'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.
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
March 17, 2010
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]
March 13, 2010
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.
[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.
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]
February 24, 2010
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]
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]
December 7, 2008
Ch. 268 - Look to Forgiveness
Repent and ask for forgiveness.
We should be encouraging others, as well as giving constructive criticism. Sometimes that's what it takes for others to realize that they need to change and be forgiven by God.
It can be difficult to do this, that's true. But you have to think about it in terms of having eternal life. Step into that uncomfortable zone and call them out in gentleness and reverence - and maybe help lead them to repentance and salvation... or stay in the comfortably safe zone, and watch them pass by as an unsaved sinner.
The choice is yours.
'It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.'
[Mark 1:2-4]
We should be encouraging others, as well as giving constructive criticism. Sometimes that's what it takes for others to realize that they need to change and be forgiven by God.
It can be difficult to do this, that's true. But you have to think about it in terms of having eternal life. Step into that uncomfortable zone and call them out in gentleness and reverence - and maybe help lead them to repentance and salvation... or stay in the comfortably safe zone, and watch them pass by as an unsaved sinner.
The choice is yours.
'It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.'
[Mark 1:2-4]
November 30, 2008
Ch. 261 - Look for Him
We can't afford to look for Jesus in grandiose, immaculate places. He's there, sure. But we really need to be searching in the least of places. We need to go and find Him in the darkest of places. And it is in those dark places we will find Him lifting the darkness, bringing a light to those who need it the most. 'The day is coming where the night will be no more.' We must watch for it. We must be ready for it. We need to help spread His light, the light that He has so willingly given us. And we need to be a generous, outgoing, and loving people. A people of prayer.
' "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." '
[Mark 13:32]
' "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." '
[Mark 13:32]
July 18, 2008
Ch. 135 - Dumbfounded
Have you ever felt the need to say something to a dear friend, but simply didn't? Something fresh. Something exciting. Something loving. Something important. You don't want to change their minds over something or make them feel unsupported, but you feel you need to lay it all down for them... you need to lay it out in hope that they will be able to see things the way you do. And not just see things, but understand it all.
I really don't want to elaborate, so I'm sorry for the vagueness of the post. But it's on my heart and I need to get it out.
You can understand something and not believe it.
But you can believe something and not understand it.
You may say that you can't believe something until you understand it inside and out, but I disagree. I think you could call that faith.
' "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "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. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." '
[Mark 11:22-26]
I really don't want to elaborate, so I'm sorry for the vagueness of the post. But it's on my heart and I need to get it out.
You can understand something and not believe it.
But you can believe something and not understand it.
You may say that you can't believe something until you understand it inside and out, but I disagree. I think you could call that faith.
' "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "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. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." '
[Mark 11:22-26]
June 23, 2008
Ch. 110 - What Truly Matters
Tonight I was wearing a skirt. I was leaning down on a kitchen counter talking to my dad. As I stood fully back up, we heard something rip. Without looking down I knew my skirt had torn. An eyelet in the skirt had caught on a cabinet handle edge.
Ugh! I was so mad. I was mad at myself for not having changed into shorts when I thought about doing so. I was mad at the stupid cabinet handles that we have. I was mad at my mom for being in Des Moines and not here so that she could fix it tomorrow. And of course, I was mad at the skirt for being so darn tearable.
I stormed upstairs to get ready for bed and threw that skirt on the floor, where it belonged. It no longer deserved to be hung up in my closet or even folded and placed in a dresser drawer. Nope, my temper had me in its grip and I took that out on my poor skirt.
As I brushed my teeth I started to cool down a bit. When I was taking out my contacts I really started to think. And by the time I had finished washing my face I realized how ridiculous I had been and that my skirt deserves a second life... and that I should obey my mom and not leave clothing on the floor!
