11August2008
Posted by Daniel under: Children; Family; Miscellaneous.
Verse of the Day: “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.” (Ps. 19:8b-9, ESV)
Today’s mileage: 380 miles (give or take)
The post for Day 3 of the cross-country saga fell victim to an hour in the pool with the kids. The attraction between children and hotel pools is legendary, and our children are no exception. Unfortunately, we’ve not done so well with pools this trip. Day 1, the pool was closed for repairs. Day 2 was a lightning storm. Day 3 was finally perfect pool weather, and we took full advantage of it after supper. Lydia, our youngest (14 months) seems to be absolutely fearless around the water, which is good and bad. The rest of the kids are pretty comfortable around the water and were able to just enjoy themselves.
We were so blessed to have gorgeous weather all day in Albuquerque on Saturday. Began the day with a drive up Sandia Peak with one of my mom’s cousins and her husband. He’s a Ph.D in botany, so we learned quite a bit about the region’s flora! The views of the city and surrounding area from the top are stunning, and since there was no wind at all we were able to enjoy the peak without any discomfort.
After a picnic lunch near the bottom of the mountain, we went to Old Town Albuquerque to check out a children’s science center called Explora (Motto: Ideas You Can Touch). We had looked at their website before hand and I thought it looked a little strange, but we went and checked it out anyway. Boy, were we surprised! Two floors of activities for the kids demonstrating different science concepts (water, light, electricity, moving air) in lots of different ways. The kids spent almost two hours going from exhibit to exhibit – definitely a good stop on a warm afternoon.
Today was the drive from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs. Despite lots of short stops for different reasons, we made good time and got to our hotel nice and early. After a good supper and some family card games, the kids crashed and the grown-ups got down to planning the activities for the next two days. This area has a couple weeks’ worth of things to do, so it’s hard to choose just one or two things. I think we’ve got a good game plan, though.
9August2008
Posted by Daniel under: Family.
Verse of the Day: “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.” (Ps. 19:8b-9, ESV)
Today’s mileage: 455 miles
Day 2 of the 4-3-2 tour began in Phoenix, AZ at a temperature of 86 humid degrees, and ended in Albuquerque, NM at an altitude of 5000 feet, temperature 72 degrees. We arrived in the middle of a tropical downpour, remnants of Tropical Storm Eduardo. It’s been years since I’ve seen thunderstorms or rain that hard – it was great, except for the fact that we had to get 4 small children and our luggage from the car to the room! Actually, the kids loved running through the pouring rain and puddles, so it was no big deal.
Today was our longest mileage of the trip, I think, and I was anticipating something akin to a forced march. Instead, the day more or less flew by and we arrived at our hotel over an hour earlier than I had anticipated. The Holy Spirit was definitely present with each one of us today – His fruit was evident throughout the drive.
I am amazed at the geographical changes we went through today. The drive into Phoenix yesterday was through flat, hot desert, although there are some hills and ridges around the city, as well as to the north as we left. Still, though, it was mostly small hills covered in rocks and cacti. Within an hour of leaving Phoenix, though, we were climbing quickly and found ourselves surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests. My first clue that we were going fairly high was the “chain area” sign at 4,000 feet. We eventually topped out just south of Flagstaff at 7,000 feet. I definitely was not expecting to see that sort of geography in Arizona – it was absolutely beautiful and a welcome change from the desert.
As we turned east at Flagstaff, the forests and hills eventually smoothed out and we were in the “high desert” south of the Grand Canyon, with large rock outcroppings and open scrub brush plains. Beauty of a completely different sort from the pine forests, particularly since there were thunderstorms all around us most of the afternoon.
Huge kudos go to the state of Arizona for the rest area we stopped at for lunch. First of all, it was a gorgeous setting – red rocks and scrub brush desert all around, with lots of nice covered picnic tables and small gravel for the kids to play. It was a peaceful location and provided a great break from driving. Plus, the kids went right for the rock piles for some exploring as we got food ready. The most surprising thing about the place was, well, the restrooms. I’ve never seen such clean facilities near any highway – incredibly well maintained and sparkling clean. I almost didn’t want to leave – Melanie had to get me back in the car!
So now it’s bedtime in Albuquerque. The downpour has stopped for the time being, and I hope that tomorrow morning is clear so that we can drive up Sandia Peak and take in the views of the valley.
8August2008
Posted by Daniel under: Children; Family; Miscellaneous; Navy.
Verse of the Day: “It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.” Deut. 6:13 (We’re reading Proverbs this month, so each day on the trip we’re going to memorize a verse about what it means to fear the Lord.)
