I find it interesting that we "plan" in such a variety of ways. There are things that we plan to do - and there are things that we do not plan to do, and yet happen anyway. There are blue-print plans, and flight plans. There are activity plans, and pension plans. There are plans made to achieve and succeed, and there are plans made to ruin and destroy. Designing. Projecting. Intending. All part of the planning process.
I feel that most often, we plan for ourselves - both consciously and subconsciously. Sometimes we have a very specific goal or aim in mind, and plan accordingly. Other times we have a deep desire or need, without even realizing what they are, and yet the paths we traverse are centered around fulfilling or obtaining said desire or need. Westerners especially plan for themselves, I think. Always trying to get ahead, and then stay ahead, of others. We make these lofty plans because of what our culture and media tell us are important: wealth, power, success... and we will do anything and everything to "make it".
Planning... I do love thee.
But I have, to a great extent, given up on you.
You're just no good for me, it seems.
You let me down, time and time again.
How many plans have I created? How many plans have seemed to rule my life? How often has my reliance on plans gotten in the way of truly living? And how often has God had to remind me that it is HIS plan that truly matters the most?
Now, don't get me wrong... I'm not saying that we absolutely, positively cannot plan. For one thing, I think I would go crazy if doing so was not allowed. I am a planner. Simple and true. But "planning" does not define me, nor my life. Not anymore, that is. It certainly used to; God took care of that [see Chapter 8]. I talk about planning a lot, I feel. It really is a big deal to me. Thus, I am so glad that quite some time ago I came to the beautiful realization that God has done enough planning for me... I needn't worry. Or stress. Or be fearful, anxious. And I feel that we do need to make plans to an extent - make plans so that we can follow His plan. We should not, however, be surprised if/when God tweaks our plans. His will be done. If our plans do not fit His will, then, well... He'll help and guide you. That's all. He is in control. He holds us in His hands. And He desires the very best for each and every one of us. What a calming, reassuring thought. God the Provider, God the Creator, God the Planner - He loves you. So seek Him. Trust Him. And obey Him.
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
January 15, 2011
January 1, 2011
Ch. 766 - The List: Islam
Oh, how my heart aches.
I see a sister walking down a path that I once traveled.
I see a sister turning away from the Christ whom she so lovingly showed me.
I see a sister making a mistake - even though I know I do not know the story.
I see confusion.
I see desperation.
I see misguidance.
I see a lost girl.
I know.
I feel.
I remember.
I remember what it was like to be lost.
To be going down a path that seems to simply be... "right".
The worst part? Sometimes I feel fingers, reaching from the false light, tugging at me. How strong and relentless they can be. More than once have I believed that my heart and mind were going to be ripped into pieces.
And so I fear for this lost girl that I see.
... Yet all I can do is pray.
Pray that she continues to seek for truth... for the Truth.
Pray that she is influenced by someone as I was influenced by her.
Pray that she turns around and runs back to Him who holds her in His hands.
And pray that she comes to fully understand the meaning of John 14:6.
... Just as I did on that beautiful spring morning two and a half years ago.
Oh, how my heart aches.
But there is a peace that washes over me as I remember that HE is so much bigger than any of us. My soul is calmed as my spirit is stirred.
......
I just realized that this post has something to do with the first item of that "list" I created in Ch. 765. Thus, the title change from "One return. One departure." to "The List: Islam". I had said I would likely be posting reflections on each thing that I listed. I didn't know what those reflections would look like or how/when they would begin. ... But obviously, it just sort of... happened, eh? So alright, then. Here we go.
I see a sister walking down a path that I once traveled.
I see a sister turning away from the Christ whom she so lovingly showed me.
I see a sister making a mistake - even though I know I do not know the story.
I see confusion.
I see desperation.
I see misguidance.
I see a lost girl.
I know.
I feel.
I remember.
I remember what it was like to be lost.
To be going down a path that seems to simply be... "right".
The worst part? Sometimes I feel fingers, reaching from the false light, tugging at me. How strong and relentless they can be. More than once have I believed that my heart and mind were going to be ripped into pieces.
And so I fear for this lost girl that I see.
... Yet all I can do is pray.
Pray that she continues to seek for truth... for the Truth.
Pray that she is influenced by someone as I was influenced by her.
Pray that she turns around and runs back to Him who holds her in His hands.
And pray that she comes to fully understand the meaning of John 14:6.
