Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This one is written on my mirror in my bathroom, so that every time I look at it, or wonder what the scribble is all over my otherwise-pristine bathroom (...in my dreams!), I'm reminded of the encouraging words that were written to the Thessalonians by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Of course, the church at Thessalonians was faithful and passionate about God, and I'm not sure that I measure up to that right now.
Again, I'm having a hard time. I'm learning more and more with each day though that what I want is not all it's cracked up to be. This is a good thing for me, because it helps me to realize that my ultimate satisfaction and peace comes from knowing and trusting God. This is also a difficult thing for me because it's a hugely humbling experience to realize that all that you've worked for isn't satisfying or completing at all.
Humility is stressed repeatedly throughout the Bible as a crucial quality of true Christ-following. Anyone that accepts Christ and God's Word must acknowledge that hey, we don't know it all, and we're not actually here to do whatever we please even though God gave us free will. It's a continuous struggle in everyone's life, even after they've accepted Christ it seems, to just continually hand over the reins to the Lord in heaven and let Him guide you wherever He sees fit. I want to know where I'm going, what I'm doing when I get there, how long it's going to take, and who is going with me. However, that isn't trusting God or His plan, it isn't accepting His perfection and holiness, and it isn't honoring Him.
I realized something this morning though, as I was dealing with my own failures and frustrations. I am actually on that path. I don't mean that as a boast, and I'm still stumbling along the way for sure...but I feel it. I know that God is with me, picking me up and holding me in His loving arms when I fall. I know that He is God and that He is miraculous and full of grace and mercy and He still loves me. It doesn't excuse my sins. It doesn't mean that I don't need to continue to take steps to avoid temptation. But it does mean that I need to stop focusing on the bad that I've done, and rejoice in the great gift of life that He has given to me!
I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my shame, I'm laying them down for the JOY of the LORD.
I will never be perfect. I will always struggle with sin and willfulness and pride. But I am a child of God, forgiven and made perfect by His blood.
Hebrews 10. Great chapter. Read it :)
And spend some time worshiping and praising Him, instead of dwelling on your sin. He's already washed it away anyways, so get up, dust your boots off, and get back on the horse.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My new favorite quote
Direction, far more than intention, determines destination.
That sentence basically sums up the most awesome sermon I've ever heard. Our pastor at Summit preached Saturday night on Proverbs 16:1-4 and Proverbs 4:26 and I just really felt the Lord speaking to me throughout the entire service. Apparently a lot of others did too, because everyone I know that went said it was just a really touching message that convicted their hearts to maybe examine some aspects of their lives that weren't matching up to what they were intended to be.
I would attribute good intentions to most Christians. No person with any knowledge of Christ and His great love for us consciously wants to hurt others and God. When we put our priorities above His will though, or we create idols that we value more than Him, it is easy to fall off the path. If you're not watering the flowers in your yard, and you live in Arizona, even if you really truly sincerely want to be a great gardener with a captivatingly beautiful yard...your flowers will wilt and die. Also, another way that I was thinking about it (while I was enjoying the peace and quiet this morning and RUNNING!!!) is that the trail I usually run is such a treasure for me in the middle of the hilly hilly Piedmont. It's about 2.5 miles long, pretty much flat-as-a-pancake, and paved smoothly. It goes through woods, along a little creek, and is where I go walking with my friends, take the puppies out to play, and run all by my lonesome early in the morning. I have the option of running off the trail though; there are little side paths that go toward the creek and kind of venture through the woods that look really intriguing when I've run my trail over and over. However, I know that in those deceptively pretty trees and flowers are bees and ticks, dog poop two feet off the trail that's waiting for you to have weak knees and run the grass, dead ends that lead only to the creek (which by the way, is mucky and liable to suck your nice expensive running shoes off...and is filllled with snakes), and scary people that lurk in the woods. So though my intentions may be great when I'm running, if I allow myself to get distracted by the luscious rosebuds or the adorable bunny rabbit, I will inevitably end up stepping in dog poop, going home to find ticks all over me, shoeless, and only after being released from the hospital for the snake bite I get.
God has given us the way to walk, and the choice to stay on the path that leads to Him, or to turn away from Him. The things of this world are awfully tempting sometimes, and often I struggle to discern what His will for me is. I have so many little issues that blow up and pop me in the face when I'm least expecting it, and it's a constant process of handing them over to the Lord. He is strong and loves me enough to take my burdens from me, because I know I can't handle them on my own...even when I try really really hard.
Next topic, restlessness. Get ready for some Joseph, maybe a little Esther?
Stay on the pavement.
That sentence basically sums up the most awesome sermon I've ever heard. Our pastor at Summit preached Saturday night on Proverbs 16:1-4 and Proverbs 4:26 and I just really felt the Lord speaking to me throughout the entire service. Apparently a lot of others did too, because everyone I know that went said it was just a really touching message that convicted their hearts to maybe examine some aspects of their lives that weren't matching up to what they were intended to be.
