Wintertide Tractations: Mend
Start.
Mend is a beautiful word. It makes me think of something that was once new and shiny and attractive that somehow broke, or became old, or unattractive, and is now under repair by one who sees the potential it still holds.
Throughout my life mending has been a part of our family's common practice. My mother used to say that when Kyrie was small she thought Mama could fix anything with Duct-tape. Kyrie herself inherited the "mending gene" plus a huge combination of compassion and insight into the unseen "gold-mine below the surface" in any given cast-off.
I've been thinking of mending in a spiritual sense alot lately. Friends who I had such confidence in, brothers in Christ whom I'd grown with, whom I respected...they're in need of mending. A couple whose marriage is in tatters. A little child I know, broken in heart by parents who made foolish decisions, now trying to figure out how to live "life in the aftermath".
A few weeks ago, before these recent mending projects came to light, my mind flitted to another brother. He, too, had become a mending project after life had blown up in his face. But here I want to clarify: not my mending job. No, this type of mending project, when it involves people, that's only something the Lord can do. So as I thought of this brother in Christ, I realized how beautifully my Lord and Father had done true, deep, needed mending on his behalf. Suddenly the perfect descriptive phrase popped into my mind, "Like it never even happened." Maybe you've never heard of ServPro where you're from, but around here, one can often see TV commercials with green-suited people sliding down ropes and rushing to the rescue to repair some house or business after water or fire damage. Their goal is to restore the building back to normal, as if the disaster had never occurred. I have to say, my God does things far better than ServePro! What kind of company could ever address the deep-down, painfully pervasive heartaches and spiritual diseases that mankind groans with? None. But my Savior diagnoses them perfectly and has the exact solution for each need: Himself!
In His Word, we find the answers to all manner of problems....if we're willing to take the time to seek them out and find them. It's not a flash-fix. It's not microwave cooking: speedy-fast. It takes time which some people don't want to give. In God's hands, and on His schedule, transformation and real, health-inducing mending can take place. I've seen that He can do it and that's my hope for these on my heart tonight. If you're in need of mending, seek Him. I love Psalm 147:3, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Yes, our Creator is the One Who can mend.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Gold
Wintertide Tractations: Gold
When I consider the word "gold", the recent happenings of this Christmas season come to mind.
First, I had the great privilege of being home and with my family for this blessed time. The Grandparents' house was the perfect gathering place for four of my cousins and their broods over the holiday and it was delightful having them in the neighborhood and filling the dear place with laughter and chatter. As I got to spend time with them, it was pure gold. I watched one of my cousins interacting with her husband and smiled inside. He made a joke which few seemed to catch, but her head went back in amusement; she got it, she understood him. What a satisfied feeling to get to see the product of the Lord's arranging marriage.
Another golden nugget was getting to meet with Treasure who was in the state for Christmas. She moved last year or so to serve the Lord in Houston and any time she's back visiting her family, we try to get together. Talks with her are like nourishment to my soul. They are few and far between, but so precious. The Lord is teaching her things through some sticky-difficult situations and I marvel continuously at her depth and the beauty of her heart.
More than sweet family, more than dear friends, God's Word is real gold. No, it's more than that. Real gold melts and gets stolen and buried and lost, but God's Word has stood the test of time. It's something I can treasure forever. I can stock pile it in my heart and give it away and be rich and undepleted all at the same time! I can be stripped of all comfort and possessions and still have a gold mine in my heart which no man can steal from me. David, the king and psalm writer, said, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." (Psalm 119:72.) He said that he loved God's commandments above gold and knew that they were more desirable than fine gold. (Psalm 119:127 Psalm 19:10) But the gold of God's Word can't automatically appear into my heart, nor can I hope by holding a Bible or being near one to discover the jewels therein. I have to diligently read it, study it, and seek the Lord and then I will benefit from the spiritual wealth the Lord intends for me.
When I consider the word "gold", the recent happenings of this Christmas season come to mind.
