Darkness. Complete and utter blindness. Panic.
I had a memory this morning as I was walking to work. I think it was my sophmore year of college, and I was taking philosophy. Not by choice, mind you; it was required*. It was an interesting class to say the least. It was taught by a graduate student, it was the first class he ever taught. It felt like he was given full reign. There wasn't much teaching of the great philosphers of the past; no sequential history - I'm still not sure what the point of the class was.
It always ended up being discussions about whether or not God exists; with three students taking the lead. One was an atheist, one was a self-professed warlock, and one was a guy who knew the Bible back and forth. Notice I didn't identify him as a Christian; he didn't claim to be one.
Anyway, it would be this rousing (not in a good way) discussion of God every class period. Every time I would try to interject, I would be shot right down. This was the first time in my life that I had heard people denouncing God. It was a very odd spot for me to be in; it just wasn't something I was ever prepared for.
It was something hard for me to grasp. I had never been around people who believed this way (or at least so loudly claimed to). I just couldn't begin to understand how someone couldn't believe in God. I had believed in Him my whole life (and I know that belief in God doesn't make you a Christian). I had never even questioned that He couldn't ... EXIST.
So I undertook an interesting project - disclaimer: I don't recommend this to ANYONE. I tried to feel what it would be like to not believe in God. I can't recall how exactly I did this, but I remember thinking "how would it feel to BE and not believe in God." I tried to imagine reaching out to God (as I was so incredibly comfortable doing), and Him not being there. Do you want to know the result? It was total and utter darkness. That is all I felt. Darkness.
I quickly scrambled my way back to Light, I remember praying "God, that was AWFUL. How can anyone live that way?"
Well, lo these many years later, I had a sort of epiphany. Millions and billions of people live that way every.single.day. People live their whole lives that way. And yes, I have always known that there are people who don't believe in God. I know that there are people that do believe in Him, but not His Son; not the Gospel, just that He simply exists (or just may exist). I have been taught this all before. But as I said; this morning, I saw these things in a different way.
Anyway, back to the darkness. I started thinking of specific people, and how they react to things (life can be a great teacher; mine and others). How their desperate scramblings only lead them to more darkness, more stumbling. How their utter blindness causes them to hit so many obstacles, and how they don't know any other way. It's like the light switch is right in front of them, but they have no way of knowing that it is there. There are others who do know where the switch is, but refuse to flip it - refuse the help - feel as though self-sufficiency is much better than total Lightness. These people just can't trust in a Savior...
Part of me wants to just shake them. "Just turn away from yourself! You have no idea what peace this will give you! Reach out and FLIP THE SWITCH! Total love and mercy awaits you! The Ultimate Gift from God - that is Grace - will Change You for the Better, Forever!" But I also know that it is God who gives this feeling to people. It is God who gives this intense desire to know Him. It is only God. No amount of shaking I could do would help.
So what can I do?
+I can pray for them.
+I can LOVE them.
+I can let my light shine (*sings* this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine *sings*).
+I can share the Gospel with them.
+I can look at them as totally lost, and undergoing a great battle. (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria)
+I can be aware of the struggle they are going through; and not just dismiss it as mere folly. I just can't imagine it being intentional.
+I can stop seeing myself as helpless in this, and start knowing that I can make a difference.
+I can break out of my comfy bubble.
+I can pray for help - for God to lead me in this endeavor.
+I CAN do all of these listed above, but only through the Grace of God.
1 John 1 (NIV)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4We write this to make our joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
II Samuel 22:28-30 (NIV)
28 You save the humble,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.
29 You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
30 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
Job 24:12-14 (NIV)
12 The groans of the dying rise from the city,
and the souls of the wounded cry out for help.
But God charges no one with wrongdoing.
13 "There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
14 When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up
and kills the poor and needy;
in the night he steals forth like a thief.
Psalm 119: 104-106 (NIV)
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 (NIV)
Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless
12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?
13 I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.
14 The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.
Matthew 5:14-17 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
*Oh yeah, I didn't stay in the class very long. I dropped it and took philosophy the next year, from the professor that everyone wanted to take it from. I learned a lot about philosphers of every age, how their teachings changed the ways of thought throughout history ... interesting things, and good to know.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
2HIM IO
The title of this post comes from a license plate I saw on the way to work this morning. So cool!
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Choice
"The only real choice I want is to be able to listen to God." I wrote this down Saturday night. I had just had a glimpse of my uncertainty, and wanting to be able to control my world. Then by God's grace, it was all simplified into those 14 words.
And as luck would have it, the very next morning I attended a Core Seminar (or what most folks call Sunday School) on Guidance at my church.
Here is some scripture to ponder:
Romans 8:13-14
13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, in short (and to paraphase my statement above), my only choice is to follow God - I must do His will. And how do I know His will? I read His word, the Bible; and live accordingly. If you aren't a Christian, then you have no idea how much this does for you; how well it is with your soul...
HAVE A JOYOUS DAY!!! :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I love my big brother! :)
Especially when he is so transparent, and shares what he's going through with his ministry on his blog:
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
http://gwberry.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pride-and-the-fall/#comment-15
(I know I've been lazy with my links and html, will try to get better! :) )
Monday, June 23, 2008
and you think YOU have problems (part 1)
My pastor began a 4 part sermon series on Job yesterday. I highly recommend taking a listen:
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Mark Dever - Losing Everything: Job's Trials – Job:1 & 2
http://www.chbcaudio.org/2008/06/22/jobs-trials-job-1-2/
(if you want, I can send you a sermon summary)
Some notes I took during the sermon:
Does prosperity spurn you to honor God more? Any prosperity should lead us to God; not away. Be careful with prosperity.
The manner in which Satan speaks with God is very disrespectful. He is insolent, but is in no way in charge of the conversation. God begins and ends every conversation with Satan. God is sovereign.
Being cynical is the opposite of faith. 'To the cynical, believing the obvious is always naive.' Imagined superiority.
Satan see's God's blessing for Job as bribes.
God had to give Satan permission to 'try' Job. He is sovereign.
