Life is not fair.
But our God is.
Praise Him.
'The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The Lord is compassionate and
gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or pay us according to our
iniquities.'
[Psalm 103:6-10]
......
Ch. 438, Part Two:
I don't have a lot of tolerance for injustice.
But I am a wicked, wretched person.
I can't do anything right and I basically don't deserve to live.
May 31, 2009
May 30, 2009
Ch. 437 - God Uplifts
God is constantly looking out for us and answering our prayers. And it's when you don't think He cares that He shows you the most love and attention. I think it's absolutely beautiful when He does so through someone you would least expect to say something that you need to hear. And when they say those words, you can just feel God's warmth and comfort pouring out. It's amazing what a few words from God, given to you through a wonderful friend, can do for one's spirit.
'Love the Lord, all his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but he proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.'
[Psalm 31:23-24]
'Love the Lord, all his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but he proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.'
[Psalm 31:23-24]
May 29, 2009
Ch. 436 - Energize!
This was one of my devotionals for the day. Definitely helped me and I like what the author has to say.
It Takes Energy to Do God's Will
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB)
'The fact is it takes energy to do God's will.
What do you do when you run out of energy?
God suggests when we're feeling uneasy, perhaps low on energy; we should be still and get quiet before him: "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB).
But many of us have trouble getting quiet. It's as if we are afraid of silence; it makes us very uncomfortable. The moment we get in the car, the radio or CD player goes on. The moment we get home, the TV goes on.
Yet, God, in a sense, says, "If you want to lower your stress, it's as simple as this: Shut up. Be silent. Stop talking and start listening."
I suggest that once a day you should go out in your backyard, sit down, and just be quiet. I'm not talking about reading your Bible. You ought to read your Bible every day, but I mean get alone for five minutes a day and be completely silent. Ask God a question, and then just sit and listen.
Sometimes we say, "God, I really need your guidance on this," and then we get up and walk off. We don't wait for an answer. Could it be the reason we never hear from God is we never listen?
Learn to take little mini-breaks during the day. When you feel your blood pressure rising, stop and say, "God, I want to tune in on you again. I want to focus in on you." I'm not suggesting thirty minutes of meditation. I'm talking about fifteen or twenty seconds. Just little mini-breaks to stop and be quiet.
Why is this important? Because the race of life is tough and, quite honestly, it's tough to live God's plan for your life. It's important to be still and know He is there.
Here's an easy formula I use: Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Get quiet once a day, take one day a week to rest, and always take some sort of vacation at least once a year.'
It Takes Energy to Do God's Will
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB)
'The fact is it takes energy to do God's will.
What do you do when you run out of energy?
God suggests when we're feeling uneasy, perhaps low on energy; we should be still and get quiet before him: "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer" (Psalm 94:19 LB).
But many of us have trouble getting quiet. It's as if we are afraid of silence; it makes us very uncomfortable. The moment we get in the car, the radio or CD player goes on. The moment we get home, the TV goes on.
Yet, God, in a sense, says, "If you want to lower your stress, it's as simple as this: Shut up. Be silent. Stop talking and start listening."
I suggest that once a day you should go out in your backyard, sit down, and just be quiet. I'm not talking about reading your Bible. You ought to read your Bible every day, but I mean get alone for five minutes a day and be completely silent. Ask God a question, and then just sit and listen.
Sometimes we say, "God, I really need your guidance on this," and then we get up and walk off. We don't wait for an answer. Could it be the reason we never hear from God is we never listen?
Learn to take little mini-breaks during the day. When you feel your blood pressure rising, stop and say, "God, I want to tune in on you again. I want to focus in on you." I'm not suggesting thirty minutes of meditation. I'm talking about fifteen or twenty seconds. Just little mini-breaks to stop and be quiet.
Why is this important? Because the race of life is tough and, quite honestly, it's tough to live God's plan for your life. It's important to be still and know He is there.
Here's an easy formula I use: Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Get quiet once a day, take one day a week to rest, and always take some sort of vacation at least once a year.'
May 28, 2009
Ch. 435 - Crossing Fields and Oceans
'A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.'
[John A. Shedd]
We are not meant to be content.
We are not meant to be complacent.
We are not meant to be comfortable.
We are not supposed to be sitting at home, leading quiet lives.
If we were, we would still be in Eden.
We live in sin.
And chaos.
And hatred.
And unrighteousness.
But we live life surrounded by beauty.
By love.
By grace.
By mercy.
I often think about how ungrateful we are.
It hurts.
We have been given so much, but we offer so little in return.
We should be stretching ourselves!
In mind.
In heart.
In spirit.
We should be going out into our communities!
Our cities.
Our states.
Our world.
But most of all, we should be telling people about Christ!
Why aren't we?
What holds us back?
What are we so afraid of?
We can't live in peace.
We can't live in harmony.
We can't live in perfection.
No matter how hard we try, or distort our reality to convince ourselves we can, it will not happen. Not until all know the name of Jesus and believe on Him. And this cannot be unless we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones and cross borders, barriers, and boundaries.
'Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.'
[Psalm 96:1-3]
[John A. Shedd]
We are not meant to be content.
We are not meant to be complacent.
We are not meant to be comfortable.
We are not supposed to be sitting at home, leading quiet lives.
If we were, we would still be in Eden.
We live in sin.
And chaos.
And hatred.
And unrighteousness.
But we live life surrounded by beauty.
By love.
By grace.
By mercy.
I often think about how ungrateful we are.
It hurts.
We have been given so much, but we offer so little in return.
We should be stretching ourselves!
In mind.
In heart.
In spirit.
We should be going out into our communities!
Our cities.
Our states.
Our world.
But most of all, we should be telling people about Christ!
Why aren't we?
What holds us back?
What are we so afraid of?
We can't live in peace.
We can't live in harmony.
We can't live in perfection.
No matter how hard we try, or distort our reality to convince ourselves we can, it will not happen. Not until all know the name of Jesus and believe on Him. And this cannot be unless we are willing to step outside of our comfort zones and cross borders, barriers, and boundaries.
'Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.'
[Psalm 96:1-3]
May 27, 2009
Ch. 434 - A New Challenge
I feel very burdened right now.
As a Christian, I feel obligated to love everyone. But I mean, I don't really have any trouble with that. I feel love for all people, because we are all children of God. I thus feel that everyone around me is equally deserving of being loved - not only by God, but by me, as well. And so I do. To the best of my ability, I love them. I fail often, but I try. Yet then my mind keeps going back to that thought of obligation. The feeling that I "have" to love people. I mean, it's commanded of me, right?
In Mark 12:31 Jesus says, '"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."' So it's not simply commanded, it's commanded by God Himself.
I can't go around ignoring that.
But I think that the fact that God does, indeed, tell us to do this that it makes it easier to do so. We want to please God. We want to do His will. It's in our nature, I think. Sure, there are people who look out for only themselves. But I want to believe that many people in this world are either people-pleasers or God-pleasers. Or both! If people are trying their hardest to please people, in a way I believe that it's because they love people. In turn, then, they are actually pleasing God, because that's what He wants of us. He wants us to love others. So people may be pleasing God without even realizing it! Oh, but how much more they would be pleasing God if they acknowledged His Son as their Lord and Savior...
So I've established a few things here.
A) We are commanded to love people.
B) There are a few different types of people in this world.
1. Those who live life for themselves.
2. Those who live life for others.
3. Those who live life for God.
- And those who live life in a combination of the last two.
Do you love others?
Are you loving them in such a way that they know Christ's love?
Are you living life for yourself?
Or are you living life for God?
Just some things to think about, I guess.
'We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.'
[1 John 3:14]
As a Christian, I feel obligated to love everyone. But I mean, I don't really have any trouble with that. I feel love for all people, because we are all children of God. I thus feel that everyone around me is equally deserving of being loved - not only by God, but by me, as well. And so I do. To the best of my ability, I love them. I fail often, but I try. Yet then my mind keeps going back to that thought of obligation. The feeling that I "have" to love people. I mean, it's commanded of me, right?
In Mark 12:31 Jesus says, '"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."' So it's not simply commanded, it's commanded by God Himself.
I can't go around ignoring that.
But I think that the fact that God does, indeed, tell us to do this that it makes it easier to do so. We want to please God. We want to do His will. It's in our nature, I think. Sure, there are people who look out for only themselves. But I want to believe that many people in this world are either people-pleasers or God-pleasers. Or both! If people are trying their hardest to please people, in a way I believe that it's because they love people. In turn, then, they are actually pleasing God, because that's what He wants of us. He wants us to love others. So people may be pleasing God without even realizing it! Oh, but how much more they would be pleasing God if they acknowledged His Son as their Lord and Savior...
So I've established a few things here.
A) We are commanded to love people.
B) There are a few different types of people in this world.
1. Those who live life for themselves.
2. Those who live life for others.
3. Those who live life for God.
- And those who live life in a combination of the last two.
Do you love others?
Are you loving them in such a way that they know Christ's love?
Are you living life for yourself?
Or are you living life for God?
Just some things to think about, I guess.
'We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.'
[1 John 3:14]
May 26, 2009
Ch. 433 - PRAY
It's now May 26 and I am one week behind in posts. I'm not going to make up those days. I had already gotten behind with the few posts before my last one, which is why they are merely verses. Anyway, I'm back and I don't plan on falling behind.
I guess I'll say what's been going through my mind the past week or so. My relationship with Christ is suffering. This is completely on me. I'm not going to make excuses. I haven't been as proactive as I should be, and it's taking a toll. I don't know. I've been alright about reading my Bible. But I realized today that what I have basically dropped completely is prayer. Now, this is very strange for me. I couldn't tell you how often I usually find myself praying throughout the day. And I love it. I love prayer. But for whatever reason, I just... don't pray much anymore. I'm not purposefully not praying. I'm not too busy to pray. I'm not "upset" with God or anything. I simply pray much, much less than I usually do.
I don't like it.
I think I just need a boost.
Some new energy.
Revitalization.
Encouragement.
'Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.'
[Psalm 4:1]
I guess I'll say what's been going through my mind the past week or so. My relationship with Christ is suffering. This is completely on me. I'm not going to make excuses. I haven't been as proactive as I should be, and it's taking a toll. I don't know. I've been alright about reading my Bible. But I realized today that what I have basically dropped completely is prayer. Now, this is very strange for me. I couldn't tell you how often I usually find myself praying throughout the day. And I love it. I love prayer. But for whatever reason, I just... don't pray much anymore. I'm not purposefully not praying. I'm not too busy to pray. I'm not "upset" with God or anything. I simply pray much, much less than I usually do.
I don't like it.
I think I just need a boost.
Some new energy.
Revitalization.
Encouragement.
'Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.'
[Psalm 4:1]
May 20, 2009
Ch. 432 - Actions and Truth
'Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.'
[1 John 3:18]
[1 John 3:18]
May 19, 2009
Ch. 431 - Rejecting Man
'For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.'
[1 Thessalonians 4:7-8]
[1 Thessalonians 4:7-8]
May 18, 2009
May 17, 2009
Ch. 429 - A Pending Pilgrimage
'Praise the Lord, all you servants of the
Lord
who minister by night in the house
of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and
earth,
bless you from Zion.'
[Psalm 134]
Lord
who minister by night in the house
of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and
earth,
bless you from Zion.'
[Psalm 134]
May 16, 2009
Ch. 428 - Strength and Support
I need some down time with believers my own age.
ASAP.
'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.'
[Acts 1:14]
ASAP.
'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.'
[Acts 1:14]
May 15, 2009
Ch. 427 - Righteousness as a Shield
'Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.'
[Proverb 13:6]
[Proverb 13:6]
May 14, 2009
Ch. 426 - Freedom Forever
Ralph Ellison said, "When I discover who I am, I'll be free."
You know, sometimes I don't feel that I know who I am. I think it takes a lifetime and more to truly understand yourself. Hard a realization as that may be, it's true. I mean, you didn't create yourself. How could you comprehend every facet of your being?
I am realizing, however, all the more that "finding" myself doesn't really matter. It comes with time. There's no rush to do so. And what good does it do others?
Besides. I am already free. I am in Christ and He has set me free. My identity lies in Him and if anything, that's all I need to know about who I am.
'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.'
[Galatians 5:1]
You know, sometimes I don't feel that I know who I am. I think it takes a lifetime and more to truly understand yourself. Hard a realization as that may be, it's true. I mean, you didn't create yourself. How could you comprehend every facet of your being?
I am realizing, however, all the more that "finding" myself doesn't really matter. It comes with time. There's no rush to do so. And what good does it do others?
Besides. I am already free. I am in Christ and He has set me free. My identity lies in Him and if anything, that's all I need to know about who I am.
'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.'
[Galatians 5:1]
May 13, 2009
Ch. 425 - Treacherous Adventure
This was one of my devotionals for today and I just loved it. It really captures recent thoughts and offers something in return for them. God is pretty cool like that.
'Worship Me by living close to Me. This was My original design for man, into whom I breathed My very breath of Life. This is my desire for you: that your stay near Me as you walk along your life-path. Each day is an important part of that journey. Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in the Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling. By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice. Even th most routine part of your day can be a spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing to Me.'
'... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.'
[Genesis 2:7]
'Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.'
[Psalm 89:15]
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrfices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.]
[Romans 12:1-2]
'Worship Me by living close to Me. This was My original design for man, into whom I breathed My very breath of Life. This is my desire for you: that your stay near Me as you walk along your life-path. Each day is an important part of that journey. Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in the Light of My Presence is essential to keep you from stumbling. By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice. Even th most routine part of your day can be a spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing to Me.'
'... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.'
[Genesis 2:7]
'Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.'
[Psalm 89:15]
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrfices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.]
[Romans 12:1-2]
May 12, 2009
Ch. 424 - Gaining a Step
I am going to turn to God first in anything and everything.
Not my mom.
(Sorry, Mutti.)
Not my friends.
And certainly not myself in regards to my own thoughts and feelings.
'... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
[2 Peter 1:5-8]
Not my mom.
(Sorry, Mutti.)
Not my friends.
And certainly not myself in regards to my own thoughts and feelings.
'... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
[2 Peter 1:5-8]
May 11, 2009
Ch. 423 - Anxious for the Remedy
My soul yearns for the day when all I will be doing is praising God.
Constant, beautiful, melodic praise.
In peace and holiness the angels will sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and
strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
[Revelation 5:12]
And those who are victorious over 'the beast and his image and over the number of his name will sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you along are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed." '
[Revelation 15:3-4]
I am so tired of living in this dark and ugly word of sin and hatred. I just want to be wholly surrounded with the love of God and the light of His Son.
I don't want to hunger.
I don't want to thirst.
I don't want to be scorched by heat.
I want to be led by my Shepherd.
I don't want to cry.
I don't want to deal with death.
I don't want to be in pain.
I want to be with my God.
[Revelation 7:16-17, 21:4]
But I can't always get what I want at the exact moment I want it.
And that's ok.
I still have lessons to learn.
I still have work to do.
People to meet.
People to reach out to.
People to love.
I mean, I do not hunger or thirst as so many people in this world do.
I do not have anything to cry or mourn over. I have no hardships.
There are people who are truly starving and parched. And not just for physical sustenance, but for the Word and Living Water of God. Eternal life. How blessed am I to have my needs met on a daily basis, both on physical and spirituals levels? Compared to what others may or may not have, I am too blessed.
I have my God as my Savior.
He is the author of my life.
'Author of salvation.'
And He is in me, as I am in Him.
This is more than I could ever ask for.
And that is why my heart aches to be with Him.
You know what?
I have hope in Jesus Christ.
I have faith in Christ.
I have peace in Christ.
But at the same time, I don't think I will never have absolute peace in my soul or heart because I am not home. I know that. Unfortunately, there are millions of people on this earth who do not know that their true home awaits them in heaven. They don't know that they belong with their true Father, our Lord God. Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Constant, beautiful, melodic praise.
In peace and holiness the angels will sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and
strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
[Revelation 5:12]
And those who are victorious over 'the beast and his image and over the number of his name will sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you along are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed." '
[Revelation 15:3-4]
I am so tired of living in this dark and ugly word of sin and hatred. I just want to be wholly surrounded with the love of God and the light of His Son.
I don't want to hunger.
I don't want to thirst.
I don't want to be scorched by heat.
I want to be led by my Shepherd.
I don't want to cry.
I don't want to deal with death.
I don't want to be in pain.
I want to be with my God.
[Revelation 7:16-17, 21:4]
But I can't always get what I want at the exact moment I want it.
And that's ok.
I still have lessons to learn.
I still have work to do.
People to meet.
People to reach out to.
People to love.
I mean, I do not hunger or thirst as so many people in this world do.
I do not have anything to cry or mourn over. I have no hardships.
There are people who are truly starving and parched. And not just for physical sustenance, but for the Word and Living Water of God. Eternal life. How blessed am I to have my needs met on a daily basis, both on physical and spirituals levels? Compared to what others may or may not have, I am too blessed.
I have my God as my Savior.
He is the author of my life.
'Author of salvation.'
And He is in me, as I am in Him.
This is more than I could ever ask for.
And that is why my heart aches to be with Him.
You know what?
I have hope in Jesus Christ.
I have faith in Christ.
I have peace in Christ.
But at the same time, I don't think I will never have absolute peace in my soul or heart because I am not home. I know that. Unfortunately, there are millions of people on this earth who do not know that their true home awaits them in heaven. They don't know that they belong with their true Father, our Lord God. Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
May 10, 2009
Ch. 422 - Promises of God
In Christ we are made righteous.
[Romans 5:19]
We are dead to sin.
[Romans 6:11]
We are given eternal life.
[Romans 6:23 and John 3:15]
We are not condemned.
[Romans 8:1]
We are sanctified.
[1 Corinthians 1:2]
We are made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15:22]
We are made a new creation.
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
We are reconciled to God.
[2 Corinthians 5:19]
We are clothed with Christ.
[Galatians 3:27]
We are immeasurably blessed.
[Ephesians 1:3]
We are forgiven.
[Ephesians 1:7]
We are made the very righteousness of God.
[2 Corinthians 5:21]
As much as I'd like to take credit for putting these together, I can't. They come from the 'weekly wisdom' of ChristNotes. I like it. A lot.
Having now lived for twenty years, it's neat to realize how God has kept the promises He's made over the course of my life thus far. Praise God!
[Romans 5:19]
We are dead to sin.
[Romans 6:11]
We are given eternal life.
[Romans 6:23 and John 3:15]
We are not condemned.
[Romans 8:1]
We are sanctified.
[1 Corinthians 1:2]
We are made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15:22]
We are made a new creation.
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
We are reconciled to God.
[2 Corinthians 5:19]
We are clothed with Christ.
[Galatians 3:27]
We are immeasurably blessed.
[Ephesians 1:3]
We are forgiven.
[Ephesians 1:7]
We are made the very righteousness of God.
[2 Corinthians 5:21]
As much as I'd like to take credit for putting these together, I can't. They come from the 'weekly wisdom' of ChristNotes. I like it. A lot.
Having now lived for twenty years, it's neat to realize how God has kept the promises He's made over the course of my life thus far. Praise God!
May 9, 2009
Ch. 421 - Pride Breeds Quarrels
'Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.'
[Proverb 13:10]
[Proverb 13:10]
May 8, 2009
Ch. 420 - All of Creation, Praise
'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.'
[Psalm 150:6]
[Psalm 150:6]
May 7, 2009
Ch. 419 - Come and Gone
Oh goodness. I have completed my first year at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri. I don't even know where to begin...
Well. Over the past eight and a half months, I have come to love Central. I truly have. I love the size. I love the classes. I love the support. I love the administration and faculty. I love the students. I love Moberly. I honestly love everything about being at Central. I am so glad that God led me there. I'm still working a few things out, such as what I truly want to do in the future, where I really fit in at Central (even though there aren't many places to fit in), and how I can serve the school and community all the more during the rest of my time there.
I feel like God has really worked on my heart over the year. I also feel that I have grown a considerable amount and although I may not always seem like it, I have matured even more than I did during my first year of college. God is still teaching me patience, and I'm glad. Also, I've started to learn to truly capture my thoughts and turn them towards good things and Christ. For example, take my roommate situation... now, I'm not going to go into detail, but I don't know how many times I found myself wanting to say something rude and biting to my roommates over the months because of the way they acted, things they constantly talked about, etc. I loved them as sisters in Christ - I just didn't like them very well... make sense? I mean, we had a few good times and laughs together, sure, but I would never have chosen to room with them (or even be friends with them) had I known them beforehand. I'm surprised I didn't bite my tongue in half over time, though. But I figure biting my tongue and capturing my thoughts are things I will need to do in the future. I'm pretty sure I can survive anything after what I put up with year. I've probably jinxed myself in saying that, but I've got three and a half months to not worry about a single thing, so I'll take my chances.
I've also learned that I have, for the most part, had a perfect life. No such thing, you say? I suppose it depends on your definition of perfect. One also might say that all Christians have it "good" and that they don't know pain or suffering or abuse or injustice. These assumptions are completely false. I have learned not only from teachers this year, but fellow students and believers. I think learning takes place outside the classroom just as much as inside. And you know, I could have learned everything I was tested on and had to do assignments over from books. However, there is great value in taking classes and learning material from teachers. You get insight, in-depth knowledge, wisdom, and personal stories that help you understand the curriculum all the better - and trust me when I say I'm all for that! I simply believe that you can learn more about life in living and meeting people and getting to know them. You wouldn't believe what seemingly half of our student body has gone through in the course of their lives. Drugs, alcohol, rape, molestation, persecution, death, depression - the list goes on. You name it, someone has endured and overcome it. Everyone has a story. You can learn from each of them. The best part is that there's a happy ending in that they have come to know their Lord God and Savior. I like to consider it the ending to their life's prequel. And so they're in the midst of living out their true, never-ending life story! That's a beautiful realization.
There is definitely way more that I learned this year, but at this point in time I don't have time to think about everything and write it all out. Maybe I'll do more in the upcoming days, we'll see. I'm just glad that I've been able to go Central and get started in my training to be a better servant for God's Kingdom. He's the ultimate Teacher, though, and I'm excited to see what He teaches me over the years.
'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...'
[Titus 2:11-13]
Well. Over the past eight and a half months, I have come to love Central. I truly have. I love the size. I love the classes. I love the support. I love the administration and faculty. I love the students. I love Moberly. I honestly love everything about being at Central. I am so glad that God led me there. I'm still working a few things out, such as what I truly want to do in the future, where I really fit in at Central (even though there aren't many places to fit in), and how I can serve the school and community all the more during the rest of my time there.
I feel like God has really worked on my heart over the year. I also feel that I have grown a considerable amount and although I may not always seem like it, I have matured even more than I did during my first year of college. God is still teaching me patience, and I'm glad. Also, I've started to learn to truly capture my thoughts and turn them towards good things and Christ. For example, take my roommate situation... now, I'm not going to go into detail, but I don't know how many times I found myself wanting to say something rude and biting to my roommates over the months because of the way they acted, things they constantly talked about, etc. I loved them as sisters in Christ - I just didn't like them very well... make sense? I mean, we had a few good times and laughs together, sure, but I would never have chosen to room with them (or even be friends with them) had I known them beforehand. I'm surprised I didn't bite my tongue in half over time, though. But I figure biting my tongue and capturing my thoughts are things I will need to do in the future. I'm pretty sure I can survive anything after what I put up with year. I've probably jinxed myself in saying that, but I've got three and a half months to not worry about a single thing, so I'll take my chances.
I've also learned that I have, for the most part, had a perfect life. No such thing, you say? I suppose it depends on your definition of perfect. One also might say that all Christians have it "good" and that they don't know pain or suffering or abuse or injustice. These assumptions are completely false. I have learned not only from teachers this year, but fellow students and believers. I think learning takes place outside the classroom just as much as inside. And you know, I could have learned everything I was tested on and had to do assignments over from books. However, there is great value in taking classes and learning material from teachers. You get insight, in-depth knowledge, wisdom, and personal stories that help you understand the curriculum all the better - and trust me when I say I'm all for that! I simply believe that you can learn more about life in living and meeting people and getting to know them. You wouldn't believe what seemingly half of our student body has gone through in the course of their lives. Drugs, alcohol, rape, molestation, persecution, death, depression - the list goes on. You name it, someone has endured and overcome it. Everyone has a story. You can learn from each of them. The best part is that there's a happy ending in that they have come to know their Lord God and Savior. I like to consider it the ending to their life's prequel. And so they're in the midst of living out their true, never-ending life story! That's a beautiful realization.
There is definitely way more that I learned this year, but at this point in time I don't have time to think about everything and write it all out. Maybe I'll do more in the upcoming days, we'll see. I'm just glad that I've been able to go Central and get started in my training to be a better servant for God's Kingdom. He's the ultimate Teacher, though, and I'm excited to see what He teaches me over the years.
'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...'
[Titus 2:11-13]
May 6, 2009
Ch. 418 - A Glorious Morning
I didn't sleep last night. I stayed up throughout the night and morning to study for my Hebrew test. Eeeeeeyeah. I should really learn to heed to my own advice and whatnot. Some day, perhaps... Anyway, I stopped working around 6:45 and freshened up a bit. The sun was coming up beautifully and the sky was already showing promise of turning a brilliant blue. I walked out to the patio behind Pelfrey and sat on the swing. I just sat and talked to God for maybe forty-five minutes, enjoying the lovely morning. It wasn't too chilly, and when I turned my face to the sun it felt really nice. I looked out to the soccer fields and it was neat to see a mist covering the ground. I love things like that. God's beauty is even in the mists of the world... my goodness. I hadn't started feeling tired yet, but I'm pretty sure the joy I received from being outside on such a mornnig and the fact that I had such a great personal time with God certainly helped me make it through the day until after my Hebrew final. Then I crashed pretty hard around noon. Typical.
God has been so good to me.
'They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord's majesty.'
[Isaiah 24:14]
God has been so good to me.
'They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord's majesty.'
[Isaiah 24:14]
May 5, 2009
Ch. 417 - No Worries
Today I saw a friend come out of Pelfrey Hall crying. She had just attempted to take an Introduction to Philosophy final and didn't even get halfway through. She simply is not a good test-taker and no matter how much she prepares for tests, she just doesn't do well. She's figured out that she will basically fail the class and was pretty upset - and with good reason. I mean, failing a class isn't a good time for anyone... I didn't really know what to say. I just listened to her and asked her a few questions regarding discussing the situation with her professor and such. Before we went our separate ways, however, I ended up reminding her that grades are not everything.
You are not admitted into heaven based on your grade point average.
Grades don't affect your ministry.
They don't affect you as a person.
They don't affect your ability to grow closer to God.
At least... they shouldn't.
So here we go. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I am a very stress-free person. I don't worry about a whole lot. And that includes school.
Here's the thing. I'm worked my tail off all year. And I've excelled. I am passionate about what I'm learning and it makes learning so much more exciting and even somewhat easy, it seems. Now, I'm not going to lie. My relationship with God has suffered now and then because of my studies, I feel. There were times when I focused so much on schoolwork that I would not make any time for God. And that's not a good thing. Another thing, I procrastinate. I work well under pressure. I always get everything done on time, and it's not like I am completely careless and slap things together. My work is done in an orderly fashion; it's neat, thorough, and well-done, if I may so myself. It really is a source of pride for me. But it's a healthy pride, in my opinion. Anyway, the one thing I regret procrastinating on this year has been my word study paper for Hebrew.
Situation:
I decided to do my word study on the word tabernacle.
Bad.
choice.
I started doing my paper last night - two days before it's due - and I was getting nowhere. The word is just so absolute, you know? A tabernacle is a tabernacle. It's a dwelling place and that's it. It's most often found in Exodus of the Old Testament, when God is giving instructions how it should be constructed and whatnot. So I decided to change my word to mercy. It's more complex and definitely one of my favorite attributes of God and people. I figured it would be much more interesting. And it is! I started my paper around 5:30 this evening and spent a lot of time on it, because I really wanted to go in-depth and everything. I was starting to finish things up and needed a couple more sources. I was looking through the card catalog on a computer and ended up chatting with a girl who's in my Hebrew class. She was working on her paper, too, and mentioned something about lovingkindnesses. I froze. I asked her what her word is, even though I already knew. "Chesed," she answered. Chesed is my word. Oh boy. You see, chesed can be translated many ways. So we had the same base word, but I decided to go with mercy instead of lovingkindness, as she had. My teacher said that nobody in the class should be doing their studies on the same word.
Great.
And that's where I am right now. But I mean, I have basically finished the paper. I really don't want to start a new paper. So you know what? I'm not going to. My teacher can reprimand me all he wants and give me a bad grade - or no grade - and I've decided that I simply do not care. It's not a big deal. I'm going to pass the class, and if that's the one class I don't get an A in, it will not matter. God doesn't care if I get a B or even a C in Elementary Hebrew. And I don't plan on working on Hebrew translation in the future, anyway...
I'd much rather just be done with the paper and not stress about writing a new one. I'll be able to spend the time I would have spent writing the paper hanging out with God or something. I'd rather receive a bad grade on a stupid paper and get to spend time with my God than let grades become more important than my relationship with God. Granted this is a one-time ordeal, likely. But seriously.
I'm not saying that I'm going to stop trying and giving my best in all that I do. But I do need to remind myself now and then that I can take a break here and there. I can't let my studies take priority over knowing my Lord God. I wouldn't even be able to go to school or have the ability to do well in my classes if it weren't for Him.
Get it?
Got it.
Good.
'I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.'
[Psalm 3:5]
You are not admitted into heaven based on your grade point average.
Grades don't affect your ministry.
They don't affect you as a person.
They don't affect your ability to grow closer to God.
At least... they shouldn't.
So here we go. I've said it before, I'll say it again. I am a very stress-free person. I don't worry about a whole lot. And that includes school.
Here's the thing. I'm worked my tail off all year. And I've excelled. I am passionate about what I'm learning and it makes learning so much more exciting and even somewhat easy, it seems. Now, I'm not going to lie. My relationship with God has suffered now and then because of my studies, I feel. There were times when I focused so much on schoolwork that I would not make any time for God. And that's not a good thing. Another thing, I procrastinate. I work well under pressure. I always get everything done on time, and it's not like I am completely careless and slap things together. My work is done in an orderly fashion; it's neat, thorough, and well-done, if I may so myself. It really is a source of pride for me. But it's a healthy pride, in my opinion. Anyway, the one thing I regret procrastinating on this year has been my word study paper for Hebrew.
Situation:
I decided to do my word study on the word tabernacle.
Bad.
choice.
I started doing my paper last night - two days before it's due - and I was getting nowhere. The word is just so absolute, you know? A tabernacle is a tabernacle. It's a dwelling place and that's it. It's most often found in Exodus of the Old Testament, when God is giving instructions how it should be constructed and whatnot. So I decided to change my word to mercy. It's more complex and definitely one of my favorite attributes of God and people. I figured it would be much more interesting. And it is! I started my paper around 5:30 this evening and spent a lot of time on it, because I really wanted to go in-depth and everything. I was starting to finish things up and needed a couple more sources. I was looking through the card catalog on a computer and ended up chatting with a girl who's in my Hebrew class. She was working on her paper, too, and mentioned something about lovingkindnesses. I froze. I asked her what her word is, even though I already knew. "Chesed," she answered. Chesed is my word. Oh boy. You see, chesed can be translated many ways. So we had the same base word, but I decided to go with mercy instead of lovingkindness, as she had. My teacher said that nobody in the class should be doing their studies on the same word.
Great.
And that's where I am right now. But I mean, I have basically finished the paper. I really don't want to start a new paper. So you know what? I'm not going to. My teacher can reprimand me all he wants and give me a bad grade - or no grade - and I've decided that I simply do not care. It's not a big deal. I'm going to pass the class, and if that's the one class I don't get an A in, it will not matter. God doesn't care if I get a B or even a C in Elementary Hebrew. And I don't plan on working on Hebrew translation in the future, anyway...
I'd much rather just be done with the paper and not stress about writing a new one. I'll be able to spend the time I would have spent writing the paper hanging out with God or something. I'd rather receive a bad grade on a stupid paper and get to spend time with my God than let grades become more important than my relationship with God. Granted this is a one-time ordeal, likely. But seriously.
I'm not saying that I'm going to stop trying and giving my best in all that I do. But I do need to remind myself now and then that I can take a break here and there. I can't let my studies take priority over knowing my Lord God. I wouldn't even be able to go to school or have the ability to do well in my classes if it weren't for Him.
Get it?
Got it.
Good.
'I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.'
[Psalm 3:5]
May 4, 2009
Ch. 416 - Impacts, Part Two
God works on our hearts over time. I don't think He rules over our lives or guides us using an on/off switch. He purposefully presents us with opportunities and places people in our paths when He sees fit and then continues to watch over us. Everything He does is for our benefit - even when it doesn't seem like it is... and even when what we go through may be new or nerve racking.
The summer after my ninth grade year my church's senior hi youth went to Toronto on a mission trip. I was excited to go on my first senior hi mission trip. I had gone on my very first mission trip earlier in the summer when I was a shepherd (high school leader) for the mid hi mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Anyway, I didn’t know what to expect, but that was probably for the best.
This was to be the mission trip that awakened me from my slumber.
I was put on the team that would work with people at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. St. Jude's is a school that works with mentally and physically challenged kids and adults. I was nervous, because I had never worked with special needs people before. Our team worked mostly with young adults. I soon realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. Even though the adults were considerably older than I, they were basically like children. Throughout the week we all played games, sang songs, drew pictures, told stories and jokes, and simply spent time together.
The thing that struck me the hardest was the fact that the 'students' of St. Jude's loved you for you.
It didn't matter what you looked like.
It didn't matter where you came from.
It didn't matter who your parents were.
If you gave the students the smallest bit of attention, they were ecstatic.
They loved me and, in turn, I loved them back.
... It would have been hard not to.
The Thursday we were at St. Jude's was the most memorable day of the week. Thursday was praise day. Each week a group of people (a local praise band) comes to St. Jude’s to play worship songs (or at least they had been doing so up to the point I was there). In the afternoon, everybody assembled in the main room. The band had set up and soon we were all singing along with the band – everybody. These young adults, often made fun of and ridiculed for something they have no control over, were lifting their hands and singing as loud as they possibly could about God.
About love.
About mercy.
About Jesus.
They danced.
They hugged.
They laughed.
That day, something in my heart told me that these people understood what they were singing about just as well as I did. Their worship was holy and pure. They didn't hold back. God’s presence completely surrounded us. I will never forget that day, as cliché as that may sound.
In the evening of that day, our youth group partook in a feet-washing ceremony. It was then that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I had learned so much in that week and everything I participated in - not just in going to St. Jude's - touched me in such a way that I was finally able to realize what I was missing. The mid hi mission trip to Des Moines also played a part in my acceptance. You know, I had basically grown up in the church, although there was a five-year hiatus between third and fifth grade. I would say that I understood the concept of God, His Son and their love at a pretty early age, but never realized how much I needed to truly accept Christ into my heart until that summer.
It's truly amazing how greatly people can affect your life. Thank God for all of His children. We don't have the right to disregard anyone. God created the men on the street corners, begging for change. God created the babies with the cleft lips. God created the children that have Down Syndrome. Christ accepts every one. We are all alike in His sight. We are all beautiful and whole. We have set limits upon ourselves based on judgments and distorted expectations. What a shame.
'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." '
[1 Samuel 16:7]
The summer after my ninth grade year my church's senior hi youth went to Toronto on a mission trip. I was excited to go on my first senior hi mission trip. I had gone on my very first mission trip earlier in the summer when I was a shepherd (high school leader) for the mid hi mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Anyway, I didn’t know what to expect, but that was probably for the best.
This was to be the mission trip that awakened me from my slumber.
I was put on the team that would work with people at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. St. Jude's is a school that works with mentally and physically challenged kids and adults. I was nervous, because I had never worked with special needs people before. Our team worked mostly with young adults. I soon realized that I had nothing to be nervous about. Even though the adults were considerably older than I, they were basically like children. Throughout the week we all played games, sang songs, drew pictures, told stories and jokes, and simply spent time together.
The thing that struck me the hardest was the fact that the 'students' of St. Jude's loved you for you.
It didn't matter what you looked like.
It didn't matter where you came from.
It didn't matter who your parents were.
If you gave the students the smallest bit of attention, they were ecstatic.
They loved me and, in turn, I loved them back.
... It would have been hard not to.
The Thursday we were at St. Jude's was the most memorable day of the week. Thursday was praise day. Each week a group of people (a local praise band) comes to St. Jude’s to play worship songs (or at least they had been doing so up to the point I was there). In the afternoon, everybody assembled in the main room. The band had set up and soon we were all singing along with the band – everybody. These young adults, often made fun of and ridiculed for something they have no control over, were lifting their hands and singing as loud as they possibly could about God.
About love.
About mercy.
About Jesus.
They danced.
They hugged.
They laughed.
That day, something in my heart told me that these people understood what they were singing about just as well as I did. Their worship was holy and pure. They didn't hold back. God’s presence completely surrounded us. I will never forget that day, as cliché as that may sound.
In the evening of that day, our youth group partook in a feet-washing ceremony. It was then that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I had learned so much in that week and everything I participated in - not just in going to St. Jude's - touched me in such a way that I was finally able to realize what I was missing. The mid hi mission trip to Des Moines also played a part in my acceptance. You know, I had basically grown up in the church, although there was a five-year hiatus between third and fifth grade. I would say that I understood the concept of God, His Son and their love at a pretty early age, but never realized how much I needed to truly accept Christ into my heart until that summer.
It's truly amazing how greatly people can affect your life. Thank God for all of His children. We don't have the right to disregard anyone. God created the men on the street corners, begging for change. God created the babies with the cleft lips. God created the children that have Down Syndrome. Christ accepts every one. We are all alike in His sight. We are all beautiful and whole. We have set limits upon ourselves based on judgments and distorted expectations. What a shame.
'But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." '
[1 Samuel 16:7]
May 3, 2009
Ch. 415 - Impacts, Part One
On April 24, 2000 Oprah Winfrey's television show's theme was Romanian orphanages. I watched the show with my mom that spring afternoon. I honestly don't remember much about the show, except for one part. Cameras showed viewers the inside of the orphanage - this gave them a glimpse into what a day was like for the orphans. It was as easy as standing in a doorway and looking into a room. This is because the children stayed in their beds - cribs, really, and thus more like jail cells - all day, rocking themselves back and forth. Back and forth, back and forth. That's how they amused and comforted themselves. They had basically no human contact. No interaction. No joy. These poor children had nothing and no one.
Now, I don't recall this, but my mom tells me that I asked her, "Why doesn't anyone love those children?"
Almost ten years later, whenever I think about this, I basically break down. Quite the 'feat' for me. I can't help it. People may say "Life is not fair" but how many people even understand what unfairness truly is?
Honestly.
"She got one more cookie than I did. Not fair!"
"He got more recognition than I did. Not fair!"
"They got to have a longer vacation. Not fair!"
And so it goes, on and on.
The way these children live is not fair.
The way these children are treated is not fair.
The way these children are unloved is not fair.
It's when I think about things like this that I do an evaluation. I mean, I have so much, you know? I have clothing. I have a home. I have educational opportunities. I have a supportive family. I have a God who loves me. I have everything I could ask for and more. I am rich with blessings. And why? I don't even know. I could just have easily been born into this world destined to be a Romanian orphan. I could have spent my entire childhood in a bed, constantly rocking myself to sleep. I would be cross-eyed from looking up at the ceiling all the time and focusing in on my nose (and in Romania, people who are cross-eyed are considered to be mentally retarded). I would have no family. No faith, likely. No love. No joy. No hope. No future.
There's nothing I can do right now other than be thankful and praise God for all that He is and all that He gives. I can pray. I have done a bit of research today and read that apparently, Romanian orphanages have improved a bit since having world exposure on shows such as 20/20, Dateline, and yes, Oprah. The reason they initially came to be in such poor condition and be so filled with children is that Romanians were encouraged and pressured to have five or more children by communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu. In fact, he banned birth control in 1967, leading to a wave of abandoned children who ended up in state institutions that were completely underfunded. Even with supposed improvements, the government cares very little about the orphans of Romania. Adoption is also incredibly limited. Thankfully, foreign workers are allowed to come in and help at the orphanages. This is basically the best and only way for these children to come to know what love is and be treated like the humans that they are.
I know that God has a plan for every single one of His creatures... but it's examples such as this that make it easy for me to see how people can ask, "How can a perfect, good, and loving God let things like this happen?"
'Defend the cause of the weak and
fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the
wicked.'
[Psalm 82:2-4]
Now, I don't recall this, but my mom tells me that I asked her, "Why doesn't anyone love those children?"
Almost ten years later, whenever I think about this, I basically break down. Quite the 'feat' for me. I can't help it. People may say "Life is not fair" but how many people even understand what unfairness truly is?
Honestly.
"She got one more cookie than I did. Not fair!"
"He got more recognition than I did. Not fair!"
"They got to have a longer vacation. Not fair!"
And so it goes, on and on.
The way these children live is not fair.
The way these children are treated is not fair.
The way these children are unloved is not fair.
It's when I think about things like this that I do an evaluation. I mean, I have so much, you know? I have clothing. I have a home. I have educational opportunities. I have a supportive family. I have a God who loves me. I have everything I could ask for and more. I am rich with blessings. And why? I don't even know. I could just have easily been born into this world destined to be a Romanian orphan. I could have spent my entire childhood in a bed, constantly rocking myself to sleep. I would be cross-eyed from looking up at the ceiling all the time and focusing in on my nose (and in Romania, people who are cross-eyed are considered to be mentally retarded). I would have no family. No faith, likely. No love. No joy. No hope. No future.
There's nothing I can do right now other than be thankful and praise God for all that He is and all that He gives. I can pray. I have done a bit of research today and read that apparently, Romanian orphanages have improved a bit since having world exposure on shows such as 20/20, Dateline, and yes, Oprah. The reason they initially came to be in such poor condition and be so filled with children is that Romanians were encouraged and pressured to have five or more children by communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu. In fact, he banned birth control in 1967, leading to a wave of abandoned children who ended up in state institutions that were completely underfunded. Even with supposed improvements, the government cares very little about the orphans of Romania. Adoption is also incredibly limited. Thankfully, foreign workers are allowed to come in and help at the orphanages. This is basically the best and only way for these children to come to know what love is and be treated like the humans that they are.
I know that God has a plan for every single one of His creatures... but it's examples such as this that make it easy for me to see how people can ask, "How can a perfect, good, and loving God let things like this happen?"
'Defend the cause of the weak and
fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the
wicked.'
