Lifted horns - Psalm 75

"Monday, Monday," sang the Mamas & the Papas, "so good to me...Monday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be." But by Monday evening, the singer has been deserted and no longer trusts Mondays. Now "whenever Monday comes...you can find" her "cryin' all of the time."

Modern society views Mondays just as negatively. It sees Monday as the inconvenient end of the weekend, which is party time, and the dreaded beginning of the work week, which is drudgery.

That view comes from a warped perception of work. Work is a calling from God. We ought to view the work week as a new opportunity to fulfill our calling in the work place. And our weekend is an opportunity to spend extended time with family, but primarily an opportunity to spend extended time with God in worship.

Yet even the Christian with the proper view of work as calling experiences times when it is tough to go back to work on Monday. Perhaps looming deadlines seem impossible. Perhaps the work situation is constantly high stress. Perhaps the environment is extremely negative. Perhaps tools are not adequate for the task. Perhaps persistent breakdowns create continual tension. Perhaps health problems make it difficult to endure the work's physical demands. Perahps a mother feels overwhelmed and isolated by the nagging demands of her children. Perhaps financial constraints force a mom to leave her dear little children.

If I think about all the struggles that others face, I realize how easy it is for me to return to work. Since I work in a home office, I don't even have to leave the house! But after a weekend of talking, eating, and playing with our children and grandchildren who camped in our yard, it is difficult to switch my mind from family mode into work mode.

Meditating on scripture helps me order my thinking early in the mornings. This morning's reading from Psalm 75 reminds me that God judges the wicked and lifts up the righteous.

When the Psalmist thinks about God's "wondrous deeds," he thanks God because His "name is near" (verse 1).

Verses 2-6 directly quote God. He assures readers that at His appointed time He "will judge with equity." He will keep the people and "pillars" of the earth steady when it "totters." God warns the boastful and the wicked not to boast or "lift up" their "horn on high" or "speak with a haughty neck."

Verses 6-8 explain why the wicked ought not boast or be haughty. Lifting up does not come from the east or west or from the wilderness; "it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another." The Lord holds a cup of "well mixed" and "foaming wine," which He pours out "and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs."

Because God will execute judgment, the Psalmist concludes:
But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up (verses 9-10).

When we return to work on Monday mornings, wherever or whatever our work situation, we can work with the confidence that comes from knowing that God will judge the proud who set themselves above the righteous. The wicked may seem to have control over your work situation, but that is only temporary. Their power will not last. God will cut off the horns of the wicked, but He will lift up the horns of the righteous.

God's promise to lift up the horns of the righteous enables us to go forward in our God-appointed tasks on Monday and every morning.

For such a time as this - Psalm 74

Psalm 74 laments the sad state of society and the apparent demise of true religion. The Psalmist begins by asking "O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?"

The Psalmist has good reason to cry to God and feel forsaken; the temple has been destroyed (verses 4-8) and there is no longer a prophet in the land (verse 9).

But he reminds himself and his readers that God is "King...from...old, working salvation in the midst of the earth" (verse 12).

He recites a litany of God's marvelous works that sounds like passages from the book of Job, praising God for dividing the sea, breaking "the heads of the sea monsters," crushing "the heads of Leviathan," and giving him as "food for the creatures of the wilderness" (verses 13-14). God "split open springs and brooks" and "dried up ever-flowing streams" (verse 15). His is the day and the night; He has established the "heavenly lights and the sun"; He "fixed all the boundaries of the earth" and made "summer and winter" (verses 16 & 17).

Having affirmed God's awesome works, the Psalmist reminds Him how "a foolish people reviles your name" and pleads: "Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever" (verses 18 & 19).

Then he records the striking words of verse 20:

Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.

Suddenly the Psalm seems very comtemporary. We need to pray this prayer for God's covenant people, struggling to live righteously in today's darkened and violent society.

The Psalmist asks that the "downtrodden" will not be turned "back in shame" and that the "poor and needy" will be able to "praise your name" (verse 21).

He concludes with a passionate plea (verses 22 & 23):

Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!