... Just as I did on that beautiful spring morning two and a half years ago.
Oh, how my heart aches.
But there is a peace that washes over me as I remember that HE is so much bigger than any of us. My soul is calmed as my spirit is stirred.
......
I just realized that this post has something to do with the first item of that "list" I created in Ch. 765. Thus, the title change from "One return. One departure." to "The List: Islam". I had said I would likely be posting reflections on each thing that I listed. I didn't know what those reflections would look like or how/when they would begin. ... But obviously, it just sort of... happened, eh? So alright, then. Here we go.
September 11, 2010
Ch. 742 - An Invitation
Oh, to overcome these things day after day...
Battle.
Struggle.
Apathy.
Decreasing... slowly.
Very... slowly...
But I have been given a portion of joy, albeit small.
And I am holding onto it, practically for life.
"Come to My secret, quiet place."
'But I already have, Lord God. I'm in a secret, quiet place, aren't I?'
... "No... you haven't. Come to My secret, quiet place, and step up to My table."
Who would refuse?
He loves me.
'He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.'
[Song of Songs 2:4]
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 239.
Battle.
Struggle.
Apathy.
Decreasing... slowly.
Very... slowly...
But I have been given a portion of joy, albeit small.
And I am holding onto it, practically for life.
"Come to My secret, quiet place."
'But I already have, Lord God. I'm in a secret, quiet place, aren't I?'
... "No... you haven't. Come to My secret, quiet place, and step up to My table."
Who would refuse?
He loves me.
'He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.'
[Song of Songs 2:4]
......
Click here to revisit Chapter 239.
April 23, 2010
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]
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]
April 13, 2010
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]
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]
March 14, 2010
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]
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]
February 25, 2010
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]
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]
September 26, 2008
Ch. 200 - A Divine Order
The only thing that's going through my head right now is how incredible it is that God truly has a plan for me. He has put every step I take into motion. He knows what is going to happen. I know I've been saying this pretty often lately, but it seems I can't wrap my mind around it. I mean, honestly. He does know what we're going to be doing. Where we'll be going. Who we'll be meeting.
And that gives me such a peace and comfort that it almost scares me.
I've said it before - I'm a planner. But I'm finally completely okay with the fact that God has the reins. My life is in the palm of His hand and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason. Conversations. Failures. Accidents. Meetings. You go through trials for a reason. You go through joys for a reason. Everything is part of God's plan for you. It may take a very long time for you to see why something happened, but chances are you will understand eventually. God reveals things on His time, not ours.
God keeps us on our toes. Definitely a good thing. I can ask, "My God, where are you?" all I want, and keep thinking that He's hiding from me. But it's always the other way around. Thankfully, when I earnestly try to find Him, He reveals Himself almost instantly. As soon as He does this, He speaks to me with such beautiful words and gives me encouragement, strength and advice. Whether it's through sermons, people, music... He never fails. I usually hit the ground pretty hard and find myself at a very low point right before I find Him. But He lifts me up. I cannot give Him enough thanks and praise for all He has done, is doing and will do for Me.
I can only imagine what He has in store for my future. But I know that everything has been set out just so in His hand, so I have no reason to worry. Beautiful.
'Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.'
[Psalm 28:6-7]
And that gives me such a peace and comfort that it almost scares me.
I've said it before - I'm a planner. But I'm finally completely okay with the fact that God has the reins. My life is in the palm of His hand and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason. Conversations. Failures. Accidents. Meetings. You go through trials for a reason. You go through joys for a reason. Everything is part of God's plan for you. It may take a very long time for you to see why something happened, but chances are you will understand eventually. God reveals things on His time, not ours.
God keeps us on our toes. Definitely a good thing. I can ask, "My God, where are you?" all I want, and keep thinking that He's hiding from me. But it's always the other way around. Thankfully, when I earnestly try to find Him, He reveals Himself almost instantly. As soon as He does this, He speaks to me with such beautiful words and gives me encouragement, strength and advice. Whether it's through sermons, people, music... He never fails. I usually hit the ground pretty hard and find myself at a very low point right before I find Him. But He lifts me up. I cannot give Him enough thanks and praise for all He has done, is doing and will do for Me.
I can only imagine what He has in store for my future. But I know that everything has been set out just so in His hand, so I have no reason to worry. Beautiful.
'Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.'
