From Philippians 2:1-4...
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
I was just thinking how this is the purpose of the blog...if we are united with Christ, we should not be bogged down in the sorrow of sin, but we should be shining as lights for Him and be encouraging to others! Someone spoke to me today about how rehashing my sin to others is not an encouragement, but is in fact discouraging and can even be a stumbling block.
So I want to renew my purpose for having this blog be an encouragement to one another--ya'll are admins, so feel free to edit or delete my posts if they are not glorifying to God! But girls, look at how much the verses say we have received--encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion...how can we not be filled with gratefulness and joy for what God is doing?? Let's purpose to seek Him wholeheartedly!!
Minor testimony, but still wanted to share it...I had an interview on Wednesday for an events planning training program, and one of the parts of the interview was to fill out a personality survey. On the survey, we had to rank ourselves 1-5 on various categories, then the interviewer asked about them. So, near the end, there were 2 categories of "how religious are you?" and "how politically liberal are you?". I ranked myself, then waited for the question on those. I had to pray though, because I could just imagine myself rationalizing, 'well, I put a 5 but really, if something falls on a Sunday, I could make an exception. And I'm not very politically liberal, but what does that mean anyway? If you have a gay wedding to do, I guess I would just quietly not do it. Not really a big deal.'--I tend to try to please people at any cost. So I prayed God would help me be bold and non-compromising and when she went over the categories, she said "Oh ok you're very religious and conservative. That's actually good to be on that side of the extreme" and kept going. Anyway, just a little praise for God preparing my heart to stand for Him.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bits from The Problem of Pain
I've been reading The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, and I wanted to share a few things with you from that:
Confession:
As we've been hearing, we must confess our sin. But when we confess, we tend to detach ourselves from the sin. I know I do: "Ok, now I've confessed, and everybody knows, and everybody's forgiven me--and guess what, a lot of other people have been doing it too! So now, as long as I change, I'm all good." When we repent and confess, God covers our guilt, but we can't pretend that it never happened. We shouldn't dwell in guilt, but where we would have seen guilt, we can't see nothing. We have to see God's righteousness and his forgiveness.
The will:
Many of us are realizing that we have to give things up. Some of these things were sinful, but many of them were just things that were too distracting for us, or weren't in God's plan for us. I thought this quote was really applicable:
"In order to submit the will to God, we must have a will and that will must have objects. Christian renunciation does not mean stoic "Apathy," but a readiness to prefer God to inferior ends which are in themselves lawful. Hence the Perfect Man brought to Gethsemane a will, and a strong will, to escape suffering and death if such escape were compatible with the Father's will, combined with a perfect readiness for obedience if it were not."
When we give things up we usually aren't going to stop desiring them; if we did, there would be no sacrifice. But we have to be willing to do God's will anyways. (By the way, this doesn't mean that we should feed these desires, even the lawful ones, if we know they aren't God's will--why would we just make it harder on ourselves?)
Goodness does not equal kindness:
Lewis observes that today's society tends to equate goodness with kindness, or mercy. Thus, almost any other sin is treated as ok (if not theoretically, at least practically). Lust, laziness, cheating, whatever, are fine--as long as they doesn't hurt anyone. This was an important insight for me because I've struggled with just that thought--"Well, it doesn't hurt anyone, so what's the big deal? I mean, of course a Christian shouldn't do it, but does it really matter for an unbeliever?" At least two things are wrong with this:
1. God's law is always right and true. We shouldn't condone any sin--even ones that aren't inherently cruel. God hates laziness just as much as he does cruelty; he hates hypocrisy as much as he does meanness.
2. "...Plato rightly taught that virtue is one. You cannot be kind unless you have all the other virtues. If, being cowardly, conceited and slothful, you have never yet done a fellow creature great mischief, that is only because your neighbour's welfare has not yet happened to conflict with your safety, self-approval, or ease."
We still may not be able to convince a non-Christian that these other things are just as evil as cruelty, but we at least don't have to approve of it--including indirectly. In a book by George MacDonald, a mysterious, old princess who represents God tells a boy who has seen her "'something not to do...If you should hear anyone speak about me, never to laugh or make fun of me.'
'Oh, ma'am!' exclaimed Curdie, shocked that she should think such a request needful.
'Stop, stop,' she went on. 'People hereabout sometimes tell very odd and in fact ridiculous stories of an old woman who watches what is going on, and occasionally interferes. They mean me, though what they say is often great nonsense. Now what I want of you is not to laugh, or side with them in any way; because they will take that to mean you don't believe there is any such person a bit more than they do. Now that would not be the case -- would it Curdie?'"
I've been convicted that I have done this very thing--and it's even easier to do when it comes to sin. When classmates tell me how they cheated in some class last semester, I probably don't have to rebuke them, but I certainly should not laugh.
(P.S. If you need something to read, these are both great books! The one by MacDonald is The Princess and Curdie, sequel to The Princess and the Goblin. I'm almost positive our church library has the Problem of Pain (with the other church books) as well as The Princess and the Goblin/Curdie (in the school YA section, last time I checked), and I have them as well. Just to warn you, both books have some things that we wouldn't agree with, so you have to read critically, but they are still chalk full of very helpful things as well!) :)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The pointing finger
Hi gals,
This morning in our reading I was struck by the verse in Isaiah 58 "If you do away with...the pointing finger...THEN your light will rise in the darkness" (vs 9,10). Then on the way to work, I heard Romans 2:1-4 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" And it all came together.
As you all know, revival has been going on in our church for some time now. And I hope and pray that we have all been a part of it. However, I have to confess that I have fallen into the habit of "Quenching the Spirit"--even mentally it is a dangerous thing. There have been many people who have had radical change in their lives, and yet I find myself thinking, "This will never last. I know they will fall back into their old habits." Or worse, when they bring a good word or a good example, thinking "Who are they to tell me what to do or how to live? Just (insert amount of time) ago they were living a much worse life than me. What can they have to offer?"
Girls, I know that we all tend to fall into this mentality. Women are especially vindictive and judgmental. But what does God's word say..."you who pass judgment do the SAME things." Who are we to say whether or not someone has changed? Is it not possible that we are just jealous of the change in their life, and we feel upset that they are actually doing BETTER than we are spiritually? Rather than judging them, we should look and rejoice in what God is doing in their lives. I was thinking about the adulterous woman this morning. What worse sin can there be than to commit adultery...And yet, what did Jesus do? He told her, "neither do I condemn you." Who are we to cast that first stone? Are we guiltless? Have we lived such holy lives that we are able to spiritually discern whether others have come to know Christ for the first time or anew?
