'Life is messy right now.'
A friend whom I hold dear to my heart said this today while we were chatting. It really hurt me to hear this. I can't bear it when I know things could be going better for my friends.
Now, I don't know the full story behind why my friend said this, but it appears to me as if this is the way life is for a lot of people I know right now. For believers and non-believers alike, things simply don't seem too great. They're getting into trouble and giving into temptation... they're having relational issues... their self-esteem and confidence levels are low... the list goes on, but one thing is for sure: they are hurting.
Straying away from God.
Running with the enemy.
They are in a rut.
And they are either trying to get out but can't seem to get a good foothold - or they are basically at the point of no return and are digging themselves into a deeper rut.
This scares me.
I am concerned.
I am worried.
I am saddened.
I am perturbed.
And I don't know what to do.
The only thing that comes to mind is to just give my concerns and sadness to God and pray about everything that's going on.
And pray about them.
Pray for them.
And pray.
And pray.
And pray.
And offer my ear to those whom would like to simply talk it out, perhaps.
I wish there were something more I could do. I would love for God to use me to help people, in any way He sees fit. However, He is the ultimate Healer and Peace-giver... not to mention the ultimate Janitor; He knows how to clean the messiest spills and accidents imaginable. He is our ultimate Everything.
'Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.'
[Psalm 103:2-5]
December 31, 2008
December 30, 2008
Ch. 291 - What She Saw, Revisited
On December 30, 2007 I wrote in my journal about changes that had occurred within me and how my mother was able to see it. At that point I was really grateful for what she said to me about what God was doing in my life - and I still am.
God is continuously working in my life. I am growing in my faith, maturing and developing strengths and disciplines. I can only hope that this is obvious to people I interact with. I know that this is something I need to work on. There are so many people [even at school] who I may not know are Christians... until they say something about it. I have no problem believing that I am one of those people most of the time, to be honest. I may seem like a good person, I suppose, but I don't know if people can see the impact Christ has had on my life through being around me and speaking with me. I'd love it if that were the truth, but until then, it's something to work on and that's just fine with me.
'And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, express in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.'
[Ephesians 2:6-7]
God is continuously working in my life. I am growing in my faith, maturing and developing strengths and disciplines. I can only hope that this is obvious to people I interact with. I know that this is something I need to work on. There are so many people [even at school] who I may not know are Christians... until they say something about it. I have no problem believing that I am one of those people most of the time, to be honest. I may seem like a good person, I suppose, but I don't know if people can see the impact Christ has had on my life through being around me and speaking with me. I'd love it if that were the truth, but until then, it's something to work on and that's just fine with me.
'And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, express in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.'
[Ephesians 2:6-7]
December 29, 2008
Ch. 290 - Taking a Drive
The map of my life is unique.
It's mine.
It's special.
There are high points and low points.
Mountains. Valleys.
There are cold areas and warm areas.
Rocky plains. Sandy shores.
There are straight and narrow trails.
Focus. The Son.
There are curvy and broad paths.
Iniquity. Temptation.
Twists. Turns.
Resting points. Speed bursts.
Bridges. Tunnels.
Like I said.
Special.
And it does not end.
It keeps unfolding as I live my life.
I will never see the full map.
But that's alright.
I don't need to.
God is my navigator.
Passenger side, shades on, feet up.
Totally relaxed.
He knows what to say, what to do.
He knows where I'm supposed to be going.
Or more importantly, where we're going.
He tells me when to slow down.
When to pull out into crazy traffic.
He protects me.
He tells me when to exit onto the off-ramp.
He guides me through new routes.
Unfamiliar territory.
Uncharted.
It's always been there.
It's just taking the time to finally get from there to here.
One trip at a time.
One drive.
One step.
'Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.'
[Psalm 16:5-8]
It's mine.
It's special.
There are high points and low points.
Mountains. Valleys.
There are cold areas and warm areas.
Rocky plains. Sandy shores.
There are straight and narrow trails.
Focus. The Son.
There are curvy and broad paths.
Iniquity. Temptation.
Twists. Turns.
Resting points. Speed bursts.
Bridges. Tunnels.
Like I said.
Special.
And it does not end.
It keeps unfolding as I live my life.
I will never see the full map.
But that's alright.
I don't need to.
God is my navigator.
Passenger side, shades on, feet up.
Totally relaxed.
He knows what to say, what to do.
He knows where I'm supposed to be going.
Or more importantly, where we're going.
He tells me when to slow down.
When to pull out into crazy traffic.
He protects me.
He tells me when to exit onto the off-ramp.
He guides me through new routes.
Unfamiliar territory.
Uncharted.
It's always been there.
It's just taking the time to finally get from there to here.
One trip at a time.
One drive.
One step.
'Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.'
[Psalm 16:5-8]
December 28, 2008
Ch. 289 - Still Wanting More
'Lord I want more of You.
Living Water rain down on me.
Lord I need more of You.
Living Breath of Life come fill me up.'
[We Are Hungry]
Everything happens for a reason.
And God can be found in every situation.
I trust in God and rely on both He and the knowledge and truth of that realization to get through every day and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him
.
Even so, I find myself needing and wanting more out of day-to-day life. I've said in the past I want more 'of God'. But now I'm asking myself, 'What does that even mean?' I guess it's one of those things where at one point in time, it makes absolute sense and I know perfectly well what it means... but then at other points in time, such as now, I have absolutely no idea what I meant by it and am questioning my ability to understand things like having a relationship with Jesus. I don't mean that I'm questioning my desire to have a relationship; I mean that I am questioning what that relationship should honestly look like and what it truly means to have this incredibly unique two-way street in one's life.
So here's the thing.
God does so much for me.
He has blessed me with so much over the years, seemingly more so in the past couple of years.
Yet I don't really want more from him.
He's given me so much already, including the greatest thing He could ever give.
That's where wanting more of Him comes into mind.
My God is a giving and gracious God. He gives us life, both physical and eternal. He gives us gifts. He gives us abilities. He gives us fruits. He gives us answers. He gives us everything of Himself and then some - to every person, every day. Couldn't getting something from Him be getting something of Him? Because He is all that matters in this world. He is in and of everything. He is in His creation. He is in you. He is in me. If I find myself wanting to be merciful, I pray to God to fill me with mercy so fully that it flows unto others. This would be mercy coming from God. But this is something of God as well, because He is mercy. Thus, wanting more of Him would entail things such as this.
More than anything, I think I should be wanting to be close with God and worship Him. Until I truly understand what I want out of a relationship with Him through wanting more 'of Him', there is nothing more important. Technically, there never will be.
' "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." '
[1 Chronicles 28:9]
Living Water rain down on me.
Lord I need more of You.
Living Breath of Life come fill me up.'
[We Are Hungry]
Everything happens for a reason.
And God can be found in every situation.
I trust in God and rely on both He and the knowledge and truth of that realization to get through every day and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him
.
Even so, I find myself needing and wanting more out of day-to-day life. I've said in the past I want more 'of God'. But now I'm asking myself, 'What does that even mean?' I guess it's one of those things where at one point in time, it makes absolute sense and I know perfectly well what it means... but then at other points in time, such as now, I have absolutely no idea what I meant by it and am questioning my ability to understand things like having a relationship with Jesus. I don't mean that I'm questioning my desire to have a relationship; I mean that I am questioning what that relationship should honestly look like and what it truly means to have this incredibly unique two-way street in one's life.
So here's the thing.
God does so much for me.
He has blessed me with so much over the years, seemingly more so in the past couple of years.
Yet I don't really want more from him.
He's given me so much already, including the greatest thing He could ever give.
That's where wanting more of Him comes into mind.
My God is a giving and gracious God. He gives us life, both physical and eternal. He gives us gifts. He gives us abilities. He gives us fruits. He gives us answers. He gives us everything of Himself and then some - to every person, every day. Couldn't getting something from Him be getting something of Him? Because He is all that matters in this world. He is in and of everything. He is in His creation. He is in you. He is in me. If I find myself wanting to be merciful, I pray to God to fill me with mercy so fully that it flows unto others. This would be mercy coming from God. But this is something of God as well, because He is mercy. Thus, wanting more of Him would entail things such as this.
More than anything, I think I should be wanting to be close with God and worship Him. Until I truly understand what I want out of a relationship with Him through wanting more 'of Him', there is nothing more important. Technically, there never will be.
' "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." '
[1 Chronicles 28:9]
December 27, 2008
Ch. 288 - Left Breathless
About a week ago I had a five-hour phone conversation with a friend. I hadn't had one of those in a very long time. I mean, I've probably only had a handful of [phone] conversations that lasted that amount of time in my life. I've talked longer than that with people in person, for sure. Either way, I love those conversations. You know. The conversations that feel like they could last forever. The conversations where seemingly no topic is left untouched... and each topic is then related by one person, then the other, to God or faith or 'life'. The conversations where everything just fits. The conversations where you sometimes don't know what the heck you're saying, but suddenly it's out in the open and the other person plays right off of it and you just go back and forth. The conversations that have a fair amount of silence - and the silence is never awkward. It works.
This conversation with that friend entailed all this and more. It was an answer to prayer, honestly, and it was a great conversation. Beautiful. Brilliant. Witty. Deep. It was a learning conversation. We learned about one another. I learned about myself, even.
Certain things became more apparent to me as I talked my way through answering a question or explaining my side to a certain issue. I also picked up on habits I have while talking to people. For one thing, when I talk I like to use my hands. I don't always do this, but I do like to do so. And when other people talk with their hands, I always pick up on it and do the same. When I'm talking on the phone, I doodle. But I didn't realize how much and how monotonously until I tore more than one hole in my paper. I can't help it, I just always have to be doing something with my hands - even when I'm not talking. I have to tap my fingers, or play air-saxophone scales, or push back my cuticles, or twist my hair into knots. My hands are simply restless, I suppose.
Something else I learned is that I like to play devil's advocate. I honestly never realized that until this conversation. But it's true. I think I picked that up from my friend Matt in Utah. Maybe Spencer, too. Anyway, it's fun. I like to look at things from more than one side. I mean, I am basically wanting to live my life for Jesus Christ and wanting to go into a certain field because I have lived on both sides of a spectrum. That's one way I learn really well. I look at both sides, take into consideration the pros and cons of each and analyze the entire situation and its context. I think you have to be thoroughly learned on both sides of a topic in order to be fully knowledgeable of it. You can't be a Christian apologist, for example, without knowing about other religions. You can know Christianity inside and out, but you need to be well-informed of the faiths you are defending Christianity unto.
I brought up apologetics because it is something I am very much interested in. You could say that it is actually a passion of mine. I am constantly striving to equip myself with knowledge that is necessary to defend Christianity through gentle reverence and in a way that is Scripturally-sound. I have come to know myself pretty well over the years and while I am learning more daily, I fully understand that I am a very passionate person. Once I set my mind and heart on something, look out. I pour everything I have into whatever that something may be. I get so excited about it that I can barely stand it. When I talk to people about something I am passionate about, it takes everything I have to think straight and form coherent sentences. I often find myself breathless when I'm talking to others about my passions. I literally have to remind myself to breathe. I get shivers up and down my spine and my heart sets to pounding so hard that sometimes I think it may just jump straight out of my chest into the hands of the person I'm talking to. I say this in a literal and metaphorical sense. I feel that once someone knows a bit about my passions, they know a bit about my heart. And once someone knows my passions inside and out, they will also know of my dreams and aspirations and desires and ideals, because for me all of these things are connected and all of these things come from my heart and are based on love. I can have all of these things because of God's love for me in His creating me - just as I can love because He loved me first.
I am so thankful that God created me the way He did. I will never stop learning about what He has put in my heart and mind and soul and I am glad for this. No one knows me better than He - not even myself - and that gives me great comfort. It's humbling and is a constant reminder of God's love for all of us. And that is yet another thing that leaves me breathless.
'The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.'
[1 Timothy 1:14]
This conversation with that friend entailed all this and more. It was an answer to prayer, honestly, and it was a great conversation. Beautiful. Brilliant. Witty. Deep. It was a learning conversation. We learned about one another. I learned about myself, even.
Certain things became more apparent to me as I talked my way through answering a question or explaining my side to a certain issue. I also picked up on habits I have while talking to people. For one thing, when I talk I like to use my hands. I don't always do this, but I do like to do so. And when other people talk with their hands, I always pick up on it and do the same. When I'm talking on the phone, I doodle. But I didn't realize how much and how monotonously until I tore more than one hole in my paper. I can't help it, I just always have to be doing something with my hands - even when I'm not talking. I have to tap my fingers, or play air-saxophone scales, or push back my cuticles, or twist my hair into knots. My hands are simply restless, I suppose.
Something else I learned is that I like to play devil's advocate. I honestly never realized that until this conversation. But it's true. I think I picked that up from my friend Matt in Utah. Maybe Spencer, too. Anyway, it's fun. I like to look at things from more than one side. I mean, I am basically wanting to live my life for Jesus Christ and wanting to go into a certain field because I have lived on both sides of a spectrum. That's one way I learn really well. I look at both sides, take into consideration the pros and cons of each and analyze the entire situation and its context. I think you have to be thoroughly learned on both sides of a topic in order to be fully knowledgeable of it. You can't be a Christian apologist, for example, without knowing about other religions. You can know Christianity inside and out, but you need to be well-informed of the faiths you are defending Christianity unto.
I brought up apologetics because it is something I am very much interested in. You could say that it is actually a passion of mine. I am constantly striving to equip myself with knowledge that is necessary to defend Christianity through gentle reverence and in a way that is Scripturally-sound. I have come to know myself pretty well over the years and while I am learning more daily, I fully understand that I am a very passionate person. Once I set my mind and heart on something, look out. I pour everything I have into whatever that something may be. I get so excited about it that I can barely stand it. When I talk to people about something I am passionate about, it takes everything I have to think straight and form coherent sentences. I often find myself breathless when I'm talking to others about my passions. I literally have to remind myself to breathe. I get shivers up and down my spine and my heart sets to pounding so hard that sometimes I think it may just jump straight out of my chest into the hands of the person I'm talking to. I say this in a literal and metaphorical sense. I feel that once someone knows a bit about my passions, they know a bit about my heart. And once someone knows my passions inside and out, they will also know of my dreams and aspirations and desires and ideals, because for me all of these things are connected and all of these things come from my heart and are based on love. I can have all of these things because of God's love for me in His creating me - just as I can love because He loved me first.
