Worth the effort it takes

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

[But] images are so far from helping unto this thing, (the true worship and honoring of God)  that the same do (in) diverse ways hinder and restrain every man from the true honoring of God.

Martin Bucer, Images

I've been slowly slogging my way through an article written in Old English entitled Images, by Martin Bucer, an early German Reformer.  Once you get going, it's not that hard to figure out what is being said, however, I am having a hard time reading it with comprehension.  Here's an example:

Bycause the trewe honouring of god can nat be but either mynisshed, orels dyverse wayes letted: as sone as we shall suffre the sayde ymages, contrary to the commaundement of god in churches, or in other places, where they be honoured or els maye be honoured. For substancyall & parfyte fayth, & the parfyte honouryng of god requyreth, that we shulde do our dilygence to cause this only god to be knowen in all places, that we shulde drede and honour him: that we shulde in all places and at all tymes with full mouth, prayse & magnify the workes of him alone. But ymages ar so farre from helpynge unto this thyng, that the same do dyverse wayes hyndre & let every man from the trewe honouring of god.

I'm finding that I can mentally figure out the words but in a sentence, those parts don't make a whole; the sense of the sentence is lost to me until I type it out and then re-read it.  It's a challenge, but it's fun--and worth it:

Because the true honoring of God cannot be but either 'minished (diminished) or else diverse ways letted (lead away from?): as soon as we shall suffer (permit) the said images, contrary to the commandment of God in churches, or in other places, wehre they be honored or else may be honored.  For substantial and (perfect?) faith, and the (perfect?) honoring of God requires that we should do our diligence to cause this only God to be known in all places, that we should dread and honor him:  that we should in all places and at all times with full mouth, praise and magnify the works of Him alone.  But images are so far from helping this thing that the same do (in) diverse ways hyndre and restrain every man from the true honoring of God.

I get by with a little help from my friends

The sweetest thing happened this morning.

I had to run some errands.  Eve was sleeping on her pillow; Ivy on the couch.  I called both dogs to their crates.  Ivy ran straight to her crate, but Eve had a hard time waking up.  I had to call her loudly (she is very deaf) because she becomes afraid if you touch her when she's asleep or in that confused state (she is nearly blind).  I finally got her to a standing position and she immediately took off for the space between a chair and the TV cabinet, thinking it was her crate (which is in the next room).  After some struggles, I got her turned around and headed in the right direction, but she missed the door to the room and got herself stuck behind a chair near the door.  Again, I had to call her name and gently get her turned around so she could be led into the room.  When we got to the door, Ivy was standing in the office, watching Eve blundering about and me blundering right along with her, trying to lead her into her crate.  She tried to go into the open space in the computer cabinet.  She tried to go under the desk.  Ivy was standing there, taking it all in.  Once she had sized up the situation, Ivy sprang into action.  She helped me herd Eve into her crate and even opened the crate door wider for Eve.  Once Eve had entered her crate, Ivy stuck her nose in and 'kissed' Eve before I shut the crate door, then she turned and ran to her own crate.

She got an extra cookie.

Sunday Hymn: Not All the Blood of Beasts

NOT ALL THE  BLOOD OF BEASTS

Not all the blood of beasts
On Jewish altars slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace,
Or wash away the stain:

But Christ, the heavenly Lamb
Takes all our sins away,
A sacrifice of nobler name
And richer blood than they.

My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin.

My soul looks back to see
The burdens thou didst bear,
When hanging on the cursed tree,
And knows her guilt was there.

Believing, we rejoice
To see the curse remove;
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice,
And sing his bleeding love.

Trinity Hymnal #176

Quote of the Week: Calvin

(I)t must be regarded as a fixed principle, that all modes of worship devised by man are detestable.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One, Chapter 11

Reading through Chapter 11 reminded me of my first introduction to The Institutes.  It was back in 2004 during the weeks leading up to the release of Mel Gibson's controversial movie, The Passion of the Christ.  I was reading a lot about the pros and cons of the movie.  Many Christians were anxiously awaiting its release, others were sounding strong warnings--often on Biblical grounds surrounding the Second Commandment.  There were those I admired on both sides of the controversy, so I spent as much time as I needed to sort through the Biblical issues surrounding the Second Commandment for myself--chief among those the issues of images of God/Christ as well as questions about what constitutes Biblical worship. 

I've decided not to move on to Chapter 12 until after I've had a chance to review some of what I learned back then.  Once I've found my way back from my bunny trail, I'll pick back up at Chapter 12.

Thankful Thursdays 2010

Another Thursday*, another day to count my blessings and give thanks!

