John 17 is a passage of scripture I have read many times, but today was like the first. I have heard many people ask why Jesus prayed for himself. I guess people think if He's God why would He need to pray. He was showing us how to live a faithful life. He was teaching us that even in His sinless humanity he was faithful to the requirements set by the Father, which includes prayer.
In this chapter Christ prays for himself to be glorified so that the Father is ultimately lifted high. He also prays for his disciples. This is the portion of the chapter that struck me the hardest. Jesus prayed for the men God had entrusted to him. He asked for God to protect them with His power. While Jesus was on earth with them he protected them with the same power. He even prayed for Judas, "None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled." How much love does that show? I am humbled by the example of love here in this verse. How can you love someone enough to pray for their protection when you know they will be the one to destroy you? Only through the power of the heavenly Father and the love that he bestows on us as his children. There is not one of us that has the capacity to love anyone (or ourselves for that matter) outside of the grace we receive in Christ. Think about the last supper as well. Jesus is sitting there with his boyz, chillin', munchin, and none of the others knew Judas was the traitor. I know that if the roles were reversed the other dinner guests would feel some tension at the table. Obviously, Christ's love is deeper, stronger, and more encompassing than anything we can fathom and this is a great example. It amazes me that Jesus can sit there and show so much grace to an individual that he knows is going to hand him over for 30 pieces of silver. I understand that someone had to be the vessel of destruction but I also know I could not have been so gracious. It blows my mind that our Father can equip us with the tools to accomplish so much. His will is going to prevail and he will give us the means in which it will be accomplished. Miracles happen around us everyday. People are healed, rescued from disaster, and then things that most people overlook. I have been in love with my Savior for some time and only today was this miracle shown to me. How great is our God?
At the end of the chapter Christ prays for all believers. He prayed for us then as he does now. We know that He intercedes for us today just as he did in that moment. Romans 8:34 says, "Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." How awesome is it that Jesus prayed for each of us 2000 years ago? He knew us then just as he knows us now.
How much more should we pray for love like Christ's? There are people in my life right now that I don't want to love. People who are hurting my loved ones on a daily basis, mostly without their knowledge. I pray that Christ will fill me with his unconditional love toward those individuals so that I can be Christ to them. Are we not to be a reflection of Him in the life we live? What if that is the only glimpse of Christ they see?
Please, Lord, fill me with your love for others. I know I do not have the capacity for that love outside of you power. Live and love through me today, tomorrow, and always.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
But You're a Christian...
How many times have we heard, "but Christians are supposed to ________."? We can fill in the blank with anything. What people don't realize is that God wants us to love & care for one another but we are not called to be doormats. I have had to come to that realization myself on a few different levels. Before Christ I had no problem setting what I thought were healthy boundaries. I drew my lines far enough away so that I didn't get hurt. My thought pattern was if I don't get hurt then they have to be OK. Well after Christ my form of reference changed. If God is love then I have to be love. If God gave I have to be a giver. So how do I make healthy Christian boundaries? Well obviously the first step is to pray about it but the next is to go to the word.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" I work for a non-profit that funds agencies that provide human services. I am a call specialist so in the course of a day I listen to about 100 calls from people who are needing help with living expenses. I have to say that being in this position has definitely improved my prayer life. I pray all day, every day! Some of my prayers are for the callers, some of my prayers are for the agencies, and some of my prayers are for me. I don't want to get callus or judgemental in this position. I know that I can't see others' hearts. That is for God to sort out but I pray for my attitude daily.
I believe that sometimes bad things happen to good people & that we have to play the cards we are dealt. I also believe that a lot of what happens to us is by our own hands. Two words that are very important here are entitlement & accountability. Many of the people I talk to in a day feel that they are entitled to certain things not because of hard work or merit but because of what life has handed them. I know plenty of people that have been on the receiving end of bad stuff. At some point you have to say, "OK this stinks but here we go." Then you pick yourself up & dust yourself off. You quit blaming others for your lot in life & move toward a more positive situation. This is where accountability comes into play. We may not be responsible for all the things that come our way but we are definitely in charge of our response to those things.