God is sufficient - Job's trials are so great to show us our's do not compare. Job is a picture of great faithfulness.
Satan is unable to destroy God, so he wants to/thinks he can destroy what God loves.
We are to disprove Satan's slander against God - God intends to use us for this purpose, with His power and Spirit.
Job's faith doesn't relieve his agony, it causes it. It is hard to believe that his Father would allow this, and yet he doesn't lose faith. God is using trials for good.
Job's response to trials: worship God, said 'Lord giveth and Lord taketh away.'
Job's awareness of God's sovereignty is shown through his faithfulness.
Trust like this does not come by nature; but by Grace. Only God can give this to you.
Self-pity is pride in response to trial (I am paraphrasing Mark who was quoting John Piper). On the flip side, boastfulness is pride in response to prosperity.
God had His own reasons to allow trials in Job's life; apart from Job's character. This was not to punish Job in any way, but a part of God's greater, plan. To use to His glory.
God knew that Job's faith was so great that he could be pushed to the limit.
(now this really hit me in the sermon) DO YOU TRY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO AVOID SUFFERING?
Does it make it easier to think of suffering when in the end, God's purpose is for your good and His glory?
(then I wrote) God is speaking to me, and I am listening.
When Job's wife tells him to curse God (she echos Satan in this), Job denied her response (this is after he was struck with sores all over his body, and was severely disfigured).
When his friends came to visit, they couldn't recognize him. They sat with him, 'sympathy of presence and respect of silence.'
Job's story is a great example spiritual warfare.
Fear of man is a waste of time and insult to God.
Conclude - God is not on trial; we are. Is your faith in God or in circumstances? We should worship regardless of circumstance. Suffering clarifies:
James 1:2-5 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So so good. This is the rest of the series:
Part 2 will be on Job's Question.
Part 3 will be on Job's Friends.
Part 4 will be on Job's God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And of course, the very first devotional I read (by e-mail, this isn't counting Spurgeon... but I should give a link to that, too!) was about 'In Times of Trouble.'
The Life: In Times of Trouble
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/06/23/in-times-of-trouble-3/comments
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More great links/reads for today:
The Berean: John 11:3-5 – Trust
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/4744/John-11-3-5
Of First Importance: The Sanctifying Influence of Christ's Love
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/22/the-sanctifying-influence-of-christs-love/
Of First Importance: The Inexhaustible Gospel (C.J. Mahaney)
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/23/the-inexhaustible-gospel/
The Berean: Matthew 25:1-13 – 'preparedness through vision and foresight.'
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/210/Matthew-25-1-13
Of First Importance: Salvation & Sanctification by Grace
http://firstimportance.org/2008/06/21/salvation-sanctification-by-grace/
C.H. Spurgeon: Mornings and Evenings - June 23, morning
Hosea 7:8 - Ephraim is a cake not turned. http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/551356/
Friday, June 20, 2008
be still
be still
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I have spent so much of my life not trusting God with my 'career' path (or lack thereof). By God's Grace, I am so content now!
Content with my job. Not worried about what to do next, or how I can make more money. I realize that the job I have is a great blessing from God, and He is giving me yet another opportunity to be still and know... that He is God.
Peace,
Mandi
Psalm 46 (KJV)
A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Peace
by Jennifer Knapp (singer/songwriter)
He is my Light and my Salvation
Whom have I to fear
In His secret place I'll hide and pray
That I might hear a simple word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
And when my enemies draw near
I pray that they will find
That I'm protected and secure
All tempests He will bind with a mighty word
O, how I would have despaired
If You had not come found me there
I can lean against You throne and find my Peace
Find my Peace
He is my Light and my Salvation whom have I to fear?
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Addedum: 6/23/2008: Oops, meant to add this Psalm! Not sure how I forgot...
Psalm 27 (NIV)
Of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
beautiful reminder
Genesis 9:13-17 (NIV)
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
Double rainbow as seen from my street yesterday afternoon after work. Beautiful.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I feel like singing more...
These are the lyrics to the song that I tried out for high school ensemble. I remember being extremely nervous, trying out in front of about 15 girls! There were only two openings, and thankfully they chose me. I had such a great time, 3 years of singing - mostly in churches, praising God... I really feel that God used that fellowship as a way to guard my heart...
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Open Arms
Words & Music by Bruce Hibbard,
Amy Grant, and Gary Chapman
Sung by Amy Grant
Guess I've got a lot
of learning to do
About the way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Only yesterday the
thought came the to me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those
questions come from.
Soon as I learn, I'll
chase them away.
'Cause I've had a
taste of tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws me into Your
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open,
Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your
open...(open arms).
I know, I know, I know,
And I can't fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to;
They wrap love around me;
I'll rest in Your open
arms (open arms).
I feel like singing more...
II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Solace and Tumbling
I had a dream last night. It was scary at first. It was night, on a beach, with only the moonlight to give me sight. I was in the midst of slashing, pounding waves. I couldn't escape. When I made progress away from the dangerous water, I kept being pulled back. I was working toward a house. My new Christian friends were there. They were calling to me. Not in a panicked way. But in an encouraging way. 'You're okay! Just make your way back.' They were laughing and playing, and calling me to them. I was scared, but I felt loved.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
This is what the church does for me. This is what a church family means. This is why God calls us to be part of a church. This is evidenced in the Cross. This is in every way the solace that God in His Grace gives us. This is LOVE.
John 17:21-23 (NIV)
21 That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Coolest - thing - ever! Many many mornings lately, I've been waking up with 'In Christ Alone' in my head:
"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck* me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
*John 10:28 (NIV) (asterick added by me)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
8 June 2008
(prayer of praise)
Thank You for everything. You are my Everything, so thank You for You.
Romans 11:36 (NIV)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9 June 2008
Every day is new. Rejoice in this. Most of my life, I've complained of boredom. Nothing new going on in my life. But when I think about it, sameness is a form of stability. So why complain of boredom and no change, when it is, in a way, a form of stability? And what I claim to want most is stability! New perspectives...