I am so thankful that God created me the way He did. I will never stop learning about what He has put in my heart and mind and soul and I am glad for this. No one knows me better than He - not even myself - and that gives me great comfort. It's humbling and is a constant reminder of God's love for all of us. And that is yet another thing that leaves me breathless.
'The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.'
[1 Timothy 1:14]
December 26, 2008
Ch. 287 - My Redeemer Lives
'Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.'
[Titus 2:14]
He gave Himself.
[Titus 2:14]
He gave Himself.
December 25, 2008
Ch. 286 - Celebrating the Birth
'But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." '
[Luke 2:10-11]
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
[Luke 2:10-11]
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
December 24, 2008
Ch. 285 - Seul Choix, Revisited
On December 24, 2007 I wrote in my journal about my pastor's message from the Christmas Eve service. It was basically reiterating the fact that Jesus is our 'seul choix' - our only choice.
I love this, because I know just how true it is. I've said it before [see Ch. 150] - I've tried living life without Jesus... it simply doesn't work. Jesus is the only One that matters, in all things. In everything we say and do and want and need and believe and trust in - Jesus should be the focus. Without Him, our only choice, we are nothing. Our lives are nothing. A wise woman once told me, "You owe your existence to the Trinity." It's true. God not only created us, but also gave us His Son so that we could have true life in Him. And He's the only way to have that life. Jesus is our only choice.
'Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." '
[John 14:6]
I love this, because I know just how true it is. I've said it before [see Ch. 150] - I've tried living life without Jesus... it simply doesn't work. Jesus is the only One that matters, in all things. In everything we say and do and want and need and believe and trust in - Jesus should be the focus. Without Him, our only choice, we are nothing. Our lives are nothing. A wise woman once told me, "You owe your existence to the Trinity." It's true. God not only created us, but also gave us His Son so that we could have true life in Him. And He's the only way to have that life. Jesus is our only choice.
'Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." '
[John 14:6]
December 23, 2008
Ch. 284 - An Encouragement
I love stories.
I always have, I always will.
I like all types of stories.
Sad stories. Happy stories.
Long stories. Short stories.
Complex stories. Simple stories.
I love stories.
I love stories that, while reading, make me pause.
I love stories that, while reading, make me think.
I love stories that, while reading, make me resolve.
I love stories that give me joy.
I love stories that give me answers.
I love stories that give me hope.
I love stories that make me give thanks.
I love stories that make me give praise.
I love stories that make me give myself-
- everything that I am -
in response.
The story of Jesus includes all this and more. From His birth to His temptation, from His first miracle to His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus' story may be the best story of all time. It is certainly one of the most significant, even to those who are not believers. The best part is, it's everlasting and true. Jesus is not a legend or myth that will fade into non-existence as time marches on. His message lives. His morals live. His ethics live. He lives.
' "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." '
[Revelation 22:12-14]
I always have, I always will.
I like all types of stories.
Sad stories. Happy stories.
Long stories. Short stories.
Complex stories. Simple stories.
I love stories.
I love stories that, while reading, make me pause.
I love stories that, while reading, make me think.
I love stories that, while reading, make me resolve.
I love stories that give me joy.
I love stories that give me answers.
I love stories that give me hope.
I love stories that make me give thanks.
I love stories that make me give praise.
I love stories that make me give myself-
- everything that I am -
in response.
The story of Jesus includes all this and more. From His birth to His temptation, from His first miracle to His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus' story may be the best story of all time. It is certainly one of the most significant, even to those who are not believers. The best part is, it's everlasting and true. Jesus is not a legend or myth that will fade into non-existence as time marches on. His message lives. His morals live. His ethics live. He lives.
' "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." '
[Revelation 22:12-14]
December 22, 2008
Ch. 283 - The Realization, Revisited
I started this blog on January 17, 2008. However, I used journal entries for the first six posts [after the preface] and the first one I used was written on December 22, 2007 - one year ago from today. I remembered this and thought I would go back and read what was written and share my thoughts. I plan on doing this for each calendar day my original journal entries were written.
Let me now move forward to the actual commentary on that first journal entry, written December 22, 2007. I had titled my post 'The Realization' because it was of the time when I finally understood and realized how passionate about God I was. I also realized how much I needed and wanted to serve Him. How, exactly, this would happen (in a vocational sense, at least) I did not know - and even now, an entire year after this beautiful realization, I still do not know. Which is perfectly fine, in my opinion. I mean, I have a couple ideas of what I would like to do in the future, but nothing is set in stone and I am going to have to wait and see what God truly has in store for me.
Something else I also had realized was the fact that I had grown immensely during the past couple of months. I'm going to go ahead and rewrite a paragraph of that post, because I am at the same place now as I was then and feel the same about what I had written:
'My goodness, how I have grown. I love how no matter what, as life goes on, I will never stop learning. I will make more mistakes. I will cry. I will laugh. I will distance myself from Him. I will grow closer to Him. I will see the good in what has been deemed bad, and I will see the bad in what has been deemed good. I will have peace. I will have struggle.'
This is a truth.
It has always been a truth.
It will always be a truth.
This truth has good aspects to it.
This truth has bad aspects to it.
Such is life.
And I'm okay with that.
Because I know that God has given me this truth with His blessing and love.
And because He has given me an even greater truth in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior.
That, friends, is the greatest realization of all.
Let me now move forward to the actual commentary on that first journal entry, written December 22, 2007. I had titled my post 'The Realization' because it was of the time when I finally understood and realized how passionate about God I was. I also realized how much I needed and wanted to serve Him. How, exactly, this would happen (in a vocational sense, at least) I did not know - and even now, an entire year after this beautiful realization, I still do not know. Which is perfectly fine, in my opinion. I mean, I have a couple ideas of what I would like to do in the future, but nothing is set in stone and I am going to have to wait and see what God truly has in store for me.
Something else I also had realized was the fact that I had grown immensely during the past couple of months. I'm going to go ahead and rewrite a paragraph of that post, because I am at the same place now as I was then and feel the same about what I had written:
'My goodness, how I have grown. I love how no matter what, as life goes on, I will never stop learning. I will make more mistakes. I will cry. I will laugh. I will distance myself from Him. I will grow closer to Him. I will see the good in what has been deemed bad, and I will see the bad in what has been deemed good. I will have peace. I will have struggle.'
This is a truth.
It has always been a truth.
It will always be a truth.
This truth has good aspects to it.
This truth has bad aspects to it.
Such is life.
And I'm okay with that.
Because I know that God has given me this truth with His blessing and love.
And because He has given me an even greater truth in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior.
That, friends, is the greatest realization of all.
December 21, 2008
Ch. 282 - Made Known
'You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.'
[Psalm 16:11]
Made known.
Will fill.
Eternal.
I am blessed.
[Psalm 16:11]
Made known.
Will fill.
Eternal.
I am blessed.
December 20, 2008
Ch. 281 - Assuagement
' "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. '
[Isaiah 40:1]
15. September 2010 Edit:
Context aside... this is a great, little verse.
There's not a lot that I desire or even need to say.
The fact that the Lord my God offers comfort is wondrous. And the fact that the verse says He offers it to His people is beautiful.
He does not desire anxiety, doubt, worry, fear [other than of Himself, perhaps...], etc. upon us. Our God is loving and gracious and kind. Compassionate. Merciful.
Am I not blessed to know such a good God?
[Isaiah 40:1]
15. September 2010 Edit:
Context aside... this is a great, little verse.
There's not a lot that I desire or even need to say.
The fact that the Lord my God offers comfort is wondrous. And the fact that the verse says He offers it to His people is beautiful.
He does not desire anxiety, doubt, worry, fear [other than of Himself, perhaps...], etc. upon us. Our God is loving and gracious and kind. Compassionate. Merciful.
Am I not blessed to know such a good God?
December 19, 2008
Ch. 280 - Patience and Control
'Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.'
[Proverb 16:32]
I have worked very hard over the years to have patience. And while having patience does help control one's temper, it is still something to be worked on...
[Proverb 16:32]
I have worked very hard over the years to have patience. And while having patience does help control one's temper, it is still something to be worked on...
December 18, 2008
December 17, 2008
Ch. 278 - Be Devoted
This was part of a weekly wisdom on ChristNotes that I copied down a while ago and found today while cleaning out documents on my computer. I really liked it and needed to read it today. It was good for me.
'Far too often, many Christians view evangelism as a game involving "me", the Christian, vs. "you", the non-Christian. However, reaching unbelievers effectively usually requires working with them in order to develop a relationship based on trust, and any relationship requires listening to the other person in order to find out where they are spiritually and emotionally. When you authentically listen to others, they will genuinely listen to you.
In Romans 12:10, Paul writes, 'Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.' To honor other people means respecting them, which includes listening to them. In fact, simply by listening attentively to someone you show that you care about that person: you place value on them.
Remember, people listen to people who listen.'
I do an awful lot of listening to people - which is great, because I love doing so... but sometimes I feel that people aren't willing to reciprocate when I would like an ear or two. This is really not a huge deal, but I find myself disappointed so often that I have come to lower my expectations of people when it comes to that sort of thing. At least I've got the ears of God, they count for like, a thousand ears, at least!
'Far too often, many Christians view evangelism as a game involving "me", the Christian, vs. "you", the non-Christian. However, reaching unbelievers effectively usually requires working with them in order to develop a relationship based on trust, and any relationship requires listening to the other person in order to find out where they are spiritually and emotionally. When you authentically listen to others, they will genuinely listen to you.
In Romans 12:10, Paul writes, 'Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.' To honor other people means respecting them, which includes listening to them. In fact, simply by listening attentively to someone you show that you care about that person: you place value on them.
Remember, people listen to people who listen.'
I do an awful lot of listening to people - which is great, because I love doing so... but sometimes I feel that people aren't willing to reciprocate when I would like an ear or two. This is really not a huge deal, but I find myself disappointed so often that I have come to lower my expectations of people when it comes to that sort of thing. At least I've got the ears of God, they count for like, a thousand ears, at least!
December 16, 2008
Ch. 277 - Intoxicated
Worship is a lifestyle.
I want to live my life in such a way that I am intoxicated with His love, mercy, grace, justice, kindness, peace, joy, patience - with everything that He is.
Everything I do should be centered around God.
This is not the case.
At least not nearly as often as it should be.
As it needs to be.
' "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." '
[John 4:23-24]
I want to live my life in such a way that I am intoxicated with His love, mercy, grace, justice, kindness, peace, joy, patience - with everything that He is.
Everything I do should be centered around God.
This is not the case.
At least not nearly as often as it should be.
As it needs to be.
' "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." '
[John 4:23-24]
December 15, 2008
Ch. 276 - Stubbornness
'But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God "will give to each person according to what he has done.'
[Romans 2:5-6]
Stubbornness can be a problem for me.
I get it from my mother, I think.
Typical, I'm sure.
Anyway, I'm working on it, I promise.
Slowly but surely... I am making progress.
[Romans 2:5-6]
Stubbornness can be a problem for me.
I get it from my mother, I think.
Typical, I'm sure.
Anyway, I'm working on it, I promise.
Slowly but surely... I am making progress.
December 14, 2008
Ch. 275 - Make Straight the Way
John knew what needed to be said in regards to who he was. He answered questions of who he was with statements of who he was not: messiah, Elijah, the prophet... He knew something - someone - greater than he was coming: the 'Lamb of God' (John 1:29). He knew he was unworthy of the Lamb. He said that he was not worthy to untie the thongs of His sandals, something that could be considered a servant's job. Jesus came to us as a light in the world. He came as a king and yet as a servant. He washed the weary feat of His disciples. He washed them out of love. We should be wanting to do the same, both for Him and for others. That is what it comes down to: love God, love others, serve God, serve others.
'There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.'
[John 1:6-8, 19-28]
'There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.'
[John 1:6-8, 19-28]
December 13, 2008
Ch. 274 - It is Well...
"Love weaves through the soul."
[Dustan Corcoran]
I've decided to take on the soul.
What is it?
What does it mean?
How does it effect us?
How is it effected?
What happens to it over time?
What happens to it when we die?
'Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.'
[Isaiah 55:2-3]
[Dustan Corcoran]
I've decided to take on the soul.
What is it?
What does it mean?
How does it effect us?
How is it effected?
What happens to it over time?
What happens to it when we die?
'Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.'
[Isaiah 55:2-3]
December 12, 2008
Ch. 273 - Q&A Time
I like questions.
I like questions a lot.
I like receiving them, mostly.
I'm not a fan of dealing them out, mostly because I'm not good at dealing them out.
Although sometimes they just come to me.
And then it's like I have to ask them... or else I'll go crazy.
I need questions. They keep me on my toes, what can I say? I need questions that don't have answers. I need questions that I can simply think about - questions that don't require discussion or banter... Just... questions.
'I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.'
[Isaiah 45:7]
I like questions a lot.
I like receiving them, mostly.
I'm not a fan of dealing them out, mostly because I'm not good at dealing them out.
Although sometimes they just come to me.
And then it's like I have to ask them... or else I'll go crazy.
I need questions. They keep me on my toes, what can I say? I need questions that don't have answers. I need questions that I can simply think about - questions that don't require discussion or banter... Just... questions.
'I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.'
[Isaiah 45:7]
December 11, 2008
Ch. 272 - A Renewal
God is changing my heart again.
Molding it, shaping it.
Restoring it, renewing it.
Transformation.
Does it count if I realize it's happening?
I hope so.
I leave for winter break tomorrow.
I'm going to be home for four weeks.
They're going to be solid.
They're going to be good.
Something great is going to happen.
I don't know what, yet.
But it's going to be great.
God is good. All the time.
'The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.'
[Exodus 15:2]
Molding it, shaping it.
Restoring it, renewing it.
Transformation.
Does it count if I realize it's happening?
I hope so.
I leave for winter break tomorrow.
I'm going to be home for four weeks.
They're going to be solid.
They're going to be good.
Something great is going to happen.
I don't know what, yet.
But it's going to be great.
God is good. All the time.
'The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.'
[Exodus 15:2]
December 10, 2008
Ch. 271 - Imitators of God
'Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.'