First, I had the great privilege of being home and with my family for this blessed time. The Grandparents' house was the perfect gathering place for four of my cousins and their broods over the holiday and it was delightful having them in the neighborhood and filling the dear place with laughter and chatter. As I got to spend time with them, it was pure gold. I watched one of my cousins interacting with her husband and smiled inside. He made a joke which few seemed to catch, but her head went back in amusement; she got it, she understood him. What a satisfied feeling to get to see the product of the Lord's arranging marriage.
Another golden nugget was getting to meet with Treasure who was in the state for Christmas. She moved last year or so to serve the Lord in Houston and any time she's back visiting her family, we try to get together. Talks with her are like nourishment to my soul. They are few and far between, but so precious. The Lord is teaching her things through some sticky-difficult situations and I marvel continuously at her depth and the beauty of her heart.
More than sweet family, more than dear friends, God's Word is real gold. No, it's more than that. Real gold melts and gets stolen and buried and lost, but God's Word has stood the test of time. It's something I can treasure forever. I can stock pile it in my heart and give it away and be rich and undepleted all at the same time! I can be stripped of all comfort and possessions and still have a gold mine in my heart which no man can steal from me. David, the king and psalm writer, said, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." (Psalm 119:72.) He said that he loved God's commandments above gold and knew that they were more desirable than fine gold. (Psalm 119:127 Psalm 19:10) But the gold of God's Word can't automatically appear into my heart, nor can I hope by holding a Bible or being near one to discover the jewels therein. I have to diligently read it, study it, and seek the Lord and then I will benefit from the spiritual wealth the Lord intends for me.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Supply
Wintertide Tractations: Supply
Start.
My dear pastor, Bro. Earl, loaned me an incredible treasure: his brand-new hymnal from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA, Hymns of Grace.
Wow! Can I just say, this is a goldmine of theologically-deep hymns, both ancient and new! I keep discovering one beautiful hymn after another, as well as some I already knew.
One of my favorites is the hymn "My Shepherd, You Supply My Need" by Isaac Watts. Here are the words:
My Shepherd, You supply my need; most holy is Your name.
In pastures fresh You make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wandr'ing spirit back when I forsake Your ways,
And lead me, for Your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, Your presence is my stay;
One word of Your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows, Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
Oh, may Your house be my abode and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
This version gives the tune, in case you want to sing along.
Oh yes! how wonderful is my Father, my Shepherd Who is my supply!
Start.
My dear pastor, Bro. Earl, loaned me an incredible treasure: his brand-new hymnal from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA, Hymns of Grace.
Wow! Can I just say, this is a goldmine of theologically-deep hymns, both ancient and new! I keep discovering one beautiful hymn after another, as well as some I already knew.
One of my favorites is the hymn "My Shepherd, You Supply My Need" by Isaac Watts. Here are the words:
My Shepherd, You supply my need; most holy is Your name.
In pastures fresh You make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wandr'ing spirit back when I forsake Your ways,
And lead me, for Your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, Your presence is my stay;
One word of Your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows, Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
Oh, may Your house be my abode and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
This version gives the tune, in case you want to sing along.
Oh yes! how wonderful is my Father, my Shepherd Who is my supply!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Remain
Wintertide Tractations: Remain
Start.
Faithfulness has been on my mind alot lately. My rough definition of the word would be:
tenacity; the resolve to remain in a state or under a certain command; to continue allegiance despite difficulty; to take action to protect or promote the welfare or good name of that to which the allegiance is applied.
At times as I (in my mind) have looked out over the crowd of friends and family members I know and love, or as I have made acquaintance with new people, classmates, etc., my mind has touched on the idea of remaining.
Will Pete remain at church? or will he quit coming and give up on the Lord in his personal life? Will Grey and Ann remain faithful, remain married, or will they succumb to the pressures of society and break their promise to each other "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer"? Will Lesleigh, a freshman in highschool, remain fervent in her zeal for the Lord when she goes to college?
