Ch. 701 - People are Good

'Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." '
[Matthew 26:36-38]

Jesus brought Peter, James, and John with Him to the garden at Gethsemane, and on their way Jesus began to be grieved and distressed. I believe this verse shows the humanity of Jesus, and also teaches us how to live in one aspect. Even though Jesus knew He was going to die in obedience for our salvation, He was at a vulnerable, weak moment in His life. Jesus’ bringing His three closest disciples reveals that we were created as relational beings. I sense a feeling of dependency on these three during this moment in Jesus’ life; I believe that we should realize we can turn to our brothers and sisters in Christ for help and support, in addition to turning to God.

Note to self: There are so many good people in this world.
Not everyone I come to face is "evil" or careless.
I should not be so terribly critical.
I simply distance myself in doing so and that is not a good thing.

Ch. 700 - Zeal

'Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of
the Lord.'
[Proverb 23:17]

How often do we think about our fear - or lack thereof - of God?
Just a thought.

Ch. 699 - Anchor For the Soul

'We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'
[Hebrews 6:19-20]

Unlike high priests of the past, who could only enter God’s presence occasionally, Jesus entered into heaven and is continually in His presence. Jesus only had to offer His sacrifice once, gaining eternal redemption for all who come to God through Him. His sacrifice and selection as High Priest has displaced all ways of the Law. Jesus is now the intercessor for God’s people, for His blood has covered their sins. Praise and thankfulness is due to this great High Priest. Oh, how blessed I am!

Ch. 698 - To Glory in Christ

'...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.

Ch. 697 - Shame

I tend to withdraw from people whom I feel I have wronged in any way. If I begin to feel humiliated or ashamed by my words or actions towards someone, I do not desire to spend time with them, even if they don't realize how I feel... if they think nothing of it... or if they immediately say something along the lines of, "Hey it's okay... No big deal. I forgive you!"

It's even worse when I feel ashamed because of my words or actions toward my Lord God... what a terrible feeling. Yet He is even quicker to say, "I forgive you!" than those around me. He loves me so greatly. And letting myself feel ashamed only distances me from God and that love. Guilt and shame are destructive. Feeling loved and worthy of Him builds me up and encourages me to deepen my relationship with Him.

God is so good.


' "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.'
[Joel 2:12-13]

Again, context... see what Bible college does to you?
Whatever. I'm over it.

Ch. 696 - Bread

'Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." '
[John 6:35]

I think if Jesus were a type of bread, He would be WonderBread.
Wheat bread, though... none of that white bread crap.
... Stupid white-Jesus paintings...

Ch. 695 - What do I experience?

' "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." '
[John 7:7, NASB]

'A true born-again believer who is living a life for God's glory should experience the hatred and antagonism of the world.'
- John MacArthur

Ch. 694 - Chosen

He makes all things new.
He keeps all of His promises.

This is the God that gave me life.

He has given me purpose.
He has great plans for me.

I can only imagine what He will have me do for Him in the future.


' "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." '
[John 15:16]

Ch. 693 - Things Above

Understanding displaces prejudice.

Fear.

We need to abandon preconceived notions if we truly desire to reach out to [all] God's children. Letting ourselves rest in our false thoughts does much harm. I think that often, we don't even create the thoughts ourselves. Rather they are created by others and placed in our minds through various mediums.

It's time to take control.

Cleanse.


'For God does not show favoritism.'
[Romans 2:11]

Mehhh, context...

But seriously. God doesn't, neither should we. We should accept others in an incredibly just manner. Equality.

Ch. 692 - I ain't broke.

"If it ain't broke... don't fix it."

But what if 'it' is broke?
Then what?

I mean, who does the fixing?
What tools are needed?
How long will it take?
Will it cost a lot?
What changes will occur?
What will remain the same?

Legitimate questions.
But do they matter?

As long as 'it' can be fixed, and continue once again to be used for the purpose it was created for, then the recreation or restoration process should be the least of worries... right?

I'm not so sure about that.


' "Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." '
[1 Kings 8:56]

Oh yeah. Breaking out the OT. Read through some of 1 Kings today... this jumped out at me. Three cheers.

Ch. 691 - Capacity

Before class this morning I began my day by praying in the gym.

Lord God.

Chapel.
People.
Hearts.
Change.

Jesus Christ.

Peace.
Fruit.
Power.

Holy Spirit.

Hope.
Time.

The Church.

Joy.

Me.

My mind was racing, my heart was pounding.

Even though I felt as if a million and one thoughts were running through my mind, I felt as if they all centered around a single theme: love.

My love for God.
My love for others.
God's love for me.
God's love for others.
The body's love for God.
The body's love for others.
And so it goes on...

I've come to realize that sometimes, throughout the day, all I pray for is love.
More love.

What I really desire is for us to love God more.

'Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
[Matthew 22:37-38]

How often are we asked, "Do you truly obey the greatest commandment?"

Or how often do we hear, "You know... it all comes down to love. That's what it's all about!"

So this morning, as I'm praying and "love" recycles itself through my thoughts, I hear the following line from the song All Consuming Fire by Misty Edwards:

'Let us fall more in love with You.'

Oh, the joys of putting the iPod on shuffle: what a pleasant surprise...

When I heard that line, I just stopped.
I was overcome with the weight of the Presence.
I doubled over.
['Whoa.']

Unexpected.
But welcomed.

That's a heaviness on your heart that you should never want lifted.

No restraint.
Freedom in the Spirit.
All out of love, and the desire of love for God from others.

Desires from within that I'm not even fully aware of, made known to God.

Is that truly such a terrible thing?
[What are people so afraid of?]

God is listening.
"It's not time.
... They're not ready."
But He is listening.

Before all else, we need to increase our capacity to love.

Devotion.
Adoration.

Ask for more.
Love God.

Acceptance of self.
Love of self.

Ask for more.
Love God.

Acceptance of others.
Love of others.

Ask for more.
Love God.
Ask for more.

Ch. 690 - Voice Through Words

The following is part of a "Weekly Wisdom" from a daily Bible verse site. It's pretty redundant... but it's good in that it gets a fantastic point across.

'John 8:31-32 says, '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."'

If we hold to His teaching, meaning live in it, abide in it, and follow it, then we will know the truth. That's exactly the way hearing from God works. When we abide in his word, we will know his voice, which is truth.

All of scripture is God talking to His people. Thus, in order to hear from God, you must know scripture. God has given us scripture, and He calls it His word. It is the word of God. So how do you know God's talking to you? It is His word that He talks through.'

Ch. 689 - Nourishment

Sometimes I find myself overcome with anxious thoughts about the fact that it seems like we simply do not get it. What's more, sometimes it seems like we simply cannot get it - and we never will.

Pray for hope.


'Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.'
[Proverbs 3:7-8]

Ch. 688 - Transition Preparation

It's getting to be that time of year again...
School's out in less than a month.
[Twelve days of class. Three days of finals.]

I'm stoked.
I can't wait for summer break.
At the same time, part of me wants to just stay in school without long breaks so that I can be finished earlier. Oh well.

Anyway, these next four weeks are going to be the most difficult weeks of the whole school year. I must focus. Want to know the crazy part? I'm not even talking about focusing in regards to academics. Awesome, huh? That's right, I'm talking about focusing on something even more important: Jesuuuuuus. This is a very critical time. If you're not staying on the path in your walk with God before summer... well... it's just not good. Even here at Bible college... "surrounded" by fellow believers, a community - it can be difficult to be strong in your walk. Spending time with God is a total necessity, yet it gets blown off day after day.

Pray.
Read.
Reflect.
Meditate.
Journal.
Service.

Holiness.

I don't care if it's required or not. If you're not doing these things now, with accountability and support from brothers and sisters in Christ all around you, it could possibly be darn hard to do these things when at home... where you may have few to zero family members or friends who are believers. So really, we need to not only be working hard up until the last day of school academically, but also in the strengthening of our obedience, discipline, etc. We really should have a 'now or never' mindset, in my opinion, continually.

