So, I have some "life verses" as people like to call them. I've been thinking...what should my life verse be. My life's motto is "all for Jesus"...that means everything I do, say, see, think, hear, etc. is for Him. An offering to lay at His feet. Something pleasing to Him. All I do makes me grow to be like Him. So my life's verse should be something like that...I want Jesus to come first and everything else that is given by Him will follow.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seeking God first...and everything else follows. Hmmm...I think this one might be a good one. OF course, there are way too many verses to choose from, but God lets certain ones stand out. He's so amazing!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Prayer
I do not desire to be known to men, but I desire that through me, God might be known to men.
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Goal
I want to learn all I can before I head off to Korea in August. Obviously, I won't stop learning then, but this is a good preparation time. My goals:
Read through the Bible at least once in the next 5 months.
Read at least 30 missionary biographies in the next 5 months.
Learn enough Chinese to put together simple sentences, understand the tones, and get around the city.
Learn to trust God more surely. He never fails, and I know that. I want to be a servant who has complete faith in her Master.
Read through the Bible at least once in the next 5 months.
Read at least 30 missionary biographies in the next 5 months.
Learn enough Chinese to put together simple sentences, understand the tones, and get around the city.
Learn to trust God more surely. He never fails, and I know that. I want to be a servant who has complete faith in her Master.
Quotes, A Poem, and Some Sayings
I've been thinking of quotes in the last few days...here are some that have just popped into my mind with a little revision...
When my voice is silenced by death, may the life I leave behind still speak of Christ.
Sometimes God allows clouds to cover up the sun so that, in faith, we might still believe the sun is there.
When the burden seems to hard to bear, lift your eyes to the cross. There you'll see that Jesus already bore it for you.
If I were to write a book about all the ways God has been good to me, it would take until the end of eternity.
Don't pray in the hard times if you don't pray when all is well.
God never promises that we won't have trials in our lives, but He does promise that when they come, His grace will be enough.
When we walk by faith, we walk the path that Jesus has already bush-wacked.
If you put our eyes on yourself for just one second, that means that you take your eyes off of Jesus. Do that, and you're sure to sink.
Every day before you set one foot out of bed, be sure to rededicate your day to Christ.
Here is a poem I wrote a few days ago...
When I feel the world around me,
Crushing me, the foe is strong.
To the cross my eyes ascend,
In the fight I hear it's song:
"I have died so you might live
I have suffered for your sin
Though the battle rages on, child
I've the vic'try, we will win"
I believe, Lord, in this promise.
You are strong to face the foe.
I will raise my sword in triumph,
So your power I may show.
Every day I face temptation,
In this fight my hope secure,
That I've Jesus fighting with me.
In Him victory is sure.
I found this quote in a biography I read about Isobel Kuhn, a courageous missionary to China....
Often on the Rock I tremble,
Faint of heart and weak of knee;
But the steadfast Rock of Ages
Never trembles under me.
This quote just speaks to me in so many ways! It's so triumphant and totally sure. Completely unwavering. Steadfast. Not moving. Secure. My Jesus.
One last thing I read in a biography of George Muller, a missionary in England in the 1800's. This quote stood out to me because I want to start an orphanage. He was a true man of faith. I desire to be a true woman of faith...
"Lord, is it really possible that You will provide whatever I ask You for--especially concerning the orphan house? I praise you, Lord. Truly You are great and greatly to be praised that a mere man can ask of You, the God of the universe, and receive whatever he asks. Help me to be faithful to Your calling, Lord."
When my voice is silenced by death, may the life I leave behind still speak of Christ.
Sometimes God allows clouds to cover up the sun so that, in faith, we might still believe the sun is there.
When the burden seems to hard to bear, lift your eyes to the cross. There you'll see that Jesus already bore it for you.
If I were to write a book about all the ways God has been good to me, it would take until the end of eternity.
Don't pray in the hard times if you don't pray when all is well.
God never promises that we won't have trials in our lives, but He does promise that when they come, His grace will be enough.
When we walk by faith, we walk the path that Jesus has already bush-wacked.
If you put our eyes on yourself for just one second, that means that you take your eyes off of Jesus. Do that, and you're sure to sink.
Every day before you set one foot out of bed, be sure to rededicate your day to Christ.
Here is a poem I wrote a few days ago...
When I feel the world around me,
Crushing me, the foe is strong.
To the cross my eyes ascend,
In the fight I hear it's song:
"I have died so you might live
I have suffered for your sin
Though the battle rages on, child
I've the vic'try, we will win"
I believe, Lord, in this promise.
You are strong to face the foe.
I will raise my sword in triumph,
So your power I may show.
Every day I face temptation,
In this fight my hope secure,
That I've Jesus fighting with me.
In Him victory is sure.
I found this quote in a biography I read about Isobel Kuhn, a courageous missionary to China....
Often on the Rock I tremble,
Faint of heart and weak of knee;
But the steadfast Rock of Ages
Never trembles under me.
This quote just speaks to me in so many ways! It's so triumphant and totally sure. Completely unwavering. Steadfast. Not moving. Secure. My Jesus.
One last thing I read in a biography of George Muller, a missionary in England in the 1800's. This quote stood out to me because I want to start an orphanage. He was a true man of faith. I desire to be a true woman of faith...
"Lord, is it really possible that You will provide whatever I ask You for--especially concerning the orphan house? I praise you, Lord. Truly You are great and greatly to be praised that a mere man can ask of You, the God of the universe, and receive whatever he asks. Help me to be faithful to Your calling, Lord."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thoughts
I can't believe it's almost...March? Am I right? WOW! Let me check my calendar again...yep! Only a few more days and it will be March. Time has been flying!!
I'm so excited to graduate. I can't believe I've come this far. God has been so good...so good I can't even start to wonder why He could be so loving and gracious to me. I don't deserve what He's done for me so far this year. I've failed Him so many times just in the past 2 months! Yet, as is just like Him, God picks me up, dusts me off, forgives and forgets, and gives me just enough strength to make it through the next day, the next trial, the next temptation.
God's eye is on the sparrow. A tiny little bird that can't talk, doesn't have a soul, and eats bugs. God's eye is on the flowers...the tiny beautiful flowers that get crushed under people's feet. If GOd watches over even the smallest of His creation, how much more will He care for those who are made in His image? We have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. When we worry, we try to add hours to the day, we try to conjure up images of money and food and wealth of other sorts. We try to carry our own burdens and follow our own will. We, like Peter as he walked on water, take our eyes off of Jesus in the middle of the raging storm. This mistake of putting our trust in ourself causes us to begin sinking. It is vital to keep our focus totally and completely on God. We should be able to walk out into the crashing waves because we trust that God will uphold us. Why should we fear? Has not God been in control from the first moment of forever? Why would He fail us now? He will forever be in control while forever loving us and caring and providing for us. We need only to rest in Him. Trials will only make us more like Him because in those trials we will have nowhere else to turn but to our ultimate source of strength...the Lord. He is good. His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Our God is good. Forever.
I'm so excited to graduate. I can't believe I've come this far. God has been so good...so good I can't even start to wonder why He could be so loving and gracious to me. I don't deserve what He's done for me so far this year. I've failed Him so many times just in the past 2 months! Yet, as is just like Him, God picks me up, dusts me off, forgives and forgets, and gives me just enough strength to make it through the next day, the next trial, the next temptation.
God's eye is on the sparrow. A tiny little bird that can't talk, doesn't have a soul, and eats bugs. God's eye is on the flowers...the tiny beautiful flowers that get crushed under people's feet. If GOd watches over even the smallest of His creation, how much more will He care for those who are made in His image? We have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. When we worry, we try to add hours to the day, we try to conjure up images of money and food and wealth of other sorts. We try to carry our own burdens and follow our own will. We, like Peter as he walked on water, take our eyes off of Jesus in the middle of the raging storm. This mistake of putting our trust in ourself causes us to begin sinking. It is vital to keep our focus totally and completely on God. We should be able to walk out into the crashing waves because we trust that God will uphold us. Why should we fear? Has not God been in control from the first moment of forever? Why would He fail us now? He will forever be in control while forever loving us and caring and providing for us. We need only to rest in Him. Trials will only make us more like Him because in those trials we will have nowhere else to turn but to our ultimate source of strength...the Lord. He is good. His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Our God is good. Forever.
