Darkness. Complete and utter blindness. Panic.
I had a memory this morning as I was walking to work. I think it was my sophmore year of college, and I was taking philosophy. Not by choice, mind you; it was required*. It was an interesting class to say the least. It was taught by a graduate student, it was the first class he ever taught. It felt like he was given full reign. There wasn't much teaching of the great philosphers of the past; no sequential history - I'm still not sure what the point of the class was.
It always ended up being discussions about whether or not God exists; with three students taking the lead. One was an atheist, one was a self-professed warlock, and one was a guy who knew the Bible back and forth. Notice I didn't identify him as a Christian; he didn't claim to be one.
Anyway, it would be this rousing (not in a good way) discussion of God every class period. Every time I would try to interject, I would be shot right down. This was the first time in my life that I had heard people denouncing God. It was a very odd spot for me to be in; it just wasn't something I was ever prepared for.
It was something hard for me to grasp. I had never been around people who believed this way (or at least so loudly claimed to). I just couldn't begin to understand how someone couldn't believe in God. I had believed in Him my whole life (and I know that belief in God doesn't make you a Christian). I had never even questioned that He couldn't ... EXIST.
So I undertook an interesting project - disclaimer: I don't recommend this to ANYONE. I tried to feel what it would be like to not believe in God. I can't recall how exactly I did this, but I remember thinking "how would it feel to BE and not believe in God." I tried to imagine reaching out to God (as I was so incredibly comfortable doing), and Him not being there. Do you want to know the result? It was total and utter darkness. That is all I felt. Darkness.
I quickly scrambled my way back to Light, I remember praying "God, that was AWFUL. How can anyone live that way?"
Well, lo these many years later, I had a sort of epiphany. Millions and billions of people live that way every.single.day. People live their whole lives that way. And yes, I have always known that there are people who don't believe in God. I know that there are people that do believe in Him, but not His Son; not the Gospel, just that He simply exists (or just may exist). I have been taught this all before. But as I said; this morning, I saw these things in a different way.
Anyway, back to the darkness. I started thinking of specific people, and how they react to things (life can be a great teacher; mine and others). How their desperate scramblings only lead them to more darkness, more stumbling. How their utter blindness causes them to hit so many obstacles, and how they don't know any other way. It's like the light switch is right in front of them, but they have no way of knowing that it is there. There are others who do know where the switch is, but refuse to flip it - refuse the help - feel as though self-sufficiency is much better than total Lightness. These people just can't trust in a Savior...
Part of me wants to just shake them. "Just turn away from yourself! You have no idea what peace this will give you! Reach out and FLIP THE SWITCH! Total love and mercy awaits you! The Ultimate Gift from God - that is Grace - will Change You for the Better, Forever!" But I also know that it is God who gives this feeling to people. It is God who gives this intense desire to know Him. It is only God. No amount of shaking I could do would help.
So what can I do?
+I can pray for them.
+I can LOVE them.
+I can let my light shine (*sings* this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine *sings*).
+I can share the Gospel with them.
+I can look at them as totally lost, and undergoing a great battle. (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria)
+I can be aware of the struggle they are going through; and not just dismiss it as mere folly. I just can't imagine it being intentional.
+I can stop seeing myself as helpless in this, and start knowing that I can make a difference.
+I can break out of my comfy bubble.
+I can pray for help - for God to lead me in this endeavor.
+I CAN do all of these listed above, but only through the Grace of God.
1 John 1 (NIV)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4We write this to make our joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
II Samuel 22:28-30 (NIV)
28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
Job 24:12-14 (NIV)
12 The groans of the dying rise from the city,
and the souls of the wounded cry out for help.
But God charges no one with wrongdoing.
13 "There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
14 When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up
and kills the poor and needy;
in the night he steals forth like a thief.
Psalm 119: 104-106 (NIV)
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 (NIV)
Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless
12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?
13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.
14 The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.
Matthew 5:14-17 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
*Oh yeah, I didn't stay in the class very long. I dropped it and took philosophy the next year, from the professor that everyone wanted to take it from. I learned a lot about philosphers of every age, how their teachings changed the ways of thought throughout history ... interesting things, and good to know.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
2HIM IO
The title of this post comes from a license plate I saw on the way to work this morning. So cool!
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I love my big brother! :)
Especially when he is so transparent, and shares what he's going through with his ministry on his blog:
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
Monday, June 23, 2008
and you think YOU have problems (part 1)
My pastor began a 4 part sermon series on Job yesterday. I highly recommend taking a listen:
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Friday, June 20, 2008
be still
be still
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
beautiful reminder
Genesis 9:13-17 (NIV)
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
Double rainbow as seen from my street yesterday afternoon after work. Beautiful.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I feel like singing more...
These are the lyrics to the song that I tried out for high school ensemble. I remember being extremely nervous, trying out in front of about 15 girls! There were only two openings, and thankfully they chose me. I had such a great time, 3 years of singing - mostly in churches, praising God... I really feel that God used that fellowship as a way to guard my heart...
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Solace and Tumbling
I had a dream last night. It was scary at first. It was night, on a beach, with only the moonlight to give me sight. I was in the midst of slashing, pounding waves. I couldn't escape. When I made progress away from the dangerous water, I kept being pulled back. I was working toward a house. My new Christian friends were there. They were calling to me. Not in a panicked way. But in an encouraging way. 'You're okay! Just make your way back.' They were laughing and playing, and calling me to them. I was scared, but I felt loved.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
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 ev'ry 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 its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
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 ev'ry 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 its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Monday, June 09, 2008
(this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
June 7, 2008 - really:late pm/am
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
June 7, Evening Devotional
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
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