Life is not fair.
But our God is.
Praise Him.
'The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The Lord is compassionate and
gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or pay us according to our
iniquities.'
[Psalm 103:6-10]
......
Ch. 438, Part Two:
I don't have a lot of tolerance for injustice.
But I am a wicked, wretched person.
I can't do anything right and I basically don't deserve to live.
May 31, 2009
May 30, 2009
Ch. 437 - God Uplifts
God is constantly looking out for us and answering our prayers. And it's when you don't think He cares that He shows you the most love and attention. I think it's absolutely beautiful when He does so through someone you would least expect to say something that you need to hear. And when they say those words, you can just feel God's warmth and comfort pouring out. It's amazing what a few words from God, given to you through a wonderful friend, can do for one's spirit.
'Love the Lord, all his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but he proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.'
[Psalm 31:23-24]
'Love the Lord, all his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but he proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.'
[Psalm 31:23-24]
May 29, 2009
Ch. 436 - Energize!
This was one of my devotionals for the day. Definitely helped me and I like what the author has to say.
It Takes Energy to Do God's Will
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB)
'The fact is it takes energy to do God's will.
What do you do when you run out of energy?
God suggests when we're feeling uneasy, perhaps low on energy; we should be still and get quiet before him: "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB).
But many of us have trouble getting quiet. It's as if we are afraid of silence; it makes us very uncomfortable. The moment we get in the car, the radio or CD player goes on. The moment we get home, the TV goes on.
Yet, God, in a sense, says, "If you want to lower your stress, it's as simple as this: Shut up. Be silent. Stop talking and start listening."
I suggest that once a day you should go out in your backyard, sit down, and just be quiet. I'm not talking about reading your Bible. You ought to read your Bible every day, but I mean get alone for five minutes a day and be completely silent. Ask God a question, and then just sit and listen.
Sometimes we say, "God, I really need your guidance on this," and then we get up and walk off. We don't wait for an answer. Could it be the reason we never hear from God is we never listen?
Learn to take little mini-breaks during the day. When you feel your blood pressure rising, stop and say, "God, I want to tune in on you again. I want to focus in on you." I'm not suggesting thirty minutes of meditation. I'm talking about fifteen or twenty seconds. Just little mini-breaks to stop and be quiet.
Why is this important? Because the race of life is tough and, quite honestly, it's tough to live God's plan for your life. It's important to be still and know He is there.
Here's an easy formula I use: Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Get quiet once a day, take one day a week to rest, and always take some sort of vacation at least once a year.'
It Takes Energy to Do God's Will
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB)
'The fact is it takes energy to do God's will.
What do you do when you run out of energy?
God suggests when we're feeling uneasy, perhaps low on energy; we should be still and get quiet before him: "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB).
But many of us have trouble getting quiet. It's as if we are afraid of silence; it makes us very uncomfortable. The moment we get in the car, the radio or CD player goes on. The moment we get home, the TV goes on.
Yet, God, in a sense, says, "If you want to lower your stress, it's as simple as this: Shut up. Be silent. Stop talking and start listening."
I suggest that once a day you should go out in your backyard, sit down, and just be quiet. I'm not talking about reading your Bible. You ought to read your Bible every day, but I mean get alone for five minutes a day and be completely silent. Ask God a question, and then just sit and listen.
Sometimes we say, "God, I really need your guidance on this," and then we get up and walk off. We don't wait for an answer. Could it be the reason we never hear from God is we never listen?
Learn to take little mini-breaks during the day. When you feel your blood pressure rising, stop and say, "God, I want to tune in on you again. I want to focus in on you." I'm not suggesting thirty minutes of meditation. I'm talking about fifteen or twenty seconds. Just little mini-breaks to stop and be quiet.
Why is this important? Because the race of life is tough and, quite honestly, it's tough to live God's plan for your life. It's important to be still and know He is there.
Here's an easy formula I use: Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Get quiet once a day, take one day a week to rest, and always take some sort of vacation at least once a year.'
May 28, 2009
Ch. 435 - Crossing Fields and Oceans
'A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.'
[John A. Shedd]
We are not meant to be content.
We are not meant to be complacent.
We are not meant to be comfortable.
We are not supposed to be sitting at home, leading quiet lives.
If we were, we would still be in Eden.
We live in sin.
And chaos.
And hatred.
And unrighteousness.
But we live life surrounded by beauty.
By love.
By grace.
By mercy.
I often think about how ungrateful we are.
It hurts.
We have been given so much, but we offer so little in return.
We should be stretching ourselves!
In mind.
In heart.
In spirit.
We should be going out into our communities!
Our cities.
Our states.
Our world.
But most of all, we should be telling people about Christ!
Why aren't we?
What holds us back?
What are we so afraid of?
We can't live in peace.
We can't live in harmony.
We can't live in perfection.
No matter how hard we try, or distort our reality to convince ourselves we can, it will not happen. Not until all know the name of Jesus and believe on Him. And this cannot be unless we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones and cross borders, barriers, and boundaries.
'Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.'
[Psalm 96:1-3]
[John A. Shedd]
We are not meant to be content.
We are not meant to be complacent.
We are not meant to be comfortable.
We are not supposed to be sitting at home, leading quiet lives.
If we were, we would still be in Eden.
We live in sin.
And chaos.
And hatred.
And unrighteousness.
But we live life surrounded by beauty.
By love.
By grace.
By mercy.
I often think about how ungrateful we are.
It hurts.
We have been given so much, but we offer so little in return.
We should be stretching ourselves!
In mind.
In heart.
In spirit.
We should be going out into our communities!
Our cities.
Our states.
Our world.
