Reflection Upon Being Young

 
When I was quite young, I enjoyed going through one particular drawer in my dad's desk. There were things in there that captured my attention and imagination. I held them and tried to come up with fantastic uses for things that my parents (I'm sure) thought were quite mundane.

 
Truth be told, they were all quite mundane: An old typewrite eraser, a colored straight edge, a neon orange French curve and a brass contraption to hold a roll of stamps.

 

 Perhaps part of the secret of staying young is remembering to see the fantastic in the common, the "wow" in the mundane, and the glory within the plain.  I think that our adult hearts become jaded and so used to the things around us that we become hardened to the wonder of the reality that God blesses us with.  We need to look and appreciate that beauty in the color; we need to savor the texture of a cloth; we need to smile and thank God for the people that He placed us with.  



 
Ultimately it's that.  It's the people and the relations.  Especially the relation with God.  Once we have that—once we understand deeply, that He is both the Giver and the the Gift—once that permeates our heart, percolates through our mind, and exudes from our every action, we will be thankful people, grateful people, humbly appreciative people.  We will see that indeed, every good and perfect gift falls down from heaven above from the Father of Light in whom there is no shadow of turning.  We will then be able to rejoice in the smallest of things because we know that we have the best possible: we have God who said: "I will be your God and you will be My people."

---------------  A Related Quote  ---------------

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, 'Do it again'; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we."

— G.K. Chesterton

Take the above Chesterton quote with a grain of salt, but there is something to it for we are told that He never changes and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, forever!

Paul's Gospel Hymn of Praise

Sometimes reading a passage from the Bible can seem familiar or even mundane.  Other times we can blip right over it and miss the deep levels of meaning within the simple lines.  Such was the case the other morning when I read 1 Timothy 3:16:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified by the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

This is in verse form so it must have been an early Creed or Hymn.  Think of that for a moment.  You are participating in an ancient song that has been passed down for two millennia!

But let's unpack the meaning of this hymn then marvel at the great mystery of godliness.

"God was manifested in the flesh"  —  First, this strikes against any Gnostic who would say that matter is evil and thus God could not have *Really* come in a human body.  It also strikes against the modern liberal who says that Jesus was a nice man, a good man, but God is something that you make up in your own mind subjectively.  Now think about this a while longer; let the full importance of these brief words amaze your heart and mind.  The first 18 verses of John 1 should jump to mind: "He dwelt among us!"  Another translation says, "He tabernacled [pitched a tent] among us!"  God with us!  Emmanuel!  It also points to Matthew 1 as well as Luke 2.  Jesus Christ, Son of God, became Son of Man.  He who had always existed suddenly became!  Think also about such humiliation:  The Infinite God condensed and confined within a span of 33 years and the measure of a mortal body.  For us and for our salvation!

"Justified by the Spirit"  —  Justified could be translated "Vindicated."  Jesus began His life on earth by the direct action of the Spirit overshadowing Mary.  He started His earthly ministry with the Spirit descending upon Him at baptism in the form of a dove.  At the end of His ministry Jesus was accused and condemned as a sinner but the Spirit of God vindicated Him by raising Him from the dead.

"Seen by angels"  —  Consider Him who dwelt in Heaven on whose face the angel dare not gaze.  Now a little lower than the angels.  Angels which sang at creation (Job 38:7) and will shout and sing at the end of this age (Rev 5: 8 - 11), oversaw and directly interacted with earth at His birth, during His temptation, in the midst of His agony in the Garden, at His resurrection and then at His ascension into Heaven.  And even now, we are told that God is showing off His spectacular creation, the Church, to celestial beings.  Eph 3:10.

"Preached among the Gentiles"  —  Consider how this is the direct fulfillment of Gen 12:2 - 3, "...all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."   Consider how it is a blessing that you who were once far off are now brought into His Kingdom and accepted in the Beloved!

"Believed on in the world"  —  His kingdom is advancing!  Satan and the host of darkness team up and work the world up into a lather to oppose the spread of the gospel, but God's Word goes forth and here and there folks believe.  This should encourage us to speak, for how can they believe unless someone speaks!

"Received up in glory"  —  This happened in front of His disciples eyes (Acts 1:9).  And now this Jesus is in Heaven with the glory that He had before the incarnation and now crown with extra honor for completing the Father's task  (Phil 2:9 - 11).

There Is Something About the Light

'Bayou Window'....on the Bonfouca by Sherry Lynn
https://www.facebook.com/Louisianadreamsphotography/

There is something about the light at day break:
   the sun-colored gold,
   the sharp defined shadows,
   the warmth of the returning sun,
      heralding promise of a new day.

The light at mid day shines harsh and steeply angled:
   the glare induced squint,
   the heat and labors of the day,
   the heaviness of the afternoon laden
       with cares, humidity and vexation.

But there is something about the light at evening:
   the golden color returns,
   the breath of a cool breeze whispers relief,
   the satisfaction of the day well-done,
       and the promise of rest to come.

- D. Benning

The Last Rose of Summer

The last rose of summer,
  fragrant blossom and frail dainty,
Fall is upon us and your beauty will soon expire,
  falling finally from faded, flaccid form.
Yet bold you adventure to come forth now,
  to grow and glow and burst with beauty bright
  to cheerf'lly decorate the dying landscape with your joy,
  while all about you collects the dusty leaves of yesterday.
Yet you will fade and fall:
  Autumn's winds and Winter's rains
  will wash all memories of you from this place;
  and in stark pose, the denuded rose
     will stand in deathly cold and spiny salute to its fallen flowers.
    
- D. Benning
 

He Leads My Soul

There, there He leads my soul:
   through mountains, rivers, brambled lands;
There, there He feeds my soul:
   on manna from His loving hands.
The way be rough and arduous,
   great strain at every turn;
But though the way is filled with pain,
  'tis graced by His presence at each turn.
I'd not have chosen this my path,
   this way so filled with grief;
Nor would I trade these many years,
   because I've seen Him bring relief.
My God, my God—He leads me on,
   and though I know not where;
I know I'm safe within His hands
   and on Him cast my care!
Soon, soon this road shall wind to heav'n—
   by faith I'll see that place;
Then by His own dear Sovereign love,
   I'll see His smiling face.