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
11 June 2008
God is moving forcefully in my life. It actually feels as though He's moving mountains inside of me. It is an actual tumble; re-arranging of my heart, my gut. I am blessed.
Psalm 95 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me,
though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways."
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
13 June 2008
TRUST
God is giving me chances to listen to Him more and more. By His amazing Grace, I am learning learning learning about His character.
Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Monday, June 09, 2008
(this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
June 7, 2008 - really:late pm/am
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I feel like I'm selfish with me, with my time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE ONE
How can I help?
(looking to the cross)
But, how can I help?
(turning aside from the cross)
No really, how can I help?
(turning away from the cross, and to self)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
How can I glorify God?
(looking to the cross)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My job isn't to judge you, it is to love you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Selfishness, it can be said, is the human condition. It doesn't have to be. CHANGE YOUR LIFE! (this is me, but it doesn't have to be)
Addedum 06/13/2008: What I mean by 'change your life' is to allow God in. Change your life around so that He can CHANGE YOU. Only His Grace can change your life in the way that is needed and is His Will.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why does, 'so-and-so has everything, and I have nothing,' go through my mind as I go to my house, my job, loving family, incredible church; in my healthy body to walk run play...?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T-shirt on metro:
'Not only am I perfect, but I'm black, too.'
Wow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SENSE O'HUMOR
Eating at a sushi restaurant alone - they are silently playing 'Soul Train' on the big-screen tv:
'Why isn't there anyone to share this moment with? With God? ( He is sufficent ) Surely He finds humor in 70s/80s dancing, fashion road kill. Think He would be too busy... is it possible He can feel/experience/BE every emotion at once? All encompassed in One Being?'
Then Britney Spears "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" comes on. Priceless.
OVER-THINKING THE UNNECESSARY, AS USUAL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GROWING PAINS
Even the most painful of contortions can result in true beauty.
Kinda like yoga.
Everything like you and me.
Learn it from Him.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIND-THEMES: TAKE TWO
How can I help?
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Better question:
How can I glorify God?
Look to the cross in ALL of your questioning. Big and small.
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
June 7, Evening Devotional
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Be zealous. Revelation 3:19
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Saviour, and His throne lifted high, then be filled with zeal. For, under God, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places, but zeal must lead the van. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the extent of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: it draws its vital force from the continued operations of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life dwindles, if our heart beats slowly before God, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will done on earth, even as it is in heaven. A deep sense of gratitude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking to the hole of the pit whence we were digged, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for God. And zeal is also stimulated by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes down to the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber: it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven, and it cannot but bestir itself. It feels that time is short compared with the work to be done, and therefore it devotes all that it has to the cause of its Lord. And it is ever strengthened by the remembrance of Christ's example. He was clothed with zeal as with a cloak. How swift the chariot-wheels of duty went with Him! He knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove that we are His disciples by manifesting the same spirit of zeal.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"With this all things are possible."
So I finished reading 'The Four Loves,' by C.S. Lewis. As usual, I loved it! And he always seems to leave the best for last... Here are some quotes from the last chapter, 'Charity.'
"In words which can still bring tears to the eyes, St. Augustine describes the desolation into which the death of his friend Nebridius plunged him in (Confessions IV, 10). Then he draws a moral. This is what comes, he says, of giving one's heart to anything but God. All human beings pass away. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away."
"The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell."
"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. He creates the universe, already foreseeing - or should we say 'seeing"? there are no tenses in God - the buzzing clouds of flies about the cross, the flayed back pressed against the uneven stake, the nails driven through the mesial nerves, the repeated incipient suffocation as the body droops, the repeated torture of back and arms as it is time after time, for breath's sake, hitched up. If I may dare the biological image, God is a "host" who deliberately creates His own parasites; causes us to be that we may exploit and "take advantage" of Him. Herein is love. This is the diagram of Love Himself, the inventor of all loves."
"For all the time this illusion to which nature clings as her last treasure, this pretence that we have anything of our own or could for one hour retain by our own strength any goodness that God may pour into us, has kept us from being happy. We have been like bathers who want to keep their feet - or one foot - or one toe - on the bottom, when to lose that foothold would be to surrender themselves to a glorious tumble in the surf. The consequences of parting with our last claim to intrinsic freedom, power, or worth, are real freedom, power and worth, really ours just because God gives them and because we know them to be (in another sense) not 'ours.'"
"We are all receiving Charity. There is something in each of us that cannot be naturally loved. Only the lovable can be naturally loved. You might as well ask people to like the taste of rotten bread or the sound of a mechanical drill. We can be forgiven, and pitied, and loved in spite of it, with Charity; no other way. All who have good parents, wives, husbands, or children, may be sure that at some times - and perhaps at all times in respect of some one particular trait or habit - they are receiving Charity, are loved not because they are lovable but because Love Himself is in those who love them."
"All that was true love in them was, even on earth, far more His than ours, and ours only because His. In Heaven there will be no anguish and no duty of turning away from our earthly Beloveds. First, because we shall have turned already; from the portraits to the Original, from the rivulets to the Fountain, from the creatures He made lovable to Love Himself. But secondly, because we shall find them all in Him. By loving Him more than them we shall love them more than we now do."
""Is it easy to love God?" asks an old author. "It is easy," he replies, "to those who do it." I have included two Graces under the word Charity. But God can give a third. He can awake in a man, towards Himself, a supernatural Appreciative love. This is of all gifts the most to be desired. Here, not in our natural loves, nor even in ethics, lies the true centre of all human and angelic life. With this all things are possible."
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, Harvest Books, 1988.
"In words which can still bring tears to the eyes, St. Augustine describes the desolation into which the death of his friend Nebridius plunged him in (Confessions IV, 10). Then he draws a moral. This is what comes, he says, of giving one's heart to anything but God. All human beings pass away. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away."
"The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell."
"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. He creates the universe, already foreseeing - or should we say 'seeing"? there are no tenses in God - the buzzing clouds of flies about the cross, the flayed back pressed against the uneven stake, the nails driven through the mesial nerves, the repeated incipient suffocation as the body droops, the repeated torture of back and arms as it is time after time, for breath's sake, hitched up. If I may dare the biological image, God is a "host" who deliberately creates His own parasites; causes us to be that we may exploit and "take advantage" of Him. Herein is love. This is the diagram of Love Himself, the inventor of all loves."