But most of all, we should be telling people about Christ!
Why aren't we?
What holds us back?
What are we so afraid of?
We can't live in peace.
We can't live in harmony.
We can't live in perfection.
No matter how hard we try, or distort our reality to convince ourselves we can, it will not happen. Not until all know the name of Jesus and believe on Him. And this cannot be unless we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones and cross borders, barriers, and boundaries.
'Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.'
[Psalm 96:1-3]
May 27, 2009
Ch. 434 - A New Challenge
I feel very burdened right now.
As a Christian, I feel obligated to love everyone. But I mean, I don't really have any trouble with that. I feel love for all people, because we are all children of God. I thus feel that everyone around me is equally deserving of being loved - not only by God, but by me, as well. And so I do. To the best of my ability, I love them. I fail often, but I try. Yet then my mind keeps going back to that thought of obligation. The feeling that I "have" to love people. I mean, it's commanded of me, right?
In Mark 12:31 Jesus says, '"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."' So it's not simply commanded, it's commanded by God Himself.
I can't go around ignoring that.
But I think that the fact that God does, indeed, tell us to do this that it makes it easier to do so. We want to please God. We want to do His will. It's in our nature, I think. Sure, there are people who look out for only themselves. But I want to believe that many people in this world are either people-pleasers or God-pleasers. Or both! If people are trying their hardest to please people, in a way I believe that it's because they love people. In turn, then, they are actually pleasing God, because that's what He wants of us. He wants us to love others. So people may be pleasing God without even realizing it! Oh, but how much more they would be pleasing God if they acknowledged His Son as their Lord and Savior...
So I've established a few things here.
A) We are commanded to love people.
B) There are a few different types of people in this world.
1. Those who live life for themselves.
2. Those who live life for others.
3. Those who live life for God.
- And those who live life in a combination of the last two.
Do you love others?
Are you loving them in such a way that they know Christ's love?
Are you living life for yourself?
Or are you living life for God?
Just some things to think about, I guess.
'We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.'
[1 John 3:14]
As a Christian, I feel obligated to love everyone. But I mean, I don't really have any trouble with that. I feel love for all people, because we are all children of God. I thus feel that everyone around me is equally deserving of being loved - not only by God, but by me, as well. And so I do. To the best of my ability, I love them. I fail often, but I try. Yet then my mind keeps going back to that thought of obligation. The feeling that I "have" to love people. I mean, it's commanded of me, right?
In Mark 12:31 Jesus says, '"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."' So it's not simply commanded, it's commanded by God Himself.
I can't go around ignoring that.
But I think that the fact that God does, indeed, tell us to do this that it makes it easier to do so. We want to please God. We want to do His will. It's in our nature, I think. Sure, there are people who look out for only themselves. But I want to believe that many people in this world are either people-pleasers or God-pleasers. Or both! If people are trying their hardest to please people, in a way I believe that it's because they love people. In turn, then, they are actually pleasing God, because that's what He wants of us. He wants us to love others. So people may be pleasing God without even realizing it! Oh, but how much more they would be pleasing God if they acknowledged His Son as their Lord and Savior...
So I've established a few things here.
A) We are commanded to love people.
B) There are a few different types of people in this world.
1. Those who live life for themselves.
2. Those who live life for others.
3. Those who live life for God.
- And those who live life in a combination of the last two.
Do you love others?
Are you loving them in such a way that they know Christ's love?
Are you living life for yourself?
Or are you living life for God?
Just some things to think about, I guess.
'We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.'
[1 John 3:14]
May 26, 2009
Ch. 433 - PRAY
It's now May 26 and I am one week behind in posts. I'm not going to make up those days. I had already gotten behind with the few posts before my last one, which is why they are merely verses. Anyway, I'm back and I don't plan on falling behind.
I guess I'll say what's been going through my mind the past week or so. My relationship with Christ is suffering. This is completely on me. I'm not going to make excuses. I haven't been as proactive as I should be, and it's taking a toll. I don't know. I've been alright about reading my Bible. But I realized today that what I have basically dropped completely is prayer. Now, this is very strange for me. I couldn't tell you how often I usually find myself praying throughout the day. And I love it. I love prayer. But for whatever reason, I just... don't pray much anymore. I'm not purposefully not praying. I'm not too busy to pray. I'm not "upset" with God or anything. I simply pray much, much less than I usually do.
I don't like it.
I think I just need a boost.
Some new energy.
Revitalization.
Encouragement.
'Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.'
[Psalm 4:1]
I guess I'll say what's been going through my mind the past week or so. My relationship with Christ is suffering. This is completely on me. I'm not going to make excuses. I haven't been as proactive as I should be, and it's taking a toll. I don't know. I've been alright about reading my Bible. But I realized today that what I have basically dropped completely is prayer. Now, this is very strange for me. I couldn't tell you how often I usually find myself praying throughout the day. And I love it. I love prayer. But for whatever reason, I just... don't pray much anymore. I'm not purposefully not praying. I'm not too busy to pray. I'm not "upset" with God or anything. I simply pray much, much less than I usually do.
I don't like it.
I think I just need a boost.
Some new energy.
Revitalization.
Encouragement.
'Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.'
[Psalm 4:1]
May 20, 2009
Ch. 432 - Actions and Truth
'Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.'
[1 John 3:18]
[1 John 3:18]
May 19, 2009
Ch. 431 - Rejecting Man
'For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.'
[1 Thessalonians 4:7-8]
[1 Thessalonians 4:7-8]
May 18, 2009
May 17, 2009
Ch. 429 - A Pending Pilgrimage
'Praise the Lord, all you servants of the
Lord
who minister by night in the house
of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and
earth,
bless you from Zion.'