- D. Benning

God's Timing is the Best

Lord, Your timing is the best,
   The working of Your perfect plan
   Your dealings and works with man!

How marvelous Your perfect charity,
   How gracious Your Mercy and Your Love.
   Now seen in the symbol of Your dove.

You watch o'er us with gracious Love,
   All to work Your perfect will and desire;
   Amazing how You bring us higher!

- D. Benning

We Weep But Not

We weep but not like pagans weep:
   the doleful sorrows and mournful cries.
We weep but not like those sans hope:
   the empty pit within a thousand sighs.
No, our sorrow is a tempered sorrow,
   buoyed up by hope of endless shores.
Our sadness pauses to look up
   and catch a glimpse of Heaven's door.
And at that door all earthy sorrows will flee
   with but a single look at Jesus' face!
There thousands join in joyful song,
   where soon we'll be by grace!


~D. Benning

1 Thes. 4:13

Thoughts

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Phil. 4:8 - 9

The world is closing in around me, press-
    ing out all thoughts of God, and leaving me
    With hate.  The world is going crazy: see
The raging vengeance—all around the ugliness!
They rush around with forkéd tongues—speak "Yes"
    But mean "No"; look not but at one's Pedigree,
    And selfishly give to charity:
All so that they might further their success!

    But how?  Success to what, dear God and Lord?
        For theirs is but a fleeting joy of ease;
        For You have promised to give all my needs
    According to Your wealth, as in Your Word.

            So whatsoever things are lovely, just, and true,
            Think on them and the God of Peace shall be with you.

 - D. Benning


This poem from 1982 was written as a poetic expression of the fourth chapter of Philippians: "Christ our Adequacy."  Especially incorporating verses 19 and 8 - 9.

On Silverwind

The sunset set no more upon the land
   In twilight dimming at the end of day,
Because the Light did glitter and expand
   To fill the sky and drive the night away.
The air just shook with mighty chords of praise
   As saints and angels sang unto the KING;
In solemn righteousness He then did gaze
   Upon His Bride: His Love for Her—His suffereing!
  
     Dear Lord, Oh! this vision of beauty:
        I thank You for the promise of Home—
     Where the streets are of gold and of rubies—
        Vivid!  so vivid a land unknown!
     
   Take me O Morning Star on Silverwind to that Place far, far away
   Where You are the Lamp like a Sun—Giver of Eternal Day!

- D. Benning

This was written sometime in 1980 or 1981 when I was still in junior college and had just found the music of a group call Silverwind.  They were very '80s sounding and were a little bit early Euro-techno even though it wasn't called that yet.  One of the singers escaped from communist controlled Bulgaria and had an incredible story to tell how he came to believe in Jesus Christ. 

Long story made short: I bought a cassette tape of their album and was fascinated by this one line on the cover under their name, Silverwind:

Take me, O Morning Star, on Silverwind to that Place far, far away.

I was in the midst of my exploring sonnets and  the "sprung rhythm" of Gerald Manley Hopkins, so I suddenly, on a whim, decided that I should incorporate that line into a full-fledged poem.  The above is the result (with slight edits here some thirty-five years later).

In case you're curious what that group sounded like, here is their "Taking the Narrow Street."

The Apple of His Eye

"Touch not My people here,
   raise not your hand against them;
The apple of my eye endeared—
   They are My treasured dear gem."

Treasured possession! What honored place!
   Treasure possession! O, what love!
He watches o'er with infinite grace,
   And mercy cascading down thereof.

That God is treasured by His own
   Should cause no wondering eye to question;
But that He should bring us to His throne
   Is Love's highest joy and expression.

A Mighty God delights in us
   And holds us close to His own heart;
Remember though the trials be thus,
   Nothing can ever cause us part.

- D. Benning

1 Chr 16:22
Dt 32:10;    Zech. 2:8

A New Twenty-Third Psalm

My Lord, my God, my Shepherd Guide,
   My good maintains—He's at my side;
Through pastures green and gentle streams
   Such truth rests easy as our theme.

But when the way is choked with cares,
   When troubles come with fears, despairs,
When heartaches rock life's fragile boats,
   When prayers grow dry and stuck in throats,
You must recall His promise well:
   He came to earth to take your Hell,
That you might be a child of Heav'n—
   His presence everlasting giv'n.

Thus you may hold His hand, dear child,
   Though storms and waves may rock you wild;
Through Valleys of Death's Shadows trek,
   His loving hands upon you check
And quell all doubts, your qualms, your fears,
   His Word to you will bring you cheer.

Though thousands then might fall around,
   Your stores run low and foes confound;
Though death looms large and sounds its knell,
   He vows in Heav'n with Him you'll dwell.

- D. Benning

Based on a reflection upon Ps. 23

Keep Away From Wicked's House

Keep away from wicked's house and lair,
   from sin, from pride, from lust and hate,
   from everything that is not straight,
   from contrarian dare
        and evil flair
and following crowds through that wide gate.

For there that door is but a road to hell,
   though fun and bliss with joy and kicks
   are promised with the spice of tricks—
   with the pride of sell
        and the thrill of fell;
yet no satisfaction, peace or fix.

Soon your wealth and health will while away
   your heart, your joy, your toil and sweat,
   in utter ruin about you yet—
   then shall you pray
        with doleful bray,
"I foolishly ignored God's threat."

- D. Benning

Based on Proverbs 5:1 - 14

Let the Glory of Your Name Be the Passion of the Church

Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives
We believe You're all to us.      Chris Tomlin, full lyrics

This is so correct.  This is what we should all aim for.  What is our passion?  What animates and kindles our fires?  If we are honest, we would have to say that we are aroused, motivated, enraptured by things: earthly things, common things and even sinful things.  Things that are passing away.  We do not see that eternity is but a heart-beat away and it will last forever.  We are insensitive to the reality of the all-holy, all-mighty God, transcendent yet present everywhere in His creation.  We are completely clueless that next to our puny 3-Dimensions, Heaven lays open as a vast, immeasurable country where thousands upon thousands are joined together in rapturous song and worship as they surround the Throne with praises.

