'Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist - he denies the Father and the Son.'
[1 John 2:22]
September 30, 2009
September 29, 2009
Ch. 529 - Oh no.
It's not even November.
And I feel like I'm on the verge of drowning.
I have no idea why.
But I still feel close to God.
Weird?
... You're telling me.
I don't know what to do.
"Turn to God."
"Pray."
Sigh.
Typical.
Skeptical.
Not good.
'The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.'
[Psalm 28:8-9]
And I feel like I'm on the verge of drowning.
I have no idea why.
But I still feel close to God.
Weird?
... You're telling me.
I don't know what to do.
"Turn to God."
"Pray."
Sigh.
Typical.
Skeptical.
Not good.
'The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.'
[Psalm 28:8-9]
September 28, 2009
Ch. 528 - A Proud Heart
'Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.'
[Proverb 18:12]
Here we go.
[Proverb 18:12]
Here we go.
September 27, 2009
Ch. 527 - Ugly/Beautiful Servants
What is wrong with us?
Why do we get so caught up in ourselves?
Why do we care about meaningless matters?
Why do we let ourselves become distracted by worldly things?
We don't keep our promises.
We don't follow through.
We don't care.
Or love.
Or obey.
Or seek.
And I hate it.
We are wretched creatures.
Beautiful children.
We are ugly sinners.
Radiant treasures.
Chosen servants.
We say we are defined by Christ.
We say we live our lives for Him.
How often are others able to discern these beliefs in looking at our lives?
In his new book, Forgotten God, Francis Chan writes, "My brothers and sisters who have received the Holy Spirit, we often lack love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc., even while many of our unbelieving friends exhibit these traits - brothers and sisters, these things ought not to be so!"
'Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?'
[James 3:11]
You may be able to fool the people of this earth, but you can't fool God.
And His view of you matters so much more.
So stop, already.
Take off the mask you have on.
Destroy it, along with all the others.
Your heart is not more beautiful when you wear one of them.
Love God.
Serve God.
Be real.
' "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' " '
[Luke 17:10]
Why do we get so caught up in ourselves?
Why do we care about meaningless matters?
Why do we let ourselves become distracted by worldly things?
We don't keep our promises.
We don't follow through.
We don't care.
Or love.
Or obey.
Or seek.
And I hate it.
We are wretched creatures.
Beautiful children.
We are ugly sinners.
Radiant treasures.
Chosen servants.
We say we are defined by Christ.
We say we live our lives for Him.
How often are others able to discern these beliefs in looking at our lives?
In his new book, Forgotten God, Francis Chan writes, "My brothers and sisters who have received the Holy Spirit, we often lack love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc., even while many of our unbelieving friends exhibit these traits - brothers and sisters, these things ought not to be so!"
'Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?'
[James 3:11]
You may be able to fool the people of this earth, but you can't fool God.
And His view of you matters so much more.
So stop, already.
Take off the mask you have on.
Destroy it, along with all the others.
Your heart is not more beautiful when you wear one of them.
Love God.
Serve God.
Be real.
' "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' " '
[Luke 17:10]
September 26, 2009
Ch. 526 - Indispensable
Ear.
Shoulder.
Disregarded.
Important.
'The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable...'
[1 Corinthians 12:21-22]
Shoulder.
Disregarded.
Important.
'The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable...'
[1 Corinthians 12:21-22]
September 25, 2009
Ch. 525 - Strength in Brokenness
I'm on such a roller coaster right now. Things are actually going quite well for me at this point in time, for the most part. But when something gets me down, I fall to the ground pretty hard. It can be intense. The thing is, I've recently started praying for brokenness. And God is responding... quickly, and with what seems like no mercy! But I'm glad, because it's something I really need and want - it's simply been difficult to adjust to.
I'm constantly being reminded of how many ways God works and responds. God is God. He is Greater than we can imagine. And yet while I attempt to listen to His voice and I ask for His guidance, I still make a lot of choices on my own accord. For example, even though I had started to look into transferring to Bible college before anything of consequence occurred, my final decision to come to Central was based on guilt. Awful, but true. And it was prayed about initially, but it came down to a quick response. Fortunately for me, God has worked things out in my favor and I believe that regardless of reason for coming to Central, it's where God wants me.
It's interesting, though, to see how my expectations were not met this past year. I've thought about it often and reflected on the months and to this day I am completely unsure about what I did or did not do that affected me in such a way that my relationship with God greatly suffered. Before school ended, I was nowhere near where I wanted to be with God. And while I have started to climb out of the hole I dug myself into, I don't want to start going through the motions again as I draw nearer to God. I don't want to be 'cozy' in my faith. I've come to realize that I often need to go through an extreme before I change or take action. And so I figure that I really need to be broken by God in order to be able to get all the way out of the hole and start down a new path. As I've said before, get back to basics. Make my faith my own once again. And really just be in constant communion with God, learning to completely rely on Him.
Hm. I say so often that I'm going to do that, but I don't. I know I never truly have. But finally... I am.
After all these years, I'm starting to greatly appreciate what He has done for me. A couple days ago someone told me something along the lines of that I seem to be in sync with God's heart. While I appreciated that, I silently disagreed, even though that's something I desire. But I'm unworthy. I'm a sinner. I'm a hypocrite. I don't deserve any of what I have in God and His Son.
Love.
Grace.
Freedom.
[And so on and so forth, a thousand times over.]
Yet God has chosen me and blessed me.
I'll never understand.
But I'm so thankful for the way God is breaking me and molding me and bringing me to my knees day after day. I am drawing so near to God. I feel that I am closer to Him than I've been in... a good year and a half or so. Four weeks. Oh, how far I've come... The only thing is, I think this is occurring partly because I am purposely distancing myself from other people.
Now, most of this has come from a conversation I had with a peer last night. And she brought up a good point. Doing what I am can be dangerous because the only way you can get to know God is through Christ and His Body. I agree. But I've decided that for now, I truly need this separation. It's done a world of good for me. However, I realize that I will need to restructure a balance of alone time with God, fellowship with others, etc. in the near future. God's Church is truly important and we're meant to act upon the knowledge that we can and should be there for one another - whether we need or want help, encouragement, fellowship... it's great to know that after God, we have brothers and sisters we can turn to.
I feel that God is really opening my eyes to a lot of things - both good and bad - and I'm incredibly grateful for this. God is always good and always near, even though we put up blinders and see only what we want to see, or push God away.
Praise God.