Monday, February 23, 2009
My Voice
When my voice is silenced by death, will the life I leave behind still speak of Jesus?
I was walking to class today and randomly thought of this. Actually, God put it in my head, but it was random because it just popped in there. :)
This really is my prayer. I want to glorify my God in life and in death. I would love it if people remembered me for my life lived for Christ and not myself. For my love for Him. For the fact that I often spoke of Him. For the fact that I was not part of this world. I know they'll remember my imperfections, but I want those to be minimized by Christ working in me. I want to be known as a child of God who is wholly devoted to Him. Even when I die, I want to leave that behind.
How Wonder
It was love that brought you from above
To walk upon the earth
And love that caused your weariness
Your hunger and your thirst
It was love that caused you to be tried
And tempted by the foe
And love that brought the nails and cross
And love that bought my soul
How wonderful your love
The mystery of mysteries
Filling up my heart
More glorious than I know
How wonderful your love
There's nothing else so sweet to me
I'll never be apart
From the lover of my soul
Your love is filled with holiness
Oh Spirit fan this flame
Your love will never cease for me
Your love will never change
Oh let me se your love for me
Around me everywhere
The shining sun, the gentle rain
Remind me of your care
How wonderful your love
The mystery of mysteries
Filling up my heart
More glorious than I know
How wonderful your love
There's nothing else so sweet to me
I'll never be apart
From the lover of my soul
I was walking to class today and randomly thought of this. Actually, God put it in my head, but it was random because it just popped in there. :)
This really is my prayer. I want to glorify my God in life and in death. I would love it if people remembered me for my life lived for Christ and not myself. For my love for Him. For the fact that I often spoke of Him. For the fact that I was not part of this world. I know they'll remember my imperfections, but I want those to be minimized by Christ working in me. I want to be known as a child of God who is wholly devoted to Him. Even when I die, I want to leave that behind.
How Wonder
It was love that brought you from above
To walk upon the earth
And love that caused your weariness
Your hunger and your thirst
It was love that caused you to be tried
And tempted by the foe
And love that brought the nails and cross
And love that bought my soul
How wonderful your love
The mystery of mysteries
Filling up my heart
More glorious than I know
How wonderful your love
There's nothing else so sweet to me
I'll never be apart
From the lover of my soul
Your love is filled with holiness
Oh Spirit fan this flame
Your love will never cease for me
Your love will never change
Oh let me se your love for me
Around me everywhere
The shining sun, the gentle rain
Remind me of your care
How wonderful your love
The mystery of mysteries
Filling up my heart
More glorious than I know
How wonderful your love
There's nothing else so sweet to me
I'll never be apart
From the lover of my soul
Sunday, February 22, 2009
God is good!
HAPPY SUNDAY! We will rededicate our lives to God every morning. This is day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! Your grace is sufficient for your power is made perfect in weakness!
God is good!
God is good!
I desire and I delight in my God
"Desire God like a man with his head on fire desires water."
I love that quote. It's a funny picture, but it's SO true. If my head was on fire, I would be screaming and completely dunking myself in the water. That's how it should be with God. We should fall totally into Him and submerse ourselves in who He is. We should desire Him so much that we can't get enough of His word and His love. We should desire to give back to Him all the love He's given us. We should be so disgusted by sin that we don't even desire it anymore. Our desires should be only towards God.
"By this I know you delight in me. My enemy will not shout in triumph over me." Psalm 41:11
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
"I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
Our delight and our desire is God.
"Whom have I in Heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire beside you." Pslam 73:25
I love that quote. It's a funny picture, but it's SO true. If my head was on fire, I would be screaming and completely dunking myself in the water. That's how it should be with God. We should fall totally into Him and submerse ourselves in who He is. We should desire Him so much that we can't get enough of His word and His love. We should desire to give back to Him all the love He's given us. We should be so disgusted by sin that we don't even desire it anymore. Our desires should be only towards God.
"By this I know you delight in me. My enemy will not shout in triumph over me." Psalm 41:11
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
"I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
Our delight and our desire is God.
"Whom have I in Heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire beside you." Pslam 73:25
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Find it hard to love?
Oh my...some people are just very unloveable...BUT. Oh, there's always a BUT. Not that I'm complaining. The BUTS are good for us to remember, think on, and act on. I have a tendancy to lash out in a sense when someone makes me mad. I raise my voice (I blame it on my German and Irish roots, but I know it's my sinful nature) and crinkle my brow. STOP.
What is love? Love is patient (strike one), love is kind (strike two)...guess I'm not doing so great. It's easy to see that anger can get out of hand pretty quickly. I raise my hand and confess to that. Not that I physically abuse people, but my words are not edifying. God's word says "let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth BUT that which is good to the use of edifying that it might minister grace to the hearers." Guilty. Love doesn't speak harshly and pridefully. Love does just that...loves. The ACTION of love.
Jesus is our perfect example of love. The blind, crippled, prositutes, slaves, etc. etc. etc...he loved those who were considered hard to love. He was patient and kind, he did not envy or boast. He was not proud or rude or self-seeking. The list goes on. Christ was our example of how we should treat those around us. He healed, reached out, had a gracious word...He didn't yell at them or get upset and walk away...He was drawn to those people who were harder to love for various reasons.
It's hard sometimes when the people critcize you (maybe because you're a Christian, or for how you look, or any number of reasons.) But those are the people that we have to ask God for help so we can forgive them on the spot.
Let my words be sweet, oh Lord, a fragrance of you.
What is love? Love is patient (strike one), love is kind (strike two)...guess I'm not doing so great. It's easy to see that anger can get out of hand pretty quickly. I raise my hand and confess to that. Not that I physically abuse people, but my words are not edifying. God's word says "let no corrupt communication proceed from your mouth BUT that which is good to the use of edifying that it might minister grace to the hearers." Guilty. Love doesn't speak harshly and pridefully. Love does just that...loves. The ACTION of love.
Jesus is our perfect example of love. The blind, crippled, prositutes, slaves, etc. etc. etc...he loved those who were considered hard to love. He was patient and kind, he did not envy or boast. He was not proud or rude or self-seeking. The list goes on. Christ was our example of how we should treat those around us. He healed, reached out, had a gracious word...He didn't yell at them or get upset and walk away...He was drawn to those people who were harder to love for various reasons.
It's hard sometimes when the people critcize you (maybe because you're a Christian, or for how you look, or any number of reasons.) But those are the people that we have to ask God for help so we can forgive them on the spot.
Let my words be sweet, oh Lord, a fragrance of you.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Lamentations 3:22-25
This amazing hymn was taken from a passage in Lamentations that I've grown to love.
22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Great is thy faithfulness, O God, My Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness;
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness;
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
This song talks about God's faithfulness...He WILL NOT fail us at all. His promises will be carried out.
That's one thing I've been rebuked about. The Bible says that God is not willing that any should perish, that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, that He has the power to save, etc. I've been praying that a friend of a friend will come to know Christ as His person Savior from his sins. I've been so burdened about him lately...just knowing that he could die at any second and go to hell for the rest of time. It really gets me. My heart hurts knowing that he has heard the entire gospel, he believes that it's true, but he hasn't confessed and accepted Jesus' free gift. I've been praying with tears lately that he'll get past that point of thinking what he has is good enough and realizing that he really needs God. I think for a while I didn't really believe that God would fulfill His promises because this young man was so far it seemed. But then I realized I was being stupid and that God was still working...the whole time. I don't know why I lost that bit of faith in God...he's so faithful! He never stops being faithful. Great is Thy faithfulness, this song speaks of. It even talks about a pardon for sin...how silly of me.