So, let us make sure that our passion is the glory of God's Name.  What does that mean?  One example is Phinehas in Numbers 25.  He saw the disgraceful sin that the Children of Israel were engaged in; he saw leadership start to take action against the sin; then he saw the wickedness continue.  That when he took matters into his own hands: following the command that the Lord gave to Moses (Num. 25:4), he killed the two who flagrantly and publicly violated the Lord's laws.  Note that

•   he acted within the guidelines of the legal code of that time;
•   he was motivated by a sense of zeal for the honor of God's Name;
•   he acted quickly and decisively.

Applying this to our lives, are we quick to cut off known sin from our own behavior?  Do we speak out against those around us who suggest doing something wrong?  We may not stop others, but we can certainly speak and refrain from joining in.

Then, let the Righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns.  These should not be mere, empty, idle words.  God's Righteousness.  That is all the Rightness and Correctness that is the natural out-flowing of being Holy should guide our thoughts and actions so that it figuratively burns up the unrighteousness that is in our lives.

Finally let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives.  How will they know that we are Christians?  By our love.  Not a warm, fuzzy feeling love, but a love first for God and then a love for one another.  But notice how God says we should love Him: with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul and with all our strength:

• Heart—our affections; 
• Mind—our logic and reason, employing our will; 
• Soul—that part which He made alive that can now respond to Him whereas before we were dead and unresponsive; 
• Strength—loving God takes energy and hard work, it is not a "if I feel like it" sort of love, but a laboring with all strength that He gives. 

And how does this love express itself?  By doing what is right and good in His sight.  What is that?  All His Laws and Commands.  We can only measure our love for God by actions.  That is why the Apostle John wrote, "let us not love in word or in talk, but in deed and in truth"  (1 Jn. 3:18).  Deed and truth.  With actions aligned with what is true; and what is true can only be found in God's Word for He alone is True (let all men be liars.)

If we do this in increasing measure, Jesus Christ truly will be all to us.

Come, My People, Come Within

The Mighty Lord, The Sovereign Lord,
   Now speaks and all earth trembles.
Who can stand against His wrath?
   He summons—all assemble!

Yet hear His voice, His loving voice,
   He calls to us so gently;
Give heed to Him, give careful heed,
   And listen then intently!

"Oh, come, my people, come within
   And shut the doors most tightly
For now My wrath pours out on earth,
   But day will soon dawn brightly."

So hide yourselves and come away;
   He bids you now to come in.
But see He calls to you to come
   and hide yourself within Him.

The Sovereign Lord, the Mighty Lord,
   Works justice in His own world;
All sin and wrong and evil too
   Will fall beneath His flag unfurled.

But trust Him, child, He is your God,
   Your Heavenly Father and your guide;
His wrath displayed, don't be dismayed—
   He is your comfort at your side.

- D. Benning

based on Isa. 26:20 - 21 (KJV)

Watchman, Tell Me of the Night

"Watchman, tell me of the night;
  I see darkness, I see strife;
I feel certain nothing's certain,
  All conspires against our life."
 
"Yes, you've spoken and you've queried,
  Morning comes but don't be wearied;
Soon the night will come again
  With its toils that then attend;
You must look out and prepare wisely,
  Be not quiet nor sit by idly.
If you'd ask then ask again—
  See His grace does now extend."

- D. Benning

based on Isa. 21:11 - 12

Trusting in His Word

Trusting in His Word,
   Trusting in His Sovereignty,
      Trusting that He's good to me—
Oh, how hard to do this word.

Basing all my life on Him,
    Basing all my choices in Him,
       Basing all my joys with Him—
Oh, how hard my flesh rebels.

Lord, I need your Spirit in me,
    Lord, let your Word dwell richly in me,
       Lord, rule graciously over me—
So my will becomes Your own.

- D. Benning

In the Anxious Moments

In the anxious moments of confusion,
   midst the hectic panic and delusion,
   as the hope sinks low behind occlusion,
lean upon His arm.

In the trial of fiery furnace,
   as the lessons come with added sternness,
   as the angst of life concerns us,
lean upon His arm.

In the quiet of the long night,
   filled with coldness as the Klondike
   and a terror comes with strong fright,
lean upon His arm.

There He holds His children closely,
   though the world will vex you grossly,
   though the doubt hangs round morosely—
but none can touch you there.

Lean upon His arms of healing,
   know His peace and love revealing;
   at His Throne of mercy kneeling,
upheld by His almighty arm.

- D. Benning

David's Hymn (With Old English)

David's Hymn

Behold Christ,       the ingenious cross-bearer,

the holy Savior,       a homestead gave

when He was,       the glory Son,

sin's destroyer,       Creator of the earth,

and there felled       Satan's kingdom.

Before the ruin       removed joy,

the first Adam,       earth's son,

lived healthily,       holy father of mankind

without sin;       but he tasted the fruit—

death of man came,       the living-inheritance died.

Then sent the Lord,       the Ruler of Days,

Preserver with night-piercing sight,       darkness to Adam's kind.

Drove to misery,       the Potentate of Heaven.

All creation wept;       joy wrenched from Adam.

But the Lord sent       a beacon glorious,

a generous gift:       Author of Life on victory-field,

mighty Warrior on beam      utterly crushed Devil;

a blest-with-victory man.       That was a blessed day!

Yet thanes heeded       cursed counsel,

turned to evil       cursed High Father.

Still God loved,      gave light to souls.

The Second Adam,       Almighty Son of man,

quickened mankind       with mercy,

bounteous in benefits;       darkness fled,

thanes received sight—      the Trinity's work!

All mankind sings;       earth itself rejoice;

then was sung triumph's song,      song of the righteous Father,

The Savior with power       mankind's sin cured;

Thus we must now praise       the Creator of Salvation!

- D. Benning

_____________________________________

I was so into Old English (Anglo-Saxon) whilst an undergraduate at UC Davis that I took as many courses in pre-Shakespearean literature as possible and ended up taking several classes in Old English and related literature.  I thoroughly loved it.  I was even encouraged by my professor to try my hand at writing in Old English and submitting it to an annual contest.  (No.  Not even an honorable mention for my efforts.)  But the above is the translation of the following Old English words.  I know that it is correct, having gone back and forth with my professor several times over the wording and the syntax.