At times the state of society can make me want to curl into a ball in a dark room and stay there forever. But I don't see that mentality commended in Scripture. Instead, I see bold men and women sharing Christ in spite of the degradation around them (Acts 4:29-31). I see preachers giving forth the Word of Life in the face of persecution (Acts 6:9-15), in the face of great immorality (Ephesians 5:3-4 this post). I see believers exhorted to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and to be prayerful (1 Peter 4:7).
Perhaps the question I should be asking isn't about Pete or anyone but about my own self. How much have I prayed for Pete or Lesleigh today or this week? How much have I been praying for Grey and Ann this month, this year? How much have I been taking their needs, their situations and sorrows to our Heavenly Father? While I wonder whether these will remain, am I myself remaining faithful to pray for these my brothers and sisters in Christ?
Start.
Faithfulness has been on my mind alot lately. My rough definition of the word would be:
tenacity; the resolve to remain in a state or under a certain command; to continue allegiance despite difficulty; to take action to protect or promote the welfare or good name of that to which the allegiance is applied.
At times as I (in my mind) have looked out over the crowd of friends and family members I know and love, or as I have made acquaintance with new people, classmates, etc., my mind has touched on the idea of remaining.
Will Pete remain at church? or will he quit coming and give up on the Lord in his personal life? Will Grey and Ann remain faithful, remain married, or will they succumb to the pressures of society and break their promise to each other "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer"? Will Lesleigh, a freshman in highschool, remain fervent in her zeal for the Lord when she goes to college?
At times the state of society can make me want to curl into a ball in a dark room and stay there forever. But I don't see that mentality commended in Scripture. Instead, I see bold men and women sharing Christ in spite of the degradation around them (Acts 4:29-31). I see preachers giving forth the Word of Life in the face of persecution (Acts 6:9-15), in the face of great immorality (Ephesians 5:3-4 this post). I see believers exhorted to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and to be prayerful (1 Peter 4:7).
Perhaps the question I should be asking isn't about Pete or anyone but about my own self. How much have I prayed for Pete or Lesleigh today or this week? How much have I been praying for Grey and Ann this month, this year? How much have I been taking their needs, their situations and sorrows to our Heavenly Father? While I wonder whether these will remain, am I myself remaining faithful to pray for these my brothers and sisters in Christ?
Wintertide Tractations: Guard
Wintertide Tractations: Guard
Start.
{Disclaimer: I write using pseudonyms for most people and places directly involved with my life.}
Our pastor at Victory Road Baptist Church where my family and I are members has been preaching through the book of Ephesians on Sunday nights. In our study, Bro. Earl had taught into chapter 5 now and we have encountered the fact that being Spirit-filled will cause us to be thankful, will cause us to sing to ourselves or aloud (despite whether our voices are "good quality" or not), will make us submissive to each other in the Lord (5:18-21).
Now we are looking to begin those commands that are directed specifically to groups of believers in the church. Wives are addressed in 5:22-24, husbands in 5:28-33, children in 6:1-3, fathers in 6:4, servants 6:5-8, masters 6:9. Before we can understand those positions and the responsibilities that the Lord has placed on each, Bro. Earl wanted to reiterate the need to be Spirit-filled, submissive, thankful, and "songful". (My word; not one that he used.) He also gave us a background of the times and situations happening when Paul penned this Spirit-inspired Book. This teaching went in direct contrast to the culture of his day, where much of the immorality we are seeing in America was rampant. It goes in direct contrast to the sinfulness of man in any age.
One of the things Bro. Earl addressed was the sacred quality of marriage. To follow this Biblical model in a marriage is to guard one's spouse and to see the best relationship that the Lord would have us experience.
In marriages where two, naturally selfish people are constantly looking out for themselves, it's no wonder we see the demise of so many homes today. But when the husband and wife are each seeking Christ, seeking to be Spirit-filled, seeking to be thankful, submissive, and singing in their hearts to the Lord, things look vastly different. Beautiful, in fact! My pastor wants to guard his marriage, he wants each married couple to guard their marriage, but far more than my pastor's wishes, the Lord wants to be our Guard.