But, in all that, God's mercies are new. He forgave my disbelief when I asked Him if He would, and renewed my mind. It's in times like these that I really begin to realize His faithfulness and mercy and grace on a deeper level. It's amazing...amazing. His compassions fail not, He never changes.
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Great is thy faithfulness, O God, My Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness;
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness;
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
This song talks about God's faithfulness...He WILL NOT fail us at all. His promises will be carried out.
That's one thing I've been rebuked about. The Bible says that God is not willing that any should perish, that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, that He has the power to save, etc. I've been praying that a friend of a friend will come to know Christ as His person Savior from his sins. I've been so burdened about him lately...just knowing that he could die at any second and go to hell for the rest of time. It really gets me. My heart hurts knowing that he has heard the entire gospel, he believes that it's true, but he hasn't confessed and accepted Jesus' free gift. I've been praying with tears lately that he'll get past that point of thinking what he has is good enough and realizing that he really needs God. I think for a while I didn't really believe that God would fulfill His promises because this young man was so far it seemed. But then I realized I was being stupid and that God was still working...the whole time. I don't know why I lost that bit of faith in God...he's so faithful! He never stops being faithful. Great is Thy faithfulness, this song speaks of. It even talks about a pardon for sin...how silly of me.
But, in all that, God's mercies are new. He forgave my disbelief when I asked Him if He would, and renewed my mind. It's in times like these that I really begin to realize His faithfulness and mercy and grace on a deeper level. It's amazing...amazing. His compassions fail not, He never changes.
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
O Great God
Oh great God of higest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me your forever more
I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear your voice
Did not know your love within
Had no taste for heaven's joys
Then your spirit gave me life
Open uo your word to me
Through the gospel of your son
Give me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life
That's dependent on your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evil that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
Oh great God of highest heaven
Glofiry your name through me
This song is one of my prayer. God is great, and I am small. I want Him to reign in my, crush all the things that would draw me from Him, and glorify His name through what I do and say. He can take this sinful mess and use it for His glory. Oh great God, how I love you!
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me your forever more
I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear your voice
Did not know your love within
Had no taste for heaven's joys
Then your spirit gave me life
Open uo your word to me
Through the gospel of your son
Give me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life
That's dependent on your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evil that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
Oh great God of highest heaven
Glofiry your name through me
This song is one of my prayer. God is great, and I am small. I want Him to reign in my, crush all the things that would draw me from Him, and glorify His name through what I do and say. He can take this sinful mess and use it for His glory. Oh great God, how I love you!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How Can It Be?!
O Saviour, as my eyes behold
The wonders of Thy might untold,
The heav'ns in glorious light arrayed,
The vast creation Thou hast made—
And yet to think Thou lovest me—
My heart cries out, "How can it be?"
How can it be?
How can it be?
That God should love a soul like me,
O how can it be?
As at the cross I humbly bow
And gaze upon Thy thorn-crowned brow,
And view the precious bleeding form
By cruel nails so bruised and torn,
Knowing Thy suff'ring was for me,
In grief I cry, "How can it be?"
How can it be? How can it be?
Was ever grace so full and free!
From heights of bliss to depths of woe
In loving kindness Thou didst go,
From sin and shame to rescue me—
O Love Divine, How can it be?
How can it be?
How can it be?
That God should love a soul like me,
O how can it be?
I did NOTHING...NOTHING to deserve God's love. He went from glory to a world of sin...for me. To die for me. For my sickness of sin. For my lack of love for Him. For my lack of service. For my cold heart. For my dishonor to His name. For my everything. I was once plagued with the weight and horrible dread of my sin, but Jesus died to lift that burden and give me joy unspeakable. I'll never understand, I'll never fully grasp "How can it be?", but this one thing I do know, I don't deserve it, though He gives it. I have to do my best to repay what He has done for me, though I can never fully repay it. I will, until my dying day, praise my Jesus for His wonderful gift of true grace!
The wonders of Thy might untold,
The heav'ns in glorious light arrayed,
The vast creation Thou hast made—
And yet to think Thou lovest me—
My heart cries out, "How can it be?"
How can it be?
How can it be?
That God should love a soul like me,
O how can it be?
As at the cross I humbly bow
And gaze upon Thy thorn-crowned brow,
And view the precious bleeding form
By cruel nails so bruised and torn,
Knowing Thy suff'ring was for me,
In grief I cry, "How can it be?"
How can it be? How can it be?
Was ever grace so full and free!
From heights of bliss to depths of woe
In loving kindness Thou didst go,
From sin and shame to rescue me—
O Love Divine, How can it be?
How can it be?
How can it be?
That God should love a soul like me,
O how can it be?
I did NOTHING...NOTHING to deserve God's love. He went from glory to a world of sin...for me. To die for me. For my sickness of sin. For my lack of love for Him. For my lack of service. For my cold heart. For my dishonor to His name. For my everything. I was once plagued with the weight and horrible dread of my sin, but Jesus died to lift that burden and give me joy unspeakable. I'll never understand, I'll never fully grasp "How can it be?", but this one thing I do know, I don't deserve it, though He gives it. I have to do my best to repay what He has done for me, though I can never fully repay it. I will, until my dying day, praise my Jesus for His wonderful gift of true grace!
Some verses
I found some great verses today while I was doing my special time with God and my Bible, so I'm going to share them along with my thoughts.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."
I think this verse basically speaks for itself. I consider myself blessed to share in Christ's sufferings. He is who I'm here to be more like and He is who I'm here to serve. It's such a joy to know that we share in His comfort too. We don't have to go through things that He hasn't already experienced, and we don't have to go through trials alone. He's always there, and He's our constant source of comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:9-10 "Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again."
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 "Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."
Not relying on ourselves...how often do I do that, even just for a moment? God doesn't put us through trials just because, but He puts us through them to test us. He wants to see if we're going to turn to Him for comfort, or if we'll turn to ourselves or the world around us. He wants us to run into His arms and let Him share our burden. He also wants us to learn how to be more like Him. He delivers us from our enemies and from dangers and trials, but we cannot look to ourselves for any source of strength or comfort.
**GET A MENTAL IMAGE OF THIS NEXT VERSE**
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."
WOW! What a beautiful picture!! I can't really comment...it's all in the mental image.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to dispair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
A powerful verse about how we will face hard times, but ultimately, Christ WILL have the victory!!!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparision, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Oh, we'll face trials, but they will pale in comparison to a life of perfect eternity...unending bliss. With our Savior!! We are storing up treasures in Heaven and crowns that God will give us when we see Him. What a Savior!
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."
I think this verse basically speaks for itself. I consider myself blessed to share in Christ's sufferings. He is who I'm here to be more like and He is who I'm here to serve. It's such a joy to know that we share in His comfort too. We don't have to go through things that He hasn't already experienced, and we don't have to go through trials alone. He's always there, and He's our constant source of comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:9-10 "Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again."
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 "Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."
Not relying on ourselves...how often do I do that, even just for a moment? God doesn't put us through trials just because, but He puts us through them to test us. He wants to see if we're going to turn to Him for comfort, or if we'll turn to ourselves or the world around us. He wants us to run into His arms and let Him share our burden. He also wants us to learn how to be more like Him. He delivers us from our enemies and from dangers and trials, but we cannot look to ourselves for any source of strength or comfort.
**GET A MENTAL IMAGE OF THIS NEXT VERSE**
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."
WOW! What a beautiful picture!! I can't really comment...it's all in the mental image.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to dispair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
A powerful verse about how we will face hard times, but ultimately, Christ WILL have the victory!!!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparision, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Oh, we'll face trials, but they will pale in comparison to a life of perfect eternity...unending bliss. With our Savior!! We are storing up treasures in Heaven and crowns that God will give us when we see Him. What a Savior!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
In My Weakness
He is strong!