Dauides Ymen

Hwæt Crist       cræftig rod-bora,

halig Hæland       hám-steall geaf

þa he wæs,       wuldor-Sunu,

synna sceaða,       Scyppend eorþes,

and þar gefylde       feondes rices.

Foran fiell       geferste wynne,

ærest Adam,       eorþes sunu,

gefilde hælig,       halige ielda fæder,

butan synne;       ac biergode ofet—

mann-cwealm com,       cwic-erfe for eode.

Þa sende Drihten,       dæges Rædend,

niht-eáge Nergend,       nifol Adam-cynne.

Fordrif to wan-sceaft       Wealdend heofone.

Weop eal gesceaft;       wynne forless Adam.

Ac Brego sende       beacen þrym-fæst,

lac ungieðe.      Lyf-fruma on sige-wang,

Hæle on beame       bana forþrycte;

sigor-eadig secge.       Þæt wæs sælig dæg!

Hwæþre hedon       þeowas þeostre ræd,

hweorfon to beale,      heah-Fæder wiergodon.

Þeah God lufende       lecht sawolum geaf.

Se oþere Adam,       almihtig byre rince,

cwycode menn       mid mild-heortnesse,

duguþa éstige;       dwolman fleah,

Þecgon sihðe þegnas—       Þrynesse weorc.

Eal menn sungon;       middangeard gefeah;

ða wæs sigeleóþ galen,       sang rihtwis-Fæder.

Hæland mid meahte       mannes synna lacnode.

For on sculon nu herigean       hæles Scyppend.

 

- D. Benning

Various Proverbs from Around the World

Here are little tidbits of truth, condensed into small sentences, that still stand up to scrutiny even after translation.  No wonder Solomon wrote, almost 300 years ago, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (Prov. 25:11).  May God fill us with His Word and with His Spirit so that we are able to give proper responses to those around us.

• Words are like eggs: when they hatch they have wings.  (Madagascar)
• A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom.  (China)
• There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out.  (Russia)
• He that will not look forward must look behind.  (Gaelic)
• If you want your dreams to come true, don't over sleep.  (Yiddish)
• If you destroy a bridge, be sure you can swim.  (Swahili)
• Many will show you the way once your cart has overturned.  (Kurdish)
• Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts.  (Tibetan)
• No one says his own buttermilk is sour.  (Afghanistan)
• If luck be with you, why worry; if luck be against you, why worry?  (Afghanistan)
• Among the bling the squint rules.  (Hindu)
• A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.  (Netherlands)
• After all is said and done, more is said than done.  (United States)
• To bend a bamboo, start when it is a shoot.  (Malaysia)
• Even the crude person pleases if he has money.  (Latin)  Ovid, Ars Amatoria, II, 276
• The brave man may fall, but not yield.  (Latin)

All Things Work Your Will

All things work your will, oh God,
   for You control all things;
the smallest flower obeys your call
   and glory to You brings.
  
All things do your will, oh Lord;
   creation works Your law—
all things bend to do as you deign
   and glory in Your awe!
  
All things are Your creation, Lord,
   all things Your will obey,
Your summons comes, Your will be done—
   creation then does Your way!

 - D. Benning

He Giveth More Grace

...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Phil. 4:11 - 13

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

The key to our being able to do all things is to be remaining and abiding in Christ.  Our strength will fail.  His strength is infinite!

He giveth more grace
When the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength
When the labours increase.
To added affliction
He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

Chorus
His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His pow'r has no boundary
Known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth,
And giveth again!

When we have exhausted
Our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed
Ere' the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our
Hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Chorus

In View of Current Events

I have been numb.

Mind bendingly numb.

The events of the last few days capped off an insane news cycle so as to leave the mind wondering which end might be up.  There is no sense to the travesty of justice and the carnage of innocent lives.  I can't begin to explain it on a normal, 2D sort of level.  So I won't even try.

I thought about the joy of seeing flower bloom and rivers flow down their mountain channels to where they widen out into a broad confluence of many waters.  I smiled remembering a gorgeous sunrise over the hills with mist rising up in splendor at the first kiss of the sun's touch.  I also recalled with joy as I first held our children minutes after their arrival in this world—so fragile, so helpless, so full of potential. 

I almost introverted and went full "Ecclesiastes," saying that it's all meaningless and a huge vanity—what's the point of it all since evil is advancing!?

However there are some other things that I keep coming back to.  God is still God.  He has not abdicated nor given up.  He is not pacing back and forth in heaven worried over this latest development.  No, He who called the stars forth by name is still calling all the shots in this grand game of life.  Evil may think that it holds an advantage and seemingly has the upper hand, but our God is still Sovereign and in control.

(No, God does not sanction evil nor condone bad things to happen.  Yet because He has given His creatures choice and free-will, all that they do is their own choice and out of their own desires.  He permits and human kind commits.  Yet God limits and mutes the full force of evil's intent.)

So I can rest in the security of a Sovereign God who is completely in control and completely good and totally loving.  I can trust His promises that He will do all to make me conform to the image of His Son and thus make me ready and fit to dwell with Him forever.

This world is not my home; I'm just passing through.  All the things of this earth are growing strangely dim as I view them through Heaven's lens.

That is not to say that I have given up on this world—if fact, quite the opposite.

It is because I see Heaven and God's kingdom that I also see the one solution that is necessary for this poor, dispairing and wretched world.  The solution is Jesus Christ.  We all need to submit to Him and repent of our sinful, selfish ways.  Our society has become more and more out of wack by throwing God out of the equation. 

Some would say, "Oh, there' always been murder and hate around."

Yeah.  But at this level of craziness?  When in the history of the USA have there been multiple instances of people targeting police throughout the country in the same week?  What about the other sorts of violent crimes that seem to rise up in the news feed?

No, things are out of wack because we are not right with God.  Our society has not based its rubric on God's standard.  In fact, God's standard is pretty much thrown out and despised.

So I will say it again.  The only solution to our national problem is to repent, confess our sins and then forsake all of our sins.  This means reading the Bible to see what God says are sins.  It also means giving up selfish definitions of autonomy and personal control. 

God commands it.  Repent.

The consequences are becoming more and more dire if you do not.

