Through Gates of Splendor

I finished Elisabeth Elliot's Through Gates of Splendor the other day. It was one of the best books I've read (do I say that about every book?). I think I broke down in tears and longing and prayer and 'doxology' a half-dozen times in the first chapter or two alone. It renewed my heart for missions and "ultimate thinking."

Interesting that one of the biggest things I gleaned was her application of scripture--the way of wisdom as I'm learning that Garry Friesen calls it--which was also in Edwards's RA. It's all coming together--it will be amazing, I'm sure, to look back on all that God is weaving and enjoy the panaorama of his masterful artwork in my life. It seems such a fog right now--especially today with no home and no job--but "I know him whom I have believed" and "he will guide me with his eye."

I also found out today that ELIC's program might be able to put US citizens into Tibet again. Had a great conversation with [] and a graduate admissions counselor today about my plans. I still am unsure whether to do the MDiv at WTS or the MA with ELIC first. (or if I should bother doing both at all--sounds like the MA Biblical Exegesis and later Doctoral work might be a promising route also--not to mention studying under Greg Beale).

One last note: this body (amazingly) has been taking a collection for me for a few weeks in order to get me a new laptop. Nearly unbelievable. My mouth is stopped, and my mouth is laid to the dust (and so there "may yet be hope!"). I am silence; humbled. Lord God, you have provided for me amazingly. I prayed recently that I needed to know you as "Jehovah-jireh" in this season--my provider--and you have and are answering that prayer overwhelmingly. $600 toward the car, and $1700+ toward a new laptop. I can only imagine what you're planning next, my Lord and my God!

Thank you. Thank you so much. Lead me to what I should write to your people next--and thank you for the opportunity to minister! Praise be to you for it!

Alright, one more. This weekend during the worship I was greatly moved by the thought of looking upon Christ. It was the lyrics (and, no doubt, the music) to Hillsongs' Hallelujah (from For All You've Done) that did it: and all I could think about was the vision of the revelation of Jesus Christ in Revelation 5, and the whole of creation rejoicing and praising and looking upon the "lamb that was slain" and all I could think or say was Oh, that I might look upon Jesus! Oh, that I might look upon the Lamb that was slain! It was the sweetest time of worship I've had in a long, long time. It was having and wanting, desiring and attaining, all in one. Addicting and fulfilling. I want more...

that's all for now.