All Things!!! with Melanie Hart

Dear Counsellee, I'm back! I have not posted in a while yet I have been doing a lot of studying, journalling, learning, writing, and counselling! Lord-willing, I will share more content in the days and weeks to come. Please do not be alarmed by my topic! This was such a joy to write about, to contemplate. There is much for us to glean from in contemplating our life and death! I will post the full transcript to my blog you can link here.

I thought I'd share with you my special announcement by way of a podcast rather than a written letter! I am delighted to share with you that I very recently got married and in this episode I will share with you a little bit about this as well as read my vows to Dave to give you some insight into the unfolding story that is Dave & Melanie.

Dear Listener, As I continue deeper into my study of the Attributes of God, as is my "reasonable service" or "spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1-2), I am putting out a clarion call to all believers to this worthwhile endeavour. It will change your life. As you will hear, this is not a 'task' (and I don't mean that as "duty" but as "delight') that can be crossed off a list, read in a book, studied in a course, or learned at a conference, this, dear ones, is a life-long and eternal study. In this 5 minute reflection, I have attempted, like many others before me, in describing the indescribable, monumental, yet essential reason to study the "Attributes of God." And though it may start as a duty, may it turn into one of your life's most precious delights. For to Know God is to love Him, to obey Him, to want to Know Him more! And although He's indescribable, it's worth trying! Many have tried and failed (because God is "unsearchable" and "inscrutable" (Romans 11:33-36) yet received the preciousness of Himself in the process, and to the Glory of God!

A Call To Study The Attributes of God by Melanie Hart - Monday, May 23

To study the attributes of God is the most impossible of worthy tasks.

It is life-long, inexhaustible, and to be carried with me into eternity,

It is not a merely a book, for it cannot be opened and shut. It is beyond pages and transcends the ages.

It is not a merely study, for it cannot be started and stopped. It is beyond time and beyond space.

It is not a merely course, for it cannot be graded. It is beyond any level of education, too precious for the—-ologies and degrees.

And it is certainly not merely discourse. For every tongue could wag, could stammer, wax eloquent,

for every theologian, scholar, pastor, author, hymnist, parishioner, in unceasing declaration, while they have breath, could pen to paper, pulpit to preach, song to write, ne’er cover the height, the breadth, the depth.

It is necessarily humbling yet essentially heart-exhilarating.

It is mentally taxing, yet mind-altering.

It is physical.

It is emotional.

It is intellectual.

It is experiential.

It is as ascending Mount Everest and descending Marianna’s Trench

This revealed knowledge of God is His condescending to my creatureliness

And my attempted comprehension of the Other-worldiness of my Creator.

His immanence momentarily seemingly within my grasp, yet

Yet I will keep grasping, and I will keep reaching.

For it is my reasonable service, my spiritual act of worship, to be renewed in this way.

This theology is basic, fundamental, foundational, yet

His Majestic Glory and Holiness is by no means basic, and shakes the foundations of my sinful pathology.

It brings me to my knees yet

Makes my feet like the feet of the deer, he enables me tread on the heights. (Hab. 3:19.)

It’s convergence is recognized, demonstrated, castigated at the cross,

Made manifest in the God-Man, The Lord Jesus Christ,

Communicated from Genesis to Revelation, from Creation through Redemption

Covering my story from sin to Salvation, a New Creation through Regeneration

It brings answers to past, makes present a gift

Creating a future almost too glorious to hope for

It addresses joys, gives comfort to sorrows,

Yes! All of His essence our soul’s song must employ

To study the nature, the character, the attributes of God,

To my clients, friends, and friends of friends! Ladies only! You’re invited to study the Attributes of God with Melanie Hart for application… beyond the counselling session. Learn to counsel yourself and others with the Counsel of God through the study of some of His many attributes. Then learn to think through them to apply to life situations and struggles. Join us! More info www.melaniehart.ca

Biblical Counselling Resources... for Beyond the Session. Another perfectly imperfect podcast! In this podcast, Melanie will briefly answer these 7 questions about Biblical Counselling, based on her own studies, approaches, lived experience, and biblical worldview.

What is Biblical Counselling? How is Biblical Counselling Different From Christian (Integrated) Counselling? Why Should Christians Seek Biblical Counselling? When Should Christians Seek Biblical Counselling Over Christian Counselling? When Should Christians Seek Biblical Counselling? When Should Christians Seek Secular Counselling? Does Biblical Counselling Replace Medical Helps?

Biblical Counselling Resources... for Beyond the Session. In this episode, Melanie reflects on a question that brought deep grief and sorrow, repentance and restoration. You will hear Melanie reflect on a song, a throwback from her early singing days, Wayne Watson's "If Not For Love", and you might even hear her sing a bit. You will hear the footsteps of Rosie, Melanie's Lab walk across the floor mid-podcast, and lyrics of an old beloved hymn tying it all together. When we say, "All Things", we are not kidding! Most of all, you will be challenged to answer this question for yourself. What Do YOU Need Jesus For?

Here is a link to Wayne Watson's song, If Not For Love and lyrics below.

In time they say old wounds will heal