"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11
You will often hear it told that Christmas is not about the presents, the decorations, the parties, etc. And indeed it's not. This year, however, God taught me this in a new way.
Christmas has probably always been my favorite time of year. I fall in love with the atmosphere of love and joy it brings. The friends and family... The hot cocoa... The christmas lights and gift giving. It usually gets me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. You know?
This year was different though. I didn't have that warm, fuzzy feeling I usually got as December rolled around. I was baffled for much of the month not understanding why I was not in a more joyful mood! I was incredibly frustrated some days, even!
But today, rather than search for a feeling that would be as steadfast as the sand under a wave, I kneeled in awe of my Savior: Jesus Christ. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. He, who deserved to remain on his thorn at the right side of his Father in heaven, entered a sin-stricken world. "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the like was of men."
My Creator grew from a babe into a man. He was tempted as I am. He suffered - even to the point of brutal death. And all of this was by his choice. Because he loves me and you: sinners not deserving of any grace, any forgiveness, any love... But chosen, desired, even cherished by the Father!
I am simply in awe of this beautiful truth!! I don't understand how you cannot be!! I am humbled by the love shown. This love that left perfection, and entered into corruption. This love that lived and died that I might have a relationship with him. This love that gives me faith and light to walk in this dark world.
This love humbled himself. For you. For me.
And I kneel in awe of the precious name of Jesus Christ...
"Therefore God has exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
To Him be all glory and honor forever!!! Amen.
This is what Christmas is all about.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Between My Heart and Soul
Between My Heart and Soul
The stillness of my soul,
My heart cannot handle
Stirring up tumultuous waters
As it begins the battle
Between my heart and soul
It begins as a ripple
A question without answer -
A single bullet shot
Bringing about tension
Between my heart and soul
With a cautious stroke I
Tread the growing current
Entertaining idea
Contradicting thoughts swimming
Between my heart and soul
Current... Thoughts... each gaining speed
Threatening to wash over -
To replace the air with lies
To drown me in my thoughts
Between my heart and soul
My voice cries out for help!
To the calmer of the seas,
The one who walks on water
Only he can calm battles
Between my heart and soul
With feeble attempts I kick
Trying to stay above the
Doubting waves of my mind
That are flowing quicker
Between my heart and soul
"Stop!! be still." All is calm.
Not a ripple flows through
My Lord commands the waters,
my waters once rough now rest
Within my heart and soul
God know my anxious heart,
You hold my trembling hand,
And lead me through crashing waves
Whispering peace to my soul.
..........................................................................................................................................................
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;"
Isaiah 43:2a
The stillness of my soul,
My heart cannot handle
Stirring up tumultuous waters
As it begins the battle
Between my heart and soul
It begins as a ripple
A question without answer -
A single bullet shot
Bringing about tension
Between my heart and soul
With a cautious stroke I
Tread the growing current
Entertaining idea
Contradicting thoughts swimming
Between my heart and soul
Current... Thoughts... each gaining speed
Threatening to wash over -
To replace the air with lies
To drown me in my thoughts
Between my heart and soul
My voice cries out for help!
To the calmer of the seas,
The one who walks on water
Only he can calm battles
Between my heart and soul
With feeble attempts I kick
Trying to stay above the
Doubting waves of my mind
That are flowing quicker
Between my heart and soul
"Stop!! be still." All is calm.
Not a ripple flows through
My Lord commands the waters,
my waters once rough now rest
Within my heart and soul
God know my anxious heart,
You hold my trembling hand,
And lead me through crashing waves
Whispering peace to my soul.
..........................................................................................................................................................
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;"
Isaiah 43:2a
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Walking with God
"Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered sons and daughters... Enoch walked with God." Genesis 5:22-24
I worry about life, the future, things to do. That sentence pretty much describes my focus this morning. Praise be to God that he can calm my anxious heart and remind me of his sweet desire for my life!! His desire for me to know him, to walk with him. Too often my longing for his companionship gets clouded by the pursuit of worldly success. But, softly he whispers to me, "Slow down." He reminded me to focus on walking with him, before I worry about running. He spoke today, through Beth Moore's words:
"When all is said and done, God may have His own personal testimony of all who lived by faith. Don't miss the four word testimony of one of His saints found in Genesis 5: "Enoch walked with God."
