I got up early this morning, just after 4am and resolved to spend this day profitably, God willing. Begun with prayer and a reading of the bible. I had reached Jeremiah chapter 12. A couple of verses here seemed to stand out and I read them over a couple of times yet thought no more on them. (verses 8 and 9).
Later now being 8am, I have been reading on the internet, searching for tracts – I am thinking of either writing my own or finding one that has references to being lost or the wilderness which I can print out and take with me when I go hill walking. I came across a good site - The Wilderness - and found an article called; One day A Sparrow Fell
This led me to search for sparrows in the bible and the first search result was an article called Sparrow I haven’t read it all yet, in fact I had barely spent 2-3 minutes on it before I reached a mention of Jeremiah chapter 12 verse 9! Yes, the same verse that had stood out for me earlier.
20 July, 2008
Saturday 19th July
"The Lord our God hath shewed us His glory." --Deuteronomy 5:24
God's great design in all His works is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of Himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.
Taken from Mr Spurgeon’s morning devotional for Sat 19th July – once again I have fallen by the wayside…. The above has helped much.
God's great design in all His works is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of Himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.
Taken from Mr Spurgeon’s morning devotional for Sat 19th July – once again I have fallen by the wayside…. The above has helped much.
11 July, 2008
John Flavel and a reason for keeping this blog
The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel – One of the reasons for keeping this diary was a chapter in this book. I have just looked it out and it is chapter 13; “The advantages of recording our experiences of providence.” I tried searching for an online version so I could copy and paste, but there doesn’t seem to be a copy of this chapter, so I will type extracts from it here.
“I cannot but judge it the concern of Christians that have time and ability for such a work, to keep written memorials or journals of Providence by them, for their own and others’ use and benefit. There is a prudent, humble and seasonable communication of our experiences and observations of Providence which is exceeding beneficial both to ourselves and our brethren. Providence carries our lives, liberties and concerns in its hand every moment. Your bread is in its cupboard, your money in its purse, your safety in its enfolding arms; and surely it is the least part of what you owe to record the favours you receive at its hands.
Do not trust your slippery memories with such a multitude of remarkable passages of Providence as you have, and shall meet with in your way to heaven. It is true, things that greatly affect us are not easily forgotten by us; and yet, how ordinary is it for new impressions to raze out former ones? Written memorials secure us against that hazard, and besides, make them useful to others when we are gone, so that you do not carry away all your treasure to heaven with you, but leave these choice legacies to your surviving friends.
Take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a book, and have frequent recourse to them, as oft as new needs, fears or difficulties arise and assault you. Now it is seasonable to consider and reflect, Was I never so distressed before? Is this the first plunge that ever befell me? Let me consider the days of old, the years of ancient times, as Asaph did (Ps.77. 5.)
Beware of slighting former straights and dangers in comparison with present ones. That which is next to us always appears greatest to us, and as time removes us farther and farther from our former mercies or dangers, so they grow less in our eyes. Make it as much your business to preserve the sense and value as well as the memory of former providences, and the fruit will be sweet to you.”
“I cannot but judge it the concern of Christians that have time and ability for such a work, to keep written memorials or journals of Providence by them, for their own and others’ use and benefit. There is a prudent, humble and seasonable communication of our experiences and observations of Providence which is exceeding beneficial both to ourselves and our brethren. Providence carries our lives, liberties and concerns in its hand every moment. Your bread is in its cupboard, your money in its purse, your safety in its enfolding arms; and surely it is the least part of what you owe to record the favours you receive at its hands.
Do not trust your slippery memories with such a multitude of remarkable passages of Providence as you have, and shall meet with in your way to heaven. It is true, things that greatly affect us are not easily forgotten by us; and yet, how ordinary is it for new impressions to raze out former ones? Written memorials secure us against that hazard, and besides, make them useful to others when we are gone, so that you do not carry away all your treasure to heaven with you, but leave these choice legacies to your surviving friends.
Take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a book, and have frequent recourse to them, as oft as new needs, fears or difficulties arise and assault you. Now it is seasonable to consider and reflect, Was I never so distressed before? Is this the first plunge that ever befell me? Let me consider the days of old, the years of ancient times, as Asaph did (Ps.77. 5.)