Remove the Dross

Remove the dross from the silver,
    and the smith has material for a vessel;
remove the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Prov. 25:4 - 5

Removing dross is equated with removing wickedness and as one produces material that is worthy of making something honorable, so removing wickedness makes the kingdom that much more honorable.  Thus God, the Great King, is removing evil from us.  We see Him removing evil from every corner of His kingdom too!

As deputies in God's kingdom we are to participate in this clean up.  We participate primarily by subduing the sin and fleshly desires within our own hearts and then by exerting influence on our spheres of influence around us.  We see this is done in this chapter by:

• vv. 6 - 7 — Not being proud; not exalting self.  Selfishness is the largest source of dross.
• vv. 11 - 12 — Having apt and fitting words.
• Col. 4:6 tells us to make sure that our words are filled with grace and seasoned with salt.  Salt is something that adds good flavor to a bland taste or even helps cover the bitter taste.  Salt also stops or slows the rot and helps preserve the food.  In the same way our speech should give a pleasant flavor to the conversation and stop or slow down the evil, moral rot of society.
• Whatever is of good report and is noble we are to think on—and out of our thinking our words are to flow.  This helps extend God's kingdom and removes the dross from society.
• v. 13 — Be trustworthy.
• v. 21 - 22 — Aid those all around us.  Be friendly; don't be stingy.
• v. 23 — KJV:  "The north wind brings forth rain; and a backbiting tongue, angry looks."
• The north wind drives away rain.  Therefore you do your part to drive away and check evil speech.  Do not be part of it and do what you can to stop it and let it be known that you will not countenance such evil manners.  It may only take a sharp look or a frown to remind a friend that their tongue has veered off into sin.  But you much be ready to back up that disapproving look with sharp words if necessary.
• v. 28.  Finally, it does little good to drive evil out if your own walls are broken down.  Therefore, be self-controlled and guard your heart well, for it is the well-spring of life.  Self-control is listed in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 - 23) so it is no stretch to say that being self-controlled is really being Spirit-controlled.  The surest way to guard your heart and to ensure that your walls are well fortified is to make sure that you are filled with the Spirit and are listening to what He tells you.

Do this and you will be a faithful deputy in God's kingdom, ruling in your small arena and purging evil from your sphere.  Especially from within your heart.

God Moves

God moves.
    The Sovereign Lord of Time and Space
    Enacts His will with measured pace;
Yet scoffers think Him slow.

God acts.
    The Creator of earth's furthest bound,
    Sits patiently in Heaven crowned
With every wreath of empires.

God works.
    His Sovereign glory brought to light
    His children's good enforced by Might,
All to His praise forever!

- D. Benning

Well-Advised Wisdom

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.  (NIV, 1984)

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. (KJV)


Prov. 13:10

Note the contrast between pride and taking advice—between arrogance and wisdom.  You cannot become wise if you are proud.  The proud person refuses to admit they need anything more and thus rejects any advice (to their shame and to their harm).

How then can we become wise?

• It is important then to be humble in order to become wise.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  The "fear of the Lord" is another way of saying that you are not proud.  If you see God, you cannot remain arrogant.
• Pr. 13:20 says that the person who walks with the wise shall be wise.  Who you hang out with really matters.  Fellowship often with those who are godly and adopt their godly mannerisms and habits.
• Pr. 13:1 says a wise son heeds (hears and does) his father's instruction.  Therefore listen to what your father says and instructs.  By extension, "father" stands for all proper authorities over us.  Listen to what they say, command, suggest, etc.  This includes your pastor, elders, parents, boss, teachers, government officials, etc.  Hear and do.  Don't "hear and argue or chafe or complain."
• James 1:5 says that if you lack wisdom, ask of God; he will give it to you.  Ultimately, none of us are all that wise.  Some of us have more nature, innate foolishness within than any sort of good wisdom and common sense.  Humble yourself and ask God for help.  Ask Him for wisdom about the things that you know that you need wisdom for—but there are probably a dozen other things that you don't even see yet that you need help in.  Why?  Because you don't even have the wisdom necessary to see that there's a problem coming.

Do not be wise in your own eyes (Pr. 3:7).  That is using the wrong weight to measure yourself.  God finds false weights and incorrect measures to be an abomination (Pr. 11:1).  Pride is the worst form of incorrect measuring in God's eyes.

What is the result of gaining wisdom?

Proverbs 16:21 says

• (NIV) "The wise in heart are discerning...."   
• Discerning == "showing insight & judgment; being perceptive."
• (KJV) "The wise in heart shall be called prudent...."
• Prudent == "wise in handling practical matters"

These are necessary qualities to be a leader.  You may not be called upon to be a pastor or a president of a corporation, but you will have leadership roles thrust upon you.  It is part of maturing.  Don't think that you can duck that by saying "Oh, I'm just going to be a housewife."  No, you will have children and you will have to lead them (under your husband, yes, just as he is under the authority of the church).

A leader needs to be perceptive and have insight.  A leader will know where that road leads without having to take it the whole way.  A leader anticipates outcomes and problems and heads off disaster before it arrives.  A leader reads the signs ("Bridge out") and quickly makes a decision for a new plan of moving forward.  He doesn't have to go down that road to discover what "Bridge out" really means

Some call it the "Sheepdog" mentality.  The sheep are busy grazing: "Oooh, look!  Grass!  Ooooh!  and another clump over here!  Yummy!"  But the Sheepdog is watching, moves a wandering sheep back into the flock, watching the whole scene and chases down a wolf before most of the flock even noticed there was a problem.

In Genesis 16:13, after Hagar was found by the Angel and given water, she called God "The Lord who sees."  That is a Leader.  This "seeing" is not a passive watching like someone watching a good show on TV.  No it is seeing the need, anticipating the problem and providing a solution—sometimes even before we know we were in trouble.  We are called to be leaders like that.  See the need from afar and provide direction, solution, or whatever is best at exactly the right time.

Eph 5:25 tells us that husbands are to love their wives exactly as Christ loves the church.  Christ saw our need long before we did and then He provided everything for us His bride.  We are to do that in our rolls of leadership for those under us.

It tells us who we are to be, to become and what sort of spouse we are to look for.  It is a high calling, one that requires a great deal of wisdom.  But Christ is our Wisdom.  We must humble ourselves daily (and even more often) to ask for this wisdom that we will do that next good and right thing which is pleasing in His eyes.  The best leaders are those that follow their authorities the closest.