I really had been ridiculous about the whole thing. Usually things of that nature don't bother me so much. I mean, it's not even my favorite skirt. It's absolutely reparable. I had no reason to be so upset about a flimsy piece of fabric. That's all it is! A couple rectangles of fabric sewn together. It's not the only piece of clothing I own. That doesn't mean I shouldn't take care of my things, but I have other skirts I can wear tomorrow, next week, next month, if I so desire.
What if my family were ripped away from me?
What if my liberties were ripped away from me?
What if my freedom to practice my faith openly was ripped away from me?
What would I do then? These are among the things in my life that truly matter. I believe that if any of these things... family, liberty, faith... were not in my life, I would have good reason to be upset. God has blessed me so greatly and in more ways than I can count. To be materialistic and unthankful for everything - or simply a single thing - would be like a slap in the face, I imagine. You've heard them before... "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." Love God. Love your neighbor. Honor your parents. Give thanks. Doing these things are also what truly matters to me. And they're all something I should be focusing on and doing more of.
Funny how something like a small tear in a skirt can make you realize that.
'Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." '
[Mark 10:21]
Ugh! I was so mad. I was mad at myself for not having changed into shorts when I thought about doing so. I was mad at the stupid cabinet handles that we have. I was mad at my mom for being in Des Moines and not here so that she could fix it tomorrow. And of course, I was mad at the skirt for being so darn tearable.
I stormed upstairs to get ready for bed and threw that skirt on the floor, where it belonged. It no longer deserved to be hung up in my closet or even folded and placed in a dresser drawer. Nope, my temper had me in its grip and I took that out on my poor skirt.
As I brushed my teeth I started to cool down a bit. When I was taking out my contacts I really started to think. And by the time I had finished washing my face I realized how ridiculous I had been and that my skirt deserves a second life... and that I should obey my mom and not leave clothing on the floor!
I really had been ridiculous about the whole thing. Usually things of that nature don't bother me so much. I mean, it's not even my favorite skirt. It's absolutely reparable. I had no reason to be so upset about a flimsy piece of fabric. That's all it is! A couple rectangles of fabric sewn together. It's not the only piece of clothing I own. That doesn't mean I shouldn't take care of my things, but I have other skirts I can wear tomorrow, next week, next month, if I so desire.
What if my family were ripped away from me?
What if my liberties were ripped away from me?
What if my freedom to practice my faith openly was ripped away from me?
What would I do then? These are among the things in my life that truly matter. I believe that if any of these things... family, liberty, faith... were not in my life, I would have good reason to be upset. God has blessed me so greatly and in more ways than I can count. To be materialistic and unthankful for everything - or simply a single thing - would be like a slap in the face, I imagine. You've heard them before... "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." Love God. Love your neighbor. Honor your parents. Give thanks. Doing these things are also what truly matters to me. And they're all something I should be focusing on and doing more of.
Funny how something like a small tear in a skirt can make you realize that.
'Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." '
[Mark 10:21]
March 15, 2008
Ch. 60 - Sprin-g-Row
Spring. Grow.
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
March 2, 2008
Ch. 46 - Move, Mountain!
I've decided to use a devotional as a cop-out, if you will, for today's 'chapter.' I received this in my mail today and it was really a blessing. It definitely spoke to me... I know that God wants me to overcome this obstacle. Not just step around it, dig under it, or backtrack to find another way to advance in my walk - but to completely soar over the hurdle that's right in front of me. I will ask for God's strength to do so, but I realize that this one's up to me. I can't be afraid anymore. I'm going to have to throw the first punch again - but this time I'm not holding back, because I finally don't care that my mountain will definitely hit me in return.
Speak to Your Mountain
' "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." '
[Mark 11:23]
"Talk to mountains? Do you think I'm crazy?" Jesus talked to things, and taught that 'anyone' could also speak to mountains. A mountain is primarily any obstacle that stands in your way. Faced with obstacles, most Christians pray to God. But Jesus told us to speak directly to the obstacle and tell it to be removed.
There is nothing wrong with discussing things with God. You should. But when something is blocking your progress, Jesus said you should tell it to get out of the way. Most Christians just speak to God about the mountain, instead of following Jesus' directions and speaking directly to the mountain.