When I think about Isaiah I get an image in my mind...standing there and pointing..."saved, not saved, saved, not saved...true repentance, faking it." But for some reason, that finger is never pointed at me, examining and judging my OWN life. I pray that when it does, that I can say with confidence, "Saved!" But when I am so busy deciding about the salvation of others, I am too busy to look at my own life. When we have stopped "the pointing finger" and have looked at our own lives, have accepted God's gracious and MIGHTY work in our church, THEN, then and only then can we have our light shine powerfully in the darkness. God is not calling for us to judge others in this time of revival. Yes, we must be wise and we must be aware that Satan is actively at work. Yes, there are those whose revival is fake...But I know that I err on the side of being over-judgmental, of being to certain that everyone else has a fake revival. Yes, be on guard! Stand firm in the faith! Do not be naiive. But give people the benefit of the doubt. If they are wolves in sheep's clothing, it will become apparent. But you cannot learn how to be holy in your own life if you are shining the light of God's grace in everyone's life but your own.
I know that there is much more complexity to this whole situation than first appears. But, let's believe that God is a great God, that He can save and radically change those who were only a month or two ago living in great sin. He is God! He is mighty! He is great! And He is so far above us that we cannot doubt His work. Do not doubt His grace...or "show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience." Let's take MORE time to examine our own lives. I know that I don't want others pointing their fingers at me and saying "she will never last." I want encouragement and support and prayer that my life will continue to change so I can serve God more.
And one last thing ladies. Let us not think that we can pretend and cover this feeling. I know we ALL know when someone is covering up true feelings...if in our heart we are judgmental people, it WILL come across in our actions. And we will not escape God's judgment!
I hope that this is a reminder for us all. I know that some of you truly do have gracious hearts that are so faithful to build others up. And I praise God for you! I know that I personally need to work on having faith that God can change even the worst person! I hope this is an encouragement to live more faithfully before God. Praise Him!
This morning in our reading I was struck by the verse in Isaiah 58 "If you do away with...the pointing finger...THEN your light will rise in the darkness" (vs 9,10). Then on the way to work, I heard Romans 2:1-4 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" And it all came together.
As you all know, revival has been going on in our church for some time now. And I hope and pray that we have all been a part of it. However, I have to confess that I have fallen into the habit of "Quenching the Spirit"--even mentally it is a dangerous thing. There have been many people who have had radical change in their lives, and yet I find myself thinking, "This will never last. I know they will fall back into their old habits." Or worse, when they bring a good word or a good example, thinking "Who are they to tell me what to do or how to live? Just (insert amount of time) ago they were living a much worse life than me. What can they have to offer?"
Girls, I know that we all tend to fall into this mentality. Women are especially vindictive and judgmental. But what does God's word say..."you who pass judgment do the SAME things." Who are we to say whether or not someone has changed? Is it not possible that we are just jealous of the change in their life, and we feel upset that they are actually doing BETTER than we are spiritually? Rather than judging them, we should look and rejoice in what God is doing in their lives. I was thinking about the adulterous woman this morning. What worse sin can there be than to commit adultery...And yet, what did Jesus do? He told her, "neither do I condemn you." Who are we to cast that first stone? Are we guiltless? Have we lived such holy lives that we are able to spiritually discern whether others have come to know Christ for the first time or anew?
When I think about Isaiah I get an image in my mind...standing there and pointing..."saved, not saved, saved, not saved...true repentance, faking it." But for some reason, that finger is never pointed at me, examining and judging my OWN life. I pray that when it does, that I can say with confidence, "Saved!" But when I am so busy deciding about the salvation of others, I am too busy to look at my own life. When we have stopped "the pointing finger" and have looked at our own lives, have accepted God's gracious and MIGHTY work in our church, THEN, then and only then can we have our light shine powerfully in the darkness. God is not calling for us to judge others in this time of revival. Yes, we must be wise and we must be aware that Satan is actively at work. Yes, there are those whose revival is fake...But I know that I err on the side of being over-judgmental, of being to certain that everyone else has a fake revival. Yes, be on guard! Stand firm in the faith! Do not be naiive. But give people the benefit of the doubt. If they are wolves in sheep's clothing, it will become apparent. But you cannot learn how to be holy in your own life if you are shining the light of God's grace in everyone's life but your own.
I know that there is much more complexity to this whole situation than first appears. But, let's believe that God is a great God, that He can save and radically change those who were only a month or two ago living in great sin. He is God! He is mighty! He is great! And He is so far above us that we cannot doubt His work. Do not doubt His grace...or "show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience." Let's take MORE time to examine our own lives. I know that I don't want others pointing their fingers at me and saying "she will never last." I want encouragement and support and prayer that my life will continue to change so I can serve God more.
And one last thing ladies. Let us not think that we can pretend and cover this feeling. I know we ALL know when someone is covering up true feelings...if in our heart we are judgmental people, it WILL come across in our actions. And we will not escape God's judgment!
I hope that this is a reminder for us all. I know that some of you truly do have gracious hearts that are so faithful to build others up. And I praise God for you! I know that I personally need to work on having faith that God can change even the worst person! I hope this is an encouragement to live more faithfully before God. Praise Him!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Peace, Peace
From our reading this morning in Isaiah 57...
:2 "Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death."
:10 "[But you wicked people], you were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength and so you did not faint."
:11 "Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me...?"
:12 "I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you."
:17 "I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways."
If we are looking for true rest and peace, it will not be found in anything on earth. True peace comes from walking uprightly--and, even then, we may only find real rest in death! Life on earth is not promised to be perfect or smooth sailing. Things won't go perfectly our way, but God has His reasons--and, in the middle of it all, He promises rest.
I want to share with you the warning I found in verse 10 though...when we see our wicked ways, and we get tired of them, it is not enough. These wicked people found strength that they didn't know they had and continued on in their muck. God calls us to get out of the muck!! He calls us to live for Him. Have you confessed 80% of sin? Someone recently told me that they had confessed a sin in part, but thought that the elders got 'the general gist of it' and 'there's no need to go into all the specifics'. I pressed my friend as to whether or not they thought that was real confession--and then they told me that if they confessed every detail, it would hurt the other person involved. Girls, is that what we're doing when we confess? Making excuses, trying to make sin sound better, not wanting to let go of everything? That's why some confession is not enough! We will never get out of the muck if we only confess part of it! Comparing it to the analogy of when we are saved, our eyes are opened to a room full of manure--what if the lights were still dimmed? We might be able to shovel out most of the manure, but it is only with full light that we will be able to see all and, with the grace of God, clean the whole room! Do not fall into the trap of partial confession--Satan will renew your strength to sin more!
In verse 11, my train of thought continues. Who is it that we are so scared of that we do not turn to Christ? Who is it that causes us to be false to Him? Are you scared that if you confess to being deceitful, your parents won't trust you or let you do anything? Are you scared that if you confess to sexual immorality, you may lose your boyfriend? Are you scared that if you confess to cheating at school, your friends won't look at you as intelligent? Are you scared that if you confess to not truly being a Christian, your friends will look down on you? There are so many things I have been scared of in the past. So many people I knew I would disappoint and hurt if I confessed certain sins. Two things I have learned though--imperfect people love and forgive. God, who is perfect, loves even more and forgives any sin we truly confess and repent of. Isn't that amazing??
Speaking of being scared, verse 12 is a harsh warning. God promises to expose our 'righteousness' and 'works'--but when He does, it will not benefit us! Think about it, ladies--think about all the works we've done. Will they ultimately be for His glory? Think about our righteousness--how righteous are we? Are we striving toward holiness? If God came today, and saw our pretension and superficiality, would He be content with that as righteousness? Would He look at all our works that were done to get praise or the attention of that guy or to look better, and say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? His standards are sooo much higher than ours!
:17 Sinful greed...willful ways. What are we greedy for? More worldliness? Have we submitted or are we continuing to walk in our willful ways? He promises to punish and hide His face--trust me, we don't want either one!
:21 "There is no peace...for the wicked". If you have no peace, pray to God and seek His mercy!!
:2 "Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death."
:10 "[But you wicked people], you were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength and so you did not faint."
:11 "Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me...?"
:12 "I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you."
:17 "I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways."
If we are looking for true rest and peace, it will not be found in anything on earth. True peace comes from walking uprightly--and, even then, we may only find real rest in death! Life on earth is not promised to be perfect or smooth sailing. Things won't go perfectly our way, but God has His reasons--and, in the middle of it all, He promises rest.
I want to share with you the warning I found in verse 10 though...when we see our wicked ways, and we get tired of them, it is not enough. These wicked people found strength that they didn't know they had and continued on in their muck. God calls us to get out of the muck!! He calls us to live for Him. Have you confessed 80% of sin? Someone recently told me that they had confessed a sin in part, but thought that the elders got 'the general gist of it' and 'there's no need to go into all the specifics'. I pressed my friend as to whether or not they thought that was real confession--and then they told me that if they confessed every detail, it would hurt the other person involved. Girls, is that what we're doing when we confess? Making excuses, trying to make sin sound better, not wanting to let go of everything? That's why some confession is not enough! We will never get out of the muck if we only confess part of it! Comparing it to the analogy of when we are saved, our eyes are opened to a room full of manure--what if the lights were still dimmed? We might be able to shovel out most of the manure, but it is only with full light that we will be able to see all and, with the grace of God, clean the whole room! Do not fall into the trap of partial confession--Satan will renew your strength to sin more!
In verse 11, my train of thought continues. Who is it that we are so scared of that we do not turn to Christ? Who is it that causes us to be false to Him? Are you scared that if you confess to being deceitful, your parents won't trust you or let you do anything? Are you scared that if you confess to sexual immorality, you may lose your boyfriend? Are you scared that if you confess to cheating at school, your friends won't look at you as intelligent? Are you scared that if you confess to not truly being a Christian, your friends will look down on you? There are so many things I have been scared of in the past. So many people I knew I would disappoint and hurt if I confessed certain sins. Two things I have learned though--imperfect people love and forgive. God, who is perfect, loves even more and forgives any sin we truly confess and repent of. Isn't that amazing??
Speaking of being scared, verse 12 is a harsh warning. God promises to expose our 'righteousness' and 'works'--but when He does, it will not benefit us! Think about it, ladies--think about all the works we've done. Will they ultimately be for His glory? Think about our righteousness--how righteous are we? Are we striving toward holiness? If God came today, and saw our pretension and superficiality, would He be content with that as righteousness? Would He look at all our works that were done to get praise or the attention of that guy or to look better, and say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? His standards are sooo much higher than ours!
:17 Sinful greed...willful ways. What are we greedy for? More worldliness? Have we submitted or are we continuing to walk in our willful ways? He promises to punish and hide His face--trust me, we don't want either one!
:21 "There is no peace...for the wicked". If you have no peace, pray to God and seek His mercy!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
"This is All That I Can Give...That's My Everything"
Tonight at Beautiful Minds, Sharon said something to the effect of, how much do we need God? How much do we want Him in our lives? A little bit of need? Or do we really truly NEED Him? Are we able to say to Him, God take all? Like the widow who gave her two coins, are we able to give Him everything we have, no matter how pitiful??
Then I go to the blog Bring The Rain (audreycaroline.blogspot.com) and this song by the David Crowder Band comes on:
Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while
And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down
Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
i know it's not much
And this is all that I can give
yeah that's my everything
Bridge:
I didn't notice
You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice
You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet
See the chorus? Our lives are nothing. There is not much we can bring to Christ. We don't have some great gift to bring. All we have is our pitiful lives. But He wants us to bring that--to bring our everything.
I am only starting to see a little piece of what God requires of me. Girls, what are you willing to give up? Consider the things He may ask of you:
*He may ask you to be single for the rest of your life. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may not grant you children. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may direct you to be a missionary in another country. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may take people away from you that you love. A breakup, a friend forsaking Christ, a child dying. Can you submit that to Him?
Tonight we learned about how Oswald Chambers was in a relationship with a girl he loved for eight years, and then gave her up because she was not God's will for him. Would you be willing to give up someone you loved for Christ? Completely give up your wishes in order to be in submission to Him?
SURRENDER ALL AND BE BLESSED!!
Then I go to the blog Bring The Rain (audreycaroline.blogspot.com) and this song by the David Crowder Band comes on:
Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while
And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down
Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
i know it's not much
And this is all that I can give
yeah that's my everything
Bridge:
I didn't notice
You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice
You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet
See the chorus? Our lives are nothing. There is not much we can bring to Christ. We don't have some great gift to bring. All we have is our pitiful lives. But He wants us to bring that--to bring our everything.
I am only starting to see a little piece of what God requires of me. Girls, what are you willing to give up? Consider the things He may ask of you:
*He may ask you to be single for the rest of your life. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may not grant you children. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may direct you to be a missionary in another country. Can you submit that to Him?
*He may take people away from you that you love. A breakup, a friend forsaking Christ, a child dying. Can you submit that to Him?
Tonight we learned about how Oswald Chambers was in a relationship with a girl he loved for eight years, and then gave her up because she was not God's will for him. Would you be willing to give up someone you loved for Christ? Completely give up your wishes in order to be in submission to Him?
SURRENDER ALL AND BE BLESSED!!
Hopeful...
I have been thinking a lot about how easy it is to get depressed because of sin, and feel unable to move on or change. Especially going back into school (or into a work world, or any unfamiliar setting), it's easy to be afraid of the world--will they just pull me down? Look at all this sin; how could I ever get out of it?? I've really been convicted of this lately, and spoken to about it--GOD is able to give us all the power we need! But here are some verses:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6)
God promises to be with us as long as we desire to serve Him--He is not going to let us go! But we must cling to Him! Press into spiritual discipleship, read His Word, memorize verses! He promises to protect us and be with us!!
"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." (Revelation 2:3-5)
Ok this is more of a warning: Don't leave the revival in July and August! Persevere for the glory of Christ, and He will bless you! Don't forsake the love you have for Christ now. How easy it is to be dulled by the world!
I wanted to share these last two verses as encouragement:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34)
Christ knows what you are going through--He was tempted to feel depressed, to go against His Father's authority, to not want the will of the Father. Yet through it, He did the will of the Father. And think about this--sometimes I feel like God has forsaken me and then I realize my sin is inhibiting me from talking to and communing with Him. But Christ was on the cross, TRULY forsaken, like we could never know, for OUR sake. Living in a way that pleases Christ is glorifying to Him and so small compared to the great work He did for us on the cross!!