Without ceasing.
Accept His blessings.
Even when you feel worthless and sinful and stupid and hated and unloved.
Reach out to God, because He is constantly reaching out to you.
' "O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?" '
[Deuteronomy 3:24]
I'm constantly being reminded of how many ways God works and responds. God is God. He is Greater than we can imagine. And yet while I attempt to listen to His voice and I ask for His guidance, I still make a lot of choices on my own accord. For example, even though I had started to look into transferring to Bible college before anything of consequence occurred, my final decision to come to Central was based on guilt. Awful, but true. And it was prayed about initially, but it came down to a quick response. Fortunately for me, God has worked things out in my favor and I believe that regardless of reason for coming to Central, it's where God wants me.
It's interesting, though, to see how my expectations were not met this past year. I've thought about it often and reflected on the months and to this day I am completely unsure about what I did or did not do that affected me in such a way that my relationship with God greatly suffered. Before school ended, I was nowhere near where I wanted to be with God. And while I have started to climb out of the hole I dug myself into, I don't want to start going through the motions again as I draw nearer to God. I don't want to be 'cozy' in my faith. I've come to realize that I often need to go through an extreme before I change or take action. And so I figure that I really need to be broken by God in order to be able to get all the way out of the hole and start down a new path. As I've said before, get back to basics. Make my faith my own once again. And really just be in constant communion with God, learning to completely rely on Him.
Hm. I say so often that I'm going to do that, but I don't. I know I never truly have. But finally... I am.
After all these years, I'm starting to greatly appreciate what He has done for me. A couple days ago someone told me something along the lines of that I seem to be in sync with God's heart. While I appreciated that, I silently disagreed, even though that's something I desire. But I'm unworthy. I'm a sinner. I'm a hypocrite. I don't deserve any of what I have in God and His Son.
Love.
Grace.
Freedom.
[And so on and so forth, a thousand times over.]
Yet God has chosen me and blessed me.
I'll never understand.
But I'm so thankful for the way God is breaking me and molding me and bringing me to my knees day after day. I am drawing so near to God. I feel that I am closer to Him than I've been in... a good year and a half or so. Four weeks. Oh, how far I've come... The only thing is, I think this is occurring partly because I am purposely distancing myself from other people.
Now, most of this has come from a conversation I had with a peer last night. And she brought up a good point. Doing what I am can be dangerous because the only way you can get to know God is through Christ and His Body. I agree. But I've decided that for now, I truly need this separation. It's done a world of good for me. However, I realize that I will need to restructure a balance of alone time with God, fellowship with others, etc. in the near future. God's Church is truly important and we're meant to act upon the knowledge that we can and should be there for one another - whether we need or want help, encouragement, fellowship... it's great to know that after God, we have brothers and sisters we can turn to.
I feel that God is really opening my eyes to a lot of things - both good and bad - and I'm incredibly grateful for this. God is always good and always near, even though we put up blinders and see only what we want to see, or push God away.
Praise God.
Without ceasing.
Accept His blessings.
Even when you feel worthless and sinful and stupid and hated and unloved.
Reach out to God, because He is constantly reaching out to you.
' "O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?" '
[Deuteronomy 3:24]
September 24, 2009
Ch. 524 - A New Lens
What breaks your heart?
Bad hair days?
Broken nails?
Damsels in distress?
Unrequited love?
Damaged relationships?
Malnourished African babies?
Displaced refugees?
Human-trafficking victims?
Neglected orphans?
Hurt?
Mourning?
Injustice?
Inequality?
Hopelessness?
......
Knowing there are lost people in this world, who don't know the Christ?
......
What breaks God's heart?
'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.'
[Romans 12:15]
Bad hair days?
Broken nails?
Damsels in distress?
Unrequited love?
Damaged relationships?
Malnourished African babies?
Displaced refugees?
Human-trafficking victims?
Neglected orphans?
Hurt?
Mourning?
Injustice?
Inequality?
Hopelessness?
......
Knowing there are lost people in this world, who don't know the Christ?
......
What breaks God's heart?
'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.'
[Romans 12:15]
September 23, 2009
Ch. 523 - One Man
'For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.'
[Romans 5:19]
[Romans 5:19]
September 22, 2009
Ch. 522 - Stepping Up and Back
Athlete Blake Haxton once said, "You do what you can, and let God do what you can't."
I realize I may be taking this quote out of context.
That's what Bible college does to you...
... but for now, context-schmontext.
If people are allowed to take Jeremiah 29:11-13 out of context without consequence, I figure I should be allowed to do the same with this quote. So. Even with that realization, I'm going to grab the quote and run with it.
There's only so much we can do... it's true. I've touched on that before, I believe. We aren't superheroes, no matter how hard we try to be.
[Off the record: If I were a superhero, I would want the ability to fly. I realize I probably wouldn't be able to do a whole lot with this, but come on. How cool would that be?!]
Moving forward...
We're not omnipotent.
Ruling.
We're not omniscient.
All-knowing.
We're not omnipresent.
Surrounding.
We're not perfect.
I am of mankind.
Ever since the fall of man, God has charged us with challenges and obstacles. No matter how close I draw to God and want to believe that my life will be smooth sailing, I will most likely always be facing some type of obstacle. But I can do my best to overcome it. God has planned out my life bit by bit. He is the One who places challenges in my life. We are presented with obstacles for a reason.
'But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.' [Job 23:10]
Author Millie Stamm said, "Courage is firmly facing difficulties and obstacles, knowing God has promised to be with you."
We should consider obstacles as opportunities to give God glory that He wholly deserves. They are as much for His benefit as they are for ours [in the long term of things], if not more.
We can't rely on ourselves to overcome difficult challenges. We must turn to God in all things. Consult Him. Ask for advice. Guidance. Strength. Patience. Whatever you need, request it of God. Step up to His table of abundance with an expectant mindset, and then step back to allow Him room to move before you as He gathers what you've asked for. Let Him work in and through you, accomplishing what you cannot.
Prepare the way.
He'll do what must be done.
Give glory to Him.
'Praise the Lord.
I will extol the Lord with all my
heart
in the council of the upright and in
the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight
in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures
forever.
He has caused his wonders to be
remembered;
the Lord is gracious and
compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear
him;
he remembers his covenant
forever.
He has shown his people the power of
his works,
giving them the lands of other
nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and
uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant
forever -
holy and awesome is his name.
[Psalm 111:1-9]
I realize I may be taking this quote out of context.
