Status Report: January

Sitting…on the couch in the living room.

Watching…the darkness slink in. Sunset comes now at 3:58 pm. 

Waiting…for the snow. The weather forecast has been warning of imminent heavy snow since yesterday, so I expected to awake to 5 to 8 inches of new snow on the ground. But so far, we’ve only had gentle flurries amounting to an inch or so. 

Loving…January’s promise of fresh starts, time to tackle tough chores, and the return of normal life.

Not loving…January’s low clouds and dry air.

Anticipating…the beef and barley stew that’s been simmering in the slow cooker all afternoon. 

Remembering…waking yesterday morning to the sound of a fox screaming and more foxes yipping, and falling asleep last night to the sound of fireworks and a coyote howling. (It’s been warm enough for me to sleep with my bedroom window cracked, and my home sits at the edge of the forest.) 

Thanking…God for last month’s safe arrival of my newest grandson and safe return of my travelling youngest son. Also thankful that the new baby has been easy, so far. (If anyone deserves an easy baby—finally!—it’s my son and daughter-in-law.)

Considering...a new opportunity, wondering if I have the time or the skills at this point in my life? Ten years ago, I would have jumped right in without hesitation. Now, I’m uncertain. Can I? Should I? Do I want it?

Reading…The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor. This is the first Flannery O’Connor I’ve ever read, and I’m still unsure what to make of it. The stories seem simple enough—nothing much happens—but they won’t leave when I finish them.

And I just started Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image by Hannah Anderson. 

Wishing…you a January that’s full of warm fellowship to drive the cold darkness way.

Theological Term of the Week

pneumatology
The branch of theology that investigates what scripture teaches about the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

• Two passages from scripture that teach about the work of the Holy Spirit: 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 ESV) 

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:9-13 ESV)

• From the Heidelberg Catechism:

53. Q. What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?

A. First, he is, together with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God. Second, he is also given to me, to make me by true faith share in Christ and all his benefits, to comfort me, and to remain with me forever. 

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Heidelberg Catechism

Question 67. Are both the word and the sacraments, then, intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?

Answer: Yes, indeed. The Holy Spirit teaches us in the gospel and assures us by the sacraments that the whole of our salvation depends upon the one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross. (a)

Question 68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Testament?

Answer: Two: baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. (b)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

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