God may not need us, but man oh man do we need Him.


'As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...'
[1 Peter 1:14-15]

Ch. 687 - Highest Praise

'To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.'
[Jude 24-25]

Oh, to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Oh, the goodness and grace of God the Father.

Thankfulness abounds.

Ch. 686 - I refuse.

I am so glad that I am in Bible college right now...


'I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O Lord,
proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.'
[Psalm 26:4-7]

Ch. 685 - Picturesque

I spent some time at a park today. I was simply enjoying the beautiful weather and catching up on some reading for a class. At one point I heard a vehicle pull into the parking lot. I kept reading, but the sound of laughter soon filled the small park and I looked up to see a woman and two children. The woman was carrying a blanket and a small cooler. She and one of the children, a girl about four of five years old, spread out the blanket in the shade of a large tree. The other child, a boy about two years old, walked away from them and explored the playground area. He started to run towards a small, open field, looking over his shoulder now and then to the woman, whom I was watching. I noticed that even though she was talking with the girl and starting to take food and drinks out of the cooler, she periodically glanced over to the field where the boy was now running in constant circles. But suddenly he stopped, and without having to be chased down or called over, he dawdled over to the blanket where the woman and girl were sitting. The woman opened her arms and he ran the rest of the way, nestling - forcefully, I might add, as a result of the momentum - into her arms. And as they began to eat their picnic lunch, I resumed my reading with a smile on my face.

I was really thankful to have witnessed this casual occurrence.
I mean, it was simply a picnic in the park.

But I felt like God was reminding that even though I go "off on my own" now and then, or even run away from where I seemingly should be, I cannot truly run away from God. He is ever-watchful. There is no hiding from Him. And because He certainly does have a hand on my life, I will always return to Him eventually.

Because He provides for me.
Because He protects me.
Because He encourages me.
Because He guides me.
Because He loves me.

He welcomes me with open arms.


'But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love...'
[Psalm 33:18]

Ch. 684 - Transparency

Two weeks.

Two weeks of "silence".
Two weeks of thinking.
Letting my mind wander, really.
Two weeks of time to myself.
Two weeks of... well... Godlessness.

And I'm okay with that.
Should I be?
Probably not.

......
I am tired.
......

Needless to say, it's time to turn back around.
God is waiting for me.


' "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." '
[Matthew 11:28-30]

......

Ch. 684, Part Two:

This is incredibly hard for me, but...
Help. Please.
Just... pray.
Or if you're at Central, help me break down my walls.
If you think I'm intimidating, try to get past that.
Find me.
Come chat.
Man. Something.
Anything.
Please. Help.

Ch. 683 - Onward

"It's always darkest before dawn."

There is certainly more than a sliver of truth to this well-known saying. And I certainly have no problem believing that sometimes it takes us falling down to the lowest place possible before we realize how greatly we need Him.


'Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.'
[Isaiah 26:8]

Ch. 682 - Provoked

' "But you did not listen to me," declares the Lord, "and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves." '
[Jeremiah 25:7]

... I do not even want to begin to imagine what provoking the Lord could possibly bring. Just sayin'.

Ch. 681 - Steady

And I will praise You
up on the mountain...
down in the valley...
I will meet with You, God.


'Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.'
[Psalm 145:3]

Ch. 680 - MY Way or... ?

Worship is worship is worship.

What matters most is the heart and its intention behind the worship.

I should not, then, feel bothered when I am told where I have to sit, what I have to pray, which songs I have to sing... etc.

Yet I do.

[And of course, I don't "have" to do any of these things.]

I'm not going to pretend that it doesn't bother me. I know this needs to change. But if I have such a freedom to openly praise and worship my Lord God with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am going to take full advantage of said freedom and worship Him the way I desire, even within a congregational context. Is that truly so wrong?

Open.
Observant.

Expectant.

Weighted down with the Presence.
Whispering words of love to my Lord God.

Spirit.

There's more.
So much more.
But it's personal.
"Me and God."
You understand... right?
It's okay if you don't.
I mean, I'm at a Bible college.
Surrounded by people just like myself.
So at the very least, I'm sure they understand.
... Right.


'Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;'
[Psalm 95:6]

Ch. 679 - Obey and Rest

"Rest in My peace."

... Easier said than done.

I didn't want to.
So I walked away.
Too much work on my plate.

"Rest in My peace."

I didn't want to.
So I picked up the pace.
Too many thoughts on my mind.

"Rest in My peace."

I didn't want to.
So I started to run.
Too much weight on my shoulders.

You know what?
It can be quite difficult to run when you feel like you've got the world on your shoulders.

"Rest. Be with me."

So I stopped.
How could I not?

I turned my gaze to the throne of God.
Heart.
Mind.
Spirit.

Adoration.

He freely offers so much.
Step up to His table.

Presence.
Absolute immersion.

......

"My soul sings, my soul sings, my soul sings how I love You."

"Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art."

......

Inexpressible desires. Needs. Hurts. Prayers.
True freedom.
Given through the worshiping of His Spirit by my own.

He is praiseworthy.

GLORY.

Love Him.
Listen to Him.
Obey Him.

"Rest in My peace."

Refreshed.


'Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'
[Psalm 139:7,9-10,23-24]

Ch. 678 - Love and Perseverance

Five days. No big deal.

A verse to get back into the swing of things...

'May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.'
[2 Thessalonians 3:5]

Ch. 677 - Sincerity of Giving

'Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." '
[Mark 12:41-44]

A poor widow put two coins, all she had, into the treasury. Jesus commended her for doing so because she gave our of her poverty. God sees into our hearts. As the great Judge, Jesus knows how and why we do or say anything. God has given us so much; we are called to be good and faithful stewards of what we have been given. As God is the Provider of our needs, we shouldn't be hesitant to give generously to Him - this doesn't mean our gift to Him needs to be large. He doesn't judge by a gift's size, but by its sincerity.

Ch. 676 - A Yearning

'My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.'
[Isaiah 26:9]

There is a lot that could be said regarding this verse. For one thing, dichotomists and trichotomists could have a field day debating over the mentioning of both soul and spirit. But I'm not about to open that can of worms. I would much rather emphasize the use of yearning and longing for God. I think that ultimately, He is the desire of our heart of hearts. So naturally, we would long for Him constantly. And I think that is a beautiful realization.

Ch. 675 - Humiliation.

Presuppositions.

It's amazing how simple "vibes", assumptions, and antecedent thoughts can affect a person in regards to what they say and do. Sometimes those presuppositions are made justly, but usually they are not.

Caves.
Why would you go into a cave in the first place?
"Exploration!"

I'll give you that.

But perhaps it's that you want to get away for a bit.
Meditation.
Reflection.

Or maybe you're trying to hide.
Distancing yourself from an "enemy" or simply people...
But they just wait outside.

Either way, you're alone.

Besides, you know what? When thinking of caves in a simplistic manner, you can only leave the way you enter. So eventually, you have to face the reason you entered the cave in the first place.

"Back to reality."

How often do we let ourselves fall into that trap?
Separation.
We burn bridges.
We close doors.
We put up walls.
And we dig ourselves into deep holes.

Why do we place barriers between ourselves and people?

People.

The saved.
The lost.
Strangers.
Acquaintances.
Friends.
Family.

We were made to be relational.

Fellowship.
Community.
Love.

What am I so afraid of?


'A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.'
[Proverb 17:17]

Ch. 674 - Mission: Salvation

JESUS COULD HAVE SAVED HIMSELF.

But He didn't.

People mocked Him, both before and during the time He spent on the cross.
They said He saved others - so why not Himself?

He had said He was going to destroy the temple and raise it in three days, so surely He could come down from the cross.