[Psalm 134]
Lord
who minister by night in the house
of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and
earth,
bless you from Zion.'
[Psalm 134]
May 16, 2009
Ch. 428 - Strength and Support
I need some down time with believers my own age.
ASAP.
'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.'
[Acts 1:14]
ASAP.
'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.'
[Acts 1:14]
May 15, 2009
Ch. 427 - Righteousness as a Shield
'Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.'
[Proverb 13:6]
[Proverb 13:6]
May 14, 2009
Ch. 426 - Freedom Forever
Ralph Ellison said, "When I discover who I am, I'll be free."
You know, sometimes I don't feel that I know who I am. I think it takes a lifetime and more to truly understand yourself. Hard a realization as that may be, it's true. I mean, you didn't create yourself. How could you comprehend every facet of your being?
I am realizing, however, all the more that "finding" myself doesn't really matter. It comes with time. There's no rush to do so. And what good does it do others?
Besides. I am already free. I am in Christ and He has set me free. My identity lies in Him and if anything, that's all I need to know about who I am.
'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.'
[Galatians 5:1]
You know, sometimes I don't feel that I know who I am. I think it takes a lifetime and more to truly understand yourself. Hard a realization as that may be, it's true. I mean, you didn't create yourself. How could you comprehend every facet of your being?
I am realizing, however, all the more that "finding" myself doesn't really matter. It comes with time. There's no rush to do so. And what good does it do others?
Besides. I am already free. I am in Christ and He has set me free. My identity lies in Him and if anything, that's all I need to know about who I am.
'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.'
[Galatians 5:1]
May 13, 2009
Ch. 425 - Treacherous Adventure
This was one of my devotionals for today and I just loved it. It really captures recent thoughts and offers something in return for them. God is pretty cool like that.
'Worship Me by living close to Me. This was My original design for man, into whom I breathed My very breath of Life. This is my desire for you: that your stay near Me as you walk along your life-path. Each day is an important part of that journey. Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in the Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling. By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice. Even th most routine part of your day can be a spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing to Me.'
'... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.'
[Genesis 2:7]
'Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.'
[Psalm 89:15]
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrfices, 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.]
[Romans 12:1-2]
'Worship Me by living close to Me. This was My original design for man, into whom I breathed My very breath of Life. This is my desire for you: that your stay near Me as you walk along your life-path. Each day is an important part of that journey. Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in the Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling. By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice. Even th most routine part of your day can be a spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing to Me.'
'... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.'
[Genesis 2:7]
'Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.'
[Psalm 89:15]
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrfices, 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.]
[Romans 12:1-2]
May 12, 2009
Ch. 424 - Gaining a Step
I am going to turn to God first in anything and everything.
Not my mom.
(Sorry, Mutti.)
Not my friends.
And certainly not myself in regards to my own thoughts and feelings.
'... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
[2 Peter 1:5-8]
Not my mom.
(Sorry, Mutti.)
Not my friends.
And certainly not myself in regards to my own thoughts and feelings.
'... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
[2 Peter 1:5-8]
May 11, 2009
Ch. 423 - Anxious for the Remedy
My soul yearns for the day when all I will be doing is praising God.
Constant, beautiful, melodic praise.
In peace and holiness the angels will sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and
strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
[Revelation 5:12]
And those who are victorious over 'the beast and his image and over the number of his name will sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you along are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed." '
[Revelation 15:3-4]
I am so tired of living in this dark and ugly word of sin and hatred. I just want to be wholly surrounded with the love of God and the light of His Son.
I don't want to hunger.
I don't want to thirst.
I don't want to be scorched by heat.
I want to be led by my Shepherd.
I don't want to cry.
I don't want to deal with death.
I don't want to be in pain.
I want to be with my God.
[Revelation 7:16-17, 21:4]
But I can't always get what I want at the exact moment I want it.
And that's ok.
I still have lessons to learn.
I still have work to do.
People to meet.
People to reach out to.
People to love.
I mean, I do not hunger or thirst as so many people in this world do.
I do not have anything to cry or mourn over. I have no hardships.
There are people who are truly starving and parched. And not just for physical sustenance, but for the Word and Living Water of God. Eternal life. How blessed am I to have my needs met on a daily basis, both on physical and spirituals levels? Compared to what others may or may not have, I am too blessed.
I have my God as my Savior.
He is the author of my life.
'Author of salvation.'
And He is in me, as I am in Him.
This is more than I could ever ask for.
And that is why my heart aches to be with Him.
You know what?
I have hope in Jesus Christ.
I have faith in Christ.
I have peace in Christ.
But at the same time, I don't think I will never have absolute peace in my soul or heart because I am not home. I know that. Unfortunately, there are millions of people on this earth who do not know that their true home awaits them in heaven. They don't know that they belong with their true Father, our Lord God. Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Constant, beautiful, melodic praise.
In peace and holiness the angels will sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and
strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
[Revelation 5:12]
And those who are victorious over 'the beast and his image and over the number of his name will sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you along are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed." '
[Revelation 15:3-4]
I am so tired of living in this dark and ugly word of sin and hatred. I just want to be wholly surrounded with the love of God and the light of His Son.
I don't want to hunger.
I don't want to thirst.
I don't want to be scorched by heat.
I want to be led by my Shepherd.
I don't want to cry.
I don't want to deal with death.
I don't want to be in pain.
I want to be with my God.
[Revelation 7:16-17, 21:4]
But I can't always get what I want at the exact moment I want it.
And that's ok.
I still have lessons to learn.
I still have work to do.
People to meet.
People to reach out to.
People to love.