I would attribute good intentions to most Christians. No person with any knowledge of Christ and His great love for us consciously wants to hurt others and God. When we put our priorities above His will though, or we create idols that we value more than Him, it is easy to fall off the path. If you're not watering the flowers in your yard, and you live in Arizona, even if you really truly sincerely want to be a great gardener with a captivatingly beautiful yard...your flowers will wilt and die. Also, another way that I was thinking about it (while I was enjoying the peace and quiet this morning and RUNNING!!!) is that the trail I usually run is such a treasure for me in the middle of the hilly hilly Piedmont. It's about 2.5 miles long, pretty much flat-as-a-pancake, and paved smoothly. It goes through woods, along a little creek, and is where I go walking with my friends, take the puppies out to play, and run all by my lonesome early in the morning. I have the option of running off the trail though; there are little side paths that go toward the creek and kind of venture through the woods that look really intriguing when I've run my trail over and over. However, I know that in those deceptively pretty trees and flowers are bees and ticks, dog poop two feet off the trail that's waiting for you to have weak knees and run the grass, dead ends that lead only to the creek (which by the way, is mucky and liable to suck your nice expensive running shoes off...and is filllled with snakes), and scary people that lurk in the woods. So though my intentions may be great when I'm running, if I allow myself to get distracted by the luscious rosebuds or the adorable bunny rabbit, I will inevitably end up stepping in dog poop, going home to find ticks all over me, shoeless, and only after being released from the hospital for the snake bite I get.
God has given us the way to walk, and the choice to stay on the path that leads to Him, or to turn away from Him. The things of this world are awfully tempting sometimes, and often I struggle to discern what His will for me is. I have so many little issues that blow up and pop me in the face when I'm least expecting it, and it's a constant process of handing them over to the Lord. He is strong and loves me enough to take my burdens from me, because I know I can't handle them on my own...even when I try really really hard.
Next topic, restlessness. Get ready for some Joseph, maybe a little Esther?
Stay on the pavement.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Virtuous Woman
Okay, so I've got soo much time on my hands waiting for the cable company to get here and install the distractor box (which I've actually gotten used to living without now...blessings come in strange disguises sometimes), so I figured I'd go back to the "work in progress" list that I'm still working on. However, I'd like to address the topic of a virtuous woman first, because I think that we are first called to become the woman of God that He created us to be. Only then should we seek to find a companion, and only in a way that glorifies God and involves prayerful consideration and the involvement of your Christian community.
The qualities attributed to the "ultimate" woman are listed succinctly in Proverbs 31, where the sayings of King Lemuel are repeated by Solomon, who says,
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies! Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day's work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well-known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her, her husband praises her, "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
Proverbs 31:10-31
This passage is such a great illustration of what a Godly woman looks like. She has many qualities that bring praise and admiration to her character and her household, but that which guides her is her fear of the Lord. She keeps His Word close to her heart, and serves her family and her community as she serves her God. By doing so, she remains close to God and is a blessing to those around her, and a reflection of God and His love and compassion. She works on her own, and does not wait around for God's will to reveal itself in every situation, because she is such an avid believer that she knows His word and is careful to act as to point others to Him.
Becoming a virtuous woman is something we all should strive for. Who would not want to be so close to the Lord, such a blessing and honor to Him? It takes discipline and diligence though, and following our own inclinations often leads us away from these in our frivolous pursuit of man-made idols. It takes spending time with Him each day, seeking His presence continually. I once saw a bumper sticker on Facebook that said, "Let my heart be so close to the Lord's that any man seeking me must first seek Him."
So give Him your heart, and He will bless you in all your days, with His presence, His love, and His forgiveness.
The qualities attributed to the "ultimate" woman are listed succinctly in Proverbs 31, where the sayings of King Lemuel are repeated by Solomon, who says,
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies! Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day's work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well-known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her, her husband praises her, "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
Proverbs 31:10-31
This passage is such a great illustration of what a Godly woman looks like. She has many qualities that bring praise and admiration to her character and her household, but that which guides her is her fear of the Lord. She keeps His Word close to her heart, and serves her family and her community as she serves her God. By doing so, she remains close to God and is a blessing to those around her, and a reflection of God and His love and compassion. She works on her own, and does not wait around for God's will to reveal itself in every situation, because she is such an avid believer that she knows His word and is careful to act as to point others to Him.
Becoming a virtuous woman is something we all should strive for. Who would not want to be so close to the Lord, such a blessing and honor to Him? It takes discipline and diligence though, and following our own inclinations often leads us away from these in our frivolous pursuit of man-made idols. It takes spending time with Him each day, seeking His presence continually. I once saw a bumper sticker on Facebook that said, "Let my heart be so close to the Lord's that any man seeking me must first seek Him."
So give Him your heart, and He will bless you in all your days, with His presence, His love, and His forgiveness.
Musical Accompaniment
Well hello world :)
I'm still having a bit of trouble discerning God's will for me, and trying to do as He in every situation, but I've rediscovered some great verses of encouragement that have really helped me.
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it...God has said, "NEVER will I leave you. NEVER will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Hebrews 13:1-2, 5-6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy! For you know, when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
All these verses emphasize not only turning to God in times of trouble, but rejoicing in them! I don't think that's always easy, but neither is the discipline that the Lord gives us. We are not unlike the people of Judah and Israel in Jeremiah, who turn from Him and create idols to worship instead. However, we have the majestic sacrifice of Jesus to erase our sins and offer us freedom when we turn to Him.