But He did not come to save Himself, but to give Himself as a ransom for many.

He had a mission, and nothing was going to stop Him from accomplishing it.

He, being fully God, had the power to save Himself... but He loved us too greatly to do so. All glory, honor, and praise are due Him, forever and always.


'Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!" In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!" '
[Mark 15:29-31]

Ch. 673 - Answers by Faith

' "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." '
[Mark 11:23-24]

Jesus tells us that when we have faith, our prayers will be answered. We are to have no doubt in our hearts. God desires to grant what we pray for- but if we don't believe He can or will answer our prayers, then why should He? The verses following the above passage reminds us to have a spirit of forgiveness when we pray - for if we do not forgive others, we will also not be forgiven our transgressions. We are also reminded of this through the "Lord's Prayer" and as it is a command of Jesus, we should certainly do what He says.

Prayer is powerful.

Ch. 672 - HIS Return

Jesus tells His followers that the gospel will be preached to all the nations and then the end will come [He will return]… but then goes on to say that nobody but the Father knows when that will happen. Sharing the gospel as a testimony will become, I believe, increasingly difficult as time passes and the end of the age approaches. Followers of Christ will be tested and persecuted by adversaries, but they must persevere and stay strong in the Lord God – especially since we don’t know when Christ will return. We need to continually persevere and overcome trials, and prepare our hearts – and those of the lost! – for His coming.


"'And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."; "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." '
[Matthew 24:14; 36]

Ch. 671 - "Talent"

In Jesus’ parable of the talents, we can learn that we should not grow complacent. We need to take what we’ve received from God and work with it in a responsible, effective manner. The faithful workers will be entrusted with greater things, earning their just reward and praise. There is much work to be done for God’s kingdom. We can’t assume we have all the time in the world to get things done… if we desire for God to truly use us, we need to accomplish our tasks in love and with diligence. Jesus never stopped working, reaching out, or touching the lives of others… neither should we.


' "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!'; "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?" '
[Matthew 25:20-21; 24-26]

Ch. 670 - Saved. Sanctified.

For a little over five weeks now I have worn a red bracelet on my left wrist. It is simply a length of red embroidery floss that I wound around my wrist four or five times before tying a knot. The day after I was baptized I had done the same thing, but the color of the floss was green. It symbolized the "new life" I had been baptized into. The red symbolizes the blood of Jesus with which I have been sanctified. The green bracelet fell off after one week. Right after it did, I tied on the red floss. It has not come off my wrist since I tied it on. I like this. Even though I am in this new life, in regards to my time on earth, this life is finite. It won't last. I couldn't have told you whether my life was going to end with the falling off of that first bracelet. But I can, indeed, tell you that our time on earth is short. Yet because of what Jesus did, I have life eternal.

I mean, we have been sanctified by Jesus’ blood. He came as a Sacrifice for our sins, a spotless Lamb, to save man. Yet MAN, after arresting and questioning Him, “decided” to put Him to death. When Jesus was being tried, Pilate, a man of authority, claimed Jesus a righteous Man. Pilate said to the Jews he was innocent of His blood; the people boldly accepted the responsibility for His blood. They were reckless in doing so, because they did not, I’m assuming, consider the consequences that would wait for them if He truly was the Son of God – which He is. The irony of the situation astounds me. Denial of the Truth leads to sin and separation from God. Yet we have the opportunity to be made clean with His blood that He shed for us. What a gift. Eternity awaits us.


'But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" '
[Matthew 27:20-25]

Ch. 669 - Gutted.

Back.

I simply... didn't feel like posting.
So I didn't.

......

"Only one word comes to mind.
There's only one word to describe...
... There is no one like You,
You are holy... holy."
[Holy by Matt Gilman & Cory Asbury]

God is holy.
His Son is Lord.
His Spirit lives in us.

He speaks.
He lives.
He is near.

So why do we worship Him as if He is silent, dead, and far away?
... That is, if we worship Him at all...


'For this God is our God for ever and
ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.'
[Psalm 48:14]

'My salvation and my honor depend on
God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. Selah.'
[Psalm 62:7-8]

Ch. 682 - Provoked

' "But you did not listen to me," declares the Lord, "and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves." '
[Jeremiah 25:7]

Okay, in all honesty... I don't think I even want to attempt to imagine what a provoking of the Lord would bring upon me. Frightening.

Ch. 668 - "Incline Your Ear"

' "Thus has the Lord of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother...' " '
[Zechariah 7:9, NASB]

' "And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the Lord of hosts.'
[Zechariah 7:13, NASB]

I am so thankful that God turns His ear to me continually... even when I do not take the time to turn my ear to Him. And for the most part, that's technically fine. God loves me no more. God loves me no less. But this doesn't mean that I should not feel it necessary to do so. It's one more way to strengthen my obedience to Him. And by listening to Him, God will teach me how He wants me to "dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion" to my brothers and sisters - as well as nonbelievers.

Ch. 667 - People Get Ready

How can something meant to be uplifting be so very disheartening?

Even through the praise and glorification, I come to be discouraged. My heart breaks. Do they have any idea of what they're missing out on? I honestly have no clue. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it's difficult to do so.

WAKE UP!

Distraught.
That is what I am.
Distraught.


'He who testifies to these things says,'
"Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.'
[Revelation 22:20-21]

Ch. 666 - Number

'This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.'
[Revelation 13:18]

Haaahahahahahahaha.

I couldn't resist.

Forgive me.

Ch. 665 - Unclean Spirits

'... say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you." '
[Isaiah 35:4]

Ch. 664 - God of Glory

Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the Lord glory and
strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his
name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of
his holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the
waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty
waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
[Psalm 29:1-4]

Ch. 663 - Heart Cry

'My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.'
[Psalm 27:8]

Ch. 662 - Able

My God is an able God.

It's never a question of whether He can do something, but rather a question of whether He will do something, according to His timing and plan.


'A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" '
[Mark 1:40-41]

Ch. 661 - A Clean Heart

We need a fresh touch of the Spirit.

Everywhere the River flows, there is Life.

Fruit will be produced.

It starts with the heart.
Removal of toxins.
Confession.
Repentance.

Say "Yes."


' "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" '
[Mark 7:15]

Ch. 660 - He is Willing

EXPECTANT.

Like never before, I feel.
Confident.
Assured.
Familiar.

At home, really, standing in the Presence...

Shekinah glory, come down.

Ready.
Waiting.
Blessed.
Free.

To be filled entirely... what a desire.

And He is more than willing to grant us these desires.

He gives freely.
Out of love.
Out of grace.

There is no limit.
There is total abundance of what He offers.

No comprehension.

......

'Come with power.'

"I'm already here."


'I will praise you forever for what you
have done;
in your name I will hope, for your
name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of
your saints.'
[Psalm 52:9]

Ch. 659 - Dissension and Gossip

'A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.'
[Proverb 16:28]

Gossip separates people, period...

Ch. 658 - Without Hindrance

'Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.'
[Habakkuk 3:17-18]

Ch. 657 - Opportunity

'Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" '
[John 11:40]

Glory.
How do we see the glory of God in our day-to-day lives?

Think.

Ch. 656 - Lord

Listen to God.
Obey.
You will be blessed.
He makes things entirely right.


'For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.'
[2 Samuel 22:32-33]

Ch. 655 - Vessels

God and man.
Potter and clay.

I like this.
A lot.

Overused?
Not to me.

We truly are like clay.
The transformation of clay into pots is involved.

The clay needs to be refined.
The removal of impurities takes time.
Water gives life to clay. Makes it pliable.
A solid base is given to each pot. Stability to build upon.
The clay is molded by hands into the form the potter desires.
No pot is the same, even though they all come from the ground.
If the pot is not coming along the way the potter imagined, the potter will break it down and start anew. There is no hurry. Even though no pot turns out to be perfect, each is perfect in the eyes of the potter.

