When trials come

It was great to attend the Getty concert in Ipswich on Friday evening. I continue to be impressed by their (along with Stuart Townend) ability to combine rich theological truth with great music that is singable by a variety of congregations.

Here is one example from their new CD 'Awaken the dawn' that helps to think about God's purposes in our trials.

When trials come

When trials come, no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And their His faithfulness is told x2

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow x2

I turn to wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures; Your ways are good x2

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in its shadow I will run
Till You complete the work begun x2

One day all things will be made new
I'll see the hope you called me to
And in Your kingdom paved with gold.
I'll praise your faithfulness of old x2

A lily among brambles

'As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women'.

Song of Solomon 2.2

A lily among brambles is how every husband should seek to view their wives in relation to other women. Christian husbands should have eyes only for their wives. In our marriage vows we promised to forsake all others. This forsaking should be mental and visual as well as physical. Of course there are many enemies that seek to stop our eyes and mind expressing this exclusive, covenant love. So every day let us pray that by God's grace we may view our wives as a lily among the brambles. Few contemporary voices address these issues as boldly and wisely as CJ Mahaney. I highly recommend his book, 'Sex Romance and the glory of God. Here is a relevant excert,

He writes,

'Every wife wants to know that she is uniquely impressed on the heart of her husband...Do you wear that seal upon your finger as an external affirmation of the seal upon your heart? Do you truly treasure your wedding ring as a bold, unwavering, ever present assertion - to yourself and to the world - of your total, exclusive, utterly comprehensive devotion to your wife? It's really simple. No one should be more important to you than your wife or be the object of greater love and affection. So let us do two things. First, let us scrutinize our lives: Is there any other passion that may be eclipsing our passion for our wives? And second, let us give to our wives whatever resassurance of this unparalleled love they may need.'

Awaken the Dawn

Many of you know that I have a great deal of time for the music of Keith and Kristyn Getty. Their first album, In Christ Alone, featured songs that the church at Great Whyte are becoming familiar with . They have just announced the launch of their second album, Awaken the Dawn, of which you can find out more at the website. Just follow the link at the side to know more.

Holiday

The past few weeks have been rather busy. We had a very positive Holiday Bible Club through which we made contact with quite a few new children. I ask you to join me in praying that these children will continue to attend our regular club. The family and I are now off on holiday for a week to our regular holiday destination of Overstrand, just outside of Cromer. I am thankful for the opportunity of rest and the time it affrods with Amy and the children.