Resting Satisfied With Our Own Good

“If we obey God only because it is necessary, provided we can escape, we shall cease to obey him. But what Scripture calls us to consider in the will of God is very different, namely, first justice and equity, and then a regard to our own salvation. Hence Christian exhortations to patience are of this nature: Whether poverty, or exile, or imprisonment, or contumely, or disease, or bereavement, or any such evil affects us, we must think that none of them happens except by the will and providence of God; moreover, that every thing he does is in the most perfect order. …If the equity of God is undoubtedly displayed in affliction, we cannot murmur or struggle against them without iniquity. We no longer hear the frigid cant, Yield, because it is necessary; but a living and energetic precept, Obey, because it is unlawful to resist; bear patiently, because impatience is rebellion against the justice of God. Then as that only seems to us attractive which we perceive to be for our own safety and advantage, here also our heavenly Father consoles us, by the assurance, that in the very cross with which he afflicts us he provides for our salvation. …In bearing them patiently we are not submitting to necessity but resting satisfied with our own good. The effect of these thoughts is, that to whatever extent our minds are contracted by the bitterness which we naturally feel under the cross, to the same extent will they be expanded with spiritual joy. Hence arises thanksgiving, which cannot exist unless joy be felt.” (23)

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, II.VIII.11

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

- 1 Peter 1.6-8, ESV

This, Too, is His


While reading on the patio, I noticed this tiny and beautiful plant clinging to the mossy bricks and was impressed with the thought that this, like all things, was "created by Him and for Him" (Col. 1)

On Not Being a Wasteful Servant

Today I was reflecting on my attitude in the workplace. Since I am aware that I am being paid to do the work that is assigned to me, I am diligent to be busy and not be guilty of wasting or stealing the salary which I am being paid to do that work. Knowing what is expected of me, my attitude toward my supervisor is: "I am here to work. What would you have me do?"

But I realized that this sense of purpose and stewardship should not be left in the workplace. For my Creator gives me all that I have for the purpose of my serving Him with gladness, obeying His commands and magnifying His Name on the earth. If I should take the life, breath, strength, health, possessions and knowledge that He has given me, and should use them for my own selfish ends, I am guilty of being a wasteful, pilfering servant!

In reflecting on this, I am brought to see how I sin every day in not giving my Master his rightful due. Thus I am brought to see my need of Christ, the One and Only Faithful Servant who has perfectly fulfilled the obligations of man to God, and not only for Himself, but for me, paid the enormous debt I owe to God for my wasteful stewardship. And now this Faithful Servant walks beside me, to help me to be a faithful servant like Him. Oh the gospel is good for everything! Let me now, knowing that my debts were paid so dearly, be altogether unwilling to waste a minute of the life God has given and restored to me. It is foolish and evil use what is God's for myself. He is such a kind and gracious Master, and deserves more than all I could devote to Him.

Slow but Steady Wins the Race

Reading John Calvin on the Christian's pursuit of godliness in this present life, I was encouraged by his realistic view: sometimes we are only "crawling on the ground" towards godliness, but we must still keep our eyes on that goal. God has predestined and called us to be conformed to Jesus image, He will bring us there. He will help us to crawl, and one day He will complete the work altogether when we stand in His presence....

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“The spiritual commencement of a good life is when the internal affections are sincerely devoted to God, in the cultivation of holiness and justice. But seeing that, in this earthly prison of the body, no man is supplied with strength sufficient to hasten in his course with due alacrity, while the greater number are so oppressed with weakness,that hesitating, and halting, and even crawling on the ground, they make little progress, let every one of us go as far as his humble ability enables him,and prosecute the journey once begun. No one will travel so badly as not daily to make some degree of progress. This,therefore, let us never cease to do, that we may daily advance in the way of the Lord; and let us not despair because of theslender measure of success. How little soever the success may correspond with our wish,our labour is not lost when to-day is better than yesterday, provided with true singleness of mind we keep our aim, and aspire to the goal, not speaking flattering things to ourselves, nor indulging our vices, but making it our constant endeavour to become better, until we attain to goodness itself. If during the whole course of our life we seek and follow, we shall at length attain it, when relieved from the infirmity of flesh we are admitted to full fellowship with God.” (5)

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day."
- Proverbs 4.18, ESV

My Lunch Recipes

While I was packing a lunch this evening, Mother stated that she thought I should keep a journal of all the lunches I make (!) This would be a rather large task, considering my many experimental and never-to-be-exactly-repeated concoctions. But since I spend quite a lot of time preparing my lunches sometimes, I thought I should try to record a few of my favorite recipes. I hope that making lunches for myself will make me better prepared to serve my family in food preparation.

One of my staples is tuna salad. (I have made it probably 20 different ways.) I often have it by alone, or sometimes on Ezekiel bread with canola mayo. Here are a few of my favorite inventions, notated in recipe form for the first time.

Garden Tuna Salad
In a pint-sized container, combine
- 1-2 T oil (I used combination of olive, sunflower, flax...whatever)
- 1 t red wine vinegar
- 1 T white vinegar
- dash of salt
- dash of hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
- 2-3 chive 'leaves', finely chopped
- 2-3 sprigs of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 small carrot grated

Mix thoroughly, cover tightly and refrigerate several hours. (i.e. the night before)

Italian Tuna (or Chicken!) Salad
In a pint-sized container, combine
- 1-2 T. olive oil
- 1 T. red wine vinegar
- 1 clove of fresh garlic, minced
- dash of Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 t. dried oregano
- 1/4 t. onion powder
- a pinch of dry basil, or a few leaves of fresh basil, minced
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley, minced
- dash of black pepper
- 1 can of tuna or chicken, drained, or 6-8 oz. cooked, chopped salted chicken breast
- 1/4 cup diced red pepper, or diced fresh tomato (usually I put red pepper with tuna, tomato with chicken)
- sliced black olives (maybe?)

Mix thoroughly, cover tightly and refrigerate several hours.

Other ideas: I once made a tuna salad with dill that was very interesting. My brother likes his tuna salad with lots of mayo, grated carrot and chopped green olives (to each his own!) Chopped green pepper is a very nice addition to almost any combination, so are any fresh herbs. For extra protein, I've added canned, drained chickpeas, or white beans....It doesn't get boring very quickly! :o) The best part is that this stuff is hearty and nutritious, which gives you more energy to serve the Lord and His people. Happy lunch-making!

...A song that helps to pull along my wandering heart to where it ought to be

O Lord, I would delight in Thee
And on Thy care depend,
To Thee in every trouble flee,
My best, my only Friend.

When all created streams are dried,
Thy fullness is the same;
May I with this be satisfied
And glory in Thy Name.

No good in creatures can be found
But may be found in Thee;
I must have all things and abound
While God is God to me.

O Lord, I cast my care on Thee,
I triumph and adore;
Henceforth my great concern shall be
To love and please Thee more.

- John Ryland, 1777

Calvin on Repentance

"Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations."

- Luke 26.46-47 ESV

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“Repentance is preached in the name of Christ, when men learn, through the doctrines of the Gospel, that all their thoughts, affections, and pursuits, are corrupt and vicious; and that, therefore, if they would enter the kingdom of God they must be born again. Forgiveness of sins is preached when men are taught that Christ “is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption,” (1 Cor. 1:30), that on his account they are freely deemed righteous and innocent in the sight of God.”

- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion III.III.19