[Psalm 28:6-7]
September 17, 2008
Ch. 190 - Created For a Reason
Sometimes it's really difficult for me to see myself as God's creation. Personally, I have no problem looking around me and knowing that God created all that I see - in regards to both the world and people. But when I look at myself, I just can't always believe that I am a child of God. Those typical questions run through my mind: 'Why would God want anything to do with me? How can God love me? What would God want to use me for?'
God knows me better than I do; He knows who I will become. I mean, people change. We are not consistent beings. Minds change. Hearts change. We can't evaluate ourselves once or twice and simply be done forever. Day-to-day evaluation or reflection is neat because it gives us a better sense of ourselves and how God is working in us. And I can't always be asking myself those questions mentioned above, because I don't want to bring myself down. I simply need to remind myself that yes, God created me. Yes, God loves me. Yes, God has a plan for me.
'For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rules or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.'
[Colossians 1:16]
God knows me better than I do; He knows who I will become. I mean, people change. We are not consistent beings. Minds change. Hearts change. We can't evaluate ourselves once or twice and simply be done forever. Day-to-day evaluation or reflection is neat because it gives us a better sense of ourselves and how God is working in us. And I can't always be asking myself those questions mentioned above, because I don't want to bring myself down. I simply need to remind myself that yes, God created me. Yes, God loves me. Yes, God has a plan for me.
'For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rules or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.'
[Colossians 1:16]
September 13, 2008
Ch. 186 - Leaning on God
I can't keep missing people and experiences. I mean, it's alright to do so, I suppose. But when it's getting in the way of my walk with Christ, it's definitely not alright. Things simply aren't the same here as they were in Salt Lake, so I can't expect to grow in the ways I did when I was at the University of Utah. I just can't.
It's just that I miss talking.
Not talking to people.
Talking with people.
Having those true, deep talks.
Meaningful conversation.
I haven't done so since I've been here.
And to be honest, I haven't even talked with God all that much. I may have talked at Him, sure, but I haven't truly listened to Him. I don't give Him as much time as I should. As a result, I haven't felt very close to Him for the past few weeks... yes, even here at Bible college. Oh, sure, I've felt His presence. But that's different from feeling close to Him, in my opinion.
I was talking with my friend Anthony tonight about the whole issue. He reminded me that I need to fully rely on God. Lean on Him. I can turn to friends and family and whatever all I want, but nobody and nothing matters more than God. Just this past week a professor spoke in chapel about surrendering to God and how you need to consider everything but God as garbage. I know in the past I wrote about how Luke 14:26 says that your love for your parents and your life should look like hate in comparison to your love for God (see Ch. 84). This is just a reiteration of what I said then. I'm also going to go 'back to basics' with Isaiah 40:8, which says ' "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." '
I really need to dive into Scripture more. Man. I say that every day, but do I follow through with it? ...... Even if I was more adamant about reading, you can never read enough. As we were talking Anthony told me to read Romans 8. I've probably read Romans a handful of times, but for the life of me, I hadn't the faintest idea of what Romans 8 was about. So I read. Beautiful. It speaks of living life through the Spirit and not letting anything come between you and God. It was exactly what I needed. We spoke about how the enemy will do anything to get you away from God. Just now he told me, "Remember that doubt comes from the enemy, not yourself; don't let him deceive you." That really hit home for me, because right now I am full of doubt. It's a terrible feeling. 'Why am I here? What does He want? What am I supposed to do? Am I here because He truly wants me here, or is it just another step towards where I'm supposed to be? Maybe I haven't given everything over to God like I thought I had. So what now?'
We can think about what God's will for us is all we want. We can mull it over for hours on end and get basically nowhere. That's why we have to take life one day at a time. I know from experience that having a plan of your own doesn't work. You can have a general idea of how you want life to go, I think, but as soon as you have your life planned out to your dying day... that's when God will turn your life upside down. That's why we have to rely on God and trust in Him for everything. Anthony let me in on the fact that God told him that His true will for us is to spend time with Him and become close to Him - and when we do so, He will reveal His plan for us.
But first you need to lean on God for everything. That's where it all begins. If you aren't leaning on Him, you aren't going to be close enough to hear what He's saying. So how will you know where to go and what to do?
'You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.'
[Romans 8:9]
'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?'
[Romans 8:35]
It's just that I miss talking.
Not talking to people.
Talking with people.
Having those true, deep talks.
Meaningful conversation.