I find myself at a loss for words...I can't really understand how I can have so much love in my heart for God and for certain people, but not for others (or at least that I don't show.) It's not as though I hate them or wish wrong on them, but I've just always been so critical. I grew up being sarcastic and no edifying. The tongue is untamable...but I want to tame it.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
That's it! Building up...not tearing down! Why is it such a hard concept. It's going to be brain retraining for me. I don't want words and tones of voice to just slip out as they're used to doing. I want my words to be confident in God...words He would use. And I want them to stop tearing down those around me.
Pray for me in this area, please!
I find myself at a loss for words...I can't really understand how I can have so much love in my heart for God and for certain people, but not for others (or at least that I don't show.) It's not as though I hate them or wish wrong on them, but I've just always been so critical. I grew up being sarcastic and no edifying. The tongue is untamable...but I want to tame it.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
That's it! Building up...not tearing down! Why is it such a hard concept. It's going to be brain retraining for me. I don't want words and tones of voice to just slip out as they're used to doing. I want my words to be confident in God...words He would use. And I want them to stop tearing down those around me.
Pray for me in this area, please!
In the garden of Gethsemane, my Jesus wept bitterly and trembled. Comforted only by an angel, for His disciples were busy sleeping, He prayed fervently that this cup that He would soon drink would be taken from His lips. He also prayed that His will would not be done, but that the Father's will would be done. Three times Jesus prayed this.
How? How could this perfectly holy amazing majestic Lord veil His glory in mortal flesh and come to the most humble beginning? A baby. The whole universe cannot contain the immensity of God, yet He lived in a cramped womb for nine months. He came weak, needly, helpless. The opposite of His true self. His whole entire life, He knew what the Father's will was for Him...to die. A death that none is worthy of. He was human in every way except that He had no sin. He was perfect.
Jesus in the garden. Why did He weep? Not because of the death He was about to face...what could man do to His body? Even death cannot keep our Lord! No, He wept because...because of the weight He was about to endure. Because of the hugeness of the sins of every single person in history that He would take on. Not only this, but because of the fact that He would be separated from God...God from God...and this was something that grieved Him to the point of death. He did not say a word when they spit on Him, mocked Him, beat Him, and crucified Him. But, He opened His mouth to cry "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" Consider the immensity of this. Holiness turned it's back on holiness. The ultimate death...seperation from God. It was not the nails, though they cause Him pain, or the crown, though He bled. It was the weight of the world. The sin place on holiness. And the separation from the one He loved the most. God's wrath was poured out on His Son!
How? How can we even consider for one second the things of the world. The things that took our Saviour, nailed Him to the cross, and killed Him. Crushing His spirit and body at the same time. He hung there a mass of mangled sin...death for us. How could we begin to even think of turning from that to the world and the things of the world that He died for. He died, yes, and rose again so we might not serve a dead God. He crushed death and have victory! But, our freedom from sin comes with a price. The price of death. How can we not stop to thank Him and become overwhelmed by His love. How can it not take our breath away? Oh that we would all show the same love back to Him that He poured on us!
How? How could this perfectly holy amazing majestic Lord veil His glory in mortal flesh and come to the most humble beginning? A baby. The whole universe cannot contain the immensity of God, yet He lived in a cramped womb for nine months. He came weak, needly, helpless. The opposite of His true self. His whole entire life, He knew what the Father's will was for Him...to die. A death that none is worthy of. He was human in every way except that He had no sin. He was perfect.
Jesus in the garden. Why did He weep? Not because of the death He was about to face...what could man do to His body? Even death cannot keep our Lord! No, He wept because...because of the weight He was about to endure. Because of the hugeness of the sins of every single person in history that He would take on. Not only this, but because of the fact that He would be separated from God...God from God...and this was something that grieved Him to the point of death. He did not say a word when they spit on Him, mocked Him, beat Him, and crucified Him. But, He opened His mouth to cry "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" Consider the immensity of this. Holiness turned it's back on holiness. The ultimate death...seperation from God. It was not the nails, though they cause Him pain, or the crown, though He bled. It was the weight of the world. The sin place on holiness. And the separation from the one He loved the most. God's wrath was poured out on His Son!
How? How can we even consider for one second the things of the world. The things that took our Saviour, nailed Him to the cross, and killed Him. Crushing His spirit and body at the same time. He hung there a mass of mangled sin...death for us. How could we begin to even think of turning from that to the world and the things of the world that He died for. He died, yes, and rose again so we might not serve a dead God. He crushed death and have victory! But, our freedom from sin comes with a price. The price of death. How can we not stop to thank Him and become overwhelmed by His love. How can it not take our breath away? Oh that we would all show the same love back to Him that He poured on us!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wootness
All the glory to God...ALL of it...I'm going to sign my contract tomorrow to go teach in Korea for 2 years!! I'm so very excited and happy and marveling at how God brings things together and points you in the direction of the path He wants you to take. I've prayed a lot about his and talked to people in trying to seek God's will, and He's given me His perfect peace about it. It's not until August, but when I do start on this wonderful journey, I want it to be a time of a few things...more deeply discovering who my amazing God is, being humbled and brought low in order that God can be raised up and I can learn from my mistakes and those around me, putting everything I am into doing the Lord's work, growing my love for the people of Asia with a kind of love that Christ has for them, and, among many other things, doing ALL for Jesus.
All for Jesus...this sums up my life in 3 words or less. All- everything. Every little part. Everything I do, think, want, have, say, every breath, every place, every person, every everything! is for the one who died for me. It's for the one who loves me. It's for the one who calls me to be different and who calls me to take up my cross daily and follow Him. Since He has given everything for me to the point of His life, I have to give it back to Him.
Sometimes I feel so inadequate to do God's will...of course, it's not in any strength of mine that I do anything. My prayer is that God empties me of...me...and fills me with Himself so that out of my shines God in all His glory. I want to be a shinning light to all the world, but I can't do it without God. I want to be a tool He uses to reach the people of the world.
Well, here are more thoughts for the day. Things keep swirling in my head, and I keep falling deeper in love with God. Pray for me while I do His will.
Peace.
All for Jesus...this sums up my life in 3 words or less. All- everything. Every little part. Everything I do, think, want, have, say, every breath, every place, every person, every everything! is for the one who died for me. It's for the one who loves me. It's for the one who calls me to be different and who calls me to take up my cross daily and follow Him. Since He has given everything for me to the point of His life, I have to give it back to Him.
Sometimes I feel so inadequate to do God's will...of course, it's not in any strength of mine that I do anything. My prayer is that God empties me of...me...and fills me with Himself so that out of my shines God in all His glory. I want to be a shinning light to all the world, but I can't do it without God. I want to be a tool He uses to reach the people of the world.
Well, here are more thoughts for the day. Things keep swirling in my head, and I keep falling deeper in love with God. Pray for me while I do His will.
Peace.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Jesus Is Mine!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Chorus: This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy,
whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
I'm so glad that I have Jesus! I'm His child...a child of the King that rules over every single speck of dust on the earth and every single star in the sky. From the highest to the lowest, He is over all. The King that left His throne in pure love to show me the meaning of life...that a life lived for Him is more beautiful than anything that money can buy, more beautiful than the most breathtaking sunset, more beautiful than all the sparkling diamonds under the most brillian light...life for Christ is a constant song of praise. It is an echo of His mercy and grace. A peace without end and a home up in Heaven. Love given without measure or want in return. It's beautiful.
Jesus is mine! I am His. What a beautiful bond of love that I share with my Heavenly Father and my powerful King!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Chorus: This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy,
whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
I'm so glad that I have Jesus! I'm His child...a child of the King that rules over every single speck of dust on the earth and every single star in the sky. From the highest to the lowest, He is over all. The King that left His throne in pure love to show me the meaning of life...that a life lived for Him is more beautiful than anything that money can buy, more beautiful than the most breathtaking sunset, more beautiful than all the sparkling diamonds under the most brillian light...life for Christ is a constant song of praise. It is an echo of His mercy and grace. A peace without end and a home up in Heaven. Love given without measure or want in return. It's beautiful.