Each pot is unique.
Traits.
Character.

But they are made to be used.
Filled.
Poured out.
Filled.
Poured out.

Be thankful that you do not sit on a shelf as a dry, decorated vessel.
For what good is a pot that remains empty and still all of its days?


' "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel." '
[Jeremiah 18:6]

Ch. 654 - Constant

'I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.'
[Psalm 69:30]

This verse often convicts me in regards to the fact that we do not do either of these things. At least not in sincerity, with a pure heart - and certainly not often enough.

Ch. 653 - Garden

I am a daughter of the Gardener.

'I am not my own, I am Your garden.'
[Garden by Misty Edwards]
He planted me in fertile soil. He dug a hole of perfect depth for me so that I could easily and strongly take root. He then gently, yet firmly packed the soil around me. He daily tends to me. He has given me nourishment and water, making sure I receive the appropriate amount of light. He has hedged me in so that no predator can harm me or pluck me from my home within the ground. Over time, I have grown and truly flourished. He has pruned me periodically and I have thus borne flowers. Fruit. I would not be alive if it were not for His tenderness in caring for me.

I am beautiful.
My Lord God loves me.
And I, Him.


'But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.'
[Psalm 52:8]

Ch. 652 - Reality Check

What a night...

I know I've said this before, but: I think often we get too caught up in what's going on in the 'here and now' with ME, ME, ME... so we forget about the big picture. And how it should be about GOD, GOD, GOD... and THEM, THEM, THEM.

Life is good.
Life is great.
God is good.
God is great.

Joy.
Hope.
Clarity.
Renewal.
Blessings.

God-highs... gah.
I've been on a definite God-high for about a month now.
And it's been fantastic. I've loved every minute of it.

I've done my best to not focus entirely inwards. And while I have spent time thinking and praying about other people, I feel that it's not enough. I've tried to share what God has given me. But sometimes I feel like an absolute failure. Do people know I truly care about them? Are my spoken words empty? Meaningless? Do I ask God for an awareness of the needs and feelings of others? Am I following the Holy Spirit's promptings towards my brothers and sisters? Or the promptings towards nonbelievers? Do I even want to be aware or sensitive?

Each day I pass people who put a smile on their face, while on the inside their hearts are breaking. Each day I pass people who are leading a group in laughter, but they'd rather weep or cry out in anger. We see joy, they feel bitterness. But they want to seem strong. "Okay." "Fine." Even "Good!" or "Great!" And just to ward off possible questions of greater depth, they tack on the exclamation that "God is so good, man!" But they can't really expound on why He is "so good" because they've got homework [or so they say...] and they'll have to catch you later.

Sad.

Sometimes we have no idea.
For one thing, they aren't willing to let people in.
And another, we aren't willing to chip away at their walls.
It would be done with gentleness and respect, of course.
But if we don't work at it, no progress will be made.

They'll remain shut up, surrounded by numerous defenses that sometimes they don't even mean to construct. So how do they get there? The world puts them there.

The world says this is a cold, hard place.
The world says nobody really cares.
The world says we can't get from here to there with merely an unseen God.

The world is wrong. How can we let ourselves be so greatly deceived? Oh, well... "the great deceiver", the devil, can have a stronghold on us [if we let him]. But in contrast to God, he has nothing. The power of God greatly surpasses the power of our enemy. And he is not loving, or just, or kind, or merciful... and he truly has no authority in our lives.

The world should not dictate whether we reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ's love - or, as someone being reached out to, whether we grasp their outstretched hands. We can't assume that just because someone is a fellow believer everything is fine. We all have our battles. There's nothing wrong with asking if someone would be willing to be an ally. Trust in God, yes. But trust people, too. Man is not entirely evil. I know that I have always struggled with thinking other people are heartless. I've always been very critical and hard on people. That is changing more and more each day, it seems. Some days I learn more than others, and those are the days I deem "bad" or "difficult" - yet when I sit down at the end of the day and reflect, I see God was at work throughout the day. And that makes each bad day a good day in the end.

I think we sometimes focus outwards to such a far extent that we miss the people standing right next to us. Or walking down the hall towards us between classes...

But don't take this as a challenge to simply ask people more questions the next time you see them or get a "feeling" that someone's not doing too great. Don't make someone your pet project. Don't talk to people because you feel like you have to. Talk to people because you want to. Because you genuinely care about them, and are interested in their lives. Just remember that Christ lives in them... would you give Him the cold shoulder or brush Him off like a pesky mosquito?

... I hope not.

You can't love God without loving others.
And you can't love others without loving God.


'If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.'
[1 John 4:20-21]

By the way: I apologize if this was difficult to follow. I feel like I was kind of all over the place, jumping from one thing to another. There is simply so much on my mind right now. I'm finding it difficult to think straight and organize my thoughts. So when I'm just writing down raw thought, it's just as jumbled as it is in my mind. Blech.

Ch. 651 - Listen and Love

I feel content. And joyful. Beautiful. I woke up this afternoon [I was really tired, okay?!] full of praise for God. He is just so faithful. He is constantly listening and I love that. If you know me somewhat well, you'll know that I really enjoy listening to people. But sometimes I wonder if I just settled into that, because that's simply how it's always been. I don't feel like people are always willing to listen to me. We live in an age of constant noise, for one thing. People are always going on and on and on, sometimes without taking a breath and I worry that I'm actually going to have to use my CPR training one day just because people won't stop talking! Another thing: I'm not very assertive, and I don't like to talk just to talk. I like to contribute something if I feel that it will be beneficial for those I'm around at that time. There's also the fear of man that's always inhibited me from speaking up, but those chains are being loosened and soon I'll be completely free. Of course, none of this usually goes for people I feel very comfortable around. And there are always exceptions. Just saying... Well. To sum it up - I don't talk a lot and I assume that people don't want to listen. Because I am ridiculous.

So. God. Listening. It's wonderful. When I come to the realization again and again that He doesn't merely hear me, but listens to me, I am floored. This personal belief is backed up by all the answers to prayers God has given me, especially during the past month. I can't go into too great of detail in regards to this, just because I like that my hands function. And I feel that if I were to type everything out right now, my fingers and wrists would probably hurt or simply not work tomorrow. Thus, you will simply have to trust me in saying that God is faithful and listens to every word we speak. Every thought in our mind. Every cry of our soul. He could choose not to. But He is a loving, compassionate, and gracious God. And I shouldn't have to remind you that all glory goes to Him when our prayers are answered.

I would like to challenge you; remind yourself that there are more people than you may think that are willing to listen. So if you usually do the listening, take a step out and seek others who will listen to you. And if you usually do the talking, close your mouth and open your ears. Show love to one another in doing these things. By asking someone to listen, you are saying that you trust them. By listening to someone, you are saying that you care about them enough to do so. We hear it so often: "God loves you." It is truth. God loves all of His created children. And even though not every child will receive eternal life, wouldn't you say they are still worthy of it because they are loved by God? Look around you each day as you go about living your life and remember that the people you see are all beloved children of God. They all are worthy of being reached out to. It is not a single group of people that "deserve" or "need" to be reached. There are people who have questions and are seeking, but don't know who will listen to them. And there are people who could answer a lot of those questions, but they don't stop to actually listen to the questions. The greatness of God could be revealed more and more if we took the time to listen and let ourselves be used by God, letting Him speak through us to His people He loves.


'On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.'
[Acts 13:44-48]

Ch. 650 - Choices, choices...

Alright. I'm done. The assignment devotionals helped in catching up, but that's all I'm going to use them for, I think. Most excellent.

Anyway, I was doing a lot of thinking about something today... really over the past week now... and from all this thinking I decided the thing I dislike about myself the most is how indecisive I am. Or it's at least in the top three... but seriously. It's pretty bad. I remember writing about being indecisive on my other blog some time ago, so I thought I would transfer it over:

"Indecisive" - May 2008

'I am indecisive.