Unfortunately, it is ingrained into our culture, to worship ourselves, romance, money, and shiny things (haha). We are given the promise of eternal freedom and salvation, and of the greatest Love we could ever experience, and we turn instead to our follies and whims to satisfy us. All it takes is a venture into the "Self-Help" section at Barnes and Noble to realize that nothing we are doing is making us happy, or anywhere near "perfect and complete." So where are we supposed to turn to find this satisfaction and completion? Duhh...we seek God, and He shows us how boundless His love for us is! We grow in faith by spending time with Him, turning our eyes to His face, and basking in His beauty and love by walking the path He has set out for us.
So worship Him. Praise Him for all that He has given to you, and for the love so great that He died for you. Give thanks that He loves you enough to discipline you and help you to turn away from that which takes you away from Him.
Whatever it is that is bothering you, or hurting you, take five minutes and spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer. It will turn you around, and you won't be able to do anything other than stand in awe of the Lord :)
On the playlist currently:
What I'm Looking For by Jonny Diaz
Let My Words Be Few by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
My Jesus by Todd Agnew
Yes Lord by like everyone...but my favorite is Casting Crowns version
I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty (though it's not actually out yet...boo!)
Love is Here by Tenth Avenue North
Times by Tenth Avenue North (shout out to Whitney for recommending this!!)
Yesterday by Jonny Diaz
and More Beautiful You also by Jonny Diaz
Rocking out to Christian music in the car and on the treddy and just walking around campus is a total smile-inducer!
I'm still having a bit of trouble discerning God's will for me, and trying to do as He in every situation, but I've rediscovered some great verses of encouragement that have really helped me.
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it...God has said, "NEVER will I leave you. NEVER will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Hebrews 13:1-2, 5-6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy! For you know, when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
All these verses emphasize not only turning to God in times of trouble, but rejoicing in them! I don't think that's always easy, but neither is the discipline that the Lord gives us. We are not unlike the people of Judah and Israel in Jeremiah, who turn from Him and create idols to worship instead. However, we have the majestic sacrifice of Jesus to erase our sins and offer us freedom when we turn to Him.
Unfortunately, it is ingrained into our culture, to worship ourselves, romance, money, and shiny things (haha). We are given the promise of eternal freedom and salvation, and of the greatest Love we could ever experience, and we turn instead to our follies and whims to satisfy us. All it takes is a venture into the "Self-Help" section at Barnes and Noble to realize that nothing we are doing is making us happy, or anywhere near "perfect and complete." So where are we supposed to turn to find this satisfaction and completion? Duhh...we seek God, and He shows us how boundless His love for us is! We grow in faith by spending time with Him, turning our eyes to His face, and basking in His beauty and love by walking the path He has set out for us.
So worship Him. Praise Him for all that He has given to you, and for the love so great that He died for you. Give thanks that He loves you enough to discipline you and help you to turn away from that which takes you away from Him.
Whatever it is that is bothering you, or hurting you, take five minutes and spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer. It will turn you around, and you won't be able to do anything other than stand in awe of the Lord :)
On the playlist currently:
What I'm Looking For by Jonny Diaz
Let My Words Be Few by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
My Jesus by Todd Agnew
Yes Lord by like everyone...but my favorite is Casting Crowns version
I'd Need a Savior by Among the Thirsty (though it's not actually out yet...boo!)
Love is Here by Tenth Avenue North
Times by Tenth Avenue North (shout out to Whitney for recommending this!!)
Yesterday by Jonny Diaz
and More Beautiful You also by Jonny Diaz
Rocking out to Christian music in the car and on the treddy and just walking around campus is a total smile-inducer!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Lord am I angry!
I am really struggling right now. To give in to God's will, to worship Him when all I want to do is ask why He is doing this to me? This life is HARD. I see the gifts that He has given me to serve Him with, and yet I feel like I am not even being allowed to use them. He disciplines those that He loves, as the father disciplines the son in whom he delights (Prov. 3:12). So I know I have done wrong, I have left His side and made my own way, and He loves me enough to pull me back to Him. Why do I have such a hard time giving up my own dreams and aspirations though? It should be crystal clear to me that He has plans beyond those of my wildest dreams, and that only in Him will I find true joy. I feel it sometimes, when I know He is there and with me, when I am focusing my eyes on Him and Him alone. There are so many words of assurance and love and forgiveness in the Bible, and they were written for you and I, to lead us in the ways of the Lord so that we might find redemption and peace. Where is my peace then? Why is it so hard to trust the One that shaped me and gave me the breath that I breathe to provide for me?
It always comes back to pride. I want to think that my plan is better, that I can accomplish everything without His help, without His gift of salvation. I want to know WHY for everything, when I am only human, and I cannot fathom why the birds fly or why the sea is salty. All I need to know is Him and His love.
It always comes back to pride. I want to think that my plan is better, that I can accomplish everything without His help, without His gift of salvation. I want to know WHY for everything, when I am only human, and I cannot fathom why the birds fly or why the sea is salty. All I need to know is Him and His love.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I am NOT a feminist.
So in case you missed the underlying attitude of old-school in basically all of my preceding posts, let me lay it out for ya.