I haven't done so since I've been here.
And to be honest, I haven't even talked with God all that much. I may have talked at Him, sure, but I haven't truly listened to Him. I don't give Him as much time as I should. As a result, I haven't felt very close to Him for the past few weeks... yes, even here at Bible college. Oh, sure, I've felt His presence. But that's different from feeling close to Him, in my opinion.
I was talking with my friend Anthony tonight about the whole issue. He reminded me that I need to fully rely on God. Lean on Him. I can turn to friends and family and whatever all I want, but nobody and nothing matters more than God. Just this past week a professor spoke in chapel about surrendering to God and how you need to consider everything but God as garbage. I know in the past I wrote about how Luke 14:26 says that your love for your parents and your life should look like hate in comparison to your love for God (see Ch. 84). This is just a reiteration of what I said then. I'm also going to go 'back to basics' with Isaiah 40:8, which says ' "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." '
I really need to dive into Scripture more. Man. I say that every day, but do I follow through with it? ...... Even if I was more adamant about reading, you can never read enough. As we were talking Anthony told me to read Romans 8. I've probably read Romans a handful of times, but for the life of me, I hadn't the faintest idea of what Romans 8 was about. So I read. Beautiful. It speaks of living life through the Spirit and not letting anything come between you and God. It was exactly what I needed. We spoke about how the enemy will do anything to get you away from God. Just now he told me, "Remember that doubt comes from the enemy, not yourself; don't let him deceive you." That really hit home for me, because right now I am full of doubt. It's a terrible feeling. 'Why am I here? What does He want? What am I supposed to do? Am I here because He truly wants me here, or is it just another step towards where I'm supposed to be? Maybe I haven't given everything over to God like I thought I had. So what now?'
We can think about what God's will for us is all we want. We can mull it over for hours on end and get basically nowhere. That's why we have to take life one day at a time. I know from experience that having a plan of your own doesn't work. You can have a general idea of how you want life to go, I think, but as soon as you have your life planned out to your dying day... that's when God will turn your life upside down. That's why we have to rely on God and trust in Him for everything. Anthony let me in on the fact that God told him that His true will for us is to spend time with Him and become close to Him - and when we do so, He will reveal His plan for us.
But first you need to lean on God for everything. That's where it all begins. If you aren't leaning on Him, you aren't going to be close enough to hear what He's saying. So how will you know where to go and what to do?
'You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.'
[Romans 8:9]
'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?'
[Romans 8:35]
September 1, 2008
Ch. 180 - All of Him
God is everything to me.
God is my Light.
God is my Father.
God is my Guide.
God is my Protector.
God is my Friend.
God is my Teacher.
God is my Healer.
God is my Provider.
I could go on, but I'm going to take the liberty of believing you get the picture.
When I think about everything that God is to me - as well as my brothers and sisters - I feel overwhelmed. He is such a compassionate, merciful, loving, forgiving God. At times I feel like I might break under what little understanding I have of Him.
But I want more.
I want more of God.
I want more of everything He was.
I want more of everything He is.
I want more of everything He will be.
I'm trying my best at this point in my life to be as selfless as possible. However, I think that wanting more of our God is something we should be selfish about. When I was a little girl my parents used to fight over me. They'd each tug on one arm and say, "She's mine - No, she's mine!" I loved this and I'd just laugh and laugh. My mom tells me this story now and then, I only vaguely remember them doing this. The reason I bring it up is that I like to think of playing tug-of-war over God with everybody else. There's enough of Him to go around over and over again, but we all want as much of Him as possible. I want God to be mine. Sure, I want to share Him with people that do not know Him and have it be that they also want God to be their own, but otherwise, I am going to be selfish with God.
'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.'
[Psalm 23:1-3]
I love that the last part of Psalm 23:3 says, 'He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.' It doesn't say 'He guides me in paths of righteousness for my sake' or even just 'He guides me in paths of righteousness.' No. '... for his name's sake.' Personally, that's a great reminder of the fact that I'm living my life for God and only God. It's all for Him. All the glory goes to God.
God is my Light.
God is my Father.
God is my Guide.
God is my Protector.
God is my Friend.
God is my Teacher.
God is my Healer.
God is my Provider.
I could go on, but I'm going to take the liberty of believing you get the picture.
When I think about everything that God is to me - as well as my brothers and sisters - I feel overwhelmed. He is such a compassionate, merciful, loving, forgiving God. At times I feel like I might break under what little understanding I have of Him.