[Psalm 82:2-4]
May 2, 2009
Ch. 414 - Light the Fire [Again]
' "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." '
[Revelation 3:17-18]
I've had the following song stuck in my head this evening. I really like it, but I haven't heard it in a while. We sang it pretty often in youth group. Even though I believe that I'm doing pretty well, and that I'm certainly continuing to grow closer to God, I need an extra bit of... something. I like the line 'I need Your discipline' because that's how I feel right now. And it's true.
'Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out, light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out, light the fire again
You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I'm here to buy gold refined in the fire
Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white, so I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again'
[Light the Fire Again]
[Revelation 3:17-18]
I've had the following song stuck in my head this evening. I really like it, but I haven't heard it in a while. We sang it pretty often in youth group. Even though I believe that I'm doing pretty well, and that I'm certainly continuing to grow closer to God, I need an extra bit of... something. I like the line 'I need Your discipline' because that's how I feel right now. And it's true.
'Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out, light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out, light the fire again
You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I'm here to buy gold refined in the fire
Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white, so I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again'
[Light the Fire Again]
May 1, 2009
Ch. 413 - His Love
'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.'
[1 Chronicles 16:34]
[1 Chronicles 16:34]
April 30, 2009
Ch. 412 - The Ability
'You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.'
[Deuteronomy 8:17-18a]
[Deuteronomy 8:17-18a]
April 29, 2009
Ch. 411 - Command
'Remember how the enemy has
mocked you, O Lord,
how foolish people have reviled
your name.
Do not hand over the life of your dove
to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your
afflicted people forever.
Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the
dark places of the land.
Do not let the oppressed retreat in
disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your
name.
Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
Do not ignore the clamor of your
adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which
rises continually.
[Psalm 74:18-23; emphasis my own]
We are always so willing to tell God what to do and great at expecting everything of Him... but we are unwilling to listen to what He wants us to do and awful at obeying Him.
mocked you, O Lord,
how foolish people have reviled
your name.
Do not hand over the life of your dove
to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your
afflicted people forever.
Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the
dark places of the land.
Do not let the oppressed retreat in
disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your
name.
Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
Do not ignore the clamor of your
adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which
rises continually.
[Psalm 74:18-23; emphasis my own]
We are always so willing to tell God what to do and great at expecting everything of Him... but we are unwilling to listen to what He wants us to do and awful at obeying Him.
April 28, 2009
Ch. 410 - One God
God keeps reminding me that there is no God but God. There is nothing else and no one else like Him. He is Everything and more to all whose minds and hearts turn to Him. I love simplistic reminders such as this. It's the most basic of things that we seem to look over or forget about as time passes.
There is no God but God.
He is good all the time.
He wants a relationship.
He lives in my heart.
He created me.
He loves me.
I don't know why this has been on my mind lately, but it has and so I'm going to go with it. Perhaps it's because I only have three days of classes left and I'm ready to be out of school-mode, but... who cares that the word "propitiation" is a fancy way of saying that Jesus Christ satisfied, or fulfilled, God's wrath by dying on the cross? Alright, so Jesus was an atoning sacrifice for mankind's sins. I'm thankful for what He did for us; I think about that every day. I mean, I owe my life - my true life - to what He did. It's no surprise that the sacrifice of God's Son is something I think about every day. But how often do I think about the fact that God gives me every breath I take? And how often do I think about the people of the world and how they are God's lost children? He is the One God to all... even though not everybody knows this.
Don't push aside thoughts that you think are menial. Don't make whatever God is trying to tell you seem of little importance. Chances are, you need to be reminded of whatever it is that He is reaching out to you with.
So let me say it again:
There is no God but God.
' "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way." '
[1 Kings 8:23]
' "This is what the Lord says - Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." '
[Isaiah 44:6]
There is no God but God.
He is good all the time.
He wants a relationship.
He lives in my heart.
He created me.
He loves me.
I don't know why this has been on my mind lately, but it has and so I'm going to go with it. Perhaps it's because I only have three days of classes left and I'm ready to be out of school-mode, but... who cares that the word "propitiation" is a fancy way of saying that Jesus Christ satisfied, or fulfilled, God's wrath by dying on the cross? Alright, so Jesus was an atoning sacrifice for mankind's sins. I'm thankful for what He did for us; I think about that every day. I mean, I owe my life - my true life - to what He did. It's no surprise that the sacrifice of God's Son is something I think about every day. But how often do I think about the fact that God gives me every breath I take? And how often do I think about the people of the world and how they are God's lost children? He is the One God to all... even though not everybody knows this.
Don't push aside thoughts that you think are menial. Don't make whatever God is trying to tell you seem of little importance. Chances are, you need to be reminded of whatever it is that He is reaching out to you with.
So let me say it again:
There is no God but God.
' "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way." '
[1 Kings 8:23]
' "This is what the Lord says - Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." '
[Isaiah 44:6]
April 27, 2009
Ch. 409 - "Philadelphia!"
"I want to be a Jonathan to him."
A friend said something like this to me this evening, regarding a mutual friend of ours.
I liked it.
David and Jonathan.
Bromance?
Indeed.
Not only did Jonathan become "one in spirit with David" and love David as himself [1 Samuel 18:1]... but David later said, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women," as he lamented over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan [2 Samuel 1:26].
The love these men had for one another is nothing to scoff at.
To love another as yourself is more difficult than it may sound.
And to risk your life in order to ensure the safety of another isn't something most people would be willing to do.
'Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves.'
[Romans 12:10]
A friend said something like this to me this evening, regarding a mutual friend of ours.
I liked it.
David and Jonathan.
Bromance?
Indeed.
Not only did Jonathan become "one in spirit with David" and love David as himself [1 Samuel 18:1]... but David later said, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women," as he lamented over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan [2 Samuel 1:26].
The love these men had for one another is nothing to scoff at.
To love another as yourself is more difficult than it may sound.
And to risk your life in order to ensure the safety of another isn't something most people would be willing to do.
'Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above
yourselves.'
[Romans 12:10]
April 26, 2009
Ch. 408 - God With Us
I am so glad that I am loved by a living God.
Emmanuel.
He is with me now and forever.
I am seeking Him and finding Him all the more.
I know Him and He knows me.
Praise God!
God let His presence be known throughout the day.
'Worship Me. Worship Me. Worship Me.'
You can hear His voice in the song of the robin.
You can feel His touch in the gentle breeze.
You can smell His aroma in the sweetness of the air.
You can see His beauty in the people around you.
Open your mind.
Open your eyes.
Open your heart.
'He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:10]
Emmanuel.
He is with me now and forever.
I am seeking Him and finding Him all the more.
I know Him and He knows me.
Praise God!
God let His presence be known throughout the day.
'Worship Me. Worship Me. Worship Me.'
You can hear His voice in the song of the robin.
You can feel His touch in the gentle breeze.
You can smell His aroma in the sweetness of the air.
You can see His beauty in the people around you.
Open your mind.
Open your eyes.
Open your heart.
'He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:10]
April 25, 2009
Ch. 407 - In His Name
I was reading in Acts today and came across this verse: ' "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." '
[Acts 4:12]
This is a frequently quoted verse. Understandable. It's a pretty good one. I mean, there's such truth to it. It's even a truth that doesn't "hurt" and people desire truth. Anyway, what I wanted to mention is how often the verses leading up to Acts 4:12 are overlooked.
In chapter three, Peter heals a crippled beggar [in the name of Jesus Christ]. He and John then go on to teach 'the people' and proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead [Acts 4:2]. They are then arrested and brought before elders, priests, etc. They ask Peter and John, ' "By what power or what name did you do this?" ' [Acts 4:7]
Acts 4:8-11 says this: 'Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Ruler and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' " '
I think what stands out to me the most is when Peter says they crucified Christ but God raised Him from the dead. I remember in Acts class it was drilled into our minds that we killed Christ, through our sins. This made quite the impact on me, so when I read these verses today it made it more meaningful. It's cool to see how classes are impacting my life, including my beliefs. I like this. I also love how Peter points out that it was in the name of Jesus Christ that the crippled beggar was healed. There is such power in His name and I think we are quick to forget that.
[Acts 4:12]
This is a frequently quoted verse. Understandable. It's a pretty good one. I mean, there's such truth to it. It's even a truth that doesn't "hurt" and people desire truth. Anyway, what I wanted to mention is how often the verses leading up to Acts 4:12 are overlooked.
In chapter three, Peter heals a crippled beggar [in the name of Jesus Christ]. He and John then go on to teach 'the people' and proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead [Acts 4:2]. They are then arrested and brought before elders, priests, etc. They ask Peter and John, ' "By what power or what name did you do this?" ' [Acts 4:7]
Acts 4:8-11 says this: 'Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Ruler and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' " '
I think what stands out to me the most is when Peter says they crucified Christ but God raised Him from the dead. I remember in Acts class it was drilled into our minds that we killed Christ, through our sins. This made quite the impact on me, so when I read these verses today it made it more meaningful. It's cool to see how classes are impacting my life, including my beliefs. I like this. I also love how Peter points out that it was in the name of Jesus Christ that the crippled beggar was healed. There is such power in His name and I think we are quick to forget that.
April 24, 2009
Ch. 406 - Turning the Tables
I need some encouragement.
Or is it that I want some encouragement?
I can't really tell.
And I don't like that.
I need some change.
I'll get on that soon... maybe.
I feel hopeless.
I have hope in Christ, sure.
But what does that even mean?
Seriously.
You know what, though?
I don't really want to think right now.
Apathetic?
Oh yes.
What is wrong with me?
Pray.
'Test everything. Hold on to the good.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:21]
Or is it that I want some encouragement?
I can't really tell.
And I don't like that.
I need some change.
I'll get on that soon... maybe.
I feel hopeless.
I have hope in Christ, sure.
But what does that even mean?
Seriously.
You know what, though?
I don't really want to think right now.
Apathetic?
Oh yes.
What is wrong with me?
Pray.
'Test everything. Hold on to the good.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:21]
Ch. 405 - Children of God
'We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true - even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.'
[1 John 5:19-20]
[1 John 5:19-20]
April 22, 2009
Ch. 404 - For Your Own Good
' "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." '
[Revelation 3:19]
[Revelation 3:19]
April 21, 2009
Ch. 403 - Rested in Him
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say, "I'm tired..." after I have asked them, "How are you?" Another is when people say "I'm bored..." but I hear the former more often and it's slightly more irritating than the latter response. Anyway, I thus make a conscious effort to dig a little deeper and get them to say something else. And you basically never hear me tell people I'm tired when they ask me how I am. Now, I may say, "I'm good! A little tired... but good!" but I don't immediately answer using the word 'tired' and leave it at that. The thing is, I am rarely tired these days. I may not get the true-blue amount of sleep I need each night, but I don't find it entirely difficult to function throughout the day with less than my preferred amount of sleep.
I honestly think that God gives me the true rest that I need and that my soul is revived every morning regardless of how many hours I sleep. And you know what? Whether I've gotten three hours of sleep or ten hours of sleep, days seem to go so much better when, first thing in the morning, I talk to God and consciously recognize the fact that He restores me and will be with me every minute of every hour. I am also much more likely to fully seek God throughout the day and call on Him to guide and help me.
In doing this, I feel energized.
I feel prepared.
I feel strong.
There is so much joy to be had in every day. We shouldn't be wasting time bumming around, exclaiming that we're tired or bored. I don't care how true it is, do something about it and move on! If you're honestly that tired, get some sleep! If you're seriously bored enough to say that you are bored, find something to do!
Go volunteer.
Play a game.
Exercise.
Strike up a conversation with someone.
Read your Bible.
Talk with God.
Turn to Him in all things.
Our God is the Creator of the entire universe. He gave you life and love and eternal salvation. He is, by far, the most exciting Being that we could ever hope to know. He is also restful. He created a day of rest, for goodness' sake. He can give rest, as well. Did you ever stop to think that perhaps you're not even truly physically tired? Maybe your spirit or mind needs rest. God can give you this if you so desire. Let Him. Chances are, it would do you a world of good twice over.
' "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." '
[Psalm 46:10]
I honestly think that God gives me the true rest that I need and that my soul is revived every morning regardless of how many hours I sleep. And you know what? Whether I've gotten three hours of sleep or ten hours of sleep, days seem to go so much better when, first thing in the morning, I talk to God and consciously recognize the fact that He restores me and will be with me every minute of every hour. I am also much more likely to fully seek God throughout the day and call on Him to guide and help me.
In doing this, I feel energized.
I feel prepared.
I feel strong.
There is so much joy to be had in every day. We shouldn't be wasting time bumming around, exclaiming that we're tired or bored. I don't care how true it is, do something about it and move on! If you're honestly that tired, get some sleep! If you're seriously bored enough to say that you are bored, find something to do!
Go volunteer.
Play a game.
Exercise.
Strike up a conversation with someone.
Read your Bible.
Talk with God.
Turn to Him in all things.
Our God is the Creator of the entire universe. He gave you life and love and eternal salvation. He is, by far, the most exciting Being that we could ever hope to know. He is also restful. He created a day of rest, for goodness' sake. He can give rest, as well. Did you ever stop to think that perhaps you're not even truly physically tired? Maybe your spirit or mind needs rest. God can give you this if you so desire. Let Him. Chances are, it would do you a world of good twice over.
' "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." '
[Psalm 46:10]
April 20, 2009
Ch. 402 - Only Him
About a week ago, I was reading in Psalms and came across this verse:
'Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.'
[Psalm 73:25]
This question and statement completely floored me. We know that in heaven we will be rejoicing and praising our Lord God, giving Him all honor and glory. Everything will be centered around Him, constantly. And I'm glad. Yet it should be that way here on earth, as well. We should be seeking God out continually, giving Him all honor and glory. 'And earth has nothing nothing I desire besides you.' If we were truly focused on God and wanting to seek nothing but Him, I think we would realize all the more that this earth truly does not hold anything greater. There is nothing comparable to God, granted, but I honestly think that we do desire things other than God more than we should. This is because we already 'have' God. We say that we know Him, love Him, and serve Him. So that must obviously mean that we do not need to seek Him; we do not need to desire Him. Thus we may then desire other things: a loving spouse, a good job, a nice home, happiness, etc. Now, I'm not saying that it is bad to desire these things. On the contrary, they are good compared to desiring things such as power and wealth. No matter - we should always desire God above all else... because it is God who is able to grant our desires. Our Lord God is everything. Without Him, we are nothing. Desire Him.
'Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.'
[Psalm 73:25]
This question and statement completely floored me. We know that in heaven we will be rejoicing and praising our Lord God, giving Him all honor and glory. Everything will be centered around Him, constantly. And I'm glad. Yet it should be that way here on earth, as well. We should be seeking God out continually, giving Him all honor and glory. 'And earth has nothing nothing I desire besides you.' If we were truly focused on God and wanting to seek nothing but Him, I think we would realize all the more that this earth truly does not hold anything greater. There is nothing comparable to God, granted, but I honestly think that we do desire things other than God more than we should. This is because we already 'have' God. We say that we know Him, love Him, and serve Him. So that must obviously mean that we do not need to seek Him; we do not need to desire Him. Thus we may then desire other things: a loving spouse, a good job, a nice home, happiness, etc. Now, I'm not saying that it is bad to desire these things. On the contrary, they are good compared to desiring things such as power and wealth. No matter - we should always desire God above all else... because it is God who is able to grant our desires. Our Lord God is everything. Without Him, we are nothing. Desire Him.
April 19, 2009
Ch. 401 - Typical, but True
'A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.'
[Proverb 29:23]
I am prideful.
But I don't consider it to be one of my greater weaknesses.
Even so.
It's something to work on.
I had something else I wanted to talk about, but I'm tired and don't feel like taking the time to actually write about what's been on my mind and heart.
Tomorrow.
[Proverb 29:23]
I am prideful.
But I don't consider it to be one of my greater weaknesses.
Even so.
It's something to work on.
I had something else I wanted to talk about, but I'm tired and don't feel like taking the time to actually write about what's been on my mind and heart.
Tomorrow.
April 18, 2009
Ch. 400 - Would You?
'You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'
[Romans 5:6-8]
[Romans 5:6-8]
April 17, 2009
Ch. 399 - An Honest Love
'Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.'
[1 John 4:11-12]
All this year, I've thought, "I am not growing. I am not supposed to be here. I should have stayed in Utah. I am not becoming closer to God. People here do not care. They're not focused."
I have been lying to myself.
I am growing.
I am supposed to be here.
I am becoming closer to God.
I have been judgmental.
People here do care.
They are focused.
Granted, this cannot be said true for everybody. But I have come across more people that it can be said true for than I thought I would over the months. And while it's taken me awhile to find those people, I have done so and am incredibly thankful for God placing those people in my life. I know there are numerous others here at Central Christian College of the Bible who love God and are actively seeking Him every day of their lives, just as I attempt to. I say 'attempt' because there are days when I am an absolute failure. That is okay. I am able to say it is okay because I know that while I may not always pursue God, I know He is pursuing me at all times.
For this, I praise God for His infinite, unconditional love!
Another reason I praise God for His love is because I have been given the gift of love from Him, so that I may love others. And although I am trying to use this gift to its fullest extent, I oftentimes fail at doing this. Fortunately, it's a love that is never-ending. I can love, and love, and love, and love some more. Now, here's the thing. I love people. It's simple. I love people. But actively sharing this love with people is difficult. I don't always know what love looks like to people. I don't know how they best feel loved. Or how easily they accept love. I am glad that loving God is easy. I know that no matter what, He will accept my love. But I am not commanded to love only God. And challenges that are presented to me when I try to share my love with others only makes my love stronger. Yet I don't want to force it on anyone. As much as I'd like to do so at times, it's ultimately up to them to accept that love that I extend. They can take as long as they'd like. I'm not going to reach out to them and then withdraw or suddenly turn my back. It will always be there for the taking.
' "This is my command: Love each other." '
[John 15:17]
Not only do I have this deep love for people, but I also have a profound interest in the people around me. Some might say that being interested in people and loving them are one and the same, but I disagree. You can love everyone, but not be truly interested in them... just as you can be truly interested in everyone, but not love them. But over time I have realized what a fascination I have with people. I can only imagine how strange or even creepy that may sound, but I know that everybody has a story. And I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoys a good story. I like to learn about people. I like to learn where they are in life, what they are about, what their relationship with God looks like, and what I can do for them in both the present and future.
I was thinking today and realized what I have just stated is exactly what I want throughout the rest of my life.
I want to talk with people and learn about them.
I want to hear their stories.
I want to simply listen.
I want to love people.
Above all, I want to let people know of God's love.
I want to let them know of God's Sacrifice.
I want to let them know of God's Son.
I want to let them know of God's Grace.
Peace.
Mercy.
Justice.
Salvation.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.'
[1 Peter 1:22]
......
Ch. 399, Part Two:
I have more love than I know what to do with.
Most times I don't know where to begin or who to go to.
Which is why most people don't know about this extreme love that I do have.
So help me.
Please.
Accept some of my love.
Tell me what you want.
Tell me what you need.
I don't want anything in return.
All that I could ever hope for is the acknowledgment that you know and feel my love in truth and through my actions.
[1 John 4:11-12]
All this year, I've thought, "I am not growing. I am not supposed to be here. I should have stayed in Utah. I am not becoming closer to God. People here do not care. They're not focused."
I have been lying to myself.
I am growing.
I am supposed to be here.
I am becoming closer to God.
I have been judgmental.
People here do care.
They are focused.
Granted, this cannot be said true for everybody. But I have come across more people that it can be said true for than I thought I would over the months. And while it's taken me awhile to find those people, I have done so and am incredibly thankful for God placing those people in my life. I know there are numerous others here at Central Christian College of the Bible who love God and are actively seeking Him every day of their lives, just as I attempt to. I say 'attempt' because there are days when I am an absolute failure. That is okay. I am able to say it is okay because I know that while I may not always pursue God, I know He is pursuing me at all times.
For this, I praise God for His infinite, unconditional love!
Another reason I praise God for His love is because I have been given the gift of love from Him, so that I may love others. And although I am trying to use this gift to its fullest extent, I oftentimes fail at doing this. Fortunately, it's a love that is never-ending. I can love, and love, and love, and love some more. Now, here's the thing. I love people. It's simple. I love people. But actively sharing this love with people is difficult. I don't always know what love looks like to people. I don't know how they best feel loved. Or how easily they accept love. I am glad that loving God is easy. I know that no matter what, He will accept my love. But I am not commanded to love only God. And challenges that are presented to me when I try to share my love with others only makes my love stronger. Yet I don't want to force it on anyone. As much as I'd like to do so at times, it's ultimately up to them to accept that love that I extend. They can take as long as they'd like. I'm not going to reach out to them and then withdraw or suddenly turn my back. It will always be there for the taking.
' "This is my command: Love each other." '
[John 15:17]
Not only do I have this deep love for people, but I also have a profound interest in the people around me. Some might say that being interested in people and loving them are one and the same, but I disagree. You can love everyone, but not be truly interested in them... just as you can be truly interested in everyone, but not love them. But over time I have realized what a fascination I have with people. I can only imagine how strange or even creepy that may sound, but I know that everybody has a story. And I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoys a good story. I like to learn about people. I like to learn where they are in life, what they are about, what their relationship with God looks like, and what I can do for them in both the present and future.
I was thinking today and realized what I have just stated is exactly what I want throughout the rest of my life.
I want to talk with people and learn about them.
I want to hear their stories.
I want to simply listen.
I want to love people.
Above all, I want to let people know of God's love.
I want to let them know of God's Sacrifice.
I want to let them know of God's Son.
I want to let them know of God's Grace.
Peace.
Mercy.
Justice.
Salvation.
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.'
[1 Peter 1:22]
......
Ch. 399, Part Two:
I have more love than I know what to do with.
Most times I don't know where to begin or who to go to.
Which is why most people don't know about this extreme love that I do have.
So help me.
Please.
Accept some of my love.
Tell me what you want.
Tell me what you need.
I don't want anything in return.
All that I could ever hope for is the acknowledgment that you know and feel my love in truth and through my actions.
April 16, 2009
Ch. 398 - Developments
I have a voice.
But I don't have opportunities to let it be heard.
I like to listen.
But that's all I do.
I can lead.
I can respond.
Give feedback.
Give love.
Let me.
'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!" '
[Matthew 25:20-21]
But I don't have opportunities to let it be heard.
I like to listen.
But that's all I do.
I can lead.
I can respond.
Give feedback.
Give love.
Let me.
'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!" '
[Matthew 25:20-21]
April 15, 2009
Ch. 397 - Taking Advantage
God's redeeming love continues to work in our lives, even throughout the most difficult of times. He meets us where we are, always. He is able to make something good and meaningful out of tragedy - it just may take some time for us to realize what, exactly, those good and meaningful things are. We shouldn't focus on the negative things and miss God's blessings and new life that He pours out constantly.
'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.'
[Ephesians 1:3]
'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.'
[Ephesians 1:3]
April 14, 2009
Ch. 396 - Affirming Righteousness
Satan cannot touch us.
That's not to say that he doesn't deserve a good kick in the booty now and then.
Seriously, though.
Who does he think he is?
Doesn't he realize that all of his attempts at division and contempt and dissonance within the body of Christ simply makes it stronger over time?
You would think that he'd learn his lesson after each and every one of his failures. What a loser.
'When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.'
[Proverbs 10:19]
That's not to say that he doesn't deserve a good kick in the booty now and then.
Seriously, though.
Who does he think he is?
Doesn't he realize that all of his attempts at division and contempt and dissonance within the body of Christ simply makes it stronger over time?
You would think that he'd learn his lesson after each and every one of his failures. What a loser.
'When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.'
[Proverbs 10:19]
April 13, 2009
Ch. 395 - Whoaaa
Sometimes I become so excited about things I'm passionate for that I often get in over my head. I need to slow down, take a step back, and just let God work things out. Because He will.
'Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.'
[Psalm 145:13]
He is in control.
'Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.'
[Psalm 145:13]
He is in control.
April 12, 2009
Ch. 394 - I Believe
'Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)'
[John 20:6-9)
[John 20:6-9)
April 11, 2009
Ch. 393 - Putting on Righteousness
'But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:8]
[1 Thessalonians 5:8]
April 10, 2009
Ch. 392 - Our King
'They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.'
[Matthew 27:28-31]
This is a well-known part of the Passion of Christ. I mean, it seems as if men and women, old and young, of many faiths - not just Christianity - have heard, recognize, or believe that Jesus Christ suffered and was mocked... and that He was clothed with a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns on His head. He was called "King of the Jews" by the Roman soldiers.
This is not a new story to me. Not only do I hear it a few times during the Easter season, I also read it in my regular Bible readings. Usually when I have read a passage of the Bible many times, I find that something different stands out to me each time. The above verses were definitely what has stood out to me the most during this Holy Week. I really think that God is working on me in regards to justice. As it seems to be coming up more and more, I think and pray about justice more than I ever have before.
What happened to Jesus was not fair.
He was wrongly hated.
He was wrongly accused.
He was wrongly tortured.
He was wrongly mocked.
[Note: Galatians 6:7 says, 'God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.' Those soldiers have it coming.]
But He was rightly crucified.
Think about that.
The only reason I believe I can say this is because He knew what He was sent by His Father to do. He knew it would happen. He knew it had to happen. That technically doesn't make it any more "right" in our eyes, because He is our Lord God. He is our Lamb. He is our King.
But as Jesus Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." [John 10:13]
[Matthew 27:28-31]
This is a well-known part of the Passion of Christ. I mean, it seems as if men and women, old and young, of many faiths - not just Christianity - have heard, recognize, or believe that Jesus Christ suffered and was mocked... and that He was clothed with a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns on His head. He was called "King of the Jews" by the Roman soldiers.
This is not a new story to me. Not only do I hear it a few times during the Easter season, I also read it in my regular Bible readings. Usually when I have read a passage of the Bible many times, I find that something different stands out to me each time. The above verses were definitely what has stood out to me the most during this Holy Week. I really think that God is working on me in regards to justice. As it seems to be coming up more and more, I think and pray about justice more than I ever have before.
What happened to Jesus was not fair.
He was wrongly hated.
He was wrongly accused.
He was wrongly tortured.
He was wrongly mocked.
[Note: Galatians 6:7 says, 'God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.' Those soldiers have it coming.]
But He was rightly crucified.
Think about that.
The only reason I believe I can say this is because He knew what He was sent by His Father to do. He knew it would happen. He knew it had to happen. That technically doesn't make it any more "right" in our eyes, because He is our Lord God. He is our Lamb. He is our King.
But as Jesus Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." [John 10:13]
April 9, 2009
Ch. 391 - His Love is Constant
'You can’t hurry love.
No, you just have to wait.'
These are lines from Diana Ross’ song, You Can’t Hurry Love.
I heard it at a restaurant where I was eating dinner with my grandparents and my cousin, Christopher, after attending a Maundy Thursday service at my grandparents’ church. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this song throughout my life. I like it a lot, it’s pretty catchy and I like Diana Ross’ voice. It’s one of those songs of which the lyrics are simple and repetitive, but sweet. It’s one of those songs that easily becomes stuck in your head… and it’s one of those songs that really just won’t ever get old. It’s a classic, in a sense. Anyway, for whatever reason, the two lines I wrote above really stuck out to me. The first time I heard them tonight, I thought, ‘That’s not true.’ In the sense that Ross meant it, it is true, yes. But what I thought of first was God’s love. His love is constant. It can't be waited for. It can’t even be instantaneous – for anyone – because He has always loved and always will. It may take some waiting on His end for us to love Him, but that’s only because we’re foolish humans who can’t even comprehend what true love is.
I’m so thankful for that love which is mine.
It’s a love that I don’t have to hurry because I will have it for all time.
It’s a love that I don’t have to wait for.
Praise God for His love.
' "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." '
[John 17:26]
No, you just have to wait.'
These are lines from Diana Ross’ song, You Can’t Hurry Love.
I heard it at a restaurant where I was eating dinner with my grandparents and my cousin, Christopher, after attending a Maundy Thursday service at my grandparents’ church. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this song throughout my life. I like it a lot, it’s pretty catchy and I like Diana Ross’ voice. It’s one of those songs of which the lyrics are simple and repetitive, but sweet. It’s one of those songs that easily becomes stuck in your head… and it’s one of those songs that really just won’t ever get old. It’s a classic, in a sense. Anyway, for whatever reason, the two lines I wrote above really stuck out to me. The first time I heard them tonight, I thought, ‘That’s not true.’ In the sense that Ross meant it, it is true, yes. But what I thought of first was God’s love. His love is constant. It can't be waited for. It can’t even be instantaneous – for anyone – because He has always loved and always will. It may take some waiting on His end for us to love Him, but that’s only because we’re foolish humans who can’t even comprehend what true love is.