Although I am not married, it was a sweet thing to encounter this exposition of verses I had read over almost my entire life and yet had never seen in this way. Putting this formula into practice isn't something I can do without Christ, but as I seek Him, I look forward to seeing Him produce these attributes in me!
Start.
{Disclaimer: I write using pseudonyms for most people and places directly involved with my life.}
Our pastor at Victory Road Baptist Church where my family and I are members has been preaching through the book of Ephesians on Sunday nights. In our study, Bro. Earl had taught into chapter 5 now and we have encountered the fact that being Spirit-filled will cause us to be thankful, will cause us to sing to ourselves or aloud (despite whether our voices are "good quality" or not), will make us submissive to each other in the Lord (5:18-21).
Now we are looking to begin those commands that are directed specifically to groups of believers in the church. Wives are addressed in 5:22-24, husbands in 5:28-33, children in 6:1-3, fathers in 6:4, servants 6:5-8, masters 6:9. Before we can understand those positions and the responsibilities that the Lord has placed on each, Bro. Earl wanted to reiterate the need to be Spirit-filled, submissive, thankful, and "songful". (My word; not one that he used.) He also gave us a background of the times and situations happening when Paul penned this Spirit-inspired Book. This teaching went in direct contrast to the culture of his day, where much of the immorality we are seeing in America was rampant. It goes in direct contrast to the sinfulness of man in any age.
One of the things Bro. Earl addressed was the sacred quality of marriage. To follow this Biblical model in a marriage is to guard one's spouse and to see the best relationship that the Lord would have us experience.
In marriages where two, naturally selfish people are constantly looking out for themselves, it's no wonder we see the demise of so many homes today. But when the husband and wife are each seeking Christ, seeking to be Spirit-filled, seeking to be thankful, submissive, and singing in their hearts to the Lord, things look vastly different. Beautiful, in fact! My pastor wants to guard his marriage, he wants each married couple to guard their marriage, but far more than my pastor's wishes, the Lord wants to be our Guard.
Although I am not married, it was a sweet thing to encounter this exposition of verses I had read over almost my entire life and yet had never seen in this way. Putting this formula into practice isn't something I can do without Christ, but as I seek Him, I look forward to seeing Him produce these attributes in me!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Ready
Wintertide Tractations: Ready
Start:
When one is a child, it's easy to be ready for what is deemed exciting. Just around the bend an adventure awaits and there's no need for delay or preparation in a child's mind. "Diving in" and "discovering" are all the focus.
Last night as my family was visiting with our youth pastor's family at a local lights display, Spice expressed eagerness over the nearness of Christmas. She was ready for it to be here! Mrs. Wynneth and I laughingly agreed that we were glad for the days we still have until then!
That eager, child-readiness is something I do not want to let go of. Not the hap-hazard, no-worries kind of mentality, not the childishness. No, I want the childlikeness. I remember The Grandmother once putting a very definite difference between the two and I've not forgotten it. Childlikeness. That anticipation for what's ahead, that sparkle in the eye that loves mystery and surprises. That laugh that is genuine and comes from the pure joy of Christ. That friendship that extends hospitality, a willing hand, a favorite possession, and genuine love to others, regardless of warts and blemishes and social taboos.
I wish I could remember the quote by C.S. Lewis I encountered several years ago. It had to do with an awareness of what was around a person, a rediscovery, as it were, of all those things that once were new and amazing to us. His words encouraged me to feel the carpet under my sock feet, or the grass beneath my bare toes, the prickliness of pine needles during a walk through the forest, or the feeling of water running over my hand, a bird chirping merrily outside when adults all around me are engaged in "the important things of life", the feeling of a freshly-washed pillowcase under my cheek, or the delight of biting into a crisp, juicy apple.
Sometimes readiness takes the form of flexibility when one is an adult. It's the transfer of the child-adventure spirit to the adult-leader spirit, the need to change quickly during unexpected hair-pin curves and sudden cliff-drops, keep a clear head, and land on one's feet. Ha, I have to laugh inside. That's the type of adult I'd like to be.