Beware of slighting former straights and dangers in comparison with present ones. That which is next to us always appears greatest to us, and as time removes us farther and farther from our former mercies or dangers, so they grow less in our eyes. Make it as much your business to preserve the sense and value as well as the memory of former providences, and the fruit will be sweet to you.”
10 July, 2008
More from Sandwood
Sabbath 22nd June
It has been raining hard and windy with strong gusts for several hours now and it is still only 8.30 am. Looks like the weather forecast was right. I’ve made tea, but not very hungry yet. Have just prayed, mourning my sins, asking for forgiveness. I have taken my bible up with me and intend to meditate and write down some thoughts today – not sure on what yet – possibly thoughts that I’ve had for some time now but haven’t managed to write down – maybe my testimony.
Psalm 51, v.17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
It was towards the end of 2004 – Sarah had left me in October that year. I remember I had had such harsh thoughts of God, I felt so hard done by. I stopped going to church, stopped praying and generally went back to my old ways. However I still had religious convictions, the Lord had awakened me in February of that year – I still believed, knew it all to be true, but tried to force myself not to think on such things.
I remember awaking one Sabbath day and having thoughts on the above verse – I do not know now why this verse came to mind. I was lying in bed and had such conviction of my sin and had such wonderful thoughts on this verse – My spirit was broken – I knew that, but why was that a ‘pleasing sacrifice’? Why would God not despise my broken and contrite heart? I had sinned much, sinned against light.
I couldn’t answer my question, but held it to be true, as it is written in the Word. This gave me some comfort and confidence in Him again – my spirit was broken, I had a broken and a contrite heart towards the Lord and He was pleased.
I began to pray again, to acknowledge that His ways are best, to trust in Him and not to lean unto my own understanding. There then followed a time of peace within, knowing that my sins were forgiven, prayers were being answered and it was a delight to read the bible.
There followed on one day a thought on what I call one of my favourite texts from scripture; Philippians 1, v.6. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
It was whilst walking home from work one morning and I found myself thinking that He WILL perform it, not that He may but that He WILL. This was wonderful. It was His good work that He begun in me. Obviously a good work as God surely cannot do anything bad. He begun the work, it wasn’t anything in me. I know that so surely, and He WILL perform it – He WILL complete this work, surely God cannot leave a work only a little completed plus the fact It is written in the Word. This gave great comfort, confidence and patience knowing that He WILL complete this work which He hath begun in me. Being confident – as the Word of God is true.
It is 3pm and still raining. It hasn’t let up once.
He hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
8.40pm – Finally it has stopped raining and the wind has died down too.
8.45pm – Spoke too soon – wind and rain again, had a quick look outside and the horizon does seem to be quite clear, so hopefully this wont last long.
9.15pm – Finally finally stopped raining .
10.30pm – Even managed to glimpse the sun low in the sky in a break in the clouds.
It has been raining hard and windy with strong gusts for several hours now and it is still only 8.30 am. Looks like the weather forecast was right. I’ve made tea, but not very hungry yet. Have just prayed, mourning my sins, asking for forgiveness. I have taken my bible up with me and intend to meditate and write down some thoughts today – not sure on what yet – possibly thoughts that I’ve had for some time now but haven’t managed to write down – maybe my testimony.
Psalm 51, v.17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
It was towards the end of 2004 – Sarah had left me in October that year. I remember I had had such harsh thoughts of God, I felt so hard done by. I stopped going to church, stopped praying and generally went back to my old ways. However I still had religious convictions, the Lord had awakened me in February of that year – I still believed, knew it all to be true, but tried to force myself not to think on such things.
I remember awaking one Sabbath day and having thoughts on the above verse – I do not know now why this verse came to mind. I was lying in bed and had such conviction of my sin and had such wonderful thoughts on this verse – My spirit was broken – I knew that, but why was that a ‘pleasing sacrifice’? Why would God not despise my broken and contrite heart? I had sinned much, sinned against light.
I couldn’t answer my question, but held it to be true, as it is written in the Word. This gave me some comfort and confidence in Him again – my spirit was broken, I had a broken and a contrite heart towards the Lord and He was pleased.
I began to pray again, to acknowledge that His ways are best, to trust in Him and not to lean unto my own understanding. There then followed a time of peace within, knowing that my sins were forgiven, prayers were being answered and it was a delight to read the bible.
