The New Convert

The new-born child of gospel grace,

Like some fair tree when summer’s nigh,

Beneath Emmanuel’s shining face

Lifts up his blooming branch on high.

No fears he feels, he sees no foes,

No conflict yet his faith employs,

Nor has he learnt to whom he owes

The strength and peace his soul enjoys.

But sin soon darts its cruel sting,

And comforts sinking day by day,

What seem’d his own, a self-fed spring,

Proves but a brook that glides away.

When Gideon arm’d his numerous host,

The Lord soon made his numbers less;

And said, “Lest Israel vainly boast,

My arm procured me this success!”

Thus will He bring our spirits down,

And draw our ebbing comforts low,

That saved by grace, but not our own,

We may not claim the praise we owe.

—William Cowper in Olney Hymns

Round the Sphere Again: Understanding Scripture

What Was the Author’s Intent?
Kim Shay has one more post in her series on studying the Bible:

We cannot interpret something out of a passage that was never there. Sometimes, we have a tendency to read the Bible as if it was written in our own times, and we assume things about it that are not there.  That is a mistake. 

Read all of  Training in Righteousness - 4.

Why Numbers?
From an introduction to the book of Numbers at Ligonier Ministries Blog: 

Numbers was evidently written as a warning to the generation of Israelites born in the wilderness, that they should persevere in faith and obedience where their parents had not. For future generations of God’s people, the book would speak a similar message.

Just a One Way Street?
Yes, our exegesis should inform our theology, but Kevin DeYoung argues that our theology should inform our exegesis, too. 

Theology … can help provide guardrails for the interpretive process, honor the unity of Scripture, and throw a spotlight on the most important and most difficult issues arising from the Word of God.

Read the whole post.

Thankful Thursday

I’m thankful that my cupboards and fridge and freezer are full, and for the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available to me even during the winter months. I’m thankful that God provides all these things. 

I’m thankful for an afternoon with my youngest daughter. I’m thankful that she was able to get into a dentist quickly for a root canal on her abscessed tooth. I’m thankful that she is pain free now and the tooth is saved. I’m thankful for gentle and competent dentists. 

Now that I think about it, I saw all my kids at one time or another today. I’m thankful that they all live nearby, at least for now. It makes my life a little crazy sometimes, with all the coming and going, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

I’m thankful (again) for clear skies and warm winter weather. I’m thankful for the sliver moon in the twilight sky. I’m thankful for the God-created beauty that surrounds me. 

I’m thankful for all the benefits of salvation. I’m thankful that God who begins a good work will complete it.

What about you? What are you thankful for?