My thankful list:

I'm thankful for some special 'Grandma and Elliott' time this week

I'm thankful for favorite children's books to share with my little reader

I'm thankful for appreciative giggles from Elliott when I act silly. 

I'm thankful that I can still remember (and recite) every single word and I can still sing every single word of every single song of the old 'Cat in the Hat' video

I'm thankful that that same video that drove me nuts all those years ago brought as much joy to Elliott as it did to his father and uncles all those years ago

I'm thankful that the medical tests I had on Tuesday weren't as bad as I expected and that I had dreaded them for nothing

I'm thankful that my dear friend, Dorothy's test results came back normal!

I'm thankful that the temperature is above freezing and the monster icicles are melting

I'm thankful for short chair naps and a peaceful afternoons

I'm thankful I took a few extra days to read through Book One Chapter Eleven of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion instead of blustering through quickly to 'keep up.' 

I'm thankful for opportunties

I'm thankful that I can pray for wisdom and God hears me

I'm thankful for books

and time

and bedtime

I am thankful for time to reflect on this good day

I am thankful.

*God willing, I will be joining Kim at the Upward Call and many other bloggers in stopping for a moment each Thursday in 2010.  Why don't you join me in spending some time reflecting on the great blessings that God has given and then GIVING THANKS to the One from Whom all blessings flow.

Institutes of the Christian Religion: Chapters 9 and 10

(W)hat kind of Spirit did our Saviour promise to send? One who should not speak of himself (John 16:13), but suggest and instil the truths which he himself had delivered through the word. Hence the office of the Spirit promised to us, is not to form new and unheard-of revelations, or to coin a new form of doctrine, by which we may be led away from the received doctrine of the gospel, but to seal on our minds the very doctrine which the gospel recommends.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One Chapter Nine

Regarding the Attributes of God revealed in Creation:

Assuredly, the attributes which it is most necessary for us to know are these three: Loving-kindness, on which alone our entire safety depends: Judgment, which is daily exercised on the wicked, and awaits them in a severer form, even for eternal destruction: Righteousness, by which the faithful are preserved, and most benignly cherished.

Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One Chapter 10

Sunday Hymn: And Can it Be

AND CAN IT BE

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Quote of the Week: Calvin

(T)he testimony of the Spirit is superior to reason. For as God alone can properly bear witness to his own words, so these words will not obtain full credit in the hearts of men, until they are sealed by the inward testimony of the Spirit.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One, Chapter 8

Quotable Calvin

For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any books however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly. God therefore bestows a gift of singular value, when, for the instruction of the Church, he employs not dumb teachers merely, but opens his own sacred mouth; when he not only proclaims that some God must be worshipped, but at the same time declares that He is the God to whom worship is due; when he not 65only teaches his elect to have respect to God, but manifests himself as the God to whom this respect should be paid.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One, Chapter 6

Thankful Thursday 2010

For the past few years, Rebecca has hosted Thankful posts every November.  It has always been my favorite month for blogging!  Now, Kim from the Upward Call has determined to continue that thankfulness and post her thankful thoughts every Thursday in 2010.  I think it's a great idea!  I'm going to join with Dorothy and Elle and Rosemary as they join in with Kim in this worthy endeavor.  

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It has been a snowy, blowy, blustery day today.  We're in the middle of a winter storm warning that won't expire until tomorrow morning. 

This Thursday I'm thankful for:

the soft beauty of a winter's day

the light, powdery snow that was easy to shovel--twice

a long, much needed nap after a night of sleeplessness

my Camry--Old Faithful--that always starts and runs and has a GREAT heater

my reading chair and a cup of hot, strong coffee

my cozy, warm home

peace and quiet

and later, the sound of Sam drumming away in the basement

leftovers to warm up

blankies on the couch to snuggle up in

music

my friend and neighbor, Sharon

that my Ipod did not fry when I dropped it in the snow--it still works!

that Tom got home safely tonight

commentaries that enrich my understanding of Scripture

ever present laughter in our home

time to reflect on this good day

Storm's a-brewing

Again.

I think we could us a 'freshening' blanket of snow but more than that?  Where will we put it?

Quotable Calvin

The Lord is manifested by his perfections. When we feel their power within us, and are conscious of their benefits, the knowledge must impress us much more vividly than if we merely imagined a God whose presence we never felt. Hence it is obvious, that in seeking God, the most direct path and the fittest method is, not to attempt with presumptuous curiosity to pry into his essence, which is rather to be adored than minutely discussed, but to contemplate him in his works, by which he draws near, becomes familiar, and in a manner communicates himself to us.

. . .since we are unable to comprehend Him, and are, as it were, overpowered by his greatness, our proper course is to contemplate his works, and so refresh ourselves with his goodness.