So I guess the question here is how do we reconcile loving others & requiring responsible behavior. It is true that love can have many dimensions. Love can be compassionate, trusting, reverent, & many other things. We will get back to that in a minute. Scripture tells us that responsible behavior is expected from us by God. On that same note it also shows us that we, as fellow believers, are to expect this from one another. In Leviticus, yeah I said Leviticus, 19:15 is says, "'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.'" I know, I know you're thinking, "we aren't supposed to judge that's God job." I feel in this instance the meaning of the word judge is assess, not the general definition of deciding right or wrong. God will be the final & perfect judge but he does ask us to hold each other accountable. In Galatians 6 Paul wrote, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." A lie that Satan tells us is that when we hold each other to the standards set in the Word we are being judgemental. That is not the case at all. We are merely reminding our brothers & sisters of what God has already said to us. In that accountability we should also be encouraging. Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." We need to build each other up & in doing that all parties will experience growth.
Now back to the love stuff. God's love is unconditional, yes. There is also a thing called tough love. Tough love is defined as an expression used when someone treats another person harshly or sternly with the intent to help them in the long run. In a sense God sets boundaries with us. Again, we can look to Hebrews 12:5-11 for the answer,
"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.'
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone
undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we
have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more
should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a
little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share
in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however,
it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
For God to treat us like his children is the most loving thing he can do for us. Considering He already gave himself completely to us on the cross. So if we are to love like Christ loves us then we too should set boundaries with one another. We should show our love by not letting people walk all over us. We should require responsible behavior from others. So when someone makes a remark about how a Christian should or should not act in a situation just remember we have the instruction book. If we are in the Word & in communion with Him then people questioning our responses or boundaries will be futile.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" I work for a non-profit that funds agencies that provide human services. I am a call specialist so in the course of a day I listen to about 100 calls from people who are needing help with living expenses. I have to say that being in this position has definitely improved my prayer life. I pray all day, every day! Some of my prayers are for the callers, some of my prayers are for the agencies, and some of my prayers are for me. I don't want to get callus or judgemental in this position. I know that I can't see others' hearts. That is for God to sort out but I pray for my attitude daily.
I believe that sometimes bad things happen to good people & that we have to play the cards we are dealt. I also believe that a lot of what happens to us is by our own hands. Two words that are very important here are entitlement & accountability. Many of the people I talk to in a day feel that they are entitled to certain things not because of hard work or merit but because of what life has handed them. I know plenty of people that have been on the receiving end of bad stuff. At some point you have to say, "OK this stinks but here we go." Then you pick yourself up & dust yourself off. You quit blaming others for your lot in life & move toward a more positive situation. This is where accountability comes into play. We may not be responsible for all the things that come our way but we are definitely in charge of our response to those things.
So I guess the question here is how do we reconcile loving others & requiring responsible behavior. It is true that love can have many dimensions. Love can be compassionate, trusting, reverent, & many other things. We will get back to that in a minute. Scripture tells us that responsible behavior is expected from us by God. On that same note it also shows us that we, as fellow believers, are to expect this from one another. In Leviticus, yeah I said Leviticus, 19:15 is says, "'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.'" I know, I know you're thinking, "we aren't supposed to judge that's God job." I feel in this instance the meaning of the word judge is assess, not the general definition of deciding right or wrong. God will be the final & perfect judge but he does ask us to hold each other accountable. In Galatians 6 Paul wrote, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." A lie that Satan tells us is that when we hold each other to the standards set in the Word we are being judgemental. That is not the case at all. We are merely reminding our brothers & sisters of what God has already said to us. In that accountability we should also be encouraging. Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." We need to build each other up & in doing that all parties will experience growth.
Now back to the love stuff. God's love is unconditional, yes. There is also a thing called tough love. Tough love is defined as an expression used when someone treats another person harshly or sternly with the intent to help them in the long run. In a sense God sets boundaries with us. Again, we can look to Hebrews 12:5-11 for the answer,
"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.'
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone
undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we
have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more
should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a
little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share
in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however,
it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
For God to treat us like his children is the most loving thing he can do for us. Considering He already gave himself completely to us on the cross. So if we are to love like Christ loves us then we too should set boundaries with one another. We should show our love by not letting people walk all over us. We should require responsible behavior from others. So when someone makes a remark about how a Christian should or should not act in a situation just remember we have the instruction book. If we are in the Word & in communion with Him then people questioning our responses or boundaries will be futile.