I mean, I do not hunger or thirst as so many people in this world do.
I do not have anything to cry or mourn over. I have no hardships.
There are people who are truly starving and parched. And not just for physical sustenance, but for the Word and Living Water of God. Eternal life. How blessed am I to have my needs met on a daily basis, both on physical and spirituals levels? Compared to what others may or may not have, I am too blessed.
I have my God as my Savior.
He is the author of my life.
'Author of salvation.'
And He is in me, as I am in Him.
This is more than I could ever ask for.
And that is why my heart aches to be with Him.
You know what?
I have hope in Jesus Christ.
I have faith in Christ.
I have peace in Christ.
But at the same time, I don't think I will never have absolute peace in my soul or heart because I am not home. I know that. Unfortunately, there are millions of people on this earth who do not know that their true home awaits them in heaven. They don't know that they belong with their true Father, our Lord God. Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
May 10, 2009
Ch. 422 - Promises of God
In Christ we are made righteous.
[Romans 5:19]
We are dead to sin.
[Romans 6:11]
We are given eternal life.
[Romans 6:23 and John 3:15]
We are not condemned.
[Romans 8:1]
We are sanctified.
[1 Corinthians 1:2]
We are made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15:22]
We are made a new creation.
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
We are reconciled to God.
[2 Corinthians 5:19]
We are clothed with Christ.
[Galatians 3:27]
We are immeasurably blessed.
[Ephesians 1:3]
We are forgiven.
[Ephesians 1:7]
We are made the very righteousness of God.
[2 Corinthians 5:21]
As much as I'd like to take credit for putting these together, I can't. They come from the 'weekly wisdom' of ChristNotes. I like it. A lot.
Having now lived for twenty years, it's neat to realize how God has kept the promises He's made over the course of my life thus far. Praise God!
[Romans 5:19]
We are dead to sin.
[Romans 6:11]
We are given eternal life.
[Romans 6:23 and John 3:15]
We are not condemned.
[Romans 8:1]
We are sanctified.
[1 Corinthians 1:2]
We are made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15:22]
We are made a new creation.
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
We are reconciled to God.
[2 Corinthians 5:19]
We are clothed with Christ.
[Galatians 3:27]
We are immeasurably blessed.
[Ephesians 1:3]
We are forgiven.
[Ephesians 1:7]
We are made the very righteousness of God.
[2 Corinthians 5:21]
As much as I'd like to take credit for putting these together, I can't. They come from the 'weekly wisdom' of ChristNotes. I like it. A lot.
Having now lived for twenty years, it's neat to realize how God has kept the promises He's made over the course of my life thus far. Praise God!
May 9, 2009
Ch. 421 - Pride Breeds Quarrels
'Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.'
[Proverb 13:10]
[Proverb 13:10]
May 8, 2009
Ch. 420 - All of Creation, Praise
'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.'
[Psalm 150:6]
[Psalm 150:6]
May 7, 2009
Ch. 419 - Come and Gone
Oh goodness. I have completed my first year at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri. I don't even know where to begin...
Well. Over the past eight and a half months, I have come to love Central. I truly have. I love the size. I love the classes. I love the support. I love the administration and faculty. I love the students. I love Moberly. I honestly love everything about being at Central. I am so glad that God led me there. I'm still working a few things out, such as what I truly want to do in the future, where I really fit in at Central (even though there aren't many places to fit in), and how I can serve the school and community all the more during the rest of my time there.
I feel like God has really worked on my heart over the year. I also feel that I have grown a considerable amount and although I may not always seem like it, I have matured even more than I did during my first year of college. God is still teaching me patience, and I'm glad. Also, I've started to learn to truly capture my thoughts and turn them towards good things and Christ. For example, take my roommate situation... now, I'm not going to go into detail, but I don't know how many times I found myself wanting to say something rude and biting to my roommates over the months because of the way they acted, things they constantly talked about, etc. I loved them as sisters in Christ - I just didn't like them very well... make sense? I mean, we had a few good times and laughs together, sure, but I would never have chosen to room with them (or even be friends with them) had I known them beforehand. I'm surprised I didn't bite my tongue in half over time, though. But I figure biting my tongue and capturing my thoughts are things I will need to do in the future. I'm pretty sure I can survive anything after what I put up with year. I've probably jinxed myself in saying that, but I've got three and a half months to not worry about a single thing, so I'll take my chances.
I've also learned that I have, for the most part, had a perfect life. No such thing, you say? I suppose it depends on your definition of perfect. One also might say that all Christians have it "good" and that they don't know pain or suffering or abuse or injustice. These assumptions are completely false. I have learned not only from teachers this year, but fellow students and believers. I think learning takes place outside the classroom just as much as inside. And you know, I could have learned everything I was tested on and had to do assignments over from books. However, there is great value in taking classes and learning material from teachers. You get insight, in-depth knowledge, wisdom, and personal stories that help you understand the curriculum all the better - and trust me when I say I'm all for that! I simply believe that you can learn more about life in living and meeting people and getting to know them. You wouldn't believe what seemingly half of our student body has gone through in the course of their lives. Drugs, alcohol, rape, molestation, persecution, death, depression - the list goes on. You name it, someone has endured and overcome it. Everyone has a story. You can learn from each of them. The best part is that there's a happy ending in that they have come to know their Lord God and Savior. I like to consider it the ending to their life's prequel. And so they're in the midst of living out their true, never-ending life story! That's a beautiful realization.
There is definitely way more that I learned this year, but at this point in time I don't have time to think about everything and write it all out. Maybe I'll do more in the upcoming days, we'll see. I'm just glad that I've been able to go Central and get started in my training to be a better servant for God's Kingdom. He's the ultimate Teacher, though, and I'm excited to see what He teaches me over the years.