That's what Bible college does to you...
... but for now, context-schmontext.
If people are allowed to take Jeremiah 29:11-13 out of context without consequence, I figure I should be allowed to do the same with this quote. So. Even with that realization, I'm going to grab the quote and run with it.
There's only so much we can do... it's true. I've touched on that before, I believe. We aren't superheroes, no matter how hard we try to be.
[Off the record: If I were a superhero, I would want the ability to fly. I realize I probably wouldn't be able to do a whole lot with this, but come on. How cool would that be?!]
Moving forward...
We're not omnipotent.
Ruling.
We're not omniscient.
All-knowing.
We're not omnipresent.
Surrounding.
We're not perfect.
I am of mankind.
Ever since the fall of man, God has charged us with challenges and obstacles. No matter how close I draw to God and want to believe that my life will be smooth sailing, I will most likely always be facing some type of obstacle. But I can do my best to overcome it. God has planned out my life bit by bit. He is the One who places challenges in my life. We are presented with obstacles for a reason.
'But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.' [Job 23:10]
Author Millie Stamm said, "Courage is firmly facing difficulties and obstacles, knowing God has promised to be with you."
We should consider obstacles as opportunities to give God glory that He wholly deserves. They are as much for His benefit as they are for ours [in the long term of things], if not more.
We can't rely on ourselves to overcome difficult challenges. We must turn to God in all things. Consult Him. Ask for advice. Guidance. Strength. Patience. Whatever you need, request it of God. Step up to His table of abundance with an expectant mindset, and then step back to allow Him room to move before you as He gathers what you've asked for. Let Him work in and through you, accomplishing what you cannot.
Prepare the way.
He'll do what must be done.
Give glory to Him.
'Praise the Lord.
I will extol the Lord with all my
heart
in the council of the upright and in
the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight
in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures
forever.
He has caused his wonders to be
remembered;
the Lord is gracious and
compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear
him;
he remembers his covenant
forever.
He has shown his people the power of
his works,
giving them the lands of other
nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and
uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant
forever -
holy and awesome is his name.
[Psalm 111:1-9]
September 21, 2009
Ch. 521 - Encountering God
What does an encounter with God look like to you?
Just something to think about for the week.
'As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." '
[Luke 10:38-42]
Just something to think about for the week.
'As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." '
[Luke 10:38-42]
September 20, 2009
Ch. 520 - Silenced
"Hate the sin, not the sinner."
It's got a nice ring, eh?
Overused at times.
But it's a good bit of advice, in my opinion.
' "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." '
[Matthew 7:3-5]
It's got a nice ring, eh?
Overused at times.
But it's a good bit of advice, in my opinion.
' "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." '
[Matthew 7:3-5]
September 19, 2009
Ch. 519 - A Fear of the Future
Eventual complacency on the field.
'Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.'
[1 Peter 2:12]
'Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.'
[1 Peter 2:12]
September 18, 2009
Ch. 518 - Investment
READ.
' "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" '
[Matthew 25:14-30]
Stop being wasteful.
If God's given you something, use it.
He did so for a reason.
You have a purpose.
Don't be selfish.
' "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" '
[Matthew 25:14-30]
Stop being wasteful.
If God's given you something, use it.
He did so for a reason.
You have a purpose.
Don't be selfish.
September 17, 2009
Ch. 517 - Shape Up!
'... And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.'
[Hosea 11:12]
How often are we "unruly" against the HOLY ONE?
[Hosea 11:12]
How often are we "unruly" against the HOLY ONE?
September 16, 2009
Ch. 516 - Enough is Enough
Unity.
"Togetherness."
Why don't we have it?
Three weeks into the school year... and gossip abounds.
Rumors have been started.
Cliques have been formed.
Feelings have been hurt.
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
'High school mode.'
You know?
Why are we tearing each other down?
Why aren't we building one another up?
Encouragement.
Empowerment.
Edification.
Ripple effect.
Positivity VS Negativity.
Now, I know it's tough to choose between the two...
but uh...
something tells me that we should probably try to aim for positivity.
Cool? Cool.
'May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus...'
[Romans 15:5]
"Togetherness."
Why don't we have it?
Three weeks into the school year... and gossip abounds.
Rumors have been started.
Cliques have been formed.
Feelings have been hurt.
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
'High school mode.'
You know?
Why are we tearing each other down?
Why aren't we building one another up?
Encouragement.
Empowerment.
Edification.
Ripple effect.
Positivity VS Negativity.
Now, I know it's tough to choose between the two...
but uh...
something tells me that we should probably try to aim for positivity.
Cool? Cool.
'May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus...'
[Romans 15:5]
September 15, 2009
Ch. 515 - Servanthood as a Privilege
What keeps us from fully wanting to serve our Lord God?
How is it that we become so comfortable so quickly?
Routine.
Schedule.
Familiarity.
Why wouldn't we want to serve our God?
We pray for opportunities, for open doors, only to reject God's answers because it's not what we were expecting... or it's not what we want.
"Beggars can't be choosers."
Especially when God has a specific plan for each of us. He knows what He's doing... He is God, after all. Romans 8:28 says, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' It may be difficult to see how a situation or what have you may be worked out for good, but it can and will happen. Love God, have faith.
When we have faith in our God, He will do unimaginable things. We will see Him move like never before. One of my professors made a really good point in class today: open doors are not for us [believers]. They're for the people whose hearts have not yet accepted Christ. Open doors allow God to go in and work [through us] on the hearts of those people who are not saved.
Because that's what it's about.
"Why do we become all things to all men?
... To save them."
Become a servant to help save others.
We have to be willing to take the first step.
Yet don't just step, but leap out of your comfort zone!
Readily welcome unfamiliar circumstances.
Have a willing heart.
Do all things cheerfully.
Do all things without complaint.
"We are being trained to open our eyes to all the service opportunities around us."
Don't do something because it is required or "forced" upon you.
Be genuine.
Be real.
Don't just love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Take the next step.
Serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
We get to serve God.
We have the freedom to do so.
Think about the old covenant of Biblical times.
Only certain people were allowed to serve God.
'The priests, the sons of Levi, shall step forward, for the Lord your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the Lord and to decide all cases of dispute and assault.'
[Deuteronomy 21:5]
But these days believers, followers of God, are all chosen ministers and servants.
1 Peter 2:9 says, 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.'
Die to yourself daily.
Take up your cross.
