Taking the First Step

Hey Guys! I hope that this month of February is going well for you all! As some of you know (the ones who have read my "about me" section), my life is pretty crazy. Having a big family does has a lot of perks but it does mean that there are a lot of problems floating around. This year so far has had some great challenges and I have put my trust in God so much more than I ever have before. But I still occasionally find myself getting discouraged and going into "pity-party mode." Have you ever been there? I have heard preachers say that when you are going through something difficult and you want God's wisdom, to read your Bible more and pray to God for His wisdom. Seems pretty simple right? I have just heard this so many times that I think that it just goes in one ear and out the other (without meaning it to). But these past few weeks have been SO AMAZING! I have been studying scripture and praying so much more and doing those things really do help you to trust in God more and more. I also can see how God has given me the wisdom I needed to deal with certain situations that I had no idea how to deal with weeks before. So I just wanted to share this with you and let you know that God is always there for you. He wants to help you. You just need to take the first step.

Samuel Rutherford

For school this semester, I am learning about different Christians that made huge impacts on the world. It has been really awesome to learn about these different people. I thought I might share about one of them.

    Samuel Rutherford was born in the little village of Nisbet, in the shire of Roxburgh, around the year 1600. We do not know much about his childhood accept that he said that the sins of his youth were a new fire of sorrow to him. In 1617, he entered the University of Edinburgh. There, in 1626, he began his theological studies. In 1627, he was licensed to preach. In that same year, he felt God was calling him to Anwoth, where he would serve faithfully for nine years. While in Anwoth, in 1630, Samuel’s wife died. He also suffered the loss of his two children while serving God there. But even through this great amount of sorrow, Samuel knew God was in control. “His (God’s) own hand planteth me here, and here I will abide until the great Master of the Vineyard think fit to transplant me.” Samuel Rutherford wrote this in his journal in 1631. 

    In 1636, Rutherford published “An Apology (Argument) for Divine Grace”. It aroused the opposition of Archbishop Laud’s party. Samuel was tried in Edinburgh on July 27, 1636 and was banished to Aberdeen. He was also warned never to preach in Scotland again. He remained in Aberdeen from August 20, 1636 to June, 1638, where he was known as the banished minister.

     In March 1638, he was able to leave Aberdeen and return to Anwoth. In November, 1638, he was officially “vindicated” by the assembly and he settled down again to minister there. But in 1639, he was commissioned to take the chair of divinity at St. Mary’s College in Edinburgh, and he reluctantly obeyed. Then in 1643, he was sent to London to represent the Scottish church at the Westminster Assembly. He remained in London until November, 1647, when he returned to Edinburgh to become principle of St. Mary’s. He died on March 29, 1661.

 “Glory, glory dwelleth in Emmanuel’s land.” - Samuel Rutherford

The God of All Comfort

I have too often found myself trying to find comfort in the wrong things while I am going through a trial. When I approached this year, I knew that I didn't want to put my heart into something that would only give comfort for a short time. I felt like I had made this mistake too many times. So I prayerfully asked God to help guide me through and to give me comfort. I honestly can say that I have more comfort in God than I ever had in anything else! One of the biggest reasons that God sent the Holy Spirit is because He knew that we would need a comforter. John 16:7 says, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." If you are finding comfort in the wrong things, I pray that you would see that God just wants your heart. He knows what your feeling and He wants to help you through. I found another video that I wanted to share with you all. I hope you find this as impacting as I did.

Trials

     It has been so long since I have been on here but hopefully, I can make a strong, impactful come-back. I hope the new year has been going well so far for all of you guys. This new year so far I know has been challenging for me! I know that God wants to grow me through trials, but it is so hard sometimes to accept the fact that He knows what He is doing. James 1 says, blessed is the man that endures temptation. After God talks about being joyful through trials and remembering that trials work patience, He says that the man who endures temptation is blessed. Having endurance through trials is something that is so hard to have. The strength to carry on and keep persevering can only come from God. When we seek Jesus's face in the midst of a storm, he will give us endurance and strength. That has been so awesome to ponder on through this past day. We all have our trials and difficulties, but God does understand and he promises in His Word that He will not give us more than we can handle! My friend posted a video 2 days ago on a blog I follow and it was perfect timing! I hope you enjoy!