I am a firm believer in what the Bible says. Every last word of it. I don't think that we necessarily have to abide by all the rules that were set out in Deuteronomy and Numbers, but I do think that the Word of the Lord is His gift to us, and that His will is written there on the pages. I think that the way to come to know Him intimately is to spend time talking to Him, and reading what He wrote. We often try to find an easy way out of that, but honestly, I know that the more time I spend in the Bible, the closer and more in tune with Jesus I feel.
The main point of this post though is to talk about the roles of men versus the roles of women, biblically speaking. I know that we live in an 'enlightened' age where women are capable of doing all that men can, but I don't think that women are supposed to be the same as men. I think that God designed us to complement (not complete) each other. There is a lot of evidence for this to be found in the Bible, and most girls don't really seem to like what I have to say on this subject. In that case, I'd like to ask why God made man first, and said "It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper who is just right for him" (Gen 2:18). Right there, in the second chapter of Genesis, God laid out why he created woman. To help man and provide companionship. Also, if you've ever been to a really back-country wedding in the past fifty years, you've heard the passage on marriage from Ephesians 5:21-33...in case you haven't, I'll put it here for you :)
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the LORD. A husband is the head of his wife as Christ is head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. For husbands, this means love your wives as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her, to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body, but feeds it and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of His body. As Scriptures say, a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Now I do not think that this constitutes grounds for a wife to never speak or point out her husband's sins, or for a husband to lord his authority over his wife. Both are subject ultimately to Christ's authority, and must love Him first.
But this idea does raise an interesting idea in the dating scene, which I've read quite a lot about lately...if this is the way that marriage is intended to be, should it apply to dating too? Do empowered Christian women have to wait for a guy to ask them out? No, but should they? Yes. Because to set an example of usurping a man's authority and leadership in dating, which is for the purpose of deciding whether you should get married, will only lead to a continual struggle for that power in marriage.
Go check out this series on Biblical Dating. http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001401.cfm It's from the same folks that wrote the Girl's Guide to Marrying Well.
What, you didn't have time to read that already? But...I have so much free time in summer! Which is a week away from over, but I'm pumped about that for once. Life starts back when school does, which brings lots of distractions, but also lots of opportunities to serve God and glorify Him.
Love God. Love people.
I am a firm believer in what the Bible says. Every last word of it. I don't think that we necessarily have to abide by all the rules that were set out in Deuteronomy and Numbers, but I do think that the Word of the Lord is His gift to us, and that His will is written there on the pages. I think that the way to come to know Him intimately is to spend time talking to Him, and reading what He wrote. We often try to find an easy way out of that, but honestly, I know that the more time I spend in the Bible, the closer and more in tune with Jesus I feel.
The main point of this post though is to talk about the roles of men versus the roles of women, biblically speaking. I know that we live in an 'enlightened' age where women are capable of doing all that men can, but I don't think that women are supposed to be the same as men. I think that God designed us to complement (not complete) each other. There is a lot of evidence for this to be found in the Bible, and most girls don't really seem to like what I have to say on this subject. In that case, I'd like to ask why God made man first, and said "It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper who is just right for him" (Gen 2:18). Right there, in the second chapter of Genesis, God laid out why he created woman. To help man and provide companionship. Also, if you've ever been to a really back-country wedding in the past fifty years, you've heard the passage on marriage from Ephesians 5:21-33...in case you haven't, I'll put it here for you :)
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the LORD. A husband is the head of his wife as Christ is head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. For husbands, this means love your wives as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her, to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body, but feeds it and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of His body. As Scriptures say, a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Now I do not think that this constitutes grounds for a wife to never speak or point out her husband's sins, or for a husband to lord his authority over his wife. Both are subject ultimately to Christ's authority, and must love Him first.
But this idea does raise an interesting idea in the dating scene, which I've read quite a lot about lately...if this is the way that marriage is intended to be, should it apply to dating too? Do empowered Christian women have to wait for a guy to ask them out? No, but should they? Yes. Because to set an example of usurping a man's authority and leadership in dating, which is for the purpose of deciding whether you should get married, will only lead to a continual struggle for that power in marriage.
Go check out this series on Biblical Dating. http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001401.cfm It's from the same folks that wrote the Girl's Guide to Marrying Well.
What, you didn't have time to read that already? But...I have so much free time in summer! Which is a week away from over, but I'm pumped about that for once. Life starts back when school does, which brings lots of distractions, but also lots of opportunities to serve God and glorify Him.
Love God. Love people.
This is going to be a work in progress
Well, I know what I forgot now!
My goal right now is to discover Christ. He knows me better than anyone else, but how well do I know Him? Along these lines, I want to make a running list of all the ways that He is characterized in the Bible. Somehow, I have a feeling that if I plan on marrying the right man, the traits that I'm looking for will be those listed in the Word.
The first verse I'm putting up here with that thought comes from the article that I recommended just a few minutes ago.
Each man will be like a shelter from the wind,
and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Isaiah 32:1-4
What a fantastic man that sounds like! Someone to run to when the things of the world become too much, when Satan calls to me alluringly to take the 'easy' way out of a tough or trying situation. What a gift a husband like that will be, a gift that only God can and will bless me with. And He will, in His time, and His way, and when He knows that He is truly my first love.