"Walk the talk."
Ready?
Let's go.
Together.
One Life, one Love.
One Body in and of Christ.
'Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." '
[Malachi 3:16-18]
How is it that we become so comfortable so quickly?
Routine.
Schedule.
Familiarity.
Why wouldn't we want to serve our God?
We pray for opportunities, for open doors, only to reject God's answers because it's not what we were expecting... or it's not what we want.
"Beggars can't be choosers."
Especially when God has a specific plan for each of us. He knows what He's doing... He is God, after all. Romans 8:28 says, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' It may be difficult to see how a situation or what have you may be worked out for good, but it can and will happen. Love God, have faith.
When we have faith in our God, He will do unimaginable things. We will see Him move like never before. One of my professors made a really good point in class today: open doors are not for us [believers]. They're for the people whose hearts have not yet accepted Christ. Open doors allow God to go in and work [through us] on the hearts of those people who are not saved.
Because that's what it's about.
"Why do we become all things to all men?
... To save them."
Become a servant to help save others.
We have to be willing to take the first step.
Yet don't just step, but leap out of your comfort zone!
Readily welcome unfamiliar circumstances.
Have a willing heart.
Do all things cheerfully.
Do all things without complaint.
"We are being trained to open our eyes to all the service opportunities around us."
Don't do something because it is required or "forced" upon you.
Be genuine.
Be real.
Don't just love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Take the next step.
Serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
We get to serve God.
We have the freedom to do so.
Think about the old covenant of Biblical times.
Only certain people were allowed to serve God.
'The priests, the sons of Levi, shall step forward, for the Lord your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the Lord and to decide all cases of dispute and assault.'
[Deuteronomy 21:5]
But these days believers, followers of God, are all chosen ministers and servants.
1 Peter 2:9 says, 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.'
Die to yourself daily.
Take up your cross.
"Walk the talk."
Ready?
Let's go.
Together.
One Life, one Love.
One Body in and of Christ.
'Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." '
[Malachi 3:16-18]
September 14, 2009
Ch. 514 - What's In a Name?
'Filled with wonder,
awestruck wonder -
at the mention of Your name.
Jesus, Your name is Power
Breath, and Living Water...
such a marvelous mystery.'
[Revelation Song]
I love this song.
Man. Who doesn't?
Anyway.
Whenever I get this song stuck in my head, it usually starts with the verse above.
... That's a really good thing.
I don't believe we realize just how true it is: Jesus' name is Power. Look at everything that's been done in His name.
Prayers have been answered.
The Gospel has been preached.
Demons have been cast out.
People have been healed.
Baptized.
Saved.
The list goes on.... truly.
These things have happened through the power of God.
The only reason our requests are given any consideration is because Christ lives in and through us and is our Mediator to His Father.
When He died for us, He gave up His life. But He continues to live and even reign in us by way of the Holy Spirit, living in our hearts.
2 Corinthians 5:15 says, 'And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.'
We displace our lives when we accept Jesus the Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Thus, "the same power that conquered the grave lives in me."
So what's in a name?
Well.
When it's the name of Jesus we're talking about... everything!
And yet we continue to take this matter lightly. Think about how many times a day you hear someone say, "Jesus!"... "Jesus Christ!"... "Jesus H. Christ!" ... "Goddamn it!" ... etc.
In the supermarket.
On the television.
At work. At school.
Speaking of school... storytime.
A friend here at Central told me that the other day he heard a new student going up the stairs. The new student said, "J.C.! Why do there have to be so many stairs?!" We may assume that by saying "J.C." he thought he was "safely" saying the Lord's name in vain. My friend, whom the new student didn't know had heard him, reproved his peer and I'm glad he did so.
So moving forward: We use the name of the Lord to exclaim over our difficulties or supposed challenges - I consider this absolutely uncalled for, especially when I think about the fact that Jesus went through and overcame the greatest "challenge" known to mankind. Knowing there is such power in His name, who are we to speak without thinking about it? Our God is a God of absolute might. He can do anything. He deserves our utmost respect. We are to love God, yes, but we are also to fear Him. I think many people tend to think that fearing God is something only people of the Old Testament times had to worry about, but it's not true. There are multiple verses in the New Testament that speak of fearing God - and, at least in my opinion, New Testament verses are certainly more easily to relate to and live life by [than Old Testament verses]. So we should take these verses to heart. One example is 1 Peter 2:17, which says 'Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God...'
I simply don't think we should be so comfortable with our Lord God. We can be familiar and intimate with Him, yes... it's just that we forget about His glory too often. We are too comfortable in knowing Him the way we do. I've heard people (usually girls, but a few guys, too) start out prayers with "Hey Dad/dy..." This gets to me more than it probably should. I realize God is our Father and we are His children. And if that's how people connect with Him, then that's great. But we are praying to GOD.
The most high Being.
The Designer of everything known and unknown.
The Creator of life.
The great "I AM."
Don't forget that.
'Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'
[Philippians 2:9-11]
awestruck wonder -
at the mention of Your name.
Jesus, Your name is Power
Breath, and Living Water...
such a marvelous mystery.'
[Revelation Song]
I love this song.
Man. Who doesn't?
Anyway.
Whenever I get this song stuck in my head, it usually starts with the verse above.
... That's a really good thing.
I don't believe we realize just how true it is: Jesus' name is Power. Look at everything that's been done in His name.
Prayers have been answered.
The Gospel has been preached.
Demons have been cast out.
People have been healed.
Baptized.
Saved.
The list goes on.... truly.
These things have happened through the power of God.
The only reason our requests are given any consideration is because Christ lives in and through us and is our Mediator to His Father.
When He died for us, He gave up His life. But He continues to live and even reign in us by way of the Holy Spirit, living in our hearts.
2 Corinthians 5:15 says, 'And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.'
We displace our lives when we accept Jesus the Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Thus, "the same power that conquered the grave lives in me."
So what's in a name?
Well.
When it's the name of Jesus we're talking about... everything!
And yet we continue to take this matter lightly. Think about how many times a day you hear someone say, "Jesus!"... "Jesus Christ!"... "Jesus H. Christ!" ... "Goddamn it!" ... etc.
In the supermarket.
On the television.
At work. At school.
Speaking of school... storytime.
A friend here at Central told me that the other day he heard a new student going up the stairs. The new student said, "J.C.! Why do there have to be so many stairs?!" We may assume that by saying "J.C." he thought he was "safely" saying the Lord's name in vain. My friend, whom the new student didn't know had heard him, reproved his peer and I'm glad he did so.