In the Bible, I read of a man who seemed to be just like that. As a youth he was taken suddenly from his homeland, taught a brand new language and customs, and expected to have wisdom and dignity about him. He did. In fact, Daniel had such wisdom, that he dared to stay faithful to his God in the face of possible death or at least punishment. Because of his allegiance to the Lord, he was promoted again and again. He was sentenced to death at one point for his worshiping the One True God, but was miraculously saved when the Lord sent an angel to protect him. Over and over kings realized his insight and understanding of dreams. One king went out and was replaced by another. Through it all Daniel's relationship with the Lord seemed to give him level head and gracefulness. Despite all he saw and suffered, he never stopped following the Lord and for that he has been loved and admired by believers for generations. (You can begin reading Daniel's incredible story here.)
I want to be eager-ready, trusting in the Lord.
Start:
When one is a child, it's easy to be ready for what is deemed exciting. Just around the bend an adventure awaits and there's no need for delay or preparation in a child's mind. "Diving in" and "discovering" are all the focus.
Last night as my family was visiting with our youth pastor's family at a local lights display, Spice expressed eagerness over the nearness of Christmas. She was ready for it to be here! Mrs. Wynneth and I laughingly agreed that we were glad for the days we still have until then!
That eager, child-readiness is something I do not want to let go of. Not the hap-hazard, no-worries kind of mentality, not the childishness. No, I want the childlikeness. I remember The Grandmother once putting a very definite difference between the two and I've not forgotten it. Childlikeness. That anticipation for what's ahead, that sparkle in the eye that loves mystery and surprises. That laugh that is genuine and comes from the pure joy of Christ. That friendship that extends hospitality, a willing hand, a favorite possession, and genuine love to others, regardless of warts and blemishes and social taboos.
I wish I could remember the quote by C.S. Lewis I encountered several years ago. It had to do with an awareness of what was around a person, a rediscovery, as it were, of all those things that once were new and amazing to us. His words encouraged me to feel the carpet under my sock feet, or the grass beneath my bare toes, the prickliness of pine needles during a walk through the forest, or the feeling of water running over my hand, a bird chirping merrily outside when adults all around me are engaged in "the important things of life", the feeling of a freshly-washed pillowcase under my cheek, or the delight of biting into a crisp, juicy apple.
Sometimes readiness takes the form of flexibility when one is an adult. It's the transfer of the child-adventure spirit to the adult-leader spirit, the need to change quickly during unexpected hair-pin curves and sudden cliff-drops, keep a clear head, and land on one's feet. Ha, I have to laugh inside. That's the type of adult I'd like to be.
In the Bible, I read of a man who seemed to be just like that. As a youth he was taken suddenly from his homeland, taught a brand new language and customs, and expected to have wisdom and dignity about him. He did. In fact, Daniel had such wisdom, that he dared to stay faithful to his God in the face of possible death or at least punishment. Because of his allegiance to the Lord, he was promoted again and again. He was sentenced to death at one point for his worshiping the One True God, but was miraculously saved when the Lord sent an angel to protect him. Over and over kings realized his insight and understanding of dreams. One king went out and was replaced by another. Through it all Daniel's relationship with the Lord seemed to give him level head and gracefulness. Despite all he saw and suffered, he never stopped following the Lord and for that he has been loved and admired by believers for generations. (You can begin reading Daniel's incredible story here.)
I want to be eager-ready, trusting in the Lord.
Wintertide Tractations: Grow
Wintertide Tractations: Grow
Start:
It's December 17. Most of you probably already knew that. Here in the wonderful southern countryside where I live, we've enjoyed lovely warm weather today. This afternoon my family spent some outside time together. My parents raked leaves and invited me to join them and Kyrie kept us company on the front steps working on a Christmas gift project we've been hired to do. {Besides the rush on making the Christmas gifts, we only have two and a half rakes. (Yes, I did say half. Somehow the handle is not the comfortable normal size.)} It was delightful outside in the Autumn-like breeze as we raked enthusiastically in our short sleeves.