My goal right now is to discover Christ. He knows me better than anyone else, but how well do I know Him? Along these lines, I want to make a running list of all the ways that He is characterized in the Bible. Somehow, I have a feeling that if I plan on marrying the right man, the traits that I'm looking for will be those listed in the Word.
The first verse I'm putting up here with that thought comes from the article that I recommended just a few minutes ago.
Each man will be like a shelter from the wind,
and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Isaiah 32:1-4
What a fantastic man that sounds like! Someone to run to when the things of the world become too much, when Satan calls to me alluringly to take the 'easy' way out of a tough or trying situation. What a gift a husband like that will be, a gift that only God can and will bless me with. And He will, in His time, and His way, and when He knows that He is truly my first love.
Oh the funny stories
First off, let me just admit this is a hard time. I'm really struggling to let go of my own will and plans and hopes and just turn it all over to God. To be honest, there are many moments where it just doesn't make sense to me. What I want is not contrary to God's teachings, but the place that I have given it in my heart is, and that's why I'm dealing with this now. My heart, my mind, and my soul all belong to the Lord. Period. I've tried to take them out of His loving hands though, and fit His will to mine. And so, almost Jonah-like, He has sent the very clear message that I need to turn around put Him back where He belongs in my life. I alternate between being excited about the plans He has in store for me, to frustrated as to why He won't just give me a little hint as to what it is, to angry at Him for taking away what I thought was "the one." However, the message that He is throwing at me right now is not to sulk and be angry, but to turn this into praise and a source of glory for His name. My verse for the day this morning was from Psalms, and came exactly at my first point of weakness for the day...tell me God doesn't exist, yeah right! You will show me the way of life, granting me the JOY of Your presence, and the pleasures of living with You forever. Psalm 16:11 That's right, His presence is to be a source of joy for me, and He WILL show me the way of life and give me a place to dwell with Him forever.
The other message that I am hearing over and over is "Be still, and know that I am GOD." I'm not sure that really made sense to me ever before, but as an amazing friend told me so beautifully last night, it basically means to shut it and listen! Stop listing your worries, letting the things of this world control your life, and just, listen. He is with you, every moment, you just need to be aware of it. He loves you, and He wants you to love Him with everything you have. He is your Best Friend, your Father, your Lover, and your completion.
Now, I'm still reading the C. S. Lewis compilation, which has so many great passages. Also, Desiring God's Will is in my bag and a book called Make Me Like Jesus (it had cool, clay-covered hands on the cover!). I'm working through those right now, and then a friend sent me a great article/booklet/pdf file this morning that I really like so far. It is short and really a cool design, so pass it on if you haven't already read it :) Here's the link to the high-quality pdf, so no excuses! http://www.boundless.org/girls/flashversion.html
There was something else, but I'm definitely a little scatter-brained right now. I've got lots of really uplifting, encouraging Christian music playing on repeat, and K-LOVE is totally earning all my business when I'm in the car. Definitely try making a God loves me playlist though, because His words in song are like those of your best friend, sitting there pumping you up and telling you how awesome and beautiful you are, and how much He has in store for your future.
The other message that I am hearing over and over is "Be still, and know that I am GOD." I'm not sure that really made sense to me ever before, but as an amazing friend told me so beautifully last night, it basically means to shut it and listen! Stop listing your worries, letting the things of this world control your life, and just, listen. He is with you, every moment, you just need to be aware of it. He loves you, and He wants you to love Him with everything you have. He is your Best Friend, your Father, your Lover, and your completion.
Now, I'm still reading the C. S. Lewis compilation, which has so many great passages. Also, Desiring God's Will is in my bag and a book called Make Me Like Jesus (it had cool, clay-covered hands on the cover!). I'm working through those right now, and then a friend sent me a great article/booklet/pdf file this morning that I really like so far. It is short and really a cool design, so pass it on if you haven't already read it :) Here's the link to the high-quality pdf, so no excuses! http://www.boundless.org/
There was something else, but I'm definitely a little scatter-brained right now. I've got lots of really uplifting, encouraging Christian music playing on repeat, and K-LOVE is totally earning all my business when I'm in the car. Definitely try making a God loves me playlist though, because His words in song are like those of your best friend, sitting there pumping you up and telling you how awesome and beautiful you are, and how much He has in store for your future.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Cost of Discipleship
"The ordinary idea which we all have before we become Christians is this. We take as a starting point our ordinary self with its various desires and interests. We then admit that something else - call it "morality" or "decent behavior" or "the good of society" - has claims on this self; claims which interfere with its own desires. What we mean by "being good" is giving in to those claims. Some of the things the ordinary self wanted to do turn out to be what we call "wrong": well, we must give them up. Other things, which the self did not want to do, turn out to be what we call "right": well, we shall have to do them. But we are hoping all the time that when all the demands have been met, the poor natural self will still have some chance, and some time to get on with its own life and do what it likes. IN fact, we are very like an honest man paying his taxes. He pays them all right, but he does hope that there will be enough left over for him to live on. Because we are still taking our natural self as the starting point.