P.S. I was really convicted because I had a couple words of each of these verses in my head but didn't have them memorized and didn't know really where they were in the Bible...thank goodness for technology and biblegateway.com, but phew I really need to memorize!!
Love you all! Happy Monday!
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6)
God promises to be with us as long as we desire to serve Him--He is not going to let us go! But we must cling to Him! Press into spiritual discipleship, read His Word, memorize verses! He promises to protect us and be with us!!
"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." (Revelation 2:3-5)
Ok this is more of a warning: Don't leave the revival in July and August! Persevere for the glory of Christ, and He will bless you! Don't forsake the love you have for Christ now. How easy it is to be dulled by the world!
I wanted to share these last two verses as encouragement:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34)
Christ knows what you are going through--He was tempted to feel depressed, to go against His Father's authority, to not want the will of the Father. Yet through it, He did the will of the Father. And think about this--sometimes I feel like God has forsaken me and then I realize my sin is inhibiting me from talking to and communing with Him. But Christ was on the cross, TRULY forsaken, like we could never know, for OUR sake. Living in a way that pleases Christ is glorifying to Him and so small compared to the great work He did for us on the cross!!
P.S. I was really convicted because I had a couple words of each of these verses in my head but didn't have them memorized and didn't know really where they were in the Bible...thank goodness for technology and biblegateway.com, but phew I really need to memorize!!
Love you all! Happy Monday!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Burnt Offerings
Hey girls,
In our reading the other day we read "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."
It made me think of 2 things:
1. Our offerings have to cost us something. Confession is difficult, yes, but not really costly. Maybe our reputation or people's view of us, but obedience is what really makes is hurt. You have to say no when you want to say yes, to die to self, to take up the cross. Wow. That makes confession look almost easy.
2. They have to burn. I keep thinking about putting things up on the altar, but we can't just set them there and walk off. That makes it way too easy to come back and try to sneak things back off. We have to burn them, cut off all contact, make a clean break, replace them with something new, leaving nothing of the old. That's painful.
Praise God he gives grace! I was talking to Mrs. Perry the other day, and we would be so lost, so exhausted and unable if it weren't for the power of the Holy Spirit. But to get that: disciplined, holy life.
In our reading the other day we read "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."
It made me think of 2 things:
1. Our offerings have to cost us something. Confession is difficult, yes, but not really costly. Maybe our reputation or people's view of us, but obedience is what really makes is hurt. You have to say no when you want to say yes, to die to self, to take up the cross. Wow. That makes confession look almost easy.
2. They have to burn. I keep thinking about putting things up on the altar, but we can't just set them there and walk off. That makes it way too easy to come back and try to sneak things back off. We have to burn them, cut off all contact, make a clean break, replace them with something new, leaving nothing of the old. That's painful.
Praise God he gives grace! I was talking to Mrs. Perry the other day, and we would be so lost, so exhausted and unable if it weren't for the power of the Holy Spirit. But to get that: disciplined, holy life.
My Heart is Deceitful
"The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it? "
(Jeremiah 17:9)
MY heart is deceitful. My heart deceives others, and my heart deceives my mind into thinking that I know best, that even sin is ok because it's with 'right motives', that it's not really sin.
Above all things--above the feelings of love, above the desire to serve God, above the right inclinations. More than anything, the heart is deceitful. What a scary thought!!
Beyond cure--our hearts are not going to change by any effort of our own. It is a daily effort to fight evil and a daily prayer that God will change our hearts. We have no idea the depths of the depravity of our own hearts!!
"Who can understand it?"--the moment we start thinking our hearts are not deceitful; the moment we start thinking we are strong enough to stand on our own in moments of weakness or temptation; the moment we think we are doing 'fine'...that is when our hearts are most deceitful. We can not truly understand or trust a person who is always lying, and similarly, we can not truly understand or trust our hearts! Instead, we must trust God!
I cannot trust what my heart convinces me that I want. I cannot rest in being 'fine' if that is what my heart tells me I am. My heart is deceitful. I can only trust God and obey Him. Trust and obey...
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it? "
(Jeremiah 17:9)
MY heart is deceitful. My heart deceives others, and my heart deceives my mind into thinking that I know best, that even sin is ok because it's with 'right motives', that it's not really sin.
Above all things--above the feelings of love, above the desire to serve God, above the right inclinations. More than anything, the heart is deceitful. What a scary thought!!
Beyond cure--our hearts are not going to change by any effort of our own. It is a daily effort to fight evil and a daily prayer that God will change our hearts. We have no idea the depths of the depravity of our own hearts!!
"Who can understand it?"--the moment we start thinking our hearts are not deceitful; the moment we start thinking we are strong enough to stand on our own in moments of weakness or temptation; the moment we think we are doing 'fine'...that is when our hearts are most deceitful. We can not truly understand or trust a person who is always lying, and similarly, we can not truly understand or trust our hearts! Instead, we must trust God!
I cannot trust what my heart convinces me that I want. I cannot rest in being 'fine' if that is what my heart tells me I am. My heart is deceitful. I can only trust God and obey Him. Trust and obey...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Why can't I be like that vase?
Just really quickly, cause Jenna's post reminded me of it--
Lately I've wanted to ask (using the pottery metaphor) "Why can't I be as beautiful or useful as that vase?" I see the work that God's doing in others, and I want to be like the best. Now, for one thing, judging some to be "the best" is a problem in the first place, because only God sees the heart. But I think there are people who we see are on a "higher ground" than we are. And it's right to want to be on that higher ground, but not enviously. Not because we want to be among the elite, but because we want to know God more and be used by him more. I don't want to just be like Simon the sorcerer who wanted to buy the apostle's power.
I have to remember that, often times, these people who I see are living on a higher plane than I started higher or earlier in this revival--I can't expect overnight change without the same hard work and perseverance (time!). So getting there takes work. Practical godly living (alright, this I know I can do with God's help), but also immersion in spiritual thinking--reading the Bible, godly books, praying, memorizing, etc (Um, but that's going to take the time I want to spend doing something mindless and useless. Yep. And God will help you do it, and God will even help you love it, as you know from experience). And it also takes perseverance--time. But most of all, it takes the power of the Holy Spirit. All my works--and certainly all my attempts at works--are in vain if they aren't done in his power. And if I'm truly living for God, he'll bring me to higher and higher and higher ground! And that's so exciting!
I just thought of something.
We can be dissatisfied with being where we are. That's not very helpful, since we can't do anything about our current condition--only our future condition. And then we just get depressed, because we see no hope.
But we should be dissatisfied with staying where we are. That, we (with God's help) can do something about! With that, there is hope! And with faith, we can be sure of what we hope for! What a wonderful promise!
From Our Reading...
This morning in Isaiah 45:9...
"Does the clay say to the potter, 'what are you making?'"