[Ephesians 5:1-2]
13. September 2010 Edit:
Believers love these verses.
But do they actually take them to heart? Would they be willing to give themselves up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God?
...
I have nothing more to say.
[Ephesians 5:1-2]
13. September 2010 Edit:
Believers love these verses.
But do they actually take them to heart? Would they be willing to give themselves up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God?
...
I have nothing more to say.
December 9, 2008
Ch. 270 - The 'Aha!'
"There's nothing that you could ever do to make me love you less."
This is a quote from a Rob Bell NOOMA video [Lump]. Now, I'm not going to lie: I am not a fan of Rob Bell. However, this single line had quite the impact on me. It is the only line I remember from all the NOOMA videos we watched in our Christian Discipleship class.
"There's nothing that you could ever do to make me love you less."
Rob Bell is telling a story of how his son had taken a little, white ball. Soon his actions and somewhat peculiar behavior catches up to him. His mom asks a simple question and he runs upstairs, hiding under the covers of his parent's bed for two hours. Bell comes home from work and finds him there.
But he doesn't yell at his son.
He doesn't punish him.
He doesn't condemn him.
He simply pulls back the covers and then says, "There's nothing that you could ever do to make me love you less."
This is completely relatable to how God loves us, even with our sin and guilt and shame.
Today my devotional spoke of the same thing. It focused on God's love for us. Midway through I read, 'There is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you.' I just stopped and read that sentence over and over and over. Aha! I mean, here is something that probably seems so simple to understand, but it had never truly clicked with me until then.
Goodness.
God will never love us less.
God will never stop loving us.
Astounding.
'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.'
[Galatians 2:20]
This is a quote from a Rob Bell NOOMA video [Lump]. Now, I'm not going to lie: I am not a fan of Rob Bell. However, this single line had quite the impact on me. It is the only line I remember from all the NOOMA videos we watched in our Christian Discipleship class.
"There's nothing that you could ever do to make me love you less."
Rob Bell is telling a story of how his son had taken a little, white ball. Soon his actions and somewhat peculiar behavior catches up to him. His mom asks a simple question and he runs upstairs, hiding under the covers of his parent's bed for two hours. Bell comes home from work and finds him there.
But he doesn't yell at his son.
He doesn't punish him.
He doesn't condemn him.
He simply pulls back the covers and then says, "There's nothing that you could ever do to make me love you less."
This is completely relatable to how God loves us, even with our sin and guilt and shame.
Today my devotional spoke of the same thing. It focused on God's love for us. Midway through I read, 'There is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you.' I just stopped and read that sentence over and over and over. Aha! I mean, here is something that probably seems so simple to understand, but it had never truly clicked with me until then.
Goodness.
God will never love us less.
God will never stop loving us.
Astounding.
'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.'
[Galatians 2:20]
December 8, 2008
Ch. 269 - Let it Rain
Yesterday a friend helped me finally realize just how okay it is to not be on top of things, even in your relationship with God. There is no possible way that our relationship with Him is always going to be tip-top, anyway. I'm not saying that you should not strive for it to be, but it is very unlikely that you're always going to be happy where you are with God. You can't have those "God-highs" all the time, you know?
There will be times you're going to be disciplined by God.
There will be times you're going to be attacked by Satan.
There will be times you're going to be far from God.
Seek Him anyway.
You're going to have trials and tribulations.
You're going to have fears and doubts.
You're going to have frustration and sadness.
Share it with Him.
I received some great encouragement from this friend and he really helped me have a more positive attitude and outlook about an issue I am constantly struggling with. I didn't know how much I needed to hear exactly what he said until he did... and I am entirely thankful that God had that beautiful, five-minute conversation planned for us.
'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.'
[1 Chronicles 16:11]
There will be times you're going to be disciplined by God.
There will be times you're going to be attacked by Satan.
There will be times you're going to be far from God.
Seek Him anyway.
You're going to have trials and tribulations.
You're going to have fears and doubts.
You're going to have frustration and sadness.
Share it with Him.
I received some great encouragement from this friend and he really helped me have a more positive attitude and outlook about an issue I am constantly struggling with. I didn't know how much I needed to hear exactly what he said until he did... and I am entirely thankful that God had that beautiful, five-minute conversation planned for us.
'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.'
[1 Chronicles 16:11]
December 7, 2008
Ch. 268 - Look to Forgiveness
Repent and ask for forgiveness.
We should be encouraging others, as well as giving constructive criticism. Sometimes that's what it takes for others to realize that they need to change and be forgiven by God.
It can be difficult to do this, that's true. But you have to think about it in terms of having eternal life. Step into that uncomfortable zone and call them out in gentleness and reverence - and maybe help lead them to repentance and salvation... or stay in the comfortably safe zone, and watch them pass by as an unsaved sinner.
The choice is yours.
'It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.'
[Mark 1:2-4]
We should be encouraging others, as well as giving constructive criticism. Sometimes that's what it takes for others to realize that they need to change and be forgiven by God.
It can be difficult to do this, that's true. But you have to think about it in terms of having eternal life. Step into that uncomfortable zone and call them out in gentleness and reverence - and maybe help lead them to repentance and salvation... or stay in the comfortably safe zone, and watch them pass by as an unsaved sinner.
The choice is yours.
'It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.'
[Mark 1:2-4]
December 6, 2008
Ch. 267 - Seek HIM
I need to seek Jesus.
'I seek you with all my heart;
do no let me stray from your commands.'
[Psalm 119:10]
I want to do this.
'I seek you with all my heart;
do no let me stray from your commands.'
[Psalm 119:10]
I want to do this.
December 5, 2008
Ch. 266 - I Like Gardening...
Every time I come up with a new idea of what I could do with my life - which I always like to think may very well be what God wants me to do - I am hit with conviction after conviction to do something different. And it always goes back to the same thing.
Planting.
No, not planting flowers or vegetables in a garden.
Church-planting.
I've never really given a lot of thought to doing so until the past couple of months. It's a big part of missions. I mean, I do go back and forth between youth ministry and cross-cultural ministry pretty often... because I would want to start a youth organization out in Salt Lake. Which technically would be a type of mission, I suppose, and not just youth ministry in a church or whatever. But I know that if I were to definitely "do missions" I don't want to do something stereotypical like help out in AIDS orphanages or something. Honestly. I would want to do something like church-planting, I believe. A former student came to my Christian Discipleship class during Missions Emphasis Week and spoke to us about AVANT, a church-planting organization. What he talked about sparked my interest to a great extent. Man... thinking about it gives me the chills. I felt a pretty big tug on the heart while he was talking to us.
Anyway, maybe God's trying to tell me something, here. I really have to think about it. I've got time. I'll just have to wait and see how everything starts panning out.
' "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." '
[John 4:34-35]
Planting.
No, not planting flowers or vegetables in a garden.
Church-planting.
I've never really given a lot of thought to doing so until the past couple of months. It's a big part of missions. I mean, I do go back and forth between youth ministry and cross-cultural ministry pretty often... because I would want to start a youth organization out in Salt Lake. Which technically would be a type of mission, I suppose, and not just youth ministry in a church or whatever. But I know that if I were to definitely "do missions" I don't want to do something stereotypical like help out in AIDS orphanages or something. Honestly. I would want to do something like church-planting, I believe. A former student came to my Christian Discipleship class during Missions Emphasis Week and spoke to us about AVANT, a church-planting organization. What he talked about sparked my interest to a great extent. Man... thinking about it gives me the chills. I felt a pretty big tug on the heart while he was talking to us.
Anyway, maybe God's trying to tell me something, here. I really have to think about it. I've got time. I'll just have to wait and see how everything starts panning out.
' "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." '
[John 4:34-35]
December 4, 2008
Ch. 265 - The Goal of Faith
This week's memory verse:
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
December 3, 2008
Ch. 264 - A Slow Walk
So here's the story behind this post. It's actually 2:44 in the afternoon on Thursday. This post is actually a paper I wrote between midnight:30 and 3:00 this morning, and then later between 10:00 and 11:45... ummm, yeah. Anyway. It was an assignment for one of my classes. It's supposedly a spiritual growth plan. Whatever. But I missed yesterday's post ("today") and have nothing on my heart or mind right now - and had no clue what to write about - so I thought I'd post it. I figured it has to do with my faith and my walk with God, technically, so it works. It's a bit long, I wouldn't blame you for not reading it. Just thought I'd give you a heads up now.
......
'Psalm 25:4-7 [NIV] says, ‘Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.’
I feel that this psalm – and more specifically the section of verses above – describes where I am in my walk with God. I want to be taught by Him. I want to be guided by Him. I want to be loved by Him. I want to be forgiven by Him. At times it can be easy to forget that you need all of these things, especially from God. You need to learn. You need to be guided, loved, and forgiven. Because I want and need all of these things, I believe God has brought me to the path I am on. I am where I am for at least one reason, and whether I learn of this reason in five days or five years does not matter. I personally believe it is the here and now that matters. I think God knows that there is something I am searching for in the place where I am, and that is why He has brought me to where I am today. I am constantly seeking something – half the time I do not even know what – and throughout my life He has constantly provided me with the answers I have been looking for. I have not always walked down the straight and narrow path in regards to my faith. I have climbed mountains, I have dug myself into dark trenches. I have walked extremely close with God one day and veered completely off the edge of the map the next. Throughout my trials and accomplishments, sorrows and pleasures, I have made mistakes and learned from them. God is teaching me that I am not perfect. God is teaching me that without Him, I am nothing. And I think that is why He has brought me along the path that I have traveled thus far.
Because of this personal belief, I have come to grow in my faith in more than one way. For example, I have realized how truly wonderful ‘an unhurried life’ is. Taking the time to slow down has become an important aspect of my life. We do have a purpose on this earth and our lives are far too short to rush through everything; I think by rushing we are not able to fully comprehend our purpose and enjoy our fulfillment of what we are meant to do. But even until God reveals that purpose, I think it is important to not rush. God created this earth for our enjoyment, not mere disposal. In my opinion, ‘Take time to smell the roses’ could be, by far, one of the wisest sayings known to mankind. I have also grown through the realization that there is joy and beauty in every situation imaginable. I have lived a fortunate life. I mean, I have never been affected by disease. I have never had to deal with trauma. I have never lived in poverty. I have never been stricken with depression. Sure, I have experienced my share of sadness, frustration, anger… but I have never had to deal with utter tragedy. This is something I am thankful for. Even so, I am curious as to how I would respond to situations where there seems to be no happiness, peace, or joy. I think that God has recently been teaching me how to live with just that – joy. Life is full of those ‘dee dah day’ moments. God gives us gifts daily. It is just a matter of learning how to look for them, grasping them, and fully using them to see God’s own joy and beauty.
Even though I am growing in my faith and am developing what spiritual strengths I do have, there are ways I am completely adverse in regards to growing further and developing those strengths. I believe the first and foremost reason for God putting me on this earth is to wholly worship Him with love, devotion, and dedication. Deuteronomy 6:5 [NIV] says, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,’ and John 4:23-24 [NIV] says, ‘“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”’ I believe that worship is not merely singing praise to God during church or youth group or chapel services at school. Worship is living your life for God, giving Him everything of yourself, every minute of every day. Yet do I truly live that way? No. As difficult as that may be to admit, it is the truth. It is not that I simply do not focus on Him enough, but it is also that I have turned away from Him entirely before – and more than once. There have been times when I rejected His love, and certainly did not give Him any in return. If that is not falling short of God’s design for me, I do not know what is. I also have not put as much trust in God as I could have. I do not think that I ever tried to put my full trust in Him until this past year, to be honest. I am not a fan of putting my trust in the unseen, the unknown. I like to plan. I like to know what is going to happen. When you put your trust in God, I think you are taking a step towards admitting that you are alright with not knowing what is going to happen. By putting your trust in God, you can be more firm in your beliefs and the faith that you have in Him. I have tried to do things my way, on my time, by my plans for such a long time. This is an absolute weakness and I am constantly striving to place it at the foot of the cross. I trust God. Unfortunately, saying you trust God and completely following through with having trust in Him are two entirely different things. Yet I know that He cares about me enough to have patience with me (ah yes, patience: something I feel I will always be continuing to learn).
I believe it is difficult to place my faith or my walk with God on a scale. Life is constant, but not consistent. It changes with you day-to-day. However, in general, I suppose I would be able to place myself at a five. I know I am always going to have room to grow, no matter where I come to be in life. Certain aspects of my spiritual life are better than others. For example, I would place myself at a nine in regards to prayer, but I would place myself at a four in regards to Scripture reflection or meditation. In four to five years I hope to be at a seven. I want to take things slowly, so that I can absorb as much as possible and get the most out of my relationship with God. I want to be on a slow walk with God.
Of course, there will always be things that hinder our relationship with God. Culture – especially Western culture – is not always very friendly to the believer who is trying to grow spiritually. There are distractions galore in the media, at work, at school, and at home. They come in many forms, such as people, material possessions, success complexes, health problems, violence, and so much more. We are a busy people. We are an independent people. I know that these represent two of my bigger obstacles that I face. Sometimes I always feel like I am going, going, going and that I live in an over-extended lifestyle. However, this is because of choices I have made; I can also choose to move toward the opposite of an over-extended lifestyle. I can choose a life with balance. I believe balance is a key component to healthy spiritual growth. I have to give priority to the important things in life. As of now, those things include God, my family, my health, and my education. Sure, friends are important. Service is, too, as is working. However, if I cannot even focus on my relationship with God, who created me and allows me to even have education, friends, and the ability to serve and work, how can I have all things in my life in order, regardless of priority? Not giving God enough time – and thinking too independently, believing I can do everything on my own – is a large obstacle that I am always striving to overcome.
Fortunately, I am slowly learning how to take larger bounds over these obstacles and by equipping myself with knowledge, as well as practicing spiritual disciplines, I believe I can make a lot of significant progression towards growing in my faith. I think that the righteousness and spiritual growth of mature Christians is not a result of their age or the number of years they have been Christian. I believe it is a result of practicing their disciplines. The willingness to do exactly that is an advantage for spiritual growth, in my opinion. Another advantage would include the fact that I am living in a time and place where I am surrounded by fellow believers. I am not persecuted for my faith in Jesus Christ. I am not cursed or shunned for my beliefs and morals. If I need help with anything, I have people I am able to turn to. I can ask them advice. I can ask them for prayer. I have opportunities to create support systems. Even though I think that we should turn to God with everything first, God does speak through people. We have also been put on this earth to encourage, edify, and grow with one another.