"For all the time this illusion to which nature clings as her last treasure, this pretence that we have anything of our own or could for one hour retain by our own strength any goodness that God may pour into us, has kept us from being happy. We have been like bathers who want to keep their feet - or one foot - or one toe - on the bottom, when to lose that foothold would be to surrender themselves to a glorious tumble in the surf. The consequences of parting with our last claim to intrinsic freedom, power, or worth, are real freedom, power and worth, really ours just because God gives them and because we know them to be (in another sense) not 'ours.'"
"We are all receiving Charity. There is something in each of us that cannot be naturally loved. Only the lovable can be naturally loved. You might as well ask people to like the taste of rotten bread or the sound of a mechanical drill. We can be forgiven, and pitied, and loved in spite of it, with Charity; no other way. All who have good parents, wives, husbands, or children, may be sure that at some times - and perhaps at all times in respect of some one particular trait or habit - they are receiving Charity, are loved not because they are lovable but because Love Himself is in those who love them."
"All that was true love in them was, even on earth, far more His than ours, and ours only because His. In Heaven there will be no anguish and no duty of turning away from our earthly Beloveds. First, because we shall have turned already; from the portraits to the Original, from the rivulets to the Fountain, from the creatures He made lovable to Love Himself. But secondly, because we shall find them all in Him. By loving Him more than them we shall love them more than we now do."
""Is it easy to love God?" asks an old author. "It is easy," he replies, "to those who do it." I have included two Graces under the word Charity. But God can give a third. He can awake in a man, towards Himself, a supernatural Appreciative love. This is of all gifts the most to be desired. Here, not in our natural loves, nor even in ethics, lies the true centre of all human and angelic life. With this all things are possible."
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves, Harvest Books, 1988.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Daily Dose of Spurgeon
May 11, Evening Devotional
"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7
Our God's tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some regard it as a small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God doesn't think so. From this text it is plain that our Master doesn't want us to be entangled with fears. He wants us to be without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice. Our Master doesn't think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are hopeless we are subject to a grievous malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Our Lord doesn't love to see our countenance sad. It was a law of Xerxes that no one should come into the king's court dressed in mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still He wants us to put off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise, for there is so much reason to rejoice. The Christian ought to be of a courageous spirit in order to glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If you are fearful and fainthearted, you will dishonor your God. Besides, what a bad example it is. This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads among the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will be too much for you. Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, work is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness. Those who toil, rejoicing in their God, believing with all their hearts, has success guaranteed. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, "be strong and very courageous."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
For any of you readers who enjoy these devotionals, I just found them on-line! They have them on Christianity.com, you can sign up for daily e-mails: http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/
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"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms.
"Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7
Our God's tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some regard it as a small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God doesn't think so. From this text it is plain that our Master doesn't want us to be entangled with fears. He wants us to be without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice. Our Master doesn't think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are hopeless we are subject to a grievous malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Our Lord doesn't love to see our countenance sad. It was a law of Xerxes that no one should come into the king's court dressed in mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still He wants us to put off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise, for there is so much reason to rejoice. The Christian ought to be of a courageous spirit in order to glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If you are fearful and fainthearted, you will dishonor your God. Besides, what a bad example it is. This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads among the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will be too much for you. Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, work is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness. Those who toil, rejoicing in their God, believing with all their hearts, has success guaranteed. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, "be strong and very courageous."
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
For any of you readers who enjoy these devotionals, I just found them on-line! They have them on Christianity.com, you can sign up for daily e-mails: http://christianity.com/devotionals/morningandevening/
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"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Links to great reads...
I've been saving these up to include in my next post, but this list is getting long! And I just can't get my next one written, it's on forgiveness... maybe that's why... who knows?!
So, thought I'd share these:
Encouragement for Today, GREAT Prayer:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/05/01/jehovah-saboath/#comments
Every Day Light, Strangers and Pilgrims http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546676/
Christianity.com, Endless Love: http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11574279/
Encouragement for Today, Going Through Trouble: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/30/goingthroughtrouble/#comments
Christianity.com, Where Does Your Help Come From: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11574516/
Christianity.com, I Fought the Law, David Burchett: http://www.christianity.com/blogs/DBurchett/11574526/
Every Day Light, The Crucified "Self": http://christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546680/
The Berean, Genesis 3:6: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/5195/Genesis-3-6
So, thought I'd share these:
Encouragement for Today, GREAT Prayer:
http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/05/01/jehovah-saboath/#comments
Every Day Light, Strangers and Pilgrims http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546676/
Christianity.com, Endless Love: http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11574279/
Encouragement for Today, Going Through Trouble: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/30/goingthroughtrouble/#comments
Christianity.com, Where Does Your Help Come From: http://www.christianity.com/devotionals/encouragement/11574516/
Christianity.com, I Fought the Law, David Burchett: http://www.christianity.com/blogs/DBurchett/11574526/
Every Day Light, The Crucified "Self": http://christianity.com/devotionals/everydaylight/546680/
The Berean, Genesis 3:6: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/5195/Genesis-3-6
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Dose of C.H. Spurgeon
Well, it’s my twice daily dose. This may your monthly dose. Or never-y dose, if you navigate away from this page.
April 18, morning devotional:
“She tied the scarlet cord in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended upon the promise of the spies for her preservation. She saw them as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet cord in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, isn’t there a lesson here for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of His commands should seem non-essential? Have you observed in His own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these indicates that there is an enormous amount of unloving disobedience in your heart. From now on be blameless in all things, even tying a cord, if that is the command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passerby can see a cord of so conspicuous a color, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let human beings or devils stare if they want to; the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who will see that scarlet cord, even when, from weakness of faith, you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet cord in the window afresh, and rest in peace.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Good reading for today:
God in Nature: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/18/god-in-nature-3/#comments
Matthew 23:23-Fidelity: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/2140/Matthew-23-23
April 18, morning devotional:
“She tied the scarlet cord in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended upon the promise of the spies for her preservation. She saw them as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet cord in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, isn’t there a lesson here for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of His commands should seem non-essential? Have you observed in His own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these indicates that there is an enormous amount of unloving disobedience in your heart. From now on be blameless in all things, even tying a cord, if that is the command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passerby can see a cord of so conspicuous a color, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let human beings or devils stare if they want to; the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who will see that scarlet cord, even when, from weakness of faith, you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet cord in the window afresh, and rest in peace.