I have OCD tendencies.
I can deal with that.
I am pretty stubborn.
I can control how stubborn I am.
These things are not that big a deal.

However, the fact that I am so indecisive is a big deal.
Because I feel like I can't always deal with it.
And because I feel like I can't control how indecisive I am.

It's truly a curse.
You'd think that it gives you more time to truly think things over - well, that's true, it does... but that means that it gives you more time to be anxious about whatever you're thinking about, or overwhelmed by everything that comes into play.

It basically took me seven months or so to decide to come to Utah over Florida State. It did come down to money, but FSU really didn't have the strength of the program that my major is included in, anyway. But still... I spent hours debating in my head about which school I should attend.

I don't like changing up the shampoo and conditioner I use because if I did, that means I would have to choose new ones among what seems like hundreds of choices. It's ridiculous. So I stick with the same kind very time, because it's tried and true. The same goes for things like laundry detergent, for goodness' sake.

I even spend more time than I should on thinking about what to write in this blog. My 'So Close' blog is easy. I just write down my thoughts on whatever spiritual idea, topic, verse, etc. is most dominant in my mind at the time. And I simply write my thoughts here, too. I don't put any effort into my writing, either way. But I do think about what I'm going to write about each day.

Being indecisive really is a downfall. I try to make things easier for myself and just say, "Okay, this is it. You're going to do this and not that. No more thinking about it." But five minutes, hours, or days later I find myself changing my mind about it and wanting to do something different.'

[I feel no differently now than I did almost two years ago. Oh! But I have, since then, changed shampoo/conditioner... and I've stuck with them for about seven months now. Awesome. I still use the same laundry detergent, however. Ha.]

I've often wondered why I'm so indecisive. Is it because I'm afraid of making wrong choices? Am I worried what people will think of the decision I make, the route I take? I really don't know. And then of course there are the decisions of change that you make, thinking the change will be better than what you have... and then you are quick to realize that the grass isn't greener on the other side. I mean, it's not that bad. It's just not what you expected. And you know that if you give it some time, the grass will be just as green as, if not greener than the other side currently is.

But still. You can't decide what you want to do. Er, I can't decide what I want to do. And I don't like it. But you know what makes it alright? The fact that I have a glorious Helper. He guides me. Directs my steps. Gives me hints, if you will. "Mmm, getting warm... ope, colder... colder. There you go. Warmer... warmer... hot, hot, hot!" And I know that He will not lead me astray. There's no way that I can be indecisive if I truly listen to Him, because who would I be to go against His will for me? I think desiring to be in His will, guided by Him, will cure me [if you will] of my indecisiveness. He will make my decisions for me... because really, He made them for me a long time ago.


'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.'
[Romans 8:28]

Ch. 649 - Back of the Line!

' "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." '
[Matthew 23:12]

We are advised to be humble, for those who are humble will be exalted. Jesus Himself came as a holy Servant, and He was truly the greatest among all men. In this world and by men, we tend to determine greatness by position and earthly power. But believers determine greatness in Jesus, by how we serve others... or at least we should. Pride often gets in the way of being a purehearted servant of Christ. We may say that we serve others in the name of Christ, but we can often let that service make us believe we are thus greater than others. That is not true servanthood.

Ch. 648 - I hope you RSVPed...

' "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' "But they paid no attention and went off - one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests." '
[Matthew 22:2-10]

Even though not all people will come to know Christ, the gospel invitation is open to all who are able to hear it – much like those who are invited to the wedding banquet in these verses. It saddens me that those who were invited ended up not deserving the invitation. God, by His grace, offers so much to His created people… yet many turn their backs on Him [for a variety of reasons]. I can only imagine how this makes our Lord God feel. To love so many, to such a great extent, and then not be loved in return? Even though God doesn’t need anything from us, this realization is heartbreaking to me. But those whom He has chosen are worthy of Him by His grace and mercy.

Ch. 647 - A Child's Obedience

' "... There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' "'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." '
[Matthew 21:28-31]

Just as children should be obedient to their mothers and fathers, the children of God should also be obedient to their heavenly Father. Jesus’ parable of the two sons asked to go work in the vineyard [by their father] relates this principle to Jesus’ audience. Saying we will do what is asked of us and then not following through in doing so is just as sinful as saying we won’t do it/simply not doing it. But obedience – even obedience after first saying we won’t do it – is returned to us as righteousness. Doing the willing of God is commended. Repentance will help us be received into the kingdom of God.

Ch. 646 - Christ's Compassion

'Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.'
[Matthew 20:30-34]

If we desire to be Christlike, these verses are helpful in better understanding one characteristic of Christ. As the blind men call out to Jesus, the crowds tell them to be quiet. However, they continue to cry out. I think it's safe to say that they are filled with faith. Jesus has compassion on them and then heals them. He even asked what they wanted Him to do for them. As disciples of Christ, we should also show compassion to people and attempt to help them in the name of Jesus Christ [whether it's healing people through the power of the Holy Spirit... clothing the homeless... etc.]. We can also learn from the blind men; if we truly believe Jesus is the Son of God, we should then believe that He can do anything for us. He loves us and by our faith, will answer our prayers.

Ch. 645 - Our True Inheritance

For my Life of Christ III class I have been working on an assignment regarding the gospel of Matthew. For each chapter in Matthew, I have to give a brief summary of the chapter - and for chapters nineteen through twenty-eight, I also have to write a devotional/reflection. Now, I'm technically writing this chapter on February 11... I [obviously] fell behind in writing, so I thought it'd be easy to catch-up using those devotional/reflection writings. "Oh, the cleverness of me!" I may even continue to use them past the catch-up point... and then do the same for my Mark, Luke, and John devotionals later on this semester. Brilliant? Indeed.

'Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.'
[Matthew 19:16-22]

I think it’s important to realize that even by being “good people” and following God’s commandments, we cannot draw near to Christ because we tend to cling to idols such as earthly treasures. We truly need to give everything up in order to follow Christ. The rich, young ruler in these verses could have had everything – intimacy with God, the gift of discipleship, heavenly treasure, and eternal life… but by overestimating the value of earthly treasure, he lost the opportunity to gain what truly matters. Anything that inhibits our drawing near to God may be counted as sin. We need to let go of such things and repent, so that we can inherit what God desires to give us.

Ch. 644 - Be Holy

'But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." '
[1 Peter 1:15-16]

"Be holy, because I am holy."

This comes from Leviticus 11:44-45 and 19:2.

Image-bearers of God.
Christlike.
Holy.

Ch. 643 - Faithless Sons

This semester I am taking a class on the book of Jeremiah. We just started today [it's a Focused weekend class], because our teacher was out of town on Thursday and Friday. We were in class for about five hours and got through chapter five of Jeremiah. I really enjoyed today's class. I've never studied the prophets, really, so I'm excited to learn more. Now, while I took many notes and wrote down a few side thoughts based on what our teacher [Mr. Summa] went over, one thing that really stuck out to me comes from the following verse:

' "Yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception," declares the Lord.'
[Jeremiah 3:10, NASB]

Judah's sister, Israel, had gone astray and was not faithful to God, and Judah did not learn her lesson from Israel. So she, just as Israel had, turned away from God and participated in pagan worship. Mr. Summa noted that Judah used temple worship as a mask [of deception]. They didn't care about God or His law. It was an external act of worship; their hearts were not part of the worship at all.

That got me to thinking... Many continue to do this today - "Christians" especially. Most people like to use the phrase "going through the motions" because it's a nice way of saying that they don't righteously worship God or care about the states of their hearts. I wonder how many people think, 'Yeah, I'm a Christian... so I go to church on Sunday, make sure people see me - especially the pastor - and then I'm good to do whatever the heck I want during the week! Who's gonna know? The only time I see those people is at church...' They don't worship God with their lives. And they obviously don't care about their relationship with Him.