So moving forward: We use the name of the Lord to exclaim over our difficulties or supposed challenges - I consider this absolutely uncalled for, especially when I think about the fact that Jesus went through and overcame the greatest "challenge" known to mankind. Knowing there is such power in His name, who are we to speak without thinking about it? Our God is a God of absolute might. He can do anything. He deserves our utmost respect. We are to love God, yes, but we are also to fear Him. I think many people tend to think that fearing God is something only people of the Old Testament times had to worry about, but it's not true. There are multiple verses in the New Testament that speak of fearing God - and, at least in my opinion, New Testament verses are certainly more easily to relate to and live life by [than Old Testament verses]. So we should take these verses to heart. One example is 1 Peter 2:17, which says 'Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God...'
I simply don't think we should be so comfortable with our Lord God. We can be familiar and intimate with Him, yes... it's just that we forget about His glory too often. We are too comfortable in knowing Him the way we do. I've heard people (usually girls, but a few guys, too) start out prayers with "Hey Dad/dy..." This gets to me more than it probably should. I realize God is our Father and we are His children. And if that's how people connect with Him, then that's great. But we are praying to GOD.
The most high Being.
The Designer of everything known and unknown.
The Creator of life.
The great "I AM."
Don't forget that.
'Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'
[Philippians 2:9-11]
September 13, 2009
Ch. 513 - On the Same Page
Alright, so I've been thinking about the concept and act of worshiping God all day, through everything one does. And if you know me at all (or have read my blog somewhat regularly), you'll have come to know that I consider worship a lifestyle. So when I went to check my email before going to bed and the following was one of my devotionals for the day, I was pretty stoked to say the least. Fantastic:
Bringing Pleasure to God
'When I first fell in love with my wife, I thought of her constantly: while eating breakfast, driving to school, attending class, waiting in line at the market, pumping gas—I could not stop thinking about this woman! I often talked to myself about her and thought about all the things I loved about her. I felt close to Kay even though we lived several hundred miles apart and attended different colleges!
Just like my love for Kay transformed everything I did, love for God can transform every activity of our daily lives.
Martin Luther once said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God." Does that strike you as a strange thing to say? How can an "un-sacred" chore like milking a cow be an act of worshiping God?
Worship is far more than church services with singing, praying, and listening to a sermon. Worship is anything you do that brings pleasure to God. The Bible says, "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love" (Psalm 147:11 CEV).
In the Bible, people praised God at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed! Anything you do can be an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God.
How is that possible? By doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it! The Bible says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). And then: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23 NIV).
The Message paraphrase says, "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering" (Romans 12:1).
Worship is not a part of your life, it is your life.'
Bringing Pleasure to God
'When I first fell in love with my wife, I thought of her constantly: while eating breakfast, driving to school, attending class, waiting in line at the market, pumping gas—I could not stop thinking about this woman! I often talked to myself about her and thought about all the things I loved about her. I felt close to Kay even though we lived several hundred miles apart and attended different colleges!
Just like my love for Kay transformed everything I did, love for God can transform every activity of our daily lives.
Martin Luther once said, "A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God." Does that strike you as a strange thing to say? How can an "un-sacred" chore like milking a cow be an act of worshiping God?
Worship is far more than church services with singing, praying, and listening to a sermon. Worship is anything you do that brings pleasure to God. The Bible says, "The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love" (Psalm 147:11 CEV).
In the Bible, people praised God at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed! Anything you do can be an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God.
How is that possible? By doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it! The Bible says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). And then: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23 NIV).
The Message paraphrase says, "Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering" (Romans 12:1).
Worship is not a part of your life, it is your life.'
September 12, 2009
Ch. 512 - Information Overload
I AM LEARNING.
A lot.
It's pretty overwhelming.
But I like it.
A lot.
I simply feel that God is revealing so much to me right now.
Speaking to me.
Answering prayers.
Those gray areas are dissipating to reveal black and white.
It's been right in front of me the whole time.
I wasn't truly searching.
Praise God for His goodness!
'To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." '
[John 8:31-32]
A lot.
It's pretty overwhelming.
But I like it.
A lot.
I simply feel that God is revealing so much to me right now.
Speaking to me.
Answering prayers.
Those gray areas are dissipating to reveal black and white.
It's been right in front of me the whole time.
I wasn't truly searching.
Praise God for His goodness!
'To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." '
[John 8:31-32]
September 11, 2009
Ch. 511 - A Work in Progress
I am slowly, but surely, climbing my way out of the hole I dug myself into over the past few months.
It's certainly a challenging task... but it's been extremely gratifying as I see how much progress I've already made.
And the fact that I have God by my side as I climb up is more than encouraging.
'Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.'
[James 4:8]
It's certainly a challenging task... but it's been extremely gratifying as I see how much progress I've already made.
And the fact that I have God by my side as I climb up is more than encouraging.
'Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.'
[James 4:8]
September 10, 2009
Ch. 510 - Digging Deep
2 Peter 3:9.
It's been coming up quite often lately... six different occasions, with no connection between each occasion - within the last three days.
The NASB version says, 'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.'
Now, I'm not exactly why this verse keeps coming up, but I'm sure there's a reason. When God will reveal that reason, I don't know. And it really doesn't matter. But for now I'm going to be doing a lot of meditating on His word and looking into the author's intended meaning (putting that Foundations of Christianity vocab to use - astonishing, I know).
Anyway. Things are going really well right now. I don't have a whole lot on my mind.
Ok, that's a lie.
Rather, I should say, I don't have a whole lot on my mind that I feel like writing about or getting out of my head. My thoughts are just fine where they are, for the time being. God is really wonderful, though. I feel like He's doing a lot not just in my life, but many of the lives of the students here at Central - and it's actually evident, for a change. No complaints there, that's for sure. I'm drawing near to God and He is molding me in His beautiful hands. Cleansing. Purifying. Refining.
Oh yes. I am most certainly a fan of this.
I like it.
Speaking of fandom, I'm a pretty big fan of talking about worship and praise lately. It's fantastic. And so I give you the following as a parting verse:
'Worship the Lord in the splendor of
his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.'
[Psalm 96:9]
It's been coming up quite often lately... six different occasions, with no connection between each occasion - within the last three days.
The NASB version says, 'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.'
Now, I'm not exactly why this verse keeps coming up, but I'm sure there's a reason. When God will reveal that reason, I don't know. And it really doesn't matter. But for now I'm going to be doing a lot of meditating on His word and looking into the author's intended meaning (putting that Foundations of Christianity vocab to use - astonishing, I know).
Anyway. Things are going really well right now. I don't have a whole lot on my mind.
Ok, that's a lie.
Rather, I should say, I don't have a whole lot on my mind that I feel like writing about or getting out of my head. My thoughts are just fine where they are, for the time being. God is really wonderful, though. I feel like He's doing a lot not just in my life, but many of the lives of the students here at Central - and it's actually evident, for a change. No complaints there, that's for sure. I'm drawing near to God and He is molding me in His beautiful hands. Cleansing. Purifying. Refining.
Oh yes. I am most certainly a fan of this.
I like it.
Speaking of fandom, I'm a pretty big fan of talking about worship and praise lately. It's fantastic. And so I give you the following as a parting verse:
'Worship the Lord in the splendor of
his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.'
[Psalm 96:9]
September 9, 2009
Ch. 509 - Behind the Line
We look and hear… but do we see and listen? We try to understand things to the best of our ability – but we can’t even begin to truly understand without the Spirit. Jesus spoke in parables for a reason. In a sense, I think He was “weeding” people out. If we’re not truly seeking Him or striving to know Him more or learn about Him, it’s like He doesn’t want us. I mean, He does… but as all relationships are, it’s a two-way street. He’s done His part. We have to do ours. But our relationships with God will not amount to anything if we only go about it halfheartedly. He has given us everything. Existence. Truth. His Son. The gift of eternity. LIFE. These things alone are more than enticing, if you will, but nothing’s ever good enough for us. We are a demanding people; we constantly want more, more, more. Yet God doesn’t demand a lot from us. He commands that we love Him, and love others.
“Easier said than done.”
... Is it really?
Or do we want to make it more difficult for ourselves than it truly is?
"God knows how great He is... why does He need me to remind Him?"
Fine. You're right - I mean, He is God...
NO.
That's just being lazy, for goodness' sake.
STOP MAKING EXCUSES!
Where is the line that we find ourselves crossing again and again? And how do we discipline ourselves to stop short of crossing it? Does it merely take time? What do we need to be asking God to teach us?
Self-control... faithfulness... it seems so cliché, but I think we need to continually be asking for and learning the fruits of the Spirit and living our lives by them. Because the more we do so, the nearer to God we will draw, and the more we will stop crossing that line. We will find ourselves wanting an authentic relationship with Christ. We will want to be with God and give Him our all constantly.
'I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.'
[Ephesians 1:17]
“Easier said than done.”
... Is it really?
Or do we want to make it more difficult for ourselves than it truly is?
"God knows how great He is... why does He need me to remind Him?"
Fine. You're right - I mean, He is God...
NO.
That's just being lazy, for goodness' sake.
STOP MAKING EXCUSES!
Where is the line that we find ourselves crossing again and again? And how do we discipline ourselves to stop short of crossing it? Does it merely take time? What do we need to be asking God to teach us?
Self-control... faithfulness... it seems so cliché, but I think we need to continually be asking for and learning the fruits of the Spirit and living our lives by them. Because the more we do so, the nearer to God we will draw, and the more we will stop crossing that line. We will find ourselves wanting an authentic relationship with Christ. We will want to be with God and give Him our all constantly.
'I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.'
[Ephesians 1:17]
September 8, 2009
Ch. 508 - Expectant
God hears my whispered prayers amid hundreds of sonorous voices.
How blessed I am to be known by my God.
'O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying
down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in - behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for
me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your
presence?
[Psalm 139:1-7]
How blessed I am to be known by my God.
'O Lord, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying
down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in - behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for
me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your
presence?
[Psalm 139:1-7]
September 7, 2009
Ch. 507 - A Fragrant Offering
Ephesians 5:2 says, '... 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 were the daily Bible verses of a site I visit regularly. Now, I believe they're pretty well-known verses. "Be imitators of God." We like to remind ourselves that we should be striving to be Christlike. But actually following through in doing so is an entirely different story... and that story is for another day. So anyway, these were the verses. And just last night I was out on a walk, just clearing my head a bit and talking to God. One thing led to another and soon I began praying about how I am living my life and how I am worshiping my Lord God; I believe worshiping Him is a lifestyle, not a forty-five minute segment on Sundays (and Tuesdays and Fridays, counting chapel here at Central). I started to wonder whether my offering to God, living my life for Him daily and loving Him to the best of my ability, is a fragrant offering... or if it really isn't very pleasing to God. Does He look down at me and smile? Does He hear something I say and frown? Does He cry when I do something wrong? Does He dance when I do something right?
How many times have I turned away from God?
How many times have I said one thing, and then done another?
How many times have I made mistakes and not learned from them?
How many times have I torn down the body of Christ?
How many times have I denied myself partaking in what God has to offer?
How many times have I run back to God?
How many times have I been guided by the Spirit?
How many times have I asked for forgiveness?
How many times have I been encouraged by my brothers and sisters?
How many times have I realized how incredibly loved I am?
I do learn.
I do grow.
I do love people.
I do love my God.
But...
'With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.'
[James 3:9-10]
This should not be.
I want things to be completely black and white.
No gray matter, you know?
Yet that's not how it is.
But I don't want my life to be a fragrant offering to God one day...
and a horrid stench the next.
Refine me with fire, Lord God.
'Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.'
[Hebrews 13:15-16]
Ephesians 5:1-2 were the daily Bible verses of a site I visit regularly. Now, I believe they're pretty well-known verses. "Be imitators of God." We like to remind ourselves that we should be striving to be Christlike. But actually following through in doing so is an entirely different story... and that story is for another day. So anyway, these were the verses. And just last night I was out on a walk, just clearing my head a bit and talking to God. One thing led to another and soon I began praying about how I am living my life and how I am worshiping my Lord God; I believe worshiping Him is a lifestyle, not a forty-five minute segment on Sundays (and Tuesdays and Fridays, counting chapel here at Central). I started to wonder whether my offering to God, living my life for Him daily and loving Him to the best of my ability, is a fragrant offering... or if it really isn't very pleasing to God. Does He look down at me and smile? Does He hear something I say and frown? Does He cry when I do something wrong? Does He dance when I do something right?
How many times have I turned away from God?
How many times have I said one thing, and then done another?
How many times have I made mistakes and not learned from them?
How many times have I torn down the body of Christ?
How many times have I denied myself partaking in what God has to offer?
How many times have I run back to God?
How many times have I been guided by the Spirit?
How many times have I asked for forgiveness?
How many times have I been encouraged by my brothers and sisters?
How many times have I realized how incredibly loved I am?
I do learn.
I do grow.
I do love people.
I do love my God.
But...
'With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.'
[James 3:9-10]
This should not be.
I want things to be completely black and white.
No gray matter, you know?
Yet that's not how it is.
But I don't want my life to be a fragrant offering to God one day...
and a horrid stench the next.
Refine me with fire, Lord God.
'Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.'
[Hebrews 13:15-16]
September 6, 2009
Ch. 506 - Enlightened to Hope
I have a beautiful hope in Jesus the Christ.
Do you?
'I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe...'
[Ephesians 1:18-19]
Do you?
'I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe...'
[Ephesians 1:18-19]
September 5, 2009
Ch. 505 - Light of Day
'The path of the righteous is like the
first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light
of day.'
[Proverbs 4:18]
'... "As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the
earth." '
[Hosea 6:3]
first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light
of day.'
[Proverbs 4:18]
'... "As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the
earth." '
[Hosea 6:3]
September 4, 2009
Ch. 504 - An Appointment
I am the daughter of a big God.
And I mean... He is a big, BIG, BIG God.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
Matthew 21:22. Believe.
I have been waiting.
God has been teaching me patience the past couple years.
[I asked Him to - a request I have not regretted making, even though it's never been an easy lesson to learn.]
But tonight I fully realized how thankful I am for His doing so.
Having patience makes our waiting all the more worthwhile. We more greatly appreciate what we are given after waiting a considerable amount of time for it than if we are given something right after we ask for it.
Prayers have been answered.
PRAISE THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
Oh sure, I've had prayers answered in the past. The thing is, those prayers were answered just one at a time. This is different. We're talking a handful of prayers, a few of which I've been lifting up to God for about a year or so - and all were answered in one night! What I love most about the fact that God has answered these prayers is that they are not for my benefit alone. What God does in and through answering these prayers will affect more than one person.
I've never been able to understand the fact that God has chosen to use me as one of His instruments, one of His vessels. Unreal. Simply unreal.
I am honored.
I don't feel worthy of being part of what I believe lies ahead.
Yet here I am. Called.
Standing strong.
Standing tall.
Ready.
This past week has been good, albeit rough around the edges. I think that God has really been renewing me in many ways, getting me ready to truly carry out His will for my life, especially during my time spent at Central. The past few days have been a pretty intense lead up to where I am at this very point in time.
I am willing.
I am ready.
Prepare, prepare!
Change is coming.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
God's glory will shine.
Let it be so.
'... The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'
[James 5:16]
And I mean... He is a big, BIG, BIG God.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
My God is faithful.
Matthew 21:22. Believe.
I have been waiting.
God has been teaching me patience the past couple years.
[I asked Him to - a request I have not regretted making, even though it's never been an easy lesson to learn.]
But tonight I fully realized how thankful I am for His doing so.
Having patience makes our waiting all the more worthwhile. We more greatly appreciate what we are given after waiting a considerable amount of time for it than if we are given something right after we ask for it.
Prayers have been answered.
PRAISE THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
Oh sure, I've had prayers answered in the past. The thing is, those prayers were answered just one at a time. This is different. We're talking a handful of prayers, a few of which I've been lifting up to God for about a year or so - and all were answered in one night! What I love most about the fact that God has answered these prayers is that they are not for my benefit alone. What God does in and through answering these prayers will affect more than one person.
I've never been able to understand the fact that God has chosen to use me as one of His instruments, one of His vessels. Unreal. Simply unreal.
I am honored.
I don't feel worthy of being part of what I believe lies ahead.
Yet here I am. Called.
Standing strong.
Standing tall.
Ready.
This past week has been good, albeit rough around the edges. I think that God has really been renewing me in many ways, getting me ready to truly carry out His will for my life, especially during my time spent at Central. The past few days have been a pretty intense lead up to where I am at this very point in time.
I am willing.
I am ready.
Prepare, prepare!
Change is coming.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
God's glory will shine.
Let it be so.
'... The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'
[James 5:16]
September 3, 2009
Ch. 503 - Stability
I feel like I'm standing in a pool of quicksand.
If I don't move, little to no sinking will occur.
If I try to get out - especially by myself - I will soon end up in great peril.
[Peril may seem a bit much, but it's not very often that you get to use the word peril. It works pretty well with this, so I'm keeping it.]
In all seriousness, though, I need some help to get out of this pit I've suddenly found myself standing in. I don't know what happened, exactly (story of my life). I thought I was making quite a bit of progress. Things were going pretty well. But then I realized that I've really not been myself. I'm happy, yet subdued. I'm drawing nearer to God, yet continue to hold myself an arm's length away.
That's not right.
I have this beautiful idea of the young woman God has created me to be, but I'm nowhere near attaining that idea and making it a reality. I don't like it. But it's true. I have a lot of work to do. Thankfully, I'll be working with my very own Designer and Creator. So I should be pretty good to go.
I just need some stability right now.
Something absolute.
Uplifting.
Encouraging.
Something on and through which I have room to grow.
'On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.'
This song just started playing in my head.
And how true the lyrics are.
Brilliant.
'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.'
[Psalm 18:2-6]
Again. A little dramatic. Not to mention out of context.
... But I like it.
If I don't move, little to no sinking will occur.
If I try to get out - especially by myself - I will soon end up in great peril.
[Peril may seem a bit much, but it's not very often that you get to use the word peril. It works pretty well with this, so I'm keeping it.]
In all seriousness, though, I need some help to get out of this pit I've suddenly found myself standing in. I don't know what happened, exactly (story of my life). I thought I was making quite a bit of progress. Things were going pretty well. But then I realized that I've really not been myself. I'm happy, yet subdued. I'm drawing nearer to God, yet continue to hold myself an arm's length away.
That's not right.
I have this beautiful idea of the young woman God has created me to be, but I'm nowhere near attaining that idea and making it a reality. I don't like it. But it's true. I have a lot of work to do. Thankfully, I'll be working with my very own Designer and Creator. So I should be pretty good to go.
I just need some stability right now.
Something absolute.
Uplifting.
Encouraging.
Something on and through which I have room to grow.
'On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.'
This song just started playing in my head.