But I want more.
I want more of God.
I want more of everything He was.
I want more of everything He is.
I want more of everything He will be.
I'm trying my best at this point in my life to be as selfless as possible. However, I think that wanting more of our God is something we should be selfish about. When I was a little girl my parents used to fight over me. They'd each tug on one arm and say, "She's mine - No, she's mine!" I loved this and I'd just laugh and laugh. My mom tells me this story now and then, I only vaguely remember them doing this. The reason I bring it up is that I like to think of playing tug-of-war over God with everybody else. There's enough of Him to go around over and over again, but we all want as much of Him as possible. I want God to be mine. Sure, I want to share Him with people that do not know Him and have it be that they also want God to be their own, but otherwise, I am going to be selfish with God.
'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.'
[Psalm 23:1-3]
I love that the last part of Psalm 23:3 says, 'He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.' It doesn't say 'He guides me in paths of righteousness for my sake' or even just 'He guides me in paths of righteousness.' No. '... for his name's sake.' Personally, that's a great reminder of the fact that I'm living my life for God and only God. It's all for Him. All the glory goes to God.
August 18, 2008
Ch. 166 - Wide Open Spaces
GOALS. Do you have any? No? Well, you and me both! If you answered yes, then I envy you. Setting goals is tough for me, for some unbeknownst reason. I've been here two and a half days and having goals has come up quite a few times. At times it was just blaring in my face, other times it was so subtle I barely noticed the topic had been breached. Honestly, though, I simply haven't thought about goals very often.
Thus, I'm trying to see what I can come up with goal-wise. There are the obvious goals that I'm sure most people think of, such as having a good life with a nice job or career. Being successful. Getting married and having a family. Of course, 'being successful' would depend on your definition of success. These said goals seem kind of cliché, but they work. I mean, I do want to have a good life. I do want to be successful. I do want to get married and have a family. But that's just skimming the surface, I think.
I believe God's throwing this at me because yes, it is important, and by setting goals I will be able to focus on what He wants me to do and where He wants me to be. What I want is to please Him. Serve Him. Love Him. And I want to serve others. Love others. Share God. What I want are the skills, courage, knowledge, leadership, and gifts to do so. I suppose if those are what I want then I will work, pray, ask, and strive for them. I know God will help me achieve my goals, which I'm sure will multiply as time goes on. Always learning...
'So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.'
[2 Corinthians 5:9]
Thus, I'm trying to see what I can come up with goal-wise. There are the obvious goals that I'm sure most people think of, such as having a good life with a nice job or career. Being successful. Getting married and having a family. Of course, 'being successful' would depend on your definition of success. These said goals seem kind of cliché, but they work. I mean, I do want to have a good life. I do want to be successful. I do want to get married and have a family. But that's just skimming the surface, I think.
I believe God's throwing this at me because yes, it is important, and by setting goals I will be able to focus on what He wants me to do and where He wants me to be. What I want is to please Him. Serve Him. Love Him. And I want to serve others. Love others. Share God. What I want are the skills, courage, knowledge, leadership, and gifts to do so. I suppose if those are what I want then I will work, pray, ask, and strive for them. I know God will help me achieve my goals, which I'm sure will multiply as time goes on. Always learning...
'So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.'
[2 Corinthians 5:9]
August 16, 2008
Ch. 164 - And So It Begins
I'm writing this from my room at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. I've settled in nicely and everything is pretty much a go. I don't start classes until Thursday. Central has a lot of things planned for the students before then, mostly for the benefit of getting to know our peers - as well as the faculty and staff - which is really nice.
Honestly though, I'm most excited for classes to begin. I mean, yes, I love meeting new people and making friends, but if that's what life is all about I wouldn't have left some of the best friends I've ever had in Salt Lake so that I could go to school here. I've decided that having friends while going to school is a benefit... however, a necessary benefit. Without friends you will not grow and flourish as nicely as you would if you have friends. They can definitely become like family and be a great support system. Besides, you never know which one of your friends will become your future husband or wife - which, yes, was mentioned last night at dinner by the president of Central.
Anyway.
I feel really comfortable here. This should be a great year. I know that God has some amazing things in store for not just myself, but all of the students at Central. I know I'm going to grow in so many ways, but I have no idea how that growth will occur... which makes it all the more exciting!
' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]
That makes four.
Honestly though, I'm most excited for classes to begin. I mean, yes, I love meeting new people and making friends, but if that's what life is all about I wouldn't have left some of the best friends I've ever had in Salt Lake so that I could go to school here. I've decided that having friends while going to school is a benefit... however, a necessary benefit. Without friends you will not grow and flourish as nicely as you would if you have friends. They can definitely become like family and be a great support system. Besides, you never know which one of your friends will become your future husband or wife - which, yes, was mentioned last night at dinner by the president of Central.
Anyway.
I feel really comfortable here. This should be a great year. I know that God has some amazing things in store for not just myself, but all of the students at Central. I know I'm going to grow in so many ways, but I have no idea how that growth will occur... which makes it all the more exciting!
' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]
That makes four.
July 16, 2008
Ch. 133 - Lighthouse on the Coast
Lately I've been thinking about what will happen once I graduate. For what organization, company, etc. I'll work for. Where I'll go. What I'll do. Who I'll meet. And for awhile there I really started to worry. I've said it before: I like to plan things out. So technically, I'm stepping out on a limb here with transferring and going into missions, because I don't know what's going to happen. I'm not the one in charge.
I know I'm going to be sailing some pretty rough seas in the future. I'm sure the trip will be dotted with storms and flooded with bouts of darkness. And I can't overcome these hazards without God as my light and guide.
'For the Lord God is our light and our protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you.'
[Psalm 84:11-12, NLT]
I know I'm going to be sailing some pretty rough seas in the future. I'm sure the trip will be dotted with storms and flooded with bouts of darkness. And I can't overcome these hazards without God as my light and guide.
'For the Lord God is our light and our protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you.'
[Psalm 84:11-12, NLT]
June 18, 2008
Ch. 105 - The Proclamation
I am going to be a missionary.
Of course I say that... but I don't truly know what will happen in the future, or what God has in store for me. But if I could do anything and say so now out-and-out, it would be just that.
I am going to be a missionary.
'Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.'
[1 Chronicles 16:31-33]
Of course I say that... but I don't truly know what will happen in the future, or what God has in store for me. But if I could do anything and say so now out-and-out, it would be just that.
I am going to be a missionary.
'Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.'
[1 Chronicles 16:31-33]
June 9, 2008
Ch. 96 - DO Something
There is so much going on right now. In Iowa. In the Midwest. In the United States. In the world. Every day I hear about flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes. Death. Destruction. Devastation. It's everywhere.
It's easier said than done at times, but if at all possible we should be going out and helping people. Whether it's sandbagging, reconstruction, distribution, medical care, pastoral care... we need to be there for people whose lives and 'worlds' are in danger, or for people whose lives and worlds have been turned upside-down.
These are sad times. Bad times. End times. Whatever you consider it... it's not good.
Let us be a light to those who are living in darkness.
' "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." '
[Matthew 7:12]
It's easier said than done at times, but if at all possible we should be going out and helping people. Whether it's sandbagging, reconstruction, distribution, medical care, pastoral care... we need to be there for people whose lives and 'worlds' are in danger, or for people whose lives and worlds have been turned upside-down.
These are sad times. Bad times. End times. Whatever you consider it... it's not good.
Let us be a light to those who are living in darkness.
' "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." '
[Matthew 7:12]
June 3, 2008
Ch. 90 - The Famous One
Even though I've heard "God has a plan for you!" many a time now, I still love when it clicks in my head and I get that shiver up and down my spine when I realize just how true it is. Decisions and plans that I like to think I make and alter and go through with... it's all God's doing. Not mine. Then there's the realization that every breath and step I take, every thought that goes through my head - God knows it all. I love that. It makes me feel safe. And overall I feel like there is no room for worry or doubt in my life, because I know the Big Guy has my back.
' "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." '
[Isaiah 41:13]
' "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." '
[Isaiah 41:13]
May 30, 2008
Ch. 86 - Weighted Down
I want to transfer.
Again.
To the same school I wanted to transfer to a few months ago, Central Christian College of the Bible (which is in Moberly, Missouri).
I don't know what's wrong with me! Even when I took that... ummm, hiatus... I kept thinking about it. I was so sure that I wanted to stay here. And my parents are going to kill me, I'm pretty sure. But I don't think I'd mind, because then I wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore and there would be no more making billions of decisions (see my 'Side Notes' blog...). Plus I'd get to be with Jesus. Always a good thing.