As long as we are thinking that way, one or other of two results is likely to follow. Either we give up trying to be good, or else we become very unhappy indeed. For, make no mistake: if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on. THe more you obey your conscience, the more your conscience will demand of you. And your natural self, which is thus being starved and hampered and worried at every turn, will get angrier and angrier. In the end, you will either give up trying to be good, or else become one of those people who, as they say, "live for others" but always in a discontented, grumbling way -- always wondering why the others do not notice it more, and always making a martyr or yourself. And once you have become that you will be a far greater pest to anyone who has to live with you than you would have been if you had remained frankly selfish.
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me ALL. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want YOU. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked -- the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours."
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book IV Chapter 8
How do you give yourself up though? How do you let go of your desires, your gift of free will, your entire being and let Him decide it all?
To be honest, I'm not sure yet. I'm working on it. I read today that in each of us lives a 2 year old, with clenched fists, gritted eyes, and defiance blazing in his or her eyes. The explanation the author gave (not Lewis, umm, I can't actually remember which book it was now that I was skimming, I'll get back to you), was that it is around that age that we begin to develop the ability to make our own decisions and have our own will. Now to be honest, I'm a sucker for a cutiepie toddler, but would I dare cross one? Not a chance! I'm learning that inside of me, I have that same tough self that just won't bleach or Spray-n-Wash away, no matter how many cycles I put it through. It's occurring to me though, that the only detergent that is going to work and make the stain of my sin and my selfish heart stay gone is the continuous flow of the blood of Jesus. His love is so great and so merciful, that He continues to wash us clean no matter how many times we manage to go out and get grimy and dirt-covered in the great big world. What an awesome gift...and all He asks in return is for me to turn my eyes towards Him and accept His love and forgiveness.
Why is it so hard then to just let go?
As long as we are thinking that way, one or other of two results is likely to follow. Either we give up trying to be good, or else we become very unhappy indeed. For, make no mistake: if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on. THe more you obey your conscience, the more your conscience will demand of you. And your natural self, which is thus being starved and hampered and worried at every turn, will get angrier and angrier. In the end, you will either give up trying to be good, or else become one of those people who, as they say, "live for others" but always in a discontented, grumbling way -- always wondering why the others do not notice it more, and always making a martyr or yourself. And once you have become that you will be a far greater pest to anyone who has to live with you than you would have been if you had remained frankly selfish.
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me ALL. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want YOU. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked -- the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours."
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book IV Chapter 8
How do you give yourself up though? How do you let go of your desires, your gift of free will, your entire being and let Him decide it all?
To be honest, I'm not sure yet. I'm working on it. I read today that in each of us lives a 2 year old, with clenched fists, gritted eyes, and defiance blazing in his or her eyes. The explanation the author gave (not Lewis, umm, I can't actually remember which book it was now that I was skimming, I'll get back to you), was that it is around that age that we begin to develop the ability to make our own decisions and have our own will. Now to be honest, I'm a sucker for a cutiepie toddler, but would I dare cross one? Not a chance! I'm learning that inside of me, I have that same tough self that just won't bleach or Spray-n-Wash away, no matter how many cycles I put it through. It's occurring to me though, that the only detergent that is going to work and make the stain of my sin and my selfish heart stay gone is the continuous flow of the blood of Jesus. His love is so great and so merciful, that He continues to wash us clean no matter how many times we manage to go out and get grimy and dirt-covered in the great big world. What an awesome gift...and all He asks in return is for me to turn my eyes towards Him and accept His love and forgiveness.
Why is it so hard then to just let go?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Sheesh!
Today has been a LONG week (yep, that's on purpose). And it's only Thursday! Granted, I'm quite thankful that it is Thursday finally, which means only one more day of work this week. For some reason lately, work has just really been grating on my nerves. I know that I do what I do to serve a purpose, and it makes me appreciate stay-at-home moms so much to have this glimpse into their lives, but sometimes I wonder what my purpose is there. Am I supposed to impress something upon the kids, and lead them to see Christ's love in everyday life? Or just supposed to teach them that you can let loose and have fun, even if you're old (yeah, to them, 19 is ancient)? Or is it patience, respect, and kindness towards others? Is it simply God's way of teaching me patience and perseverance? I wish I knew! That would be a nice comfort, but I guess that leads into the theme of being human and not really being able to grasp God's grand plan.
Well that wasn't actually my purpose in blogging today though, because I really wanted to share what the pastor talked about last week for those of you that may come across this and aren't Summit-goers (what! Hello, hitch a ride with me on Sunday...seriously). The wisdom of Proverbs series continues, and we are almost all the way through the book of Proverbs, for the first time at least. Then we get to do it again!
So the topic of the sermon was healing relationships, and I've recently had multiple conversations with some close friends about this, and actually been able to apply these principles to their lives and mine, which I find really cool :) So here are the reasons that JD came up with as to why relationships dissolve and how to fix them (and this isn't just romantic relationships either...what college student doesn't argue with their parents every so often?).
1. React slowly
Okey dokey, that's all I've got for now. I was really impressed with this sermon personally, because I am definitely guilty of jumping to conclusions and acting out in anger, often with terrible consequences and lots of hurt feelings :(
Well that wasn't actually my purpose in blogging today though, because I really wanted to share what the pastor talked about last week for those of you that may come across this and aren't Summit-goers (what! Hello, hitch a ride with me on Sunday...seriously). The wisdom of Proverbs series continues, and we are almost all the way through the book of Proverbs, for the first time at least. Then we get to do it again!