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book One, Chapter Four

Status Report

Well, why not?  All the cool kids are doing it!  (Lisa, Rebecca, Kim, and Jules and probably others) 

Sitting...in my comfy leather reading chair.

Drinking… coffee.

Thinking… I really need to go out and chisel up frozen dog poo but it's COLD out there!

Loving… John Calvin's Institutes.

Anticipating… Book One, Chapter Four tomorrow.

Dreading… going out to chisel dog poo.

Starting… to think about what I'm going to fix for dinner.

Reading… several things, as usual.  I'm reading Calvin's Institutes, Matthew's Gospel, Revelation, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, and I'm listening to the Fellowship of the Ring on my Ipod.

Liking… Brit Hume.

Ordering… nothing at present.  Just got a new calligraphy book in the mail on Saturday--finished it before I went to bed Saturday night.

Nervous… about undergoing some medical tests next week.

Planning… my Hebrews Bible study lesson for this Thursday.

Pouring… a glass of Malbec with dinner. 

Wow!

-11

We've been in the deep freeze for a few days.  Woke up to -11.  I feel so sorry for the poor dogs who have to go outside first thing in the morning to do their 'business.'  The furnace has been running non-stop and it's just not keeping up so it's chilly in the house.

Today is Sam's 19th birthday!  Happy Birthday, Sam!  John, Beth, and Elliott are coming for Sam's birthday dinner tonight--Sam's choice?  Homemade pizzas.

I got a new camera and it's a bit nicer than my previous cameras, which means that the pictures I've been taking have been less than wonderful.  The Christmas pictures were only so-so--took lots and only got a few worth looking at, but I'm starting to rise above the learning curve on this camera; so, hopefully, I'll be able to share some pictures of Elliott tonight or tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a cute picture my niece took when they were in Ohio over Christmas:

Sunday Hymn: Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord

THEE WE ADORE, ETERNAL LORD

Thee we adore, eternal Lord!
We praise thy name with one accord.
Thy saints, who here thy goodness see,
Through all the world do worship thee.

To thee aloud all angels cry,
The heavens and all the pow'rs on high:
Thee, holy, holy, holy king,
Lord God of hosts, they ever sing.

Apostles join the glorious throng,
And prophets swell th'immortal song;
Thy martyrs' noble army raise
Eternal anthems to thy praise.

From day to day, O Lord, do we
Exalt and highly honor thee!
Thy name we worship and adore,
World without end, for evermore.

Trinity Hymnal #18

Quote of the Week: Calvin

(W)e cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves.*

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion,  Book One, Chapter One

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*I'm going to do something a little different for a while this year with the Quote of the Week posts.  I'm re-reading my way through Calvin's Institutes this year, so all the Saturday quotes will be culled from the past week's reading.  If you'd like to join me, you can sign up for an account at CCEL (Christian Classics Ethereal Library).  Once you have an account, you can begin to read the Institutes online using their wonderful interface.  You'll be able to make notes, highlight quotes, and keep your place as you work your way through.  A chapter a day is very easily managed.

If you've never read the Institutes before, it's well worth the few minutes a day it takes.  Reading a chapter a day, you can finish in about 80 days.  A chapter a week will take about a year and a half.  I recommend reading at least a chapter a day for continuity's sake. 

I'll be linking to the page from which each quote is taken so, if you are interested, you can read the quote in its context.

Let me know if you're reading along.  If you'd like to discuss the content of any of the quotes, feel free to leave a comment.

My prayer for this coming year

WE THANK THEE, O Lord, for the work of each year, and for the rest of each night. We will lay us down both in peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, only, make us to dwell in safety. Keep watch around us throughout this coming year, to protect us against the assaults of the evil one, to suggest to us holy thoughts, to defend us from all dangers, to lead us in the perfect way of peace, and to prepare us for the happy service of a new year. For Jesus' sake.

Amen.

I truly pray that He would, as the prayer says, "Keep watch around us throughout this coming year, to protect us against the assaults of the evil one, to suggest to us holy thoughts, to defend us from all dangers, to lead us in the perfect way of peace, and to prepare us for the happy service of a new year."

Three words will be my banner in the year to come:  God is good.
 
I think we're in for a rough ride in 2010.  As a Calvinist, my knee-jerk response in trials and hardship tends to be 'God is Sovereign.'  And that is true.  But when times seem crazily upside down and it feels like the world is in flux, it is good to remember that the God who is truly in control of the maelstrom is GOOD!

And I pray that, more and more, God would teach us all to desire Christ above all things and learn, more and more, to honor Him and bring Him glory.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

Benjamin Franklin 

This is SO cool