Habakkuk's Song

Though the fig tree will not blossom,
   Though the grapes fall from the vine,
Though our every crop be failing,
   Though the sun refuse to shine,
Yet will I command my soul to praise our God,
   To praise His holy Name;
He is my joy and strength and salvation,
   And life within my frame.
Oh magnify the Lord with me,
   Let earth and sky rejoice!
He sits enthroned in might and pow'r,
   Yet hears His children's voice.

- D. Benning

Hab 3:17 - 19

The Boundary Lines

And Moses gave an inheritance to the tribe of the people of Reuben according to their clans.....Beth-jeshimoth,  that is, all the cities of the tableland, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses defeated with the leaders of Midian, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.  Balaam also, the son of Beor, the one who practiced divination, was killed with the sword by the people of Israel among the rest of their slain.
Josh 13:15 - 22

Why did Joshua make sure to list off the names of the bad kings along with Balaam when giving a description of the tribal inheritance of Reuban?  To the modern ear it makes more sense to list the places analytically: Jordan river, to the Dead Sea turn east at Mount Pisgah, etc.

But there is an important reason for inclusion of the names of these wicked people:

O my people, remember what Balak king of Moab devised,
    and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
    that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord
Micah 6:5

The people were to remember and the know what the Lord had done.  Those boundaries were to be lines of demarcation as well as spiritual memory aids.  Every time they reviewed where they lived, they would recall those wicked men and then remember how the Lord had done marvelous things on their behalf!

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:5 - 6

Do we consider our boundary lines and do we consider all that the Lord has done for us?  Or is there whining and restlessness, wanting something that the Lord had not given us.  Consider these Reubanites.  A little while later, Deborah sings the song of triumph but includes a rebuke of that tribe:

Among the clans of Reuben
    there were great searchings of heart.
Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds,
    to hear the whistling for the flocks?
Among the clans of Reuben
    there were great searchings of heart.
Judges 5:15b - 16

Reuben (as well as Gad and Manasseh) put their personal interests ahead of the public good.  They chose for themselves instead of letting the Lord choose their portion.  They could not say that the boundary line fell in pleasant places for they grasped their own destiny.

In a very real way, everyone who has left the Christian faith and broken covenant with God and with one another has done so by putting their own private interests ahead of the good of the Kingdom of God and the kingdom as expressed in a local church.  The same fate still awaits such today.

This initial settling of the tribes based upon personal interest over public good is echoed in Deborah's song a hundred years or so later.  And it was the reason why these tribes were the first to feel the effects of God's displeasure in having foreign kings molest them.  They were the first of the tribes to go into captivity.  (See 1 Chr 5:25 - 26.)

In a negative sort of way, the tribe of Reuben proved the truth of Proverbs 3:5 - 6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Prov. 3:5 - 6

We should then make sure to review our boundary lines with joy and great thanksgiving.  We must see how pleasantly God has ordain our lot.  We must understand the truth of what Spurgeon wrote:

Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows." Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good.

Morning and Evening, Nov. 11 pm

A People Near to God

".... a people near unto Him."

~ Ps. 148:14

Think of this, we are near Him!

• We who were afar are now brought near.  Closer we cannot be: He in us and we in Him!
• We are near in relationship.  He is our Kinsman Redeemer.  He took our nature so that we might be made like Him.
•  We are near to Him in thought and affection.  We are His segulah, His treasured possession. The apple of His eye!
• We are near to Him in attention.  He doesn't just consider us from a distance like someone glancing out a window at pedestrians on the street below.  No, He considers us so as to direct all our ways.  He orders time and space, history and all physical laws to His glory and to the good of His children.

 No wonder the Psalmist says we should Praise the Lord!  Hallelujah! 

The Law Expressed in Love

The law expressed in love,
   My acts adduce delight;
Commands came from Above,
   Crowned in holy light.

It's not strange to see then
   Christ summarize His Rule:
Love God the most then all men—
   Prize this as a precious jewel.

To obey is better than sacrifice,
   My worship set with pious zeal
Sees Calv'ry as Redemption's price
   And obedience as its righteous seal.

He fashioned one from many,
   Gave gifts to build His Church;
Let not sin nor hate nor envy
   Divide, destroy or smirch.

I live in Christ and He in me,
   And with His strength I labor;
Looking then toward eternity,
   In love I help my neighbor.

- D. Benning

“We conclude, therefore, that a Christian lives not in himself, but in Christ and the neighbor,” said Luther. “He lives in Christ through faith, and in his neighbor through love”

(Freedom of a Christian, LW 31:371).




I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Eph 4:1 - 3

To Know Christ

For if ye believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe my words?

John 5:46 - 47

Consider this: Jesus said that we must believe Moses' words (ie, the Law or the Old Testament) and if we believe not Moses' words, we cannot believe Christ's words.  To understand and know and believe Christ fully is to understand and know and believe the words written down in the Old Testament.  This should not surprise us for Christ Himself spoke to the disciples on the Road to Emmaus and "interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself, beginning from Moses and from all the prophets" (Luke 24:27).

Putting it another way, your theology will be weak and anemic at best if it neglects Scripture in the Old Testament.  But more seriously, your theology may miss the mark entirely if you do not believe the writings of Moses and the prophets—for "how shall you believe [Christ's] words?"

The Book of His Law

Josh. 1:8 "...do not let this Book depart from your mouth..."
Ps. 141:3 "...set a guard over my mouth..."

And what is the agency of this guard but God and His Word?

By ourselves, we cannot control our mouths:  Jms. 3: 5-6, 8;  Mt. 12:34.

What we put into our hearts will come out of our lips.  (Lk. 6:45)

That is why we are to let Christ's Word dwell in us richly!  Not just a little, but the whole.  In other words, do not let the Book depart from you..... neither from your heart nor from your mouth!

Psalm 139

Two very good quotes based on Psalm 139 today I ready in Spurgeon's Treasury of David.