Jesus is mine! I am His. What a beautiful bond of love that I share with my Heavenly Father and my powerful King!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How Deep
You were broken that I might be healed
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried our in anguish that I might sing
How deep is your love
How high and how wide is your mercy
How deep is your grace
Ours hearts overflow with praise
To you
You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dry
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by your Father to call me your own
How deep is your love
How high and how wide is your mercy
How deep is your grace
Ours hearts overflow with praise
Jesus came from all the splendor and majesty that he had known....came to a sinful, disgusting, hateful world. Why? Love. Love is not just a feeling or a thought. It's an action, and our Jesus perfectly displayed that action for the entire world. Every single man and woman on the whole face of the globe. There is no one that is untouched by His gracious love. This love takes us from the bonds of our horrible sin and frees us to be slaves to God's righteousness forever. But this slavery is not another suppressed and harsh slave-master relationship, but rather, it's a Father-son/daughter relationship. So full of love for us that we honestly cannot even understand the depth of His love.
I have swam in the ocean, and I know that in the middle of the ocean it is hundreds of feet deep. But eventually, you come to the sandy ocean floor, and you've reached the bottom. The extent of the ocean. Compare this dept to God's love, but take away the bottom. It's a bottomless pit of favor, joy, peace, and patient care.
Our Jesus loved us so very much...bottomlessly...that he came and suffered the ultimate death. So much pain and tears...why? To take our perverted sins on Him and thus save us from them so we don't have to bear them anymore. He died. But we don't serve a dead God...He rose! He came back to life to show us that death and sin have absolutely no power over him. They can't defeat Him in any way, but rather He can defeat them! All this...so we can live. So we can be free. How deep! How vast! How wide and long and unending! A gift He gives FREELY to us. One that can forgive our sins if we are willing to confess these sins as what they are: horrible sins that keep us seperated from God. Confess and simply believe on Jesus. Believe and accept his gift of eternal, unending life. Our hearts overflow with praise!
You were cast off that I might draw near
You were thirsty that I might come drink
Cried our in anguish that I might sing
How deep is your love
How high and how wide is your mercy
How deep is your grace
Ours hearts overflow with praise
To you
You knew darkness that I might know light
Wept great tears that mine might be dry
Stripped of glory that I might be clothed
Crushed by your Father to call me your own
How deep is your love
How high and how wide is your mercy
How deep is your grace
Ours hearts overflow with praise
Jesus came from all the splendor and majesty that he had known....came to a sinful, disgusting, hateful world. Why? Love. Love is not just a feeling or a thought. It's an action, and our Jesus perfectly displayed that action for the entire world. Every single man and woman on the whole face of the globe. There is no one that is untouched by His gracious love. This love takes us from the bonds of our horrible sin and frees us to be slaves to God's righteousness forever. But this slavery is not another suppressed and harsh slave-master relationship, but rather, it's a Father-son/daughter relationship. So full of love for us that we honestly cannot even understand the depth of His love.
I have swam in the ocean, and I know that in the middle of the ocean it is hundreds of feet deep. But eventually, you come to the sandy ocean floor, and you've reached the bottom. The extent of the ocean. Compare this dept to God's love, but take away the bottom. It's a bottomless pit of favor, joy, peace, and patient care.
Our Jesus loved us so very much...bottomlessly...that he came and suffered the ultimate death. So much pain and tears...why? To take our perverted sins on Him and thus save us from them so we don't have to bear them anymore. He died. But we don't serve a dead God...He rose! He came back to life to show us that death and sin have absolutely no power over him. They can't defeat Him in any way, but rather He can defeat them! All this...so we can live. So we can be free. How deep! How vast! How wide and long and unending! A gift He gives FREELY to us. One that can forgive our sins if we are willing to confess these sins as what they are: horrible sins that keep us seperated from God. Confess and simply believe on Jesus. Believe and accept his gift of eternal, unending life. Our hearts overflow with praise!
My Babies
I've been dreaming (literally) for the past few years about starting an orphanage in China. I am planning on going to Korea to teach English for 2 years first (I find out really soon if I get hired!!) and then I want to go back to my beloved China.
God has put such a strong desire in my heart to help the people over there. I know that there are many Christians in China already, but if you think of the size of the land and the amount of people, there are so many that haven't even heard the gospel. My heart is tugged toward the people that live in mountain caves. The children who were abandoned because of defects or because their parents died or for many other reasons. God loves them so very much, and they need to hear about His saving grace and how they can know Him as their Savior and Lord.
I guess some people would say that my intentions are noble. Some people would say I can't do it with just one person. But why should I put limitations on God? Why should I wait until more people want to join me for the cause of Christ and for spreading the news of His love? Yeah, I'm just one person, but if I keep a negative mindset that one person can't do much, where will I get? Nowhere. But if I hold tightly onto the faith that God can take one lowly nobody and do great and amazing things in the world if the person is compeltely willing to be fully used by God. Maxed out. Shoved in. Spent in every way. That is the person who God wants to use. And I want to be that person.
There's the fear of the unknown and of leaving what you know for a strange place. But God's grace is enough. He promises to give me perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3+4). He promises that his grace is sufficient, that his power is made perfect in weakness. He commands those who follow him to take up there cross and forsake everything to be wholly devoted to Him. This is the cry of my heart, and I wish there were more people that would join me.
I'm not perfect in any sense, and I think that some people look at you as looking down on them or calling them unspiritual for not wanting to leave their comfort zone. That's not the case. I think God leads and He equipps where He leads. It's different for everyone. God uses who He will where He will. And I'm that person!
God has put such a strong desire in my heart to help the people over there. I know that there are many Christians in China already, but if you think of the size of the land and the amount of people, there are so many that haven't even heard the gospel. My heart is tugged toward the people that live in mountain caves. The children who were abandoned because of defects or because their parents died or for many other reasons. God loves them so very much, and they need to hear about His saving grace and how they can know Him as their Savior and Lord.
I guess some people would say that my intentions are noble. Some people would say I can't do it with just one person. But why should I put limitations on God? Why should I wait until more people want to join me for the cause of Christ and for spreading the news of His love? Yeah, I'm just one person, but if I keep a negative mindset that one person can't do much, where will I get? Nowhere. But if I hold tightly onto the faith that God can take one lowly nobody and do great and amazing things in the world if the person is compeltely willing to be fully used by God. Maxed out. Shoved in. Spent in every way. That is the person who God wants to use. And I want to be that person.
There's the fear of the unknown and of leaving what you know for a strange place. But God's grace is enough. He promises to give me perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3+4). He promises that his grace is sufficient, that his power is made perfect in weakness. He commands those who follow him to take up there cross and forsake everything to be wholly devoted to Him. This is the cry of my heart, and I wish there were more people that would join me.
I'm not perfect in any sense, and I think that some people look at you as looking down on them or calling them unspiritual for not wanting to leave their comfort zone. That's not the case. I think God leads and He equipps where He leads. It's different for everyone. God uses who He will where He will. And I'm that person!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Just Because of Love
1 John 3:1 "How GREAT is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
I love the word "lavished." It just seems so...much! Bunches and bunches spread all over the place. Beautiful and continuous! The flow of love never stops...it goes on forever. It spills everywhere, all over us and fills us to overflowing!
John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his Master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father, I have made known to you."
Friends of God....the ultimate friend! He teaches us freely, and shows Himself in many ways to us that we don't deserve to see. We were once slaves to sin, but now we're freed friends to righteousness and holiness!
Isaiah 30:18 "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, blessed are all who wait for Him!"
It says he LONGS to be gracious...have you ever longed for something? (China haha)...God longs infinity times more to be gracious...to pour out grace on us even if we're undeserving. He shows compassion on our sinful state. We are called BLESSED who wait for Him!