Are you just talking to God about the problems in your life, instead of talking directly to the problems and telling them to be removed?
'He replied, "Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." ' [Matthew 17:20]
According to Jesus, unbelief keeps us from speaking to our mountains. What is the mountain in your life? What stands in the way of your progress? What holds you back from going forward and fulfilling God's plan?
Speak God's Word to that mountain! Speak to the devil and his forces and tell them to get out of your affairs. Speak to sickness and tell it that it can't stay in your body. Speak to debt and financial lack and tell them to be removed from your life. Speak to doubt, fear and worry and tell them to be gone.
If you say, "I just can't believe it would do any good for me to talk to problems," that's why you still have them.
Read what Jesus said again, and again, then say this: "I will speak to the mountains that try to hold me back."
Speak to Your Mountain
' "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." '
[Mark 11:23]
"Talk to mountains? Do you think I'm crazy?" Jesus talked to things, and taught that 'anyone' could also speak to mountains. A mountain is primarily any obstacle that stands in your way. Faced with obstacles, most Christians pray to God. But Jesus told us to speak directly to the obstacle and tell it to be removed.
There is nothing wrong with discussing things with God. You should. But when something is blocking your progress, Jesus said you should tell it to get out of the way. Most Christians just speak to God about the mountain, instead of following Jesus' directions and speaking directly to the mountain.
Are you just talking to God about the problems in your life, instead of talking directly to the problems and telling them to be removed?
'He replied, "Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." ' [Matthew 17:20]
According to Jesus, unbelief keeps us from speaking to our mountains. What is the mountain in your life? What stands in the way of your progress? What holds you back from going forward and fulfilling God's plan?
Speak God's Word to that mountain! Speak to the devil and his forces and tell them to get out of your affairs. Speak to sickness and tell it that it can't stay in your body. Speak to debt and financial lack and tell them to be removed from your life. Speak to doubt, fear and worry and tell them to be gone.
If you say, "I just can't believe it would do any good for me to talk to problems," that's why you still have them.
Read what Jesus said again, and again, then say this: "I will speak to the mountains that try to hold me back."
February 3, 2008
Ch. 18 - Give and Take
This upcoming Wednesday is the start of the Lenten season; it's Ash Wednesday. As we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, Lent is observed for 40 days and nights, which represent the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, where He was tempted by Satan.
Many Western denominations traditionally encourage the giving up of something you enjoy - be it certain food or drink, the usage of electronic devices, etc.; you may also attempt to give up habits or behaviors, such as nail biting or emotional eating. It used to be that Lent was a time of fasting and abstinence, similar to the Muslim observance of Ramadan, but that is less common in this day and age, especially within Western Christianity.
However, Lent is not merely about giving up something for a few weeks, but also about taking on behaviors, practices and what have you. You might take on volunteer work, serving at food pantries or homeless shelters. You might take on a short-term 'job' at your church, giving your time and effort as a Sunday school teacher or small group leader - although who knows? Those few weeks of helping out may stretch out into something more permanent. You could also take on giving more time to God; pray more, read your Bible more, worship Him through song, dance, writing - do more of whatever you feel brings you close to Him.
Lent is a season of inner reflection, a time that allows us to grow closer to God through conscious effort. It has been suggested before that we take on something that may seem somewhat odd... and that we ask God to give it to us - even though it is something that I'm sure many people have asked God to take away from them...
Loneliness.
Strange, right? I mean, why would we want to be lonely? How could being lonely bring us closer to God?
In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus goes to pray in a solitary place. His disciples go to look for Him. Even Jesus sought to be alone, to be in solitude. The thing is, when you're alone with God, you're in special communion with Him. There are no distractions... nothing to hurt you... it's you and God. God and you. Nothing can separate this wondrous relationship. '... our citizenship is in heaven.' [Philippians 3:20] Jesus experienced - as should we - the loneliness of living in this world that is not our home. By asking God to give us loneliness, we are forced to rely on Him in all things. We will grow close to Him as we use that time when we are lonely to talk to Him, offering our prayers and praises to Him. Being lonely is a sacrifice of ourselves that we can easily make.