So the topic of the sermon was healing relationships, and I've recently had multiple conversations with some close friends about this, and actually been able to apply these principles to their lives and mine, which I find really cool :) So here are the reasons that JD came up with as to why relationships dissolve and how to fix them (and this isn't just romantic relationships either...what college student doesn't argue with their parents every so often?).
1. React slowly
- Certain subjects with most of us cause us to just, shut down and abort all sense of morality completely. You want to talk about my grades Mom? How about you go back to college and balance all that our generation puts on their plates? Huh? ...Not quite the attitude that pleases and glorifies God right? And here's another thing, while I'm thinking ADD-style. Even if you think that it's just you and the person you're angry at that the conflict concerns, consider your friends that overhear your tone and your words. What if they aren't Christians, and you are one of their only ties to the Christian faith? What kind of example are you setting for them? Or the kid walking behind you on campus (I've been that girl!)?
- So let's instate the 24-hr. rule. Wait 24 hours to send that nasty, cutting email that you wrote the minute you hung up the phone with your boyfriend. Reread at the end of the 24 hours...do you really still want to send something that hurtful that is full of angry emotion? Or has the conflict probably already been smoothed over? Also, if you wait 24 hours and you are still agitated about something, then hopefully you've had time to think about A. what's really bothering you and B. a kinder, more mature way to say it (most things sound better than "you're acting like a two year-old" when you've had time to think them over.
- Umm, hello, was this rule about ME? Whoops, my secret is out! When I "know" that I am right, then you'd have to take a space shuttle to reach the height that my ego has attained in .05 seconds. Often enough though, I turn out to be wrong in these situations...and then I have to beg for forgiveness and walk around like a toddler with a full diaper for a day or two.
- The point that JD made here was that we are first the sinner and second the one sinned against. The story in the Bible goes like this...a poor man who had worked his life away to pay off his great debt was in court with the person he owed the money to. There was really no way the man was going to be able to pay back all that he was in debt for, and basically, he, his kids, his grandkids, and beyond, would be working to pay this massive loan off. He begged for forgiveness on his knees in front of the court, and the bank man, in a moment of sincerity, looked at him and simply said, "You know what, it's cool. I'm ripping up the paper that says you owe me this monstrous amount of money, just, go and be free, enjoy your life!" So obviously, the poor man was like, jumping for joy at this point. He goes outside to head home and tell his wife this fantastic news, and he sees a man on the street who he bought a Coke for last week. The guy doesn't have the money right that second to pay the poor man back for the Coke though, and the poor man drags the guy to court over his unpaid debt. Seems kind of silly right? So basically, even though Jesus has forgiven you for the million billion trillion dollars you owe him for you know, saving your life and giving you eternal salvation, you want to make your friend pay for that silly, offhanded comment she made about your new dress not being her favorite. Hmm...
- This is where you LET IT GO. Don't seek revenge. Don't go tell all your friends how horrible your other friend was. Just, let it be. An interesting perspective on the fishing-and-dishing technique that seems to be so popular with girls my age (you know, you fish to see why she's crying, then for all the 'juicy' details about the breakup, and then encourage her to dish to all the other girls, and any random person on the street that may know the person who wronged her); by going around and telling everyone about what he did to you that was soooo wrong, you're trying to degrade others' opinions of that person. Yeah, he may have been wrong when he went to dinner with that other girl, but by poisoning your friends' minds about him, you are spreading the sin like fertilizer. It's a personal matter, and hurting him by telling everyone so that they all think he's a horrible person is not what Jesus would do.
- Do not respond with malice or sarcasm (really??) and offer reconciliation. DO be honest with the person about how they have sinned, so that they might be able to recognize their behavior in the future and stop it. The honest words of a friend are sometimes uncomfortable at first, but if they aim to do good, then that is the mark of true friendship and love.
- All our sins have been forgiven. You and I have done nothing to earn this great gift of love. Remember this amazing fact and it makes it very hard to hold anything against someone, especially someone you love and are close to.
Okey dokey, that's all I've got for now. I was really impressed with this sermon personally, because I am definitely guilty of jumping to conclusions and acting out in anger, often with terrible consequences and lots of hurt feelings :(
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
YOU! God's Brand New Idea: Made to Be Amazing!
To all the girls out there who struggle with their thighs, their hair, or their skin, here's the Word of the Lord.
"Everyone who is called by My Name, whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made." Isaiah 43:7
"It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus, and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others." Ephesians 2:10
The book is a great, light read by Max Lucade, but I really do think it's got a lot of depth to it beyond the shiny surface and brightly colored pages. We do all have a purpose here, and it is to serve and honor the Lord. He has given us the directions for this, and hopes that we will choose to love Him and serve Him.