C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
Good reading for today:
God in Nature: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2008/04/18/god-in-nature-3/#comments
Matthew 23:23-Fidelity: http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/2140/Matthew-23-23
Thursday, April 10, 2008
"to believe is to begin"
Hosea's Wife (Album Version)
I just spoke silence with the seeker next to me
She had a heart with hesitant, halting speech
That turned to mine and asked belligerently
"What do I live for?"
I see the scars of searches everywhere I go
From hearts to wars to literature to radio
There's a question like a shame no one will show
"What do I live for?"
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using people like ladders and words like knives
CHORUS
If we've eyes to see
If we've ears to hear
To find it in our hearts and mouths
The word that saves is near
Shed that shallow skin
Come and live again
Leave all you were before
To believe is to begin
There is truth in little corners of our lives
There are hints of it in songs and children's eyes
It's familiar, like an ancient lullaby
What do I live for?
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using bodies like money and truth like lies
CHORUS
Bridge
We are more than dust
That means something
That means something
We are more than just
Blood and emotions
Inklings and notions
Atoms on oceans
Copyright Brooke Fraser
Go here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQNdDNR0Jg
I just spoke silence with the seeker next to me
She had a heart with hesitant, halting speech
That turned to mine and asked belligerently
"What do I live for?"
I see the scars of searches everywhere I go
From hearts to wars to literature to radio
There's a question like a shame no one will show
"What do I live for?"
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using people like ladders and words like knives
CHORUS
If we've eyes to see
If we've ears to hear
To find it in our hearts and mouths
The word that saves is near
Shed that shallow skin
Come and live again
Leave all you were before
To believe is to begin
There is truth in little corners of our lives
There are hints of it in songs and children's eyes
It's familiar, like an ancient lullaby
What do I live for?
We are Hosea's wife
We are squandering this life
Using bodies like money and truth like lies
CHORUS
Bridge
We are more than dust
That means something
That means something
We are more than just
Blood and emotions
Inklings and notions
Atoms on oceans
Copyright Brooke Fraser
Go here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQNdDNR0Jg
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Amazing Grace Indeed
Once Was Lost / Now Am Found
LOST
The weight of the world on two shoulders.
Bearing.down.relentless.
Storms never ceasing.
Utterly defenseless, barely standing.
Alone.
Does it really have to be this way?
Fighting; in the keeping…can’t just give it away.
Two shoulders continue to drown.
SEARCHING
What is this…
want?
What is this…
need?
Something above and beyond…
this world.
What is this faith…
people speak of…
people die for?
There must be more.
There must be hope.
What else belongs in this hole
that never seems to fill?
FOUND
The Cross
True Love
The Greatest Cost
He sent His Son for me?
He gave His life for me?
A stone unturned.
The truth revealed.
The weight of my sins on His shoulders.
The weight of ALL sin for Him alone to bear.
Burdens lifted.
No longer alone.
A heart,
reborn
in Him.
LOST
The weight of the world on two shoulders.
Bearing.down.relentless.
Storms never ceasing.
Utterly defenseless, barely standing.
Alone.
Does it really have to be this way?
Fighting; in the keeping…can’t just give it away.
Two shoulders continue to drown.
SEARCHING
What is this…
want?
What is this…
need?
Something above and beyond…
this world.
What is this faith…
people speak of…
people die for?
There must be more.
There must be hope.
What else belongs in this hole
that never seems to fill?
FOUND
The Cross
True Love
The Greatest Cost
He sent His Son for me?
He gave His life for me?
A stone unturned.
The truth revealed.
The weight of my sins on His shoulders.
The weight of ALL sin for Him alone to bear.
Burdens lifted.
No longer alone.
A heart,
reborn
in Him.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Daily Dose of C.H. Spurgeon
This is an April 3 Evening Devotional of C.H. Spurgeon:
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Here is a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the last who shall enter there, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." The confession, while thus unanimous, is also special and particular: "Each of us has turned to his own way." There is a peculiar sinfulness about each of us; all of us are sinful, but each of us has some special annoyance not found in the others. It is the mark of genuine repentance that while it naturally associates itself with other penitents, it also takes up a position of loneliness. "Each of us has turned to his own way" is a confession that each person had sinned against light peculiar to himself, or sinned with a vexation which he could not perceive in others. This confession is a giving up of all pleas of self-righteousness. It is the declaration of all human beings who are consciously guilty - guilty with vexations, guilty without excuse: they stand with their weapons of rebellion broken in pieces, and cry, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." Yet we hear no sorrowful wailings attending this confession of sin being that the next sentence makes it almost a song. "The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three, but it overflows with comfort. It is strange that, where misery was concentrated, mercy reigned; where sorrow reached her climax, weary souls find rest. The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. See how the lowliest penitence gives place to assured confidence through simply gazing at Christ on the cross!
C.H. Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening, Henridckson Publishers, Copyright 1995.
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Here is a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the last who shall enter there, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." The confession, while thus unanimous, is also special and particular: "Each of us has turned to his own way." There is a peculiar sinfulness about each of us; all of us are sinful, but each of us has some special annoyance not found in the others. It is the mark of genuine repentance that while it naturally associates itself with other penitents, it also takes up a position of loneliness. "Each of us has turned to his own way" is a confession that each person had sinned against light peculiar to himself, or sinned with a vexation which he could not perceive in others. This confession is a giving up of all pleas of self-righteousness. It is the declaration of all human beings who are consciously guilty - guilty with vexations, guilty without excuse: they stand with their weapons of rebellion broken in pieces, and cry, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." Yet we hear no sorrowful wailings attending this confession of sin being that the next sentence makes it almost a song. "The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." It is the most grievous sentence of the three, but it overflows with comfort. It is strange that, where misery was concentrated, mercy reigned; where sorrow reached her climax, weary souls find rest. The Savior bruised is the healing of bruised hearts. See how the lowliest penitence gives place to assured confidence through simply gazing at Christ on the cross!