I think that growth can be spurred by many things. We have to want to grow, though. Once we have decided that we do want to grow spiritually, we can then take steps toward doing so. Personally, I know I need to be willing to open up to people more. There are often times when I want to talk about God and my faith, and complain that nobody is willing to be vulnerable. Yet when God presents opportunities to do so by placing people in my life who also want to talk about God and faith, I do not recognize the fact until later – or worse, I simply let the opportunities pass me by if I do recognize it. I also need to nurture growth with God’s Word. I have been working on this a lot lately, but I do not think that we can ever read enough. When I read the promises of God over and over, it helps me remember that He is at work, even when I cannot see Him at work. Hebrews 11:1 [NASB] says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I also need to cooperate with God as He works, giving Him praise for what He is doing in my life. Pruning and cutting off may be difficult to deal with and it may hurt at times, but it is for the best. It helps us grow efficiently and produce greater amounts of fruit. And with this fruit we can reach out to people and help them grow. The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 are as follows: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I need to be praying for said fruit consistently in order to grow effectively.
All things said and done, I have a lot of growing to do – and I am glad.
Romans 12:1-2 [NIV] says, ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.’ If, by the time I leave this world, I learn how to grow spiritually in such a way that allows me to live the way Romans 12:1-2 describes, I will most likely consider my life well-lived. I want to be able to use what I have learned and what I know I will learn while growing spiritually to help others in the future. Whether I’m a missionary in the Middle East, a youth pastor in Salt Lake City, Utah, or a stay-at-home mom in goodness knows where, I hope to be able to guide others in developing their spiritual disciplines and growing in their faith.'
......
'Psalm 25:4-7 [NIV] says, ‘Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.’
I feel that this psalm – and more specifically the section of verses above – describes where I am in my walk with God. I want to be taught by Him. I want to be guided by Him. I want to be loved by Him. I want to be forgiven by Him. At times it can be easy to forget that you need all of these things, especially from God. You need to learn. You need to be guided, loved, and forgiven. Because I want and need all of these things, I believe God has brought me to the path I am on. I am where I am for at least one reason, and whether I learn of this reason in five days or five years does not matter. I personally believe it is the here and now that matters. I think God knows that there is something I am searching for in the place where I am, and that is why He has brought me to where I am today. I am constantly seeking something – half the time I do not even know what – and throughout my life He has constantly provided me with the answers I have been looking for. I have not always walked down the straight and narrow path in regards to my faith. I have climbed mountains, I have dug myself into dark trenches. I have walked extremely close with God one day and veered completely off the edge of the map the next. Throughout my trials and accomplishments, sorrows and pleasures, I have made mistakes and learned from them. God is teaching me that I am not perfect. God is teaching me that without Him, I am nothing. And I think that is why He has brought me along the path that I have traveled thus far.
Because of this personal belief, I have come to grow in my faith in more than one way. For example, I have realized how truly wonderful ‘an unhurried life’ is. Taking the time to slow down has become an important aspect of my life. We do have a purpose on this earth and our lives are far too short to rush through everything; I think by rushing we are not able to fully comprehend our purpose and enjoy our fulfillment of what we are meant to do. But even until God reveals that purpose, I think it is important to not rush. God created this earth for our enjoyment, not mere disposal. In my opinion, ‘Take time to smell the roses’ could be, by far, one of the wisest sayings known to mankind. I have also grown through the realization that there is joy and beauty in every situation imaginable. I have lived a fortunate life. I mean, I have never been affected by disease. I have never had to deal with trauma. I have never lived in poverty. I have never been stricken with depression. Sure, I have experienced my share of sadness, frustration, anger… but I have never had to deal with utter tragedy. This is something I am thankful for. Even so, I am curious as to how I would respond to situations where there seems to be no happiness, peace, or joy. I think that God has recently been teaching me how to live with just that – joy. Life is full of those ‘dee dah day’ moments. God gives us gifts daily. It is just a matter of learning how to look for them, grasping them, and fully using them to see God’s own joy and beauty.
Even though I am growing in my faith and am developing what spiritual strengths I do have, there are ways I am completely adverse in regards to growing further and developing those strengths. I believe the first and foremost reason for God putting me on this earth is to wholly worship Him with love, devotion, and dedication. Deuteronomy 6:5 [NIV] says, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,’ and John 4:23-24 [NIV] says, ‘“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”’ I believe that worship is not merely singing praise to God during church or youth group or chapel services at school. Worship is living your life for God, giving Him everything of yourself, every minute of every day. Yet do I truly live that way? No. As difficult as that may be to admit, it is the truth. It is not that I simply do not focus on Him enough, but it is also that I have turned away from Him entirely before – and more than once. There have been times when I rejected His love, and certainly did not give Him any in return. If that is not falling short of God’s design for me, I do not know what is. I also have not put as much trust in God as I could have. I do not think that I ever tried to put my full trust in Him until this past year, to be honest. I am not a fan of putting my trust in the unseen, the unknown. I like to plan. I like to know what is going to happen. When you put your trust in God, I think you are taking a step towards admitting that you are alright with not knowing what is going to happen. By putting your trust in God, you can be more firm in your beliefs and the faith that you have in Him. I have tried to do things my way, on my time, by my plans for such a long time. This is an absolute weakness and I am constantly striving to place it at the foot of the cross. I trust God. Unfortunately, saying you trust God and completely following through with having trust in Him are two entirely different things. Yet I know that He cares about me enough to have patience with me (ah yes, patience: something I feel I will always be continuing to learn).
I believe it is difficult to place my faith or my walk with God on a scale. Life is constant, but not consistent. It changes with you day-to-day. However, in general, I suppose I would be able to place myself at a five. I know I am always going to have room to grow, no matter where I come to be in life. Certain aspects of my spiritual life are better than others. For example, I would place myself at a nine in regards to prayer, but I would place myself at a four in regards to Scripture reflection or meditation. In four to five years I hope to be at a seven. I want to take things slowly, so that I can absorb as much as possible and get the most out of my relationship with God. I want to be on a slow walk with God.
Of course, there will always be things that hinder our relationship with God. Culture – especially Western culture – is not always very friendly to the believer who is trying to grow spiritually. There are distractions galore in the media, at work, at school, and at home. They come in many forms, such as people, material possessions, success complexes, health problems, violence, and so much more. We are a busy people. We are an independent people. I know that these represent two of my bigger obstacles that I face. Sometimes I always feel like I am going, going, going and that I live in an over-extended lifestyle. However, this is because of choices I have made; I can also choose to move toward the opposite of an over-extended lifestyle. I can choose a life with balance. I believe balance is a key component to healthy spiritual growth. I have to give priority to the important things in life. As of now, those things include God, my family, my health, and my education. Sure, friends are important. Service is, too, as is working. However, if I cannot even focus on my relationship with God, who created me and allows me to even have education, friends, and the ability to serve and work, how can I have all things in my life in order, regardless of priority? Not giving God enough time – and thinking too independently, believing I can do everything on my own – is a large obstacle that I am always striving to overcome.
Fortunately, I am slowly learning how to take larger bounds over these obstacles and by equipping myself with knowledge, as well as practicing spiritual disciplines, I believe I can make a lot of significant progression towards growing in my faith. I think that the righteousness and spiritual growth of mature Christians is not a result of their age or the number of years they have been Christian. I believe it is a result of practicing their disciplines. The willingness to do exactly that is an advantage for spiritual growth, in my opinion. Another advantage would include the fact that I am living in a time and place where I am surrounded by fellow believers. I am not persecuted for my faith in Jesus Christ. I am not cursed or shunned for my beliefs and morals. If I need help with anything, I have people I am able to turn to. I can ask them advice. I can ask them for prayer. I have opportunities to create support systems. Even though I think that we should turn to God with everything first, God does speak through people. We have also been put on this earth to encourage, edify, and grow with one another.
I think that growth can be spurred by many things. We have to want to grow, though. Once we have decided that we do want to grow spiritually, we can then take steps toward doing so. Personally, I know I need to be willing to open up to people more. There are often times when I want to talk about God and my faith, and complain that nobody is willing to be vulnerable. Yet when God presents opportunities to do so by placing people in my life who also want to talk about God and faith, I do not recognize the fact until later – or worse, I simply let the opportunities pass me by if I do recognize it. I also need to nurture growth with God’s Word. I have been working on this a lot lately, but I do not think that we can ever read enough. When I read the promises of God over and over, it helps me remember that He is at work, even when I cannot see Him at work. Hebrews 11:1 [NASB] says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I also need to cooperate with God as He works, giving Him praise for what He is doing in my life. Pruning and cutting off may be difficult to deal with and it may hurt at times, but it is for the best. It helps us grow efficiently and produce greater amounts of fruit. And with this fruit we can reach out to people and help them grow. The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 are as follows: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I need to be praying for said fruit consistently in order to grow effectively.
All things said and done, I have a lot of growing to do – and I am glad.
Romans 12:1-2 [NIV] says, ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.’ If, by the time I leave this world, I learn how to grow spiritually in such a way that allows me to live the way Romans 12:1-2 describes, I will most likely consider my life well-lived. I want to be able to use what I have learned and what I know I will learn while growing spiritually to help others in the future. Whether I’m a missionary in the Middle East, a youth pastor in Salt Lake City, Utah, or a stay-at-home mom in goodness knows where, I hope to be able to guide others in developing their spiritual disciplines and growing in their faith.'
December 2, 2008
Ch. 263 - 'Guard Your Heart'
'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.'
[Proverbs 4:23]
Alright, I'm getting to the bottom of this. Everyone always thinks that this verse means you should protect your heart in regards to others breaking it and whatnot. Don't let yourself get hurt, basically. But that's not the only thing it means. If you continue after this verse, you will read this:
'Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.'
[Proverbs 4:24-27]
I believe these verses are telling you to guard your heart from sin. 'Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.' Stay on the straight and narrow. Don't turn away. Don't let your guard down.
After all, God lives in our heart.
Do we want the dwelling place of God to be in shambles?
Our heart is where He does His work on us.
Do we want all of His hard work to be diminished?
Our heart represents our nature, our character.
Do we want to be turned into characters of sin?
However, I think it does have to do with love as well. I mean, you don't give your heart to just anyone, right? You give it to the one you love. So you should guard your heart in that regard. However, as Christians we give our hearts to God, because it is Him whom we love. So when we have done this, when we have accepted Christ as our Savior, and when we are found to be walking with the Spirit, we can say that we are guarding our hearts. We are guarding them because we have died to sin and are thus protecting them from the enemy and being tainted by the outside world.
[Proverbs 4:23]
Alright, I'm getting to the bottom of this. Everyone always thinks that this verse means you should protect your heart in regards to others breaking it and whatnot. Don't let yourself get hurt, basically. But that's not the only thing it means. If you continue after this verse, you will read this:
'Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.'
[Proverbs 4:24-27]
I believe these verses are telling you to guard your heart from sin. 'Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil.' Stay on the straight and narrow. Don't turn away. Don't let your guard down.
After all, God lives in our heart.
Do we want the dwelling place of God to be in shambles?
Our heart is where He does His work on us.
Do we want all of His hard work to be diminished?
Our heart represents our nature, our character.
Do we want to be turned into characters of sin?
However, I think it does have to do with love as well. I mean, you don't give your heart to just anyone, right? You give it to the one you love. So you should guard your heart in that regard. However, as Christians we give our hearts to God, because it is Him whom we love. So when we have done this, when we have accepted Christ as our Savior, and when we are found to be walking with the Spirit, we can say that we are guarding our hearts. We are guarding them because we have died to sin and are thus protecting them from the enemy and being tainted by the outside world.
December 1, 2008
Ch. 262 - Wading
I feel like I'm in a baby pool. No matter where I turn, no matter where I step, I am in shallow water. I am desperately seeking deeper waters to dive into. Most of the time I feel like I am learning, but not growing. I am not being stretched. I am not being challenged. I am not being stimulated. I've been saying this over and over, I know. But it's true. Intelligent conversation is a great thing... God-talks are beautiful and encouraging... small groups and Bible studies can be so uplifting... but apparently the only things that matter around here are boys/girls [and marriage], shopping, movies, texting - oh, and the occasional "Biblical discussion" about baptism and its role in salvation.
Deciding to come to this school was one of the best decisions I've ever made. However, it was also one of the worst decisions I've ever made. Don't get me wrong, I love it here. I really do. But sometimes I just want to wake these people up and ask what is wrong with them! Do classes really take so much of their time and attention (both faith-wise and non-faith-wise) that they can't spend some time out of class in discussion, [Bible] study, etc.? Other than in class and chapel, neither God nor the Bible is ever topical. Neither come up in daily conversation. You ask someone how they are and all they respond with is, "I'm tired." Where is your joy? There is a young man on this campus who is different, though. You ask him how he's doing, you'll hear something along the lines of, "I'm blessed," or "I'm fighting the fight." And you know he means what he's saying. He's not just saying it out of habit. Talk to him for a few minutes and you will see just how focused he is. He loves Jesus and it is so incredibly apparent. It's refreshing.
So I suppose part of my problem is that I'm not trying hard enough to find those people who are like-minded and want the same thing I do. Or when I do find them, I'm not initiating anything. I'm not trying to make that connection. I want it so bad right now, though. I need it. I've been doing things on my own lately and it's just not enough. It's kind of like I've only been drinking lemonade. It quenches my thirst for awhile, but in reality it just makes me even more thirsty.
'Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.'
[Proverbs 3:13-18]
......
Ch. 262, Part Two:
Please note that I am speaking about a minority of the school's population. I also admit that I can be quite the hypocrite, so I'm not putting blame on anyone for my disappointment (for lack of a better word). There are always going to be things we can work on. Nobody's perfect. And I certainly don't know people's hearts. This has simply been on my mind lately and I thought I'd get it out there.