So right before this, there is a woe to those who quarrel with God. But I wanted to apply it to me. I realized there are several ways that I wrongly ask this question. It sometimes is in the form of an argument with God--"God, why are you making me like this? I wanted to be THIS. I wanted things to turn out this way." It would be as if the clay spoke to the potter saying, "A brown vase, really? I wanted to be a blue teacup. I think I would be much better suited for something delicate, pretty, and attention-grabbing. Brown vases are just functional and boring. No one looks at them or compliments them, and they don't have any fun. You're obviously doing this wrong!"
Or what if the clay is constantly questioning the potter? "What are you doing NOW? Are you done yet? What's next? What detail are you going to carve right there? Are you sure you wanted to make that cut?" Constant questioning of God's plan and God's will is mistrust in God. I need to be quiet and do what He commands and trust that He has a plan for me that He will work out for my good. Instead of always trying to see what is around the next corner, I need to focus on God's will for me now. Glorify God in the mundane!
My other thought on this is how the clay could be asking the potter about other pieces of pottery. "What about that lump? What are you making it into? I only see a lump of clay, I don't think it can be made into anything beautiful. Or that cup. It's starting to come together, but I don't see it ever changing anymore. I think it'll just have to stay undone." Do you ever question God's work in others? Especially during this revival, when we are hearing the encouragement to not quench the Spirit's fire. Don't stop someone else from being moldable for Him! Encourage them in their walk! Be excited at the change in someone else! This is really difficult for me, but we are called to trust Him, not people.
Is there a right way to question our Maker? I think so. We are to "work out (our) salvation with fear and trembling"(Philippians 2:12). We are to ask Him which way He wants us to go. God, how can I be more humble and moldable for Your purposes? Please give me that humility and help me to be totally bendable according to Your will. Show me Your purpose for me today, and help me to live in a way that pleases You. I don't know exactly what You have for me, but I am trusting You that You will fulfill your good plan in accordance with Your will."
And lastly, a verse we all know but a good friend shared with me at church yesterday:
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Let's start our week out trusting God!!
"Does the clay say to the potter, 'what are you making?'"
So right before this, there is a woe to those who quarrel with God. But I wanted to apply it to me. I realized there are several ways that I wrongly ask this question. It sometimes is in the form of an argument with God--"God, why are you making me like this? I wanted to be THIS. I wanted things to turn out this way." It would be as if the clay spoke to the potter saying, "A brown vase, really? I wanted to be a blue teacup. I think I would be much better suited for something delicate, pretty, and attention-grabbing. Brown vases are just functional and boring. No one looks at them or compliments them, and they don't have any fun. You're obviously doing this wrong!"
Or what if the clay is constantly questioning the potter? "What are you doing NOW? Are you done yet? What's next? What detail are you going to carve right there? Are you sure you wanted to make that cut?" Constant questioning of God's plan and God's will is mistrust in God. I need to be quiet and do what He commands and trust that He has a plan for me that He will work out for my good. Instead of always trying to see what is around the next corner, I need to focus on God's will for me now. Glorify God in the mundane!
My other thought on this is how the clay could be asking the potter about other pieces of pottery. "What about that lump? What are you making it into? I only see a lump of clay, I don't think it can be made into anything beautiful. Or that cup. It's starting to come together, but I don't see it ever changing anymore. I think it'll just have to stay undone." Do you ever question God's work in others? Especially during this revival, when we are hearing the encouragement to not quench the Spirit's fire. Don't stop someone else from being moldable for Him! Encourage them in their walk! Be excited at the change in someone else! This is really difficult for me, but we are called to trust Him, not people.
Is there a right way to question our Maker? I think so. We are to "work out (our) salvation with fear and trembling"(Philippians 2:12). We are to ask Him which way He wants us to go. God, how can I be more humble and moldable for Your purposes? Please give me that humility and help me to be totally bendable according to Your will. Show me Your purpose for me today, and help me to live in a way that pleases You. I don't know exactly what You have for me, but I am trusting You that You will fulfill your good plan in accordance with Your will."
And lastly, a verse we all know but a good friend shared with me at church yesterday:
" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Let's start our week out trusting God!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Dependence through Song
Hi ladies,
I thought both the following songs are encouraging, and show our need for dependence on Him. Try to listen if you get the chance! :)
Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while
[CHORUS:]There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God
Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again
Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough
By a perfect God [5x]
Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed
(by Natalie Grant)
Savior, please take my hand .
I work so hard, I live so fast.
This life begins, then it ends.
And then I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last.
I try to be so tough, but I'm just not strong enough.
I can't do this alone, God I need you to hold on to me.
I try to be good enough, but I'm nothing without your love.
Savior, please keep saving me.
Savior, please help me stand.
I fall so hard, I fade so fast. Will you begin right where I end?
And be the God of all I am because you're all I have.
Hallelujah!
Everything you are to me is everything I'll ever need.
and i am learning to believe cause you're the one who's saving me.
(by Josh Wilson)
I thought both the following songs are encouraging, and show our need for dependence on Him. Try to listen if you get the chance! :)
Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while
[CHORUS:]There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God
Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again
Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough
By a perfect God [5x]
Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed
(by Natalie Grant)
Savior, please take my hand .
I work so hard, I live so fast.
This life begins, then it ends.
And then I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last.
I try to be so tough, but I'm just not strong enough.
I can't do this alone, God I need you to hold on to me.
I try to be good enough, but I'm nothing without your love.
Savior, please keep saving me.
Savior, please help me stand.
I fall so hard, I fade so fast. Will you begin right where I end?
And be the God of all I am because you're all I have.
Hallelujah!
Everything you are to me is everything I'll ever need.
and i am learning to believe cause you're the one who's saving me.
(by Josh Wilson)
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Bold Start, and A Face Wash
I'm reading Shadow of the Almighty, a biography written by Elizabeth Elliot about her missionary husband Jim Elliot. I'm sure many of you have read it before. Just starting chapter 3, and already there's so many inspiring things.
In a note Jim wrote to his sister Jane, 1941: Begin each day with private reading of the Word and prayer. Bunyan has said well, "Sin will keep you from this Book, or this Book will keep you from sin." From the very first, as you begin [high school] give out gospel tracts to those you meet. Make a bold start-it's easier this way, rather than trying to begin halfway through. Memorize scripture in the streetcar. Buy up the time! It's costly because it's so fleeting.
In a note Jim wrote to his sister Jane, 1941: Begin each day with private reading of the Word and prayer. Bunyan has said well, "Sin will keep you from this Book, or this Book will keep you from sin." From the very first, as you begin [high school] give out gospel tracts to those you meet. Make a bold start-it's easier this way, rather than trying to begin halfway through. Memorize scripture in the streetcar. Buy up the time! It's costly because it's so fleeting.
About his morning Bible reading and prayer Jim wrote:
None of it gets to be old stuff. For it is Christ in print, the Living Word. We wouldn't think of rising in the morning without a face wash, but we often neglect that purgative cleansing of the Word of the Lord. It wakes us up to responsibility.