Hebrews 4:15-16 "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
He's been tempted to give up, to give in, to fear, etc. etc. by the devil, by men...but he didn't! He's forever been without sin!!! What a perfect example to us when we're tempted to worry or distress about what tomorrow brings...Jesus didn't, and he does everything for us, so we shouldn't!! He will help us in our time of need.
Isaiah 46:11 "What I have said, that will I bring about. What I have planned, that will I do!"
AH HA! What has he said? "I will never leave you or forsake you" "I will give you perfect peace" "I will uphold you" "I will never permit the righteous to be moved"...what has he planned? Only good for his children. Trials that bring about good by drawing us to a better knowledge of him. A path that is narrow...hard at times...but that leads to never ending joy and peace. A grace that is so much greater than ALL our sins smushed together and blown up a million times! AMAZING LOVE! How can it be? That you my King should die for me. Amazing love! I KNOW it's true. And it's my JOY to honor you in ALL I do!
"Grace Unmeasured"
Grace unmeasured, vast and free,
That knew me from eternity,
That called me out before my birth,
To bring You glory on this earth.
Grace amazing, pure and deep,
That saw me in my misery,
THat took my curse and owned my blame,
So I could bear Your righteous name.
Grace
paid for my sins and brought me to life.
Grace
Clothes me with pow’r to do what is right.
Grace
leads me to heav’n where I’ll see Your face
and never cease to thank You for Your grace.
Grace abounding, strong and true,
That makes me long to be like You,
That turns me from my selfish pride
to love the cross on which You died.
Grace unending, all of my days,
You’ll give me strength to run this race;
And when my years on earth are through,the praise will all belong to You.
Grace
paid for my sins and brought me to life.
Grace
Clothes me with pow’r to do what is right.
Grace
leads me to heav’n where I’ll see Your face
and never cease to thank You for Your grace.
I love the word "lavished." It just seems so...much! Bunches and bunches spread all over the place. Beautiful and continuous! The flow of love never stops...it goes on forever. It spills everywhere, all over us and fills us to overflowing!
John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his Master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father, I have made known to you."
Friends of God....the ultimate friend! He teaches us freely, and shows Himself in many ways to us that we don't deserve to see. We were once slaves to sin, but now we're freed friends to righteousness and holiness!
Isaiah 30:18 "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, blessed are all who wait for Him!"
It says he LONGS to be gracious...have you ever longed for something? (China haha)...God longs infinity times more to be gracious...to pour out grace on us even if we're undeserving. He shows compassion on our sinful state. We are called BLESSED who wait for Him!
Hebrews 4:15-16 "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
He's been tempted to give up, to give in, to fear, etc. etc. by the devil, by men...but he didn't! He's forever been without sin!!! What a perfect example to us when we're tempted to worry or distress about what tomorrow brings...Jesus didn't, and he does everything for us, so we shouldn't!! He will help us in our time of need.
Isaiah 46:11 "What I have said, that will I bring about. What I have planned, that will I do!"
AH HA! What has he said? "I will never leave you or forsake you" "I will give you perfect peace" "I will uphold you" "I will never permit the righteous to be moved"...what has he planned? Only good for his children. Trials that bring about good by drawing us to a better knowledge of him. A path that is narrow...hard at times...but that leads to never ending joy and peace. A grace that is so much greater than ALL our sins smushed together and blown up a million times! AMAZING LOVE! How can it be? That you my King should die for me. Amazing love! I KNOW it's true. And it's my JOY to honor you in ALL I do!
"Grace Unmeasured"
Grace unmeasured, vast and free,
That knew me from eternity,
That called me out before my birth,
To bring You glory on this earth.
Grace amazing, pure and deep,
That saw me in my misery,
THat took my curse and owned my blame,
So I could bear Your righteous name.
Grace
paid for my sins and brought me to life.
Grace
Clothes me with pow’r to do what is right.
Grace
leads me to heav’n where I’ll see Your face
and never cease to thank You for Your grace.
Grace abounding, strong and true,
That makes me long to be like You,
That turns me from my selfish pride
to love the cross on which You died.
Grace unending, all of my days,
You’ll give me strength to run this race;
And when my years on earth are through,the praise will all belong to You.
Grace
paid for my sins and brought me to life.
Grace
Clothes me with pow’r to do what is right.
Grace
leads me to heav’n where I’ll see Your face
and never cease to thank You for Your grace.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
In The Valley
When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where
You make me more like Christ
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley
In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley
James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
We serve a great God who controls each mountain AND each valley that we come upon. In the valley is where we learn real trust, dependence, and it's there we grow closer to our awesome God. He's all powerful. He's loving. There is not valley too deep, too dark, or too long for our God.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where
You make me more like Christ
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley
In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley
James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
We serve a great God who controls each mountain AND each valley that we come upon. In the valley is where we learn real trust, dependence, and it's there we grow closer to our awesome God. He's all powerful. He's loving. There is not valley too deep, too dark, or too long for our God.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Rescued
Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
But are we DIFFERENT?
Haha ok, so I'm sorta into dictionary definitions...not really, but here's another one. The definition of DIFFERENT is: not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar; not identical; separate or distinct.
Ok, so different is very...different. Not the same. Unlike in many or all ways or points. Read these verses.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galations 3:27
"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ... " Romans 6:1-23
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. " Romans 12:1
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own," 1 Corinthians 6:19
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. " Romans 12:2
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21
"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:19
"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galations 6:14
"that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:15
"by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." 2 Peter 1:14
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world." 1 John 2:15+16
So, I'm sure you know where I'm going with this by now. If you're a Christian, what marks you as such? Because you say you accepted Christ? That's one way. But I think more importantly than what you say is what you do. As Christians, we're supposed to be set apart from the world, different. Out hearts, lives, and minds have been changed, and now they're becoming like God's. God really doesn't want to have anything to do with the THINGS (not people) of the world. All the practices that He considers sinful/worldly. There are obvious ones...murder, lying, homosexuality, taking his name, hatred, etc. Then there are the not so clearly outlined ones that are often called "gray areas." Music, movies, alcohol, etc. etc. etc. Now, I don't really want to get into a big ole discussion about those things, but it presents the question...
ARE WE DIFFERENT?
The world does one thing and is associated with sin and is the opposite of God. Christians, then, are to do another thing. The opposite, basically. So even in those "gray areas"...are they really gray? Do they represent the world in any way? And more importantly, if God was here on earth, would HE do them? Before you answer that question in your head, think about the holiness and perfectness of God. Totally sinless, totally set apart, totally different. Perfect in every way and without sin. If God was standing next to you listening, watching, etc. while you go through your every day life, would he approve?
ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Ok, so different is very...different. Not the same. Unlike in many or all ways or points. Read these verses.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galations 3:27
"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ... " Romans 6:1-23
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. " Romans 12:1
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own," 1 Corinthians 6:19
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. " Romans 12:2
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21
"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:19
"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galations 6:14
"that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:15
"by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." 2 Peter 1:14
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world." 1 John 2:15+16
So, I'm sure you know where I'm going with this by now. If you're a Christian, what marks you as such? Because you say you accepted Christ? That's one way. But I think more importantly than what you say is what you do. As Christians, we're supposed to be set apart from the world, different. Out hearts, lives, and minds have been changed, and now they're becoming like God's. God really doesn't want to have anything to do with the THINGS (not people) of the world. All the practices that He considers sinful/worldly. There are obvious ones...murder, lying, homosexuality, taking his name, hatred, etc. Then there are the not so clearly outlined ones that are often called "gray areas." Music, movies, alcohol, etc. etc. etc. Now, I don't really want to get into a big ole discussion about those things, but it presents the question...
ARE WE DIFFERENT?