God doesn't forget the clamor of foes that continually rises up against Him. He doesn't need our reminders in order to take action. But it's good for us to pray this so that we are reminded of God's power and His sovereignty.

The continual babble of unbelief and constant persecution of believers will cease one day. God's arm is not short and His time is not delayed. His power and His timing are perfect. At just the right time, Christ will return in glory and destroy all those who oppose God.

Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Happy Anniversary!

Late yesterday afternoon I ran into the Christian book store to find an anniversary card for my husband. It's our anniversary today and, yes, I had waited until the last minute.

I had just found the anniversary section and hadn't even picked up one of the "To Husband" cards when I heard someone enter the store.

"May I help you?" the clerk asked.

"I'm looking for a card," the man said in a voice remarkably similar to my husband's.

That sounds like Dave, I thought. Wait a minute, that is Dave.

I peered through a display and confirmed my fear. It was my husband. I was busted!

There was no hiding. I walked around the display and said, "Well, hello!"

He put his arms in front of himself and said, "Oh, my! Hello!"

"What are you doing here?" we said at the same time.

It was awkward to say the least. But it was humorous, too.

He pretended an interest in some books while I quickly picked out a card.

"The section you're looking for is right there, sir," I said, pointing to the anniversary card section as I passed him on my way to check out.

The amazing thing is that we each got the other person a really nice card with a very meaningful message.

But I'll be we don't wait until the last minute to buy our cards next year!

Tap Dance on Head - Psalm 73

Way back when, before the URCNA Synod and my subsequent catch-up time, I was posting a series of meditations on the Psalms. The last one concluded David's songs and Book Two of the Psalter, which brings us to Psalm 73.

A former pastor of ours once said, "Psalm 73 is a great one to read when you feel as if the world is doing a tap dance on your head."

Now that's a feeling with which I readily identify!

Psalm 73 oozes with oily images of the "fat and sleek" (4) wicked who slip smoothly through life. They seem to have no pain or problems, but plenty of prosperity.

Witnessing the "ease" and "riches" (12) of the wicked was enough to make the Psalmist think: "All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence" (13). Trying to understand this seems a "wearisome task" (16), until he "went into the sanctuary of God," where he "discerned their end" (17).

Worship made the Psalmist realize that God has set the wicked in "slippery places" and makes them "fall to ruin" (18). He confesses that he was "brutish and ignorant" and was behaving "like a beast" toward God (22).

Following this realization and confession, comes some of the most beautiful and memorable words of the Psalter.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (23-26).

As finite creatures, we tend to envy those unbelievers who seem to have no problems and whose prosperity is obvious. But worship reminds us that their eternal destiny is destruction.

We may not have riches; in fact, we may scrimp to pay mounting medical bills and constant repair bills, but our treasure is in heaven. We may struggle with chronic pain; in fact, we may have sleepness nights and wobbling walks, but our bodies will be glorified.

Psalm 73 begins with a spoiler:

Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (1-3).

It concludes with an assurance:

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you (27).

And with a confession:

But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works (28).

Worship brings realization of reality. But that isn't the end of the story. Because I know that this life's trials are temporary and my heavenly treasures are eternal, I have a responsibility. I need to stay close to God. I need to trust Him as my refuge during life's tempests. But I can't do that in secret; I need to witness about His marvelous works.

And that's why Ascribelog exists.

LOL: Joy in the Morning

I'm laughing out loud (LOL) with joy to finally finish the manuscript for my nonfiction book on early infant loss, Little One Lost (LOL).

Some kind folks are proofing the manuscript for me this week while I polish it in preparation for submission to the publisher.

Perhaps the sunny and cool weather with a welcome drop in humidity is making me feel so amazingly better, but I think it's primarily relief in response to the manuscript's completion.

For the first time in months, I am finding joy in my work this morning!

Thank you all for your prayers!

Focusing on finishing: "Little One Lost"

Various work commitments require my writing and editing efforts on several different projects. It helps when I am able to organize my work day into two-hour blocks, which focus on different projects. It's an idea I got from that prolific writer, Leland Ryken, when I interviewed him. He has written a host of books on a great variety of subjects and he mentioned two-hour blocks when I asked him how he managed to accomplish all his writing in addition to his regular teaching responsibilities.