If I was so sure that I'm supposed to be here, why does this come up again? Why do I feel so torn? I don't usually like to even joke around with saying things like, "Why does God torture me like this?!" but I'm at that point, currently, and I think I can afford to be pessimistic once in a while.
I don't think this is for me, after all. I don't want to work for the government. Neither do I want to teach English or Arabic. Or work in hospitals or other private sector areas. I want to know the Bible inside and out. I want to know everything there is to know about God and His qualities, Jesus, His life, His disciples, His teachings. I want to learn theology, Christian principles and history. I could try to teach myself as much as I could, but I know myself better than that. I need structure. I need discipline. Why not go to school to learn what I want to learn, have that structure and discipline, truly, truly, truly love what I'm doing and get a degree out of it? I want to focus all of my attention on this. It's like I need to or else I'll go crazy.
I need to answer this call.
I kept saying "I'm staying, I'm home."
I kept saying "I'm at peace with my decision."
But was I really?
I think that by saying I was I was trying to get myself to think that I was.
If I don't go now, I may regret not doing so in the future.
So I'm going to say it again.
I need to answer this call.
I want to fully serve God.
I want to share His Word.
I want to share His Love.
I want to help people.
I want to share my faith.
I want to build up His Kingdom.
I want to go on missions.
Biblical Studies and Cross-Cultural Ministry at CCCB.
It's perfect.
I've used this Bible verse before, but I will never hesitate to use it again:
' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]
(Context, schmontext.)
Again.
To the same school I wanted to transfer to a few months ago, Central Christian College of the Bible (which is in Moberly, Missouri).
I don't know what's wrong with me! Even when I took that... ummm, hiatus... I kept thinking about it. I was so sure that I wanted to stay here. And my parents are going to kill me, I'm pretty sure. But I don't think I'd mind, because then I wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore and there would be no more making billions of decisions (see my 'Side Notes' blog...). Plus I'd get to be with Jesus. Always a good thing.
If I was so sure that I'm supposed to be here, why does this come up again? Why do I feel so torn? I don't usually like to even joke around with saying things like, "Why does God torture me like this?!" but I'm at that point, currently, and I think I can afford to be pessimistic once in a while.
I don't think this is for me, after all. I don't want to work for the government. Neither do I want to teach English or Arabic. Or work in hospitals or other private sector areas. I want to know the Bible inside and out. I want to know everything there is to know about God and His qualities, Jesus, His life, His disciples, His teachings. I want to learn theology, Christian principles and history. I could try to teach myself as much as I could, but I know myself better than that. I need structure. I need discipline. Why not go to school to learn what I want to learn, have that structure and discipline, truly, truly, truly love what I'm doing and get a degree out of it? I want to focus all of my attention on this. It's like I need to or else I'll go crazy.
I need to answer this call.
I kept saying "I'm staying, I'm home."
I kept saying "I'm at peace with my decision."
But was I really?
I think that by saying I was I was trying to get myself to think that I was.
If I don't go now, I may regret not doing so in the future.
So I'm going to say it again.
I need to answer this call.
I want to fully serve God.
I want to share His Word.
I want to share His Love.
I want to help people.
I want to share my faith.
I want to build up His Kingdom.
I want to go on missions.
Biblical Studies and Cross-Cultural Ministry at CCCB.
It's perfect.
I've used this Bible verse before, but I will never hesitate to use it again:
' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." '
[Jeremiah 29:11-13]
(Context, schmontext.)
May 27, 2008
Ch. 83 - Faith
"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."
- C.S. Lewis
A few months ago at Cru, we were given pieces of paper with quotes on them. There were five different quotes, and this is the first I'd like to focus on. I'm really glad that I kept these little slips of paper; I had pinned them up on my desk's bulletin board that night after Cru and they remained there even when I was walking away from Christ. When I was moving to the summer dorm I took them down and put them in my memory box. I just put them up on my board yesterday and I keep reading them again and again and again.
"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."
The first thing that comes to my mind when I read or say this is a verse from Hebrews:
'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NASB]
The first time I had truly heard and read this verse was a couple years ago. Our head pastor, Harlan, was giving the sermon and he had the congregation repeat this verse a good ten times throughout his sermon. He believes it to be one of those verses that we should all have memorized. And I agree.
