but I just wanted to share Scamper with the world! :)
To see more entries in the I♥faces contest and enter yourself, check out
Book Review - Slave by John MacArthur
I just finished reading Slave by John MacArthur on my brand new Kindle (what a fun gift!)
I posted my brief review here.
Refrain your feet...
This is a repost from a post I had on my old blog last year:
The girls and I are reading through Psalm 119 at lunch, 25 or so verses every afternoon. If you ever wonder about God’s word having everlasting application to our lives, spend some time reading Psalm 119. It’s beautiful. Here is part of what we read today:
97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. (Psalm 119:97-102, King James Version)
I have refrained my feet from every evil way – that I might keep they word. Good stuff that. Especially after listening to another sermon on Nehemiah this morning.
Nehemiah 13:30 (NASB) “Thus I purified them from everything foreign and appointed duties for the priests and the Levites, each in his task,”
Nehemiah called on the people of Israel to put away everything pagan/heathen. Everything. When I look at the culture, even of many bible believing Christians these days I see a lot more heathen/pagan stuff that’s accepted rather than put away. Unfortunately many believers want to “fit in” just a bit too much.
Psalm 4:3: But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Ear Trainers Part 2
EAR TRAINERS
Part 2
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
AFFIRMATION:
On the Church Calendar
Search this collection for articles, quotes and thoughts on various church "holy days" like christmas, easter and more...
Charles Spurgeon on Christmas
We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or in English; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority. (Charles Spurgeon, Sermon on Dec. 24, 1871).
I agree!
And another quote:
When it can be proved that the observance of Christmas, Whitsuntide, and other Popish festivals was ever instituted by a divine statute, we also will attend to them, but not till then. It is as much our duty to reject the traditions of men, as to observe the ordinances of the Lord. We ask concerning every rite and rubric, "Is this a law of the God of Jacob?" and if it be not clearly so, it is of no authority with us, who walk in Christian liberty. (from Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David on Psalm 81:4.)
John Knox on Holy Days
Here is what John Knox had to say on various "holy days":
By contrary Doctrine, we understand whatsoever men, by Laws, Councils, or Constitutions have imposed upon the consciences of men, without the expressed commandment of God's word: such as be vows of chastity, foreswearing of marriage, binding of men and women to several and disguised apparels, to the superstitious observation of fasting days, difference of meat for conscience sake, prayer for the dead; and keeping of holy days of certain Saints commanded by men, such as be all those that the Papists have invented, as the Feasts (as they term them) of Apostles, Martyrs, Virgins, of Christmas, Circumcision, Epiphany, Purification, and other fond feasts of our Lady. Which things, because in God's scriptures they neither have commandment nor assurance, we judge them utterly to be abolished from this Realm; affirming further, that the obstinate maintainers and teachers of such abominations ought not to escape the punishment of the Civil Magistrate.Knox's History, Vol. 2, p. 281. Cf. John Knox, Works (David Laing, ed.; Edinburgh: James Thin, 1895), Vol. ii, p. 190.
Principles of Preservation in Difficult times - Part 5
No 5. BECAUSE!
"Because" is a very significant word in Psalm 91. It is mentioned only three times, but each time it is used we cannot help realize that so much blessing, reward and deliverance depends on this common word that we use every day.
As the pace of this age speeds towards its final conclusion, we need to be more alert than ever to the sound of the trumpet of God calling us to an ever closer walk with Him. Without staying close to God we can be confounded, deceived and drowned in the floods of deception and temptation.
I am shocked and grieved at the epidemic of marriage breakup. In most cases the three "because" principles of Psalm 91 have either been ignored or not taken seriously.
The word "because" in Psalm 91 highlights the reasons for great blessings and rewards.
"BECAUSE" NO.1
"Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High your habitation. Verse 9." Immediately following this statement are four amazing promises of preservation:
1. "No evil shall befall you". Verse 10. This is incredible, because there is so much evil in this world that could easily befall us. No evil! What amazing comfort and security. No matter what evil may threaten us, it cannot touch those who make the Lord their habitation. If evil befalls us, rather than question the Lord's faithfulness, we should question the extent of our habitation in the Lord. And we know that God is able to turn something that we may regard as evil to be for our good. Read Romans 8:28.
2. "Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling". Verse 10. Although plagues fell on Pharaoh and all the Egyptians, none fell on the Israelites in the land of Goshen. Their protection was from none other than God's angelic forces. We have no need to fear viruses from birds or any other plague. We do not have to be concerned about getting flu shots or keeping ourselves isolated from society because we have made the Most High our habitation. The secret of our health is to make the Lord our dwelling place.
3. "For He shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone". Verses 11-12. What an amazing truth. Think of it! Angels are watching over our feet lest we stub our toe on a rock or twist our ankle on an uneven stone. The angels must be very busy. Doesn't this speak loudly of how important and special are the Most High habitators. They truly are God's special TLC people. Because we do not see these angels guarding us does not mean that they are not present with us. Read 2 Kings 6:17.
Very well said. I’m currently writing a post with a similar theme (no surprise there, really – I suspect God’s laying those verses on the heart of many of His children these days). It’s always crucial to build our lives on God’s word. All the more, as we see the tides turning in our nation and our world. He’s still sovereign, still on the throne, and still loves us immensely. In this we truly can hope.
Blessings,
Dianne
Comment by dianne - bunny trails — January 22, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Thank you. I have been trying to ignore the news in any form, and just stay in my quiet state of denial over the state of the world, but it is inevitable that I must face reality. What a perfect scripture and outlook to post on this subject!! Pray, pray pray. Thank you for the better perspective I must turn toward.
Comment by Cindy — January 22, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Excellent article. God is God and still on the throne!
Miss Jocelyn
aponderingheart.com
Comment by Miss Jocelyn — January 23, 2009 @ 9:05 pm