Working in two-hour blocks enables me to give one project primary focus for that amount of time. After two hours of intense focus, my brain and I are ready for a break. It works well to take a brief break and then focus on something else.

After my Synod stretch, I'm trying to get back into my regular schedule of two-hour blocks. And I'm focusing on finishing.

The specific project I'm focusing on finishing is my manuscript on early infant loss, Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss.

This has been an extremely difficult project. It's been difficult to find adequate time, viable organization, and appropriate words. In addition to these practical difficulties, there have been huge emotional difficulties. Writing the book has forced me to face my own fears and failings and has brought me to previously unknown levels of dependence, humility, and trust.

But the primary emotional difficulty has been coming alongside the many brave couples who courageously shared their very personal and poignant stories. Infant loss is an emotional subject; it has been heart wrenching to visit and revisit these personal stories of loss.

These grieving parents have courageously shared their stories, opening their hearts and reopening their partially healed wounds. They didn't want to increase their pain, but they did want to somehow help others who have lost little ones.

It is my prayer that their efforts will be worth the emotional pain; that someone who grieves will find comfort, that someone will better understand infant loss, or that someone will be better equipped to minister to grieving families.

Above all, it is my prayer that in this--as in all I do--God will be glorified.

Please join me in these prayers. And if the Lord leads you, I'd appreciate prayer and encouragement for the necessary focus to finish.

URCNA Synod-15, Chaplaincy

Thanks for your patience during my busy last week! What follows is the report I submitted to Christian Renewal regarding Synod London 2010's actions related to the armed forces chaplaincy.


URCNA Synod London 2010
Armed Forces Chaplaincy: Protecting those who protect

by Glenda Mathes


Synod affirmed its Kuyperian belief that Christ’s lordship extends to all of life with a vote to send a letter to U.S. armed forces officials urging them to maintain the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy.

Although the Clinton era policy was received with misgivings when first introduced, it effectively forbids homosexuals from serving openly in the armed forces. The current administration is advocating its elimination, which may have far-ranging ramifications for Christian military chaplains.

The URCNA has an ordained minister who serves as a military chaplain: Rev. Andrew Spriensma, Associate Pastor of Faith URC in Beecher, IL. And Synod Schererville 2007 approved URCNA associate membership in the Presbyterian and Reformed Joint Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel (PRJCCMP, or PRJC, for short).

Synod 2007 also appointed the consistory of Faith URC in Beecher, IL, to send observers to PRJC meetings and report to the next synod.

That report was included in the agenda for Synod London 2010 and contained a few recommendations, the most important of which was the request to send a letter urging U.S. armed forces officials to maintain the DADT policy.

Attached to the URCNA report in Synod’s agenda was a copy of the PRJC petition (addressed to assemblies of member denominations) outlining its concerns and a sample letter to be sent to military officials.

The advisory committee dealing with this issue recommended that the Stated Clerk be instructed to send the letter. That recommendation came before the assembly as a motion.

Dr. Brian Lee spoke against the motion, saying that he felt “uncomfortable” with the church sending such a letter and that it shouldn’t be involved in “politics.” He asked rhetorically if the church would also send letters about abortion or other political issues. Citing his work experience with the Department of Defense, he expressed his belief that the possible consequences would not be as serious as those mentioned in the report.

Rev. Todd Joling spoke in favor of the motion to send the letter.

"The men on the PRJC Committee have a great deal of experience in military and chaplain service and are very concerned that this could be detrimental for the service of orthodox Christian chaplains,” he said. “Faithful chaplains could be forced to choose between compromising their beliefs and exiting the chaplaincy."

He also referenced a letter from the Department of Defense Comprehensive Review Working Group to the PRJC, which requested input on how this repeal would impact chaplains’ service (including worship, pulpit ministry, and counseling).

The motion to send the letter and a second motion to use the sample letter provided in the agenda passed overwhelmingly with only a few dissenting votes.