Quiet Yourself
I don't know how many of you have ever experienced this, but this morning, from the moment I woke up until I left the house, my mind was in turmoil. I sat down and tried to pray and do devotions, but every couple of seconds my mind would wander off...I have been having some issues with a work project. And as I sat and was distracted and could not focus, I realized how important it had become for me to have time with God...and how important it is to quiet our minds before him.
I know, girls, that I struggle with quietness. And I'm sure that many of you also struggle with it...shutting my mouth and just listening can be the hardest thing for me. But this morning, as I was struggling to calm my mind, it really struck me how important it is to LISTEN to God. And so, instead of praying and asking God for things, just take a little time to worship him and to let him speak to you. God already knows our hearts and our needs...but if all we ever do is talk to him, we never give him the chance to speak to us. And how can we know someone who we never let tell us about Himself?
My challenge to myself this week is to take time to listen to God, and I have faith that he will speak to me!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Talking versus Praying
Have you ever noticed (I know I have, that's why I'm asking) that your voice changes when you pray out loud? It doesn't happen when you pray alone or silently, but in a group or a prayer meeting, WOW people can hear that seriousness in your voice! All of a sudden you're using "God talk", remembering verses, phew!
Or are you sitting here thinking, "Oh that's not me. I totally know the kind of people you're talking about though. Those self righteous people."
Ok I want to challenge you on a couple things:
*First, for those of you who know the kind of people I'm talking about: Stop it! Who are we to judge the heart of another person praying? Who's to say what their motive is? We are being self righteous when we think that not praying eloquently means we are somehow more spiritual. God does not want us to pray in a dead way. We are speaking to Him!
*Second, let's all consider our motives when praying out loud. Are we talking just to hear ourselves talk? Or are we really coming in reverence and delighting to speak to our Lord and Savior? Have you ever thought about not praying in a prayer meeting? I know to some of you, this may sound like an excuse to not pray. But I mean it more for those people who pray once, twice, three times in a meeting. If our motives for praying are to appear more righteous to someone else, or to sound good, then we are just Pharisees. If God is putting it on your heart to pray three times, then pray three times! But I think there is also a place for humbly listening to what others are talking to Him about.
*Third, we can talk when we pray. What do I mean by that? Well, something I was thinking about lately is that I don't sound eloquent when I pray. I sometimes have a hard time putting words together, and I sometimes use the wrong word. Sometimes I even insert a 'like' in there! You know what, though, girls? It is not about the words we use. It is about a heart attitude. And that's not saying that the worse we talk, the more holy we must be. But don't be jealous of those who can pray so eloquently! Instead, be encouraged! Come to God with a holy reverence and speak to Him what is on your heart--bring to Him your fears and doubts and praise and questions and everything else. First of all, He already knows it! But a real relationship is just that--real and genuine. Imagine if all your friends came talking to you with British accents and speaking in Victorian language because they thought it would impress you. Would it?
*Lastly, a verse from this morning's reading:
(Mark 1:35) "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed"
Things that struck me about this: VERY EARLY, He was by Himself, He left the distractions and even His closest friends to go commune with God.
Do I have the same kind of communion with God? Am I seeking Him on my own? With the very best of me? What is my personal prayer life like? Or am I just willing to pray in front of others and get their praise?
P.S. Girls, I hope you know I write these posts because they are things I struggle with. I don't mean to preach sermons or give you the impression I have it all figured out. I don't. Even with praying in groups, I go to all extremes--judging people for talking too long, for being too eloquent, for not being eloquent enough, praying just to hear myself talk, trying to find big words and remember verses so I'll sound more holy...all of the above. So these posts are just thoughts :)
Or are you sitting here thinking, "Oh that's not me. I totally know the kind of people you're talking about though. Those self righteous people."
Ok I want to challenge you on a couple things:
*First, for those of you who know the kind of people I'm talking about: Stop it! Who are we to judge the heart of another person praying? Who's to say what their motive is? We are being self righteous when we think that not praying eloquently means we are somehow more spiritual. God does not want us to pray in a dead way. We are speaking to Him!
*Second, let's all consider our motives when praying out loud. Are we talking just to hear ourselves talk? Or are we really coming in reverence and delighting to speak to our Lord and Savior? Have you ever thought about not praying in a prayer meeting? I know to some of you, this may sound like an excuse to not pray. But I mean it more for those people who pray once, twice, three times in a meeting. If our motives for praying are to appear more righteous to someone else, or to sound good, then we are just Pharisees. If God is putting it on your heart to pray three times, then pray three times! But I think there is also a place for humbly listening to what others are talking to Him about.
*Third, we can talk when we pray. What do I mean by that? Well, something I was thinking about lately is that I don't sound eloquent when I pray. I sometimes have a hard time putting words together, and I sometimes use the wrong word. Sometimes I even insert a 'like' in there! You know what, though, girls? It is not about the words we use. It is about a heart attitude. And that's not saying that the worse we talk, the more holy we must be. But don't be jealous of those who can pray so eloquently! Instead, be encouraged! Come to God with a holy reverence and speak to Him what is on your heart--bring to Him your fears and doubts and praise and questions and everything else. First of all, He already knows it! But a real relationship is just that--real and genuine. Imagine if all your friends came talking to you with British accents and speaking in Victorian language because they thought it would impress you. Would it?
*Lastly, a verse from this morning's reading:
(Mark 1:35) "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed"
Things that struck me about this: VERY EARLY, He was by Himself, He left the distractions and even His closest friends to go commune with God.
Do I have the same kind of communion with God? Am I seeking Him on my own? With the very best of me? What is my personal prayer life like? Or am I just willing to pray in front of others and get their praise?
P.S. Girls, I hope you know I write these posts because they are things I struggle with. I don't mean to preach sermons or give you the impression I have it all figured out. I don't. Even with praying in groups, I go to all extremes--judging people for talking too long, for being too eloquent, for not being eloquent enough, praying just to hear myself talk, trying to find big words and remember verses so I'll sound more holy...all of the above. So these posts are just thoughts :)
Children of God
Yesterday we read 2 Jn v9 "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son."
I was really struck by an image as I read this verse...
You have all seen little kids in the store with their parents. They hold their parent's hand until they see something off to the side that distracts them, and then they let go of them and run off to see whatever it is that looks interesting. After a few minutes, they get bored, and they realize they don't know where their parents are...
I was thinking how much this applies to us! As Christian ladies we are holding our heavenly Father's hand, and walking through life. But every once in a while we see something that we cannot get to if we keep holding His hand, and so we let go and run off. Whatever it is quickly becomes boring, and we are convicted to look for God again...and sometimes we have wandered so far away we cannot find Him immediately. And that is when our whole world comes crashing down and we feel lost and abandoned.
But, praise God! He is our Father, and He loves us more than any earthly parent loves their child. And, He is all powerful and all knowing, and HE will never lose us. So take warning and take heart! Don't let go of God's hand in life...stay by His side, because He knows what we really need. But, be encouraged, when we realize we have wandered away, our Heavenly Father knows where we are, and He rejoices in finding His lost sheep.