'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...'
[Titus 2:11-13]
Well. Over the past eight and a half months, I have come to love Central. I truly have. I love the size. I love the classes. I love the support. I love the administration and faculty. I love the students. I love Moberly. I honestly love everything about being at Central. I am so glad that God led me there. I'm still working a few things out, such as what I truly want to do in the future, where I really fit in at Central (even though there aren't many places to fit in), and how I can serve the school and community all the more during the rest of my time there.
I feel like God has really worked on my heart over the year. I also feel that I have grown a considerable amount and although I may not always seem like it, I have matured even more than I did during my first year of college. God is still teaching me patience, and I'm glad. Also, I've started to learn to truly capture my thoughts and turn them towards good things and Christ. For example, take my roommate situation... now, I'm not going to go into detail, but I don't know how many times I found myself wanting to say something rude and biting to my roommates over the months because of the way they acted, things they constantly talked about, etc. I loved them as sisters in Christ - I just didn't like them very well... make sense? I mean, we had a few good times and laughs together, sure, but I would never have chosen to room with them (or even be friends with them) had I known them beforehand. I'm surprised I didn't bite my tongue in half over time, though. But I figure biting my tongue and capturing my thoughts are things I will need to do in the future. I'm pretty sure I can survive anything after what I put up with year. I've probably jinxed myself in saying that, but I've got three and a half months to not worry about a single thing, so I'll take my chances.
I've also learned that I have, for the most part, had a perfect life. No such thing, you say? I suppose it depends on your definition of perfect. One also might say that all Christians have it "good" and that they don't know pain or suffering or abuse or injustice. These assumptions are completely false. I have learned not only from teachers this year, but fellow students and believers. I think learning takes place outside the classroom just as much as inside. And you know, I could have learned everything I was tested on and had to do assignments over from books. However, there is great value in taking classes and learning material from teachers. You get insight, in-depth knowledge, wisdom, and personal stories that help you understand the curriculum all the better - and trust me when I say I'm all for that! I simply believe that you can learn more about life in living and meeting people and getting to know them. You wouldn't believe what seemingly half of our student body has gone through in the course of their lives. Drugs, alcohol, rape, molestation, persecution, death, depression - the list goes on. You name it, someone has endured and overcome it. Everyone has a story. You can learn from each of them. The best part is that there's a happy ending in that they have come to know their Lord God and Savior. I like to consider it the ending to their life's prequel. And so they're in the midst of living out their true, never-ending life story! That's a beautiful realization.
There is definitely way more that I learned this year, but at this point in time I don't have time to think about everything and write it all out. Maybe I'll do more in the upcoming days, we'll see. I'm just glad that I've been able to go Central and get started in my training to be a better servant for God's Kingdom. He's the ultimate Teacher, though, and I'm excited to see what He teaches me over the years.
'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...'
[Titus 2:11-13]
May 6, 2009
Ch. 418 - A Glorious Morning
I didn't sleep last night. I stayed up throughout the night and morning to study for my Hebrew test. Eeeeeeyeah. I should really learn to heed to my own advice and whatnot. Some day, perhaps... Anyway, I stopped working around 6:45 and freshened up a bit. The sun was coming up beautifully and the sky was already showing promise of turning a brilliant blue. I walked out to the patio behind Pelfrey and sat on the swing. I just sat and talked to God for maybe forty-five minutes, enjoying the lovely morning. It wasn't too chilly, and when I turned my face to the sun it felt really nice. I looked out to the soccer fields and it was neat to see a mist covering the ground. I love things like that. God's beauty is even in the mists of the world... my goodness. I hadn't started feeling tired yet, but I'm pretty sure the joy I received from being outside on such a mornnig and the fact that I had such a great personal time with God certainly helped me make it through the day until after my Hebrew final. Then I crashed pretty hard around noon. Typical.
God has been so good to me.
'They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord's majesty.'
[Isaiah 24:14]
God has been so good to me.
'They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord's majesty.'
[Isaiah 24:14]
May 5, 2009
Ch. 417 - No Worries
Today I saw a friend come out of Pelfrey Hall crying. She had just attempted to take an Introduction to Philosophy final and didn't even get halfway through. She simply is not a good test-taker and no matter how much she prepares for tests, she just doesn't do well. She's figured out that she will basically fail the class and was pretty upset - and with good reason. I mean, failing a class isn't a good time for anyone... I didn't really know what to say. I just listened to her and asked her a few questions regarding discussing the situation with her professor and such. Before we went our separate ways, however, I ended up reminding her that grades are not everything.
You are not admitted into heaven based on your grade point average.
Grades don't affect your ministry.
They don't affect you as a person.
They don't affect your ability to grow closer to God.
At least... they shouldn't.
So here we go. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I am a very stress-free person. I don't worry about a whole lot. And that includes school.
Here's the thing. I'm worked my tail off all year. And I've excelled. I am passionate about what I'm learning and it makes learning so much more exciting and even somewhat easy, it seems. Now, I'm not going to lie. My relationship with God has suffered now and then because of my studies, I feel. There were times when I focused so much on schoolwork that I would not make any time for God. And that's not a good thing. Another thing, I procrastinate. I work well under pressure. I always get everything done on time, and it's not like I am completely careless and slap things together. My work is done in an orderly fashion; it's neat, thorough, and well-done, if I may so myself. It really is a source of pride for me. But it's a healthy pride, in my opinion. Anyway, the one thing I regret procrastinating on this year has been my word study paper for Hebrew.