C.H. Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening, Henridckson Publishers, Copyright 1995.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Play on Playa / Why 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'
Interestingly (is that a word?) I've had conversations with two people about how they have been 'played' recently. Both instances are eerily similar, even though the situations are pretty different.
(names have been changed to protect their identity, from the 3 people who read my blog!)
Ex. 1: Ruby was told by a friend (hereafter referred to as Typical) she liked that he liked her. It was awkward for awhile, but then they finally talked about it, even went on a couple of dates. Then all of sudden, out of nowhere, Typical seemingly changed his mind. Did he tell her that he had changed his mind? Nope, he just decided to break a date, then be awkward all over again.
Now here is the question. Why couldn't Typical just tell her, 'hey, I've changed my mind, let's just be friends.' He has seriously made her lose her belief that any man is worth being with.
(now there is where I attempt to dive into his mind..)
Maybe Typical doesn't know what he wants from/with her or anybody. Maybe he doesn't care. Quite possibly he just enjoyed the attention. After all she's funny, successful, and smart. Well, maybe he was just intimidated.. could possibly be that. Ruby has an amazing job, which would be seen as 'above' his job (even though I promise you, she doesn't care about that).
Ugh, on to...
Ex. 2: Lori was hanging out with friends, and there was a new person (hereafter referred to as NKOTB) to the group. Mutual friends told her that NKOTB liked her. Lori wants to give NKOTB a chance, but is tired of having to pursue. She wants to be pursued. NKOTB acted interested around Lori, flirty text messages were flying everywhere. But NKOTB kinda seemed interested in Lori's friend at the same time. Lori, being the kind of person that everyone likes (seriously, she is hilarious and kind), isn't too worried about it, but is ANNOYED! Why does this keep happening!?!
(here we go again..)
Maybe NKOTB just doesn't know why in the world to like ANYBODY. 'Hey, that person is nice, think I'll like her for a minute, but then LOOK, that other person is nice, too! Think I'll like both of them, and just play this game, see who comes to me first.' Cleverly placed (yeah right) MySpace comments ensue. Lori's friend doesn't like these games, either, so NKOTB seems to be out of luck in this situation.
So, here is my segway into 'Kissing Dating Goodbye.' Did you like it? Very clever, I know...
I read the book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' by Joshua Harris a few weeks ago. I had found it on my church's website (or was possibly led to another website, not sure), it had suggestions for books by different categories. The 'Single' category only had 2 books. 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' and 'Boy Meets Girl,' both by Joshua Harris. At first I was skeptical, I've never been much of a dater, so in a sense, I've never kissed dating HELLO. But I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.
Oh how I loved this book. Some of my friends (church friends at that) asked me why in the world I would read it. It's for high school kids! Well, I'll tell ya right now, it most certainly is not! Now there are the 'let your parents be part of this relationship' and 'the guy has to ask the dad of the girl he wants to court's permission,' parts; which yes, seem old fashioned - and also not very practical once you leave your hometown. But my question is; why not have your parents involved? As people who most likely know you best in this world (even if you think they don't, believe me, they are paying attention), would it be so wrong to utilyze them in a situation such as 'dating, or courting?' If you don't trust your parents to fulfill this role, a strong Christian couple would work, too. (I want to make clear that the book wants to change the definition of dating, as in not using the 'worldly' usage of dating, so he just changed the name to 'courtship.' I guess you could call it what you like, my church calls it 'Biblical dating').
Anyway, I feel as though I'm getting off track, and I apologize. Harris' best points (at least for me) were that the problem with the world's view of dating are that expectations aren't discussed or even realized. Using my examples from above, both of my friends want to get married and have children. However, in today's worldly definition of dating, that is never to be brought up! That would be the absolute first thing to drive someone away (in most cases, not all). So, two people can go on dating for months or even years and never know the other's expectations. I hesitate to use the term 'wasted time,' because I think you can learn from just about any situation. But wouldn't it be better if a girl who wants to get married and have kids would be able to know that - from the start - the guy felt the same way? It would save a lot of heartache, that's for sure!
And then we get to why people want to date in the first place. Let's say you hear that someone likes you. How does that make you feel? For me, I get extremely uncomfortable, mainly because these guys don't know me at all. Now how can someone like me, if they don't really know me. And I know what some of you will say, 'that's what dating is for!' But if I were to go with the world's definition of dating, then the following would occur:
-I would go on a first date, where we would talk about our likes and dislikes, about our pasts, our families, our friends our jobs, whatever.
-If we got long, more dates would ensue, and emotional intimacy would be felt, even assumed by both parties.
-Let's not even get into physical intimacy, I think we all know how that can occur!
-Either a break up would occur, leaving me broken-hearted, jaded, or whatever. Or I would marry the guy, in which case another question comes up...
WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE???
I hate to admit that I go through periods of feeling sorry for myself. Why oh why haven't I met the man of my dreams? Why oh why must I sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else have these 'great' relationships, get married, have kids... why why why why why?
I was having one of those episodes a few weeks ago (before I read the book), and then I stopped myself. I asked myself, 'what is your motivation for wanting to get married, Mandi?' Is it because I'm lonely (which I shouldn't be, God is always with me)? Am I jealous of my friends (oops, there I go again, coveting)? Or am I wanting to get married so that my life and marriage can glorify God?
Well duh! Hadn't I just redevoted my life to God? Haven't I asked Him how I can glorify Him, through word or deed? Then, when it comes to the biggest decisions of my life (and yes, I believe that marriage is for life), shouldn't God be the first place I look? That whenever I get married, that relationship should glorify God even more than I could ever do on my own???