Today’s mileage: 360
Today was Day 1 of the Four-Three-Two Voyage, as I’m calling it. That’s FOUR children, THREE thousand miles, and TWO cars. We’re moving from San Diego to Virginia for my next Navy assignment, so it’s time for our second cross-country adventure. Four years ago, we drove the opposite direction, but with only 1 car and 3 children. The children have changed a lot since then, to say the least. Once I figure out how to make pictures work the way I want them to, I’ll post some “then and now” shots.
I’m amazed at the grace God has shown to us over the past 30 days. I found out about my orders one month ago today, while I was deployed to Spain. The Lord has worked out every detail of our move with graciousness I could never have imagined – I am so thankful for His wonderful works towards me and my family the past few weeks.
So today we left San Diego bound for Phoenix, AZ. I sincerely hope that today was the hottest day we’ll experience during our trip: 115 degrees Fahrenheit when we arrived in Phoenix at 5 PM. Supper was a highlight of the day – it’s been a long time since I had a SONIC extra-long chili cheese dog!
We’re winding down now, trying to cool down our wonderful hotel room and get kids ready for bed. OK, we’re all getting ready for bed! Tomorrow – Albuquerque, NM!
5August2008
Posted by Daniel under: Books.
I’m two weeks behind in posting for the Reading Classics Together effort hosted by Tim Challies. The to-do list associated with a cross-country move doesn’t leave a lot of time for non-essential activities. With our house completely packed up now, the to-do list is growing short and I have a little time to catch up. My thoughts on Part 1 of The Religious Affections follow; read Boomer in the Pew for different perspectives.
Jonathan Edwards is nothing if not thorough. Part 1 of The Religious Affections runs to 32 pages of small type as Edwards explores what “religious affections” are before he turns to examining whether they are true or not. Part 1 is founded on 1 Peter 1:8, and is entitled, “Concerning the nature of the affections, and their importance in religion.” The faith of Peter’s readers was being tried, and Edwards first discusses three advantages that trials bring to true religion:
- The truth of it is manifested
- Trials make true religion’s genuine beauty and amiableness remarkably to appear, and
- Trials purify and increase true religion.
This raised a question for me: In light of these benefits, it is then preferable that there should always be trials attending the practice of true religion? Is that the most desirable state for the church? What can be said for a “religious” population, or for the state of true religion, where there is a noticeable lack of common trials? Also, these three benefits apply not only to true “corporate” religion, but to individual religion or faith as well.
Edwards goes on to describe from 1 Peter 1:8 the two ways in which true religion operates – through love to Christ, and through joy in Christ. True religion is always centered on the person of Christ. He makes an interesting comment on the depth of the joy that believers experience:
“It was a most noble, worthy rejoicing…it was a prelibation of the joy of heaven, that raised their minds to a degree of heavenly blessedness.”
This is far from a fleeting joy that I find in earthly things – this is a deep, abiding joy that is not tied to my circumstances or anything here on earth.
In the main section of the chapter, Edwards develops 10 specific points which show that the heart of true religion lies in the affections or emotions. The following quote summarizes his argument:
“That religion which God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless wishes, raising us but a little above a state of indifference: God, in His word, greatly insists upon it, that we be in good earnest, ‘fervent in spirit,’ and our hearts vigorously engaged in religion: Rom. 12:11, Deut. 10:12.” (p. 27)
Of the myriad excellent points in this chapter, two particularly stood out to me for application in my own life. First is from his 9th point – that the “duties and ordinances” that God has given us to exercise true religion are designed to affect and raise our emotions. He mentions specifically prayer, singing, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as being designed specifically to excite our emotions in the worship of God. As my religious background has been much more “mental” than emotional, I find this perspective very freeing in both my personal and corporate worship. Not that I have ever thought that it is wrong to display emotion in worship, but when I consider that the ways that God has provided for us to worship as a gathered church are specifically designed to excite our emotions, I find myself less conscious about displaying emotions outwardly in public worship.
The second point of application is one of significant conviction. It is clear to me as I read this book that my life is not characterized by both the broad spectrum and the depth of the affections which Edwards is describing. He writes this as inference #3 near the end of the chapter:
“If true religion lies much in the affections, hence we may learn what great cause we have to be ashamed and confounded before God, that we are no more affected with the great things of religion. It appears from what has been said that this arises from our having so little true religion.”
That is a thought which brings me up short and in some ways fear when I consider how little “true religion” is evident in my affections. While I have seen a growth in my desires for God, works such as this book show how miserably short I fall of what God expects and desires from me. Indeed, as Edwards points out at the end of the chapter, there is nothing which should excite more affection in me than a consideration of Christ’s work on the cross.
I am very thankful that the gospel, the same thing which convicts me of my coldness and lack of affection towards God, also promises to provide the very thing I lack – a new and transformed heart which will respond more and more to God as the Holy Spirit conforms me to Christ’s image.
18July2008
Posted by Daniel under: Books.