Deciding to come to this school was one of the best decisions I've ever made. However, it was also one of the worst decisions I've ever made. Don't get me wrong, I love it here. I really do. But sometimes I just want to wake these people up and ask what is wrong with them! Do classes really take so much of their time and attention (both faith-wise and non-faith-wise) that they can't spend some time out of class in discussion, [Bible] study, etc.? Other than in class and chapel, neither God nor the Bible is ever topical. Neither come up in daily conversation. You ask someone how they are and all they respond with is, "I'm tired." Where is your joy? There is a young man on this campus who is different, though. You ask him how he's doing, you'll hear something along the lines of, "I'm blessed," or "I'm fighting the fight." And you know he means what he's saying. He's not just saying it out of habit. Talk to him for a few minutes and you will see just how focused he is. He loves Jesus and it is so incredibly apparent. It's refreshing.
So I suppose part of my problem is that I'm not trying hard enough to find those people who are like-minded and want the same thing I do. Or when I do find them, I'm not initiating anything. I'm not trying to make that connection. I want it so bad right now, though. I need it. I've been doing things on my own lately and it's just not enough. It's kind of like I've only been drinking lemonade. It quenches my thirst for awhile, but in reality it just makes me even more thirsty.
'Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.'
[Proverbs 3:13-18]
......
Ch. 262, Part Two:
Please note that I am speaking about a minority of the school's population. I also admit that I can be quite the hypocrite, so I'm not putting blame on anyone for my disappointment (for lack of a better word). There are always going to be things we can work on. Nobody's perfect. And I certainly don't know people's hearts. This has simply been on my mind lately and I thought I'd get it out there.
November 30, 2008
Ch. 261 - Look for Him
We can't afford to look for Jesus in grandiose, immaculate places. He's there, sure. But we really need to be searching in the least of places. We need to go and find Him in the darkest of places. And it is in those dark places we will find Him lifting the darkness, bringing a light to those who need it the most. 'The day is coming where the night will be no more.' We must watch for it. We must be ready for it. We need to help spread His light, the light that He has so willingly given us. And we need to be a generous, outgoing, and loving people. A people of prayer.
' "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." '
[Mark 13:32]
' "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." '
[Mark 13:32]
November 29, 2008
Ch. 260 - Anticipation
I submitted my Café 1040 application yesterday. It's a pretty big deal to me. I feel incredibly anxious! God knows what is in store for me in the future and if this is included, then great. If it is not, that's great, too. Either way He's got something planned for me and I will be happy with whatever He hands me.
'Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.'
[Psalm 86:4]
'Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.'
[Psalm 86:4]
November 28, 2008
Ch. 259 - Habitual Love
I want to love so much that it becomes habit.
But I want that love to not be shallow and meaningless.
I want it to be purposeful and true.
' "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them." '
[Luke 6:32]
But I want that love to not be shallow and meaningless.
I want it to be purposeful and true.
' "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them." '
[Luke 6:32]
November 27, 2008
Ch. 258 - Give Thanks
I don't think we give thanks to God nearly as often as we should.
I think about this fact often, but especially when Thanksgiving rolls around.
'Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever'.
[Psalm 107:1]
I think about this fact often, but especially when Thanksgiving rolls around.
'Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever'.
[Psalm 107:1]
November 26, 2008
Ch. 257 - Opening Up
I have no clue what I'm going to do in the future.
I have no clue where I'm going to be.
I have no clue who I'm going to be working with.
I have no clue who I'm going to start a family with.
I've said it before, I'll say it again: I do not like not having a set-in-stone plan. I do not like not knowing what's going to happen. Don't get me wrong, spontaneity is fine. And surprises are fantastic. But when it really comes down to it, I like having a good bit of knowledge as to what will be going down, and when, and where, and with whom.
I'm still really struggling with simply knowing that God will take care of it all. I know He'll set the ball in motion, but I have to acknowledge what He's doing and take that first step towards it. And that's tough. I think I'd be having a much easier time with everything if I weren't so darn indecisive... not gonna lie.
I'm basically taking one step forward, then two steps back.
And it's all because I'm not putting enough trust in God.
I'm not okay with that.
' "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." '
[Matthew 14:28-33]
I have no clue where I'm going to be.
I have no clue who I'm going to be working with.
I have no clue who I'm going to start a family with.
I've said it before, I'll say it again: I do not like not having a set-in-stone plan. I do not like not knowing what's going to happen. Don't get me wrong, spontaneity is fine. And surprises are fantastic. But when it really comes down to it, I like having a good bit of knowledge as to what will be going down, and when, and where, and with whom.
I'm still really struggling with simply knowing that God will take care of it all. I know He'll set the ball in motion, but I have to acknowledge what He's doing and take that first step towards it. And that's tough. I think I'd be having a much easier time with everything if I weren't so darn indecisive... not gonna lie.
I'm basically taking one step forward, then two steps back.
And it's all because I'm not putting enough trust in God.
I'm not okay with that.
' "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." '
[Matthew 14:28-33]
November 25, 2008
Ch. 256 - I Am In Christ
This was my Bible verse of the day, and I really appreciated it. I'm not doing too hot right now and so it was a very encouraging verse for this point in time.
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.'
[Romans 8:1-2]
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.'
[Romans 8:1-2]
November 24, 2008
Ch. 255 - Inexpressible JOY
'Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
12. September 2010 Edit:
It has been almost two years since I posted this verse. It is most certainly fascinating to think about all that has happened these past twenty-two months. Change. Growth. Development. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... For example, one thing that has changed is my view of joy. While this verse does claim that we are "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" based upon the receiving of salvation, it is different from the joy that we may have over, say, the birth of a child. The joy that we are given upon receiving our salvation does not last. We can "retrieve it", simply remember it, through our mind... but if we truly desire a portion of that joy, we need to ask for it. Granted, God will sometimes just give it to us without asking... surprise... but the joy that we think we know is not the joy of God.
[1 Peter 1:8-9]
12. September 2010 Edit:
It has been almost two years since I posted this verse. It is most certainly fascinating to think about all that has happened these past twenty-two months. Change. Growth. Development. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... For example, one thing that has changed is my view of joy. While this verse does claim that we are "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" based upon the receiving of salvation, it is different from the joy that we may have over, say, the birth of a child. The joy that we are given upon receiving our salvation does not last. We can "retrieve it", simply remember it, through our mind... but if we truly desire a portion of that joy, we need to ask for it. Granted, God will sometimes just give it to us without asking... surprise... but the joy that we think we know is not the joy of God.
November 23, 2008
Ch. 254 - All These and More
Jesus came as someone the people were not expecting - a tiny infant.
They were expecting a mighty king.
A conquering hero.
A brave warrior.
These things are all true of Him, of course, but it may have not seemed like He was any of those at the time He was on earth. He was merely human, although God incarnate, a baby. He died a sinner's death, crucified.
But He is still that mighty king. And even though He is that mighty king, He is still our king. He is personal. Not only to believers as the Church, but also to believers as individuals. He is ours. He lives in each of us (given we've invited Him in, that is). But are we living our lives in a manner that is evidence of this?
Walk the talk.
We should be wanting more of Him.
We should be bowing down to this King.
We should be turning to Him for counsel and rest.
' "Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?" '
[Job 37:21-24]
They were expecting a mighty king.
A conquering hero.
A brave warrior.
These things are all true of Him, of course, but it may have not seemed like He was any of those at the time He was on earth. He was merely human, although God incarnate, a baby. He died a sinner's death, crucified.
But He is still that mighty king. And even though He is that mighty king, He is still our king. He is personal. Not only to believers as the Church, but also to believers as individuals. He is ours. He lives in each of us (given we've invited Him in, that is). But are we living our lives in a manner that is evidence of this?
Walk the talk.
We should be wanting more of Him.
We should be bowing down to this King.
We should be turning to Him for counsel and rest.
' "Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?" '
[Job 37:21-24]
November 22, 2008
Ch. 253 - Matter of Fact
I love school right now.
I've got so much to do.
Finals are in a couple weeks.
I've got research to perform, papers to write, reading, studying.
But I don't mind any of it, because I love what I'm in school for.
I love learning.
And through these obligations, these requirements, I am learning so incredibly much, as well as growing in my faith.
What more could I ask for?
Well.
I suppose I could ask for more assignments and such... but I'm not going to take it that far.
I'm not that weird.
I've got so much to do.
Finals are in a couple weeks.
I've got research to perform, papers to write, reading, studying.
But I don't mind any of it, because I love what I'm in school for.
I love learning.
And through these obligations, these requirements, I am learning so incredibly much, as well as growing in my faith.
What more could I ask for?
Well.
I suppose I could ask for more assignments and such... but I'm not going to take it that far.
I'm not that weird.
November 21, 2008
Ch. 252 - Wake UP!
Sometimes, I just never learn.
So when I find myself finally getting that slap in the face from God... I don't get too upset. Because I know I deserve it.
And because He knows what's best for me.
And because sometimes it takes something extreme to make me change my ways.
But man, those slaps in the face hurt pretty bad, let me tell you.
'... but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful... '
[Hebrews 12:10-11]
So when I find myself finally getting that slap in the face from God... I don't get too upset. Because I know I deserve it.
And because He knows what's best for me.
And because sometimes it takes something extreme to make me change my ways.
But man, those slaps in the face hurt pretty bad, let me tell you.
'... but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful... '
[Hebrews 12:10-11]
November 20, 2008
Ch. 251 - My Honor
'My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.'
[Psalm 62:7]
I think the fact that this verse includes 'my honor' is really interesting.
Makes you think, doesn't it?
[Psalm 62:7]
I think the fact that this verse includes 'my honor' is really interesting.
Makes you think, doesn't it?
November 19, 2008
Ch. 250 - Hey you! Yeah, you!
Just in case you didn't know...
'Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.'
[1 John 5:21]
'Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.'
[1 John 5:21]
November 18, 2008
Ch. 249 - Speaking to Me
God is close.
I feel Him so near.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
God's been speaking to me through a lot of mediums lately, I feel.
I know what He wants me to do - it's what I want and need to do, too.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
God is answering prayer like you wouldn't believe.
I am so glad to have a God who not only hears, but listens.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am blessed.
'Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.'
[Psalm 97:11-12]
I feel Him so near.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
God's been speaking to me through a lot of mediums lately, I feel.
I know what He wants me to do - it's what I want and need to do, too.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
God is answering prayer like you wouldn't believe.
I am so glad to have a God who not only hears, but listens.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am blessed.
'Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.'
[Psalm 97:11-12]
November 17, 2008
Ch. 248 - Fight!
Today I kept thinking about warfare and what I wrote about the school a few days ago. And then just a few minutes ago I checked my e-mail and was cleaning out my inbox. I noticed that I had actually saved a devotional from Rick Warren titled 'How to Fight Spiritual Warfare'. Hm. Whaddya know? I actually don't remember reading it. I probably clicked on it so that it wouldn't appear as a new email and was going to read it later. I thought I'd share it on here, because I liked it a lot.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
How to Fight Spiritual Warfare
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'
[Ephesians 6:12]
There are four things we need to do when we are battling spiritual warfare in our lives:
1. Acknowledge the adversary. Satan is real (1 Peter 5:8-9). When you’re being attacked, it’s proof that you’re a believer. The more you make an impact for God, the more the Devil is going to fight you. You never outgrow it; it just gets more intense. If there were no Devil, why would God send his Son to fight what does not exist? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 [NLT], "The Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil."
2. Accept God-given authority. Most believers are very ignorant about the authority they have to use against the Devil. Matthew 28:18-19 says we have all authority in heaven and earth. Then Jesus says, "Therefore go and make disciples …" He transfers the authority to you and me. He does that because he’s given us a specific mission (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Put on God’s armor. When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Paul says, just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to be dressed for battle. For instance, I will often pray, "Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation that will protect me from the thoughts the Devil will try to give me. I don’t want to think the Devil’s thoughts. I don’t want to think my thoughts. I want to think your thoughts, so that that I may be a voice for you. I put on the belt of truth. Lord, I want to share the truth, not falsehood. I want to lead people into righteousness."
4. Aim the artillery. The battlefield for spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life, in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul says the weapons God gives us to use demolish arguments – that’s the way people think; they pull down pretension – that’s the way people think. We take every thought captive.
In this battle for thoughts, we have four weapons: humility, faith, truth, and praise.
November 16, 2008
Ch. 247 - A Nightmare of a Question
For the past six months I have been haunted by a question that always ends up floating to the front of my mind at least once before the end of the day. There are maybe three or four people who know what this question pertains to - and that's actually far too many, in my opinion. Thus, please forgive me for not posing said question at this point in time.
I was talking with a friend about it tonight. I was surprised to learn that the subject matter is something he struggles with, too. I found it interesting that in the sense of Christian conventionalism, we both have a very similar view regarding salvation.
I think God puts people such as my friend in our lives to let us know that we are not, in fact, alone in our trials and tribulations. It's nice to have a physical being to turn to... to get that immediate feedback when we need someone to listen and want that audible input.
Now, don't get me wrong. I know we can always talk to God and put our absolute trust in Him. We need to rely on Him. But it really is great to have that support in friends and family while we are here on earth.
I thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me, especially within the last year. It has been a year and one month since God has truly turned my life upside-down and started to change my heart. I have so much to be grateful for. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Everything is connected. I wouldn't be here at Central Christian College of the Bible if it weren't for what happened last year out in Utah... but I also wouldn't be bothered daily by this daunting question if it weren't for what happened last year out in Utah... However, I keep my faith in God and try my best not to worry, because I am able to find strength and joy in Him and thus persevere daily. And I worship Him with my life because of what He and His Son have done for me.
'Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.'
[Hebrews 13:15]
I was talking with a friend about it tonight. I was surprised to learn that the subject matter is something he struggles with, too. I found it interesting that in the sense of Christian conventionalism, we both have a very similar view regarding salvation.
I think God puts people such as my friend in our lives to let us know that we are not, in fact, alone in our trials and tribulations. It's nice to have a physical being to turn to... to get that immediate feedback when we need someone to listen and want that audible input.
Now, don't get me wrong. I know we can always talk to God and put our absolute trust in Him. We need to rely on Him. But it really is great to have that support in friends and family while we are here on earth.
I thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me, especially within the last year. It has been a year and one month since God has truly turned my life upside-down and started to change my heart. I have so much to be grateful for. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Everything is connected. I wouldn't be here at Central Christian College of the Bible if it weren't for what happened last year out in Utah... but I also wouldn't be bothered daily by this daunting question if it weren't for what happened last year out in Utah... However, I keep my faith in God and try my best not to worry, because I am able to find strength and joy in Him and thus persevere daily. And I worship Him with my life because of what He and His Son have done for me.
'Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.'
[Hebrews 13:15]
November 15, 2008
Ch. 246 - Step Out
I'm tired of feeling as if I'm not doing anything with my faith.
'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:4]
'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:4]
November 14, 2008
Ch. 245 - Stewardship
This week's memory verse:
'The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.'
[Psalm 24:1, NASB]
'The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.'
[Psalm 24:1, NASB]
November 13, 2008
Ch. 244 - Small Answers Matter
I've had a great day - and it all started with a text message at 5:47 this morning. It's strange to think how a simple text message can put your day into motion with happiness and excitement. This message was from someone whom I care about greatly and love very much. Unfortunately, we've both been kind of cut out from each other's lives. It's really sad, honestly. Now, I can't say I know this friend's heart; I don't know where he is with God. But I've been praying for him for a good year now about his relationship with Christ... and more recently about our friendship and contact. So this text message was, in a way, an answer to prayer. It was a small answer - but it was a small answer to an awfully big prayer. It just goes to show how greatly God works in our lives and how small, simple things can build up our faith in Him.
'I will turn their mourning into gladness, I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.'
[Jeremiah 31:13]
Awww yeah. Taking the Bible out of context, one verse at a time.
It's how I do.
'I will turn their mourning into gladness, I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.'
[Jeremiah 31:13]
Awww yeah. Taking the Bible out of context, one verse at a time.
It's how I do.
November 12, 2008
Ch. 243 - Safely Searching
I am hungry for God. It's not that I haven't eaten anything for some time and that's why I'm hungry... it's like I'm never full. And I just want as much as possible. Not to simply hold me off for awhile, but to make me feel more than completely satiated. I don't know exactly what will give me that feeling of fullness. I don't know what I need - or what I even want. But I want something.
I want something more.
The thing is, I don't want to get ahead of myself. I don't want to start looking for something, find it, and then get so caught up in it that I actually find myself falling away from God [as opposed to growing closer to Him]. For example, this past spring I was looking for something more. I thought I had found it - found something that had all the answers and was just the thing for me. But I went about everything in a very unsafe way, which was completely dropping a lot that was actually very dear to me. People. God's word. Places, meetings. All for that sense of closeness. Satisfaction. Knowledge. Truth. However, I have since realized that in doing so, I actually gave up these things. And I ended up paying the price. I still am a little bit, in fact, but for the most part I have peace about it all. I am blessed to have a God who loves unconditionally, who saved my heart through the whole ordeal so that I could turn back to Him and still have life in His Son.
But I have certainly learned my lesson. And that's why I'm saying that I want to safely go about searching for... whatever it is that's on my heart - because I don't even know what it is yet. Isn't that strange? I'm sure I'll find it eventually. I think it's simply something along the lines of being challenged. I know I've mentioned this before, but I have yet to feel truly challenged in my faith. So hopefully there will be a bit of progress in regards to this sometime soon.
If anything, I will search for God.
Seek Him.
Wait for Him.
God is good.
'Delight yourself in the Lord and he will you give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him...'
[Psalm 37:4-5]
I want something more.
The thing is, I don't want to get ahead of myself. I don't want to start looking for something, find it, and then get so caught up in it that I actually find myself falling away from God [as opposed to growing closer to Him]. For example, this past spring I was looking for something more. I thought I had found it - found something that had all the answers and was just the thing for me. But I went about everything in a very unsafe way, which was completely dropping a lot that was actually very dear to me. People. God's word. Places, meetings. All for that sense of closeness. Satisfaction. Knowledge. Truth. However, I have since realized that in doing so, I actually gave up these things. And I ended up paying the price. I still am a little bit, in fact, but for the most part I have peace about it all. I am blessed to have a God who loves unconditionally, who saved my heart through the whole ordeal so that I could turn back to Him and still have life in His Son.
But I have certainly learned my lesson. And that's why I'm saying that I want to safely go about searching for... whatever it is that's on my heart - because I don't even know what it is yet. Isn't that strange? I'm sure I'll find it eventually. I think it's simply something along the lines of being challenged. I know I've mentioned this before, but I have yet to feel truly challenged in my faith. So hopefully there will be a bit of progress in regards to this sometime soon.
If anything, I will search for God.
Seek Him.
Wait for Him.
God is good.
'Delight yourself in the Lord and he will you give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him...'
[Psalm 37:4-5]
November 11, 2008
Ch. 242 - Warriors of God
I'll let you in on a secret:
When I am looking for something specific, I often look right over it.
Under it.
Next to it.
Behind it.
It's right there in front of me, but I don't see it.
Maybe it's because I'm too focused on something else.
Maybe I'm in too big a hurry.
Maybe I get too distracted by other things.
And I'll get frustrated.
In typical Natalie-fashion, I'll go to my mom (who is the boss and in charge of the Keene household). She, in turn, will go straight to what I've been looking for, point it out, and give me the look that I have all too well come to associate with this type of situation.
I knew it was there the entire time - I could sense it - but my eyes were not open. And then, as soon as someone points it out to me, they are opened and I see clearly.
Something similar happened to me this morning.
Before I continue, I must tell you how much I love the school I'm attending, Central Christian College of the Bible. I really do love it. I love the people here, I love the campus itself, I love my teachers, my classes. There's simply something very special about it. It is a beautiful light in a dark community and I am honored to be part of it. I definitely feel that I belong at Central and that God placed me here for a reason. I'm still figuring out what that reason is, but [thankfully] I finally have the patience to not mind taking things one day at a time. Now, also understand that I'm not saying Central and the people involved with the school are without fault. There are weaknesses, breaks in the chain. There are people here whose hearts are not right with God, for example. But I don't want to focus on the 'bad' aspects, because I believe there is more positive than there is negative in this place.
But this morning, my eyes were opened to something that is of a negative nature. Something dark. Something that hurts. Something that destroys. It's not like I've never experienced it before. I've dealt with it. Faced it. Been kicked down by it.
This 'it' is the enemy.
You may think, 'Uh, Natalie, you're at a Bible college...
How could Satan affect anything?
You're all surrounded by fellow believers.
Satan can't touch you.'
Here's the deal. This morning in my SALT class, my small group leader mentioned that she had received a text from our teacher about a veil of darkness that was over our school, and that we are truly under spiritual warfare with the enemy - and that we should pray about it. As soon as my leader read the text, my heart skipped a couple of beats. That was it. For the last month or so, I've felt something was... off. Not with myself entirely - but in general... something was not right. I've felt uneasy. Uncomfortable. So as soon as it was said, I realized just how true it is.
As aforementioned, I said our school is a light in the community it's situated in. I like to think we do a lot of good for a lot of people. We're working hard. We're sharing the love, spreading the Word. And through it all - studies, devotionals, personal time with God, etc. included - we are drawing closer to God. But the closer we draw near to Him, the more frustrated Satan becomes... and the more he tries to pull us down. Unfortunately, it's working. I say this from personal experience these past few weeks, as well as from learning of others' misfortunes and stories of the attacks they've felt on their spirits and hearts lately.
One thing the school's really been working on is prayer - and this is a great, great thing. Prayer is one of our greatest weapons against the enemy. We can't let our guard down, though. It needs to be constant. And we need to constantly be worshiping God with our lives - not just during chapel or on Sunday mornings. I think Christianity is a lifestyle. It's a tough lifestyle, though. You have to work at it. You have to learn to persevere. You can't become accustomed to giving up easily. You have to be in the here and now. You can't worry about tomorrow or the next day. Fortunately, God is always with us. We can lean on Him. We can trust Him. We can depend on Him. We can talk to Him. He does give us strength. He does give us love. He does give us answers. But we should give everything to Him. He wants our joys. He wants our struggles. He wants us, just as we are. He wants a relationship.
I think that's something we forget often. And I think that's a weakness that Satan is using against us. We focus so much on school or work or completing service hours [or finding a spouse...], and not enough on our relationship with God. I also think that we are not a united body in Christ. There are always going to be cliques. There is always going to be gossip. There are always going to be childish, immature games being played. But we're not working at repelling any of this. And it's affecting our relationships with one another. And if we're to be worshiping God with our entire lives, it affects our relationship with Him, as well. So it's important that we fight these things, because all it is is Satan wanting to come between ourselves and God.
I know this is becoming quite the novel, and that it's sort of all over the place. I don't really know where I'm going. But it's all been on my heart lately, so I thought I would just get it out there. It's just sad that the closer we get to God, the more Satan tries to pull us away from Him. Fortunately, it only makes us stronger in the end. And I suppose it's a good sign when we are attacked, because it can only mean that we are doing something right.
'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.'
[Psalm 105:4]
When I am looking for something specific, I often look right over it.
Under it.
Next to it.
Behind it.
It's right there in front of me, but I don't see it.
Maybe it's because I'm too focused on something else.
Maybe I'm in too big a hurry.
Maybe I get too distracted by other things.
And I'll get frustrated.
In typical Natalie-fashion, I'll go to my mom (who is the boss and in charge of the Keene household). She, in turn, will go straight to what I've been looking for, point it out, and give me the look that I have all too well come to associate with this type of situation.
I knew it was there the entire time - I could sense it - but my eyes were not open. And then, as soon as someone points it out to me, they are opened and I see clearly.
Something similar happened to me this morning.
Before I continue, I must tell you how much I love the school I'm attending, Central Christian College of the Bible. I really do love it. I love the people here, I love the campus itself, I love my teachers, my classes. There's simply something very special about it. It is a beautiful light in a dark community and I am honored to be part of it. I definitely feel that I belong at Central and that God placed me here for a reason. I'm still figuring out what that reason is, but [thankfully] I finally have the patience to not mind taking things one day at a time. Now, also understand that I'm not saying Central and the people involved with the school are without fault. There are weaknesses, breaks in the chain. There are people here whose hearts are not right with God, for example. But I don't want to focus on the 'bad' aspects, because I believe there is more positive than there is negative in this place.
But this morning, my eyes were opened to something that is of a negative nature. Something dark. Something that hurts. Something that destroys. It's not like I've never experienced it before. I've dealt with it. Faced it. Been kicked down by it.
This 'it' is the enemy.
You may think, 'Uh, Natalie, you're at a Bible college...
How could Satan affect anything?
You're all surrounded by fellow believers.
Satan can't touch you.'
Here's the deal. This morning in my SALT class, my small group leader mentioned that she had received a text from our teacher about a veil of darkness that was over our school, and that we are truly under spiritual warfare with the enemy - and that we should pray about it. As soon as my leader read the text, my heart skipped a couple of beats. That was it. For the last month or so, I've felt something was... off. Not with myself entirely - but in general... something was not right. I've felt uneasy. Uncomfortable. So as soon as it was said, I realized just how true it is.
As aforementioned, I said our school is a light in the community it's situated in. I like to think we do a lot of good for a lot of people. We're working hard. We're sharing the love, spreading the Word. And through it all - studies, devotionals, personal time with God, etc. included - we are drawing closer to God. But the closer we draw near to Him, the more frustrated Satan becomes... and the more he tries to pull us down. Unfortunately, it's working. I say this from personal experience these past few weeks, as well as from learning of others' misfortunes and stories of the attacks they've felt on their spirits and hearts lately.
One thing the school's really been working on is prayer - and this is a great, great thing. Prayer is one of our greatest weapons against the enemy. We can't let our guard down, though. It needs to be constant. And we need to constantly be worshiping God with our lives - not just during chapel or on Sunday mornings. I think Christianity is a lifestyle. It's a tough lifestyle, though. You have to work at it. You have to learn to persevere. You can't become accustomed to giving up easily. You have to be in the here and now. You can't worry about tomorrow or the next day. Fortunately, God is always with us. We can lean on Him. We can trust Him. We can depend on Him. We can talk to Him. He does give us strength. He does give us love. He does give us answers. But we should give everything to Him. He wants our joys. He wants our struggles. He wants us, just as we are. He wants a relationship.
I think that's something we forget often. And I think that's a weakness that Satan is using against us. We focus so much on school or work or completing service hours [or finding a spouse...], and not enough on our relationship with God. I also think that we are not a united body in Christ. There are always going to be cliques. There is always going to be gossip. There are always going to be childish, immature games being played. But we're not working at repelling any of this. And it's affecting our relationships with one another. And if we're to be worshiping God with our entire lives, it affects our relationship with Him, as well. So it's important that we fight these things, because all it is is Satan wanting to come between ourselves and God.
I know this is becoming quite the novel, and that it's sort of all over the place. I don't really know where I'm going. But it's all been on my heart lately, so I thought I would just get it out there. It's just sad that the closer we get to God, the more Satan tries to pull us away from Him. Fortunately, it only makes us stronger in the end. And I suppose it's a good sign when we are attacked, because it can only mean that we are doing something right.
'Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.'
[Psalm 105:4]
November 10, 2008
Ch. 241 - Asking to Tame
'The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.'
[Proverb 15:4]
Oh, to such a great extent do many people need to hear this...
[Proverb 15:4]
Oh, to such a great extent do many people need to hear this...
November 9, 2008
Ch. 240 - In Good Spirits
Things happen for a reason. And as difficult as that may be to fully comprehend, it's true. It's even more difficult to embrace what life throws at you (sometimes literally...). But knowing that God is fully in control somehow makes all situations seem that much easier to swallow and digest. So it is with a light heart that I say to stay positive, keep your head up, and embrace things as they are. We can't turn back time. We can't control the past or the future. What happens, happens. And everything is part of God's great plan. So why worry? Why stress? There's no need to do so.
Give it all to God.
Don't look back.
'The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.'
[Psalm 145:14]
Give it all to God.
Don't look back.
'The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.'
[Psalm 145:14]
November 8, 2008
Ch. 239 - My Song
'In that day you will say: "I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 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." '
[Isaiah 12:1-2]
11. September 2010 Edit:
My God is not angry with me. How many times have we heard, "Nothing you do will make God love you more or less."? A lot, most certainly. And it is true. God delights in me and loves me like no one ever could. He will never fail me, fading away into nothingness like something or someone of this finite world. If I have been born into Christ, alive in Him... and the Holy Spirit is truly within me... if I am living my life for God like I say I am... I needn't think twice that the Lord is my song. I sing of Him, for Him, in His Spirit... He provides the lyrics.