Situation:
I decided to do my word study on the word tabernacle.
Bad.
choice.
I started doing my paper last night - two days before it's due - and I was getting nowhere. The word is just so absolute, you know? A tabernacle is a tabernacle. It's a dwelling place and that's it. It's most often found in Exodus of the Old Testament, when God is giving instructions how it should be constructed and whatnot. So I decided to change my word to mercy. It's more complex and definitely one of my favorite attributes of God and people. I figured it would be much more interesting. And it is! I started my paper around 5:30 this evening and spent a lot of time on it, because I really wanted to go in-depth and everything. I was starting to finish things up and needed a couple more sources. I was looking through the card catalog on a computer and ended up chatting with a girl who's in my Hebrew class. She was working on her paper, too, and mentioned something about lovingkindnesses. I froze. I asked her what her word is, even though I already knew. "Chesed," she answered. Chesed is my word. Oh boy. You see, chesed can be translated many ways. So we had the same base word, but I decided to go with mercy instead of lovingkindness, as she had. My teacher said that nobody in the class should be doing their studies on the same word.
Great.
And that's where I am right now. But I mean, I have basically finished the paper. I really don't want to start a new paper. So you know what? I'm not going to. My teacher can reprimand me all he wants and give me a bad grade - or no grade - and I've decided that I simply do not care. It's not a big deal. I'm going to pass the class, and if that's the one class I don't get an A in, it will not matter. God doesn't care if I get a B or even a C in Elementary Hebrew. And I don't plan on working on Hebrew translation in the future, anyway...
I'd much rather just be done with the paper and not stress about writing a new one. I'll be able to spend the time I would have spent writing the paper hanging out with God or something. I'd rather receive a bad grade on a stupid paper and get to spend time with my God than let grades become more important than my relationship with God. Granted this is a one-time ordeal, likely. But seriously.
I'm not saying that I'm going to stop trying and giving my best in all that I do. But I do need to remind myself now and then that I can take a break here and there. I can't let my studies take priority over knowing my Lord God. I wouldn't even be able to go to school or have the ability to do well in my classes if it weren't for Him.
Get it?
Got it.
Good.
'I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.'
[Psalm 3:5]
You are not admitted into heaven based on your grade point average.
Grades don't affect your ministry.
They don't affect you as a person.
They don't affect your ability to grow closer to God.
At least... they shouldn't.
So here we go. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I am a very stress-free person. I don't worry about a whole lot. And that includes school.
Here's the thing. I'm worked my tail off all year. And I've excelled. I am passionate about what I'm learning and it makes learning so much more exciting and even somewhat easy, it seems. Now, I'm not going to lie. My relationship with God has suffered now and then because of my studies, I feel. There were times when I focused so much on schoolwork that I would not make any time for God. And that's not a good thing. Another thing, I procrastinate. I work well under pressure. I always get everything done on time, and it's not like I am completely careless and slap things together. My work is done in an orderly fashion; it's neat, thorough, and well-done, if I may so myself. It really is a source of pride for me. But it's a healthy pride, in my opinion. Anyway, the one thing I regret procrastinating on this year has been my word study paper for Hebrew.
Situation:
I decided to do my word study on the word tabernacle.
Bad.
choice.
I started doing my paper last night - two days before it's due - and I was getting nowhere. The word is just so absolute, you know? A tabernacle is a tabernacle. It's a dwelling place and that's it. It's most often found in Exodus of the Old Testament, when God is giving instructions how it should be constructed and whatnot. So I decided to change my word to mercy. It's more complex and definitely one of my favorite attributes of God and people. I figured it would be much more interesting. And it is! I started my paper around 5:30 this evening and spent a lot of time on it, because I really wanted to go in-depth and everything. I was starting to finish things up and needed a couple more sources. I was looking through the card catalog on a computer and ended up chatting with a girl who's in my Hebrew class. She was working on her paper, too, and mentioned something about lovingkindnesses. I froze. I asked her what her word is, even though I already knew. "Chesed," she answered. Chesed is my word. Oh boy. You see, chesed can be translated many ways. So we had the same base word, but I decided to go with mercy instead of lovingkindness, as she had. My teacher said that nobody in the class should be doing their studies on the same word.
Great.
And that's where I am right now. But I mean, I have basically finished the paper. I really don't want to start a new paper. So you know what? I'm not going to. My teacher can reprimand me all he wants and give me a bad grade - or no grade - and I've decided that I simply do not care. It's not a big deal. I'm going to pass the class, and if that's the one class I don't get an A in, it will not matter. God doesn't care if I get a B or even a C in Elementary Hebrew. And I don't plan on working on Hebrew translation in the future, anyway...
I'd much rather just be done with the paper and not stress about writing a new one. I'll be able to spend the time I would have spent writing the paper hanging out with God or something. I'd rather receive a bad grade on a stupid paper and get to spend time with my God than let grades become more important than my relationship with God. Granted this is a one-time ordeal, likely. But seriously.
I'm not saying that I'm going to stop trying and giving my best in all that I do. But I do need to remind myself now and then that I can take a break here and there. I can't let my studies take priority over knowing my Lord God. I wouldn't even be able to go to school or have the ability to do well in my classes if it weren't for Him.
Get it?
Got it.
Good.
'I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.'
[Psalm 3:5]
May 4, 2009
Ch. 416 - Impacts, Part Two
God works on our hearts over time. I don't think He rules over our lives or guides us using an on/off switch. He purposefully presents us with opportunities and places people in our paths when He sees fit and then continues to watch over us. Everything He does is for our benefit - even when it doesn't seem like it is... and even when what we go through may be new or nerve racking.