This is heartbreaking.


' 'Return, O faithless sons,' declares
the Lord;
'For I am a master to you,
And I will take you one from a city
and two from a family,
And I will bring you to Zion.'
"Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding." '
[Jeremiah 3:14-15, NASB]

Ch. 642 - In His Will

Lately I've been praying for God to reveal to me His will for my life... this might as well be the first time I've done so. What do I mean by that? Well, I have prayed this before... but I didn't truly care, and I don't know if I ever really believed that He would reveal His will. I suppose I thought that I would simply go through life in a trial-and-error format in order to see what He has in store for me. But I don't think that's really what God desires for us. That format wastes time... time we could be using to truly further His kingdom. So. I have been praying... a lot. And He has been responding... a lot. Almost daily, I receive something new. Praise God!

Clarity.

I simply so desperately want to be living in His will, and know His plans for me. And while I'm alright with not completely knowing these plans hour for hour, I do feel it's important to be praying about it.

I'm also desiring to have a better knowledge and understand of the gifts God has given me. I truly believe I need to develop these gifts with a faith-based strength, so that I will be able to use them in reaching out to the lost and giving God glory. He will enable me as He sees fit... I can hardly wait to see just how, exactly, He wants me to do for Him, using those gifts He has so graciously given me.


'I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.'
[Psalm 16:7]

Ch. 641 - A New Season

I am practically speechless.
I mean, it is literally difficult for me to physically form words right now.
But I know I am always able to write, so I figured that was the best way to go about getting my thoughts and feelings out there - which, for some reason, I desperately want to do.

I know I say it a lot, but there's just so much truth to it that I strongly believe it should be said a lot:

GOD IS GOOD.

And He wants to bless His children. He says, "Come to my table. See what I have? Here, take some." When God offers you something from His table of blessings and gifts, you don't refuse! I feel that God has given me so much the past few weeks. Whenever I find myself thinking that He's just got to be done, He gives me something else. Some things are big, some things are small. An answer to prayer. Opened doors. New friendships. Gifts of the Spirit. Reconciliation. Encouragement. Revelation. Freedom. Joy. And since they all come from God, they are all good.

'Whom the Son set free is free indeed,
and there ain't no chains that can hinder me,
hallelujah! Hallelujah!'
[Part of a song that came out of IHOP-KC]

This perfectly depicts how I feel right now. Over the past few weeks, I have consistently sought God each day and I have drawn closer to Him than ever before. Ever. Knowing that I am free and fully alive in Christ, I have been able to set aside a lot of things that have hindered me from worshiping and knowing God the way, I feel, I have always been meant to. I have confidence that I am truly in God's will right now. What a peace that brings upon one's heart! God has revealed so much to me. And even though it can be overwhelming at times, there is such clarity to it all that it's easy to process and then, God-willing, share with others.

I don't think I've ever felt so loved, either.
I can almost feel the weight of God's love for me.
He loves me.
He loves me.
He loves me.

I am simply in total awe of my Lord God.

I am God's joy.

You are, too.
Did you know that?


'For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your
offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a
meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
One will say, 'I belong to the Lord'...'
[Isaiah 44:3-5a]

Ch. 640 - I like Proverbs.

'The Lord does not let the righteous go
hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the
wicked.'
[Proverb 10:3]

Ch. 639 - Grateful for Change

I love my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Or I at least attempt to.
It's hard to like them all, for sure...
... but I do truly love them to the best of my ability.
I don't have much else to say right now.


'Above all, love each other deeply...'
[1 Peter 4:8a]

Ch. 638 - Emptied and Filled

'Spirit of the Living God,
fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God,
fall afresh on me.

Melt me.
Mold me.
Fill me.
Use me.

Spirit of the Living God,
fall afresh on me.'
[Spirit of the Living God, a hymn]

This is my prayer. And not just for myself, but for others as well - especially at my school.

God answers prayers.

I know that.
I believe that.

I mean, He has answered many of my own prayers before. When I think about how many people continually pray to our Lord God - and how He answers their prayers, too, I feel overwhelmed. He is so BIG. But He's entirely personal.

I love that about Him.

I just thank God and praise Him for all that He does.

He listens.
He speaks.
He moves.

And I have faith that He will answer this prayer of mine.
I don't believe it will happen for quite some time.
[On a large scale, I mean.]
But He will answer.
He will respond in ways that give Him absolute glory.
Which is how it should be.


' "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." '
[Matthew 21:22]

Ch. 637 - Word.

I listen to music a lot.
Now, when I say a lot, I mean a lot.
And I listen to all kinds of music.

Well. I don't really like bluegrass-y music. Or polka.
Oh, I'm also not a huge fan of country - with the exception of Johnny Cash [thanks, Mom!] and Josh Turner.

But anyway... I'll listen to just about anything and everything.

However, I will admit that I do listen to a lot of worship music, especially as of late. I don't like all the styles of worship that are out there, but there's definitely some really great stuff. I'm always really critical of the people who say they only listen to Christian music. I think that's kind of ridiculous and I tend to group them in the goody-goody, Christian-by-works group.

Yes.
I know.
I am a jerk.

I'm trying to break myself of that particular judgment, but it's a slow process. Probably because I haven't particularly asked God to help me out. I just don't feel like it... Maaaaaan. Now that I've said that - written it down, even - it'll probably happen without my technical consent. But He's God, He does what He wants.

Anyway, going back to worship music... I've been listening to a lot of it lately, as I previously stated. And for the past week or so, it seems like every other song I listen to includes the word 'hosanna' in it. Alright, cool. But I found myself thinking, 'So what does that even mean? I mean, we hear it all the time. We read it in the Bible. Something about save? Yeah.' I wanted to learn more, so I busted out - ok, typed in - Blue Letter Bible [the best!]. I checked out Strong's lexicon for hosanna, and I was excited to learn more. So here's what I found out: hosanna is of Hebrew origin; it comes from a combination of יָשַׁע [yasha'] and נָא [na']. Yasha' means "to save" or "be saved" and na' means "I/we pray", "now", or "please". So, in essence, hosanna means "please save!" or "save now!"

I really like that. At first I thought it was odd, because I played the part of an ignorant Christian girl and thought, 'Well. God has already saved us. So to be saying 'hosanna' now is kind of pointless.' No. It's not. Because while God has already chosen those whom He has written in the Book of Life, not all of them have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They have not technically been saved, at least not to their knowledge or in the act of believing and confessing. So it's truly not pointless to cry up to God for salvation, because we should be interceding for the lost and desiring for them to be found.

God has saved.
God is saving.
God will save.

The word is used to praise God, and He is so worthy of that praise.

Another word I found myself wondering more about is 'hallelujah'. We also see this word in the Bible, and hear it thrown around an awful lot - by believers and nonbelievers alike. I've heard it said that the word hallelujah represents the highest praise one can give to God. I found the quick research I did on this word to be quite interesting. Also of Hebrew origin, it is a combination of הָלַל [halal] and יָהּ [Yahh]. Halal can mean a number of things, depending on the verb form. All my Hebrew from last spring came rushing back to me as I looked these things up, and let me tell you... I do not miss it. I miss taking a language, but not Hebrew. Arabic was so much cooler... ANYWAY. Halal can mean "to shine", "to praise", "to boast", "to make a fool of", or "to act madly". Yahh is the abbreviated form of Jehovah. Yahweh. God. So really, hallelujah can mean a few things. It can be a joyous praise to/of God, it can be a boast in God, and it could even mean to act madly or foolishly for/in God.

I think so many people simply think of hallelujah to mean 'praise God!' or something like that. But personally? I really like the last interpretation I mentioned. Obviously nobody wants to look like a fool in front of others.