We burned off the garden weeks ago, but Dad's greens are still vibrant against the blackened earth although they have about reached a state of being too tough to eat. This evening I discovered Dad's row of pepper plants that long ago fell over are still faithfully bearing fruit. The poor, withering-looking plants rewarded my visit with seven good-sized peppers. Those little plants are an inspiration to me. Even with the cold weather they've experienced, even with the fire that raged around them devouring all the rest of the garden (except the greens), even with the weight of their produce bringing them to humbly kiss the earth, even now that summer is over and our visits are less frequent, they continue to push life-giving nutrients into growing peppers. They are a tribute to their Creator.
They remind me of some verses from Psalm 92, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (vv. 12-15).
I want to be like that. There in the presence of the Lord, there in the place where His name is worshiped, right there do the righteous flourish. Even in time of old age and grey hairs, they continue to live for the Lord and bring honor and glory to Him. ("Fat" in these verses doesn't have a bad connotation, but instead seems to indicate richness.)
Every day that I live my life I would love to know that I grew closer to the Lord, stronger in my faith, deeper in my love for His Word, His coming Kingdom, His people, and the lost to whom He would have me reach. Growth is something our Creator-God must love. He created the Garden of Eden with all its beautiful foliage and fruits. He created babies to get taller and mature into capable beings. He inspires growth in every aspect of nature. Even burned areas, (like our garden), begin almost immediately to show tiny sprouts that have refused to be defeated after the all-engulfing flames.
In my Bible are 38 instances of the word "grow" but perhaps a verse in 2 Peter is the most familiar to me. It comes as the last of the verses. Peter has been reminding and exhorting and warning. Now he says, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen" (v. 18).
Start:
It's December 17. Most of you probably already knew that. Here in the wonderful southern countryside where I live, we've enjoyed lovely warm weather today. This afternoon my family spent some outside time together. My parents raked leaves and invited me to join them and Kyrie kept us company on the front steps working on a Christmas gift project we've been hired to do. {Besides the rush on making the Christmas gifts, we only have two and a half rakes. (Yes, I did say half. Somehow the handle is not the comfortable normal size.)} It was delightful outside in the Autumn-like breeze as we raked enthusiastically in our short sleeves.
We burned off the garden weeks ago, but Dad's greens are still vibrant against the blackened earth although they have about reached a state of being too tough to eat. This evening I discovered Dad's row of pepper plants that long ago fell over are still faithfully bearing fruit. The poor, withering-looking plants rewarded my visit with seven good-sized peppers. Those little plants are an inspiration to me. Even with the cold weather they've experienced, even with the fire that raged around them devouring all the rest of the garden (except the greens), even with the weight of their produce bringing them to humbly kiss the earth, even now that summer is over and our visits are less frequent, they continue to push life-giving nutrients into growing peppers. They are a tribute to their Creator.
They remind me of some verses from Psalm 92, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (vv. 12-15).
I want to be like that. There in the presence of the Lord, there in the place where His name is worshiped, right there do the righteous flourish. Even in time of old age and grey hairs, they continue to live for the Lord and bring honor and glory to Him. ("Fat" in these verses doesn't have a bad connotation, but instead seems to indicate richness.)
Every day that I live my life I would love to know that I grew closer to the Lord, stronger in my faith, deeper in my love for His Word, His coming Kingdom, His people, and the lost to whom He would have me reach. Growth is something our Creator-God must love. He created the Garden of Eden with all its beautiful foliage and fruits. He created babies to get taller and mature into capable beings. He inspires growth in every aspect of nature. Even burned areas, (like our garden), begin almost immediately to show tiny sprouts that have refused to be defeated after the all-engulfing flames.
In my Bible are 38 instances of the word "grow" but perhaps a verse in 2 Peter is the most familiar to me. It comes as the last of the verses. Peter has been reminding and exhorting and warning. Now he says, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen" (v. 18).
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