And how true the lyrics are.
Brilliant.
'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.'
[Psalm 18:2-6]
Again. A little dramatic. Not to mention out of context.
... But I like it.
September 2, 2009
Ch. 502 - The Lion and The Lamb
This morning I was reading in the gym before class; I was reading in the book of Hosea - which is technically irrelevant, but that's where it started for me today. Hosea 11:10 says:
'They will follow the Lord;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.'
When I read that the Lord would roar like a lion, I thought, 'Hm. Isn't Christ called the Lion of Judah or something?' I couldn't quite remember, but man, it sure sounded great! So I went with it. I finished reading Hosea and flipped to the book of Revelation. I'm [re]reading it, since I'm in New Testament Prophecy this semester. Last night I had finished reading the letters to the seven churches, so I turned to chapter four, which speaks of the throne of God. Chapter five tells of the scroll and the Lamb, Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. Revelation 5:5 says:
' "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." '
Wait, what? The Lion of the tribe of Judah?
Well, well, well.
I'm not going to lie, I felt pretty good after reading that verse. So Christ is, indeed, called the Lion of Judah. Alright, but I have a confession. I've read Revelation quite a few times... also, I figure it's a term I've heard more than once over the years. But if someone had asked, "Hey Natalie - where is Christ referred to as the Lion of Judah?" I honestly couldn't have answered with, "Oh yeah - Lion of Judah... Revelation 5:5, man." Or even if they had asked, "Uhhh, isn't Christ called a Lion of Judah or something?" I don't know if I would have been able to answer with confidence, you know?
Revelation 5:6 goes on to say:
'Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.' "
Strong.
Gentle.
Aggressive.
Meek.
Loud.
Quiet.
Hunter.
Hunted.
Spirited.
Delicate.
I suppose that I simply like the contrast in saying that Christ is a Lion and a Lamb. It really makes Him all the more incredible. The fact that He can be and is each of these things is fascinating to me; He encompasses, if you will, qualities of both and I'm sure that makes Him all the more appealing to certain people in this world. I say this because they may be looking for one thing or another in, for example, a Higher Power that they believe exists, and they will be able to find it in Him.
'Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to
the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and
power,
for ever and ever!" '
[Revelation 5:13]
'They will follow the Lord;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.'
When I read that the Lord would roar like a lion, I thought, 'Hm. Isn't Christ called the Lion of Judah or something?' I couldn't quite remember, but man, it sure sounded great! So I went with it. I finished reading Hosea and flipped to the book of Revelation. I'm [re]reading it, since I'm in New Testament Prophecy this semester. Last night I had finished reading the letters to the seven churches, so I turned to chapter four, which speaks of the throne of God. Chapter five tells of the scroll and the Lamb, Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. Revelation 5:5 says:
' "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." '
Wait, what? The Lion of the tribe of Judah?
Well, well, well.
I'm not going to lie, I felt pretty good after reading that verse. So Christ is, indeed, called the Lion of Judah. Alright, but I have a confession. I've read Revelation quite a few times... also, I figure it's a term I've heard more than once over the years. But if someone had asked, "Hey Natalie - where is Christ referred to as the Lion of Judah?" I honestly couldn't have answered with, "Oh yeah - Lion of Judah... Revelation 5:5, man." Or even if they had asked, "Uhhh, isn't Christ called a Lion of Judah or something?" I don't know if I would have been able to answer with confidence, you know?
Revelation 5:6 goes on to say:
'Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.' "
Strong.
Gentle.
Aggressive.
Meek.
Loud.
Quiet.
Hunter.
Hunted.
Spirited.
Delicate.
I suppose that I simply like the contrast in saying that Christ is a Lion and a Lamb. It really makes Him all the more incredible. The fact that He can be and is each of these things is fascinating to me; He encompasses, if you will, qualities of both and I'm sure that makes Him all the more appealing to certain people in this world. I say this because they may be looking for one thing or another in, for example, a Higher Power that they believe exists, and they will be able to find it in Him.
'Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to
the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and
power,
for ever and ever!" '
[Revelation 5:13]
September 1, 2009
Ch. 501 - An Oasis
My God is real.
My God is present.
I feel so great right now.
It's not like I'm 100% "better" or anything.
But I'm surely on my way.
I found myself thinking earlier that I felt as if I'd turned right around.
180°.
It's not true, of course, because that wouldn't happen overnight.
And I'm glad.
[What's the destination mean to you without the journey, right?]
Yet even so, the more I thought about it the more I realized it'd really only be something like 110° anyway.
Because I would want to think I did that on my own.
And I would need God to help me turn around completely. I could turn 179.9° and not be able to turn the .1° without God.
God is here.
Right here.
I can call upon Him and He will answer.
He is mighty.
He is at work.
He is glorious.
He watches over us with love and care - and knowing what's best for us.
Not always fun for us when He acts on our behalf, but it's God.
What are you going to do?
Who are you to question His plans, His motives, His actions?
Anyway, I just feel so joyful right now. I just sat down to write this after jumping around my room for something like, half an hour. I'm not kidding. The entire day has been fantastic and it continued right on into the night. I could get used to this. God was just so... I don't know... evident? I don't know how else to put it. But it was great to see and hear Him today on many an occasion.
Forward march.
'Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.'
[2 Timothy 2:22]
My God is present.
I feel so great right now.
It's not like I'm 100% "better" or anything.
But I'm surely on my way.
I found myself thinking earlier that I felt as if I'd turned right around.
180°.
It's not true, of course, because that wouldn't happen overnight.
And I'm glad.
[What's the destination mean to you without the journey, right?]
Yet even so, the more I thought about it the more I realized it'd really only be something like 110° anyway.
Because I would want to think I did that on my own.
And I would need God to help me turn around completely. I could turn 179.9° and not be able to turn the .1° without God.
God is here.
Right here.
I can call upon Him and He will answer.
He is mighty.
He is at work.
He is glorious.
He watches over us with love and care - and knowing what's best for us.
Not always fun for us when He acts on our behalf, but it's God.
What are you going to do?
Who are you to question His plans, His motives, His actions?
Anyway, I just feel so joyful right now. I just sat down to write this after jumping around my room for something like, half an hour. I'm not kidding. The entire day has been fantastic and it continued right on into the night. I could get used to this. God was just so... I don't know... evident? I don't know how else to put it. But it was great to see and hear Him today on many an occasion.
Forward march.
'Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.'
[2 Timothy 2:22]
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