In Christ Alone

We just started a new Bible study at church for the year. (For those from IC, it's the W.O.W. James study.) It's one of those studies where you have to take a deep breath before starting it, because you know that you'll be overwhelmed with what you learn, both from study and life experiences. For some reason, people keeps saying things like "your kids are so cute" and "I don't know how they could get in trouble." However, the more people say that, the more they seem to let their sin nature show with all its glory. I think it's God's way of keeping me grounded. ;) Seriously, though, I know this isn't one of those "major" and "life-altering" trials that people face in life. It just seems that sometimes the constant harping and punishing of the kids kinda wears you down. It would be so much easier to just say, "You know what? Just go ahead and do your own thing. Hit your brother. He'll pay you back when he gets bigger." or "Go ahead and bite your sister. She'll give you what you deserve." However, that doesn't build Christ-honoring character. Now I understand what it means that "parenting is hard work."

Just in the first week of study, we were comparing some of James' analogies to Matthew's. One of them was a doubter being tossed about like the sea, compared to Matt 14:28-31. In studying how Christ used the reference to nature, it was to show His power and control of the storm. Then, I thought about how He controls the storms in life. These include even the small storms of spankings or other random challenges of child-rearing. The choir at church, and we as a congregation, have sung this song a few times recently and it just really started to mean something new to me after this past Bible study. I know that that wasn't James' point, that Christ controls the storms, but it's one of those side lessons that sometimes means more than the original point. (Do ya get my point? Sorry. I couldn't resist. :) ) Anyway, I just thought I'd share it with you.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand