Rest in peace - dear old friend - you were such a great witness to me; starting from the church nursery and continuing on. I can only imagine what a wonderful homecoming you experienced just a few days ago - as you were finally united with your Heavenly Father. Although your passing has countless others in mourning; I can't help but tearfully rejoice in the great joy you are living in now and will be for eternity.
Psalm 116 (KJV)
1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
19In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Going Home
by Sara Groves
I’ve been feeling kind of restless
I’ve been feeling out of placeI can hear a distant singing
A song that I can’t write
And it echoes of what I’m always trying to say
There’s a feeling I can’t capture
It’s always just a prayer away
I want to know the ending
Things hoped for but not seen
But I guess that’s the point of hoping anyway
Going home, I’ll meet you at the table
Going home, I’ll meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be home
I’m confined by my senses
To really know what you are like
You are more than I can fathom
And more than I can guess
And more than I can see with you in sight
But I have felt you with my spirit
I have felt you fill this room
And this is just an invitation
Just a sample of the whole
And I cannot wait to be going home
Going home, I’ll meet you at the table
Going home, I’ll meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be going, to be going home
Face to face, how can it be
Face to face, how can it be
Face to face, how can it be
Cause this is just an invitation
Just a sample of the whole
And I cannot wait to be going home
***As of 8/27/08, you can hear this song on my MySpace page***
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Quiet Time : Grace to Escape from Bondage
Ezra 9:8 (KJV)
And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
August 17, Evening
John 11:4
This sickness is not unto death.
From our Lord's words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. Here is an "unto" within which its ultimate end is restrained, and beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the ultimatum of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord saith to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat.
1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head.
2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction comes not at haphazard-the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and meting out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much nor be relieved too late.
3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother's heart cries, "Spare my child"; but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how hard-mouthed we are, it is a wonder that we are not driven with a sharper bit. The thought is full of consolation, that He who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.
Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997
John 11:4
This sickness is not unto death.
From our Lord's words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. Here is an "unto" within which its ultimate end is restrained, and beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the ultimatum of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord saith to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat.
1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head.
2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction comes not at haphazard-the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and meting out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much nor be relieved too late.
3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother's heart cries, "Spare my child"; but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how hard-mouthed we are, it is a wonder that we are not driven with a sharper bit. The thought is full of consolation, that He who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.
Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997
Monday, August 18, 2008
gumby-like : entrusted with a heart
Just call me Stretchy McStretcherson. Yes, I'm a dork, but I own it.
Anyway, I had a great conversation with my dear friend Abbie last week. Actually it was more of a counseling session. I needed advice about something that, to tell you the truth, I'm still not sure how to handle. She was very encouraging, as she always is, and told me this: 'God is stretching you.'
Yes indeed, God is stretching me; and I mean yowza-stretching me. Not to go into to much detail, but this situation has definitely taken me out of myself. I really have to consider someone else's feelings in such a way --- I don't know --- I am absolutely dumbfounded at the level/many-levels that engulf this situation. And it has nothing to do with me! Although I will say, it is affecting me. I've been praying about that big time.
Another thing Abbie said, which was extra sweet, is that 'God entrusts you with so many people's hearts.' Now, I feel as though He entrusts EVERYONE with EVERYBODY'S hearts, but that statement helped me realize the magnitude of this thing He's entrusted me with. And how I should look at situations with everyone that I know or come in contact with. Entrusted with a heart. Have you ever thought of it that way? Thought of life that way, I mean? That is a beautiful thing.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quiet Time.
Almost a month to this day I wrote about my quiet times. In that post, I stated that I will be posting about those more often. Well, in case you haven't noticed, that was the first and only post of that type. I feel as though I have to confess it here on the world-wide-web: my quiet times have taken a hit. Big time. And I could blame it on my moving to a new place, and having been just plain exhausted. But there is no excuse. I have been convicted of my need to read the Word every day, and that just hasn't been happening as regularly as it should be.
So I apologize for that, and will be getting back on track, ASAP!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Devotionals:
Being a Chooser ~ Philippians 3:20-21 ~ Making Wise Choices
Anyway, I had a great conversation with my dear friend Abbie last week. Actually it was more of a counseling session. I needed advice about something that, to tell you the truth, I'm still not sure how to handle. She was very encouraging, as she always is, and told me this: 'God is stretching you.'
Yes indeed, God is stretching me; and I mean yowza-stretching me. Not to go into to much detail, but this situation has definitely taken me out of myself. I really have to consider someone else's feelings in such a way --- I don't know --- I am absolutely dumbfounded at the level/many-levels that engulf this situation. And it has nothing to do with me! Although I will say, it is affecting me. I've been praying about that big time.
Another thing Abbie said, which was extra sweet, is that 'God entrusts you with so many people's hearts.' Now, I feel as though He entrusts EVERYONE with EVERYBODY'S hearts, but that statement helped me realize the magnitude of this thing He's entrusted me with. And how I should look at situations with everyone that I know or come in contact with. Entrusted with a heart. Have you ever thought of it that way? Thought of life that way, I mean? That is a beautiful thing.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Quiet Time.
Almost a month to this day I wrote about my quiet times. In that post, I stated that I will be posting about those more often. Well, in case you haven't noticed, that was the first and only post of that type. I feel as though I have to confess it here on the world-wide-web: my quiet times have taken a hit. Big time. And I could blame it on my moving to a new place, and having been just plain exhausted. But there is no excuse. I have been convicted of my need to read the Word every day, and that just hasn't been happening as regularly as it should be.
So I apologize for that, and will be getting back on track, ASAP!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Devotionals:
Being a Chooser ~ Philippians 3:20-21 ~ Making Wise Choices
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
beautifully broken
Have you ever felt absolutely broken? I'm not talking about 'heartbroken' in the teeny-bopper sense; but broken.
I often wonder about this with other Christians, because let me tell you, I've felt as though I've been put through the ringer. As my hometown pastor Paul would say; 'taken to the woodshed.' And maybe it's all because of the life I've led; which to be honest has been full of out-of-control confusion.
Let me explain ...
This is all stemming from something I've noticed in some Christians that has taken me aback. What I've taken as a lack of empathy (and I realize this is just my perception of things - I could be totally wrong)... It seems as though there are just certain situations that can't be comprehended, so they are just swept under the rug. 'Well, I just have no idea what that's like, can we go on to something else, please?' And I just want to scream, 'This is reality! Maybe not to you, but to a lot of people; this is life or death - spiritually speaking - therefore it is a deadly serious matter.'
And I totally get it; I do have a different perspective from other folks. I really do. And that makes it easier for me to feel more empathetic than uncomfortable. God has blessed me with this gift. It makes me want to delve into the lies that people believe when coming out of a situation of victimization. I'm not excusing the resulting sin; but I want to understand it.
And I want to help. I've posted before about how I want to help, but I still feel at a loss for how to make it happen. I've bought t-shirts, so what, right? Well, here's one thing I'm being more and more convicted to do:
Be more welcoming to new people at my church. Because I can tell you right now, when I first stepped foot in my new church, I was unbelievably broken. Happily broken, but broken still. And it was a struggle to meet people. I know I'm not alone in this; and I truly believe God has shown me this for a reason. So maybe this is my start. I need your prayers in this, because I'm not a naturally outgoing person. But I will be more intentional. And I'm not the only one, I do have friends at my church who feel the same conviction, so please pray for them, too.
I just don't want to leave anyone behind.
Devotionals: Set an Example ~ The Sacrificial Kingdom ~ Pray, then Decide
(below was written back in May; my original 'beautifully broken' post that was never finished or published)
Shallow vs. deep truth; love the 'ugly.'
*************
Thoughts on obvious, public sin and willful sin.
Like the boy who called wolf - when they really need help, will you be there for them?
++++++++++++++
If you depend on someone like you're supposed to depend on God... you will drive that person crazy!!! Yes, I have been driven crazy a lot lately...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"This signature on each soul may be a product of heredity and environment, but that only means that heredity and environment are among the instruments whereby God creates a soul. I am considering not how, but why, He makes each soul unique. If He had no use for all these differences, I do not see why He should have created more souls than one. Be sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him; and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you. The mould in which a key is made would be strange thing, if you had never seen a key: and the key itself a strange thing if you had never seen a lock. Your soul has a curious shape because it is a hollow made to fit a particular swelling in the infinite contours of the Divine substance, or a key to unlock one of the doors in the house with many mansions. For it is not humanity in the abstract that is to be saved, but you- you, the individual reader, John Stubbs or Janet Smith...... Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it- made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand." C.S. Lewis - The Problem of Pain.
I often wonder about this with other Christians, because let me tell you, I've felt as though I've been put through the ringer. As my hometown pastor Paul would say; 'taken to the woodshed.' And maybe it's all because of the life I've led; which to be honest has been full of out-of-control confusion.
Let me explain ...
This is all stemming from something I've noticed in some Christians that has taken me aback. What I've taken as a lack of empathy (and I realize this is just my perception of things - I could be totally wrong)... It seems as though there are just certain situations that can't be comprehended, so they are just swept under the rug. 'Well, I just have no idea what that's like, can we go on to something else, please?' And I just want to scream, 'This is reality! Maybe not to you, but to a lot of people; this is life or death - spiritually speaking - therefore it is a deadly serious matter.'
I just wish there was more 'stepping out of the bubble,' I guess. I mean, I get it, some things are just uncomfortable; I squirm, too. I hear it all over the news; I've been tempted to take cnn.com off of my home screen because of all the horrible things in the news every day. *** (warning; these links are upsetting, but aren't near the worst I could have posted) *** Kidnapping, rape, murder, torture, modern day slavery, stories of children being led into prostitution. It all makes me sick to my stomach. But I don't want to ignore it. I don't want to chalk it up to, 'well, I just couldn't imagine that' or 'that doesn't affect me.' Because it does affect me. And I can't understand how it wouldn't affect others.
Be kind: for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle
And I totally get it; I do have a different perspective from other folks. I really do. And that makes it easier for me to feel more empathetic than uncomfortable. God has blessed me with this gift. It makes me want to delve into the lies that people believe when coming out of a situation of victimization. I'm not excusing the resulting sin; but I want to understand it.
And I want to help. I've posted before about how I want to help, but I still feel at a loss for how to make it happen. I've bought t-shirts, so what, right? Well, here's one thing I'm being more and more convicted to do:
Be more welcoming to new people at my church. Because I can tell you right now, when I first stepped foot in my new church, I was unbelievably broken. Happily broken, but broken still. And it was a struggle to meet people. I know I'm not alone in this; and I truly believe God has shown me this for a reason. So maybe this is my start. I need your prayers in this, because I'm not a naturally outgoing person. But I will be more intentional. And I'm not the only one, I do have friends at my church who feel the same conviction, so please pray for them, too.
I just don't want to leave anyone behind.
Devotionals: Set an Example ~ The Sacrificial Kingdom ~ Pray, then Decide
(below was written back in May; my original 'beautifully broken' post that was never finished or published)
Shallow vs. deep truth; love the 'ugly.'
*************
Thoughts on obvious, public sin and willful sin.
Like the boy who called wolf - when they really need help, will you be there for them?
++++++++++++++
If you depend on someone like you're supposed to depend on God... you will drive that person crazy!!! Yes, I have been driven crazy a lot lately...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"This signature on each soul may be a product of heredity and environment, but that only means that heredity and environment are among the instruments whereby God creates a soul. I am considering not how, but why, He makes each soul unique. If He had no use for all these differences, I do not see why He should have created more souls than one. Be sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him; and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you. The mould in which a key is made would be strange thing, if you had never seen a key: and the key itself a strange thing if you had never seen a lock. Your soul has a curious shape because it is a hollow made to fit a particular swelling in the infinite contours of the Divine substance, or a key to unlock one of the doors in the house with many mansions. For it is not humanity in the abstract that is to be saved, but you- you, the individual reader, John Stubbs or Janet Smith...... Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it- made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand." C.S. Lewis - The Problem of Pain.
Monday, August 11, 2008
"I wish to begin again on a daily basis"
I don't want to ever consider myself a 'mature' Christian.
I don't ever want to think that I've learned all there is to know.
I want be continually challenged by You.
Please help me to remain child-like in my faith; in my belief.
I want to be a sponge that is never fully saturated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I once found the transcript to Bono's speech given at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2006. I found it quite by accident; but it intrigued me.
Anyway, I saw something I never would have expected out of such a hugely talented and famous rock star - yeah, and I already knew how much he's done for HIV/AIDS in Africa - and about the religious themes in his music (we even deconstructed the lyrics to 'With or Without You' in 8th grade English) - I saw a desire to know God.
So I've spent some time looking up quotes (yes, one of my favorite hobbies, so what?), and felt like pasting them below. I don't know, just a different perspective on Christianity than I am used to; I like to see other people's p.o.v.'s:
................................................................
"If I could put it simply, I would say that I believe there's a force of love and logic in the world, a force of love and logic behind the universe. And I believe in the poetic genius of a creator who would choose to express such unfathomable power as a child born in "straw poverty"; i.e., the story of Christ makes sense to me. ... As an artist, I see the poetry of it. It's so brilliant. That this scale of creation, and the unfathomable universe, should describe itself in such vulnerability, as a child. That is mind-blowing to me. I guess that would make me a Christian. Although I don't use the label, because it is so very hard to live up to. I feel like I'm the worst example of it, so I just kinda keep my mouth shut."
"...this of course is at the heart of the idea of redemption: to begin again. This is at the heart of religious fundamentalism too: to be born again. I wish to begin again on a daily basis. To be born again every day is something that I try to do. And I'm deadly serious about that."
"But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross."
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics - in physical laws - every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that 'As you reap, so will you sow' stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff"
"I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep _____. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
I love the bit when Christ's asked for his greatest hits and he says, "OK, love God, and love your neighbours as yourself." Christianity is not complicated, that's what it is.
So now — cut to 1980. Irish rock group, who've been through the fire of a certain kind of revival, a Christian-type revival, go to America. Turn on the TV the night you arrive, and there's all these people talking from the Scriptures. But they're quite obviously raving lunatics. Suddenly you go, what's this? And you change the channel. There's another one. You change the channel, and there's another secondhand-car salesman. You think, oh, my God. But their words sound so similar . . . to the words out of our mouths. So what happens? You learn to shut up. You say, whoa, what's this going on? You go oddly still and quiet. If you talk like this around here, people will think you're one of those. And you realize that these are the traders — as in t-r-a-d-e-r-s — in the temple.
One SOURCE - the other was Wikiquote.
I don't ever want to think that I've learned all there is to know.
I want be continually challenged by You.
Please help me to remain child-like in my faith; in my belief.
I want to be a sponge that is never fully saturated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I once found the transcript to Bono's speech given at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2006. I found it quite by accident; but it intrigued me.
Anyway, I saw something I never would have expected out of such a hugely talented and famous rock star - yeah, and I already knew how much he's done for HIV/AIDS in Africa - and about the religious themes in his music (we even deconstructed the lyrics to 'With or Without You' in 8th grade English) - I saw a desire to know God.
So I've spent some time looking up quotes (yes, one of my favorite hobbies, so what?), and felt like pasting them below. I don't know, just a different perspective on Christianity than I am used to; I like to see other people's p.o.v.'s:
................................................................
"If I could put it simply, I would say that I believe there's a force of love and logic in the world, a force of love and logic behind the universe. And I believe in the poetic genius of a creator who would choose to express such unfathomable power as a child born in "straw poverty"; i.e., the story of Christ makes sense to me. ... As an artist, I see the poetry of it. It's so brilliant. That this scale of creation, and the unfathomable universe, should describe itself in such vulnerability, as a child. That is mind-blowing to me. I guess that would make me a Christian. Although I don't use the label, because it is so very hard to live up to. I feel like I'm the worst example of it, so I just kinda keep my mouth shut."
"...this of course is at the heart of the idea of redemption: to begin again. This is at the heart of religious fundamentalism too: to be born again. I wish to begin again on a daily basis. To be born again every day is something that I try to do. And I'm deadly serious about that."
"But with Christ, we have access in a one-to-one relationship, for, as in the Old Testament, it was more one of worship and awe, a vertical relationship. The New Testament, on the other hand, we look across at a Jesus who looks familiar, horizontal. The combination is what makes the Cross."
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics - in physical laws - every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that 'As you reap, so will you sow' stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff"
"I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep _____. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
I love the bit when Christ's asked for his greatest hits and he says, "OK, love God, and love your neighbours as yourself." Christianity is not complicated, that's what it is.
So now — cut to 1980. Irish rock group, who've been through the fire of a certain kind of revival, a Christian-type revival, go to America. Turn on the TV the night you arrive, and there's all these people talking from the Scriptures. But they're quite obviously raving lunatics. Suddenly you go, what's this? And you change the channel. There's another one. You change the channel, and there's another secondhand-car salesman. You think, oh, my God. But their words sound so similar . . . to the words out of our mouths. So what happens? You learn to shut up. You say, whoa, what's this going on? You go oddly still and quiet. If you talk like this around here, people will think you're one of those. And you realize that these are the traders — as in t-r-a-d-e-r-s — in the temple.
One SOURCE - the other was Wikiquote.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Love like He does : without thought for gain
Totally.selfless.Love.
Can you imagine it? Can you picture yourself capable of it? I guess in the end, as fallen beings, we aren't able to achieve this type of love. However, I believe were are to strive for it. Let me try to explain:
Sometimes I have a hard time seeing myself married. I had a near breakdown when I was planning on moving. Lots of circumstances contributed to this, but one thing that made it so hard was this: I'm tired of doing everything alone. And the end I wasn't alone. But it sure felt like I was for a while there, until I reached out for help. But during my emotional-mess, I had the fleeting thought 'if only I had a husband to take care of these piddly details ... do I even need a furniture dolly???'
And it's funny, because when you're younger, you just can't wait to be on your own. To have my own apartment! That always sounded so cool. I remember my Aunt Melanie having an apartment in Little Rock, and was always so excited when I got to spend the night with her.
Fast forward to the present, where I live in a city that I couldn't even begin to afford to live on my own. Funny thing is, I don't really want to anymore. I like having the 'community' of living with other people. I can honestly see myself living where I do now until I get married (a-hem, that all depends on how long I will have to wait on that, I guess, but that is how I see it ... short-term).
But there are times when I just can't see it. Being married to someone. Sharing my LIFE with them. Now don't get me wrong, it's something I'm extremely excited about ... but I just can't see it. Which when you get right down to it, is probably a good thing ... I have no real expectations for what it will be like. In this area, at least for me, the possibilities are endless ...
Marriage and Love. Obviously they go hand in hand. But I don't want to be a selfish with love. I don't want to demand, expect, etc... from someone. I don't want to think of marriage as any gain other than as a blessing bestowed upon me. But I can't help but relax in the knowledge that one day I will, Lord willing, have someone in my life who can help me in things both important and mundane, plus all the in between.
How does one reconcile this? Just another mystery of the heart? Steps toward sanctification? Am I overthinking this? At least I can answer the latter - ABSOLUTELY. Gosh, sometimes I annoy myself.
Anywho, I had a thought pop into my mind last night. I've been dwelling a lot Love. Love for others, offering Love to everyone; especially those whose actions are beyond my comprehension. How does one go about this without somehow seeking something in return? Be it: help, acknowledgement, respect, expected return of feelings of various types under various circumstances?
Then it hit me: Love like He does: without thought for gain. Guess that's all I need to do, hopefully the rest will work itself out.
Can you imagine it? Can you picture yourself capable of it? I guess in the end, as fallen beings, we aren't able to achieve this type of love. However, I believe were are to strive for it. Let me try to explain:
Sometimes I have a hard time seeing myself married. I had a near breakdown when I was planning on moving. Lots of circumstances contributed to this, but one thing that made it so hard was this: I'm tired of doing everything alone. And the end I wasn't alone. But it sure felt like I was for a while there, until I reached out for help. But during my emotional-mess, I had the fleeting thought 'if only I had a husband to take care of these piddly details ... do I even need a furniture dolly???'
And it's funny, because when you're younger, you just can't wait to be on your own. To have my own apartment! That always sounded so cool. I remember my Aunt Melanie having an apartment in Little Rock, and was always so excited when I got to spend the night with her.
Fast forward to the present, where I live in a city that I couldn't even begin to afford to live on my own. Funny thing is, I don't really want to anymore. I like having the 'community' of living with other people. I can honestly see myself living where I do now until I get married (a-hem, that all depends on how long I will have to wait on that, I guess, but that is how I see it ... short-term).
But there are times when I just can't see it. Being married to someone. Sharing my LIFE with them. Now don't get me wrong, it's something I'm extremely excited about ... but I just can't see it. Which when you get right down to it, is probably a good thing ... I have no real expectations for what it will be like. In this area, at least for me, the possibilities are endless ...
Marriage and Love. Obviously they go hand in hand. But I don't want to be a selfish with love. I don't want to demand, expect, etc... from someone. I don't want to think of marriage as any gain other than as a blessing bestowed upon me. But I can't help but relax in the knowledge that one day I will, Lord willing, have someone in my life who can help me in things both important and mundane, plus all the in between.
How does one reconcile this? Just another mystery of the heart? Steps toward sanctification? Am I overthinking this? At least I can answer the latter - ABSOLUTELY. Gosh, sometimes I annoy myself.
Anywho, I had a thought pop into my mind last night. I've been dwelling a lot Love. Love for others, offering Love to everyone; especially those whose actions are beyond my comprehension. How does one go about this without somehow seeking something in return? Be it: help, acknowledgement, respect, expected return of feelings of various types under various circumstances?
Then it hit me: Love like He does: without thought for gain. Guess that's all I need to do, hopefully the rest will work itself out.
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
Learn it from Him.
Deep thoughts to ponder: John Piper - Thoughts on Why Everything Exists.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
Morning and Evening: July 30 PM
John 6:37 - Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.
No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, "I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming," but, "I will in no wise cast out." The original reads, "I will not, not cast out," or "I will never, never cast out." The text means, that Christ will not at first reject a believer; and that as He will not do it at first, so He will not to the last. But suppose the believer sins after coming? "If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." But suppose that believers backslide? "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him." But believers may fall under temptation! "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but He will "Purge them with hyssop, and they shall be clean; He will wash them and they shall be whiter than snow"; "From all their iniquities will I cleanse them."
"Once in Christ, in Christ for ever, Nothing from His love can sever."
"I give unto My sheep," saith He, "eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." What sayest thou to this, O trembling feeble mind? Is not this a precious mercy, that coming to Christ, thou dost not come to One who will treat thee well for a little while, and then send thee about thy business, but He will receive thee and make thee His bride, and thou shalt be His for ever? Receive no longer the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the spirit of adoption whereby thou shalt cry, Abba, Father! Oh! the grace of these words: "I will in no wise cast out."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997
John 6:37 - Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.
No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, "I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming," but, "I will in no wise cast out." The original reads, "I will not, not cast out," or "I will never, never cast out." The text means, that Christ will not at first reject a believer; and that as He will not do it at first, so He will not to the last. But suppose the believer sins after coming? "If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." But suppose that believers backslide? "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him." But believers may fall under temptation! "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but He will "Purge them with hyssop, and they shall be clean; He will wash them and they shall be whiter than snow"; "From all their iniquities will I cleanse them."
"Once in Christ, in Christ for ever, Nothing from His love can sever."
"I give unto My sheep," saith He, "eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." What sayest thou to this, O trembling feeble mind? Is not this a precious mercy, that coming to Christ, thou dost not come to One who will treat thee well for a little while, and then send thee about thy business, but He will receive thee and make thee His bride, and thou shalt be His for ever? Receive no longer the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the spirit of adoption whereby thou shalt cry, Abba, Father! Oh! the grace of these words: "I will in no wise cast out."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997
Friday, July 18, 2008
my life feels like one continual line of neutrality
(almost midnight last night; yes, after I wrote the previous post on Trust)
I'm sorry to doubt. I'm sorry to worry. I'm sorry to expect. I'm sorry.
It just gets so old; feeling invisible like this. Just for once I would like to be proven wrong.
I'm tired of being taken for granted. I'm tired of not feeling good enough. I'm tired of being forgettable. I'm tired.
I hate that I get down like this, but I can't see living life - every-single-second - like nothing is ever wrong. That I don't hope. That I don't have any unfulfilled desires. Because I do.
And I feel as though nothing will ever change. My life feels like one continual line of neutrality.
Although I do have something new coming up. I'm moving. In with Christians who are following Jesus, who are walking in the Light, who are living for the Lord. God has blessed me with this opportunity - and really opened my eyes to my need for this.
Baby steps, baby steps, I need to learn more about patience.
*Yep, that lasted about two hours...*
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, this morning, I read Spurgeon, and it kinda addressed why I was so down last night, Numbers 2:31 - "They shall go hindmost with their standards. But I know the real problem with my "Debbie Downer" moment; I was frustrated with my circumstances. I felt as though there was no way I could get out of them; that I was stuck. And of course, God quickly and gently reminded me that He has provided the way, but I will have to be patient for just a little while longer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Also, I just read a devotional, Ephesians 6:18 - I Hate to Burden You, which brought to mind something I wanted to write about a few months ago, but never really went anywhere with. This simple fact: if you are friends with a Christian - even just a co-worker - they more than likely pray for you. Pretty powerful, don't you think? The author has another great post about this, The Power of a Praying Friend.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Finally, I want to throw a quote in here. It's by Tony Snow, Cancer's Unexpected Blessings:
"God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease—smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see—but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance and comprehension—and yet don't. By his love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise."
I'm sorry to doubt. I'm sorry to worry. I'm sorry to expect. I'm sorry.
It just gets so old; feeling invisible like this. Just for once I would like to be proven wrong.
I'm tired of being taken for granted. I'm tired of not feeling good enough. I'm tired of being forgettable. I'm tired.
I hate that I get down like this, but I can't see living life - every-single-second - like nothing is ever wrong. That I don't hope. That I don't have any unfulfilled desires. Because I do.
And I feel as though nothing will ever change. My life feels like one continual line of neutrality.
Although I do have something new coming up. I'm moving. In with Christians who are following Jesus, who are walking in the Light, who are living for the Lord. God has blessed me with this opportunity - and really opened my eyes to my need for this.
Baby steps, baby steps, I need to learn more about patience.
*Yep, that lasted about two hours...*
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, this morning, I read Spurgeon, and it kinda addressed why I was so down last night, Numbers 2:31 - "They shall go hindmost with their standards. But I know the real problem with my "Debbie Downer" moment; I was frustrated with my circumstances. I felt as though there was no way I could get out of them; that I was stuck. And of course, God quickly and gently reminded me that He has provided the way, but I will have to be patient for just a little while longer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Also, I just read a devotional, Ephesians 6:18 - I Hate to Burden You, which brought to mind something I wanted to write about a few months ago, but never really went anywhere with. This simple fact: if you are friends with a Christian - even just a co-worker - they more than likely pray for you. Pretty powerful, don't you think? The author has another great post about this, The Power of a Praying Friend.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Finally, I want to throw a quote in here. It's by Tony Snow, Cancer's Unexpected Blessings:
"God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease—smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see—but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance and comprehension—and yet don't. By his love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise."
when my imagination runs wild with possibility
Trust.
Easier said than done, the whole TRUST thing. Now let's go a bit further. Trusting GOD. How would you characterize your trust in God. Seriously, ask yourself this. Do you trust that He exists? Do you trust that He provides? Do you trust in His SOVEREIGNTY? Now, I'm well aware that there may be people who read this who are asking themselves - "She wants me to trust in someone/thing/entity that I can't see, I can't just call up? She must be crazy." Well, I may be crazy, but that is a whole other topic. What I want to write about is trusting God.
I can look back on my life and pinpoint specific instances where I haven't trust God. And I mean SPECIFIC. Word-for-word phrases that have gone through my mind or out of my mouth. I can even take myself back to the 'scene of the crime' in some instances. For example, I can remember sitting poolside, in the Arkansas heat and humidity, having a thought that quite literally changed my life - and not for the better. I'm not going to rehash all of that - it's beside the point. You see, the point is --- I wasn't trusting God.
Anyway, my pastor just finished a series on Job. All 3 of my avid readers ;) will be aware of this, because I've been posting links to the sermons. Well, I understand if you don't have time to listen to each hour long sermon, so I will tell you one of the main things I've taken from it. Job didn't trust God. That was Job's sin. He didn't trust God - he misunderstood Him.
Job, you may ask, of all people? Well, who can blame him, after what he went through? Easy answer here, God can. God, his creator, who made him in His image - yes, He can be angry at Job's mistrust. And guess what? When we, you and I, can't trust in God, it makes Him mad - and rightly so. As fallen beings, we are quick to forget His blessings and focus on our sufferings; which in the end are just as temporal as anything else in this world.
I'm not going to go on much more about Job, I would rather leave it to the professionals. Check out these sermons when you have time, I promise you it will be worth it. Job's Trials, Job's Questions, Job's Friends, and Job's God. Also, I listened to a sermon yesterday, The Surprise - The Message of Ruth, another great sermon on trusting God's plans for you.
So, I've been hyper-aware lately. I have been paying attention to the struggle that other people go through. In believers and non-believers. In drug addicts and alcoholics and the painfully shy and just plain sad people (sometimes temporary, sometimes seemingly permanent), even in television show characters! And the effect of those struggles - sin. Now don't worry, I see it in myself, too. Everyone is affected; this is not mutually exclusive to one's faith (or lack thereof). Mistrust in God leads to struggle. And if you really want to break free of those chains, you must turn to Him.
Now, how am I putting this into action? Goooood question. I had a thought yesterday on the way home from work. When my imagination runs wild with possibility, and I suddenly dismiss it as never-going-to-happen-for-me, as I'm wont to do - I have to remind myself - with God all things are possible. Now does this give me free reign to fantasize about a dream life? It most certainly does not. But I have to be able to trust that God can give me a better life than I could ever dream of (which is an effective way to stop silly daydreaming). He gives me glimpses of it every once in awhile - which I think is His way of telling me 'all in good time.'
(thought of one my way home from work yesterday, written when I got home)
Easier said than done, the whole TRUST thing. Now let's go a bit further. Trusting GOD. How would you characterize your trust in God. Seriously, ask yourself this. Do you trust that He exists? Do you trust that He provides? Do you trust in His SOVEREIGNTY? Now, I'm well aware that there may be people who read this who are asking themselves - "She wants me to trust in someone/thing/entity that I can't see, I can't just call up? She must be crazy." Well, I may be crazy, but that is a whole other topic. What I want to write about is trusting God.
I can look back on my life and pinpoint specific instances where I haven't trust God. And I mean SPECIFIC. Word-for-word phrases that have gone through my mind or out of my mouth. I can even take myself back to the 'scene of the crime' in some instances. For example, I can remember sitting poolside, in the Arkansas heat and humidity, having a thought that quite literally changed my life - and not for the better. I'm not going to rehash all of that - it's beside the point. You see, the point is --- I wasn't trusting God.
Anyway, my pastor just finished a series on Job. All 3 of my avid readers ;) will be aware of this, because I've been posting links to the sermons. Well, I understand if you don't have time to listen to each hour long sermon, so I will tell you one of the main things I've taken from it. Job didn't trust God. That was Job's sin. He didn't trust God - he misunderstood Him.
Job, you may ask, of all people? Well, who can blame him, after what he went through? Easy answer here, God can. God, his creator, who made him in His image - yes, He can be angry at Job's mistrust. And guess what? When we, you and I, can't trust in God, it makes Him mad - and rightly so. As fallen beings, we are quick to forget His blessings and focus on our sufferings; which in the end are just as temporal as anything else in this world.
I'm not going to go on much more about Job, I would rather leave it to the professionals. Check out these sermons when you have time, I promise you it will be worth it. Job's Trials, Job's Questions, Job's Friends, and Job's God. Also, I listened to a sermon yesterday, The Surprise - The Message of Ruth, another great sermon on trusting God's plans for you.
So, I've been hyper-aware lately. I have been paying attention to the struggle that other people go through. In believers and non-believers. In drug addicts and alcoholics and the painfully shy and just plain sad people (sometimes temporary, sometimes seemingly permanent), even in television show characters! And the effect of those struggles - sin. Now don't worry, I see it in myself, too. Everyone is affected; this is not mutually exclusive to one's faith (or lack thereof). Mistrust in God leads to struggle. And if you really want to break free of those chains, you must turn to Him.
Now, how am I putting this into action? Goooood question. I had a thought yesterday on the way home from work. When my imagination runs wild with possibility, and I suddenly dismiss it as never-going-to-happen-for-me, as I'm wont to do - I have to remind myself - with God all things are possible. Now does this give me free reign to fantasize about a dream life? It most certainly does not. But I have to be able to trust that God can give me a better life than I could ever dream of (which is an effective way to stop silly daydreaming). He gives me glimpses of it every once in awhile - which I think is His way of telling me 'all in good time.'
(thought of one my way home from work yesterday, written when I got home)
Quiet Time : Thank You
I have taken on the task of reading my Bible straight through, from beginning to end. I'm up to II Chronicles right now. I feel as though God wants me to do it in this way. And I know that people suggest reading it differently; but you see, I can't. I've tried. My dear friend Brooke suggested I read I Corinthians and when I tried ... it's almost like I'm being prodded - nope, back to the OT for you!
So I've decided to start sharing verses that jump out at me. Sometimes I will give an explanation, other times I will simply type in the verse. I plan on linking to the chapter that contains the verse, so that those who feel moved to can go read it in context.
Here we go...
II Chronicles 18:31
"... Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (emphasis mine)
Thank You.
So I've decided to start sharing verses that jump out at me. Sometimes I will give an explanation, other times I will simply type in the verse. I plan on linking to the chapter that contains the verse, so that those who feel moved to can go read it in context.
Here we go...
II Chronicles 18:31
"... Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (emphasis mine)
Thank You.
Monday, July 14, 2008
and you think You have problems (part 4 - final sermon)
Here is the fourth and final sermon in the series of Job from my church: Job's God - Job 38-42. Pastor Mark did a great job.
Also, here is an article written by Tony Snow, Cancer's Unexpected Blessings. In case you don't know who he is, Mr. Snow was a Fox News commentator, and was Press Secretary for President Bush. He passed away last Saturday of colon cancer. Mark quotes from this article in the sermon. I was fortunate to have met him twice - he spoke at a fundraiser put on by my boss, and I met him during a West Wing tour in his office. He was a great Christian man, and will be missed by many.
Oh yeah, and here are some notes I took during the sermon. I really hope you take the time to listen to the sermon from the link above.
*God displays Job's powerlessness.
*God mocked Job for "educational purposes," revealing something of His mystery and of His mercy.
*God is under obligation to no one - His goodness is His mercy.
*God speaks to Job BEFORE Job has repented of his sin. God took iniative while he was being opposed/slandered.
*We deserve wrath, He gives us love.
*Job's friends accused him of sin, but when he repents he is not confessing any sin imagined by them. He confessed the sin of misunderstanding God.
*"Closer knowledge of God brings us to fear God more and trust God more."
*Continual repentence marks the Christian life. We learn to mistrust our own self-protection.
*Job's friend's ONLY explanation for suffering was sin. A restricted notion of God. Thinking this way inhibits belief in the Gospel - Jesus was the only one, true innocent sufferer. Job is a great example of innocent suffering.
*Job based his trust not on why but on who. Not on specific events, but on God.
Mark goes on to preach about Job's restoration and has a GREAT conclusion. If you haven't been listening to the sermons I've been posting, I highly recommend you listen to this one! :)
Also, here is an article written by Tony Snow, Cancer's Unexpected Blessings. In case you don't know who he is, Mr. Snow was a Fox News commentator, and was Press Secretary for President Bush. He passed away last Saturday of colon cancer. Mark quotes from this article in the sermon. I was fortunate to have met him twice - he spoke at a fundraiser put on by my boss, and I met him during a West Wing tour in his office. He was a great Christian man, and will be missed by many.
Oh yeah, and here are some notes I took during the sermon. I really hope you take the time to listen to the sermon from the link above.
*God displays Job's powerlessness.
*God mocked Job for "educational purposes," revealing something of His mystery and of His mercy.
*God is under obligation to no one - His goodness is His mercy.
*God speaks to Job BEFORE Job has repented of his sin. God took iniative while he was being opposed/slandered.
*We deserve wrath, He gives us love.
*Job's friends accused him of sin, but when he repents he is not confessing any sin imagined by them. He confessed the sin of misunderstanding God.
*"Closer knowledge of God brings us to fear God more and trust God more."
*Continual repentence marks the Christian life. We learn to mistrust our own self-protection.
*Job's friend's ONLY explanation for suffering was sin. A restricted notion of God. Thinking this way inhibits belief in the Gospel - Jesus was the only one, true innocent sufferer. Job is a great example of innocent suffering.
*Job based his trust not on why but on who. Not on specific events, but on God.
Mark goes on to preach about Job's restoration and has a GREAT conclusion. If you haven't been listening to the sermons I've been posting, I highly recommend you listen to this one! :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
yet another follow up - Who am I?
Here comes another one: BANG! ZOOM!
Everyday Disciples, Mark 4:35-41
Check out the last paragraph, "Who am I Lord, to be chosen for this task?" Now, I'm not saying that I've been chosen for any particular task, but it helps to think of the writer's answer to this question when faced with what I am to do for others.
Everyday Disciples, Mark 4:35-41
Check out the last paragraph, "Who am I Lord, to be chosen for this task?" Now, I'm not saying that I've been chosen for any particular task, but it helps to think of the writer's answer to this question when faced with what I am to do for others.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
Morning and Evening, July 9 PM
Genesis 1:4
And God divided the light from the darkness.
A believer has two principles at work within him. In his natural estate he was subject to one principle only, which was darkness; now light has entered, and the two principles disagree. Mark the apostle Paul's words in the seventh chapter of Romans: "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members." How is this state of things occasioned? "The Lord divided the light from the darkness." Darkness, by itself, is quiet and undisturbed, but when the Lord sends in light, there is a conflict, for the one is in opposition to the other: a conflict which will never cease till the believer is altogether light in the Lord. If there be a division within the individual Christian, there is certain to be a division without. So soon as the Lord gives to any man light, he proceeds to separate himself from the darkness around; he secedes from a merely worldly religion of outward ceremonial, for nothing short of the gospel of Christ will now satisfy him, and he withdraws himself from worldly society and frivolous amusements, and seeks the company of the saints, for "We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." The light gathers to itself, and the darkness to itself. What God has divided, let us never try to unite, but as Christ went without the camp, bearing His reproach, so let us come out from the ungodly, and be a peculiar people. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners; and, as He was, so we are to be nonconformists to the world, dissenting from all sin, and distinguished from the rest of mankind by our likeness to our Master.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997.
Genesis 1:4
And God divided the light from the darkness.
A believer has two principles at work within him. In his natural estate he was subject to one principle only, which was darkness; now light has entered, and the two principles disagree. Mark the apostle Paul's words in the seventh chapter of Romans: "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members." How is this state of things occasioned? "The Lord divided the light from the darkness." Darkness, by itself, is quiet and undisturbed, but when the Lord sends in light, there is a conflict, for the one is in opposition to the other: a conflict which will never cease till the believer is altogether light in the Lord. If there be a division within the individual Christian, there is certain to be a division without. So soon as the Lord gives to any man light, he proceeds to separate himself from the darkness around; he secedes from a merely worldly religion of outward ceremonial, for nothing short of the gospel of Christ will now satisfy him, and he withdraws himself from worldly society and frivolous amusements, and seeks the company of the saints, for "We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." The light gathers to itself, and the darkness to itself. What God has divided, let us never try to unite, but as Christ went without the camp, bearing His reproach, so let us come out from the ungodly, and be a peculiar people. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners; and, as He was, so we are to be nonconformists to the world, dissenting from all sin, and distinguished from the rest of mankind by our likeness to our Master.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Follow up to yesterday - Who am I?
I just read a great article, thought I'd share it:
Why We're Here: The Call to Serve excerpt from So Close I Can Feel God's Breath, by Dr. Beverly Rose.
It really aids me in my questions from yesterday's post: why me, what about them, what is my role?
God is so good!
Why We're Here: The Call to Serve excerpt from So Close I Can Feel God's Breath, by Dr. Beverly Rose.
It really aids me in my questions from yesterday's post: why me, what about them, what is my role?
God is so good!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Who am I?
7.7.08 11:27 pm
Who am I?
II Chronicles 17:16-27 (prayer of David)
floating somewhere between being a sinner
and covered by grace.
why me?
what about them?
what is my role?
Teach me, show me, I AM YOURS.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"May the truth that saved you always be the dearest truth of your life."
C.J. Mahaney - A Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You've taken away my pain; that which I held on to tightly for so long.
You've given it back to me, to use as a tool.
I want to help.
I want to be useful.
I want to be a LIGHT.
And all I know to do is gaze upon the wonderous cross.
That is enough.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I've bought some t-shirts lately. Okay, let me back up.
I've been purging my closet of unnecessary clothes. Too tight, too old; what have you... I'm getting rid of a lot of stuff.
Also, I've bought new t-shirts - from To Write Love On Her Arms and You Are Loved. I also have my eye on one or two from Mercy Ministries.
You see, I want to HELP girls who are in desperate need. Girls who are blinded to their worth. I've been there before...and I want to help.
Gotta start somewhere, eh? So I've bought some t-shirts. I started volunteering for Young Lives DC at my church, right before their summer break (ah, just a little too late, will have to wait until the fall). Oh yeah, when I bought the You Are Loved t-shirt, I had an option to donate a percentage to different charities, Young Lives was one of them. Click here to check it out.
So... watching babies and buying t-shirts...* not sure where to go from here, but it's a start. The beginning of a journey, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Crush?
Yeah. I've got one. I feel ridiculous. Really, ridiculous. Feel as though God is showing me that YES! there are Christian men in this world that I can actually LIKE. Weird thing is ... I just don't see it happening...
I've prayed and prayed about this - asking God - "okay, so is this to show me Truth about you, and it could either end up good (he likes me, too!) or bad (he's like, no thanks!), but that with either outcome my faith is to rest solely on You."
Whoa. Pretty much sums up everything.
*************************************************
* Today (7.8.2008) I registered for the To Write Love On Her Arms Street Team. I'm pretty jazzed!
*************************************************
Who Am I (lyrics)
Who am I?
II Chronicles 17:16-27 (prayer of David)
floating somewhere between being a sinner
and covered by grace.
why me?
what about them?
what is my role?
Teach me, show me, I AM YOURS.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"May the truth that saved you always be the dearest truth of your life."
C.J. Mahaney - A Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You've taken away my pain; that which I held on to tightly for so long.
You've given it back to me, to use as a tool.
I want to help.
I want to be useful.
I want to be a LIGHT.
And all I know to do is gaze upon the wonderous cross.
That is enough.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I've bought some t-shirts lately. Okay, let me back up.
I've been purging my closet of unnecessary clothes. Too tight, too old; what have you... I'm getting rid of a lot of stuff.
Also, I've bought new t-shirts - from To Write Love On Her Arms and You Are Loved. I also have my eye on one or two from Mercy Ministries.
You see, I want to HELP girls who are in desperate need. Girls who are blinded to their worth. I've been there before...and I want to help.
Gotta start somewhere, eh? So I've bought some t-shirts. I started volunteering for Young Lives DC at my church, right before their summer break (ah, just a little too late, will have to wait until the fall). Oh yeah, when I bought the You Are Loved t-shirt, I had an option to donate a percentage to different charities, Young Lives was one of them. Click here to check it out.
So... watching babies and buying t-shirts...* not sure where to go from here, but it's a start. The beginning of a journey, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Crush?
Yeah. I've got one. I feel ridiculous. Really, ridiculous. Feel as though God is showing me that YES! there are Christian men in this world that I can actually LIKE. Weird thing is ... I just don't see it happening...
I've prayed and prayed about this - asking God - "okay, so is this to show me Truth about you, and it could either end up good (he likes me, too!) or bad (he's like, no thanks!), but that with either outcome my faith is to rest solely on You."
Whoa. Pretty much sums up everything.
*************************************************
* Today (7.8.2008) I registered for the To Write Love On Her Arms Street Team. I'm pretty jazzed!
*************************************************
Who Am I (lyrics)
and you think YOU have problems (parts 2 and 3)
Part 2: Job's Questions
Click here to listen.
Part 3: Job's Friends
Click here to listen.
Both so so good!
Click here to listen.
Part 3: Job's Friends
Click here to listen.
Both so so good!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Guarding My Heart
This is the right way to do it:
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life."
The wrong way? That would be the way I do it.
I have learned a big lesson lately. It's about fear of man. Whoa, sounds a little intimidating, doesn't it? FEAR OF MAN. But it's not just basic fear. It's not being scared of people. It is putting people above God. It is putting my fear of other's reactions above God's will. It is in every way not fearing the Lord as I should.
Fear of God. I think to a non-Christian that must sound like nonsense. Scare tactic. Uneducated masses of people who want an explanation for natural disasters, death, illness, any-bad-thing. But that is not the case. As I understand it, to fear the Lord it to know that His wrath is just. It's to know that I am a sinner, and that I deserve death; total separation from Him and His Love. It is the realization that as a Christian, a believer in the Gospel, I in no way deserve God's Grace, but HE GIVES IT TO ME ANYWAY. Fear of God is healthy. It is not being scared all of the time. It is a reverential treatment of Him; of His Power, Glory, and Grace. Respecting what He has done, is doing, and will be doing for me. Daily and always.
Just thought I'd attempt to clear that up.
So, back to fear of man, and guarding my heart in the wrong way. My preacher is half way done with a 4 part series on Job. In the first sermon, he said two things that struck me.
1. Do you try to live your life to avoid suffering?
2. Fear of man is a waste of time and an insult to God.
These two statements really narrowed in on something specific I have been battling with for years, and have recently been working on - seeking counsel on - praying about earnestly. Relationships... with men. I have come to realize in the past few months that I just don't trust men. I think that all men are the same, and that there aren't any out there that can see past the exterior; and the one's that are out there - the good ones - wouldn't want anything to do with me.
Now, there are things in my past - relationship, etc., where one might think, "well, I don't blame you for being afraid of being hurt." Actually, people have told me that same thing. The thing is, if I am trusting God, really trusting in His Sovereignty, then I have nothing to fear. Not one thing. Even if it is obvious that something bad will happen to me, I have no room for fear. That is how Christians are called to live.
So, thank God! I have a new mindset when it comes to men and marriage. There will be someone for me if God wills it. Everything is possible with God - even there being a man out there who can deal with my insecurities, my weirdness, my past, my mind, my heart. It is possible, and if I keep trying to guard my heart in the wrong way - I may just miss out one what He has in store for me.
Lessons learned my friends, lessons learned.
CHECK OUT THIS COMMENTARY Scroll down to B - God describes His dealing with His disobedient people.
Isaiah 57:10-12 (NIV)
10 You were wearied by all your ways,
but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.'
You found renewal of your strength,
and so you did not faint.
11 "Whom have you so dreaded and feared
that you have been false to me,
and have neither remembered me
nor pondered this in your hearts?
Is it not because I have long been silent
that you do not fear me?
12 I will expose your righteousness and your works,
and they will not benefit you.
Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Exodus 20:20 (NIV)
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Psalm 89:7 (NIV)
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.
CHECK OUT THIS BOOK, WE’RE READING IT IN SMALL GROUP
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life."
The wrong way? That would be the way I do it.
I have learned a big lesson lately. It's about fear of man. Whoa, sounds a little intimidating, doesn't it? FEAR OF MAN. But it's not just basic fear. It's not being scared of people. It is putting people above God. It is putting my fear of other's reactions above God's will. It is in every way not fearing the Lord as I should.
Fear of God. I think to a non-Christian that must sound like nonsense. Scare tactic. Uneducated masses of people who want an explanation for natural disasters, death, illness, any-bad-thing. But that is not the case. As I understand it, to fear the Lord it to know that His wrath is just. It's to know that I am a sinner, and that I deserve death; total separation from Him and His Love. It is the realization that as a Christian, a believer in the Gospel, I in no way deserve God's Grace, but HE GIVES IT TO ME ANYWAY. Fear of God is healthy. It is not being scared all of the time. It is a reverential treatment of Him; of His Power, Glory, and Grace. Respecting what He has done, is doing, and will be doing for me. Daily and always.
Just thought I'd attempt to clear that up.
So, back to fear of man, and guarding my heart in the wrong way. My preacher is half way done with a 4 part series on Job. In the first sermon, he said two things that struck me.
1. Do you try to live your life to avoid suffering?
2. Fear of man is a waste of time and an insult to God.
These two statements really narrowed in on something specific I have been battling with for years, and have recently been working on - seeking counsel on - praying about earnestly. Relationships... with men. I have come to realize in the past few months that I just don't trust men. I think that all men are the same, and that there aren't any out there that can see past the exterior; and the one's that are out there - the good ones - wouldn't want anything to do with me.
Now, there are things in my past - relationship, etc., where one might think, "well, I don't blame you for being afraid of being hurt." Actually, people have told me that same thing. The thing is, if I am trusting God, really trusting in His Sovereignty, then I have nothing to fear. Not one thing. Even if it is obvious that something bad will happen to me, I have no room for fear. That is how Christians are called to live.
So, thank God! I have a new mindset when it comes to men and marriage. There will be someone for me if God wills it. Everything is possible with God - even there being a man out there who can deal with my insecurities, my weirdness, my past, my mind, my heart. It is possible, and if I keep trying to guard my heart in the wrong way - I may just miss out one what He has in store for me.
Lessons learned my friends, lessons learned.
CHECK OUT THIS COMMENTARY Scroll down to B - God describes His dealing with His disobedient people.
Isaiah 57:10-12 (NIV)
10 You were wearied by all your ways,
but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.'
You found renewal of your strength,
and so you did not faint.
11 "Whom have you so dreaded and feared
that you have been false to me,
and have neither remembered me
nor pondered this in your hearts?
Is it not because I have long been silent
that you do not fear me?
12 I will expose your righteousness and your works,
and they will not benefit you.
Psalm 2:11 (NIV)
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Exodus 20:20 (NIV)
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Psalm 89:7 (NIV)
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.
CHECK OUT THIS BOOK, WE’RE READING IT IN SMALL GROUP
Friday, June 27, 2008
light and dark and flipping the switch
Darkness. Complete and utter blindness. Panic.
I had a memory this morning as I was walking to work. I think it was my sophmore year of college, and I was taking philosophy. Not by choice, mind you; it was required*. It was an interesting class to say the least. It was taught by a graduate student, it was the first class he ever taught. It felt like he was given full reign. There wasn't much teaching of the great philosphers of the past; no sequential history - I'm still not sure what the point of the class was.
It always ended up being discussions about whether or not God exists; with three students taking the lead. One was an atheist, one was a self-professed warlock, and one was a guy who knew the Bible back and forth. Notice I didn't identify him as a Christian; he didn't claim to be one.
Anyway, it would be this rousing (not in a good way) discussion of God every class period. Every time I would try to interject, I would be shot right down. This was the first time in my life that I had heard people denouncing God. It was a very odd spot for me to be in; it just wasn't something I was ever prepared for.
It was something hard for me to grasp. I had never been around people who believed this way (or at least so loudly claimed to). I just couldn't begin to understand how someone couldn't believe in God. I had believed in Him my whole life (and I know that belief in God doesn't make you a Christian). I had never even questioned that He couldn't ... EXIST.
So I undertook an interesting project - disclaimer: I don't recommend this to ANYONE. I tried to feel what it would be like to not believe in God. I can't recall how exactly I did this, but I remember thinking "how would it feel to BE and not believe in God." I tried to imagine reaching out to God (as I was so incredibly comfortable doing), and Him not being there. Do you want to know the result? It was total and utter darkness. That is all I felt. Darkness.
I quickly scrambled my way back to Light, I remember praying "God, that was AWFUL. How can anyone live that way?"
Well, lo these many years later, I had a sort of epiphany. Millions and billions of people live that way every.single.day. People live their whole lives that way. And yes, I have always known that there are people who don't believe in God. I know that there are people that do believe in Him, but not His Son; not the Gospel, just that He simply exists (or just may exist). I have been taught this all before. But as I said; this morning, I saw these things in a different way.
Anyway, back to the darkness. I started thinking of specific people, and how they react to things (life can be a great teacher; mine and others). How their desperate scramblings only lead them to more darkness, more stumbling. How their utter blindness causes them to hit so many obstacles, and how they don't know any other way. It's like the light switch is right in front of them, but they have no way of knowing that it is there. There are others who do know where the switch is, but refuse to flip it - refuse the help - feel as though self-sufficiency is much better than total Lightness. These people just can't trust in a Savior...
Part of me wants to just shake them. "Just turn away from yourself! You have no idea what peace this will give you! Reach out and FLIP THE SWITCH! Total love and mercy awaits you! The Ultimate Gift from God - that is Grace - will Change You for the Better, Forever!" But I also know that it is God who gives this feeling to people. It is God who gives this intense desire to know Him. It is only God. No amount of shaking I could do would help.
So what can I do?
+I can pray for them.
+I can LOVE them.
+I can let my light shine (*sings* this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine *sings*).
+I can share the Gospel with them.
+I can look at them as totally lost, and undergoing a great battle. (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria)
+I can be aware of the struggle they are going through; and not just dismiss it as mere folly. I just can't imagine it being intentional.
+I can stop seeing myself as helpless in this, and start knowing that I can make a difference.
+I can break out of my comfy bubble.
+I can pray for help - for God to lead me in this endeavor.
+I CAN do all of these listed above, but only through the Grace of God.
1 John 1 (NIV)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4We write this to make our joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
II Samuel 22:28-30 (NIV)
28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
Job 24:12-14 (NIV)
12 The groans of the dying rise from the city,
and the souls of the wounded cry out for help.
But God charges no one with wrongdoing.
13 "There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
14 When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up
and kills the poor and needy;
in the night he steals forth like a thief.
Psalm 119: 104-106 (NIV)
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 (NIV)
Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless
12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?
13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.
14 The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.
Matthew 5:14-17 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
*Oh yeah, I didn't stay in the class very long. I dropped it and took philosophy the next year, from the professor that everyone wanted to take it from. I learned a lot about philosphers of every age, how their teachings changed the ways of thought throughout history ... interesting things, and good to know.
I had a memory this morning as I was walking to work. I think it was my sophmore year of college, and I was taking philosophy. Not by choice, mind you; it was required*. It was an interesting class to say the least. It was taught by a graduate student, it was the first class he ever taught. It felt like he was given full reign. There wasn't much teaching of the great philosphers of the past; no sequential history - I'm still not sure what the point of the class was.
It always ended up being discussions about whether or not God exists; with three students taking the lead. One was an atheist, one was a self-professed warlock, and one was a guy who knew the Bible back and forth. Notice I didn't identify him as a Christian; he didn't claim to be one.
Anyway, it would be this rousing (not in a good way) discussion of God every class period. Every time I would try to interject, I would be shot right down. This was the first time in my life that I had heard people denouncing God. It was a very odd spot for me to be in; it just wasn't something I was ever prepared for.
It was something hard for me to grasp. I had never been around people who believed this way (or at least so loudly claimed to). I just couldn't begin to understand how someone couldn't believe in God. I had believed in Him my whole life (and I know that belief in God doesn't make you a Christian). I had never even questioned that He couldn't ... EXIST.
So I undertook an interesting project - disclaimer: I don't recommend this to ANYONE. I tried to feel what it would be like to not believe in God. I can't recall how exactly I did this, but I remember thinking "how would it feel to BE and not believe in God." I tried to imagine reaching out to God (as I was so incredibly comfortable doing), and Him not being there. Do you want to know the result? It was total and utter darkness. That is all I felt. Darkness.
I quickly scrambled my way back to Light, I remember praying "God, that was AWFUL. How can anyone live that way?"
Well, lo these many years later, I had a sort of epiphany. Millions and billions of people live that way every.single.day. People live their whole lives that way. And yes, I have always known that there are people who don't believe in God. I know that there are people that do believe in Him, but not His Son; not the Gospel, just that He simply exists (or just may exist). I have been taught this all before. But as I said; this morning, I saw these things in a different way.
Anyway, back to the darkness. I started thinking of specific people, and how they react to things (life can be a great teacher; mine and others). How their desperate scramblings only lead them to more darkness, more stumbling. How their utter blindness causes them to hit so many obstacles, and how they don't know any other way. It's like the light switch is right in front of them, but they have no way of knowing that it is there. There are others who do know where the switch is, but refuse to flip it - refuse the help - feel as though self-sufficiency is much better than total Lightness. These people just can't trust in a Savior...
Part of me wants to just shake them. "Just turn away from yourself! You have no idea what peace this will give you! Reach out and FLIP THE SWITCH! Total love and mercy awaits you! The Ultimate Gift from God - that is Grace - will Change You for the Better, Forever!" But I also know that it is God who gives this feeling to people. It is God who gives this intense desire to know Him. It is only God. No amount of shaking I could do would help.
So what can I do?
+I can pray for them.
+I can LOVE them.
+I can let my light shine (*sings* this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine *sings*).
+I can share the Gospel with them.
+I can look at them as totally lost, and undergoing a great battle. (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria)
+I can be aware of the struggle they are going through; and not just dismiss it as mere folly. I just can't imagine it being intentional.
+I can stop seeing myself as helpless in this, and start knowing that I can make a difference.
+I can break out of my comfy bubble.
+I can pray for help - for God to lead me in this endeavor.
+I CAN do all of these listed above, but only through the Grace of God.
1 John 1 (NIV)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4We write this to make our joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
II Samuel 22:28-30 (NIV)
28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
Job 24:12-14 (NIV)
12 The groans of the dying rise from the city,
and the souls of the wounded cry out for help.
But God charges no one with wrongdoing.
13 "There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
14 When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up
and kills the poor and needy;
in the night he steals forth like a thief.
Psalm 119: 104-106 (NIV)
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 (NIV)
Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless
12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?
13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.
14 The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.
Matthew 5:14-17 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
*Oh yeah, I didn't stay in the class very long. I dropped it and took philosophy the next year, from the professor that everyone wanted to take it from. I learned a lot about philosphers of every age, how their teachings changed the ways of thought throughout history ... interesting things, and good to know.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
2HIM IO
The title of this post comes from a license plate I saw on the way to work this morning. So cool!
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I love my big brother! :)
Especially when he is so transparent, and shares what he's going through with his ministry on his blog:
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
Monday, June 23, 2008
and you think YOU have problems (part 1)
My pastor began a 4 part sermon series on Job yesterday. I highly recommend taking a listen:
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Friday, June 20, 2008
be still
be still
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
beautiful reminder
Genesis 9:13-17 (NIV)
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
Double rainbow as seen from my street yesterday afternoon after work. Beautiful.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I feel like singing more...
These are the lyrics to the song that I tried out for high school ensemble. I remember being extremely nervous, trying out in front of about 15 girls! There were only two openings, and thankfully they chose me. I had such a great time, 3 years of singing - mostly in churches, praising God... I really feel that God used that fellowship as a way to guard my heart...
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Solace and Tumbling
I had a dream last night. It was scary at first. It was night, on a beach, with only the moonlight to give me sight. I was in the midst of slashing, pounding waves. I couldn't escape. When I made progress away from the dangerous water, I kept being pulled back. I was working toward a house. My new Christian friends were there. They were calling to me. Not in a panicked way. But in an encouraging way. 'You're okay! Just make your way back.' They were laughing and playing, and calling me to them. I was scared, but I felt loved.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Monday, June 09, 2008
(this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
June 7, 2008 - really:late pm/am
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
June 7, Evening Devotional
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
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/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"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/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"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
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