The Widow's Hope

Thinking this evening about a sister in Christ who very recently lost her husband to death and is now grieving her loss. Tomorrow is one of the 'firsts' that she'll be facing--making a trip alone. She needs prayer in the transition to her aloneness, of making plans and decisions herself that before were shared tasks. There are many 'firsts' that must be faced with prayer and God's enablement, so those who care about her pray for her strength and wisdom, that she will rest her hope and trust in the God of her salvation.

I recalled a discussion a few years back on Revive Our Hearts between Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Margaret Nyman, whose husband had died from cancer. They talked about the struggles a widow faces in those first months and the 'firsts' that one must face alone. Margaret also talks about how others reached out to her and what was helpful. I listened again this week to the discussion, and it helped me to understand a little of how to reach out to my friend. I also gained a glimpse of what may lie ahead for myself someday.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in listening to, you can find the discussion here. It's a 5-part series, about 25 minutes each. Margaret has written a devotional book entitled Hope for an Aching Heart: Uplifting Devotions for Widows. I gave a copy of the book and CD to my friend and pray that God will use Margaret to comfort and encourage her.

The Incomparable Christ

Settling in this evening with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea after being out in the cold earlier today with an appointment and running errands.

Did I say settling in with a good book? Not a good book. A wonderful book! This book is a re-read for me. I had read The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders a few years ago as a follow-along on ReviveOurHearts.com. Nancy Leigh DeMoss was beginning a 40-day series by the same title, following the outline of the book. She encouraged us to get the book and read through it during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. The book was such a ministry to me in getting to know Jesus in a deeper way, that by the time Resurrection Day came, it was hallelujah for sure! I've given copies to several people over the years. Gave another away just today. It's one of those books that I wish I were rich enough to give everyone.

Nancy is re-running that series again, starting today. I listened in and got an e-book. I thought I had my copy from before, but remembered I had given it to someone and had forgotten to replace it. There are several editions if you look for it online, and Revive Our Hearts has a special edition with a journal. The picture is the hard copy I had before. Be sure that if you purchase the book, that it's the one by Sanders. There are other books by the same title, different authors.

I'm ever-so-eager to listen and go through the study again. Nancy says,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

So each day over these next weeks, we’re going to look at a different aspect or period of the life and ministry of Christ here on this earth. We’ll look at His birth, His childhood, His baptism, His temptation. We’ll look at the deity of Christ, what that means and why it matters, and the humanity of Christ. We’ll look at His teaching, His humility, His prayer life.
Then as we get closer to Passion Week, we’ll look at the trial of Christ, His atoning work on the cross, what that means for us. We’ll spend a day on each of the seven last words of Christ on the cross. Then we’re actually going to continue this series for a week beyond Easter so that we can consider His resurrection, His ascension, His high priestly ministry in heaven today, and His second coming—the great hope of every child of God.

I do encourage you to listen in at ReviveOurHearts.com and turn your eyes upon Jesus. I know there are days when we just can't fit in the 20 minutes or so, but each day is archived, so we can catch up when there's opportunity. You'll find the transcript there, too, if you have just a brief few minutes.

I blogged a few times about the book back in 2011. If you look in the right column in my "A few thoughts about" list, scroll down to the book title, click, and you'll find some of my thoughts on it. I'm sure to say more about it this time around.

A few introductory words from J. Oswald Sanders:

This volume does not purport to be a theological treatise, but rather a devotional and doctrinal treatment of the great facts of the person and work of Christ, in a form suited to the average reader.... It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit, who delights to reveal the things of Christ to us, will unveil His glory to those who read this book.

 I, too, pray that He does that for you. I'd be delighted to hear what you think about it!

Vickie

A Mother's Songs

I typically like to listen online to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss while I'm getting dressed in the mornings. She helps me set my mind on the things of God before I head downstairs to begin my day. Recently I listened to a precious tribute to a mom from her two grown daughters. 

The mom reminded me of my own daughter, who is a young mom and sings a lot to her little ones. Even the goofy stuff is tender to hear. She can even get them to cooperate easier through a song, which brings more harmony to their home. She teaches so much through her songs, and uses singing to draw the children's hearts to Jesus. 

I sent her the link to the program to encourage her, and thought I'd also encourage you to listen in, especially if you have children still at home. It was heartening to this grandma as well. Although the mother was gifted with a beautiful voice, it doesn't require a beautiful voice to sing to children. Here's a brief excerpt from the program, and if you have a few minutes to listen, click here.

Mom used music to introduce us to Jesus. Even though Julie and I had our own rooms, we often had "slumber parties." Mom would sit at our bed. She would scratch our backs, and she would sing to us. We called it "sing and scratch."

And in those sweet bedtime times, she taught us how much Jesus loves us, and how we were His precious treasures, His precious jewels. She'd sing:  

When He cometh, when He cometh to take up His jewels;
All His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own:
Like the stars of the morning His bright crown adorning,
They shall shine in their beauty—bright gems for His crown.

Sending up a prayer for those of you who have children still living at home, that God will give wisdom and joy in the journey.

Painting ~ Pardon Mama  1888 - Emile Munier 1840-1895

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