I’m so thankful for that love which is mine.
It’s a love that I don’t have to hurry because I will have it for all time.
It’s a love that I don’t have to wait for.
Praise God for His love.
' "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." '
[John 17:26]
April 8, 2009
Ch. 390 - God is Power
'At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" '
[Daniel 4:34-35]
[Daniel 4:34-35]
April 7, 2009
Ch. 389 - Emotional Acting
Mankind in America.
We are taught to use emotion to the best of our abilities - especially to get what we want. Think of something that America's known for...
Media.
Movies.
Acting.
Through this medium of "art" we see an exaggeration of emotion and the outcomes of those exaggerations. Why do we often exaggerate? To be noticed. To get attention. Even to embarrass others or guilt people into helping us.
Guilt people into helping us?
"Aye, there's the rub."
If we think we know what reactions we need certain people to have...
'I need to make this person laugh so they'll want to help me.'
'I need to make this person sad so they'll want to help me.'
... then we're going to do whatever it takes to get the outcome we want. The thing is, we go so far as to think that we have to get God to "see" us in a certain way to help us. We think that by acting a certain way we can guilt Him into helping us.
'Oh, if I weep and cry out to God, He'll be completely willing to help me! He'll see what distress I'm in and feel sorry for me and want to make everything all better. And so then I'll take whatever little bit I get and think of it as a huge sign from God that He's heard me!'
Great.
But God doesn't help us based on our acting ability.
He doesn't take into account the number of tears we cry or how far our sobbing voices resound.
He looks at our hearts.
Selfish desires get you nowhere.
Don't let emotions continually get in your way of living a life that is obedient to the true will of God. Discerning what it is that He wants of you may take longer than you'd like, but that should not matter.
'It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.'
[Psalm 18:32-36]
We are taught to use emotion to the best of our abilities - especially to get what we want. Think of something that America's known for...
Media.
Movies.
Acting.
Through this medium of "art" we see an exaggeration of emotion and the outcomes of those exaggerations. Why do we often exaggerate? To be noticed. To get attention. Even to embarrass others or guilt people into helping us.
Guilt people into helping us?
"Aye, there's the rub."
If we think we know what reactions we need certain people to have...
'I need to make this person laugh so they'll want to help me.'
'I need to make this person sad so they'll want to help me.'
... then we're going to do whatever it takes to get the outcome we want. The thing is, we go so far as to think that we have to get God to "see" us in a certain way to help us. We think that by acting a certain way we can guilt Him into helping us.
'Oh, if I weep and cry out to God, He'll be completely willing to help me! He'll see what distress I'm in and feel sorry for me and want to make everything all better. And so then I'll take whatever little bit I get and think of it as a huge sign from God that He's heard me!'
Great.
But God doesn't help us based on our acting ability.
He doesn't take into account the number of tears we cry or how far our sobbing voices resound.
He looks at our hearts.
Selfish desires get you nowhere.
Don't let emotions continually get in your way of living a life that is obedient to the true will of God. Discerning what it is that He wants of you may take longer than you'd like, but that should not matter.
'It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.'
[Psalm 18:32-36]
April 6, 2009
Ch. 388 - Praise of His Glory
So I'm pretty sure I was supposed to go to China for Central Christian College of the Bible's Outreach Week.
Actually, I'm very sure.
But there can't be anything done about that now.
And that's okay.
It truly is.
"There's no use crying over spilled milk!"
Even if it's chocolate milk. Which is, apparently, what I'm comparing China to... ? I must be really tired.
Anyway. Tonight I was talking to a good friend about the whole situation and this is something he said:
"I understand the hurt over the wrong decision or missed opportunity, but the past is the past. Don't dwell on it too much and get yourself down, learn from it. Maybe this was a small failure so that you would be ready to make a much bigger decision in the future and follow through with it."
Follow through.
This is really important to me.
I think I know what I'm going to ask God to teach me next.
'In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.'
[Ephesians 1:11-12]
Actually, I'm very sure.
But there can't be anything done about that now.
And that's okay.
It truly is.
"There's no use crying over spilled milk!"
Even if it's chocolate milk. Which is, apparently, what I'm comparing China to... ? I must be really tired.
Anyway. Tonight I was talking to a good friend about the whole situation and this is something he said:
"I understand the hurt over the wrong decision or missed opportunity, but the past is the past. Don't dwell on it too much and get yourself down, learn from it. Maybe this was a small failure so that you would be ready to make a much bigger decision in the future and follow through with it."
Follow through.
This is really important to me.
I think I know what I'm going to ask God to teach me next.
'In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.'
[Ephesians 1:11-12]
April 5, 2009
Ch. 387 - An Evaluation
'Lord, who may dwell in your
sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against
the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.'
[Psalm 15]
In David's eyes, would you be allowed to dwell in the Lord's sanctuary?
I wouldn't.
sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against
the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.'
[Psalm 15]
In David's eyes, would you be allowed to dwell in the Lord's sanctuary?
I wouldn't.
April 4, 2009
Ch. 386 - Let Go, Already!
Wordly desires are pointless.
Just a reminder.
'The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.'
[1 John 2:17]
Just a reminder.
'The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.'
[1 John 2:17]
April 3, 2009
Ch. 385 - My Shelter
I love thinking of God as my shelter. I feel safe and secure in Him.
'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." '
[Psalm 91:1-2]
'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." '
[Psalm 91:1-2]
April 2, 2009
Ch. 384 - God Holds My Life
In Ch. 378 I said, "My life does not matter."
Last night I was playing a game with a few friends and I was joking around with one of them. We were going back and forth, you know, 'You're lame,' "Your face is lame," 'Your mom is lame!' etc. That wasn't the exact exchange; I don't even remember what was said except for his last comment: "Your life doesn't matter."
I replied, "You're right. It doesn't."
The exchange ended there and everybody continued to laugh and joke and have a good time. It was just interesting how that came out and made me sort of stop and think.
'If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.'
[Galatians 6:3]
Last night I was playing a game with a few friends and I was joking around with one of them. We were going back and forth, you know, 'You're lame,' "Your face is lame," 'Your mom is lame!' etc. That wasn't the exact exchange; I don't even remember what was said except for his last comment: "Your life doesn't matter."
I replied, "You're right. It doesn't."
The exchange ended there and everybody continued to laugh and joke and have a good time. It was just interesting how that came out and made me sort of stop and think.
'If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.'
[Galatians 6:3]
April 1, 2009
Ch. 383 - Fear
' "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." '
[Luke 12:4-5]
'Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.'
[Proverb 31:30]
Do I fear Him by loving Him?
Do I love Him by fearing Him?
[Luke 12:4-5]
'Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.'
[Proverb 31:30]
Do I fear Him by loving Him?
Do I love Him by fearing Him?
March 31, 2009
Ch. 382 - Possession and Desire
'What a man desires is unfailing love;'
[Proverb 19:22a]
Truth.
And I have it.
But I want more.
[Proverb 19:22a]
Truth.
And I have it.
But I want more.
March 30, 2009
Ch. 381 - Godly Sorrow
'Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while - yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.'
[2 Corinthians 7:8-11]
[2 Corinthians 7:8-11]
March 29, 2009
Ch. 380 - Open the Door!
'Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.'
[Revelation 3:20]
What a wondrous thought.
[Revelation 3:20]
What a wondrous thought.
March 28, 2009
Ch. 379 - Belief
' "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him..." '
[John 11:48]
' "... Look how the whole world has gone after him!" '
[John 12:19]
The Pharisees were right about a couple of things, that's for sure. Or at least made some pretty acute observations.
[John 11:48]
' "... Look how the whole world has gone after him!" '
[John 12:19]
The Pharisees were right about a couple of things, that's for sure. Or at least made some pretty acute observations.
March 27, 2009
Ch. 378 - More than Willing
I am willing to go.
Am I ready?
No.
But I am willing.
My life does not matter.
It does not matter.
I know God.
I love God.
God knows me.
God loves me.
And I am glad.
But there are multitudes of people who do not know God. Who do not know of His love, or His Son. They know of this life, and that's it. Perhaps all they know is hatred. Or persecution. Or anger. Or hurt.
That is not right.
That is not how God intended for it to be.
And these people are dying and going to hell.
Maybe they're searching for something more.
For something that can take away hatred and hurt.
For something that can save them.
But they can't find it.
They don't know what that "something" is.
I have love for people I don't even know. My heart breaks for these people. So I can't even begin to imagine how God must feel. After all, they were created by Him.
How much longer can I stand to not be an active messenger of the Good News?
'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.'
[2 Peter 3:9]
Am I ready?
No.
But I am willing.
My life does not matter.
It does not matter.
I know God.
I love God.
God knows me.
God loves me.
And I am glad.
But there are multitudes of people who do not know God. Who do not know of His love, or His Son. They know of this life, and that's it. Perhaps all they know is hatred. Or persecution. Or anger. Or hurt.
That is not right.
That is not how God intended for it to be.
And these people are dying and going to hell.
Maybe they're searching for something more.
For something that can take away hatred and hurt.
For something that can save them.
But they can't find it.
They don't know what that "something" is.
I have love for people I don't even know. My heart breaks for these people. So I can't even begin to imagine how God must feel. After all, they were created by Him.
How much longer can I stand to not be an active messenger of the Good News?
'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.'
[2 Peter 3:9]
March 26, 2009
Ch. 377 - In the End
The following is an excerpt of a story in a book I am reading titled Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. Dr. Remen explains that she was invited to give a talk about her work with cancer patients to a group of women physicians. The women discuss how they find it difficult to care for dying patients. Dr. Remen then remarks that it became clearer that they were more uncomfortable caring for the patients as doctors than as women.
'As women, we knew there was something simple and natural in just being there, together. Slowly some insights emerged. Women have always been present at these times, at death and birth and in many of the other transitions in life. Women have gathered at the transitions, as comforters and companions, as witnesses, to mark the importance of the moment.
One of the physicians talked about caring for her dying mother when she was nineteen years old. She had expected a great deal less of herself then. At first she had driven her mother to her doctor's appointments, shopped for food, and run errands. As her mother grew weaker, she had prepared tempting meals and cleaned the house. When her mother stopped eating, she had listened to her and read to her for hours. When her mother slipped into a coma, she had changed her sheets, bathed her, and rubbed her back with lotion. There always seemed something more to do. A way to care. These ways became simpler and simpler. "In the end," she told us, "I just held her and sang." '
......
Beautiful.
......
First of all, I'd like to mention that I, myself, am nineteen years old. This was a very difficult passage to read. But it was good for me. I think it illustrates the idea of God being a comforter and companion and witness really well. He is with us throughout our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not. He is there through the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the ease. He knows us and loves us, much like a mother knows and loves her daughter - or a daughter knows and loves her mother. Our God is with us until the very end of our lives. During those last months, weeks, and days, we may not ask much of Him - especially if death is unexpected and sudden - but He is willing to do more than we could ever ask for (after all, He sent us His Son to die for us on a cross, right?). But you know, it's actually quite easy to imagine myself as the mother in the passage... and God as the daughter. I mean, God takes care of me. He really would do anything for me. He would set things in order. Make me comfortable. Simply help. And when it was time to go, He'd take me in His arms, much like one would a child, and sing to me. God. After all my years of singing to Him... He would sing to me. God. The true Comforter. God. The true Companion. God. The true Witness.
'May my cry come before you,
O Lord;
give me understanding according to
your word.
May my supplication come before
you;
deliver me according to your
promise.
May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are
righteous.
May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your
commands.'
[Psalm 119:169-176]
'As women, we knew there was something simple and natural in just being there, together. Slowly some insights emerged. Women have always been present at these times, at death and birth and in many of the other transitions in life. Women have gathered at the transitions, as comforters and companions, as witnesses, to mark the importance of the moment.
One of the physicians talked about caring for her dying mother when she was nineteen years old. She had expected a great deal less of herself then. At first she had driven her mother to her doctor's appointments, shopped for food, and run errands. As her mother grew weaker, she had prepared tempting meals and cleaned the house. When her mother stopped eating, she had listened to her and read to her for hours. When her mother slipped into a coma, she had changed her sheets, bathed her, and rubbed her back with lotion. There always seemed something more to do. A way to care. These ways became simpler and simpler. "In the end," she told us, "I just held her and sang." '
......
Beautiful.
......
First of all, I'd like to mention that I, myself, am nineteen years old. This was a very difficult passage to read. But it was good for me. I think it illustrates the idea of God being a comforter and companion and witness really well. He is with us throughout our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not. He is there through the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the ease. He knows us and loves us, much like a mother knows and loves her daughter - or a daughter knows and loves her mother. Our God is with us until the very end of our lives. During those last months, weeks, and days, we may not ask much of Him - especially if death is unexpected and sudden - but He is willing to do more than we could ever ask for (after all, He sent us His Son to die for us on a cross, right?). But you know, it's actually quite easy to imagine myself as the mother in the passage... and God as the daughter. I mean, God takes care of me. He really would do anything for me. He would set things in order. Make me comfortable. Simply help. And when it was time to go, He'd take me in His arms, much like one would a child, and sing to me. God. After all my years of singing to Him... He would sing to me. God. The true Comforter. God. The true Companion. God. The true Witness.
'May my cry come before you,
O Lord;
give me understanding according to
your word.
May my supplication come before
you;
deliver me according to your
promise.
May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are
righteous.
May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your
commands.'
[Psalm 119:169-176]
March 25, 2009
Ch. 376 - Relying on God
A bit of conflict now and then is not always a bad thing.
It makes you realize what is truly important in life.
And for me, that's God.
Even though I feel like I've been getting closer to Him and things are going really well, I think God knew I needed that extra push. So He gave it to me... by taking something away.
And I'm glad.
It hurts.
... But it's okay.
'Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.'
[Psalm 32:10-11]
It makes you realize what is truly important in life.
And for me, that's God.
Even though I feel like I've been getting closer to Him and things are going really well, I think God knew I needed that extra push. So He gave it to me... by taking something away.
And I'm glad.
It hurts.
... But it's okay.
'Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.'