How Bout Something Super Practical?
Hey girls,
Lately my dad has been challenging me to remember that our money is God's--and we are called to be stewards of that. One thing Pastor does is pray before he spends any money. My question for you is, what do you do (practically) to save money/be a better steward of that money? Please comment in the comments section, or just click on 'edit post' and add to this one! :)
My ideas:
*Bring diet coke to work (~$6 for 12 cans) and leave it in the fridge instead of getting soda at a fast food place (~$2 for 1 drink)...savings? About $15-18 for 12 drinks!
*Have a girls night and do each others' nails while watching a movie instead of going out. Even with pizza, that's about, what? $6 each between 3 people? (or better yet, Papa Murphys...) As compared to $10 movie ticket + $10 dinner + $25 mani/pedi? You save about $40!
*Refill and reuse water bottles
Lately my dad has been challenging me to remember that our money is God's--and we are called to be stewards of that. One thing Pastor does is pray before he spends any money. My question for you is, what do you do (practically) to save money/be a better steward of that money? Please comment in the comments section, or just click on 'edit post' and add to this one! :)
My ideas:
*Bring diet coke to work (~$6 for 12 cans) and leave it in the fridge instead of getting soda at a fast food place (~$2 for 1 drink)...savings? About $15-18 for 12 drinks!
*Have a girls night and do each others' nails while watching a movie instead of going out. Even with pizza, that's about, what? $6 each between 3 people? (or better yet, Papa Murphys...) As compared to $10 movie ticket + $10 dinner + $25 mani/pedi? You save about $40!
*Refill and reuse water bottles
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Self-centeredness
Hey Sisters,
Just really quick, I wanted to share something that God spoke to me. Again, through C.S. Lewis ;) (I just finished Surprised by Joy).
Lewis pointed out that there is a difference between being selfish and being self-centered. We can be selfish--taking everything for ourselves, always acting in our own best interests--without being self-centered. And we can be self-centered--Always talking about ourselves, thinking about ourselves, focusing on ourselves, without being selfish. Do you see the difference? And he pointed out that, while both are wrong, it's far less pleasant to be around someone who is self-centered than someone who is just selfish.
Well, this really convicted me, because even though I'm usually (usually, not always) willing to give up something for something else, I'm still always thinking of myself. Pride (seems like everything goes back to pride, huh?)
I know in my friendships I've often been self-centered. I often end up talking about myself--partially because I want to, and partially because I'm too lazy to think of questions to ask the other person.
I tend to see everything by how it relates to me, how it involves me. Instead, I want to forget about myself, and see God and his people.
Hehe, just thought of that song we used to sing in Junior Church:
JOY, JOY, this is what it means:
Jesus first, myself last, and others in between! ;)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Scattered Thoughts
Sometimes I feel like God has taken everything away from me, and I don't get it. I don't understand why I can't have the things that make me happy.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Isn't that so easy to say? And so hard to live out? When friends leave, when earthly comforts seem to be going away, when we don't understand why things happen, it is so hard to live like this verse is true.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
But WHY, God? I want to know why you allow certain things to happen. Why do you allow me to sin? Why do you take things away from me that I consider so dear? Why am I saddened and confused and hurt??
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Oh, I just saw that. In ALL things. In all hurt, God? Really? Because I'm not seeing much good right now. For MY good? I do love you, God. More than everything else? I'm trying God. Sometimes that part is hard.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Your purpose. Got it. Not mine. Because just to let You know, God, (and I know you already know) Your purpose is often not mine. My will wants something else most of the time. Like right now. I want Your will, but I want mine, too. I want Your will to be my will. But that's not right, God. I know. Help me to believe, and help me to surrender!!! Help me to see that I may not know the why, or how things will ultimately be for my good, but help me to see that You are working them out for my good. God, that is the most encouraging promise I have ever heard! Help me to TRUST You in that!!!
Something I was thinking about on the way home tonight...kind of had these thoughts in the form of a prayer.
"God, why do you allow me pain in my friendships with people? I am often disappointed by them. I hate when friends don't keep commitments or don't seem to love me or want to be around me. I hate that most of my friendships are superficial, and I hate that people don't make time for me."
"Jenna, the Best Friend you can have is Jesus Christ."
"God, I know that You say that. But I don't really see it. Plus, I can't have dinner with Him. I can't go on a walk with Him. I can't do anything for Him."
"Jenna. You are called to commune with Him. You are called to walk with Him. I want you to love Me and serve Me and obey My will. This pleases Me."
"Yes, God, but. But what about my friends on earth? I put so much time into some of my friendships; all I want is some kind of response."
"Jenna, that's the point. You put so much time and energy and resources into things and people I have told you will ultimately disappoint. You have put your trust in people who are sinful and faulty. You have invested into relationships that are by nature, temporal. What about Me? How much time have you spent with Me lately? How much have you valued Me? How much have you done to please Me? I have promised to never leave you or forsake you. I have promised to always love you with a real love. I have promised you. I do not change. I do not disappoint. I promise to be here whenever you need Me, day or night. I promise to keep my promises. I promise that if you do what I command, you will be blessed. Could you ask for a better friend? No matter what person you invest in on earth, it will never be as satisfying as a relationship with Me. TRUST Me, Jenna. OBEY Me, Jenna."
How easy is it to pretend that we are loving our friends and not expecting anything from them in return, but then we get angry or self-righteous or indignant or sad or depressed when we don't get anything in return? Christ has promised to be our friend. To be our Savior and Lord. And, that if we follow Him, we will be blessed. Girls, we are told to love as He loved us. What causes us to devalue that love or think that any other kind of love is better?? He is offering that love to us--let's take it!
One more thought:
I think I read this story in an Elisabeth Elliot book...
A woman was struggling between her will and God's will. Which to choose, which to choose...
A wise pastor gave her a piece of paper with two words on it and told her to cross one off, and she would have her answer.
She came back and silently handed him her paper, with neither word crossed off.
On the paper was written "Yes, Lord." We cannot cross off either word and still be in His will. To cross off "Lord" would be to blatantly admit that He is not our Lord--we are not doing His will, we don't care. Yet to cross off "yes", we cannot still call Him Lord.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Isn't that so easy to say? And so hard to live out? When friends leave, when earthly comforts seem to be going away, when we don't understand why things happen, it is so hard to live like this verse is true.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
But WHY, God? I want to know why you allow certain things to happen. Why do you allow me to sin? Why do you take things away from me that I consider so dear? Why am I saddened and confused and hurt??
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Oh, I just saw that. In ALL things. In all hurt, God? Really? Because I'm not seeing much good right now. For MY good? I do love you, God. More than everything else? I'm trying God. Sometimes that part is hard.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Your purpose. Got it. Not mine. Because just to let You know, God, (and I know you already know) Your purpose is often not mine. My will wants something else most of the time. Like right now. I want Your will, but I want mine, too. I want Your will to be my will. But that's not right, God. I know. Help me to believe, and help me to surrender!!! Help me to see that I may not know the why, or how things will ultimately be for my good, but help me to see that You are working them out for my good. God, that is the most encouraging promise I have ever heard! Help me to TRUST You in that!!!