"That's all we have to do in order to please God. Walk with Him. He wants our company, and the only way we can walk with Him is to walk by faith and not by sight. The law of Moses did not exist in Enoch's era. He had no rules or regulations. We have no ground for believing that God appeared to him or spoke aloud from the heavens. In a cold world, Enoch simply had a feverish pursuit of God."
Believing God Day by Day, November 27, by Beth Moore
Note to self: stop running through life like the world, and start walking with God.
I worry about life, the future, things to do. That sentence pretty much describes my focus this morning. Praise be to God that he can calm my anxious heart and remind me of his sweet desire for my life!! His desire for me to know him, to walk with him. Too often my longing for his companionship gets clouded by the pursuit of worldly success. But, softly he whispers to me, "Slow down." He reminded me to focus on walking with him, before I worry about running. He spoke today, through Beth Moore's words:
"When all is said and done, God may have His own personal testimony of all who lived by faith. Don't miss the four word testimony of one of His saints found in Genesis 5: "Enoch walked with God."
"That's all we have to do in order to please God. Walk with Him. He wants our company, and the only way we can walk with Him is to walk by faith and not by sight. The law of Moses did not exist in Enoch's era. He had no rules or regulations. We have no ground for believing that God appeared to him or spoke aloud from the heavens. In a cold world, Enoch simply had a feverish pursuit of God."
Believing God Day by Day, November 27, by Beth Moore
Note to self: stop running through life like the world, and start walking with God.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Sitting at His Feet, Forgetting My Worries
"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:38-42
I am so easily distracted. Ask anyone I have a conversation with! I'm tellin' ya. I am the queen of chasing rabits! God knows this about me all too well. Distractions are something I struggle with daily in my walk with him. Stress, worries, and/or doubts usually are what do it too. It's something I am constantly asking him to forgive me of. Often times, the doubts that creep into my heart are just silly, and, quite honestly, have absolutely NO firm foundation at all. Never the less, I get to thinking about them. Which turns into worrying about them. Which turns into my head yelling at my heart for being stupid and not just trusting God. (James and Peter knew what they were talking about when they said that there's a war going on inside of each of us!)
Praise God for his faithfulness! He is always faithful to forgive, and draw me back to him. It amazes me every time he does...
Tonight was one of those times. It took him a while... but he finally got me to be still, sit at his feet, and listen. As I read Luke 10:38-42, I was amazed that I ever worry about things other than knowing Christ more deeply. Because really, what's the point of my life? To be in a growing relationship with my Savior. To glorify him through that. Nothing else! My life is not about material things. Not about people. Not about the future. Not even about worrying what his will is for me! My life has to be about knowing Christ more and more, and growing in my relationship with God. Because when it is, he takes care of everything else! Jesus says so in Luke 12:22-32:
"And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'"
"For all the nations of the world seek after these things." If by seeking these things, I am being like the world, I want nothing to do with worrying and being anxious! The last thing I want to be is as the seeds that were thrown among the thorns: "And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." (Luke 8:14)
I desire to be like Mary. I want to just sit at Jesus' feet, for that is where a true disciple belongs. I want my thoughts to be fully focused on the words coming from his mouth, and nothing else. I long for my heart to desire him, and only him.
"One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
I am so easily distracted. Ask anyone I have a conversation with! I'm tellin' ya. I am the queen of chasing rabits! God knows this about me all too well. Distractions are something I struggle with daily in my walk with him. Stress, worries, and/or doubts usually are what do it too. It's something I am constantly asking him to forgive me of. Often times, the doubts that creep into my heart are just silly, and, quite honestly, have absolutely NO firm foundation at all. Never the less, I get to thinking about them. Which turns into worrying about them. Which turns into my head yelling at my heart for being stupid and not just trusting God. (James and Peter knew what they were talking about when they said that there's a war going on inside of each of us!)
Praise God for his faithfulness! He is always faithful to forgive, and draw me back to him. It amazes me every time he does...