Here the poet inverts his gaze, from the blaze of suns, to the strange atoms composing his own frame. He stands shuddering over the precipice of himself. Above is the All encompassing Spirit, from whom the morning wings cannot save; and below, at a deep distance, appears amid the branching forest of his animal frame, so fearfully and wonderfully made, the abyss of his spiritual existence, lying like a dark lake in the midst. How, between mystery and mystery, his mind, his wonder, his very reason, seem to rock like a little boat between the sea and sky. But speedily does he regain his serenity; when he throws himself, with childlike haste and confidence, into the arms of that Fatherly Spirit, and murmurs in his bosom, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them"; and looking up at last in his face, cries—"Search me, O Lord. I cannot search thee; I cannot search myself; I am overwhelmed by those dreadful depths; but search me as thou only canst; see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
—George Gilfillan (1813-1878), in "The Bards of the Bible."

 _________________________________________________

Searcher of hearts! to thee are known
The inmost secrets of my breast;
At home, abroad, in crowds, alone,
Thou mark'st my rising and my rest,
My thoughts far off, through every maze,
Source, stream, and issue—all my ways.

How from thy presence should I go,
Or whither from thy Spirit flee,
Since all above, around, below,
Exist in thine immensity?
If up to heaven I take my way,
I meet thee in eternal day.

If in the grave I make my bed
With worms and dust, lo! thou art there!
If, on the wings of morning sped,
Beyond the ocean I repair,
I feel thine all controlling will,
And thy right hand upholds me still.

"Let darkness hide me", if I say,
Darkness can no concealment be;
Night, on thy rising, shines like day;
Darkness and light are one with thee:
For thou mine embryo form didst view,
Ere her own babe my mother knew.

In me thy workmanship display'd,
A miracle of power I stand:
Fearfully, wonderfully made,
And framed in secret by thine hand;
I lived, ere into being brought,
Through thine eternity of thought.

How precious are thy thoughts of peace,
O God, to me! how great the sum!
New every morn, they never cease:
They were, they are, and yet shall come,
In number and in compass more
Than ocean's sands or ocean's shore.

Search me, O God! and know my heart;
Try me, my inmost soul survey;
And warn thy servant to depart
From every false and evil way:
So shall thy truth my guidance be
To life and immortality.

—James Montgomery.

The Thoughts of God

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! 

How vast is the sum of them!

~Psalm 139:17

A sobering thought.  Do I treasure God's thoughts?  Do I consider what He thinks and says as my highest delight?  Paul might have had this verse in mind when he began his doxology of Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.

On one hand how can any mortal begin to understand God's thoughts.  They are higher then the heavens and unsearchable.  His "foolishness" is far wiser than our best and most lofty effort. 

Yet God reveals some of His thoughts to us.  They are in this Book called the Bible.  Do I hold this in high regard?  Do I make it my treasure and the source of my inspiration?  And Paul writes that we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).  That is amazing.  And we have the Spirit who indwells us.

This should affect us throughout the day.  This should motivate us.  Our goal should be to think God's thoughts after Him.  Why?  If God is most pure and perfect and good, then His thoughts will be so also.  And since He has made known to us some of these thoughts, the most pure and perfect and good thoughts that I could possibly think would be to think upon what God has already thought.

It is the height of arrogance and overweening pride to think that on my own I could come up with a thought that is better than God's.  He's infinite!  He's already thought it!

This should also drive us to greater humility as well as greater thanksgiving since the content of His thoughts toward us are love and mercy.

A Prayer

"You are the great sovereign King. There is none like you, majestic in holiness, perfect in knowledge and power, awesome in glorious splendor. There be nothin' outside of your knowledge or control. There be nothin' that causes you surprise or alarm. We, however, are surprised by things and alarmed by events. We are tossed to and fro on the winds of circumstance. We are tossed until we find our rest in you. We are blown about until you shelter us in the hollow of your hand. There and there alone we find the sweet peace and rest. There and there alone we find that nothin' may move us, nothin' will alarm us, and nothin' can pry us from your grasp.  Bring about great glory for your Name. And give us wisdom to know how to carry on.  This I pray in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

Shadows from Before, © 2014,  p. 128

And I pray that we all may understand how loving and majestic and sovereign and mighty and completely in control this God is. As C. H. Spurgeon said:

Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, "Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows."

Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Nov 11, pm

Psalm 135

As applied to verses 15 - 17 of this Psalm.

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
    they have eyes, but do not see;
they have ears, but do not hear,
    nor is there any breath in their mouths.

A heated fancy or imagination
May be mistaken for an inspiration.
True; but is this conclusion fair to make—
That inspiration must be all mistake?
A pebble stone is not a diamond: true;
But must a diamond be a pebble too?
To own a God who does not speak to men,
Is first to own, and then disown again;
Of all idolatry the total sum
Is having gods that are both deaf and dumb.

—John Byron, 1691-1763.

It is for this reason that the Psalmist wrote "For I know that the Covenant Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods" (v.5).

Let princes hear, let angels know,

How mean their natures seem;

Those gods on high, and gods below,

When once compared with him.

—C. H. Spurgeon

A Treasury of David, Ps. 135, verse 5

In Hope Believe

By faith the saints of old beheld You; through sorrow and joy You gently led.
By faith they reckoned You as faithful, and they held to ev’ry Word You said.
O, let us then with eyes that see far, with them look to that promise free.

     Chorus
      “Against all hope, in hope believe”—You spoke and so it then shall be.
      “In hope believe” and thus receive this life with You eternally!

2.
O Lord, my Rock, my God and Savior, my Joy, my life, my all and crown,
around me are the noise and clamors of the world that seeks to pull me down.
My eyes here long to see Your favor, and in this world a glimpse I see.

     Chorus

3.
Your eyes are on Your people always, on those who will obey and fear You,
on those whose hope is in salvation and Your great unfailing Love so true.
You will deliver them from judgment and bring their blinded eyes to see.

     Chorus

4.
O Lord, we wait in hope for Your help; You are our Rock, our Shield and fortress.
In You our hearts rejoice with singing even though by trial we are oppressed.
Say to our souls “I’m your salvation; My face in heaven you shall see.”