In related actions, Synod voted to provide the PRJC with contact information for URCNA churches and appointed Faith URC to send an observer to a PRJC meeting in two years, reporting again to the next synod.


This and other Synod reports will appear in the next issue of Christian Renewal. Thanks for reading!

Update

Just a quick post to let readers know that I have been busy with family and work commitments, but that I hope to post more Synod reports and get back to regular blogging soon.

Stay tuned!

URCNA Synod-14, Point of Personal Privilege (2)

I'm home! I arrived home just before midnight on Saturday night. I confess that, in spite of a great sermon in which I was genuinely interested, I had a difficult time staying awake during Sunday morning worship. After a long nap Sunday afternoon, I was more alert for the evening service. I usually can't get to sleep if I've had a long afternoon nap, but I had no problem last night.

Wow! It's really great to type on a full-size keyboard with a mouse! If there are typos and some incoherence in my previous Synod posts, please bear in mind that I was working from a laptop without a mouse and most were typed between 10:00 PM and midnight when my mind was about to shut down.

I'll return to my Synod report posts later, after I've had an opportunity to look over my notes, but there are some more personal observations I'd like to make. In this post, I'd like to explain why I didn't get home until nearly midnight.

Since booking a round-trip flight from Kansas City to Detroit was almost half as expensive as flying directly from Des Moines to London (Ontario), I traveled with the delegates from Kansas City. My husband drove me to Kansas City on Sunday afternoon and I flew out on the same flight as the delegates on Monday morning. We had a brief layover in Chicago and then flew on to Detroit, where they rented a car and we drove on to London.

On the return trip, we waited for an hour and a half in a long line at the border. We had to gas up the car, return it to the agency, take a shuttle to the airport, and walk to the check-in counter. We explained the situation to the airline representative and she got on the phone to check the status of our flight, which was VERY close to departure time. As soon as she got on the phone, we heard our names announced with a last call for boarding. We hadn't even checked our bags, let alone go through security and walk to our gate, so that loud speaker announcement was like a death knell for making our flight. She hung up the phone and said, "It's too late, the door is closed."

I think there's an analogy in there somewhere, but I haven't thought it through enough to go with it.

We knew the airline had several other flights to Chicago, so we were disappointed, but not too worried. Until she said, "Unfortunately, we run a reduced schedule on Saturdays so there's only one more flight to Chicago and it's overbooked."

We were placed an standby and prayed that somehow there would be seats for us. If there would be only one seat available, the kind men were going to let me have it since my daughter was in Kansas City for a wedding that afternoon and planned to pick me up at the airport and drive me the four hours home.

I called my husband to let him know we were on standby. He told me my daughter's car had spring a major radiator leak on the way to Kansas City, but that she was back on the road. He planned to borrow my Dad's trailer and head for Kansas City in case he needed to haul her car home.

When the flight was almost completely boarded, we heard our names announced. We waited in line and finally received our boarding pass. There was one more person who boarded after us. We were all very thankful that we made it on the flight, in spite of its having been overbooked.

We arrived in Chicago and had about 40 minutes before our flight, so we had time to quickly eat something before our "C" section began to board. I spoke to my husband and learned that he'd noticed a leak by a radiator hose on his Jeep before he left home, so he was installing a new clamp when the entire neck connection broke off and sprayed hot fluid over his left forearm and hand.

I had texted the flight number to my daughter (who was at the wedding) and understood the arrival time as "7:50" but we touched down at 7:20 (I may have misunderstood "7:15"). As soon as we touched down, I called my husband. He was in Kansas City. He had met my daughter and her friend and they had just ordered food, but they ordered it "to go" and drove to the airport. By the time I picked up my luggage and walked outside, they were there: my husband in my van, my daughter and her friend behind him in my daughter's car.

We drove home with one stop for gas. Green anti-freeze was puddling under my daughter's car and spurting out the front grill. I was so thankful my husband was with us. He produced a big container of anti-freeze and filled the radiator. (He's like that, always prepared for emergencies, we travel with a hydraulic jack and tool box.) We drove the rest of the way home without incident.

Stay tuned for more on Synod!