'...for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...'
[Philippians 3:3, NASB]
Glory [verb] - to rejoice proudly.
I appreciate this.
Greatly.
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippians. Show all posts
April 27, 2010
November 15, 2008
Ch. 246 - Step Out
I'm tired of feeling as if I'm not doing anything with my faith.
'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:4]
'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:4]
October 11, 2008
Ch. 215 - Skipping Around
I am not the same person here.
It's incredible how being around different people in a different place with a different atmosphere can affect you and the way you act and the way you speak.
... That sentence was ridiculous.
It's not that I'm not walking the talk any less here at home (I'm on fall break, by the way) than I do at school. But my focus/mindset/whatever doesn't seem to revolve around Him. I may be on break - but from school, not God. So I need to work on that.
I'm continuously working on slowing down, though. I truly think I'm getting better about doing so. I believe it's even easier to do so here at home because there are less distractions. I'm finding the joy and seeing the beauty in all things and people more and more, it seems.
I like that.
A lot.
I think it pleases God.
Is that too bold or prideful to say?
'And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.'
[Philippians 1:9-11]
It's incredible how being around different people in a different place with a different atmosphere can affect you and the way you act and the way you speak.
... That sentence was ridiculous.
It's not that I'm not walking the talk any less here at home (I'm on fall break, by the way) than I do at school. But my focus/mindset/whatever doesn't seem to revolve around Him. I may be on break - but from school, not God. So I need to work on that.
I'm continuously working on slowing down, though. I truly think I'm getting better about doing so. I believe it's even easier to do so here at home because there are less distractions. I'm finding the joy and seeing the beauty in all things and people more and more, it seems.
I like that.
A lot.
I think it pleases God.
Is that too bold or prideful to say?
'And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.'
[Philippians 1:9-11]
September 28, 2008
Ch. 202 - My Shield
'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.'
[Philippians 4:7-9]
Praise upon praise upon praise that I have the peace of God...
[Philippians 4:7-9]
Praise upon praise upon praise that I have the peace of God...
August 20, 2008
Ch. 168 - Vulnerability
God is personal to us.
So it's really difficult to be vulnerable with other people when it comes to God. But pushing ourselves to be just that is what makes us grow.
I was taking an assessment questionnaire today during our World Views session. One of the questions asked something along the lines of how many hours I spend each week talking to others about God and my faith. As much as I wanted to shade the rectangle in the 5-10 hours per week, I wasn't going to lie. So I went with the truth and shaded in the rectangle in the 0-2 hours per week. I actually felt ashamed of myself as I slowly moved my pencil back and forth in thin lines to fill in the small box. It's the truth, though. I haven't had a good, sit-down, heart-to-heart kind of talk with anyone and just talked about God in a long, long time. I suppose I'm in a pretty good place to change that!
But even if 5-10 hours (or more!) were the truth, that in itself would be a challenge for me, because it truly is difficult for me to talk about my faith openly with fellow believers. Eight months into the year and I am still no closer to actually working on my new year's resolution. I said the same thing at two and a half months into the year (see Ch. 62) and thought about it a few times here and there since then... so I'm obviously pretty conscious that I'm not doing anything about it.
I have to get over the fact that being vulnerable with people is not going to kill me. God is always with me. He is my Light and my Guide. I can't retreat into the dark just because it's not always easy to talk about the Light.
'I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.'
[Philippians 4:13]
Putting the memory verses to use!
So it's really difficult to be vulnerable with other people when it comes to God. But pushing ourselves to be just that is what makes us grow.
I was taking an assessment questionnaire today during our World Views session. One of the questions asked something along the lines of how many hours I spend each week talking to others about God and my faith. As much as I wanted to shade the rectangle in the 5-10 hours per week, I wasn't going to lie. So I went with the truth and shaded in the rectangle in the 0-2 hours per week. I actually felt ashamed of myself as I slowly moved my pencil back and forth in thin lines to fill in the small box. It's the truth, though. I haven't had a good, sit-down, heart-to-heart kind of talk with anyone and just talked about God in a long, long time. I suppose I'm in a pretty good place to change that!
But even if 5-10 hours (or more!) were the truth, that in itself would be a challenge for me, because it truly is difficult for me to talk about my faith openly with fellow believers. Eight months into the year and I am still no closer to actually working on my new year's resolution. I said the same thing at two and a half months into the year (see Ch. 62) and thought about it a few times here and there since then... so I'm obviously pretty conscious that I'm not doing anything about it.