[Psalm 32:10-11]
March 24, 2009
Ch. 375 - The Game
A friend of mine is starting a game tomorrow. The game will not end at the end of the day, week, or month. It will not end for quite some time. It is a simple game, with basically no rules. It is played via text messaging; it is a 'quiz' game. It is a game of relatively few words and basically no action - until we put the game to use and apply it to our lives.
You see, one person texts another a verse from the Bible, or half a verse. It is then up to the receiver to respond by saying where in the Bible the verse is, or the second part of the verse. We're not to use a Bible to look up the verse. You can have a couple guesses. But if, in the end, we don't know it, then we don't know it - and so we tell the initial sender that we give up. They will then proceed to let us know what the 'answer' is.
I'm really excited to start this. I think that we will often find that the verses which are sent will be verses that will truly help us throughout the day. They will be verses that we are needing to hear. I mean, we could all use a little encouragement throughout the day, right? I think God will really be able to work through this game. And it will be really beneficial, hopefully, in getting Scriptures into our minds and hearts continually. We should be doing our best to know God's word inside and out. This is one more way to let it be so.
'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
[2 Timothy 3:16-17]
You see, one person texts another a verse from the Bible, or half a verse. It is then up to the receiver to respond by saying where in the Bible the verse is, or the second part of the verse. We're not to use a Bible to look up the verse. You can have a couple guesses. But if, in the end, we don't know it, then we don't know it - and so we tell the initial sender that we give up. They will then proceed to let us know what the 'answer' is.
I'm really excited to start this. I think that we will often find that the verses which are sent will be verses that will truly help us throughout the day. They will be verses that we are needing to hear. I mean, we could all use a little encouragement throughout the day, right? I think God will really be able to work through this game. And it will be really beneficial, hopefully, in getting Scriptures into our minds and hearts continually. We should be doing our best to know God's word inside and out. This is one more way to let it be so.
'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
[2 Timothy 3:16-17]
March 23, 2009
Ch. 374 - Is There No One?
'The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.'
[Psalm 14:2]
Question:
Is He disappointed?
[Psalm 14:2]
Question:
Is He disappointed?
March 22, 2009
Ch. 373 - Tough Love
How do you confront someone with an addiction?
I don't know. I've never had to. Never needed to.
At least this isn't an addiction to substances.
But addiction is addiction.
Honestly, though... how do I go about this? It should be laid out on the table. In Christ's love, it truly needs to be dealt with, before the problem gets worse. He's upset. He doesn't know what to do. None of us do.
Responsibility.
Whose is it?
What does it entail?
Practicality.
How do you learn it?
Or, how do you teach it?
Necessity.
Where do you draw the line?
Who decides what it is?
Not everything can be spoon-fed to us. Some things in life need to be learned the hard way. This may be one of them. God may be the only one Who can truly see us over our obstacles and uphold us in His hands, but I like to think that we can help our brothers and sisters through their trials by continuing to love and encourage them.
'My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.'
[Proverbs 3:11-12]
I don't know. I've never had to. Never needed to.
At least this isn't an addiction to substances.
But addiction is addiction.
Honestly, though... how do I go about this? It should be laid out on the table. In Christ's love, it truly needs to be dealt with, before the problem gets worse. He's upset. He doesn't know what to do. None of us do.
Responsibility.
Whose is it?
What does it entail?
Practicality.
How do you learn it?
Or, how do you teach it?
Necessity.
Where do you draw the line?
Who decides what it is?
Not everything can be spoon-fed to us. Some things in life need to be learned the hard way. This may be one of them. God may be the only one Who can truly see us over our obstacles and uphold us in His hands, but I like to think that we can help our brothers and sisters through their trials by continuing to love and encourage them.
'My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.'
[Proverbs 3:11-12]
March 21, 2009
Ch. 372 - Justice for All?
Something my mom said to me a couple weeks ago has really been making me think. It's one of those things that I wouldn't have noticed or been able to tell you until it was pointed out to me. Apparently, I've always been one for justice. Equality. I like people to be treated fairly. Righteously.
We are all the same in God's eyes; no one is better than another. My sins are no less than that of the murderer, rapist, or thief. But when it comes to treating people like they are sub-human based on their intelligence, gender, home life background, what they say, what they do, their level of so-called "normality", etc... I can become pretty upset. When someone is singled out - especially when they aren't even aware that it is happening - in a mean or unjust manner, something inside me just wells up and I feel either immensely sad or infuriated. I want to stand up and scream, you know? Or at the very least say something to the perpetrator... but I rarely have the courage to say anything. It's when the Holy Spirit encourages me that I dare do anything. But even then, what good are my words? What can I do to help? I feel as if I am powerless. There are so many people in this world who are attacked on a daily basis.
It happens in the United States of America.
It happens in Missouri.
It happens in Moberly.
It even happens in classrooms at Central Christian College of the Bible.
People are not good enough.
People are stupid.
People are nuisances.
People are worthless.
People are not loved.
They are lied to every day.
And that is not right.
That is not fair.
'But let justice roll down like waters
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'
[Amos 5:24, NASB]
We are all the same in God's eyes; no one is better than another. My sins are no less than that of the murderer, rapist, or thief. But when it comes to treating people like they are sub-human based on their intelligence, gender, home life background, what they say, what they do, their level of so-called "normality", etc... I can become pretty upset. When someone is singled out - especially when they aren't even aware that it is happening - in a mean or unjust manner, something inside me just wells up and I feel either immensely sad or infuriated. I want to stand up and scream, you know? Or at the very least say something to the perpetrator... but I rarely have the courage to say anything. It's when the Holy Spirit encourages me that I dare do anything. But even then, what good are my words? What can I do to help? I feel as if I am powerless. There are so many people in this world who are attacked on a daily basis.
It happens in the United States of America.
It happens in Missouri.
It happens in Moberly.
It even happens in classrooms at Central Christian College of the Bible.
People are not good enough.
People are stupid.
People are nuisances.
People are worthless.
People are not loved.
They are lied to every day.
And that is not right.
That is not fair.
'But let justice roll down like waters
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'
[Amos 5:24, NASB]
March 20, 2009
Ch. 371 - Appreciation
' "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.'
[Isaiah 40:1]
Isn't that just beautiful?
[Isaiah 40:1]
Isn't that just beautiful?
March 19, 2009
Ch. 370 - A Desire to Please
This was the devotional that I received today. It was really uplifting and a great reminder to simply live my life for God as the person He created me.
God Smiles When We Use Our Abilities
'After the flood, God gave Noah these simple instructions: "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:1,3 NIV)
God said, "It's time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed humans to do. Make love to your spouse. Have babies. Raise families. Plant crops and eat meals. This is what I made you to be!"
You may feel that the only time God is pleased with you is when you're doing "spiritual" activities like reading the Bible, attending church, praying, or sharing your faith, and that he is unconcerned about the other parts of your life. Actually, God enjoys watching everything you do, whether you are working, playing, resting, or eating. The Bible tells us, "The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives." (Psalm 37:23 NLT)
God especially enjoys watching you use the talents and abilities he has given you. God intentionally gifted each of us differently for his enjoyment. You may be gifted at mechanics or mathematics or music or a thousand other skills. All of these activities can bring a smile to God's face.
You don't bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only bring him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you. God says, "You have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter. The clay doesn't ask, 'Why did you make me this way?'" (Isaiah 45:9 CEV)
In the film Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure." Later he says, "To give up running would be to hold him in contempt." There are no unspiritual abilities, just misused ones. Start using yours for God's pleasure.
God also gains pleasure in watching you enjoy his creation. He gave you eyes to enjoy beauty, ears to enjoy sounds and music, your nose and taste buds to enjoy smells and tastes, and the nerves under your skin to enjoy touch. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank God for it. In fact, the Bible says, "God generously gives us everything for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17 TEV)
God even enjoys watching you sleep! When my children were small, I remember the deep satisfaction of watching them sleep. They looked contented, secure, and peaceful, and I was reminded of how much I loved them. When you are sleeping, God gazes at you with love, because you were his idea.
Parents do not require their children to be perfect, or even mature, in order to enjoy them. They enjoy them at every stage of development. In the same way, God doesn't wait for you to reach maturity before he starts liking you. He loves and enjoys you at every stage of your spiritual development.
You may have had unpleasable teachers or parents as you were growing up. Please don't assume God feels that way about you. He knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless (1 John 1:8).
What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: Is pleasing him your deepest desire? This was Paul's life goal: "More than anything else, however, we want to please him..." (2 Corinthians 5:9 TEV)
When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"
God is looking for people like Noah in the 21st century—people willing to live for the pleasure of God. The Bible says, "The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want to please God (Psalm 14:2 LB).
Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.'
God Smiles When We Use Our Abilities
'After the flood, God gave Noah these simple instructions: "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything." (Genesis 9:1,3 NIV)
God said, "It's time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed humans to do. Make love to your spouse. Have babies. Raise families. Plant crops and eat meals. This is what I made you to be!"
You may feel that the only time God is pleased with you is when you're doing "spiritual" activities like reading the Bible, attending church, praying, or sharing your faith, and that he is unconcerned about the other parts of your life. Actually, God enjoys watching everything you do, whether you are working, playing, resting, or eating. The Bible tells us, "The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives." (Psalm 37:23 NLT)
God especially enjoys watching you use the talents and abilities he has given you. God intentionally gifted each of us differently for his enjoyment. You may be gifted at mechanics or mathematics or music or a thousand other skills. All of these activities can bring a smile to God's face.
You don't bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only bring him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you. God says, "You have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter. The clay doesn't ask, 'Why did you make me this way?'" (Isaiah 45:9 CEV)
In the film Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure." Later he says, "To give up running would be to hold him in contempt." There are no unspiritual abilities, just misused ones. Start using yours for God's pleasure.
God also gains pleasure in watching you enjoy his creation. He gave you eyes to enjoy beauty, ears to enjoy sounds and music, your nose and taste buds to enjoy smells and tastes, and the nerves under your skin to enjoy touch. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank God for it. In fact, the Bible says, "God generously gives us everything for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17 TEV)
God even enjoys watching you sleep! When my children were small, I remember the deep satisfaction of watching them sleep. They looked contented, secure, and peaceful, and I was reminded of how much I loved them. When you are sleeping, God gazes at you with love, because you were his idea.
Parents do not require their children to be perfect, or even mature, in order to enjoy them. They enjoy them at every stage of development. In the same way, God doesn't wait for you to reach maturity before he starts liking you. He loves and enjoys you at every stage of your spiritual development.
You may have had unpleasable teachers or parents as you were growing up. Please don't assume God feels that way about you. He knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless (1 John 1:8).
What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: Is pleasing him your deepest desire? This was Paul's life goal: "More than anything else, however, we want to please him..." (2 Corinthians 5:9 TEV)
When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"
God is looking for people like Noah in the 21st century—people willing to live for the pleasure of God. The Bible says, "The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who are wise, who want to please God (Psalm 14:2 LB).
Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.'
March 18, 2009
Ch. 369 - God Help Us
'Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.'
[1 Thessalonians 5:15]
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
' "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " [Mark 12:31]
Honestly.
Come on, people.
We can do better...
[1 Thessalonians 5:15]
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
' "The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " [Mark 12:31]
Honestly.
Come on, people.
We can do better...
March 17, 2009
Ch. 368 - Equality in Love
'Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.'
[Philippians 2:1-2, NASB]
God exhorts us.
He counsels us in love.
God comes close to us.
He brings us help and cheer.
The Spirit dwells within us.
It brings us eternal life.
God reaches out to us.
He gives us affection and compassion.
Let our joy be like Paul's: connected to the unity of believers.
Let us think the same way.
Let us love others in the body of Christ equally.
Let us be in harmony.
Please, Lord God, let us give of ourselves sacrificial love.
[Philippians 2:1-2, NASB]
God exhorts us.
He counsels us in love.
God comes close to us.
He brings us help and cheer.
The Spirit dwells within us.
It brings us eternal life.
God reaches out to us.
He gives us affection and compassion.
Let our joy be like Paul's: connected to the unity of believers.
Let us think the same way.
Let us love others in the body of Christ equally.
Let us be in harmony.
Please, Lord God, let us give of ourselves sacrificial love.
March 16, 2009
Ch. 367 - Spring!
New life.
God has given us renewal with the coming of spring.
I love seeing shoots of green bursting through brown soil.
Definitely one of my favorite things to see.
Makes me smile.
' "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." '
[Song of Songs 2:11-13]
God has given us renewal with the coming of spring.
I love seeing shoots of green bursting through brown soil.
Definitely one of my favorite things to see.
Makes me smile.
' "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." '
[Song of Songs 2:11-13]
March 15, 2009
Ch. 366 - God Blessed
While in a park today, I sat down on a bench and just started talking to God. As I was doing so, I found myself thinking some things that I don't believe were really my thoughts. I hope that makes sense.
Anyway, I was thinking about the future and what God has in store for me. The most prevalent thought was something along the lines of, 'God won't make me do something that I don't love or have the heart for.' Seems like a "Well, duh!" kind of thing, but it honestly didn't click with me until that moment, you know?
I'm really excited to find out, over the years, what I'll be doing for Him. I have a general idea of what I'd like to do, but won't know for sure until... well... later. But God has made me into the person that I am, knowing full well what I will be doing. He has given me a certain personality, strengths, weaknesses, and talents all to equip me to serve Him in such a way that simply works. I will be just the person to do a certain job and that's comforting to know.
'But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.'
[Psalm 13:5-6]
Anyway, I was thinking about the future and what God has in store for me. The most prevalent thought was something along the lines of, 'God won't make me do something that I don't love or have the heart for.' Seems like a "Well, duh!" kind of thing, but it honestly didn't click with me until that moment, you know?
I'm really excited to find out, over the years, what I'll be doing for Him. I have a general idea of what I'd like to do, but won't know for sure until... well... later. But God has made me into the person that I am, knowing full well what I will be doing. He has given me a certain personality, strengths, weaknesses, and talents all to equip me to serve Him in such a way that simply works. I will be just the person to do a certain job and that's comforting to know.
'But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.'
[Psalm 13:5-6]
March 14, 2009
Ch. 365 - Peace in the Valley
I've been listening to Johnny Cash all day. He is the only 'country' singer I listen to, and I have my mom to thank for the fact that I listen to him. Two of my favorite songs of his are actually spiritual songs. I've listened to them each a number of times, more than I could ever recall, I'm sure. But today as I was listening to one of them [(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley, written by Thomas Dorsey] it for some reason made me think of Revelation 21:4.