The world does one thing and is associated with sin and is the opposite of God. Christians, then, are to do another thing. The opposite, basically. So even in those "gray areas"...are they really gray? Do they represent the world in any way? And more importantly, if God was here on earth, would HE do them? Before you answer that question in your head, think about the holiness and perfectness of God. Totally sinless, totally set apart, totally different. Perfect in every way and without sin. If God was standing next to you listening, watching, etc. while you go through your every day life, would he approve?
ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What Wonderous Love!
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice.
Oh come to the Father through Jesus the son,
And give Him the glory great things he has done!
We sang this song in church this morning, and this verse really got to me. "The vilest offender"...it truly does not matter what someone has done. "Who truly belives" if someone believes in Jesus in their heart...TRULY..."that moment" instantly. "From Jesus a pardon receives" His debt is wiped away. Just like someone who is in jail and receives a pardon from the judge, so a sinner receives a pardon from Jesus. Jesus wipes the slate clean, and the sins are forgiven.
Praise the Lord!! God has done more for us than we could ever begin to understand or thank him for.
We'll never fully understand God's love for us until we see Him in Heaven, but what we can understand here on earth is so capturing. Praise the Lord!!
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice.
Oh come to the Father through Jesus the son,
And give Him the glory great things he has done!
We sang this song in church this morning, and this verse really got to me. "The vilest offender"...it truly does not matter what someone has done. "Who truly belives" if someone believes in Jesus in their heart...TRULY..."that moment" instantly. "From Jesus a pardon receives" His debt is wiped away. Just like someone who is in jail and receives a pardon from the judge, so a sinner receives a pardon from Jesus. Jesus wipes the slate clean, and the sins are forgiven.
Praise the Lord!! God has done more for us than we could ever begin to understand or thank him for.
"And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19
We'll never fully understand God's love for us until we see Him in Heaven, but what we can understand here on earth is so capturing. Praise the Lord!!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, a that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10
"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I'm Full!
Completely filled, containing all that can be held, filled to utmost capacity, complete, entire, maximum, engrossed, occupied the highest or fullest state, condition, or degree, to the greatest extent, thoroughly, to a complete extent, the maximum or complete size or amount...
All these words and phrases were taken from the online dictionary definition of "full."
Does this describe us in relation to God?
All these words and phrases were taken from the online dictionary definition of "full."
Does this describe us in relation to God?
What a Love! What a Cost!
The words to the following song are so impacting and amazing...we are free because he suffered and saved because he loved! How amazing is the grace and mercy of our God!
Oh to see the dawn,
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then,
Nailed to a cross of wood.
Oh, to see the pain,
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed,
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath,
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
'Finished!' the victory cry.
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see my name,
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love!
This, the power of the cross:
Son of God - slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh to see the dawn,
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then,
Nailed to a cross of wood.
Oh, to see the pain,
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed,
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath,
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
'Finished!' the victory cry.
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see my name,
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love!
This, the power of the cross:
Son of God - slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Why Do I Press On?
So, I told myself that I was going to run tonight because I run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night. Well, the difference tonight was that I'm sick. And tonight I also had to up my resistance to push past my previous goal. My throat was scratchy, my chest hurt, and I just felt a lot weaker tonight that before. So I started running and thought "I'm not going to be able beat my time." Then I thought of the phrase "if you think you can't go any farther, go just a little bit farther." Ah ha! I knew the only way to do that was to quote scripture and ask God for strength. I figure, if my body is the temple of the Lord, I'm doing this for Him...haha I really am! So I started quoting 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" and "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13-14 It worked. I also kept repeating the phrase "I press on for..." and filling it in with people's names, atrributes of God, works he did, and various reasons why. It's amazing...I came up with at least a hundred!
Then I thought a bit more...what makes me press on? What drives my daily life, my choices, my heart? Thankfully, I was able to say that God does...my love for Him, my desire to serve Him. He is my strength to run the race. Oh yeah, sometimes another path looks better...oooo nice soft grass to run on or a downhill slope instead of an uphill one...but then I have to look towards the goal, the end, the prize!
I guess my point in all this is to say that I pray for me and for all those I come in contact with that the only thing that will drive why they press on and what they run for is the desire to seek God in everything. The choices, the actions, the words...that we will all press on and run for the ultimate goal of pleasing God. THere are so many other paths that can draw our attention, so many things that look better, so many choices that we think we can make on our own and they will be good, but ultimately, God has to have the final say. We have to be running towards Him. He will only lead us to green pastures and still waters.
Peace!
Then I thought a bit more...what makes me press on? What drives my daily life, my choices, my heart? Thankfully, I was able to say that God does...my love for Him, my desire to serve Him. He is my strength to run the race. Oh yeah, sometimes another path looks better...oooo nice soft grass to run on or a downhill slope instead of an uphill one...but then I have to look towards the goal, the end, the prize!
I guess my point in all this is to say that I pray for me and for all those I come in contact with that the only thing that will drive why they press on and what they run for is the desire to seek God in everything. The choices, the actions, the words...that we will all press on and run for the ultimate goal of pleasing God. THere are so many other paths that can draw our attention, so many things that look better, so many choices that we think we can make on our own and they will be good, but ultimately, God has to have the final say. We have to be running towards Him. He will only lead us to green pastures and still waters.
Peace!
How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise!!
For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Cor 1:5.
What an AMAZING promise. It just baffles me that a God so big, wonderful, perfect, amazing, holy, and so much more could love me! Could comfort me! Could bring peace to a heart that once held so much pain...but is now full of huge love for my Lord and Savior. He took my heart, trasnformed it, and made it His. I'm so in love with Him, and I wish that everyone else could know that enthralling love.
My heart has been going through some trials lately...I'm burdened and slightly confused. But it's just when I almost forget to seek God that He taps me on the shoulder, wraps His arms around me, and shares something from His Word that just reminds me that I'm not alone. I'm not here to face all these things on my own, because I can't in my own strength. BUT God can! The waves that seem so tall that they will drown me. The mountain that seems too big to climb. The giant that seems too big and strong to face...my God is taller, bigger, and stronger!!! My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's NOTHING my God cannot do!
So how can I keep from singing His praise? I can't!
What an AMAZING promise. It just baffles me that a God so big, wonderful, perfect, amazing, holy, and so much more could love me! Could comfort me! Could bring peace to a heart that once held so much pain...but is now full of huge love for my Lord and Savior. He took my heart, trasnformed it, and made it His. I'm so in love with Him, and I wish that everyone else could know that enthralling love.
My heart has been going through some trials lately...I'm burdened and slightly confused. But it's just when I almost forget to seek God that He taps me on the shoulder, wraps His arms around me, and shares something from His Word that just reminds me that I'm not alone. I'm not here to face all these things on my own, because I can't in my own strength. BUT God can! The waves that seem so tall that they will drown me. The mountain that seems too big to climb. The giant that seems too big and strong to face...my God is taller, bigger, and stronger!!! My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's NOTHING my God cannot do!
So how can I keep from singing His praise? I can't!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Oh Church Arise
I've been really blessed by this lately...awesome message. So very true! Our God reigns!
Words by: Keith and Kristyn Getty
Oh, Church arise and put your armor on,
Hear the call of Christ our Captain.
For now the weak can say that they are strong,
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth,
We'll stand against the devil's lies.
An army bold whose battle cry is love,
Reaching out to those in darkness.
Our call to war to love the captive soul
But to rage against the Captor.
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on every side,
we know the outcome is secure.
AND CHRIST WILL HAVE THE PRIZE FOR WHICH HE DIED,
THE INHERITANCE OF NATIONS.
Come see the cross where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken.
And see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away
And Christ emerges from the grave,
His victory march continues to the day,
Every eye and heart will see Him.
So Spirit come put strength in every stride.
Give grace for every hurdle.
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still light the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace.
WE HEAR THE CALL AND HUNGER FOR THE DAY
WHEN WITH CHRIST WE STAND IN GLORY!
Words by: Keith and Kristyn Getty
Oh, Church arise and put your armor on,
Hear the call of Christ our Captain.