Something I was thinking about on the way home tonight...kind of had these thoughts in the form of a prayer.
"God, why do you allow me pain in my friendships with people? I am often disappointed by them. I hate when friends don't keep commitments or don't seem to love me or want to be around me. I hate that most of my friendships are superficial, and I hate that people don't make time for me."
"Jenna, the Best Friend you can have is Jesus Christ."
"God, I know that You say that. But I don't really see it. Plus, I can't have dinner with Him. I can't go on a walk with Him. I can't do anything for Him."
"Jenna. You are called to commune with Him. You are called to walk with Him. I want you to love Me and serve Me and obey My will. This pleases Me."
"Yes, God, but. But what about my friends on earth? I put so much time into some of my friendships; all I want is some kind of response."
"Jenna, that's the point. You put so much time and energy and resources into things and people I have told you will ultimately disappoint. You have put your trust in people who are sinful and faulty. You have invested into relationships that are by nature, temporal. What about Me? How much time have you spent with Me lately? How much have you valued Me? How much have you done to please Me? I have promised to never leave you or forsake you. I have promised to always love you with a real love. I have promised you. I do not change. I do not disappoint. I promise to be here whenever you need Me, day or night. I promise to keep my promises. I promise that if you do what I command, you will be blessed. Could you ask for a better friend? No matter what person you invest in on earth, it will never be as satisfying as a relationship with Me. TRUST Me, Jenna. OBEY Me, Jenna."
How easy is it to pretend that we are loving our friends and not expecting anything from them in return, but then we get angry or self-righteous or indignant or sad or depressed when we don't get anything in return? Christ has promised to be our friend. To be our Savior and Lord. And, that if we follow Him, we will be blessed. Girls, we are told to love as He loved us. What causes us to devalue that love or think that any other kind of love is better?? He is offering that love to us--let's take it!
One more thought:
I think I read this story in an Elisabeth Elliot book...
A woman was struggling between her will and God's will. Which to choose, which to choose...
A wise pastor gave her a piece of paper with two words on it and told her to cross one off, and she would have her answer.
She came back and silently handed him her paper, with neither word crossed off.
On the paper was written "Yes, Lord." We cannot cross off either word and still be in His will. To cross off "Lord" would be to blatantly admit that He is not our Lord--we are not doing His will, we don't care. Yet to cross off "yes", we cannot still call Him Lord.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Surrender
I want to tell you guys a little story. There's not much detail, but I hope you can understand what I'm saying.
I was having my devotions one morning ago and I felt like God was really speaking to me to get rid of idols. I prayed He would show me specific things, because I didn't feel like I had anything huge (materially or physically) that I could give up. God pointed out a box to me that I had in my closet. The box was full of things that on their own were not sinful, but symbolized my idolatry. It was pretty difficult, but I went through the contents of the box and threw everything away.
Nice story, right? Not done. The next morning, God brought to mind something I had recieved as a gift that I needed to give up. "No, God. THAT'S not that big a deal. I don't even think about that very much. It's not important. Plus look, God. It's in its own box. It's hidden from view...out of sight, out of mind." "Jenna, throw it away." "Wait, hold on, God. It's so important to me! I CAN'T give that up! I'll give anything else up! Plus it cost a lot of money. That's wasteful. That's not good stewardship. And it has so much sentimental value. Please don't make me throw that away, God!!"
God brought the following things to mind:
*In Old Testament times, many people hid idols--even think of Jacob's wife Rachel, who tried to hide idols from God, her husband, and her father. Think of how severely God punished those people! He even opened up the earth and swallowed one person and his family! God does NOT tolerate idolatry!
*If it means so much to me that I don't want to give it up, it is an idol.
*If it is in a box, it is no less hidden from God. He is a jealous God, and idolatry sickens Him.
*If I try to pretend it is not important, why can I not give it up?
*If I try to rationalize it, it is probably an idol.
*If I try to hide it, it is probably an idol.
*If I want to keep even 'only' that, it is probably an idol.
Guess what ladies? God gave me grace to throw that item away, and He kept showing me more and I kept throwing them away. God can give you grace to throw out the idols in your life, and He can give you the grace to truly surrender. We learned today in adult Sunday school that the power of grace is greater than the power of sin!
He is mighty to save, our God is MIGHTY to save!
He rose and conquered the grave!
Praise God!
P.S. I'm still learning to surrender. Daily process, daily struggle.
Love you ladies! :)
I was having my devotions one morning ago and I felt like God was really speaking to me to get rid of idols. I prayed He would show me specific things, because I didn't feel like I had anything huge (materially or physically) that I could give up. God pointed out a box to me that I had in my closet. The box was full of things that on their own were not sinful, but symbolized my idolatry. It was pretty difficult, but I went through the contents of the box and threw everything away.
Nice story, right? Not done. The next morning, God brought to mind something I had recieved as a gift that I needed to give up. "No, God. THAT'S not that big a deal. I don't even think about that very much. It's not important. Plus look, God. It's in its own box. It's hidden from view...out of sight, out of mind." "Jenna, throw it away." "Wait, hold on, God. It's so important to me! I CAN'T give that up! I'll give anything else up! Plus it cost a lot of money. That's wasteful. That's not good stewardship. And it has so much sentimental value. Please don't make me throw that away, God!!"
God brought the following things to mind:
*In Old Testament times, many people hid idols--even think of Jacob's wife Rachel, who tried to hide idols from God, her husband, and her father. Think of how severely God punished those people! He even opened up the earth and swallowed one person and his family! God does NOT tolerate idolatry!
*If it means so much to me that I don't want to give it up, it is an idol.
*If it is in a box, it is no less hidden from God. He is a jealous God, and idolatry sickens Him.
*If I try to pretend it is not important, why can I not give it up?
*If I try to rationalize it, it is probably an idol.
*If I try to hide it, it is probably an idol.
*If I want to keep even 'only' that, it is probably an idol.
Guess what ladies? God gave me grace to throw that item away, and He kept showing me more and I kept throwing them away. God can give you grace to throw out the idols in your life, and He can give you the grace to truly surrender. We learned today in adult Sunday school that the power of grace is greater than the power of sin!
He is mighty to save, our God is MIGHTY to save!
He rose and conquered the grave!
Praise God!
P.S. I'm still learning to surrender. Daily process, daily struggle.
Love you ladies! :)
Friday, August 7, 2009
A Girl's Guide to Marrying Well
Good morning ladies,
Intrigued by the title?
My good friend Anna Tsang just sent me a link to an online Christian magazine, or "webzine"as they are referred to. They have a resource called "A Girl's Guide to Marrying Well." I just opened it, and I am so excited to read it! And actually, I think I might read "A Guy's Guide to Marrying Well" also. You know... just to see what's going on in their minds, and what they're supposed to do in Christian relationships. : )
I'll post in future to let you know what I think. But check it out for yourselves ladies!
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