Tonight was one of those times. It took him a while... but he finally got me to be still, sit at his feet, and listen. As I read Luke 10:38-42, I was amazed that I ever worry about things other than knowing Christ more deeply. Because really, what's the point of my life? To be in a growing relationship with my Savior. To glorify him through that. Nothing else! My life is not about material things. Not about people. Not about the future. Not even about worrying what his will is for me! My life has to be about knowing Christ more and more, and growing in my relationship with God. Because when it is, he takes care of everything else! Jesus says so in Luke 12:22-32:
"And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'"
"For all the nations of the world seek after these things." If by seeking these things, I am being like the world, I want nothing to do with worrying and being anxious! The last thing I want to be is as the seeds that were thrown among the thorns: "And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." (Luke 8:14)
I desire to be like Mary. I want to just sit at Jesus' feet, for that is where a true disciple belongs. I want my thoughts to be fully focused on the words coming from his mouth, and nothing else. I long for my heart to desire him, and only him.
"One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works."
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works."
Psalm 73:23-28
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Colossians 3:1-2\
Monday, November 12, 2012
Your Word
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:9-16
This past month, the title of this blog has been my prayer. Lord, bind my wandering heart to Thee! As more things competed for my attention, I became more and more fickle in my walk with God. Intimately focused one day. Distracted for a week... I knew my priorities were off-balanced. My mindset was "I'll get to my Bible study next...." Only, "next" quickly turned to night and my day had run out of time. I knew that I would only know God more deeply through studying his word, yet I kept relying on my "great" time management skills to work things out on their own.
Thankfully, my God is faithful.
He continued to tug at my heart day after day. Reminding me that it was only in his word I would grow closer to him. Only there would I learn him, love him, desire him. My prayers were (and still are) to desire him more, but I was not listening as he told me where to find him. Praise the Lord, yesterday he broke through my stubbornness once again!! Even this morning, my human laziness to open his word ailed me. But his truth is like sweet medicine to the soul! Healing and restoring my heart and my mind.
But medicine only works if you take it. Right now, I want to encourage you to turn off your phone, TV, iPod, etc. Spend some time in God's holy word and in prayer. You need it! And if you just wait for time with God to happen, without putting effort into making it happen, it won't! Take it from a girl who knows.
Why are you still reading this?! Time's a-tickin'! Break away from the business and restlessness of life for a little bit. Let God refresh you with his unfailing peace and love!! :)
Don't own a Bible? Please check out http://www.biblegateway.com/. Clueless as to where to start? Type John 1 in the website's search bar and press Enter.
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:9-16
This past month, the title of this blog has been my prayer. Lord, bind my wandering heart to Thee! As more things competed for my attention, I became more and more fickle in my walk with God. Intimately focused one day. Distracted for a week... I knew my priorities were off-balanced. My mindset was "I'll get to my Bible study next...." Only, "next" quickly turned to night and my day had run out of time. I knew that I would only know God more deeply through studying his word, yet I kept relying on my "great" time management skills to work things out on their own.
Thankfully, my God is faithful.
He continued to tug at my heart day after day. Reminding me that it was only in his word I would grow closer to him. Only there would I learn him, love him, desire him. My prayers were (and still are) to desire him more, but I was not listening as he told me where to find him. Praise the Lord, yesterday he broke through my stubbornness once again!! Even this morning, my human laziness to open his word ailed me. But his truth is like sweet medicine to the soul! Healing and restoring my heart and my mind.
But medicine only works if you take it. Right now, I want to encourage you to turn off your phone, TV, iPod, etc. Spend some time in God's holy word and in prayer. You need it! And if you just wait for time with God to happen, without putting effort into making it happen, it won't! Take it from a girl who knows.
Why are you still reading this?! Time's a-tickin'! Break away from the business and restlessness of life for a little bit. Let God refresh you with his unfailing peace and love!! :)
Don't own a Bible? Please check out http://www.biblegateway.com/. Clueless as to where to start? Type John 1 in the website's search bar and press Enter.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
My God is so BIG, so Strong, and so Mighty... There's Nothing My God Cannot Do
"And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:21-22
The glory of God.
Our life's purpose, our life's goal, all summed up into one phrase. We exist to bring God glory. Our very existence is testimony to his majesty! Yet, through what we do with our existence, he can be even more glorified!
What is so wonderful about this purpose that God has given us, is that it is an adventure! The journey of faith is not a boring one. It only becomes boring when we allow our faith to weaken, and forget how big and mighty our God is! God wants to be glorified through us by doing exciting things with us.
I think our prayer life is a good indicator of our faith level sometimes. We're going to sincerely pray for what we believe God can do. Sadly... I'm realizing my prayer life has the tendency to quickly become, "Lord, help me with this math test and let me glorify you today."
What a boring level of faith.
No! I'm ready to live on the edge with God. Even if it means my prayers are asking Him to move mountains. Even if it means begging Him to bring the dead hearts of an entire high school to life. Even if it just means Him bringing ONE person that was dead in their sin into the glorious life through the blood of the Lamb!
I want God to use me in incredible ways to make his name famous! I want to fall deeply in love with Him, and follow Him to the ends of the earth...
I'm tired of living in the safe zone with a God for whom all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
The glory of God.
Our life's purpose, our life's goal, all summed up into one phrase. We exist to bring God glory. Our very existence is testimony to his majesty! Yet, through what we do with our existence, he can be even more glorified!
What is so wonderful about this purpose that God has given us, is that it is an adventure! The journey of faith is not a boring one. It only becomes boring when we allow our faith to weaken, and forget how big and mighty our God is! God wants to be glorified through us by doing exciting things with us.
I think our prayer life is a good indicator of our faith level sometimes. We're going to sincerely pray for what we believe God can do. Sadly... I'm realizing my prayer life has the tendency to quickly become, "Lord, help me with this math test and let me glorify you today."
What a boring level of faith.
No! I'm ready to live on the edge with God. Even if it means my prayers are asking Him to move mountains. Even if it means begging Him to bring the dead hearts of an entire high school to life. Even if it just means Him bringing ONE person that was dead in their sin into the glorious life through the blood of the Lamb!
I want God to use me in incredible ways to make his name famous! I want to fall deeply in love with Him, and follow Him to the ends of the earth...
I'm tired of living in the safe zone with a God for whom all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
More than a Feeling
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord," Jeremiah 29:12-14a
"The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
Psalm 19:1-2
I rely a lot on emotions and feelings. I know what it feels like to have God's intimate presense, because I've felt it multiple times before. Which is why I've been struggling these past two weeks...
I know God is always with me. I believe it. Three weeks ago, I clearly felt his presense too. However, the feeling faded as the stresses of life caught me in their undertow. School piled up. Family and friends distracted. Personal wants and desires tempted. As the feeling of his passionate, intimate presense left, the desire for it to return grew. I questioned what I had done wrong... What had I done to cause this distance??? How do I fix it, Lord?!
I was overwhelmed for days with a longing to feel my Savior with me again like I had before. I desperately searched for what was wrong with me, hoping I would find his presense. I couldn't understand where he had gone... Why I wasn't feeling him with me.
And then he opened my eyes.
He slowed my speeding heart and racing mind. Every day that week, I lived only to make it through that day to the next, overwhelmed and discouraged. His words were like chocolate milk to my soul: "Open your eyes... Look at what I have created all around you. See me through it all. Me. Slow your fast paced, busy life down and breathe. Stop being so intently focused upon your to-do list. Sit for a moment. Let my presense wash over you as the warm wind moves your hair. Discover my beauty in my creation's colors. This is another way you can know my presense. I am not just a feeling. I am so much more... Just let me show you."
That was Tuesday of last week. Since then, I have been intentionally looking for his beauty through creation. Oppertunities and reasons to worship him. My moments with him are deepening my love for him. This past week I have waited in wonder of him as I watched the sun set and rise. I sat in breathless awe earlier tonight as I watched his lightning play among the clouds as the crickets worshipped him in song. I have witnessed and listened to countless stories of God's faithfulness and sovereignty as he works in and among his people.
He is teaching me that he is not a feeling. I say teaching because I have not mastered this lesson; nor will I ever. I struggle with not trusting my feelings first and foremost... But, he is giving me faith to learn to be still and wait for him. (Psalm 37:7a) When questions of doubt begin to peck at my heart, I run into God's arms. There he reminds me of his steadfastness. He reminds me that my feelings come and go like the lapping of waves on the shoreline. But he... he is eternal.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Not Put to Shame
"I will speak of your statutes before kings and I will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them." Psalm 119:46
What courage! Fearlessly speaking God's word, even before kings!! I love this verse for that very reason. I desperately want to fearlessly speak God's word to EVERYONE. I want to be like the disciples of Acts: bold, courageous, selfless, and passionately allowing the Spirit to lead them.
For months I have found comfort in this verse because it says "and i will not be put to shame." My thought was, "awesome! God won't let me be put to shame because I'll be speaking His word! What do I have to worry of acceptance or ridicule? He's got me!"
And he certainly does have me. But what if the shame he is talking of here is not shame from people, but from him?? Because wasn't even Jesus shamed by people, even to the point of being put to death on a cross? But God said of him, "This is my son, who I love."
Maybe I will be put to shame in others' eyes when I speak of his statutes before kings, maybe I won't. But if I am listening and obeying the Spirit, I am confident I will not be shamed in God's eyes. Whose but God's opinion do I really need to care about anyways?
The last person I want to be like is Eve, who disobeyed and was ashamed. (Genesis 3) No, I want to be like Paul, who spoke boldly of God before King Agrippa (Acts 26). Because this life isn't about me or my comfort, it's about God's glory.
So I will obey you, O Lord. I will speak of your statutes before kings. And I may be tortured, mocked, flogged, chained and imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, or killed by the sword. I may walk about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, an mistreated (Hebrews 11:36-37). But in your eyes, I pray I will not be put to shame.
What courage! Fearlessly speaking God's word, even before kings!! I love this verse for that very reason. I desperately want to fearlessly speak God's word to EVERYONE. I want to be like the disciples of Acts: bold, courageous, selfless, and passionately allowing the Spirit to lead them.
For months I have found comfort in this verse because it says "and i will not be put to shame." My thought was, "awesome! God won't let me be put to shame because I'll be speaking His word! What do I have to worry of acceptance or ridicule? He's got me!"
And he certainly does have me. But what if the shame he is talking of here is not shame from people, but from him?? Because wasn't even Jesus shamed by people, even to the point of being put to death on a cross? But God said of him, "This is my son, who I love."
Maybe I will be put to shame in others' eyes when I speak of his statutes before kings, maybe I won't. But if I am listening and obeying the Spirit, I am confident I will not be shamed in God's eyes. Whose but God's opinion do I really need to care about anyways?
The last person I want to be like is Eve, who disobeyed and was ashamed. (Genesis 3) No, I want to be like Paul, who spoke boldly of God before King Agrippa (Acts 26). Because this life isn't about me or my comfort, it's about God's glory.
So I will obey you, O Lord. I will speak of your statutes before kings. And I may be tortured, mocked, flogged, chained and imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, or killed by the sword. I may walk about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, an mistreated (Hebrews 11:36-37). But in your eyes, I pray I will not be put to shame.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I am thankful.
I am thankful.
I am thankful that my God is sovereign. He has made me and knows more about me than I ever will. He teaches me lessons I need to learn in his own perfect timing, and equips me with the ability to learn it. He reminds me HIS ways and thoughts are higher than my own (Isaiah 55:8-9). He reveals to me his caring, compassionate heart. He is faithful, patient, loving, gracious, correcting, firm, steadfast, eternal......
I am thankful that his Word is true, and prayer is reliable. His truth does not depend on my experience or feeling. He is able to handle all the frustration and questions I can dish out. He alone can wholly satisfy my longing heart.
I am thankful for who he has given me. A friend who calls me out and reminds me that this life is not about me. A friend who reminds me of who it is I really am, and why I've been created. A brother who genuinely cares. A friend who encourages.
I am thankful that even when a day does not start (or continue) how I had wanted, God is in control of it. His blessings are woven throughout my day. He changes my attitude, humbles my heart, and opens my eyes so I can see his presence, feel his "hugs".
I am thankful that I have been saved by the blood of the Lamb. And, everyday, God is transforming my mind. Everyday, he is making me more like his precious son. Everyday he is faithful and true.
For all this and so much more, I am thankful....
I am thankful that my God is sovereign. He has made me and knows more about me than I ever will. He teaches me lessons I need to learn in his own perfect timing, and equips me with the ability to learn it. He reminds me HIS ways and thoughts are higher than my own (Isaiah 55:8-9). He reveals to me his caring, compassionate heart. He is faithful, patient, loving, gracious, correcting, firm, steadfast, eternal......
