Merry Christmas!
It feels like a lot longer than two years since my last update. While I had intentions to keep this updated annually, I think my (Rachel's) devotional blog "Lamb Meets Lion" would be the best way to express these years for me. 2022 was the hardest year of my life spiritually, as I was suddenly confronted with a "Mt. Sinai" God that sees every corner of my heart and motives, leading to fear of my true position in Christ that I have never before had to wrestle with to the same degree. The latter part of 2022 and all of 2023 has been a reintroduction and reinforcement for me in the Scriptures on how to apply gospel grace while examining the evidence of salvation.
"For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20For they could not bear what was being commanded, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” 21And so terrible was what appeared, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” 22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel" (Heb 12:18-24, LSB).
Hebrews 12:18-24 summarizes what I have come to grips with in a fresh way these past two years, though I am still wrestling with fear and lack of assurance of my salvation in waves. However, fear is conquered by faith in the promises of Jesus Christ, and the evidences of the Holy Spirit's grace in my desires for holiness and fruit of the Spirit, and thus, I continue to preach the Word to myself. I think a lot of the reason God has taken me through this grueling journey is to freshen the glories of the gospel promises on a regular basis in my heart and to glorify Himself as He gives me faith to overcome fear. This has inspired greater zeal and vigilance in preaching the Word also to my children in practical, day-to-day life. Life circumstances are studios of learning to discover who we are and what God wants us to know about Him, and wow have those really come to life from a 2-D to 3-D way for me the last two years.
But this update is far from all about me. While God created a powerful storm in my own life, it greatly affected my family interactions. I began realizing much more acutely the powerful purpose of God in the marital covenant to be a reflection of the union of Christ and the church (how coincidental that this is the very entity under such heavy bombardment by the powers of darkness in this day). Because of the significant way a holy marriage glorifies God, Michael and I have been making unresolved conflicts a priority. God has forced hidden heart thoughts into the light, which has deepened our marriage and created more unity in our day-to-day decisions as well as our spiritual priorities. Of course, this is still a work in progress, and we covet your prayers for God's victory for complete unity, not just for our marriage, but for the whole church of Christ!
Lightening up to the more day-to-day news, we joined Heritage Reformed Congregation in Kinnelon this year after attending as non-members for a year prior. God made it clear to us that it was time to move on from a church we had been part of for 11 years since our marriage. This was painful because of the circumstances that forced it, but we are very thankful and built up in our new church, which is also looking for a pastor. In spite of this, an intern pastor and visiting preachers have continued to bless us with rich exposition of the Word every week, and we all sense the blessing of the Holy Spirit of this ministry to our hearts. I have been involved in a ladies' Bible study there, as well as teaching in the ESL ministry of the church. This is reaching dozens of nationalities, and with a Bible devotional inserted into every two-hour-long Thursday evening, every one of them is hearing the truth of sin and the gospel. We pray for fruit! Michael is growing and excited by the Men's Bible study and prayer breakfast on Saturdays, and he is a leader in a weekly prayer meeting. He has joined a rotation to play the piano for Sunday worship services and other meetings as needed and loves it.
Michael still works for Picatinny Arsenal, though he only has to commute two days per week, which is a blessing. I was recruited to join the substitute teachers at my children's Christian school and continue to be part of the Mom's in Touch prayer group Wednesday mornings. With increased homework and new parenting challenges that come with maturing children, I haven't had as much time to write but hope that will change with some improved health by God's grace.
Timothy is now in third grade and Hannah Joy in first. They are loving school and doing well, though not without bumps. However, God is faithful and shows Himself strong in our weakness!
I am looking forward to a trip out West in January for the eagerly anticipated arrival of my sister Mary's first child--God's miracle after a long 12-year wait. I am also excited to finally meet my nephew Conagher, my brother Jonathan's son, so I will be taking a two-legged trip between southern CA and AZ.
So there you have it--two years of updates in hopefully not too long a summary. I hope that if you're reading this, you'll also update us of your life. May we continue to uphold one another in prayer, with hope, during a time of great darkness in the world, for the One who called us is faithful!
Now for a picture tour of the year!
Late winter...
We're SO blessed with earthly gifts, but if they were all taken away, would we still find our joy in the King of the gifts? May Jesus help to keep our hearts ever centered on Him.
God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
Michael, Rachel, Timothy & Hannah Joy