The summer after my ninth grade year my church's senior hi youth went to Toronto on a mission trip. I was excited to go on my first senior hi mission trip. I had gone on my very first mission trip earlier in the summer when I was a shepherd (high school leader) for the mid hi mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Anyway, I didn’t know what to expect, but that was probably for the best.
This was to be the mission trip that awakened me from my slumber.
I was put on the team that would work with people at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. St. Jude's is a school that works with mentally and physically challenged kids and adults. I was nervous, because I had never worked with special needs people before. Our team worked mostly with young adults. I soon realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. Even though the adults were considerably older than I, they were basically like children. Throughout the week we all played games, sang songs, drew pictures, told stories and jokes, and simply spent time together.
The thing that struck me the hardest was the fact that the 'students' of St. Jude's loved you for you.
It didn't matter what you looked like.
It didn't matter where you came from.
It didn't matter who your parents were.
If you gave the students the smallest bit of attention, they were ecstatic.
They loved me and, in turn, I loved them back.
... It would have been hard not to.
The Thursday we were at St. Jude's was the most memorable day of the week. Thursday was praise day. Each week a group of people (a local praise band) comes to St. Jude’s to play worship songs (or at least they had been doing so up to the point I was there). In the afternoon, everybody assembled in the main room. The band had set up and soon we were all singing along with the band – everybody. These young adults, often made fun of and ridiculed for something they have no control over, were lifting their hands and singing as loud as they possibly could about God.
About love.
About mercy.
About Jesus.
They danced.
They hugged.
They laughed.
That day, something in my heart told me that these people understood what they were singing about just as well as I did. Their worship was holy and pure. They didn't hold back. God’s presence completely surrounded us. I will never forget that day, as cliché as that may sound.
In the evening of that day, our youth group partook in a feet-washing ceremony. It was then that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I had learned so much in that week and everything I participated in - not just in going to St. Jude's - touched me in such a way that I was finally able to realize what I was missing. The mid hi mission trip to Des Moines also played a part in my acceptance. You know, I had basically grown up in the church, although there was a five-year hiatus between third and fifth grade. I would say that I understood the concept of God, His Son and their love at a pretty early age, but never realized how much I needed to truly accept Christ into my heart until that summer.
It's truly amazing how greatly people can affect your life. Thank God for all of His children. We don't have the right to disregard anyone. God created the men on the street corners, begging for change. God created the babies with the cleft lips. God created the children that have Down Syndrome. Christ accepts every one. We are all alike in His sight. We are all beautiful and whole. We have set limits upon ourselves based on judgments and distorted expectations. What a shame.
'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." '
[1 Samuel 16:7]
The summer after my ninth grade year my church's senior hi youth went to Toronto on a mission trip. I was excited to go on my first senior hi mission trip. I had gone on my very first mission trip earlier in the summer when I was a shepherd (high school leader) for the mid hi mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Anyway, I didn’t know what to expect, but that was probably for the best.
This was to be the mission trip that awakened me from my slumber.
I was put on the team that would work with people at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. St. Jude's is a school that works with mentally and physically challenged kids and adults. I was nervous, because I had never worked with special needs people before. Our team worked mostly with young adults. I soon realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. Even though the adults were considerably older than I, they were basically like children. Throughout the week we all played games, sang songs, drew pictures, told stories and jokes, and simply spent time together.
The thing that struck me the hardest was the fact that the 'students' of St. Jude's loved you for you.
It didn't matter what you looked like.
It didn't matter where you came from.
It didn't matter who your parents were.
If you gave the students the smallest bit of attention, they were ecstatic.
They loved me and, in turn, I loved them back.
... It would have been hard not to.
The Thursday we were at St. Jude's was the most memorable day of the week. Thursday was praise day. Each week a group of people (a local praise band) comes to St. Jude’s to play worship songs (or at least they had been doing so up to the point I was there). In the afternoon, everybody assembled in the main room. The band had set up and soon we were all singing along with the band – everybody. These young adults, often made fun of and ridiculed for something they have no control over, were lifting their hands and singing as loud as they possibly could about God.
About love.
About mercy.
About Jesus.
They danced.
They hugged.
They laughed.
That day, something in my heart told me that these people understood what they were singing about just as well as I did. Their worship was holy and pure. They didn't hold back. God’s presence completely surrounded us. I will never forget that day, as cliché as that may sound.
In the evening of that day, our youth group partook in a feet-washing ceremony. It was then that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I had learned so much in that week and everything I participated in - not just in going to St. Jude's - touched me in such a way that I was finally able to realize what I was missing. The mid hi mission trip to Des Moines also played a part in my acceptance. You know, I had basically grown up in the church, although there was a five-year hiatus between third and fifth grade. I would say that I understood the concept of God, His Son and their love at a pretty early age, but never realized how much I needed to truly accept Christ into my heart until that summer.
It's truly amazing how greatly people can affect your life. Thank God for all of His children. We don't have the right to disregard anyone. God created the men on the street corners, begging for change. God created the babies with the cleft lips. God created the children that have Down Syndrome. Christ accepts every one. We are all alike in His sight. We are all beautiful and whole. We have set limits upon ourselves based on judgments and distorted expectations. What a shame.
'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." '
[1 Samuel 16:7]
May 3, 2009
Ch. 415 - Impacts, Part One
On April 24, 2000 Oprah Winfrey's television show's theme was Romanian orphanages. I watched the show with my mom that spring afternoon. I honestly don't remember much about the show, except for one part. Cameras showed viewers the inside of the orphanage - this gave them a glimpse into what a day was like for the orphans. It was as easy as standing in a doorway and looking into a room. This is because the children stayed in their beds - cribs, really, and thus more like jail cells - all day, rocking themselves back and forth. Back and forth, back and forth. That's how they amused and comforted themselves. They had basically no human contact. No interaction. No joy. These poor children had nothing and no one.