I am thankful that his Word is true, and prayer is reliable. His truth does not depend on my experience or feeling. He is able to handle all the frustration and questions I can dish out. He alone can wholly satisfy my longing heart.
I am thankful for who he has given me. A friend who calls me out and reminds me that this life is not about me. A friend who reminds me of who it is I really am, and why I've been created. A brother who genuinely cares. A friend who encourages.
I am thankful that even when a day does not start (or continue) how I had wanted, God is in control of it. His blessings are woven throughout my day. He changes my attitude, humbles my heart, and opens my eyes so I can see his presence, feel his "hugs".
I am thankful that I have been saved by the blood of the Lamb. And, everyday, God is transforming my mind. Everyday, he is making me more like his precious son. Everyday he is faithful and true.
For all this and so much more, I am thankful....
Monday, September 10, 2012
Trust in the Lord...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
My heart's desire is to please my LORD. I want to honor Him with all of my actions, my words, my thoughts. I long to hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant" as I enter into His presence.
All too often though, I begin to worry... Was that really God's voice or my own? Should I be doing something I'm not? Was I right or wrong in saying that? Questions of doubt worm their ways into my head. Resulting in a cry out of uncertainty! A desire for a set of dos and don'ts... a list of rules I can live by and do everything right. "Cause God, if I only had that, then I wouldn't make any mistakes! I wouldn't dishonor or displease you. I could do everything right..."
But, in reality, is it when "we do everything right" that God is pleased? Or when we turn to Him? Is it God's desire that we live perfect lives on our own? Or that we allow Him to be the one to make us like His perfect son?
I think God didn't give us a "How to Live the Perfect Life 101" rulebook or a perfect understanding of this life for a reason. Because if He had, would we have as much of a need for Him as we do?? Instead, He gave us His Spirit and His Word!! A part of Himself, given to us to guide us throughout life. (Romans 8:14, Psalm 119:105).
A part of GOD! Given to me! And I just want a list of dos and don'ts?! What a glorious adventure I would miss out on... An adventure to discover the heart of God, to learn more of Him intimately, to become more like Him personally...
This adventure, however, requires faith and trust (two areas God has really been teaching and growing me in as of late). It requires a confidence that God will direct us in the way He wants us to go, and convict us when we're not walking according to His directions. We must lay down our need to understand, our desire to control and lead, and place them in the hands of the One who has already planned our lives. (Psalm 139:16). We must confidently live moment by moment listening for the whisper of the Spirit and walking by the light of the Word. Trusting that God will lead and guide us in the way of everlasting. (Psalm 139:24b)
My heart's desire is to please my LORD. I want to honor Him with all of my actions, my words, my thoughts. I long to hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant" as I enter into His presence.
All too often though, I begin to worry... Was that really God's voice or my own? Should I be doing something I'm not? Was I right or wrong in saying that? Questions of doubt worm their ways into my head. Resulting in a cry out of uncertainty! A desire for a set of dos and don'ts... a list of rules I can live by and do everything right. "Cause God, if I only had that, then I wouldn't make any mistakes! I wouldn't dishonor or displease you. I could do everything right..."
But, in reality, is it when "we do everything right" that God is pleased? Or when we turn to Him? Is it God's desire that we live perfect lives on our own? Or that we allow Him to be the one to make us like His perfect son?
I think God didn't give us a "How to Live the Perfect Life 101" rulebook or a perfect understanding of this life for a reason. Because if He had, would we have as much of a need for Him as we do?? Instead, He gave us His Spirit and His Word!! A part of Himself, given to us to guide us throughout life. (Romans 8:14, Psalm 119:105).
A part of GOD! Given to me! And I just want a list of dos and don'ts?! What a glorious adventure I would miss out on... An adventure to discover the heart of God, to learn more of Him intimately, to become more like Him personally...
This adventure, however, requires faith and trust (two areas God has really been teaching and growing me in as of late). It requires a confidence that God will direct us in the way He wants us to go, and convict us when we're not walking according to His directions. We must lay down our need to understand, our desire to control and lead, and place them in the hands of the One who has already planned our lives. (Psalm 139:16). We must confidently live moment by moment listening for the whisper of the Spirit and walking by the light of the Word. Trusting that God will lead and guide us in the way of everlasting. (Psalm 139:24b)
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