Duh duh duh.
So here goes another step on my journey. I will no longer be dating. Not in the sense that everybody means it. I will be serving the Lord. And when He sees fit, He will bring a man into my life who will see that I love God above all. If that man feels moved to, he will pursue me. And, if God wills it, that man will want to marry me. And I will want to marry Him. All for the glory of God. Not so we won't be lonely. Not because we feel it's time to settle down. Not so we can have kids. Just for HIM.
By using the Bible to live every aspect of my life, even with dating/courting/whatever-name-you-want-to-give-it, God will bless me more than if I think I could while attempting this alone. That's the great thing about having God in your life. You never have to do anything alone again. Even if you are 'single.'
Dear Lord - I cast all my cares on you. Especially the biggest one; how is it that I can best glorify YOU. I will attempt to have a servant's heart at all times. I submit to your Supremacy in my life. I pray for your help with my purity. I pray for my single brother's and sister's who are struggling. I pray that Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
14For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
(names have been changed to protect their identity, from the 3 people who read my blog!)
Ex. 1: Ruby was told by a friend (hereafter referred to as Typical) she liked that he liked her. It was awkward for awhile, but then they finally talked about it, even went on a couple of dates. Then all of sudden, out of nowhere, Typical seemingly changed his mind. Did he tell her that he had changed his mind? Nope, he just decided to break a date, then be awkward all over again.
Now here is the question. Why couldn't Typical just tell her, 'hey, I've changed my mind, let's just be friends.' He has seriously made her lose her belief that any man is worth being with.
(now there is where I attempt to dive into his mind..)
Maybe Typical doesn't know what he wants from/with her or anybody. Maybe he doesn't care. Quite possibly he just enjoyed the attention. After all she's funny, successful, and smart. Well, maybe he was just intimidated.. could possibly be that. Ruby has an amazing job, which would be seen as 'above' his job (even though I promise you, she doesn't care about that).
Ugh, on to...
Ex. 2: Lori was hanging out with friends, and there was a new person (hereafter referred to as NKOTB) to the group. Mutual friends told her that NKOTB liked her. Lori wants to give NKOTB a chance, but is tired of having to pursue. She wants to be pursued. NKOTB acted interested around Lori, flirty text messages were flying everywhere. But NKOTB kinda seemed interested in Lori's friend at the same time. Lori, being the kind of person that everyone likes (seriously, she is hilarious and kind), isn't too worried about it, but is ANNOYED! Why does this keep happening!?!
(here we go again..)
Maybe NKOTB just doesn't know why in the world to like ANYBODY. 'Hey, that person is nice, think I'll like her for a minute, but then LOOK, that other person is nice, too! Think I'll like both of them, and just play this game, see who comes to me first.' Cleverly placed (yeah right) MySpace comments ensue. Lori's friend doesn't like these games, either, so NKOTB seems to be out of luck in this situation.
So, here is my segway into 'Kissing Dating Goodbye.' Did you like it? Very clever, I know...
I read the book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' by Joshua Harris a few weeks ago. I had found it on my church's website (or was possibly led to another website, not sure), it had suggestions for books by different categories. The 'Single' category only had 2 books. 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' and 'Boy Meets Girl,' both by Joshua Harris. At first I was skeptical, I've never been much of a dater, so in a sense, I've never kissed dating HELLO. But I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.
Oh how I loved this book. Some of my friends (church friends at that) asked me why in the world I would read it. It's for high school kids! Well, I'll tell ya right now, it most certainly is not! Now there are the 'let your parents be part of this relationship' and 'the guy has to ask the dad of the girl he wants to court's permission,' parts; which yes, seem old fashioned - and also not very practical once you leave your hometown. But my question is; why not have your parents involved? As people who most likely know you best in this world (even if you think they don't, believe me, they are paying attention), would it be so wrong to utilyze them in a situation such as 'dating, or courting?' If you don't trust your parents to fulfill this role, a strong Christian couple would work, too. (I want to make clear that the book wants to change the definition of dating, as in not using the 'worldly' usage of dating, so he just changed the name to 'courtship.' I guess you could call it what you like, my church calls it 'Biblical dating').
Anyway, I feel as though I'm getting off track, and I apologize. Harris' best points (at least for me) were that the problem with the world's view of dating are that expectations aren't discussed or even realized. Using my examples from above, both of my friends want to get married and have children. However, in today's worldly definition of dating, that is never to be brought up! That would be the absolute first thing to drive someone away (in most cases, not all). So, two people can go on dating for months or even years and never know the other's expectations. I hesitate to use the term 'wasted time,' because I think you can learn from just about any situation. But wouldn't it be better if a girl who wants to get married and have kids would be able to know that - from the start - the guy felt the same way? It would save a lot of heartache, that's for sure!
And then we get to why people want to date in the first place. Let's say you hear that someone likes you. How does that make you feel? For me, I get extremely uncomfortable, mainly because these guys don't know me at all. Now how can someone like me, if they don't really know me. And I know what some of you will say, 'that's what dating is for!' But if I were to go with the world's definition of dating, then the following would occur:
-I would go on a first date, where we would talk about our likes and dislikes, about our pasts, our families, our friends our jobs, whatever.
-If we got long, more dates would ensue, and emotional intimacy would be felt, even assumed by both parties.
-Let's not even get into physical intimacy, I think we all know how that can occur!
-Either a break up would occur, leaving me broken-hearted, jaded, or whatever. Or I would marry the guy, in which case another question comes up...
WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE???
I hate to admit that I go through periods of feeling sorry for myself. Why oh why haven't I met the man of my dreams? Why oh why must I sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else have these 'great' relationships, get married, have kids... why why why why why?
I was having one of those episodes a few weeks ago (before I read the book), and then I stopped myself. I asked myself, 'what is your motivation for wanting to get married, Mandi?' Is it because I'm lonely (which I shouldn't be, God is always with me)? Am I jealous of my friends (oops, there I go again, coveting)? Or am I wanting to get married so that my life and marriage can glorify God?