For now the weak can say that they are strong,
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth,
We'll stand against the devil's lies.
An army bold whose battle cry is love,
Reaching out to those in darkness.
Our call to war to love the captive soul
But to rage against the Captor.
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valor.
When faced with trials on every side,
we know the outcome is secure.
AND CHRIST WILL HAVE THE PRIZE FOR WHICH HE DIED,
THE INHERITANCE OF NATIONS.
Come see the cross where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken.
And see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away
And Christ emerges from the grave,
His victory march continues to the day,
Every eye and heart will see Him.
So Spirit come put strength in every stride.
Give grace for every hurdle.
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still light the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace.
WE HEAR THE CALL AND HUNGER FOR THE DAY
WHEN WITH CHRIST WE STAND IN GLORY!
Back after a long time
It's been close to a month since I last posted...wow! All is going well. Everything is a bit hum drum, and I really want to look for a tutoring job.
God's been just as good as always and better! I've been reading in John about His amazing ministry on earth. Never once did Jesus take the glory for Himself, but he always pointed it back up to his Father. What humility. Never once did Jesus turn back on his mission to go to the cross to die for the sins of the world. What courage. He healed. What compassion. He saved. What love. He forgave. What grace. He did all this knowing that the hour was coming when he would be betrayed, beaten, spit on, mocked, and hung on a cross to die a slow and agnozing death. But in all this not ONCE did he say "This is too hard. I give up." I guess it's something we can look at and follow in our daily lives. There will always be trials and hard times, but we can get through them as Christ did. He looked at the bigger picture, the furthest purpose, and the end result, and we have to do the same.
Well, peace for now. Time to sit some more by myself doing nothing! :P
God's been just as good as always and better! I've been reading in John about His amazing ministry on earth. Never once did Jesus take the glory for Himself, but he always pointed it back up to his Father. What humility. Never once did Jesus turn back on his mission to go to the cross to die for the sins of the world. What courage. He healed. What compassion. He saved. What love. He forgave. What grace. He did all this knowing that the hour was coming when he would be betrayed, beaten, spit on, mocked, and hung on a cross to die a slow and agnozing death. But in all this not ONCE did he say "This is too hard. I give up." I guess it's something we can look at and follow in our daily lives. There will always be trials and hard times, but we can get through them as Christ did. He looked at the bigger picture, the furthest purpose, and the end result, and we have to do the same.
Well, peace for now. Time to sit some more by myself doing nothing! :P
Resist and Win
“I often laugh at Satan, and there is nothing that makes him so angry as when I attack him to his face, and tell him that through God I am more than a match for him” – Martin Luther
What we’re up against every day is Satan, whom the Bible describes as a roaring lion who seeks people to devour.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Temptations come our way day in and day out…over and over and over. But one thing is amazing to know. Satan might be stronger than us, but God is WAY stronger than Satan any old day. All we have to do to get the victory is turn into God’s arms and fight the battle with Him. I read the end of the Bible. We win.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
This verse speaks amazing volumes about God’s power. It’s a promise to Christians that if we are in God and letting Him fight for us, the devil is going to take off with his tail between his legs because he knows for a fact that he’s no match for our great and powerful, wondering and majestic, awesome and mighty, loving and strengthening, glorious God!
Just because we’re on God’s side, doesn’t mean there won’t be temptation to do wrong. Even the smallest thing…one thought, one look…can be deadly. If Satan gets even one of the hairs on our head, he can rope us in very quickly. One little glance can send us into a very long stare. Sin is around every corner, and our job is to seek God to help us overcome this temptation. How can we do this? By putting on His armor.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18
With this protection from God, we will be able to fight the devil knowing that we are not vulnerable. This armor of God is something we have to put on each morning before our feet even touch the ground. This takes time spent reading God’s word, learning about how we can equip ourselves to fight, knowing who our Commander is, and preparing our minds and hearts to fight strongly and resist. The battles, big and small, can be won, but not without the help of our God. But God promises to be there with us, watching, protecting, helping, and healing us. We’re not alone.
My Greatest Joy in Life
My greatest joy, as was Jesus’ while he was here on earth, is to do the will of him who sent me.
There are so many thoughts that swirl around in my head when I think of God’s will…my job, money situations, where I will go, who will I meet, how will I find words to witness, trials, and the list goes on and on. But I guess, all these aside, it doesn’t really matter. Don’t get me wrong, doing the will of God is the most important thing for us to do. If we’re not living for him, what is there to live for? What I mean when I say that it doesn’t really matter is that there is no worry or anxiety or fear in doing God’s will. It’s perfectly laid out and will be perfectly executed. Our job is simply this: do it. God doesn’t promise that we will always have what we want, that we will be where we like, that we will know what comes next, but he does promise that he will always provide, always be there with us, always forgive, always protect us, and he will always be God. Put our will aside, pursue after Him, and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Many times in the past I’ve pushed against God’s will, as I’m sure you have. Even the slightest resistance is disobedience and will cause some amount of worry, anxiety, or fear. For example, you go for a job interview that you really want to turn out well. You desperately want the job. You fret and have sleepless nights and worry and wonder…how silly! All along you could be trusting in God’s will for your life.
Nothing you do can change whether he wants you to get the job or not. So why worry? In worrying, we show God that he isn’t big enough to get us this job (or whatever the situation might be.) We put limitations on God, and we take our lives into our own hands. I tell you from experience, life could be some much simpler and sweeter if we let God have the reigns and keep them!
Along those same lines, if we try and do something counter to God’s will, we should expect trouble. Not following what he has for us and choosing our own path in life basically shows that we don’t think God’s will is good enough for us. We want something different and, possibly what we think, better. This path can also cause confusion, hurt, backsliding, and a number of other things.
So what’s the lesson in this? My greatest joy, as was my Lord’s when he came to die for the sins of the world, is to do the will of my God. This means walking with him wherever he goes. It might lead to somewhere far outside my comfort zone, or it might mean staying right where I am even if I desire to be somewhere else. Hard times and problems could come in any shape or form, but God is bigger than any of those any day!
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
There are so many thoughts that swirl around in my head when I think of God’s will…my job, money situations, where I will go, who will I meet, how will I find words to witness, trials, and the list goes on and on. But I guess, all these aside, it doesn’t really matter. Don’t get me wrong, doing the will of God is the most important thing for us to do. If we’re not living for him, what is there to live for? What I mean when I say that it doesn’t really matter is that there is no worry or anxiety or fear in doing God’s will. It’s perfectly laid out and will be perfectly executed. Our job is simply this: do it. God doesn’t promise that we will always have what we want, that we will be where we like, that we will know what comes next, but he does promise that he will always provide, always be there with us, always forgive, always protect us, and he will always be God. Put our will aside, pursue after Him, and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Many times in the past I’ve pushed against God’s will, as I’m sure you have. Even the slightest resistance is disobedience and will cause some amount of worry, anxiety, or fear. For example, you go for a job interview that you really want to turn out well. You desperately want the job. You fret and have sleepless nights and worry and wonder…how silly! All along you could be trusting in God’s will for your life.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Along those same lines, if we try and do something counter to God’s will, we should expect trouble. Not following what he has for us and choosing our own path in life basically shows that we don’t think God’s will is good enough for us. We want something different and, possibly what we think, better. This path can also cause confusion, hurt, backsliding, and a number of other things.
So what’s the lesson in this? My greatest joy, as was my Lord’s when he came to die for the sins of the world, is to do the will of my God. This means walking with him wherever he goes. It might lead to somewhere far outside my comfort zone, or it might mean staying right where I am even if I desire to be somewhere else. Hard times and problems could come in any shape or form, but God is bigger than any of those any day!
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
So really, what is our excuse? We KNOW God will see us through what he has planned for us, and we KNOW what we are supposed to do according to His word. Our duty, and should be our greatest joy, is to do the will of him who sent us.
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