'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" '
[Mark 1:35-37]
Many Western denominations traditionally encourage the giving up of something you enjoy - be it certain food or drink, the usage of electronic devices, etc.; you may also attempt to give up habits or behaviors, such as nail biting or emotional eating. It used to be that Lent was a time of fasting and abstinence, similar to the Muslim observance of Ramadan, but that is less common in this day and age, especially within Western Christianity.
However, Lent is not merely about giving up something for a few weeks, but also about taking on behaviors, practices and what have you. You might take on volunteer work, serving at food pantries or homeless shelters. You might take on a short-term 'job' at your church, giving your time and effort as a Sunday school teacher or small group leader - although who knows? Those few weeks of helping out may stretch out into something more permanent. You could also take on giving more time to God; pray more, read your Bible more, worship Him through song, dance, writing - do more of whatever you feel brings you close to Him.
Lent is a season of inner reflection, a time that allows us to grow closer to God through conscious effort. It has been suggested before that we take on something that may seem somewhat odd... and that we ask God to give it to us - even though it is something that I'm sure many people have asked God to take away from them...
Loneliness.
Strange, right? I mean, why would we want to be lonely? How could being lonely bring us closer to God?
In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus goes to pray in a solitary place. His disciples go to look for Him. Even Jesus sought to be alone, to be in solitude. The thing is, when you're alone with God, you're in special communion with Him. There are no distractions... nothing to hurt you... it's you and God. God and you. Nothing can separate this wondrous relationship. '... our citizenship is in heaven.' [Philippians 3:20] Jesus experienced - as should we - the loneliness of living in this world that is not our home. By asking God to give us loneliness, we are forced to rely on Him in all things. We will grow close to Him as we use that time when we are lonely to talk to Him, offering our prayers and praises to Him. Being lonely is a sacrifice of ourselves that we can easily make.
'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" '
[Mark 1:35-37]
January 30, 2008
Ch. 14 - Uh-oh? Maybe not.
Houston, we have a problem.
Here's a general idea of what has been going through my mind over and over the past few days: 'What if this isn't really what God wants, but what I want?'
I don't know how or when this thought came to be, and I don't really care... but I'll tell you one thing: I don't like it. I mean, if it is truly God saying, "Hey - listen up. I want you here, doing this," then I'm basically not showing any faith and it becomes an issue of trusting God. But if it is me, then I'm basically saying that God is telling me to do something when He's really not, which is definitely not a good thing (trust me, I would know) and it becomes an issue of discernment.
I have no peace whatsoever about the entire situation. I'm at the point where I simply don't know what to do. I can't turn to my parents, they've made their point loud and clear in that I'm the only one who will make this decision. I completely understand and really appreciate their saying that, actually, but I wish I had a little non-Divine help on this one. Yet nobody can direct me but God. I've been praying for a lot of guidance lately (although when do I not?), and affirmation in my doing the right thing. The only thing is, I haven't received any answers from God. Could it be that I'm praying for the wrong thing?
I think it's important to let you know that I am a huge advocate of prayer. I spend a lot of time in prayer and intercession. If I'm not talking with people or doing something that requires a lot of focus, I'm usually praying. You hear it often - 'God answers prayers.' I believe this entirely. I'll let you in on something: God answers my prayers every day (I love my life). It's truly an amazing experience when you realize that God has just answered a prayer. It's one of those things, too - I know it's not me just wanting to think something is an affirmation or answer, but that it's truly from God. I write down each of these 'experiences' and sometimes when I feel that God isn't listening (even though I know He always is) or I feel distant from God I'll open that notebook and read what I've written. They give me hope, in a sense.