Well duh! Hadn't I just redevoted my life to God? Haven't I asked Him how I can glorify Him, through word or deed? Then, when it comes to the biggest decisions of my life (and yes, I believe that marriage is for life), shouldn't God be the first place I look? That whenever I get married, that relationship should glorify God even more than I could ever do on my own???
Duh duh duh.
So here goes another step on my journey. I will no longer be dating. Not in the sense that everybody means it. I will be serving the Lord. And when He sees fit, He will bring a man into my life who will see that I love God above all. If that man feels moved to, he will pursue me. And, if God wills it, that man will want to marry me. And I will want to marry Him. All for the glory of God. Not so we won't be lonely. Not because we feel it's time to settle down. Not so we can have kids. Just for HIM.
By using the Bible to live every aspect of my life, even with dating/courting/whatever-name-you-want-to-give-it, God will bless me more than if I think I could while attempting this alone. That's the great thing about having God in your life. You never have to do anything alone again. Even if you are 'single.'
Dear Lord - I cast all my cares on you. Especially the biggest one; how is it that I can best glorify YOU. I will attempt to have a servant's heart at all times. I submit to your Supremacy in my life. I pray for your help with my purity. I pray for my single brother's and sister's who are struggling. I pray that Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
14For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Holding On To 'Today'
I am a night owl. Big time. It seems to 'run' in my family. Going to bed before 11 pm is AMAZING to me.
But lately I had the fault (typo, but I'm keeping it... hmmm), I mean thought. Am I hanging on to the day too long? Is the reason that I can be sooo tired, and still stay up until 1 or 2 or 3 am, because I can't shake off the day?
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." (or better, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV) ). The former version of the Psalm I remember singing in church as a child. More like it, I remember the older teenagers singing it, and always wishing I could be up there singing with them.
So yes, praise God for every day. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him (there's another song, "praise Him praise Him all ye little children, God is love, God is love..."). God created the sun and the moon, day and night (Genesis 1:3). But what about holding on to the day for far too long? Almost to the point where you are attempting to put off the next day? Can this behavior be much like holding on to the past? And not trusting God with the future? (I know, this is getting nit-picky, but bear with me).
Why am I holding on to something that has already passed? Why am I holding on to the day, when it is already over? I should be rejoicing in the fact that the earlier I fall asleep, the 'sooner' a new day begins! Because a new day is a gift from God, and should be treated as such.
Why? Because I'm a fallen being in a fallen world. Because I am Israel, I keep yearning for Egypt; even when God blesses me with so much. I have fear for the future, and trouble trusting God that He will lead me to the land of milk and honey.
Well, this is all a process, right? One big thing my prayer life and new church has given me is a different perspective. And simple thinking/thoughts can lead to trouble, if your eyes aren't focused on Him.
Be intentional with your life, your thoughts. Not paying attention and losing your way can be the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact, it's just what the world wants you to do. Anything that can make you put yourself or others in front of God... that makes the world smile. And who would you rather make happy? The world, or God?
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Today's Devotional, Ecclesiastes 3:6
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/3573/Ecclesiastes-3-6
But lately I had the fault (typo, but I'm keeping it... hmmm), I mean thought. Am I hanging on to the day too long? Is the reason that I can be sooo tired, and still stay up until 1 or 2 or 3 am, because I can't shake off the day?
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." (or better, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NIV) ). The former version of the Psalm I remember singing in church as a child. More like it, I remember the older teenagers singing it, and always wishing I could be up there singing with them.
So yes, praise God for every day. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him (there's another song, "praise Him praise Him all ye little children, God is love, God is love..."). God created the sun and the moon, day and night (Genesis 1:3). But what about holding on to the day for far too long? Almost to the point where you are attempting to put off the next day? Can this behavior be much like holding on to the past? And not trusting God with the future? (I know, this is getting nit-picky, but bear with me).
Why am I holding on to something that has already passed? Why am I holding on to the day, when it is already over? I should be rejoicing in the fact that the earlier I fall asleep, the 'sooner' a new day begins! Because a new day is a gift from God, and should be treated as such.
Why? Because I'm a fallen being in a fallen world. Because I am Israel, I keep yearning for Egypt; even when God blesses me with so much. I have fear for the future, and trouble trusting God that He will lead me to the land of milk and honey.
Well, this is all a process, right? One big thing my prayer life and new church has given me is a different perspective. And simple thinking/thoughts can lead to trouble, if your eyes aren't focused on Him.
Be intentional with your life, your thoughts. Not paying attention and losing your way can be the easiest thing in the world to do. In fact, it's just what the world wants you to do. Anything that can make you put yourself or others in front of God... that makes the world smile. And who would you rather make happy? The world, or God?
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Today's Devotional, Ecclesiastes 3:6
http://theberean.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Home.showBerean/BereanID/3573/Ecclesiastes-3-6
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"A Woman's Question"
I’m copying this out of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." The author (Joshua Harris) asks: Man Enough to Answer?
"A Woman’s Question"
by Lena Lathrop
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman’s heart, and a woman’s life-
And a woman’s wonderful love
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God’s stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts-
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then ’mid the falling leaves,
As you did ’mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life
Are not to be won that way.
Song of Solomon 8:4 (NIV)
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.
Go listen to Brooke Fraser's "Love is Waiting."
"Love Is Waiting"
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we wana walk it well
[CHORUS]
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready, til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
there's no other hand that i would rather hold
the climate changes, im singing for the strangers about you
dont keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you canthe bets are getting surer now that you're my man
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
I could right a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart
"A Woman’s Question"
by Lena Lathrop
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman’s heart, and a woman’s life-
And a woman’s wonderful love
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God’s stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts-
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then ’mid the falling leaves,
As you did ’mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life
Are not to be won that way.
Song of Solomon 8:4 (NIV)
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.
Go listen to Brooke Fraser's "Love is Waiting."
"Love Is Waiting"
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we wana walk it well
[CHORUS]
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready, til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
there's no other hand that i would rather hold
the climate changes, im singing for the strangers about you
dont keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you canthe bets are getting surer now that you're my man
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE]
I could right a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart
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