Now, I don't recall this, but my mom tells me that I asked her, "Why doesn't anyone love those children?"
Almost ten years later, whenever I think about this, I basically break down. Quite the 'feat' for me. I can't help it. People may say "Life is not fair" but how many people even understand what unfairness truly is?
Honestly.
"She got one more cookie than I did. Not fair!"
"He got more recognition than I did. Not fair!"
"They got to have a longer vacation. Not fair!"
And so it goes, on and on.
The way these children live is not fair.
The way these children are treated is not fair.
The way these children are unloved is not fair.
It's when I think about things like this that I do an evaluation. I mean, I have so much, you know? I have clothing. I have a home. I have educational opportunities. I have a supportive family. I have a God who loves me. I have everything I could ask for and more. I am rich with blessings. And why? I don't even know. I could just have easily been born into this world destined to be a Romanian orphan. I could have spent my entire childhood in a bed, constantly rocking myself to sleep. I would be cross-eyed from looking up at the ceiling all the time and focusing in on my nose (and in Romania, people who are cross-eyed are considered to be mentally retarded). I would have no family. No faith, likely. No love. No joy. No hope. No future.
There's nothing I can do right now other than be thankful and praise God for all that He is and all that He gives. I can pray. I have done a bit of research today and read that apparently, Romanian orphanages have improved a bit since having world exposure on shows such as 20/20, Dateline, and yes, Oprah. The reason they initially came to be in such poor condition and be so filled with children is that Romanians were encouraged and pressured to have five or more children by communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu. In fact, he banned birth control in 1967, leading to a wave of abandoned children who ended up in state institutions that were completely underfunded. Even with supposed improvements, the government cares very little about the orphans of Romania. Adoption is also incredibly limited. Thankfully, foreign workers are allowed to come in and help at the orphanages. This is basically the best and only way for these children to come to know what love is and be treated like the humans that they are.
I know that God has a plan for every single one of His creatures... but it's examples such as this that make it easy for me to see how people can ask, "How can a perfect, good, and loving God let things like this happen?"
'Defend the cause of the weak and
fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the
wicked.'
[Psalm 82:2-4]
Now, I don't recall this, but my mom tells me that I asked her, "Why doesn't anyone love those children?"
Almost ten years later, whenever I think about this, I basically break down. Quite the 'feat' for me. I can't help it. People may say "Life is not fair" but how many people even understand what unfairness truly is?
Honestly.
"She got one more cookie than I did. Not fair!"
"He got more recognition than I did. Not fair!"
"They got to have a longer vacation. Not fair!"
And so it goes, on and on.
The way these children live is not fair.
The way these children are treated is not fair.
The way these children are unloved is not fair.
It's when I think about things like this that I do an evaluation. I mean, I have so much, you know? I have clothing. I have a home. I have educational opportunities. I have a supportive family. I have a God who loves me. I have everything I could ask for and more. I am rich with blessings. And why? I don't even know. I could just have easily been born into this world destined to be a Romanian orphan. I could have spent my entire childhood in a bed, constantly rocking myself to sleep. I would be cross-eyed from looking up at the ceiling all the time and focusing in on my nose (and in Romania, people who are cross-eyed are considered to be mentally retarded). I would have no family. No faith, likely. No love. No joy. No hope. No future.
There's nothing I can do right now other than be thankful and praise God for all that He is and all that He gives. I can pray. I have done a bit of research today and read that apparently, Romanian orphanages have improved a bit since having world exposure on shows such as 20/20, Dateline, and yes, Oprah. The reason they initially came to be in such poor condition and be so filled with children is that Romanians were encouraged and pressured to have five or more children by communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu. In fact, he banned birth control in 1967, leading to a wave of abandoned children who ended up in state institutions that were completely underfunded. Even with supposed improvements, the government cares very little about the orphans of Romania. Adoption is also incredibly limited. Thankfully, foreign workers are allowed to come in and help at the orphanages. This is basically the best and only way for these children to come to know what love is and be treated like the humans that they are.
I know that God has a plan for every single one of His creatures... but it's examples such as this that make it easy for me to see how people can ask, "How can a perfect, good, and loving God let things like this happen?"
'Defend the cause of the weak and
fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the
wicked.'
[Psalm 82:2-4]
May 2, 2009
Ch. 414 - Light the Fire [Again]
' "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." '
[Revelation 3:17-18]
I've had the following song stuck in my head this evening. I really like it, but I haven't heard it in a while. We sang it pretty often in youth group. Even though I believe that I'm doing pretty well, and that I'm certainly continuing to grow closer to God, I need an extra bit of... something. I like the line 'I need Your discipline' because that's how I feel right now. And it's true.
'Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out, light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out, light the fire again
You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I'm here to buy gold refined in the fire
Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white, so I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again'
[Light the Fire Again]
[Revelation 3:17-18]
I've had the following song stuck in my head this evening. I really like it, but I haven't heard it in a while. We sang it pretty often in youth group. Even though I believe that I'm doing pretty well, and that I'm certainly continuing to grow closer to God, I need an extra bit of... something. I like the line 'I need Your discipline' because that's how I feel right now. And it's true.
'Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out, light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out, light the fire again
You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I'm here to buy gold refined in the fire
Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white, so I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again'
[Light the Fire Again]
May 1, 2009
Ch. 413 - His Love
'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.'
[1 Chronicles 16:34]
[1 Chronicles 16:34]
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