Now, I don't know if God answers my prayers as often as He does because I have a beautiful prayer life with Him, or if it's a bonus, if you will, of intercession. But it gets to me when I ask for one thing above all else right now, and don't receive the tiniest hint of... anything. Sure, I pray about other things along with guidance and affirmation, and I've received answers in regards to those other things, but they don't matter to me as much as what I've been asking for continuously the past few weeks.
......
Ch. 14, Part Two:
Today I prayed for a reason as to why God isn't throwing me a bone here.
I think I understand.
I'm putting myself in front of others. That's it. It's so obvious to me now! Here I am, wanting to make a difference in the lives of people through and for God and do great things for others, but all I'm doing is focusing on me, me, me. That will get me nowhere.
I've been doing a study on the gospel of Mark recently and at one point in chapter nine the disciples argue among themselves about which of them is the greatest disciple. Mark says Jesus knew they had been arguing, but He asked them what it had been about. Yet they were silent because they were ashamed of what they had been arguing about. Of course, Jesus already knew...
' "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." '
[Mark 9:35]
I want to be the very last. By being the very last, I think, I will draw all the closer to God. And that's been my greatest prayer of all since... I don't know when.
Here's a general idea of what has been going through my mind over and over the past few days: 'What if this isn't really what God wants, but what I want?'
I don't know how or when this thought came to be, and I don't really care... but I'll tell you one thing: I don't like it. I mean, if it is truly God saying, "Hey - listen up. I want you here, doing this," then I'm basically not showing any faith and it becomes an issue of trusting God. But if it is me, then I'm basically saying that God is telling me to do something when He's really not, which is definitely not a good thing (trust me, I would know) and it becomes an issue of discernment.
I have no peace whatsoever about the entire situation. I'm at the point where I simply don't know what to do. I can't turn to my parents, they've made their point loud and clear in that I'm the only one who will make this decision. I completely understand and really appreciate their saying that, actually, but I wish I had a little non-Divine help on this one. Yet nobody can direct me but God. I've been praying for a lot of guidance lately (although when do I not?), and affirmation in my doing the right thing. The only thing is, I haven't received any answers from God. Could it be that I'm praying for the wrong thing?
I think it's important to let you know that I am a huge advocate of prayer. I spend a lot of time in prayer and intercession. If I'm not talking with people or doing something that requires a lot of focus, I'm usually praying. You hear it often - 'God answers prayers.' I believe this entirely. I'll let you in on something: God answers my prayers every day (I love my life). It's truly an amazing experience when you realize that God has just answered a prayer. It's one of those things, too - I know it's not me just wanting to think something is an affirmation or answer, but that it's truly from God. I write down each of these 'experiences' and sometimes when I feel that God isn't listening (even though I know He always is) or I feel distant from God I'll open that notebook and read what I've written. They give me hope, in a sense.
Now, I don't know if God answers my prayers as often as He does because I have a beautiful prayer life with Him, or if it's a bonus, if you will, of intercession. But it gets to me when I ask for one thing above all else right now, and don't receive the tiniest hint of... anything. Sure, I pray about other things along with guidance and affirmation, and I've received answers in regards to those other things, but they don't matter to me as much as what I've been asking for continuously the past few weeks.
......
Ch. 14, Part Two:
Today I prayed for a reason as to why God isn't throwing me a bone here.
I think I understand.
I'm putting myself in front of others. That's it. It's so obvious to me now! Here I am, wanting to make a difference in the lives of people through and for God and do great things for others, but all I'm doing is focusing on me, me, me. That will get me nowhere.
I've been doing a study on the gospel of Mark recently and at one point in chapter nine the disciples argue among themselves about which of them is the greatest disciple. Mark says Jesus knew they had been arguing, but He asked them what it had been about. Yet they were silent because they were ashamed of what they had been arguing about. Of course, Jesus already knew...
' "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." '
[Mark 9:35]
I want to be the very last. By being the very last, I think, I will draw all the closer to God. And that's been my greatest prayer of all since... I don't know when.
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