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.
Friday, June 20, 2008
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"With this all things are possible."
So I finished reading 'The Four Loves,' by C.S. Lewis. As usual, I loved it! And he always seems to leave the best for last... Here are some quotes from the last chapter, 'Charity.'
"In words which can still bring tears to the eyes, St. Augustine describes the desolation into which the death of his friend Nebridius plunged him in (Confessions IV, 10). Then he draws a moral. This is what comes, he says, of giving one's heart to anything but God. All human beings pass away. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away."
"The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell."
"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. He creates the universe, already foreseeing - or should we say 'seeing"? there are no tenses in God - the buzzing clouds of flies about the cross, the flayed back pressed against the uneven stake, the nails driven through the mesial nerves, the repeated incipient suffocation as the body droops, the repeated torture of back and arms as it is time after time, for breath's sake, hitched up. If I may dare the biological image, God is a "host" who deliberately creates His own parasites; causes us to be that we may exploit and "take advantage" of Him. Herein is love. This is the diagram of Love Himself, the inventor of all loves."
"For all the time this illusion to which nature clings as her last treasure, this pretence that we have anything of our own or could for one hour retain by our own strength any goodness that God may pour into us, has kept us from being happy. We have been like bathers who want to keep their feet - or one foot - or one toe - on the bottom, when to lose that foothold would be to surrender themselves to a glorious tumble in the surf. The consequences of parting with our last claim to intrinsic freedom, power, or worth, are real freedom, power and worth, really ours just because God gives them and because we know them to be (in another sense) not 'ours.'"
"We are all receiving Charity. There is something in each of us that cannot be naturally loved. Only the lovable can be naturally loved. You might as well ask people to like the taste of rotten bread or the sound of a mechanical drill. We can be forgiven, and pitied, and loved in spite of it, with Charity; no other way. All who have good parents, wives, husbands, or children, may be sure that at some times - and perhaps at all times in respect of some one particular trait or habit - they are receiving Charity, are loved not because they are lovable but because Love Himself is in those who love them."
"All that was true love in them was, even on earth, far more His than ours, and ours only because His. In Heaven there will be no anguish and no duty of turning away from our earthly Beloveds. First, because we shall have turned already; from the portraits to the Original, from the rivulets to the Fountain, from the creatures He made lovable to Love Himself. But secondly, because we shall find them all in Him. By loving Him more than them we shall love them more than we now do."
""Is it easy to love God?" asks an old author. "It is easy," he replies, "to those who do it." I have included two Graces under the word Charity. But God can give a third. He can awake in a man, towards Himself, a supernatural Appreciative love. This is of all gifts the most to be desired. Here, not in our natural loves, nor even in ethics, lies the true centre of all human and angelic life. With this all things are possible."
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, Harvest Books, 1988.
"In words which can still bring tears to the eyes, St. Augustine describes the desolation into which the death of his friend Nebridius plunged him in (Confessions IV, 10). Then he draws a moral. This is what comes, he says, of giving one's heart to anything but God. All human beings pass away. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away."
"The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell."
"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. He creates the universe, already foreseeing - or should we say 'seeing"? there are no tenses in God - the buzzing clouds of flies about the cross, the flayed back pressed against the uneven stake, the nails driven through the mesial nerves, the repeated incipient suffocation as the body droops, the repeated torture of back and arms as it is time after time, for breath's sake, hitched up. If I may dare the biological image, God is a "host" who deliberately creates His own parasites; causes us to be that we may exploit and "take advantage" of Him. Herein is love. This is the diagram of Love Himself, the inventor of all loves."
"For all the time this illusion to which nature clings as her last treasure, this pretence that we have anything of our own or could for one hour retain by our own strength any goodness that God may pour into us, has kept us from being happy. We have been like bathers who want to keep their feet - or one foot - or one toe - on the bottom, when to lose that foothold would be to surrender themselves to a glorious tumble in the surf. The consequences of parting with our last claim to intrinsic freedom, power, or worth, are real freedom, power and worth, really ours just because God gives them and because we know them to be (in another sense) not 'ours.'"
"We are all receiving Charity. There is something in each of us that cannot be naturally loved. Only the lovable can be naturally loved. You might as well ask people to like the taste of rotten bread or the sound of a mechanical drill. We can be forgiven, and pitied, and loved in spite of it, with Charity; no other way. All who have good parents, wives, husbands, or children, may be sure that at some times - and perhaps at all times in respect of some one particular trait or habit - they are receiving Charity, are loved not because they are lovable but because Love Himself is in those who love them."
"All that was true love in them was, even on earth, far more His than ours, and ours only because His. In Heaven there will be no anguish and no duty of turning away from our earthly Beloveds. First, because we shall have turned already; from the portraits to the Original, from the rivulets to the Fountain, from the creatures He made lovable to Love Himself. But secondly, because we shall find them all in Him. By loving Him more than them we shall love them more than we now do."
""Is it easy to love God?" asks an old author. "It is easy," he replies, "to those who do it." I have included two Graces under the word Charity. But God can give a third. He can awake in a man, towards Himself, a supernatural Appreciative love. This is of all gifts the most to be desired. Here, not in our natural loves, nor even in ethics, lies the true centre of all human and angelic life. With this all things are possible."
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, Harvest Books, 1988.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
May 11, Evening Devotional
"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7
Our God's tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some regard it as a small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God doesn't think so. From this text it is plain that our Master doesn't want us to be entangled with fears. He wants us to be without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice. Our Master doesn't think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are hopeless we are subject to a grievous malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Our Lord doesn't love to see our countenance sad. It was a law of Xerxes that no one should come into the king's court dressed in mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still He wants us to put off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise, for there is so much reason to rejoice. The Christian ought to be of a courageous spirit in order to glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If you are fearful and fainthearted, you will dishonor your God. Besides, what a bad example it is. This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads among the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will be too much for you. Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, work is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness. Those who toil, rejoicing in their God, believing with all their hearts, has success guaranteed. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, "be strong and very courageous."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
For any of you readers who enjoy these devotionals, I just found them on-line! They have them on Christianity.com, you can sign up for daily e-mails: http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/
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"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms.
"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7
Our God's tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some regard it as a small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God doesn't think so. From this text it is plain that our Master doesn't want us to be entangled with fears. He wants us to be without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice. Our Master doesn't think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are hopeless we are subject to a grievous malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Our Lord doesn't love to see our countenance sad. It was a law of Xerxes that no one should come into the king's court dressed in mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still He wants us to put off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise, for there is so much reason to rejoice. The Christian ought to be of a courageous spirit in order to glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If you are fearful and fainthearted, you will dishonor your God. Besides, what a bad example it is. This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads among the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will be too much for you. Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, work is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness. Those who toil, rejoicing in their God, believing with all their hearts, has success guaranteed. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, "be strong and very courageous."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
For any of you readers who enjoy these devotionals, I just found them on-line! They have them on Christianity.com, you can sign up for daily e-mails: http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/
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"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Links to great reads...
I've been saving these up to include in my next post, but this list is getting long! And I just can't get my next one written, it's on forgiveness... maybe that's why... who knows?!
So, thought I'd share these:
Encouragement for Today, GREAT Prayer:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/05/01/jehovah-saboath/#comments
Every Day Light, Strangers and Pilgrims http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546676/
Christianity.com, Endless Love: http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11574279/
Encouragement for Today, Going Through Trouble: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/30/goingthroughtrouble/#comments
Christianity.com, Where Does Your Help Come From: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11574516/
Christianity.com, I Fought the Law, David Burchett: http://www.christianity.com/blogs/DBurchett/11574526/
Every Day Light, The Crucified "Self": http://christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546680/
The Berean, Genesis 3:6: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/5195/Genesis-3-6
So, thought I'd share these:
Encouragement for Today, GREAT Prayer:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/05/01/jehovah-saboath/#comments
Every Day Light, Strangers and Pilgrims http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546676/
Christianity.com, Endless Love: http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11574279/
Encouragement for Today, Going Through Trouble: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/30/goingthroughtrouble/#comments
Christianity.com, Where Does Your Help Come From: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11574516/
Christianity.com, I Fought the Law, David Burchett: http://www.christianity.com/blogs/DBurchett/11574526/
Every Day Light, The Crucified "Self": http://christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546680/
The Berean, Genesis 3:6: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/5195/Genesis-3-6
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Dose of C.H. Spurgeon
Well, it’s my twice daily dose. This may your monthly dose. Or never-y dose, if you navigate away from this page.
April 18, morning devotional:
“She tied the scarlet cord in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended upon the promise of the spies for her preservation. She saw them as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet cord in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, isn’t there a lesson here for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of His commands should seem non-essential? Have you observed in His own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these indicates that there is an enormous amount of unloving disobedience in your heart. From now on be blameless in all things, even tying a cord, if that is the command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passerby can see a cord of so conspicuous a color, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let human beings or devils stare if they want to; the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who will see that scarlet cord, even when, from weakness of faith, you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet cord in the window afresh, and rest in peace.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Good reading for today:
God in Nature: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/18/god-in-nature-3/#comments
Matthew 23:23-Fidelity: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/2140/Matthew-23-23
April 18, morning devotional:
“She tied the scarlet cord in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended upon the promise of the spies for her preservation. She saw them as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet cord in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, isn’t there a lesson here for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of His commands should seem non-essential? Have you observed in His own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these indicates that there is an enormous amount of unloving disobedience in your heart. From now on be blameless in all things, even tying a cord, if that is the command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passerby can see a cord of so conspicuous a color, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let human beings or devils stare if they want to; the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who will see that scarlet cord, even when, from weakness of faith, you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet cord in the window afresh, and rest in peace.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Good reading for today:
God in Nature: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/18/god-in-nature-3/#comments
Matthew 23:23-Fidelity: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/2140/Matthew-23-23
Thursday, April 10, 2008
"to believe is to begin"
Hosea's Wife (Album Version)
I just spoke silence with the seeker next to me
She had a heart with hesitant, halting speech
That turned to mine and asked belligerently
"What do I live for?"
I see the scars of searches everywhere I go
From hearts to wars to literature to radio
There's a question like a shame no one will show
"What do I live for?"
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using people like ladders and words like knives
CHORUS
If we've eyes to see
If we've ears to hear
To find it in our hearts and mouths
The word that saves is near
Shed that shallow skin
Come and live again
Leave all you were before
To believe is to begin
There is truth in little corners of our lives
There are hints of it in songs and children's eyes
It's familiar, like an ancient lullaby
What do I live for?
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using bodies like money and truth like lies
CHORUS
Bridge
We are more than dust
That means something
That means something
We are more than just
Blood and emotions
Inklings and notions
Atoms on oceans
Copyright Brooke Fraser
Go here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQNdDNR0Jg
I just spoke silence with the seeker next to me
She had a heart with hesitant, halting speech
That turned to mine and asked belligerently
"What do I live for?"
I see the scars of searches everywhere I go
From hearts to wars to literature to radio
There's a question like a shame no one will show
"What do I live for?"
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using people like ladders and words like knives
CHORUS
If we've eyes to see
If we've ears to hear
To find it in our hearts and mouths
The word that saves is near
Shed that shallow skin
Come and live again
Leave all you were before
To believe is to begin
There is truth in little corners of our lives
There are hints of it in songs and children's eyes
It's familiar, like an ancient lullaby
What do I live for?
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using bodies like money and truth like lies
CHORUS
Bridge
We are more than dust
That means something
That means something
We are more than just
Blood and emotions
Inklings and notions
Atoms on oceans
Copyright Brooke Fraser
Go here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQNdDNR0Jg
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Amazing Grace Indeed
Once Was Lost / Now Am Found
LOST
The weight of the world on two shoulders.
Bearing.down.relentless.
Storms never ceasing.
Utterly defenseless, barely standing.
Alone.
Does it really have to be this way?
Fighting; in the keeping…can’t just give it away.
Two shoulders continue to drown.
SEARCHING
What is this…
want?
What is this…
need?
Something above and beyond…
this world.
What is this faith…
people speak of…
people die for?
There must be more.
There must be hope.
What else belongs in this hole
that never seems to fill?
FOUND
The Cross
True Love
The Greatest Cost
He sent His Son for me?
He gave His life for me?
A stone unturned.
The truth revealed.
The weight of my sins on His shoulders.
The weight of ALL sin for Him alone to bear.
Burdens lifted.
No longer alone.
A heart,
reborn
in Him.
LOST
The weight of the world on two shoulders.
Bearing.down.relentless.
Storms never ceasing.
Utterly defenseless, barely standing.
Alone.
Does it really have to be this way?
Fighting; in the keeping…can’t just give it away.
Two shoulders continue to drown.
SEARCHING
What is this…
want?
What is this…
need?
Something above and beyond…
this world.
What is this faith…
people speak of…
people die for?
There must be more.
There must be hope.
What else belongs in this hole
that never seems to fill?
FOUND
The Cross
True Love
The Greatest Cost
He sent His Son for me?
He gave His life for me?
A stone unturned.
The truth revealed.
The weight of my sins on His shoulders.
The weight of ALL sin for Him alone to bear.
Burdens lifted.
No longer alone.
A heart,
reborn
in Him.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Daily Dose of C.H. Spurgeon
This is an April 3 Evening Devotional of C.H. Spurgeon:
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Here is a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the last who shall enter there, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." The confession, while thus unanimous, is also special and particular: "Each of us has turned to his own way." There is a peculiar sinfulness about each of us; all of us are sinful, but each of us has some special annoyance not found in the others. It is the mark of genuine repentance that while it naturally associates itself with other penitents, it also takes up a position of loneliness. "Each of us has turned to his own way" is a confession that each person had sinned against light peculiar to himself, or sinned with a vexation which he could not perceive in others. This confession is a giving up of all pleas of self-righteousness. It is the declaration of all human beings who are consciously guilty - guilty with vexations, guilty without excuse: they stand with their weapons of rebellion broken in pieces, and cry, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." Yet we hear no sorrowful wailings attending this confession of sin being that the next sentence makes it almost a song. "The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three, but it overflows with comfort. It is strange that, where misery was concentrated, mercy reigned; where sorrow reached her climax, weary souls find rest. The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. See how the lowliest penitence gives place to assured confidence through simply gazing at Christ on the cross!
C.H. Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening, Henridckson Publishers, Copyright 1995.
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Here is a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the last who shall enter there, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." The confession, while thus unanimous, is also special and particular: "Each of us has turned to his own way." There is a peculiar sinfulness about each of us; all of us are sinful, but each of us has some special annoyance not found in the others. It is the mark of genuine repentance that while it naturally associates itself with other penitents, it also takes up a position of loneliness. "Each of us has turned to his own way" is a confession that each person had sinned against light peculiar to himself, or sinned with a vexation which he could not perceive in others. This confession is a giving up of all pleas of self-righteousness. It is the declaration of all human beings who are consciously guilty - guilty with vexations, guilty without excuse: they stand with their weapons of rebellion broken in pieces, and cry, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." Yet we hear no sorrowful wailings attending this confession of sin being that the next sentence makes it almost a song. "The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three, but it overflows with comfort. It is strange that, where misery was concentrated, mercy reigned; where sorrow reached her climax, weary souls find rest. The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. See how the lowliest penitence gives place to assured confidence through simply gazing at Christ on the cross!
C.H. Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening, Henridckson Publishers, Copyright 1995.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Play on Playa / Why 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'
Interestingly (is that a word?) I've had conversations with two people about how they have been 'played' recently. Both instances are eerily similar, even though the situations are pretty different.
(names have been changed to protect their identity, from the 3 people who read my blog!)
Ex. 1: Ruby was told by a friend (hereafter referred to as Typical) she liked that he liked her. It was awkward for awhile, but then they finally talked about it, even went on a couple of dates. Then all of sudden, out of nowhere, Typical seemingly changed his mind. Did he tell her that he had changed his mind? Nope, he just decided to break a date, then be awkward all over again.
Now here is the question. Why couldn't Typical just tell her, 'hey, I've changed my mind, let's just be friends.' He has seriously made her lose her belief that any man is worth being with.
(now there is where I attempt to dive into his mind..)
Maybe Typical doesn't know what he wants from/with her or anybody. Maybe he doesn't care. Quite possibly he just enjoyed the attention. After all she's funny, successful, and smart. Well, maybe he was just intimidated.. could possibly be that. Ruby has an amazing job, which would be seen as 'above' his job (even though I promise you, she doesn't care about that).
Ugh, on to...
Ex. 2: Lori was hanging out with friends, and there was a new person (hereafter referred to as NKOTB) to the group. Mutual friends told her that NKOTB liked her. Lori wants to give NKOTB a chance, but is tired of having to pursue. She wants to be pursued. NKOTB acted interested around Lori, flirty text messages were flying everywhere. But NKOTB kinda seemed interested in Lori's friend at the same time. Lori, being the kind of person that everyone likes (seriously, she is hilarious and kind), isn't too worried about it, but is ANNOYED! Why does this keep happening!?!
(here we go again..)
Maybe NKOTB just doesn't know why in the world to like ANYBODY. 'Hey, that person is nice, think I'll like her for a minute, but then LOOK, that other person is nice, too! Think I'll like both of them, and just play this game, see who comes to me first.' Cleverly placed (yeah right) MySpace comments ensue. Lori's friend doesn't like these games, either, so NKOTB seems to be out of luck in this situation.
So, here is my segway into 'Kissing Dating Goodbye.' Did you like it? Very clever, I know...
I read the book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' by Joshua Harris a few weeks ago. I had found it on my church's website (or was possibly led to another website, not sure), it had suggestions for books by different categories. The 'Single' category only had 2 books. 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' and 'Boy Meets Girl,' both by Joshua Harris. At first I was skeptical, I've never been much of a dater, so in a sense, I've never kissed dating HELLO. But I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.
Oh how I loved this book. Some of my friends (church friends at that) asked me why in the world I would read it. It's for high school kids! Well, I'll tell ya right now, it most certainly is not! Now there are the 'let your parents be part of this relationship' and 'the guy has to ask the dad of the girl he wants to court's permission,' parts; which yes, seem old fashioned - and also not very practical once you leave your hometown. But my question is; why not have your parents involved? As people who most likely know you best in this world (even if you think they don't, believe me, they are paying attention), would it be so wrong to utilyze them in a situation such as 'dating, or courting?' If you don't trust your parents to fulfill this role, a strong Christian couple would work, too. (I want to make clear that the book wants to change the definition of dating, as in not using the 'worldly' usage of dating, so he just changed the name to 'courtship.' I guess you could call it what you like, my church calls it 'Biblical dating').
Anyway, I feel as though I'm getting off track, and I apologize. Harris' best points (at least for me) were that the problem with the world's view of dating are that expectations aren't discussed or even realized. Using my examples from above, both of my friends want to get married and have children. However, in today's worldly definition of dating, that is never to be brought up! That would be the absolute first thing to drive someone away (in most cases, not all). So, two people can go on dating for months or even years and never know the other's expectations. I hesitate to use the term 'wasted time,' because I think you can learn from just about any situation. But wouldn't it be better if a girl who wants to get married and have kids would be able to know that - from the start - the guy felt the same way? It would save a lot of heartache, that's for sure!
And then we get to why people want to date in the first place. Let's say you hear that someone likes you. How does that make you feel? For me, I get extremely uncomfortable, mainly because these guys don't know me at all. Now how can someone like me, if they don't really know me. And I know what some of you will say, 'that's what dating is for!' But if I were to go with the world's definition of dating, then the following would occur:
-I would go on a first date, where we would talk about our likes and dislikes, about our pasts, our families, our friends our jobs, whatever.
-If we got long, more dates would ensue, and emotional intimacy would be felt, even assumed by both parties.
-Let's not even get into physical intimacy, I think we all know how that can occur!
-Either a break up would occur, leaving me broken-hearted, jaded, or whatever. Or I would marry the guy, in which case another question comes up...
WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE???
I hate to admit that I go through periods of feeling sorry for myself. Why oh why haven't I met the man of my dreams? Why oh why must I sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else have these 'great' relationships, get married, have kids... why why why why why?
I was having one of those episodes a few weeks ago (before I read the book), and then I stopped myself. I asked myself, 'what is your motivation for wanting to get married, Mandi?' Is it because I'm lonely (which I shouldn't be, God is always with me)? Am I jealous of my friends (oops, there I go again, coveting)? Or am I wanting to get married so that my life and marriage can glorify God?
Well duh! Hadn't I just redevoted my life to God? Haven't I asked Him how I can glorify Him, through word or deed? Then, when it comes to the biggest decisions of my life (and yes, I believe that marriage is for life), shouldn't God be the first place I look? That whenever I get married, that relationship should glorify God even more than I could ever do on my own???
Duh duh duh.
So here goes another step on my journey. I will no longer be dating. Not in the sense that everybody means it. I will be serving the Lord. And when He sees fit, He will bring a man into my life who will see that I love God above all. If that man feels moved to, he will pursue me. And, if God wills it, that man will want to marry me. And I will want to marry Him. All for the glory of God. Not so we won't be lonely. Not because we feel it's time to settle down. Not so we can have kids. Just for HIM.
By using the Bible to live every aspect of my life, even with dating/courting/whatever-name-you-want-to-give-it, God will bless me more than if I think I could while attempting this alone. That's the great thing about having God in your life. You never have to do anything alone again. Even if you are 'single.'
Dear Lord - I cast all my cares on you. Especially the biggest one; how is it that I can best glorify YOU. I will attempt to have a servant's heart at all times. I submit to your Supremacy in my life. I pray for your help with my purity. I pray for my single brother's and sister's who are struggling. I pray that Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
14For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
(names have been changed to protect their identity, from the 3 people who read my blog!)
Ex. 1: Ruby was told by a friend (hereafter referred to as Typical) she liked that he liked her. It was awkward for awhile, but then they finally talked about it, even went on a couple of dates. Then all of sudden, out of nowhere, Typical seemingly changed his mind. Did he tell her that he had changed his mind? Nope, he just decided to break a date, then be awkward all over again.
Now here is the question. Why couldn't Typical just tell her, 'hey, I've changed my mind, let's just be friends.' He has seriously made her lose her belief that any man is worth being with.
(now there is where I attempt to dive into his mind..)
Maybe Typical doesn't know what he wants from/with her or anybody. Maybe he doesn't care. Quite possibly he just enjoyed the attention. After all she's funny, successful, and smart. Well, maybe he was just intimidated.. could possibly be that. Ruby has an amazing job, which would be seen as 'above' his job (even though I promise you, she doesn't care about that).
Ugh, on to...
Ex. 2: Lori was hanging out with friends, and there was a new person (hereafter referred to as NKOTB) to the group. Mutual friends told her that NKOTB liked her. Lori wants to give NKOTB a chance, but is tired of having to pursue. She wants to be pursued. NKOTB acted interested around Lori, flirty text messages were flying everywhere. But NKOTB kinda seemed interested in Lori's friend at the same time. Lori, being the kind of person that everyone likes (seriously, she is hilarious and kind), isn't too worried about it, but is ANNOYED! Why does this keep happening!?!
(here we go again..)
Maybe NKOTB just doesn't know why in the world to like ANYBODY. 'Hey, that person is nice, think I'll like her for a minute, but then LOOK, that other person is nice, too! Think I'll like both of them, and just play this game, see who comes to me first.' Cleverly placed (yeah right) MySpace comments ensue. Lori's friend doesn't like these games, either, so NKOTB seems to be out of luck in this situation.
So, here is my segway into 'Kissing Dating Goodbye.' Did you like it? Very clever, I know...
I read the book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' by Joshua Harris a few weeks ago. I had found it on my church's website (or was possibly led to another website, not sure), it had suggestions for books by different categories. The 'Single' category only had 2 books. 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' and 'Boy Meets Girl,' both by Joshua Harris. At first I was skeptical, I've never been much of a dater, so in a sense, I've never kissed dating HELLO. But I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.
Oh how I loved this book. Some of my friends (church friends at that) asked me why in the world I would read it. It's for high school kids! Well, I'll tell ya right now, it most certainly is not! Now there are the 'let your parents be part of this relationship' and 'the guy has to ask the dad of the girl he wants to court's permission,' parts; which yes, seem old fashioned - and also not very practical once you leave your hometown. But my question is; why not have your parents involved? As people who most likely know you best in this world (even if you think they don't, believe me, they are paying attention), would it be so wrong to utilyze them in a situation such as 'dating, or courting?' If you don't trust your parents to fulfill this role, a strong Christian couple would work, too. (I want to make clear that the book wants to change the definition of dating, as in not using the 'worldly' usage of dating, so he just changed the name to 'courtship.' I guess you could call it what you like, my church calls it 'Biblical dating').
Anyway, I feel as though I'm getting off track, and I apologize. Harris' best points (at least for me) were that the problem with the world's view of dating are that expectations aren't discussed or even realized. Using my examples from above, both of my friends want to get married and have children. However, in today's worldly definition of dating, that is never to be brought up! That would be the absolute first thing to drive someone away (in most cases, not all). So, two people can go on dating for months or even years and never know the other's expectations. I hesitate to use the term 'wasted time,' because I think you can learn from just about any situation. But wouldn't it be better if a girl who wants to get married and have kids would be able to know that - from the start - the guy felt the same way? It would save a lot of heartache, that's for sure!
And then we get to why people want to date in the first place. Let's say you hear that someone likes you. How does that make you feel? For me, I get extremely uncomfortable, mainly because these guys don't know me at all. Now how can someone like me, if they don't really know me. And I know what some of you will say, 'that's what dating is for!' But if I were to go with the world's definition of dating, then the following would occur:
-I would go on a first date, where we would talk about our likes and dislikes, about our pasts, our families, our friends our jobs, whatever.
-If we got long, more dates would ensue, and emotional intimacy would be felt, even assumed by both parties.
-Let's not even get into physical intimacy, I think we all know how that can occur!
-Either a break up would occur, leaving me broken-hearted, jaded, or whatever. Or I would marry the guy, in which case another question comes up...
WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE???
I hate to admit that I go through periods of feeling sorry for myself. Why oh why haven't I met the man of my dreams? Why oh why must I sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else have these 'great' relationships, get married, have kids... why why why why why?
I was having one of those episodes a few weeks ago (before I read the book), and then I stopped myself. I asked myself, 'what is your motivation for wanting to get married, Mandi?' Is it because I'm lonely (which I shouldn't be, God is always with me)? Am I jealous of my friends (oops, there I go again, coveting)? Or am I wanting to get married so that my life and marriage can glorify God?
Well duh! Hadn't I just redevoted my life to God? Haven't I asked Him how I can glorify Him, through word or deed? Then, when it comes to the biggest decisions of my life (and yes, I believe that marriage is for life), shouldn't God be the first place I look? That whenever I get married, that relationship should glorify God even more than I could ever do on my own???
Duh duh duh.
So here goes another step on my journey. I will no longer be dating. Not in the sense that everybody means it. I will be serving the Lord. And when He sees fit, He will bring a man into my life who will see that I love God above all. If that man feels moved to, he will pursue me. And, if God wills it, that man will want to marry me. And I will want to marry Him. All for the glory of God. Not so we won't be lonely. Not because we feel it's time to settle down. Not so we can have kids. Just for HIM.
By using the Bible to live every aspect of my life, even with dating/courting/whatever-name-you-want-to-give-it, God will bless me more than if I think I could while attempting this alone. That's the great thing about having God in your life. You never have to do anything alone again. Even if you are 'single.'
Dear Lord - I cast all my cares on you. Especially the biggest one; how is it that I can best glorify YOU. I will attempt to have a servant's heart at all times. I submit to your Supremacy in my life. I pray for your help with my purity. I pray for my single brother's and sister's who are struggling. I pray that Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
14For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Holding On To 'Today'
I am a night owl. Big time. It seems to 'run' in my family. Going to bed before 11 pm is AMAZING to me.
But lately I had the fault (typo, but I'm keeping it... hmmm), I mean thought. Am I hanging on to the day too long? Is the reason that I can be sooo tired, and still stay up until 1 or 2 or 3 am, because I can't shake off the day?
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." (or better, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV) ). The former version of the Psalm I remember singing in church as a child. More like it, I remember the older teenagers singing it, and always wishing I could be up there singing with them.
So yes, praise God for every day. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him (there's another song, "praise Him praise Him all ye little children, God is love, God is love..."). God created the sun and the moon, day and night (Genesis 1:3). But what about holding on to the day for far too long? Almost to the point where you are attempting to put off the next day? Can this behavior be much like holding on to the past? And not trusting God with the future? (I know, this is getting nit-picky, but bear with me).
Why am I holding on to something that has already passed? Why am I holding on to the day, when it is already over? I should be rejoicing in the fact that the earlier I fall asleep, the 'sooner' a new day begins! Because a new day is a gift from God, and should be treated as such.
Why? Because I'm a fallen being in a fallen world. Because I am Israel, I keep yearning for Egypt; even when God blesses me with so much. I have fear for the future, and trouble trusting God that He will lead me to the land of milk and honey.
Well, this is all a process, right? One big thing my prayer life and new church has given me is a different perspective. And simple thinking/thoughts can lead to trouble, if your eyes aren't focused on Him.
Be intentional with your life, your thoughts. Not paying attention and losing your way can be the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact, it's just what the world wants you to do. Anything that can make you put yourself or others in front of God... that makes the world smile. And who would you rather make happy? The world, or God?
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Today's Devotional, Ecclesiastes 3:6
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/3573/Ecclesiastes-3-6
But lately I had the fault (typo, but I'm keeping it... hmmm), I mean thought. Am I hanging on to the day too long? Is the reason that I can be sooo tired, and still stay up until 1 or 2 or 3 am, because I can't shake off the day?
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." (or better, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV) ). The former version of the Psalm I remember singing in church as a child. More like it, I remember the older teenagers singing it, and always wishing I could be up there singing with them.
So yes, praise God for every day. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him (there's another song, "praise Him praise Him all ye little children, God is love, God is love..."). God created the sun and the moon, day and night (Genesis 1:3). But what about holding on to the day for far too long? Almost to the point where you are attempting to put off the next day? Can this behavior be much like holding on to the past? And not trusting God with the future? (I know, this is getting nit-picky, but bear with me).
Why am I holding on to something that has already passed? Why am I holding on to the day, when it is already over? I should be rejoicing in the fact that the earlier I fall asleep, the 'sooner' a new day begins! Because a new day is a gift from God, and should be treated as such.
Why? Because I'm a fallen being in a fallen world. Because I am Israel, I keep yearning for Egypt; even when God blesses me with so much. I have fear for the future, and trouble trusting God that He will lead me to the land of milk and honey.
Well, this is all a process, right? One big thing my prayer life and new church has given me is a different perspective. And simple thinking/thoughts can lead to trouble, if your eyes aren't focused on Him.
Be intentional with your life, your thoughts. Not paying attention and losing your way can be the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact, it's just what the world wants you to do. Anything that can make you put yourself or others in front of God... that makes the world smile. And who would you rather make happy? The world, or God?
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Today's Devotional, Ecclesiastes 3:6
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/3573/Ecclesiastes-3-6
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"A Woman's Question"
I’m copying this out of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." The author (Joshua Harris) asks: Man Enough to Answer?
"A Woman’s Question"
by Lena Lathrop
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman’s heart, and a woman’s life-
And a woman’s wonderful love
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God’s stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts-
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then ’mid the falling leaves,
As you did ’mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life
Are not to be won that way.
Song of Solomon 8:4 (NIV)
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.
Go listen to Brooke Fraser's "Love is Waiting."
"Love Is Waiting"
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we wana walk it well
[CHORUS]
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready, til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
there's no other hand that i would rather hold
the climate changes, im singing for the strangers about you
dont keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you canthe bets are getting surer now that you're my man
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
I could right a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart
"A Woman’s Question"
by Lena Lathrop
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman’s heart, and a woman’s life-
And a woman’s wonderful love
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God’s stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts-
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then ’mid the falling leaves,
As you did ’mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life
Are not to be won that way.
Song of Solomon 8:4 (NIV)
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.
Go listen to Brooke Fraser's "Love is Waiting."
"Love Is Waiting"
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we wana walk it well
[CHORUS]
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready, til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
there's no other hand that i would rather hold
the climate changes, im singing for the strangers about you
dont keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you canthe bets are getting surer now that you're my man
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
I could right a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Things I will tell my children...
* Daughter: If a man loves you, really loves and cares for you, then he will not ask you to disrespect yourself. So, if some guy swears he loves you, but is pressuring you to get physical, he is loving himself first. Don't fall for the 'but I'm in love' trap. It will snare you every time. The next thing you know, you are excusing behaviors that you know are wrong.
Now, go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye.' (that book just might be a sweet 16 present... or maybe earlier, who knows!?!).
Son: Don't mistake lust for love. Treat all women with respect. Don't let your desires take over to where taking someone for granted isn't a big deal. Treat every woman as your sister, until you are ready to be in a committed (i.e. close to marriage, one that will honor and glorify God) relationship. (I'm hoping that the future hubby will have more to add here).
Yeah, you go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' too. Borrow it from your sister. (or she can borrow it from you, whoever is born first, gets it first).
* If you feel as though you are doing something wrong, maybe even living your life wrong... PRAY ABOUT IT! Faithfully pray to God, and He will give you the answer. You just have to be prepared to hear what He is saying. You may even have to change your life. Go for it, it will be worth it.
* Read the Bible the WHOLE WAY THROUGH. Do it more than once. You will learn more from God each time you read it. Think of it as an instruction manual for life. Be aware that Israel is you. When you complain about gifts from God (manna), when you would prefer to go back to sin (Egyptian slavery)... keep reading, many more will jump out at you.
* Take TV and movies for what they are worth. As in entertainment only. It helps to think of how characters are doing things wrong with their lives, seeing how they put themselves first in everything... and the failures that can come of it. Realize that it's fiction, and in no way reflects real life, even when it seems like it does.
* Be aware of the lessons God is teaching you. When you put yourself above God, things will not turn out right. Yes, that means that YOU or ANYTHING ELSE can become a false god. Emotions, careers, family, friends, relationships, hobbies, lifestyles, idea of something...anything. An idol isn't just a graven image. It is anything that takes your focus away from God.
* It really is best to 'turn the other cheek.' This can be difficult, but just realize that the feelings that come from retribution are just as fleeting as any other emotion. Just know that loving someone, even if they aren't good to you, is GOOD for that person. And Jesus told us to love one another. It's always good to listen to Him! (John 13:34, and others)
One caveat: you don't have to stay in a relationship with someone who treats you unwell. I'm not saying 'put it with it' in that regard. Just be kind to those who aren't kind to you. It very may well be the only real love they ever experience (but hope that it's not!).
* When you go off on your own, be it for college or anything else; be sure to find a great church as soon as possible. You really do need it, and it's not being disloyal to your home church. Not getting involved with a local church makes being caught up in worldly things much easier. And that is not good, my child. It can only lead to darkness, not light. You do not want to be in the former.
* Learn how to witness early on. Don't be shy about it. Read everything that you can. Be discipled by other, more mature believers. (hopefully by then, I will be better at that, then I can help you).
* Never feel as though you are alone. You aren't. God is with you, always. He is the only One who can actually always be with you, know you fully (even better than yourself), and only wants what's good for you.
* Your parents love you very much, and only want what's best for you, too. Think of that before you rebel. If you have some unresolved issues lurking around in your mind, talk with your parents about them. We love you, nothing will change that.
I know you will want to experience many things on your own... but just know that you really CAN learn from other people’s mistakes. Trust me! ;)
Now, go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye.' (that book just might be a sweet 16 present... or maybe earlier, who knows!?!).
Son: Don't mistake lust for love. Treat all women with respect. Don't let your desires take over to where taking someone for granted isn't a big deal. Treat every woman as your sister, until you are ready to be in a committed (i.e. close to marriage, one that will honor and glorify God) relationship. (I'm hoping that the future hubby will have more to add here).
Yeah, you go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' too. Borrow it from your sister. (or she can borrow it from you, whoever is born first, gets it first).
* If you feel as though you are doing something wrong, maybe even living your life wrong... PRAY ABOUT IT! Faithfully pray to God, and He will give you the answer. You just have to be prepared to hear what He is saying. You may even have to change your life. Go for it, it will be worth it.
* Read the Bible the WHOLE WAY THROUGH. Do it more than once. You will learn more from God each time you read it. Think of it as an instruction manual for life. Be aware that Israel is you. When you complain about gifts from God (manna), when you would prefer to go back to sin (Egyptian slavery)... keep reading, many more will jump out at you.
* Take TV and movies for what they are worth. As in entertainment only. It helps to think of how characters are doing things wrong with their lives, seeing how they put themselves first in everything... and the failures that can come of it. Realize that it's fiction, and in no way reflects real life, even when it seems like it does.
* Be aware of the lessons God is teaching you. When you put yourself above God, things will not turn out right. Yes, that means that YOU or ANYTHING ELSE can become a false god. Emotions, careers, family, friends, relationships, hobbies, lifestyles, idea of something...anything. An idol isn't just a graven image. It is anything that takes your focus away from God.
* It really is best to 'turn the other cheek.' This can be difficult, but just realize that the feelings that come from retribution are just as fleeting as any other emotion. Just know that loving someone, even if they aren't good to you, is GOOD for that person. And Jesus told us to love one another. It's always good to listen to Him! (John 13:34, and others)
One caveat: you don't have to stay in a relationship with someone who treats you unwell. I'm not saying 'put it with it' in that regard. Just be kind to those who aren't kind to you. It very may well be the only real love they ever experience (but hope that it's not!).
* When you go off on your own, be it for college or anything else; be sure to find a great church as soon as possible. You really do need it, and it's not being disloyal to your home church. Not getting involved with a local church makes being caught up in worldly things much easier. And that is not good, my child. It can only lead to darkness, not light. You do not want to be in the former.
* Learn how to witness early on. Don't be shy about it. Read everything that you can. Be discipled by other, more mature believers. (hopefully by then, I will be better at that, then I can help you).
* Never feel as though you are alone. You aren't. God is with you, always. He is the only One who can actually always be with you, know you fully (even better than yourself), and only wants what's good for you.
* Your parents love you very much, and only want what's best for you, too. Think of that before you rebel. If you have some unresolved issues lurking around in your mind, talk with your parents about them. We love you, nothing will change that.
I know you will want to experience many things on your own... but just know that you really CAN learn from other people’s mistakes. Trust me! ;)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Humble Pie and a Lightbulb Moment
*Warning: This starts out as a pity party, but doesn't end that way... trust me!*
Written at 12:45 am
How is it that I am repeatedly treated like a doormat? Taken for granted? It is literally a constant in my life. Almost every one in my life has treated me in this way at some point. 'Oh Mandi won't mind if I take things out on her.' 'Oh surely Mandi will be fine with me (attempting) to take that guy's attention away from her. Why does Mandi need attention from him, she should be paying attention to me!' 'Be a good friend? Nah, not to Mandi. She won't mind.' 'Hey, I know I've dated Mandi for x months, but it will totally be fine if I break up with her OVER THE PHONE!'
I could go on and on, psycho-analying my past, events that happened to me that made it easier just to keep my mouth shut- but really, that won't do any good. I have been praying really hard to have patience with such people mentioned above, but feel as though I've been too patient to begin with. How do I reconcile attempting to have a humble heart, when exhibiting humble behavior got me here in the first place?
My church small group has been reading Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahoney. So far, verses such as the following have been discussed:
Isaiah 66:2 (KJV)
For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look:bOn him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
II Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
James 4:6 (KJV)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 16:5 (KJV)
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
I Peter 5:5 (KJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Mark 9:35 (KJV)
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Mark 10:42-45 (KJV)
42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Could it really be that I've been 'humble' for all the wrong reasons? Give me a minute, I'm processing this. Walking on eggshells, careful not to disturb.... Have I been doing that for God, or for myself, and can I just chalk it up to 'that's how I am*'? I recall being told by my Grandma about treating others as I would have them treat me. Could it be that I was doing that for my own selfish gain? 'If I treat others well, then they will have to treat me the same.' Well, we all know that most people don't even care to get so close as to actually think what might be good for another. I shouldn't say most, but I'm in a rare (these days) pessimistic mood right now.
As with all things in life, if we do it for ourselves, not for God (as in putting ourselves above God), things will just not turn out right. Man, I feel like I've taken a beating lately. Oh well, I did ask God to help me 'dig out**' those unnoticable sins... I really shouldn't complain about answered prayers. It's all in your motivation, folks. M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N.
Wow, I feel better now! No more tears about this... this is another step taken.
What is your motivation for every aspect of your life? Really, try to sit and write it all down.
Is your motivation to glorify God? Glorify yourself? Or glorify someone else (even the idea of someone else)? Do you glorify an ideal? A philosophy? Hatha yoga? Who/What/Where/When/Why/How are you glorifying, through your actions, thoughts, deeds?
Dear Lord, I thank you for your kindness, grace and mercy. I thank you that when I ask, honestly want to know the truth about myself, you faithfully show me- warts and all. I am grateful for this, because it allows me to attempt to replace the bad stuff with good. I am grateful that when I ask, I do receive, even if it isn't all that easy to hear. And I want to be ever diligent to use the knowledge you have given me to Your HONOR and GLORY. Not mine or any other man. No one else's but Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
*'I can't help who I am' doesn't cut it with God. Who you can be, through Him... now that's more like it.
**http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2008/02/im-diggin-it.html
**http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/now-you-have-wonderful-day-maam.html
Finished at 2:00 am.
GOOD READS FOR TODAY:
Regeneration, Faith, Love; In That Order
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2647_Regeneration_Faith_Love_In_That_Order/
Proverbs 22:1
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/928/Proverbs-22-1
Jehovah-Hayah; The Self-Sufficient Lord
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/03/11/jehovah-hayah-the-self-sufficient-lord/#comments
How to Pray with God's Power
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/1335889/
A Strong Man's Weakness
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11555320/
Written at 12:45 am
How is it that I am repeatedly treated like a doormat? Taken for granted? It is literally a constant in my life. Almost every one in my life has treated me in this way at some point. 'Oh Mandi won't mind if I take things out on her.' 'Oh surely Mandi will be fine with me (attempting) to take that guy's attention away from her. Why does Mandi need attention from him, she should be paying attention to me!' 'Be a good friend? Nah, not to Mandi. She won't mind.' 'Hey, I know I've dated Mandi for x months, but it will totally be fine if I break up with her OVER THE PHONE!'
I could go on and on, psycho-analying my past, events that happened to me that made it easier just to keep my mouth shut- but really, that won't do any good. I have been praying really hard to have patience with such people mentioned above, but feel as though I've been too patient to begin with. How do I reconcile attempting to have a humble heart, when exhibiting humble behavior got me here in the first place?
My church small group has been reading Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahoney. So far, verses such as the following have been discussed:
Isaiah 66:2 (KJV)
For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “But on this one will I look:bOn him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
II Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
James 4:6 (KJV)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 16:5 (KJV)
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
I Peter 5:5 (KJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Mark 9:35 (KJV)
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Mark 10:42-45 (KJV)
42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Could it really be that I've been 'humble' for all the wrong reasons? Give me a minute, I'm processing this. Walking on eggshells, careful not to disturb.... Have I been doing that for God, or for myself, and can I just chalk it up to 'that's how I am*'? I recall being told by my Grandma about treating others as I would have them treat me. Could it be that I was doing that for my own selfish gain? 'If I treat others well, then they will have to treat me the same.' Well, we all know that most people don't even care to get so close as to actually think what might be good for another. I shouldn't say most, but I'm in a rare (these days) pessimistic mood right now.
As with all things in life, if we do it for ourselves, not for God (as in putting ourselves above God), things will just not turn out right. Man, I feel like I've taken a beating lately. Oh well, I did ask God to help me 'dig out**' those unnoticable sins... I really shouldn't complain about answered prayers. It's all in your motivation, folks. M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N.
Wow, I feel better now! No more tears about this... this is another step taken.
What is your motivation for every aspect of your life? Really, try to sit and write it all down.
Is your motivation to glorify God? Glorify yourself? Or glorify someone else (even the idea of someone else)? Do you glorify an ideal? A philosophy? Hatha yoga? Who/What/Where/When/Why/How are you glorifying, through your actions, thoughts, deeds?
Dear Lord, I thank you for your kindness, grace and mercy. I thank you that when I ask, honestly want to know the truth about myself, you faithfully show me- warts and all. I am grateful for this, because it allows me to attempt to replace the bad stuff with good. I am grateful that when I ask, I do receive, even if it isn't all that easy to hear. And I want to be ever diligent to use the knowledge you have given me to Your HONOR and GLORY. Not mine or any other man. No one else's but Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
*'I can't help who I am' doesn't cut it with God. Who you can be, through Him... now that's more like it.
**http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2008/02/im-diggin-it.html
**http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/now-you-have-wonderful-day-maam.html
Finished at 2:00 am.
GOOD READS FOR TODAY:
Regeneration, Faith, Love; In That Order
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2647_Regeneration_Faith_Love_In_That_Order/
Proverbs 22:1
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/928/Proverbs-22-1
Jehovah-Hayah; The Self-Sufficient Lord
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/03/11/jehovah-hayah-the-self-sufficient-lord/#comments
How to Pray with God's Power
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/1335889/
A Strong Man's Weakness
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11555320/
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Follow up to "dare to be great" post
Okay, so in that blog, I alluded to something I felt that God was leading me to do. This was to enter the missionary field, particularly going overseas. I didn't know why, but it was on my mind constantly. So, my church had a missions meeting a few weeks ago, which was great. And I think I now know why I had missions work on my mind.
The meeting we had was an introduction to missions work, and in the specific areas my church is focusing on. It was an 'introduction to missions' for me. I have never sat through a meeting like that before. My church will, in the next 1-2 years, put together small groups to go overseas. The leader of the meeting said that you don't have to be absolutely sure about doing it, and that he will be having monthly meetings starting soon.
So, about a week after that meeting, I've figured out why missions work was in my mind. It prompted me to go to this meeting at my church. Which led to me learning about missions work, the different types (as far as short-medium-long term), and some obstacles that can stand in the way (my student loan debt being a BIG ONE - the organization my church goes through is reluctant to send people overseas who have debt, which is completely understandable-this is thinking in terms of the person and their ability to pay the debt).
In short, I feel as though going to these meetings will lead to something for me. Maybe going overseas, maybe just assisting with the mission workers that my church sends out, but ultimately, it will help me learn how to share the GOSPEL better. Which I think is why I thought of missions work in the first place. I'm in that EXCITED stage (which I hope to never lose), where I want everyone to feel the way I do, for everyone to know HIM... but I'm lacking in the area of sharing it. I feel as though my participation in these meetings, along with my attendance in my church's core seminar 'Apologetics and World Views' will lead me to where I want to be. Not exactly a physical location, but a spiritual one, where I can share the Good Word with confidence.
How's that for 'the Lord works in mysterious ways?' Pretty cool, huh? :)
Two other things I thought of were these: first, that I thought of doing mission work in the grandest way possible, because I felt guilty for going so long doing 'not so much,' that I wanted to do 'whoa, a lot.' I've found that when dealing with most things, baby steps are the best approach for me. Secondly, it would be great to go overseas, but that mission work can (and needs) to be done in my own back yard. So going to Africa, Asia or Europe may or may not be where God wants me to go. Only time will tell. So, I'll just keep on praying, and walking where He leads me.
Psalm 9 (King James Version)
10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
The meeting we had was an introduction to missions work, and in the specific areas my church is focusing on. It was an 'introduction to missions' for me. I have never sat through a meeting like that before. My church will, in the next 1-2 years, put together small groups to go overseas. The leader of the meeting said that you don't have to be absolutely sure about doing it, and that he will be having monthly meetings starting soon.
So, about a week after that meeting, I've figured out why missions work was in my mind. It prompted me to go to this meeting at my church. Which led to me learning about missions work, the different types (as far as short-medium-long term), and some obstacles that can stand in the way (my student loan debt being a BIG ONE - the organization my church goes through is reluctant to send people overseas who have debt, which is completely understandable-this is thinking in terms of the person and their ability to pay the debt).
In short, I feel as though going to these meetings will lead to something for me. Maybe going overseas, maybe just assisting with the mission workers that my church sends out, but ultimately, it will help me learn how to share the GOSPEL better. Which I think is why I thought of missions work in the first place. I'm in that EXCITED stage (which I hope to never lose), where I want everyone to feel the way I do, for everyone to know HIM... but I'm lacking in the area of sharing it. I feel as though my participation in these meetings, along with my attendance in my church's core seminar 'Apologetics and World Views' will lead me to where I want to be. Not exactly a physical location, but a spiritual one, where I can share the Good Word with confidence.
How's that for 'the Lord works in mysterious ways?' Pretty cool, huh? :)
Two other things I thought of were these: first, that I thought of doing mission work in the grandest way possible, because I felt guilty for going so long doing 'not so much,' that I wanted to do 'whoa, a lot.' I've found that when dealing with most things, baby steps are the best approach for me. Secondly, it would be great to go overseas, but that mission work can (and needs) to be done in my own back yard. So going to Africa, Asia or Europe may or may not be where God wants me to go. Only time will tell. So, I'll just keep on praying, and walking where He leads me.
Psalm 9 (King James Version)
10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Are you a backslider?
I was a backslider. Definitely. I wouldn't say it was one big event, but it was a gradual slope, turned into a roller coaster ride (and I don't like roller coasters, so I can't say it was that much fun). Below is from a daily devotional that I read... well, daily. Written by C.H. Spurgeon.
"Renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10
"A backslider, if there is a spark of life left in him, will groan after restoration. In this renewal the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We wanted faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the same grace can bring us to Jesus now. We wanted a word from the Most High, a word from the lip of the loving One, to end our fears then; we shall soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No one can be renewed without a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's energy that is as real and true as at the first renewal because the work is as great, and flesh and blood are just as present now as they ever were. Let your personal weakness, O Christian, be an argument to make you pray earnestly to your God for help. Remember, David didn't fold his arms or close his lips when he felt himself to be powerless; instead, he hastened to the mercy seat with "renew a steadfast spirit within me." Don't let the doctrine that you can do nothing unaided make you sleep; but let it be a goad in your side to drive you with great earnestness to Israel's strong Helper. O that you may have grace to plead with God, as though you pleaded for your very life - "Lord, renew a steadfast spirit within me." Those who sincerely pray to God to do this, will prove their honesty by using the means through which God works. Pray often; live upon the Word of God often; kill lusts which have driven your Lord from you; be careful to watch over future uprisings of sin. The Lord has His own appointed ways; sit by the wayside and you will be ready when He passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces; and, knowing that all the power must proceed from Him, never stop saying, "Renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Morning and Evening, Charles H. Spurgeon, Hendrickson Publishers.
I will say that I read this AFTER I had decided to 'renew my spirit.' I did a lot of what Spurgeon listed towards the end of the devotional. Most importantly I prayed. I prayed, for change in myself. I prayed to God that I could finally see where I had gone wrong. Things that were both in and out of my control definitely took my focus away. I prayed to God to help me with this. To be close to Him again. To go back to how I used to be. I prayed for help to give everything up to Him. I prayed for Christian friends. I prayed for a place to fellowship.
And you know what? It's all coming true. It's unfolding slowly. Except this time it's hasn't been a roller coaster ride (although you never know...).
It has been beautiful.
Psalm 51 (King James Version)
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
"Renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10
"A backslider, if there is a spark of life left in him, will groan after restoration. In this renewal the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We wanted faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the same grace can bring us to Jesus now. We wanted a word from the Most High, a word from the lip of the loving One, to end our fears then; we shall soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No one can be renewed without a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's energy that is as real and true as at the first renewal because the work is as great, and flesh and blood are just as present now as they ever were. Let your personal weakness, O Christian, be an argument to make you pray earnestly to your God for help. Remember, David didn't fold his arms or close his lips when he felt himself to be powerless; instead, he hastened to the mercy seat with "renew a steadfast spirit within me." Don't let the doctrine that you can do nothing unaided make you sleep; but let it be a goad in your side to drive you with great earnestness to Israel's strong Helper. O that you may have grace to plead with God, as though you pleaded for your very life - "Lord, renew a steadfast spirit within me." Those who sincerely pray to God to do this, will prove their honesty by using the means through which God works. Pray often; live upon the Word of God often; kill lusts which have driven your Lord from you; be careful to watch over future uprisings of sin. The Lord has His own appointed ways; sit by the wayside and you will be ready when He passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces; and, knowing that all the power must proceed from Him, never stop saying, "Renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Morning and Evening, Charles H. Spurgeon, Hendrickson Publishers.
I will say that I read this AFTER I had decided to 'renew my spirit.' I did a lot of what Spurgeon listed towards the end of the devotional. Most importantly I prayed. I prayed, for change in myself. I prayed to God that I could finally see where I had gone wrong. Things that were both in and out of my control definitely took my focus away. I prayed to God to help me with this. To be close to Him again. To go back to how I used to be. I prayed for help to give everything up to Him. I prayed for Christian friends. I prayed for a place to fellowship.
And you know what? It's all coming true. It's unfolding slowly. Except this time it's hasn't been a roller coaster ride (although you never know...).
It has been beautiful.
Psalm 51 (King James Version)
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Friday, February 22, 2008
"I am looking for a dare to be great situation"
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
My new favorite song... for now...
Ahhh, I can't find any good video of this song, so I will just have to copy off of another blogger... who likes to post lyrics to songs. Just wish y'all could hear it!
"Faithful"
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
I wave my arms 'round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what I long for
[CHORUS]
When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than I want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful
All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
I still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So I whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want
Check out an okay video here,(it just misses the first verse):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vS_DMmJwlaA
"Faithful"
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
I wave my arms 'round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what I long for
[CHORUS]
When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than I want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful
All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
I still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So I whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want
Check out an okay video here,(it just misses the first verse):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vS_DMmJwlaA
What if... / RAMBLIN' MAN-DI
Both written last night...
What if...
... God has a bigger plan for me than a husband and kids? Maybe not bigger, but... different. Although I can't imagine what that would be...
... I am single until I die (que movie scream, I think the shower scene from 'Psycho' would be appropriate).
A Baylor friend of mine once told me that she wrote a list of the characteristics she wanted in a man. Soon after making the list, she met her husband, and he met every single one of them. She talked me into doing the same.
Well, I came across that list the other day, and decided to do it again last night. As I wrote down different characteristics, I had a though. 'Wait a minute, this is how GOD is.'
TRUSTWORTHY, GIVING, LISTENS, UNDERSTANDS, WISE, LOVING, SELFLESS,
KNOWS THE REAL ME AND LOVES ME ANYWAY.
There is more to the list, like TRAVELS and COOKS, but none of that really matters (and believe me, I'm well aware that there is no man who can fulfill everything I think I want).
Here is my point (and I do have one). Everything I want, I already HAVE. So there. E-Harmony, quit sending me e-mails!
And of course I want things like companionship and romance... but WHAT IF I don't ever have those? (que movie scream, again). I know, total buzz-kill Mandi here, but... what if?
Well, I will just have to be fine with it. Because I'm certainly not settling for less than what I deserve. And if there is no man in God's plan for me? Well, I will just have to trust that God has a bigger plan for me... different than what I ever imagined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAMBLIN' MAN-DI
I have a feeling that this will not be my last stop. Don't get me wrong, I love DC, but I just have this feeling.
Nothing I've done in my life has really been completely planned out. College... not so much. Jobs after college... nope. Grad school... and several tens of thousands of debt later... not really (cringe). Even moving to DC was fairly spur of the moment.
All of these decisions, when put into action, produced a lot of anxiety. Inevitably, though, I became happy with my decisions, and have had great (and some not so great) experiences. I have learned an extreme amount about myself and this world that I live in.
I feel as though I have been led down this path... maybe more of a nudge, if you will. So I'm just going to keep it up, not worry so much. To do otherwise, well, that just wouldn't be me.
Today's devotional (Feb. 20): http://christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11568788/
What if...
... God has a bigger plan for me than a husband and kids? Maybe not bigger, but... different. Although I can't imagine what that would be...
... I am single until I die (que movie scream, I think the shower scene from 'Psycho' would be appropriate).
A Baylor friend of mine once told me that she wrote a list of the characteristics she wanted in a man. Soon after making the list, she met her husband, and he met every single one of them. She talked me into doing the same.
Well, I came across that list the other day, and decided to do it again last night. As I wrote down different characteristics, I had a though. 'Wait a minute, this is how GOD is.'
TRUSTWORTHY, GIVING, LISTENS, UNDERSTANDS, WISE, LOVING, SELFLESS,
KNOWS THE REAL ME AND LOVES ME ANYWAY.
There is more to the list, like TRAVELS and COOKS, but none of that really matters (and believe me, I'm well aware that there is no man who can fulfill everything I think I want).
Here is my point (and I do have one). Everything I want, I already HAVE. So there. E-Harmony, quit sending me e-mails!
And of course I want things like companionship and romance... but WHAT IF I don't ever have those? (que movie scream, again). I know, total buzz-kill Mandi here, but... what if?
Well, I will just have to be fine with it. Because I'm certainly not settling for less than what I deserve. And if there is no man in God's plan for me? Well, I will just have to trust that God has a bigger plan for me... different than what I ever imagined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RAMBLIN' MAN-DI
I have a feeling that this will not be my last stop. Don't get me wrong, I love DC, but I just have this feeling.
Nothing I've done in my life has really been completely planned out. College... not so much. Jobs after college... nope. Grad school... and several tens of thousands of debt later... not really (cringe). Even moving to DC was fairly spur of the moment.
All of these decisions, when put into action, produced a lot of anxiety. Inevitably, though, I became happy with my decisions, and have had great (and some not so great) experiences. I have learned an extreme amount about myself and this world that I live in.
I feel as though I have been led down this path... maybe more of a nudge, if you will. So I'm just going to keep it up, not worry so much. To do otherwise, well, that just wouldn't be me.
Today's devotional (Feb. 20): http://christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11568788/
Friday, February 15, 2008
My Hope
My Hope lies not in any man
My Love comes from the Greatest Love
My Peace lies in the silence of His magesty...
My Heart awaits the day in which it will be made whole
My Will has been surrendered
My Pain no longer self-inflicted
My Life has been laid down before the One who gave His life for me
My Fear of the unknown has become...
My Joy in the adventure
My Prayer does not cease ... to amaze me in His answering
My Hope ... lies in the eternal Mercy and Grace of God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Valentine's Day this year was a day of pure joy for me. It wasn't necessarily a conscious decision ... but it was wonderful. I could have cared less that I was yet again single. None of that mattered. I didn't feel lonely. Didn't feel sorry for myself ... It was almost as if I could feel God's love all around me. I could see it in the kindness of strangers and friends. I felt it in the usual way from my family. I witnessed it in a family who had just adopted a baby ... and allowed me to join in the celebration. It was a beautiful day.
Love is all around, obviously in varying degrees, but if you let yourself soak it all in ... it's something that I try to do every day. When you feel this way ... who cares about being single?!?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
I John 4:16 (KJV)
My Love comes from the Greatest Love
My Peace lies in the silence of His magesty...
My Heart awaits the day in which it will be made whole
My Will has been surrendered
My Pain no longer self-inflicted
My Life has been laid down before the One who gave His life for me
My Fear of the unknown has become...
My Joy in the adventure
My Prayer does not cease ... to amaze me in His answering
My Hope ... lies in the eternal Mercy and Grace of God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Valentine's Day this year was a day of pure joy for me. It wasn't necessarily a conscious decision ... but it was wonderful. I could have cared less that I was yet again single. None of that mattered. I didn't feel lonely. Didn't feel sorry for myself ... It was almost as if I could feel God's love all around me. I could see it in the kindness of strangers and friends. I felt it in the usual way from my family. I witnessed it in a family who had just adopted a baby ... and allowed me to join in the celebration. It was a beautiful day.
Love is all around, obviously in varying degrees, but if you let yourself soak it all in ... it's something that I try to do every day. When you feel this way ... who cares about being single?!?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
I John 4:16 (KJV)
Monday, February 04, 2008
One of the reasons why I love my new church
We sing this song every single Sunday morning, in preparation of service... in preparation of worship...
How Deep the Father's Love
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That he should give his only Son to make a wretch his treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss: the Father turns his face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon the cross, my sin upon his shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom.
Author, Stuart Townend
Copywrite 1995 Kingsways' Thankyou Music
I cannot sing this without tearing up.
I'm glad to be part of a church that is not only Christ-centered and Bible-centered... but very much Gospel-centered.
UPDATE: Oops, we don't sing it every single Sunday. It just seemed like it for awhile....We do always sing a song about the Gospel, though... :)
How Deep the Father's Love
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That he should give his only Son to make a wretch his treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss: the Father turns his face away,
As wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon the cross, my sin upon his shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom.
Author, Stuart Townend
Copywrite 1995 Kingsways' Thankyou Music
I cannot sing this without tearing up.
I'm glad to be part of a church that is not only Christ-centered and Bible-centered... but very much Gospel-centered.
UPDATE: Oops, we don't sing it every single Sunday. It just seemed like it for awhile....We do always sing a song about the Gospel, though... :)
Friday, February 01, 2008
February 1, 2008
12:14 am
One big push.... it away
There mere weight of it is crushing
My dreams
Something this big, this oppresive, how do I give it up.. to Him?
It's smothering, yet oddly comforting. Held tightly to myself for so long...
without it I would feel... laid bare... naked, undefended.
Opening up, feeling raw
A blast of wind so feared for the damage it could do.
Frightened more of the possibility than the reality
For what is reality, anyway?
What we see with our eyes, taste with our lips...
Or is it what we know in our hearts.
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) Is not this fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Dear friend, break every single yoke. Sometimes I fear it may take a lifetime... for me. There is a burden on me so great... I can only pray for God to help me BEGIN to know how to start giving it to Him. I feel as though a mountain has risen up before me... yet this time there is no denying it, no going the long way around, no avoiding the... adventure. I will go straight up, and stand breathless at its peak. Victorious. And smiling.
Dig up those roots, friends.
Start digging.
Dear Lord, This one may take awhile. I pray for patience, for perserverence, I pray for... ultimate peace. I will not give up, for I know you will not, will never give up on me. I owe myself that same courtesy. Thank you for every blessing you have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
This morning's devotional: 'They Will See God.'
http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11566469/
12:14 am
One big push.... it away
There mere weight of it is crushing
My dreams
Something this big, this oppresive, how do I give it up.. to Him?
It's smothering, yet oddly comforting. Held tightly to myself for so long...
without it I would feel... laid bare... naked, undefended.
Opening up, feeling raw
A blast of wind so feared for the damage it could do.
Frightened more of the possibility than the reality
For what is reality, anyway?
What we see with our eyes, taste with our lips...
Or is it what we know in our hearts.
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) Is not this fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Dear friend, break every single yoke. Sometimes I fear it may take a lifetime... for me. There is a burden on me so great... I can only pray for God to help me BEGIN to know how to start giving it to Him. I feel as though a mountain has risen up before me... yet this time there is no denying it, no going the long way around, no avoiding the... adventure. I will go straight up, and stand breathless at its peak. Victorious. And smiling.
Dig up those roots, friends.
Start digging.
Dear Lord, This one may take awhile. I pray for patience, for perserverence, I pray for... ultimate peace. I will not give up, for I know you will not, will never give up on me. I owe myself that same courtesy. Thank you for every blessing you have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
This morning's devotional: 'They Will See God.'
http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11566469/
I'm diggin' it
February 1, 2008
12:14 am
One big push.... it away
The mere weight of it is crushing
My dreams
Something this big, this oppresive, how do I give it up.. to Him?
It's smothering, yet oddly comforting. Held tightly to myself for so long...
without it I would feel... laid bare... naked, undefended.
Opening up, feeling raw
A blast of wind so feared for the damage it could do.
Frightened more of the possibility than the reality
For what is reality, anyway?
What we see with our eyes, taste with our lips...
Or is it what we know in our hearts.
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) Is not this fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Dear friend, break every single yoke. Sometimes I fear it may take a lifetime... for me. There is a burden on me so great... I can only pray for God to help me BEGIN to know how to start giving it to Him. I feel as though a mountain has risen up before me... yet this time there is no denying it, no going the long way around, no avoiding the... adventure. I will go straight up, and stand breathless at its peak. Victorious. And smiling.
Dig up those roots, friends.
Start digging.
Dear Lord, This one may take awhile. I pray for patience, for perserverence, I pray for... ultimate peace. I will not give up, for I know you will not, will never give up on me. I owe myself that same courtesy. Thank you for every blessing you have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
This morning's devotional: 'They Will See God.'
http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/
12:14 am
One big push.... it away
The mere weight of it is crushing
My dreams
Something this big, this oppresive, how do I give it up.. to Him?
It's smothering, yet oddly comforting. Held tightly to myself for so long...
without it I would feel... laid bare... naked, undefended.
Opening up, feeling raw
A blast of wind so feared for the damage it could do.
Frightened more of the possibility than the reality
For what is reality, anyway?
What we see with our eyes, taste with our lips...
Or is it what we know in our hearts.
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) Is not this fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Dear friend, break every single yoke. Sometimes I fear it may take a lifetime... for me. There is a burden on me so great... I can only pray for God to help me BEGIN to know how to start giving it to Him. I feel as though a mountain has risen up before me... yet this time there is no denying it, no going the long way around, no avoiding the... adventure. I will go straight up, and stand breathless at its peak. Victorious. And smiling.
Dig up those roots, friends.
Start digging.
Dear Lord, This one may take awhile. I pray for patience, for perserverence, I pray for... ultimate peace. I will not give up, for I know you will not, will never give up on me. I owe myself that same courtesy. Thank you for every blessing you have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
This morning's devotional: 'They Will See God.'
http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Yet another A HA! moment
Okay, so this week I've been in sort of a funk. As far as blogging goes, my writing has definitely been affected. I had an idea, wrote it down, but really it ended up being two ideas. I embarked on a 'divide and conquer' strategy last night, but wasn't all that excited about the outcome. Really didn't feel like I should post it today, thought about maybe working on it some more. Then this morning, 2 out of the 3 daily devotional e-mails I received reminded me of why I wrote it… so I guess I should go ahead and post away! (I've typed red astericks next to points in my post that matched up with the devotionals, and put the website links to the devotionals at the end of the post, remember, I wrote this LAST NIGHT, and received the devotionals this morning....).
After another episode in my life where I'm better off with yet another guy being far far away, I've realized some things. No matter how far or how long I got off track,* God was showing me signs, maybe even paving my way back to Him.
There are some little things, one example is how out of all music genres I've always been able to sing gospel better than any other. Speaking of singing, whenever I just have a sip of beer, I lose all ability to sing in tune. Speaking of drinking, going out was okay, but other than meeting a few good friends, nothing good has ever come out of it…
Then there is the thing in which I alluded to in the first paragraph. Yes, it is my complete and utter bad taste in men. Now, I'm not saying that every guy I've dated is terrible. Most are decent men, but none were ever right for me. In face, none ever really knew the real me. I believe this comes from a mixture of what they wanted me to be, and what I allowed myself to reveal to them. Not exactly the formula for a successful relationship.
So no, I have never ever thought I'd marry anyone I've dated. And I'm not so sure that it is just a coincidence that at least 2 of my relationships ended because they moved out of the state. Heck, some ended because I moved out of the state! I believe all of this happened to me because God wasn't happy with how I was choosing to let these people in my life. You see, I promised God much more than that when I asked Him into my heart, to forgive me of my sins…
Here is my conclusion.** The man I end up with will first and foremost have to be a Christian. He will need to put God first in his life. So, if this makes a guy run for the hills… I'll gladly let him go… I'll even throw him a going away party. I've realized that if someone doesn't put God first, then the next in line for that position will be himself. And it is those types of people who blame others for their bad behavior, who won't think twice about doing something that could hurt their partner. Now I realize that this isn't a hard and fast rule, no one is perfect. Still, it's a lot better than my old way of doing things (which was really just a result of me not paying attention).*
To sum it all up, it doesn't matter what I want for my life. As a fallen being, a sinner, I will never be able to get it right if the focus is solely on me. What really matters is what God wants for my life. Anything else, well, that's just a waste of my time.
Romans 5 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Dear Lord, I am truly sorry for spending so much time away from you. You have shown me that You were always with me. No matter what I did, I've always yearned for you. I am finally back to where I started some 17 years ago. It pains me to admit that I had to go through a lot to get to that point. I am forever grateful that You never gave up on me. Please help me to continue on this path that You have chosen for me. Thank You for all of Your many blessings. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
* Check out the devotional here: http://talk.thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/01/31/neglecting-the-little-things-2/comments
** Check out the devotional here: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11566399/
If you've never noticed in previous blogs, this happens to me VERY often! See here (http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2007/11/blog-post.html) and here (http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2007/12/and-it-just-keeps-happening-god-is.html).
After another episode in my life where I'm better off with yet another guy being far far away, I've realized some things. No matter how far or how long I got off track,* God was showing me signs, maybe even paving my way back to Him.
There are some little things, one example is how out of all music genres I've always been able to sing gospel better than any other. Speaking of singing, whenever I just have a sip of beer, I lose all ability to sing in tune. Speaking of drinking, going out was okay, but other than meeting a few good friends, nothing good has ever come out of it…
Then there is the thing in which I alluded to in the first paragraph. Yes, it is my complete and utter bad taste in men. Now, I'm not saying that every guy I've dated is terrible. Most are decent men, but none were ever right for me. In face, none ever really knew the real me. I believe this comes from a mixture of what they wanted me to be, and what I allowed myself to reveal to them. Not exactly the formula for a successful relationship.
So no, I have never ever thought I'd marry anyone I've dated. And I'm not so sure that it is just a coincidence that at least 2 of my relationships ended because they moved out of the state. Heck, some ended because I moved out of the state! I believe all of this happened to me because God wasn't happy with how I was choosing to let these people in my life. You see, I promised God much more than that when I asked Him into my heart, to forgive me of my sins…
Here is my conclusion.** The man I end up with will first and foremost have to be a Christian. He will need to put God first in his life. So, if this makes a guy run for the hills… I'll gladly let him go… I'll even throw him a going away party. I've realized that if someone doesn't put God first, then the next in line for that position will be himself. And it is those types of people who blame others for their bad behavior, who won't think twice about doing something that could hurt their partner. Now I realize that this isn't a hard and fast rule, no one is perfect. Still, it's a lot better than my old way of doing things (which was really just a result of me not paying attention).*
To sum it all up, it doesn't matter what I want for my life. As a fallen being, a sinner, I will never be able to get it right if the focus is solely on me. What really matters is what God wants for my life. Anything else, well, that's just a waste of my time.
Romans 5 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Dear Lord, I am truly sorry for spending so much time away from you. You have shown me that You were always with me. No matter what I did, I've always yearned for you. I am finally back to where I started some 17 years ago. It pains me to admit that I had to go through a lot to get to that point. I am forever grateful that You never gave up on me. Please help me to continue on this path that You have chosen for me. Thank You for all of Your many blessings. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
* Check out the devotional here: http://talk.thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/01/31/neglecting-the-little-things-2/comments
** Check out the devotional here: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11566399/
If you've never noticed in previous blogs, this happens to me VERY often! See here (http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2007/11/blog-post.html) and here (http://chasingfireworks.blogspot.com/2007/12/and-it-just-keeps-happening-god-is.html).
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
"Now you have a wonderful day, ma'am"
As I was walking to work this morning, I was just about half out of it. I was groggy (still am), and had taken some headache medicine (one of the the reasons I am groggy). So, I was walking along my usual route, not really taking in my surroundings (even though they are awesome; I walk past the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court, it's really beautiful).
I had stopped at a street, waiting to be able to cross, when a man came up to me. I assumed he was going to ask directions (that happens all the time, guess I look like a real 'Washingtonian,' or something), but he said something else. He looked me right in the eyes and said, "now you have a wonderful day, ma'am." He said this as he was walking away backwards, and I said, "thanks, you too!" That was the last thing I was expecting, but what a nice surprise!
So I had the thought as I made my way on to work. That really made me smile, a total stranger telling me to have a wonderful day... but why did it take something like that? Why wasn't I already smiling? Why hadn't I already thought, 'today is going to be a wonderful day"? Gooooood question. I really do wake up every morning, thanking God for another day, but I need to take a step further, and ask for a wonderful day. Now, wouldn't that just be the way to start a morning? Especially for me, being that I'm so NOT a morning person...
*warning: change of subject*
Okay, so I stayed up until 1 am last night (this morning, if you're picky) writing. I wasn't going to post it on a blog, because I just posted one two days ago. I thought that I would wait until next week. Well, now I'm just going to post it. Because I feel like it.
*************
My prayer for you, dear friend, is difficult to convey.
I want happiness for you, overwelming love for you.
And the only real way to have and know these is to believe in Miracles...
It's that missing something, that hole you have been trying to fill.
It's the power that created you, created everything that exists.
It's the pull you feel when things aren't going right.
It's the wall you hit when you are trying to run away...
We all have our own personal demons. It is up to us; either to face them head on, or let them ru(i)n our lives...
So, dear friend, what is your choice? You can keep running in circles, and wonder why nothing ever seems to go right... or you can let Him in. You can let yourself Believe that He is Holy. That events really can occur on this earth that bend the 'laws' of the Universe (laws as we humans define them). You can believe in the seemingly impossible. Then you can go further, and start to live your life according to His Word. If you do this with your whole heart, then the things of this world will not matter any more. Once you have reached this point... then you will know what is truly meaningful...
This is my prayer for you, dear friend. This is my prayer for the whole world...
*************
A prayer for myself.
I need to be absolutely diligent in identifying my own demons. Some are just more obvious than others. Then I need to cast them on God. All of them. Every last one. Even the one's that seem insignificant. Because they are holding me back. And, if you can't tell already, I am tired of worldy excuses; I am so ready to have 'all of that' behind me.
I feel like I've tackled the big ones. At least acknowledged them, physically and emotionally put a stop to them. But there are still those hidden ones. The one's that fool me into thinking I can fix them on my own.
And the reality is; I can't. So I turn to God. I pray to God.
It is an earnest moment. A freeing moment. I have a love/hate relationship with times like this. I hate having to think about them, the roots of my problems. But I love how it feels to dig them up and give them to God. I was not born to bear these heavy burdens alone. And for that I am eternally grateful.
******************
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
5... "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 5:5-11 (KJV)
I had stopped at a street, waiting to be able to cross, when a man came up to me. I assumed he was going to ask directions (that happens all the time, guess I look like a real 'Washingtonian,' or something), but he said something else. He looked me right in the eyes and said, "now you have a wonderful day, ma'am." He said this as he was walking away backwards, and I said, "thanks, you too!" That was the last thing I was expecting, but what a nice surprise!
So I had the thought as I made my way on to work. That really made me smile, a total stranger telling me to have a wonderful day... but why did it take something like that? Why wasn't I already smiling? Why hadn't I already thought, 'today is going to be a wonderful day"? Gooooood question. I really do wake up every morning, thanking God for another day, but I need to take a step further, and ask for a wonderful day. Now, wouldn't that just be the way to start a morning? Especially for me, being that I'm so NOT a morning person...
*warning: change of subject*
Okay, so I stayed up until 1 am last night (this morning, if you're picky) writing. I wasn't going to post it on a blog, because I just posted one two days ago. I thought that I would wait until next week. Well, now I'm just going to post it. Because I feel like it.
*************
My prayer for you, dear friend, is difficult to convey.
I want happiness for you, overwelming love for you.
And the only real way to have and know these is to believe in Miracles...
It's that missing something, that hole you have been trying to fill.
It's the power that created you, created everything that exists.
It's the pull you feel when things aren't going right.
It's the wall you hit when you are trying to run away...
We all have our own personal demons. It is up to us; either to face them head on, or let them ru(i)n our lives...
So, dear friend, what is your choice? You can keep running in circles, and wonder why nothing ever seems to go right... or you can let Him in. You can let yourself Believe that He is Holy. That events really can occur on this earth that bend the 'laws' of the Universe (laws as we humans define them). You can believe in the seemingly impossible. Then you can go further, and start to live your life according to His Word. If you do this with your whole heart, then the things of this world will not matter any more. Once you have reached this point... then you will know what is truly meaningful...
This is my prayer for you, dear friend. This is my prayer for the whole world...
*************
A prayer for myself.
I need to be absolutely diligent in identifying my own demons. Some are just more obvious than others. Then I need to cast them on God. All of them. Every last one. Even the one's that seem insignificant. Because they are holding me back. And, if you can't tell already, I am tired of worldy excuses; I am so ready to have 'all of that' behind me.
I feel like I've tackled the big ones. At least acknowledged them, physically and emotionally put a stop to them. But there are still those hidden ones. The one's that fool me into thinking I can fix them on my own.
And the reality is; I can't. So I turn to God. I pray to God.
It is an earnest moment. A freeing moment. I have a love/hate relationship with times like this. I hate having to think about them, the roots of my problems. But I love how it feels to dig them up and give them to God. I was not born to bear these heavy burdens alone. And for that I am eternally grateful.
******************
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
5... "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 5:5-11 (KJV)
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