Revelation 21:4 says, ' "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." '
The chorus of the song goes as follows:
'There will be peace in the valley for me, some day.
There will be peace in the valley for me, dear Lord I pray.
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow,
no trouble, I see.
There will be peace in the valley for me (for me).'
I love this, you know? It's just... reassuring. To think of the day when I will not only have complete peace, but also be with my Lord... I can't even begin to imagine what that day will be like.
Revelation 21:4 says, ' "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." '
The chorus of the song goes as follows:
'There will be peace in the valley for me, some day.
There will be peace in the valley for me, dear Lord I pray.
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow,
no trouble, I see.
There will be peace in the valley for me (for me).'
I love this, you know? It's just... reassuring. To think of the day when I will not only have complete peace, but also be with my Lord... I can't even begin to imagine what that day will be like.
March 13, 2009
Ch. 364 - Preparation
'For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'
[Ephesians 2:10]
When I read this, I get excited. I want God to open doors for me so that I can find out what the good works are that He has prepared for me to do.
Yet when I feel like He's not opening those doors, I wonder why.
I constantly pray for opportunities.
Opportunities to love.
Opportunities to serve.
Opportunities to challenge.
So when I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere, I feel... a bit letdown. A little discouraged, even.
I think we often hear that God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can handle [1 Corinthians 10:13]. But a friend reminded me a couple days ago that God will give you what you can handle... when you can handle it. Do what you know you need to do for now. God will take care of things from there. I think I'm still in a major growing phase and that I need to actually help myself before anyone else. As selfish as that sounds, I believe it's true. I need to better know who Christ is before I can help others know Him. That's a tough realization for someone like me, who doesn't like to focus on what I need and look inwards, then attempt to fulfill those needs. I like to think that I'm good. I know enough. I have enough. But that's so far from the truth that I can barely handle it. So I really do need to turn to God with an empty cup and ask Him to fill it. When I am so focused on Him that I don't realize my cup is overflowing, and He has to say, "Natalie, look!" ... that's when I'll be ready.
[Ephesians 2:10]
When I read this, I get excited. I want God to open doors for me so that I can find out what the good works are that He has prepared for me to do.
Yet when I feel like He's not opening those doors, I wonder why.
I constantly pray for opportunities.
Opportunities to love.
Opportunities to serve.
Opportunities to challenge.
So when I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere, I feel... a bit letdown. A little discouraged, even.
I think we often hear that God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can handle [1 Corinthians 10:13]. But a friend reminded me a couple days ago that God will give you what you can handle... when you can handle it. Do what you know you need to do for now. God will take care of things from there. I think I'm still in a major growing phase and that I need to actually help myself before anyone else. As selfish as that sounds, I believe it's true. I need to better know who Christ is before I can help others know Him. That's a tough realization for someone like me, who doesn't like to focus on what I need and look inwards, then attempt to fulfill those needs. I like to think that I'm good. I know enough. I have enough. But that's so far from the truth that I can barely handle it. So I really do need to turn to God with an empty cup and ask Him to fill it. When I am so focused on Him that I don't realize my cup is overflowing, and He has to say, "Natalie, look!" ... that's when I'll be ready.
March 12, 2009
Ch. 363 - Got Me Thinking
God has everything planned out for us.
He knows all that we will do before we do it...
or even think about doing it.
He knows that at a certain point in time, we're going to need something. Someone. An idea. A hug. An interpretation. An answer. So He sets it up for us ahead of time.
I wonder if God experiences déjà vu often...
So it shouldn't come as a surprise when, halfway through reading something, I stop to think, 'Wow... This is pretty sweet. Oh wait, hey! It's definitely a God thing... duh!'
As I mentioned a couple days ago, I started reading Ezekiel. Well, I finished it this evening. As alluded to, I was struck by something about halfway through the book. A phrase I kept reading over and over was something along the lines of "I am the Lord your God," (such as in Ezekiel 20:7) or "Then you will know that I am the Lord." (such as in Ezekiel 20:38)
I am the Lord.
I am the Lord.
I am the Lord your God.
I am the Lord your God.
Granted, whenever God told the prophet Ezekiel to say to Israel that He was their God, and that they would 'then' know He was their God, it was because He was about to bring upon them desolation and destruction... but still.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ezekiel.
There is a lot to take in throughout the book.
But I'm not going to lie: I definitely felt that all God wanted me to 'understand' from this was that He is the Lord. And that through good times and bad, I will see Him and know that He is the Lord my God.
And to be honest, that's good enough for me.
I couldn't help but be moved these repetitive phrases.
I needed that simplicity.
These words brought me peace. And comfort.
Relief, even.
God speaks.
Praise Him.
' " 'Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.' " '
[Ezekiel 34:30-31]
He knows all that we will do before we do it...
or even think about doing it.
He knows that at a certain point in time, we're going to need something. Someone. An idea. A hug. An interpretation. An answer. So He sets it up for us ahead of time.
I wonder if God experiences déjà vu often...
So it shouldn't come as a surprise when, halfway through reading something, I stop to think, 'Wow... This is pretty sweet. Oh wait, hey! It's definitely a God thing... duh!'
As I mentioned a couple days ago, I started reading Ezekiel. Well, I finished it this evening. As alluded to, I was struck by something about halfway through the book. A phrase I kept reading over and over was something along the lines of "I am the Lord your God," (such as in Ezekiel 20:7) or "Then you will know that I am the Lord." (such as in Ezekiel 20:38)
I am the Lord.
I am the Lord.
I am the Lord your God.
I am the Lord your God.
Granted, whenever God told the prophet Ezekiel to say to Israel that He was their God, and that they would 'then' know He was their God, it was because He was about to bring upon them desolation and destruction... but still.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ezekiel.
There is a lot to take in throughout the book.
But I'm not going to lie: I definitely felt that all God wanted me to 'understand' from this was that He is the Lord. And that through good times and bad, I will see Him and know that He is the Lord my God.
And to be honest, that's good enough for me.
I couldn't help but be moved these repetitive phrases.
I needed that simplicity.
These words brought me peace. And comfort.
Relief, even.
God speaks.
Praise Him.
' " 'Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.' " '
[Ezekiel 34:30-31]
March 11, 2009
Ch. 362 - Moving Forward
Alright. Here’s the update chapter I’ve been promising for awhile now…
Like I said in my last post, things are looking up. I’m feeling God’s joy again. I’m at peace with myself again. I honestly haven’t felt like this since a couple days before winter break.
So here are two thoughts [and all the goodies that go with those thoughts] that have been going through my mind the past few months. They have been the most prevalent in my mind and thus are what I will elaborate on.
I) Wow… I don’t know what the heck I want to do, after all. I originally wanted to transfer from Utah to [any] Bible college to learn more about God and the Bible. Decided I’d major in Youth Ministry. Well, that changed to Cross-Cultural Ministry before it was all said and done. I simply wanted to tell people around the world about Jesus. I wanted people to be saved. So I get to Central, right? And things are really great. I enjoy the classes, my coursework is interesting. Meet some pretty cool people. Really start to learn more about what my years at Central would look like. See the focus on East Asia, however, for missions. Huge turn-off. I kept thinking, ‘Psh. I don’t want to go to China. I have no interest whatsoever. I want to go to the Middle East, and that’s that.’ Over the past few weeks some light has been shone on the whole issue, and although my thoughts are technically the same, I have a more positive view of the missions department. But missions in general… do I really need a Cross-Cultural Ministry degree to do missions? No. So I start thinking about going back to Youth… I’d focus on Children’s Ministry. Yeah, sounds great. Okay, I really don’t want to work in a church and don’t know what else I’d do. Counseling is a simply out of the question. Biblical Research? Eeeyeah… about that… Preaching – yeah, well, not at this school… Anyway! My thoughts turn to education. I’ve always liked the idea of being a teacher; I’ve thought being a kindergarten or first-grade teacher would be really great. Exhausting. Challenging. Hectic. But great. And with education, I think I’d have a better chance of not boxing myself in. I could do missions overseas through education, which I think would be way neat. Or even teach here in the states, and then do missions in the summer. So that’s what I’m going to do.
II) Sooo I’m not really sure where You are, God. Yes, that’s right. Here at Bible college, I have felt so far from God these past few months that it’s basically ridiculous. I have no one to blame but myself. I wasn’t proactive whatsoever in extending my relationship with Him to new levels. I was very focused on schoolwork – which, in my opinion, is really a great thing… and I ended up doing incredibly well last semester. Yet that’s all that I focused on. Sure, I’d read my Bible for my own benefit [and not for class] now and then. But not enough. And I know I’ve mentioned that before. Now it seems that I’m simply realizing the absolute importance of doing so. I have to stay in God’s word. It is truth, knowledge, and a weapon. I will need it as all these things. If I want to be able to relate it to others in an effective manner, I can’t just know the gist of it. I need to know it through and through, especially for apologetics and in speaking with people who are of different faiths. I mean, the Bible is God’s word. Why wouldn’t I want to immerse myself in it? Beats me… Fortunately, I’ve really started to crack down and train myself to put more time aside for God. I need structure, but I’m the only one that’s going to be able to accomplish that. I don’t have an authoritative figure breathing down my neck saying, “Alright Natalie, time to read the Bible! Time to talk to God! Time to pray for people, time to reflect, time to meditate, time to sing praise!” I have to be disciplined. And I also have to strengthen the spiritual disciplines that are important to growth. No one said it would be easy. I think there are definitely growing pains in faith. But that’s good, because it means that you are, indeed, growing and maturing. I’m right there, I feel. I’m close. A friend once described it as having a strong desire… but a weak will. I think this describes my current situation pretty well. But I truly am working on strengthening my will.
I have a lot to work on in my life. I also have a bit of planning to do [in regards to my course of study]. I’m simply glad, however, that I am definitely just… well… feeling good again. It truly seemed like an overnight-type deal. I woke up a few days ago and I thought to myself, ‘Hm… something’s different. I don’t know what. But I like it!’
To be honest, I believe that I am learning more than I think I am here at school.
And I couldn’t be happier about that if I tried.
My life is for God.
That’s what matters.
So in all reality, I needn’t worry about ‘what the heck I want to do’ or “finding” God.
It’s not like He doesn’t have a plan for me...
It's not like He’s hiding from me...
' "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." '
[Acts 20:24]
Like I said in my last post, things are looking up. I’m feeling God’s joy again. I’m at peace with myself again. I honestly haven’t felt like this since a couple days before winter break.
So here are two thoughts [and all the goodies that go with those thoughts] that have been going through my mind the past few months. They have been the most prevalent in my mind and thus are what I will elaborate on.
I) Wow… I don’t know what the heck I want to do, after all. I originally wanted to transfer from Utah to [any] Bible college to learn more about God and the Bible. Decided I’d major in Youth Ministry. Well, that changed to Cross-Cultural Ministry before it was all said and done. I simply wanted to tell people around the world about Jesus. I wanted people to be saved. So I get to Central, right? And things are really great. I enjoy the classes, my coursework is interesting. Meet some pretty cool people. Really start to learn more about what my years at Central would look like. See the focus on East Asia, however, for missions. Huge turn-off. I kept thinking, ‘Psh. I don’t want to go to China. I have no interest whatsoever. I want to go to the Middle East, and that’s that.’ Over the past few weeks some light has been shone on the whole issue, and although my thoughts are technically the same, I have a more positive view of the missions department. But missions in general… do I really need a Cross-Cultural Ministry degree to do missions? No. So I start thinking about going back to Youth… I’d focus on Children’s Ministry. Yeah, sounds great. Okay, I really don’t want to work in a church and don’t know what else I’d do. Counseling is a simply out of the question. Biblical Research? Eeeyeah… about that… Preaching – yeah, well, not at this school… Anyway! My thoughts turn to education. I’ve always liked the idea of being a teacher; I’ve thought being a kindergarten or first-grade teacher would be really great. Exhausting. Challenging. Hectic. But great. And with education, I think I’d have a better chance of not boxing myself in. I could do missions overseas through education, which I think would be way neat. Or even teach here in the states, and then do missions in the summer. So that’s what I’m going to do.
II) Sooo I’m not really sure where You are, God. Yes, that’s right. Here at Bible college, I have felt so far from God these past few months that it’s basically ridiculous. I have no one to blame but myself. I wasn’t proactive whatsoever in extending my relationship with Him to new levels. I was very focused on schoolwork – which, in my opinion, is really a great thing… and I ended up doing incredibly well last semester. Yet that’s all that I focused on. Sure, I’d read my Bible for my own benefit [and not for class] now and then. But not enough. And I know I’ve mentioned that before. Now it seems that I’m simply realizing the absolute importance of doing so. I have to stay in God’s word. It is truth, knowledge, and a weapon. I will need it as all these things. If I want to be able to relate it to others in an effective manner, I can’t just know the gist of it. I need to know it through and through, especially for apologetics and in speaking with people who are of different faiths. I mean, the Bible is God’s word. Why wouldn’t I want to immerse myself in it? Beats me… Fortunately, I’ve really started to crack down and train myself to put more time aside for God. I need structure, but I’m the only one that’s going to be able to accomplish that. I don’t have an authoritative figure breathing down my neck saying, “Alright Natalie, time to read the Bible! Time to talk to God! Time to pray for people, time to reflect, time to meditate, time to sing praise!” I have to be disciplined. And I also have to strengthen the spiritual disciplines that are important to growth. No one said it would be easy. I think there are definitely growing pains in faith. But that’s good, because it means that you are, indeed, growing and maturing. I’m right there, I feel. I’m close. A friend once described it as having a strong desire… but a weak will. I think this describes my current situation pretty well. But I truly am working on strengthening my will.
I have a lot to work on in my life. I also have a bit of planning to do [in regards to my course of study]. I’m simply glad, however, that I am definitely just… well… feeling good again. It truly seemed like an overnight-type deal. I woke up a few days ago and I thought to myself, ‘Hm… something’s different. I don’t know what. But I like it!’
To be honest, I believe that I am learning more than I think I am here at school.
And I couldn’t be happier about that if I tried.
My life is for God.
That’s what matters.
So in all reality, I needn’t worry about ‘what the heck I want to do’ or “finding” God.
It’s not like He doesn’t have a plan for me...
It's not like He’s hiding from me...
' "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." '
[Acts 20:24]
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