However, how easy is it to fall into the traps of our culture? We are taught as females that we must be skinny and athletic, yet buxom in all the right places, and smart and submissive at the same time, even hardworking and successful without ever appearing to struggle with our daily obligations. Then, on top of all this, if we are believers, we are supposed to be examples of Christ's love and compassion and forgiveness, and are being compared to the other Christian girls our age who make it look so effortless. How on EARTH can we accomplish all this? It's no wonder I read stories of college students on Adderall or Ritalin, or living between cups of coffee and pitchers of beer. First of all, I'd like to say let's all take a step back. The first and most important goal of our life should be to serve God. According to Him and His Word, He even has a plan for us, individually (!), as to how to do this. He's given us each special and unique talents and characteristics that, though we may not see their usefulness now, will someday serve the purpose that God intended.
Sidenote: I'm assuming here that if you're following along with what I'm contemplating here, you're agreeing with the assertion that your ultimate purpose on earth is to honor and glorify God. Which, considering that He is the God of the universe, who loves you and took the time to plan out your life and all the minute details of you (that freckle, right there on your pinky finger, that looks slightly like California, yeah, that's God), and He also sent His Son to die so that you might live a blissful eternity in heaven, that seems like a small price to pay. At least, that's how I see it. Also, from what I've seen, those who give up their life to Christ and receive His love seem to find the most joy and satisfaction too...so I mean, it all makes sense now right?
Anyhow, I just wanted to put it out there that we need to spend less time focusing on the negatives, and more time figuring out what we can do, and doing it. If you allow yourself to get caught up in the minute details of life, like being upset by what size your pants are this year or making sure that your life is on track to pursue your second Ph.D., then I feel like you might miss out on the greatness of a life that just, is. Sometimes, it's nice to just sit down and have dinner with a fantastic, encouraging friend who pushes you to see the wonderful world that God has given to you to explore and enjoy. I'm saying all this because I know that it's definitely something I struggle with hugely. My biggest struggle has always been my weight, because it used to determine my self worth in my younger days. Now, even though I still have my lapses, I'm starting to see that things like that just don't matter. That's not to say that I'm going to have ice cream for breakfast every morning either, but that wouldn't be living in moderation or respecting the temple of our soul that God entrusted to us. I'm determined to see that I am more than a number, and to see that I have worth beyond what I could even have imagined for myself. God's plans for me are great, and each and every day I want to spend 19/20 (thanks Whitney!) of my day working on my inner beauty, the part that God values and appreciates most. He's already given us the outer beauty, but it's worthless unless the inner is shining right on through.
What's your inside looking like?
"Everyone who is called by My Name, whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made." Isaiah 43:7
"It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus, and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others." Ephesians 2:10
The book is a great, light read by Max Lucade, but I really do think it's got a lot of depth to it beyond the shiny surface and brightly colored pages. We do all have a purpose here, and it is to serve and honor the Lord. He has given us the directions for this, and hopes that we will choose to love Him and serve Him.
However, how easy is it to fall into the traps of our culture? We are taught as females that we must be skinny and athletic, yet buxom in all the right places, and smart and submissive at the same time, even hardworking and successful without ever appearing to struggle with our daily obligations. Then, on top of all this, if we are believers, we are supposed to be examples of Christ's love and compassion and forgiveness, and are being compared to the other Christian girls our age who make it look so effortless. How on EARTH can we accomplish all this? It's no wonder I read stories of college students on Adderall or Ritalin, or living between cups of coffee and pitchers of beer. First of all, I'd like to say let's all take a step back. The first and most important goal of our life should be to serve God. According to Him and His Word, He even has a plan for us, individually (!), as to how to do this. He's given us each special and unique talents and characteristics that, though we may not see their usefulness now, will someday serve the purpose that God intended.
Sidenote: I'm assuming here that if you're following along with what I'm contemplating here, you're agreeing with the assertion that your ultimate purpose on earth is to honor and glorify God. Which, considering that He is the God of the universe, who loves you and took the time to plan out your life and all the minute details of you (that freckle, right there on your pinky finger, that looks slightly like California, yeah, that's God), and He also sent His Son to die so that you might live a blissful eternity in heaven, that seems like a small price to pay. At least, that's how I see it. Also, from what I've seen, those who give up their life to Christ and receive His love seem to find the most joy and satisfaction too...so I mean, it all makes sense now right?
Anyhow, I just wanted to put it out there that we need to spend less time focusing on the negatives, and more time figuring out what we can do, and doing it. If you allow yourself to get caught up in the minute details of life, like being upset by what size your pants are this year or making sure that your life is on track to pursue your second Ph.D., then I feel like you might miss out on the greatness of a life that just, is. Sometimes, it's nice to just sit down and have dinner with a fantastic, encouraging friend who pushes you to see the wonderful world that God has given to you to explore and enjoy. I'm saying all this because I know that it's definitely something I struggle with hugely. My biggest struggle has always been my weight, because it used to determine my self worth in my younger days. Now, even though I still have my lapses, I'm starting to see that things like that just don't matter. That's not to say that I'm going to have ice cream for breakfast every morning either, but that wouldn't be living in moderation or respecting the temple of our soul that God entrusted to us. I'm determined to see that I am more than a number, and to see that I have worth beyond what I could even have imagined for myself. God's plans for me are great, and each and every day I want to spend 19/20 (thanks Whitney!) of my day working on my inner beauty, the part that God values and appreciates most. He's already given us the outer beauty, but it's worthless unless the inner is shining right on through.
What's your inside looking like?
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