Today is the first round of postings on Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections. Tim Challies’ excellent summary is HERE. Several good comments and links in the comment thread as well.
It is interesting how books that are inherently true never get dated – they find application in every age. The introduction to this edition of The Religious Affections was written in 1898, 150 years after the book was first published (1746), and now over 250 years later this work still has fresh application to modern events and occurrences. The introduction contains this description: “The Religious Affections…lives and will live as the portraiture of the men who are after God’s heart.”
Note: All page references are to the 2007 Banner of Truth Trust edition.
Introduction
It is apparent that Edwards did not write this book as a theoretical exercise – it was developed as a part of his life. He lived out what he wrote: “he is himself one of the high men who died in the pursuit of great things.” (pg. 10). That lends weight to the work, as it transcends the intellectual realm to land squarely in the middle of real life, both one (Edwards’) which has already worked itself out, and in my modern life.
There are some potentially discouraging thoughts in this introduction – this is not a work which will encourage a light-hearted, frivolous view of a believer’s life. Alexander Smellie, author of the introduction, writes: “The book leaves us with, as few books, do, a sense of the arduousness of the Christian life.” (pg. 13). However, there is great encouragement as well:
“We may fall just now immeasurably beneath the ideal which is painted in those sublime and searching chapters; but, if we are children in the household of the Lord, one this is sure – we shall be smitten with the passion to reach it.” (pg. 14)
Here is an opportunity to apply the Gospel to potential discouragement. Although I will never through my own effort attain the “ideal” of the Christian life, yet God is at work in me every day (Phil. 2:13), Christ has already purchased my pardon, and if I am truly a child of God my eventual conformity to Christ has been decreed before time began (Rom. 8:29). It is clear even from the introduction that this book demands a level of serious attention, and that it is meant to have a significant impact on my life as I read it. This will not be a book to skim through!
Author’s Preface:
The very first statement in the preface penned by Edwards is very strong – he puts forth the proposition that NOTHING is of greater importance than the question of what true religious affections are. Generally, I tend to react negatively to statements like this, which are a common form of hyperbole in this day and age. Every month new books and magazines proclaim the best this, or the most important that, as though every 30 days some earth-shaking revelation is discovered. I find myself somewhat desensitized, then, to “nothing is more important than this” statements from authors.
This being Jonathan Edwards, though, I have to back off from my usual skepticism and do some investigation to see if his evaluation of the importance of this work is correct. Edwards helpfully phrases his thesis several different ways in the opening paragraph, and one of those I find particularly compelling to explain why this is so important. He writes: “Wherein do lie the distinguishing notes of that virtue and holiness that is acceptable in the sight of God?” (pg. 15) Put this way, the importance becomes very clear – how do I know whether I am pursuing a holiness that will meet God’s approval? And in the end, the core question of the Gospel is how can I gain God’s approval, or how can I be right with God.
One thing I look forward to in this book is seeing how Edwards applies the Bible; he maintains that the proof of his thesis can be clearly found in Scripture: “We have clear and abundant light in the word of God to direct us on this matter.” (pg. 15). This statement must be kept in mind throughout the book, and Edwards’ interpretation and assumptions challenged, since I think that the supporters of pretty much any doctrine in Christianity believe that their particular point of view has equally clear evidence. On the other hand, there are movements in the greater Christian community which openly base their belief not on the Bible but on progressive revelation or cultural trends (see this post on Dr. Al Mohler’s blog for a good example of this.). Edwards’ commitment to developing his thesis on the basis of clearly revealed Scripture is a commitment that is growing steadily weaker in the general “Christian” community.
Edwards discusses the fact that one of Satan’s best weapons against the church is the false worship he causes to be offered, deceiving many about the state of their souls. Here is a quote that is, frankly, somewhat frightening to me:
“By this means the devil gratifies himself, by bringing it to pass that that should be offered to God by multitudes, under a notion of a pleasing acceptable service to Him, that is indeed above all things abominable to Him.”
Some honest self-examination is regularly in order, to see whether, like the nation of Israel, I honor God with my lips while my heart is far, far away from Him. (Isaiah 29:13-14)
Addressing the need to rejoice in the good of the ongoing religious revival, while steadfastly opposing the evil in it, Edwards writes:
“But yet, I am humbly but fully persuaded, we shall never be in the way of truth, nor go on in a way acceptable to God and tending to the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, till we do so.”
If the advancement of the Kingdom truly depends on a commitment to true spiritual affection, then this is definitely a critical study both to me as an individual Christian, and to the corporate life of the local church.
Based on the introduction, The Religious Affections is a work which, although nearly 300 years old, provides a serious and challenging exposition of the nature of a true Christian. As with the last book we read, this is one which should leave me changed, more like the Master at the end than the beginning.
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