[Isaiah 12:1-2]
11. September 2010 Edit:
My God is not angry with me. How many times have we heard, "Nothing you do will make God love you more or less."? A lot, most certainly. And it is true. God delights in me and loves me like no one ever could. He will never fail me, fading away into nothingness like something or someone of this finite world. If I have been born into Christ, alive in Him... and the Holy Spirit is truly within me... if I am living my life for God like I say I am... I needn't think twice that the Lord is my song. I sing of Him, for Him, in His Spirit... He provides the lyrics.
November 7, 2008
Ch. 238 - Romance Me, Lord
How does God romance you?
Perhaps it's through music. Or people. Books. Intercession. Nature. God can, and will, romance you through a certain medium - and through more than one, perhaps. For me, it is through nature. Especially the night sky. And wooded areas. I don't know what it is about these things. But when I look up to the supposed heavens above, I can't help but think about God. I am reminded of God's glorious splendor in the great expanse. To have placed the stars in the sky, knowing each by name - and to also have placed me here and know me... what a beautiful thought. And I can't help but feel God in forests and the timber; I feel safe. I feel comfortable. And I always feel very close to God. I find the woods very beautiful. I haven't seen all of His creation's beauty... I am not well traveled, and even if I were and even if I am to be - there's so much that I will never see. But when I am in the woods, I could care less. I mean, if I were to die tomorrow, I would be fine with that, knowing that I truly have seen great beauty in God's creation. I see beauty in the simplest of things. I like that about me. And I hope God does, too.
'And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights - the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.'
[Genesis 1:14-16]
Perhaps it's through music. Or people. Books. Intercession. Nature. God can, and will, romance you through a certain medium - and through more than one, perhaps. For me, it is through nature. Especially the night sky. And wooded areas. I don't know what it is about these things. But when I look up to the supposed heavens above, I can't help but think about God. I am reminded of God's glorious splendor in the great expanse. To have placed the stars in the sky, knowing each by name - and to also have placed me here and know me... what a beautiful thought. And I can't help but feel God in forests and the timber; I feel safe. I feel comfortable. And I always feel very close to God. I find the woods very beautiful. I haven't seen all of His creation's beauty... I am not well traveled, and even if I were and even if I am to be - there's so much that I will never see. But when I am in the woods, I could care less. I mean, if I were to die tomorrow, I would be fine with that, knowing that I truly have seen great beauty in God's creation. I see beauty in the simplest of things. I like that about me. And I hope God does, too.
'And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights - the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.'
[Genesis 1:14-16]
November 6, 2008
Ch. 237 - Taking the Time, Revisited
Alright. So. I have not spent time to sit down and blog recently (for one week, to be precise). The last time this happened was only about two months ago. I didn't think it would happen again, but that is obviously not the case. I don't have any reasons for this happening. And I'm not going to make excuses... but I do think it's basically just laziness and going to bed later than I should be, thus not wanting to spend time writing. Just like last time, I am not going to try and catch up for each day missed. I'm simply going to pick up from right here, right now, and move on.
Diving straight in, things are going really well. I've actually been kind of down for the past couple weeks - but spiritually, things are on the incline. I've felt closer to God in the past four days or so than I have in quite some time. I don't really know what I'm doing differently. Praying and interceding more? Trying to listen to God better? Opening my Bible more (... and not just for class)? I think part of it is that I truly am slowing down. I'm still learning patience. I'm searching for joy every day. I'm taking in the beauty of all things and people. I'm learning so much, both in class and out of class. And I believe I am finally putting my words to action in focusing on God. I always say that I think I am, or that I am going to, but do I?
......
Let's just say that I am glad my God loves me no matter what.
And that I'm always glad to see how incredibly mighty my God is.
And that I'm always glad to see how very well God knows what is best.
This week's memory verse:
'So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;'
[Colossians 3:12, NASB]
Diving straight in, things are going really well. I've actually been kind of down for the past couple weeks - but spiritually, things are on the incline. I've felt closer to God in the past four days or so than I have in quite some time. I don't really know what I'm doing differently. Praying and interceding more? Trying to listen to God better? Opening my Bible more (... and not just for class)? I think part of it is that I truly am slowing down. I'm still learning patience. I'm searching for joy every day. I'm taking in the beauty of all things and people. I'm learning so much, both in class and out of class. And I believe I am finally putting my words to action in focusing on God. I always say that I think I am, or that I am going to, but do I?
......
Let's just say that I am glad my God loves me no matter what.
And that I'm always glad to see how incredibly mighty my God is.
And that I'm always glad to see how very well God knows what is best.
This week's memory verse:
'So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;'
[Colossians 3:12, NASB]
October 30, 2008
Ch. 236 - Magnificent Memorization
This week's memory verse:
'Your word I have treasured in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.'
[Psalm 119:11, NASB]
'Your word I have treasured in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.'
[Psalm 119:11, NASB]
Ch. 235 - No Other Name
' "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." '
[Acts 4:12]
It is through Jesus alone that we are saved.
[Acts 4:12]
It is through Jesus alone that we are saved.
October 29, 2008
Ch. 234 - One Another
‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.’
[Hebrews 10:23-25, NASB]
Community.
Beautiful.
[Hebrews 10:23-25, NASB]
Community.
Beautiful.
Ch. 233 - I Like Rollercoasters
As the title implies, I like rollercoasters. I love going up and down and around and backwards and upside down and side to side and fast. But when you use the analogy of a rollercoaster to describe how you're doing emotionally or spiritually, I don't like rollercoasters too much. And unfortunately, that's exactly where I am with quite a few things at this point in time. Life is speeding up again and taking unexpected twists and turns - both big and small. I don't know why. I know there's a reason that I simply haven't found yet; God has had this all planned out for some reason or another and I know that in time He will reveal what that reason is.
'Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.'
[Psalm 32:10]
'Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.'
[Psalm 32:10]
October 28, 2008
Ch. 232 - Appreciation of Prayer
I'm pretty ecstatic about the fact that God answers prayer. And that through prayer great things can happen - not just for ourselves, but for others. I honestly don't know what else to say. Pray. And don't stop doing so, ever. Worship God with your prayer.
'This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.'
[1 John 5:14-15]
'This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.'
[1 John 5:14-15]
October 27, 2008
Ch. 231 - With Humility
'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.'
[Proverbs 11:2]
Wisdom.
Goodness gracious.
I could go on and on about this. Not because I have wisdom, but because it is something I desire. Perhaps one day I'll be able to expound on wisdom that God has bestowed upon me...
[Proverbs 11:2]
Wisdom.
Goodness gracious.
I could go on and on about this. Not because I have wisdom, but because it is something I desire. Perhaps one day I'll be able to expound on wisdom that God has bestowed upon me...
October 26, 2008
Ch. 230 - Different but United
Today I went to another Christian church [Rocky Fork Fellowship]. One of my friends' dad is the pastor there. It's always interesting to see how things are done at each church. This particular congregation actually meets in the cafeteria of an elementary school, that was pretty different. But it doesn't matter where you worship, so long as you are truly giving God the praise He deserves.
I was going to continue on with the differences among churches and such, but I'm really tired. I've already had a long day and it's not even 5:00. Man oh man. Perhaps I'll pick up where I left off in a day or two... or three or four...
'Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all... Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.'
[Colossians 3:11,15]
I was going to continue on with the differences among churches and such, but I'm really tired. I've already had a long day and it's not even 5:00. Man oh man. Perhaps I'll pick up where I left off in a day or two... or three or four...
'Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all... Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.'
[Colossians 3:11,15]
October 25, 2008
Ch. 229 - Grateful
When I feel like I have nowhere to turn... nobody to lean on... God provides. He gives me a path. He gives me a shoulder. And I am more grateful for this than you can imagine. He reminds me that He is with me. He created me. He loves me. I needed those reminders today and I received them through a great friend.
God is good.
All the time.
'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.'
[Proverb 17:17]
God is good.
All the time.
'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.'
[Proverb 17:17]
October 24, 2008
Ch. 228 - Hurt
Sometimes my heart hurts.
Sometimes my heart hurts a lot.
No, it's not heartburn.
No, it's not been broken.
It simply hurts.
It pounds in true, physical pain.
When I think of how many people don't know Jesus.
When I think of how many people are living in sin and don't repent.
When I think of how ridiculous I am and how amazing God is.
I don't know how to handle it.
But God does. And through prayer, reflection, more prayer, and His love and grace, I am healed. I have a better understanding of why it hurts. Why I have been put in this place that I call home, His world, created by Him for us. And then my heart doesn't hurt nearly so bad.
Thank You, Lord.
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.'
[Psalm 147:3-5]
Sometimes my heart hurts a lot.
No, it's not heartburn.
No, it's not been broken.
It simply hurts.
It pounds in true, physical pain.
When I think of how many people don't know Jesus.
When I think of how many people are living in sin and don't repent.
When I think of how ridiculous I am and how amazing God is.
I don't know how to handle it.
But God does. And through prayer, reflection, more prayer, and His love and grace, I am healed. I have a better understanding of why it hurts. Why I have been put in this place that I call home, His world, created by Him for us. And then my heart doesn't hurt nearly so bad.
Thank You, Lord.
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.'
[Psalm 147:3-5]
October 23, 2008
Ch. 227 - Go
This week's memory verse:
' "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." '
[Matthew 28:19-20, NASB]
' "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." '
[Matthew 28:19-20, NASB]
October 22, 2008
Ch. 226 - To This Day
'My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.'
[Psalm 71:15-17]
7. September 2010 Edit:
This is a psalm of supplication and praise. I've actually been thinking lately about how it is easy for us to bless God with our praise and worship after He has done something in our favor, answered our prayers, etc. But really, we should be swift to praise Him before and throughout our time of supplication. It should be continuous. Imagine a life lived doing exactly what the above verses state.
Telling of His righteousness.
Proclaiming His mighty acts.
Declaring His marvelous deeds.
What a testament to the belief that our Lord God is sovereign.
[Psalm 71:15-17]
7. September 2010 Edit:
This is a psalm of supplication and praise. I've actually been thinking lately about how it is easy for us to bless God with our praise and worship after He has done something in our favor, answered our prayers, etc. But really, we should be swift to praise Him before and throughout our time of supplication. It should be continuous. Imagine a life lived doing exactly what the above verses state.
Telling of His righteousness.
Proclaiming His mighty acts.
Declaring His marvelous deeds.
What a testament to the belief that our Lord God is sovereign.
October 21, 2008
Ch. 225 - Working At It
I'm really getting back into prayer. I was good about it up to about the end of September, when one day I just sort of stopped caring. Terrible.
But since I've truly devoted myself to spending more time with God, praying to and talking with Him, things have been so much better for me. I am so blessed.
'Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.'
[Colossians 4:2]
But since I've truly devoted myself to spending more time with God, praying to and talking with Him, things have been so much better for me. I am so blessed.
'Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.'
[Colossians 4:2]
October 20, 2008
Ch. 224 - He Knows Us
I'm realizing all the more that the way I think, speak and act depends on the people I'm around. And I don't like that. Not one bit. I should, by now, be able to be my own person. I feel pathetic. I mean, I could go ahead and say that I'm still trying to figure out just exactly who I am... but I don't believe that we will ever fully know ourselves. The only person who truly comprehends and knows all of me is God.
And I'm glad.
I look at it as if it's a game. A puzzle, really. You have to use many small pieces to put together a large picture. You try out different pieces here and there. Sometimes the first piece you try to put into place simply fits. Other times, pieces look like they fit, but in reality they don't - so over time you make an adjustment, putting the pieces that truly fit into their rightful places. Putting a puzzle together can be really relaxing. However, putting a puzzle together can also be very frustrating.
I like to think that as I am working on my puzzle, God cheers for me when I place the pieces correctly. Especially when I see that one piece doesn't actually go in a particular spot - it's merely an impostor. A thing to fill a void.
I am so lucky to have a God that fills all empty space. To have a God who knows me inside and out. To have a God who loves me unconditionally, no matter where I am in my walk.
'The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.'
[1 John 4:8-9]
And I'm glad.
I look at it as if it's a game. A puzzle, really. You have to use many small pieces to put together a large picture. You try out different pieces here and there. Sometimes the first piece you try to put into place simply fits. Other times, pieces look like they fit, but in reality they don't - so over time you make an adjustment, putting the pieces that truly fit into their rightful places. Putting a puzzle together can be really relaxing. However, putting a puzzle together can also be very frustrating.
I like to think that as I am working on my puzzle, God cheers for me when I place the pieces correctly. Especially when I see that one piece doesn't actually go in a particular spot - it's merely an impostor. A thing to fill a void.
I am so lucky to have a God that fills all empty space. To have a God who knows me inside and out. To have a God who loves me unconditionally, no matter where I am in my walk.
'The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.'
[1 John 4:8-9]
October 19, 2008
Ch. 223 - Carneeelian
'At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian.'
[Revelation 4:2-3]
Carnelian is a 'hard red chalcedony used in jewelry'.
Chalcedony is 'a translucent variety of quartz of various colors and waxy luster'.
You learn something new every day.
Not even kidding, this is my post for the day.
[Revelation 4:2-3]
Carnelian is a 'hard red chalcedony used in jewelry'.
Chalcedony is 'a translucent variety of quartz of various colors and waxy luster'.
You learn something new every day.
Not even kidding, this is my post for the day.
October 18, 2008
Ch. 222 - The Reflection
I am good. ... No.
I am great. Ehh... not quite.
I am awesome. Almost!
I am incredible. Still not there.
Honestly, words cannot express how I am right now. How I feel. How I think. Life is simply really great for me. I have a lot to be thankful for, that is an absolute given. One thing I'm thankful for is the fact that I am truly becoming closer with God. And that is most important to me, so I am simply all the more grateful.
I've been praying for this - to be where I am currently - for a very long time. Slowly but surely... God is answering my prayer.
Everything seems to be coming together, you know? Things just work. They match up. Click. Come together.