     Chorus

 D. Benning  © 2006

This has been set to music, the tune Myfanwy, which was composed by Dr. Joseph Perry (1843 - 1901)

• See the score here
• Direct link to the mp3

My Heart Is Not Proud

My heart, O Lord, is not proud,
I lift not up my eyes;
and things too great and lofty
I will not seek as prize.
     But I have still and quieted my soul
     like a weaned child within its mother's arms.
     I place my hope in You,
     Both now and evermore.

In grace You bid me look up;
my eyes look up to You;
As slaves look their Master,
I hope in all that's true.
     For I have still and quieted my soul
     like a weaned child within its mother's arms.
     I place my hope in You,
     Both now and evermore.

Our eyes look to the Lord God,
let mercy flow from heav'n.
We wait in humble posture
for grace that's freely giv'n.
     For we have still and quieted our souls
     like a weaned child within its mother's arms.
     We place our hope in You,
     Both now and evermore.

~D. Benning, 2011

As set to music....

______________________________________________________________

"It has always been my aim, and it is my prayer, to have no plan as regards myself; well assured as I am that the place where the Saviour sees meet to place me must ever be the best place for me."
—Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 1813-1843.

______________________________________________________________

From Spurgeon's, Treasury of David, Psalm 131:2—

[David says that he is] as a child that is weaned of afflictions mother. He had become as subdued and content as a child whose weaning is fully accomplished. The Easterners put off the time of weaning far later than we do, and we may conclude that the process grows none the easier by being postponed. At last there must be an end to the suckling period, and then a battle begins: the child is denied his comfort, and therefore frets and worries, flies into pets, or sinks into sulks. It is facing its first great sorrow and it is in sore distress. Yet time brings not only alleviations, but the ending of the conflict; the boy ere long is quite content to find his nourishment at the table with his brothers, and he feels no lingering, wish to return to those dear fountains from which he once sustained his life. He is no longer angry with his mother, but buries his head in that very bosom after which he pined so grievously: he is weaned on his mother rather than from her.

"My soul doth like a weanling rest,
I cease to weep;
So mother's lap, though dried her breast,
Can lull to sleep."

To the weaned child his mother is his comfort though she has denied him comfort. It is a blessed mark of growth out of spiritual infancy when we can forego the joys which once appeared to be essential, and can find our solace in him who denies them to us: then we behave manfully, and every childish complaint is hushed. If the Lord removes our dearest delight we bow to his will without a murmuring thought; in fact, we find a delight in giving up our delight. This is no spontaneous fruit of nature, but a well tended product of divine grace: it grows out of humility and lowliness, and it is the stem upon which peace blooms as a fair flower.

De Profundis

Up from the deeps, O God, I cry to thee!
Hear my soul's prayer, hear thou her litany,
O thou who sayest, "Come, wanderer, home to me."

Up from the deeps of sorrow, wherein lie
Dark secrets veil'd from earth's unpitying eye,
My prayers, like star crown'd angels, Godward fly.

From the calm bosom when in quiet hour
God's Holy Spirit reigns with largest power,
Then shall each thought in prayer's white blossom flower.

Not from life's shallows, where the waters sleep,
A dull, low marsh where stagnant vapours creep,
But ocean voiced, deep calling unto deep.

As he of old, King David, call'd to thee,
As cries the heart of poor humanity,
"Clamavi, Domine, exaudi me!"**

—C. S. Fenner, as quoted in C. H. Spurgeon's Treasury of David, Ps 130, verse 1


** "I cry, O Lord, hear me!"

Psalm 126

When, her sons from bonds redeeming,
God to Zion led the way,
We were like to people dreaming
Thoughts of bliss too bright to stay.

Fill'd with laughter, stood we gazing,
Loud our tongues in rapture sang;
Quickly with the news amazing
All the startled nations rang.

"See Jehovah's works of glory!
Mark what love for them he had!"
"Yes, FOR US! Go tell the story.
This was done, and we are glad."

Lord! thy work of grace completing
All our exiled hosts restore,
As in thirsty channels meeting
Southern streams refreshing pour.

They that now in sorrow weeping
Tears and seed commingled sow,
Soon, the fruitful harvest reaping,
Shall with joyful bosoms glow.

Tho' the sower's heart is breaking,
Bearing forth the seed to shed,
He shall come, the echoes waking,
Laden with his sheaves instead.

—William Digby Seymour, in "The Hebrew Psalter. A New Metrical Translation," 1882.

The Call and Pull of Home

   I just read an op/ed piece by a native West Virginian. (Click here if you'd like to read it too.)  I began to feel a little bit of nostalgia and pull of the old homestead as I read.  I recalled wandering over the hills and wading through creeks, digging up rocks and making "forts" from sticks and honeysuckle vines.  I remembered also the beauty of the woods as the rain had just stopped, the last drippings from the leaves were still heard occasionally and the mist began to rise as the sun came out and began evaporating the moisture.

   I read all that and then wondered.

   What about Heaven?  Yes, it's a handy segue that West Virginia's unofficial motto is "Almost Heaven, West Virginia!"  (Thank you, John Denver!)  But if West Virginia is almost as in not quite the real thing and I am feeling a little bit of wanting to experience it again, how much more would and should the REAL Heaven bend my soul and my affections to want to come home.

   How did I get a bit attached to West Virginia?  I lived there.  I experienced it.  I was in its hills and breathed the crisp air of its Autumn.  Each morning I woke up in it left a mark on me and upon my mind.  Each night I went to sleep there helped seal its hold on my memories.

   In the same way I become attached to Heaven.  Of course, I don't live in Heaven.  Not yet, at least.  But to the extent that I "live" in the Bible and "live" in God's presence, I will be experiencing more and more of Heaven which will be my home some glad day.  I should wake up in the presence of Heaven by reading God's Word—which is His love letter to me, describing Himself and His Heaven where I'll live.  I should go to sleep each night, bathing my soul in the beauty of His holiness and His presence so that it will cement Heaven's transcendent realities indelibly upon my soul.

   Truly, all my memories should gather around Heaven.  I should hear Heaven's voice in the morning as she calls me to partake of that Heavenly Bread called the Word of God.  I should have that feeling that anticipates that great day when my faith becomes sight, then on that day, my vision clear, I will pass from here to life.  I realize all this and recognize that I am so far from that reality.  Yet, by God's grace, there is the call and the pull of my Heavenly Home within my heart.


- D. Benning