Harlan used the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation and I'm glad. It has a nice ring to it, you know? So this is the version that I have committed to memory. However, the NIV (New International Version) translation works better with the quote, I think:
'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NIV]
Expectation is found alongside faith. We will set expectations from our God through our faith. We will expect God to do. To give. To love. To speak. To heal. To forgive. But is it all of a shallow faith? To have faith in a God whom we believe will do anything for us - going through the motions, expecting something from Him all the time. We have to expect things from God. If we want to be forgiven, we have to ask for it while thoroughly believing that He will forgive us. Otherwise what's the point of asking?
"Hey God. Umm... I kind of need you to forgive me for what I said yesterday. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I mean, you don't have to. And if you can't, that's ok. Like, it's no big deal, you know? But yeah. Sweet. Uhh, 'nJesusnameIprayAmen."
This is not the way to go about it. First of all, if you say that God doesn't have to, then why are you asking in the first place? Secondly, who are you to question whether God can do something? He can do anything! And He's done everything by giving us His Son. Even so, He doesn't expect anything from us but belief and love. Yet He still wants to share in our hopes and our failures and our dreams and our misfortunes and yes, our expectations. We can give it all to Him if we so desire.
If you have anything on your heart right now - whatever it may be - I challenge you to share it with God. Know - expect - that He is listening and that He cares.
'The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.'
[Proverb 11:23]
......
Ch. Eighty-Two, Part Two:
After I finished writing this post, I went to www.christnotes.com because all of a sudden it just came into my head; I hadn't visited this site for about two and a half months. I checked the Daily Bible Verse, and guess what it was?
Hebrews 11:1,3
I just laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw that.
[Verse 3 says: 'By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.']
- C.S. Lewis
A few months ago at Cru, we were given pieces of paper with quotes on them. There were five different quotes, and this is the first I'd like to focus on. I'm really glad that I kept these little slips of paper; I had pinned them up on my desk's bulletin board that night after Cru and they remained there even when I was walking away from Christ. When I was moving to the summer dorm I took them down and put them in my memory box. I just put them up on my board yesterday and I keep reading them again and again and again.
"True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation."
The first thing that comes to my mind when I read or say this is a verse from Hebrews:
'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NASB]
The first time I had truly heard and read this verse was a couple years ago. Our head pastor, Harlan, was giving the sermon and he had the congregation repeat this verse a good ten times throughout his sermon. He believes it to be one of those verses that we should all have memorized. And I agree.
Harlan used the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation and I'm glad. It has a nice ring to it, you know? So this is the version that I have committed to memory. However, the NIV (New International Version) translation works better with the quote, I think:
'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'
[Hebrews 11:1, NIV]
Expectation is found alongside faith. We will set expectations from our God through our faith. We will expect God to do. To give. To love. To speak. To heal. To forgive. But is it all of a shallow faith? To have faith in a God whom we believe will do anything for us - going through the motions, expecting something from Him all the time. We have to expect things from God. If we want to be forgiven, we have to ask for it while thoroughly believing that He will forgive us. Otherwise what's the point of asking?
"Hey God. Umm... I kind of need you to forgive me for what I said yesterday. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I mean, you don't have to. And if you can't, that's ok. Like, it's no big deal, you know? But yeah. Sweet. Uhh, 'nJesusnameIprayAmen."
This is not the way to go about it. First of all, if you say that God doesn't have to, then why are you asking in the first place? Secondly, who are you to question whether God can do something? He can do anything! And He's done everything by giving us His Son. Even so, He doesn't expect anything from us but belief and love. Yet He still wants to share in our hopes and our failures and our dreams and our misfortunes and yes, our expectations. We can give it all to Him if we so desire.
If you have anything on your heart right now - whatever it may be - I challenge you to share it with God. Know - expect - that He is listening and that He cares.
'The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.'
[Proverb 11:23]
......
Ch. Eighty-Two, Part Two:
After I finished writing this post, I went to www.christnotes.com because all of a sudden it just came into my head; I hadn't visited this site for about two and a half months. I checked the Daily Bible Verse, and guess what it was?
Hebrews 11:1,3
I just laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw that.
[Verse 3 says: 'By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.']
May 25, 2008
Ch. 81 - A Simple Reminder
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
He is everything.
I am nothing without Him.
'Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." '
[John 14:6-7]
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
JESUS
He is everything.
I am nothing without Him.
'Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." '
[John 14:6-7]
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