I have to get over the fact that being vulnerable with people is not going to kill me. God is always with me. He is my Light and my Guide. I can't retreat into the dark just because it's not always easy to talk about the Light.
'I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.'
[Philippians 4:13]
Putting the memory verses to use!
July 29, 2008
Ch. 146 - Like Water on a Duck
'When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.'
Horatio Spafford's It Is Well with My Soul is my favorite hymn. It provides a lot of comfort and, in a sense, gives me strength when I've fallen and am not doing too well. The past couple of weeks haven't been so great, but I've tried not to let that show. I had had a lot of anxious thoughts running through my mind and was really worrying about a few things. I'm not an anxious person by nature. Or a worrywart. I don't get nervous. I don't get stressed. But sometimes 'stuff' just starts to pile up on your shoulders and the weight can bend you over, transforming you into something or someone you're not. And that's not a good thing. Thankfully, by just realizing that you can give it all to God, you can straighten up and let it roll off your shoulders. So that's exactly what I did. And it is well with my soul.
'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
[Philippians 4:7]
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.'
Horatio Spafford's It Is Well with My Soul is my favorite hymn. It provides a lot of comfort and, in a sense, gives me strength when I've fallen and am not doing too well. The past couple of weeks haven't been so great, but I've tried not to let that show. I had had a lot of anxious thoughts running through my mind and was really worrying about a few things. I'm not an anxious person by nature. Or a worrywart. I don't get nervous. I don't get stressed. But sometimes 'stuff' just starts to pile up on your shoulders and the weight can bend you over, transforming you into something or someone you're not. And that's not a good thing. Thankfully, by just realizing that you can give it all to God, you can straighten up and let it roll off your shoulders. So that's exactly what I did. And it is well with my soul.
'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
[Philippians 4:7]
July 26, 2008
Ch. 143 - Counting My Blessings
'For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him...'
[Philippians 1:29]
18. May 2010 Edit:
I'm pretty sure I've written down my thoughts on suffering for Christ before. I must say, however, that while every single believer may not suffer "for" Christ as greatly as He did for us, I think it's important to at least realize how greatly blessed we are because of His suffering. And if we truly care about what Jesus did before, during, and after His time on the cross, we need to take more seriously our commission and commitment to Him. We shouldn't be afraid to suffer for Christ. "For it has been granted to you..." Granted. Permitted as a right. A privilege. We should feel honored to be able to suffer for Him - because we believe on Him.
[Philippians 1:29]
18. May 2010 Edit:
I'm pretty sure I've written down my thoughts on suffering for Christ before. I must say, however, that while every single believer may not suffer "for" Christ as greatly as He did for us, I think it's important to at least realize how greatly blessed we are because of His suffering. And if we truly care about what Jesus did before, during, and after His time on the cross, we need to take more seriously our commission and commitment to Him. We shouldn't be afraid to suffer for Christ. "For it has been granted to you..." Granted. Permitted as a right. A privilege. We should feel honored to be able to suffer for Him - because we believe on Him.
July 23, 2008
Ch. 140 - Blast From the Past
So this morning I went over to the church to see if Phil (the youth pastor) needed any help on one of the mission teams. Because of the flooding here in Cedar Rapids, the annual Des Moines trip for the Mid-Hi was canceled; the Senior-Hi decided to stay and do flood relief work here instead of going to Minnesota. Also because of the flooding, one of the youth projects that was supposed to happen in June was cancelled - Paint by Neighbors - so that is what the Mid-Hi has been doing this week.
I just sort of placed myself on the Mid-Hi team because I didn't have any work boots, basically. Plus I love working with Mid-Hi, so it was what I wanted to do! But you know, as we headed out to the work sites, I looked around me and realized that I didn't know these middle schoolers. It's a new group and I wondered how this could have happened so suddenly. I felt old. I'm 19, for goodness' sake! I started to worry about not being connected with these kids since I've not been around the youth group for the past couple of years. But I love working with Mid-Hi and I was determined to not let the fact that I didn't know these kids bring me down.
Fortunately, my worries started to dissipate once we got to the houses the group has been working on. All it takes is some introductions, encouragement to get started and a little chit-chat and song-singing while we work to get in my Mid-Hi mode. Soon I was practically one of them and I was in my element, both with the kids and the painting. Bliss.
'Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...'