I couldn't be happier. Well. I mean, I'm sure I could be, but for now I am amazingly content. That doesn't mean I'm going to settle, but I'm pretty good to go for the time being. My God is so great. The more I think just that... the more I see how true it is. I don't deserve this - whatever 'this' may be. Seriously, I simply can't wrap my mind around the fact that a God as great as He wants anything to do with me. I'm appreciative, but practically in disbelief.
'... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
[Romans 8:37-39]
I am great. Ehh... not quite.
I am awesome. Almost!
I am incredible. Still not there.
Honestly, words cannot express how I am right now. How I feel. How I think. Life is simply really great for me. I have a lot to be thankful for, that is an absolute given. One thing I'm thankful for is the fact that I am truly becoming closer with God. And that is most important to me, so I am simply all the more grateful.
I've been praying for this - to be where I am currently - for a very long time. Slowly but surely... God is answering my prayer.
Everything seems to be coming together, you know? Things just work. They match up. Click. Come together.
I couldn't be happier. Well. I mean, I'm sure I could be, but for now I am amazingly content. That doesn't mean I'm going to settle, but I'm pretty good to go for the time being. My God is so great. The more I think just that... the more I see how true it is. I don't deserve this - whatever 'this' may be. Seriously, I simply can't wrap my mind around the fact that a God as great as He wants anything to do with me. I'm appreciative, but practically in disbelief.
'... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
[Romans 8:37-39]
October 17, 2008
Ch. 221 - The Faithful Witness
' "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." '
[Revelation 1:8]
6. September 2010 Edit:
I find great comfort knowing that an Almighty God is in control of all things, including my life. Puppetmaster? Not so much... I like to think of my Lord God as a symphonic composer. I feel that basically speaks for itself... but really, I simply cannot decide where to go with this. There are so many things one could say in expounding upon this verse. Which is good. Our Lord God is not a shallow god. He is a God of depth and mystery, of light and truth. He is everlasting. Creator. Ruler. And it goes on...
[Revelation 1:8]
6. September 2010 Edit:
I find great comfort knowing that an Almighty God is in control of all things, including my life. Puppetmaster? Not so much... I like to think of my Lord God as a symphonic composer. I feel that basically speaks for itself... but really, I simply cannot decide where to go with this. There are so many things one could say in expounding upon this verse. Which is good. Our Lord God is not a shallow god. He is a God of depth and mystery, of light and truth. He is everlasting. Creator. Ruler. And it goes on...
October 16, 2008
Ch. 220 - How Beautiful
My God is beautiful.
Everything He has made is beautiful.
And that includes you.
That's all I have to say.
'He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.'
[Ecclesiastes 3:11]
Everything He has made is beautiful.
And that includes you.
That's all I have to say.
'He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.'
[Ecclesiastes 3:11]
October 15, 2008
Ch. 219 - I Am Hungry
I'm not going to lie: throughout fall break, I couldn't wait to get back to Central. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and I really enjoyed being home for a few days. But I wanted to dive back into classes and assignments and - dare I say - papers, quizzes and even tests. Go ahead and say it - I do every day: I'm a freak.
I suppose that's one way you could know you're in the right place and that you're doing something you love and what God wants you to be doing for now...
I am hungry for God right now. That's a good thing to be hungry for, if I may say so myself.
All I want to do is talk to Him and learn about Him and serve Him. I think the fact that I often do these things through my schooling is pretty neat.
I'm doing really well right now. Really well. And I thank God for this, because without Him I wouldn't be able to say that I'm doing really well.
'And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin..." '
[Exodus 34:6-7]
I suppose that's one way you could know you're in the right place and that you're doing something you love and what God wants you to be doing for now...
I am hungry for God right now. That's a good thing to be hungry for, if I may say so myself.
All I want to do is talk to Him and learn about Him and serve Him. I think the fact that I often do these things through my schooling is pretty neat.
I'm doing really well right now. Really well. And I thank God for this, because without Him I wouldn't be able to say that I'm doing really well.
'And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin..." '
[Exodus 34:6-7]
October 14, 2008
Ch. 218 - Hold My Heart
'How long must I pray, must I pray to You?
How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through?
I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me.
I'm on my knees, Father will you turn to me?'
[Tenth Avenue North's Hold My Heart]
Today I logged onto my chat messenger and saw that a friend had left me a message that said 'Check out "Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North.' I was like, 'Alright, why not?' So I did. As I listened to this song, tears started to stream down my face. The lyrics expressed exactly what I've been thinking and praying for the past... goodness... six, seven months? That's it, seven months. God definitely used this song to speak to me. It's like He was saying, "Hey, it's okay. I'm right here, and I hear you. I'm not going anywhere." Really great. But I also felt He was saying, "Turn to me and I shall turn to you. Notice me, and I shall notice you." I needed that. It was kind of a wake-up call, in a sense. God is good.
'He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.'
[Psalm 18:19]
How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through?
I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me.
I'm on my knees, Father will you turn to me?'
[Tenth Avenue North's Hold My Heart]
Today I logged onto my chat messenger and saw that a friend had left me a message that said 'Check out "Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North.' I was like, 'Alright, why not?' So I did. As I listened to this song, tears started to stream down my face. The lyrics expressed exactly what I've been thinking and praying for the past... goodness... six, seven months? That's it, seven months. God definitely used this song to speak to me. It's like He was saying, "Hey, it's okay. I'm right here, and I hear you. I'm not going anywhere." Really great. But I also felt He was saying, "Turn to me and I shall turn to you. Notice me, and I shall notice you." I needed that. It was kind of a wake-up call, in a sense. God is good.
'He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.'
[Psalm 18:19]
October 13, 2008
Ch. 217 - A Thorough How-To
Sometimes I just wish that there was a step-by-step guide... manual... map... to my life. I could see where I'm supposed to be going, who I'm supposed to be interacting with, what I'm supposed to think, say and do. I could see how to live my entire life. Wouldn't that be grand?
I have no clue what I'm going to do. I go back and forth, back and forth between options. I can't just not have a plan anymore. I need a goal. An objective. A dream or two, at the very least - and I do. I even spoke of said dreams in a previous post. But I feel like that's not good enough.
And I want more than a gentle nudge in one direction or a faint whisper in my ear. God obviously doesn't understand that I don't operate that way. Oh, wait... He's the one who created me. Oops. I guess He does... hmph. You fooled me, God, that's for sure.
I'm still learning patience. Every time I think I've got it under my belt, I am proven wrong. Not that there's anything wrong with that. If patience is such a virtue (a 'particular moral excellence'), as the saying goes, I suppose there's no way that we can ever have it down pat after a year or two. That would be too easy.
But God knows what He's doing. And that is a comforting thought.
'May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.'
[2 Thessalonians 3:5]
I have no clue what I'm going to do. I go back and forth, back and forth between options. I can't just not have a plan anymore. I need a goal. An objective. A dream or two, at the very least - and I do. I even spoke of said dreams in a previous post. But I feel like that's not good enough.
And I want more than a gentle nudge in one direction or a faint whisper in my ear. God obviously doesn't understand that I don't operate that way. Oh, wait... He's the one who created me. Oops. I guess He does... hmph. You fooled me, God, that's for sure.
I'm still learning patience. Every time I think I've got it under my belt, I am proven wrong. Not that there's anything wrong with that. If patience is such a virtue (a 'particular moral excellence'), as the saying goes, I suppose there's no way that we can ever have it down pat after a year or two. That would be too easy.
But God knows what He's doing. And that is a comforting thought.
'May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.'
[2 Thessalonians 3:5]
October 12, 2008
Ch. 216 - 'Why Am I Crying?'
'You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left but few in number, because you did not obey the Lord your God.'
[Deuteronomy 28:62]
3. September 2010 Edit:
'Why am I crying?' I clearly remember thinking this. I had been reading through Deuteronomy for my Pentateuch class and when I came to this verse, I began to cry. For whatever reason, it simply struck me... and I was saddened to read that God allowed such a thing to happen to the Israelites. But... it's in the past, so why should it matter to me? Should I really care? I mean, it doesn't really affect me, right? It's an entirely irrelevant verse and issue! I disagree. I think that this verse is important. It serves to remind us that our Lord God is entirely in control and He holds our lives in His hands. We do need to be obedient to God, continually. His chosen people, Israel, were "left but few in number", because of their disobedience... I think that it's safe to say that bad things can possibly happen to those who do not obey our Lord God. Not that He has it out for the disobedient - but He will certainly not hesitate, I believe, to let it be known that redirection is in order.
[Deuteronomy 28:62]
3. September 2010 Edit:
'Why am I crying?' I clearly remember thinking this. I had been reading through Deuteronomy for my Pentateuch class and when I came to this verse, I began to cry. For whatever reason, it simply struck me... and I was saddened to read that God allowed such a thing to happen to the Israelites. But... it's in the past, so why should it matter to me? Should I really care? I mean, it doesn't really affect me, right? It's an entirely irrelevant verse and issue! I disagree. I think that this verse is important. It serves to remind us that our Lord God is entirely in control and He holds our lives in His hands. We do need to be obedient to God, continually. His chosen people, Israel, were "left but few in number", because of their disobedience... I think that it's safe to say that bad things can possibly happen to those who do not obey our Lord God. Not that He has it out for the disobedient - but He will certainly not hesitate, I believe, to let it be known that redirection is in order.
October 11, 2008
Ch. 215 - Skipping Around
I am not the same person here.
It's incredible how being around different people in a different place with a different atmosphere can affect you and the way you act and the way you speak.
... That sentence was ridiculous.
It's not that I'm not walking the talk any less here at home (I'm on fall break, by the way) than I do at school. But my focus/mindset/whatever doesn't seem to revolve around Him. I may be on break - but from school, not God. So I need to work on that.
I'm continuously working on slowing down, though. I truly think I'm getting better about doing so. I believe it's even easier to do so here at home because there are less distractions. I'm finding the joy and seeing the beauty in all things and people more and more, it seems.
I like that.
A lot.
I think it pleases God.
Is that too bold or prideful to say?
'And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.'
[Philippians 1:9-11]
It's incredible how being around different people in a different place with a different atmosphere can affect you and the way you act and the way you speak.
... That sentence was ridiculous.
It's not that I'm not walking the talk any less here at home (I'm on fall break, by the way) than I do at school. But my focus/mindset/whatever doesn't seem to revolve around Him. I may be on break - but from school, not God. So I need to work on that.
I'm continuously working on slowing down, though. I truly think I'm getting better about doing so. I believe it's even easier to do so here at home because there are less distractions. I'm finding the joy and seeing the beauty in all things and people more and more, it seems.
I like that.
A lot.
I think it pleases God.
Is that too bold or prideful to say?
'And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.'
[Philippians 1:9-11]
October 10, 2008
Ch. 214 - Man of Sorrows
'He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities, and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitted by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.'
[Isaiah 53:3-5]
26. August 2010 Edit:
Our Savior knows of everything that we could experience.
He knows joy.
He knows anger.
He knows frustration.
He knows love.
He knows opportunity.
He knows doubt.
He knows suffering.
Yet He knew no sin, dying for us.
And that is how we are able to know His Father.
[Isaiah 53:3-5]
26. August 2010 Edit:
Our Savior knows of everything that we could experience.
He knows joy.
He knows anger.
He knows frustration.
He knows love.
He knows opportunity.
He knows doubt.
He knows suffering.
Yet He knew no sin, dying for us.
And that is how we are able to know His Father.
October 9, 2008
Ch. 213 - A Mighty Power
Sometimes you need a breakdown before you can get anywhere.
I've been there.
"It's always darkest before dawn."
I don't mind being broken.
I think it's necessary to grow, at times.
I want to be humbled.
I want to cry out to God.
I want to serve.
I want to be taught.
I can't do everything on my own. Anything, really. God makes all things possible. I am breathing because of Him. I am thinking because of Him. I am singing praises to Him because of Him.
I am because of Him.
I forget that too often.
'The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.'
[Job 33:4]
......
Ch. 213, Part Two:
This week's memory verse:
'For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.'
[Galatians 5:13]
I've been there.
"It's always darkest before dawn."
I don't mind being broken.
I think it's necessary to grow, at times.
I want to be humbled.
I want to cry out to God.
I want to serve.
I want to be taught.
I can't do everything on my own. Anything, really. God makes all things possible. I am breathing because of Him. I am thinking because of Him. I am singing praises to Him because of Him.
I am because of Him.
I forget that too often.
'The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.'
[Job 33:4]
......
Ch. 213, Part Two:
This week's memory verse:
'For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.'
[Galatians 5:13]
October 8, 2008
Ch. 212 - We the People
A lot of people have been on my heart lately. People here. People from Iowa. People in Utah. It's like I can't stop thinking about them. I'm not one to worry a lot, but for some reason I am doing just that. And it's disconcerting to a small extent.
As I think about and pray for these people, I find myself contemplating their walks with God and imagining what He has in store for them. I think it's fascinating to think about what He can do with people. Think about the patriarchs of faith... the pagan worshipers who turned their lives over to God... people like Rahab. It blows my mind to see how He has used people over the years for the furthering of His kingdom. To reveal His glory through us. I still have a difficult time believing that He'd want to ever use me. Be with me. Love me.
But that's where faith comes in. I have to believe that He really does want me. That he really does love me. Because without that everyday belief, I am nothing. I would have no reason to be. And that's why I have faith.
Everyone that God has placed on my heart recently has shown me pieces of their faith in some way over the time I've known them. I have learned from each person. I have grown because of them. I am incredibly grateful for each individual and I praise God for creating them and putting them in my life.
'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.'
[Ecclesiastes 4:9-12]
As I think about and pray for these people, I find myself contemplating their walks with God and imagining what He has in store for them. I think it's fascinating to think about what He can do with people. Think about the patriarchs of faith... the pagan worshipers who turned their lives over to God... people like Rahab. It blows my mind to see how He has used people over the years for the furthering of His kingdom. To reveal His glory through us. I still have a difficult time believing that He'd want to ever use me. Be with me. Love me.
But that's where faith comes in. I have to believe that He really does want me. That he really does love me. Because without that everyday belief, I am nothing. I would have no reason to be. And that's why I have faith.
Everyone that God has placed on my heart recently has shown me pieces of their faith in some way over the time I've known them. I have learned from each person. I have grown because of them. I am incredibly grateful for each individual and I praise God for creating them and putting them in my life.
'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.'
[Ecclesiastes 4:9-12]
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