"Lookin' like a fool with yo' pants on the ground!"
[I couldn't help myself. Please forgive me. I'm not even an American Idol fan or anything... that was the first episode I've watched in literally years. If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here. You will not be disappointed. Or if you are, I apologize.]

Okay. So. Recap: we don't like to be called foolish. The Bible says we shouldn't call others fools, anyway. But the definition of fool, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary can be "ridiculous" or even "simple". So really, to be a fool for God is not such a terrible thing. In a way, we should be fools for God, or act madly in regards to Him. Not so much in a "foolish" or radical sense... but more so in a manner of utter devotion, saying, "Use me, God!" We shouldn't be afraid of what others think of us in regards to our faith or how we live our lives worshiping our Lord God.

"Hosanna! God saves! Hosanna!"
"Hallelujah! Praise be to God!"
He is our Savior.
He is our Rock.
Act like a madman! Proclaim His name! Rant of His love!
And out of your love for Him, give praise.


'Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy
name
and glory in your praise.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say, "Amen!"

Praise the Lord.'
[Psalm 106:47-48]

Ch. 636 - Desire to Death

How often do we attempt to cover up our sins or make excuses for them?

STOP.

And don't try to blame others for your own sin.

Confess.
Repent.
Be restored. Renewed.


'When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.'
[James 1:13-15]

Ch. 635 - The Bride

John 11 has come up a few times over the last couple of days, so I thought I would make sure to set aside some time to read over it today. And I am very glad that I did. Now, about three-quarters of John 11 consists of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus [brother of Mary and Martha] from the dead. The last quarter of John 11 tells of a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Chief priests and Pharisees speak of their contempt for Jesus. While John does not mention anything about 'fear' in these verses, I can easily imagine that they are, indeed, fearful - not to mention jealous of their positions of power. This feeling comes from verse forty-eight, which says, ' "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." ' They then go on to plot the death of Jesus.

... If they knew then what I know now...

Anyway, the foolish thoughts of the priests and Pharisees were not what caught my attention, really. Rather, it was the following verses that I felt God spoke to me through:

'He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.'
[John 11:51-52]

'Jesus would die... for the scattered children of God... to make them one.'

What a beautiful truth.

The Son of God would come to earth, living as a man, and die for sinners - chosen by God - to bring them together. And, as it is revealed throughout God's word, these truly devoted children of God are, united, the bride of Christ.

He died for His bride.

And she is beautiful.

Ch. 634 - I do hate.

'Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts...'
[Amos 5:14-15]

I appreciate the fact that the verse says to hate evil. "Hate" may be a strong word, but in this case it is not strong enough, I feel.

Ch. 633 - Humbled and Healed

' "... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." '
[2 Chronicles 7:14-15]

Ch. 632 - A Great Shout

'With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord,

"He is good;
his love to Israel endures
forever."

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.'
[Ezra 3:11]

Ch. 631 - Sanctuary

I have this fascination with abandoned buildings. I don't know why. I simply do. They have a beauty to them within their ugliness. But they are empty. Useless. Once lived in or used for multiple purposes, they rot and come to shambles, falling apart. I think people can be the same way. And that is a heartbreaking realization. I pray that I never reflect those buildings that I love to look upon. I have great hope in this never happening, because of what my Lord God has done for me.

My sins have been paid for.
Death has no hold on me.
I have the indwelling Holy Spirit.

If I am obedient to Him, then I have no fear of becoming empty or useless.
I need to let Him fill me and use me, pouring me out unto others...
It will happen.

He loves me.

And I need not fear abandonment.


'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?'
[1 Corinthians 6:19]

Ch. 630 - Changed

I am alive in Christ.


'... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.'
[Ephesians 4:24]

Ch. 629 - "the evil one"

While I believe we can't ignore the fact that the devil is real, and there are evil presences in the world, I want to say that it seems he becomes as big a deal as we make him - at least in some cases. He is not as big as our God. He is not as powerful. His "authority" is quickly and easily undermined. He may be able to place obstacles in our paths, but our Lord God places ladders right next to them. And God gives us a helping hand to stabilize our steps, allowing us to journey onwards over the obstacles we face.


'The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." '
[Revelation 12:9-10]

Note: Our school president noted to pray against "the Evil One" yesterday in chapel. I'm not going to lie - I laughed when I read those words on the slip of paper. I don't know why. I just did. Also, I don't think he even deserves to have a title capitalized, but that's just me.

Ch. 628 - No Shame in Christ

PRAISE GOD THE FATHER!

For He has given us His one and only Son, to save the world and redeem our souls. He delights in us. He loves us. We are worthy of Him. Who are we, simple man, to argue against His word and believe or say that we are not? Realizing how greatly He loves you will free you. He knows of no guilt. He knows of no shame. And speaking of shame... ... I hate that transition, but it works. ... I think the only shame that we should ever let ourselves be afflicted with is that which comes from our not accepting what our Lord God offers us. "Shame on you," indeed.

So turn around. Drop that shame, as you run to Christ. He will welcome you with open arms, full of love. Using the nail that held Him to the cross, He will pick open the chains that weigh you down.

Trust me on this one. I am able to testify of this experience.

[Turn. Run. Be free.]


' "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer
shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be
humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the
reproach of your widowhood.
For your Maker is your husband -
the Lord Almighty is his name -
the Holy One of Israel is your
Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth." '
[Isaiah 54:4-5]

In this passage, the Lord is speaking through Isaiah of the future glory of Zion - the bride of Christ. She is beautiful. Worthy. Wise. Give thanks.

Ch. 627 - Hearts for God

I talked with a friend this afternoon. A good friend. I always enjoy talking with him. I learn something new every time we interact. And it's easy to see that God is working in and through him. He cares deeply for God and people, and I love hearing about his dreams and visions for the body of Christ. He and I both desire something great for our brothers and sisters, especially at school: change.

Now, I'm not going to pull an 'Obama' on you and go into a drawn-out albeit inspiring spiel on the fact that we need change and why and how it will happen and that we 'can' do it, etc.* But we do. Need it, I mean. And I think other people are finally beginning to realize that. The best part? They're taking action. Praise God!

One thing I'm excited about is the fact that I think many hearts are truly set on serving God and His people this semester. Something my friend said that I really appreciated was, "You can do good for God anywhere... if you have a heart for God." There's truth to this statement.


'Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.'
[Romans 12:11]

*Disclaimer: Ummm, to clarify... I have nothing against Obama. Also, I don't claim association with either political party. And I do believe that God has put President Obama into office for a reason. Just sayin'.

Ch. 626 - The Judge

'The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." '
[Jeremiah 17:9-10]

Ch. 625 - Application of Learning

I've said before that God is the greatest Teacher. The world is our classroom. I don't think you can make the choice to stop learning. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly learning. However, I do think that you can make the choice to apply what you learn over time to your life and what it contains. Yet I believe it's especially important to choose to do exactly that in regards to ministry. I mean, that will automatically happen for a lot of people in their jobs and such - they won't even get/have to choose to do so... but for some people, it's the same thing over and over, year after year after year. Nothing changes. Some do their job the same way they did when they first started.

But people change.

So do cultures.
Points of view.
The way things are done changes.

I think it's safe to say that because things such as these change, we can conclude that people are complex. Yet they're simple at the same time, you know? For the most part, all of mankind desires the same things. We all have the same emotions. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We all have dreams and goals. There's a way to connect with everyone. It's just figuring out where and how we can link with others that can be difficult. But I think the more time and effort we put into learning about people and putting others before ourselves, the easier it becomes. And we need to make those connections with people, developing relationships, so that they may come to know Christ and have eternal life.