[Philippians 2:14-15]
I just sort of placed myself on the Mid-Hi team because I didn't have any work boots, basically. Plus I love working with Mid-Hi, so it was what I wanted to do! But you know, as we headed out to the work sites, I looked around me and realized that I didn't know these middle schoolers. It's a new group and I wondered how this could have happened so suddenly. I felt old. I'm 19, for goodness' sake! I started to worry about not being connected with these kids since I've not been around the youth group for the past couple of years. But I love working with Mid-Hi and I was determined to not let the fact that I didn't know these kids bring me down.
Fortunately, my worries started to dissipate once we got to the houses the group has been working on. All it takes is some introductions, encouragement to get started and a little chit-chat and song-singing while we work to get in my Mid-Hi mode. Soon I was practically one of them and I was in my element, both with the kids and the painting. Bliss.
'Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...'
[Philippians 2:14-15]
July 3, 2008
Ch. 120 - Mmmmmmemorize!
I feel I've read so many Bible verses so many times - but I have practically no verses memorized. I want to change this. I mean, I can recall where in the Bible certain verses are that have to do with whatever, or tell a certain story, but I really don't have many specific verses that I can readily pull from memory.
So I've decided to make Thursday my 'Bible Verse Memorization' day.
This week's memory verse:
'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.'
[Philippians 4:13]
So I've decided to make Thursday my 'Bible Verse Memorization' day.
This week's memory verse:
'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.'
[Philippians 4:13]
June 19, 2008
Ch. 106 - All the Time
God is good.
All the time.
It may be difficult to see or realize some of the time.
But it's always true, regardless of how apparent it is.
You can turn away all you want.
He is always going to be there.
He is so real.
His love is always going to be there.
His love is so real.
'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!'
[Philippians 4:4]
All the time.
It may be difficult to see or realize some of the time.
But it's always true, regardless of how apparent it is.
You can turn away all you want.
He is always going to be there.
He is so real.
His love is always going to be there.
His love is so real.
'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!'
[Philippians 4:4]
March 15, 2008
Ch. 60 - Sprin-g-Row
Spring. Grow.
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
March 7, 2008
Ch. 52 - Restless
I can't sleep.
As has been the case for the past three weeks or so.
I have basically become nocturnal. I sleep during the day when I don't have class, and do all my work throughout the night and early morning. I mean, I do try to sleep at night... it just doesn't happen! I may sleep for an hour or so, but then I'll wake up and won't be able to fall asleep. It's not like I don't do anything during the day to make me tired. I'm going, going, going nowadays what with swimming and such. And now that the daylight hours are increasing and the temperatures are rising, I'm out walking or running more - which I've been looking forward to doing for a very long time now.
I think part of it all is that my mind is constantly stimulated; I have so many thoughts running through my head all the time. I don't mind, really, but at times it can be tiring. I really want to get back to normal sleeping patterns. Hopefully I can really focus on doing so next week during spring break.
...
Nothing has changed since the last chapter.
You know, I couldn't even pray today. I tried and I just sort of went afkdjsalrfoeawjfkdasl. I couldn't get my thoughts straight, I could barely even speak. Thus I wrote my prayers instead. Doing so helped a bit, but I still wasn't really there, if you know what I mean.
Discouraging.
But God will lift me up when the time is right.
'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'
[Philippians 4:6]
As has been the case for the past three weeks or so.
I have basically become nocturnal. I sleep during the day when I don't have class, and do all my work throughout the night and early morning. I mean, I do try to sleep at night... it just doesn't happen! I may sleep for an hour or so, but then I'll wake up and won't be able to fall asleep. It's not like I don't do anything during the day to make me tired. I'm going, going, going nowadays what with swimming and such. And now that the daylight hours are increasing and the temperatures are rising, I'm out walking or running more - which I've been looking forward to doing for a very long time now.
I think part of it all is that my mind is constantly stimulated; I have so many thoughts running through my head all the time. I don't mind, really, but at times it can be tiring. I really want to get back to normal sleeping patterns. Hopefully I can really focus on doing so next week during spring break.
...
Nothing has changed since the last chapter.
You know, I couldn't even pray today. I tried and I just sort of went afkdjsalrfoeawjfkdasl. I couldn't get my thoughts straight, I could barely even speak. Thus I wrote my prayers instead. Doing so helped a bit, but I still wasn't really there, if you know what I mean.
Discouraging.
But God will lift me up when the time is right.
'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'
[Philippians 4:6]
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