There followed on one day a thought on what I call one of my favourite texts from scripture; Philippians 1, v.6. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
It was whilst walking home from work one morning and I found myself thinking that He WILL perform it, not that He may but that He WILL. This was wonderful. It was His good work that He begun in me. Obviously a good work as God surely cannot do anything bad. He begun the work, it wasn’t anything in me. I know that so surely, and He WILL perform it – He WILL complete this work, surely God cannot leave a work only a little completed plus the fact It is written in the Word. This gave great comfort, confidence and patience knowing that He WILL complete this work which He hath begun in me. Being confident – as the Word of God is true.
It is 3pm and still raining. It hasn’t let up once.
He hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
8.40pm – Finally it has stopped raining and the wind has died down too.
8.45pm – Spoke too soon – wind and rain again, had a quick look outside and the horizon does seem to be quite clear, so hopefully this wont last long.
9.15pm – Finally finally stopped raining .
10.30pm – Even managed to glimpse the sun low in the sky in a break in the clouds.
09 July, 2008
The Longest Day
Sat 21st June
Been awake off and on since 4.30am. Finally got up about 8am. It was raining pretty heavily during the night. I made breakfast – tea, tortilla wraps with bacon and primula and a cereal bar – then went to search for a stream I knew was nearby for a daily supply of fresh water – it is about 20 minutes away. Back at the tent 3 people approached me, John, Andrew and Neil who are friends of my brother Brian down in Edinburgh and I hung around with them for most of the day, walking along the beach, chatting and playing football. Left them about 6pm and headed back to my own tent for a luxurious dinner of pasta, pesto, peppered salami, sundried tomatoes and peanuts and a small glass of red wine – who says you have to rough it whilst camping?
It is now 9.15pm and I am just back from topping up my water supply. It is a warm evening, the sun has been shaded by light clouds for most of this, the longest day, but it is still high in the sky. I am hoping for a really nice sunset for some great photo opportunities.
It is 11pm and the sun is now getting low in the sky, it is obscured still by light clouds, but the whole western end of the sky is a beautiful reddish/pink colour.
It is still more than bright enough to be able to write this and read inside my tent with just the natural outside light. The sound of the sea is beautiful – a perpetual roaring and crashing along this mile stretch of sandy beach. Tomorrow is meant to be a very very wet day according to the weather forecast I received before I left.
Been awake off and on since 4.30am. Finally got up about 8am. It was raining pretty heavily during the night. I made breakfast – tea, tortilla wraps with bacon and primula and a cereal bar – then went to search for a stream I knew was nearby for a daily supply of fresh water – it is about 20 minutes away. Back at the tent 3 people approached me, John, Andrew and Neil who are friends of my brother Brian down in Edinburgh and I hung around with them for most of the day, walking along the beach, chatting and playing football. Left them about 6pm and headed back to my own tent for a luxurious dinner of pasta, pesto, peppered salami, sundried tomatoes and peanuts and a small glass of red wine – who says you have to rough it whilst camping?
It is now 9.15pm and I am just back from topping up my water supply. It is a warm evening, the sun has been shaded by light clouds for most of this, the longest day, but it is still high in the sky. I am hoping for a really nice sunset for some great photo opportunities.
It is 11pm and the sun is now getting low in the sky, it is obscured still by light clouds, but the whole western end of the sky is a beautiful reddish/pink colour.
It is still more than bright enough to be able to write this and read inside my tent with just the natural outside light. The sound of the sea is beautiful – a perpetual roaring and crashing along this mile stretch of sandy beach. Tomorrow is meant to be a very very wet day according to the weather forecast I received before I left.
Friday 20th June
Sandwood – Finished work this morning at 4am, finished packing, ate, showered and left. Arrived at Oldshoremore at 9am and began the long walk. Rucksack very very heavy, have I over packed this year also? Made it to the bay and found a fantastic spot at the far end high up on the hill overlooking the beach by midday. I can sit in the tent porch and have amazing views of this spectacular piece of land.
It is 5pm now, I’ve had a wee sleep, but the sun beating down makes it too hot in the tent for sleep.
Back from hols - July
Such a peaceful time away..although now I am way behind on a lot of things..still it was worth it. Kept a diary whilst up there and I'll post some of it here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)