'We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.'
[1 John 1:3]

Ch. 624 - All That is Good

'Righteousness and justice are the
foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.'
[Psalm 89:14]

Ch. 623 - Give and Take

We don't always have it all together. Sometimes we need to give ourselves to God in such a way that He can take what we don't need and give us what we do need. Don't be afraid to speak with God. Offer yourself. God has a plan. Don't shy away from letting Him reveal it to you. Be in communion with Him. Pour yourself out and be filled with His Spirit.


'In the morning, O Lord, you hear my
voice;
in the morning I lay my requests
before you
and wait in expectation.'
[Psalm 5:3]

Ch. 622 - Because of Grace

'Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.'
[Romans 3:20]

Just exactly how conscious are we of sin?

I feel that we aren't very conscious. We know that if we accept Christ and His act of saving us through His death and resurrection, we are good to go. "Saved by grace." So we often set sin aside and don't take it seriously, because all we have to do is as forgiveness and at least say we'll repent. This is not good. I was never more conscious of my sin than when I claimed Islam as my faith, because it is a faith heavily centered on deeds. The less you do good, the greater chance there is that you will sin. The more you sin, the less likely you are to enter heaven. It's a points system, really, and I'm glad that I don't have to keep track of points as I follow Christ.

Ch. 621 - The Tempted Priest

This was a devotional I received today and I really like it. I thought it'd be good to share with others:

'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.
[Hebrews 4:15]

Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, was trained — perfected, as it were — for the position He now holds. The Bible says that we will be priests and kings under Him (Revelation 5:10). God had never experienced life as a human being until He became flesh, when He was encompassed with the same kind of frame we are. He then also had a mind that was subject to the devil, if He would allow it.

He suffered many things: He went through difficulties and angers. He felt and endured pain as we do. He took care of a mother. He worked with a father. He had younger brothers and sisters. When His father died, it appears that He became responsible for the family and running the family business. He ran a business as a stone maker - a construction worker - and He did it, undoubtedly, very well.

He learned to work with His hands. He became hungry. He fasted and prayed. He experienced hatred. He learned to trust God and walked with Him, hand in hand, through His own periods in the valley of the shadow of deep gloom. He experienced, in principle, everything in life.

We have to remember that we are being trained to work under Him. Some of the fruit that is produced as a result of our going through these valleys will be helpful to others, even here and now. However, it will be extremely helpful when we are in the Kingdom of God. We need to understand, however, that always, no matter how dark, shadowy, or painful our experiences, we have the very best management that any spiritual sheep could ever possibly have.

Ch. 620 - Not a One

'There is not a righteous man on earth
who does what is right and never
sins.'
[Ecclesiastes 7:20]

Ch. 619 - Expression

'... The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.'
[Galatians 5:6]

How often do you express your faith in this way?

Ch. 618 - No Greater Joy

'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.'
[3 John 1:4]

Imagine God saying this of us, His children.

I like it.
A lot.

Ch. 617 - Loving Father and Son

'Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.'
[1 John 5:1]

Ch. 616 - Consecration

Living as a disciple of Christ is difficult. It is challenging. Because of this fact, we often fall away from God and turn to worship other gods. We also tend to have a spirit of tradition and religion.

Henry Varley said, "The world has yet to see what God will do with a man who is fully consecrated to him." Dwight L. Moody responded to this with a boldness that changed many people's lives, and he saw many give themselves to Christ.

What would a response to Varley's statement look like?

We have to give our lives fully over to Christ, turning away from the gods that hinder us from responding to His callings, in order to find out.


' "And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God." Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." But the people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve the Lord." Then Joshua said, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord." "Yes, we are witnesses," they replied. "Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel." And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the Lord our God and obey him." '
[Joshua 24:18-24]

Ch. 615 - Flee

'But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.'
[1 Timothy 6:11]

Ch. 614 - Let's Go Fishing

'For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled up their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.'
[Luke 5:9-11]

Ch. 613 - Man's Delight

'Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.'
[Psalm 1:1-3]

Ch. 612 - Live by Your Faith

' "Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith."
[Habakkuk 2:4, NASB]

Ch. 611 - His Desire

' "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..." '
[2 Chronicles 16:9]

My God is big.
He is all encompassing.
He sees everything, hears everything.
He is powerful.
Wise and knowledgeable.
And He loves.
He is love.

"The Lord never forsakes His saints."

His eyes range the earth...

He desires to make us strong in Him. He desires to be our Refuge. He desires to help us grow. He desires to anoint us with His Spirit.

Let Him.

Ch. 610 - New Plans

'But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.'
[Romans 8:25]

Perseverance.

Ch. 609 - Examples

With feelings of fear and apprehension, we need to ask ourselves, "Who do we trust?" There's a great lack of trust in the world... we must stand as children of God, trusting in Him.

When all else fails, we have the answer. We [believers] know Who to trust.

Be an example to the world!

We need, however, to be changed before we can set a good example. Otherwise, when we attempt to reach out to people as disciples of Christ, they won't see Him in us; it simply won't work. But we have power in Christ Jesus. And if we have the Spirit in us, the Kingdom of Heaven is near, wherever we go.

Be willing to be used by Him. Great things will happen.


'And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.'
[Romans 13:11]

Ch. 608 - Renovation

I am devastated. My heart hurts for hundreds of people I am surrounded by most of the year, because it is a true case of the blind leading the blind. People are running into walls, stumbling, falling down, and burning their hands again and again. The only way these things will stop happening is if we let God remove obstacles, guide us, lead us, and discipline us. Change needs to happen, but nobody can see that. Or if they do, they're not willing to ask God to work and move, to help that change occur. Or they're afraid to admit that everything is not okay.

In the midst of the confusion, lies, and injustice, there is nothing but darkness. There can be no darkness among that which is surrounded by light, especially in the Light that is Jesus Christ.

Doesn't that say something?
Where is He in all this?

Isn't that what needs to be addressed more than anything?

Help, Lord God.


' "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." '
[John 3:19-21]

A bit harsh, yet legitimate at the same time.

Ch. 607 - Tired of Obligation

Sing because you love Him.
Sing because He has done good.
And created you.
And given you His Son, sent to die for you.


' "My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts..." '
[Isaiah 65:14a]

Ch. 606 - Reason

' "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name." '
[Psalm 91:14]

Ch. 605 - He is Intimate

I'm really glad my God is good.
And loving.
And merciful.
And just.

He wants the best for us.

He is expectant.
He is joyful.
He is hopeful.
He is confident for and towards us.


'My son, preserve sound judgment and
discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be
afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will
be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the
wicked,
for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being
snared.'
[Proverbs 3:21-26]

Ch. 604 - Winter Cleaning

In God, there is no darkness. He wants to be the true light in our lives, protecting and guiding us. As that light, the Lord God sees and knows me. Even so, there's nothing wrong with asking God to investigate our lives. It's a bold request, really: 'Search me, O God, and know my heart...' [Psalm 139:23]. But it's a necessity that we often overlook, I think. By asking this of God, and wholeheartedly believing that He will do so, we would be more aware of all that He desires for us - as well as what we are doing that we shouldn't be.

'... know my heart...' Even though God knows it better than I, sometimes I wish He didn't. Because I don't feel it's something that should be known, if that makes sense.

Psalm 51:10 says, 'Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.'

How often do we truly desire to have a pure heart before God? Do we ever even think about it? Or perhaps we simply read this verse in our Bibles and think, 'Oh, that's nice. David's making up with God for having committed adultery with Bathsheba. Wow. What a "man after God's own heart." '

That's right he was a man after His heart... because God's heart is pure - we should be attempting to have the exact same thing. And I think the only way we can start to achieve that is through the full awareness that God looks at our hearts and judges us. If we aren't willing to listen to what He says based on His observations of our hearts, and do some housekeeping out of obedience, then we are nothing.

Out of love for God, listen to Him.
Clean up your act.
Get right.
Attempt to stand before Him with a pure heart.


'O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your
praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I
would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt
offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.'
[Psalm 51:15-17]