Ties That Bind
Breaking the Twine--an excerpt from Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris
"Remember our elephant in India, shackled by nothing but a piece of twine & a wooden post in the ground? What's going on there? Why doesn't he just break free? The strength is there. Why doesn't he use it?
Here's how it works. When the elephant is still young, his owner takes him from his mother & shackles him to a large tree--with a heavy chain around his right hind leg. For days & weeks, the young elephant will strain & pull, trying to break free, but all he succeeds in doing is causing the shackle to cut deep into his leg. Eventually he gives up & accepts the idea that he can't go anywhere when there is something around his right leg.
Soon the owner can replace the tree with a post & the chain with a piece of twine. Once the elephant feels resistance, he stops. There's nothing but a piece of twine around his ankle, but there are heavy shackles around his mind."
How many times are we the elephant & allow sin to be the twine? We believe the lies the enemy tells us that keep us from walking closer with Christ. Often they are tiny little secrets we think about ourselves; I'm not good enough, I'm dumb, I'm ugly, I'm not funny, people really don't like me that much they just fake it, etc. Maybe someone has said something to us in passing. Something that wasn't necessarily meant to be hurtful we allow to take root. What does the devil do with that? He takes full advantage of the situation. He will build on that tiny comment & keep us second guessing ourselves & doubting our relationship with Christ in the process. I know for me it happens before I even know it. In 2 Timothy 2:25-26 Paul states, "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." Satan can turn a piece of twine into a heavy shackle in our minds.
One of the biggest lies we believe is that I have strayed too far. I have separated myself too much from Christ to be able to just go back "home". What we have to realize is that in the instant that Christ became sin he paid our debt!!! That is past, present, & future debt. In a moment He became every ounce of sin that ever was or would be & He paid the price in full. We don't nor will we ever have that capability. He did what we could never even fathom. In Psalm 49:7-8 we read, "No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him--the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-".
So let me encourage my brothers & sisters, don't buy the lie!!! Christ has paid the ransom for us & no power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck us from His hand. We are one with Christ & Satan has no power in our family.
"Remember our elephant in India, shackled by nothing but a piece of twine & a wooden post in the ground? What's going on there? Why doesn't he just break free? The strength is there. Why doesn't he use it?
Here's how it works. When the elephant is still young, his owner takes him from his mother & shackles him to a large tree--with a heavy chain around his right hind leg. For days & weeks, the young elephant will strain & pull, trying to break free, but all he succeeds in doing is causing the shackle to cut deep into his leg. Eventually he gives up & accepts the idea that he can't go anywhere when there is something around his right leg.
Soon the owner can replace the tree with a post & the chain with a piece of twine. Once the elephant feels resistance, he stops. There's nothing but a piece of twine around his ankle, but there are heavy shackles around his mind."
How many times are we the elephant & allow sin to be the twine? We believe the lies the enemy tells us that keep us from walking closer with Christ. Often they are tiny little secrets we think about ourselves; I'm not good enough, I'm dumb, I'm ugly, I'm not funny, people really don't like me that much they just fake it, etc. Maybe someone has said something to us in passing. Something that wasn't necessarily meant to be hurtful we allow to take root. What does the devil do with that? He takes full advantage of the situation. He will build on that tiny comment & keep us second guessing ourselves & doubting our relationship with Christ in the process. I know for me it happens before I even know it. In 2 Timothy 2:25-26 Paul states, "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." Satan can turn a piece of twine into a heavy shackle in our minds.
One of the biggest lies we believe is that I have strayed too far. I have separated myself too much from Christ to be able to just go back "home". What we have to realize is that in the instant that Christ became sin he paid our debt!!! That is past, present, & future debt. In a moment He became every ounce of sin that ever was or would be & He paid the price in full. We don't nor will we ever have that capability. He did what we could never even fathom. In Psalm 49:7-8 we read, "No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him--the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-".
So let me encourage my brothers & sisters, don't buy the lie!!! Christ has paid the ransom for us & no power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck us from His hand. We are one with Christ & Satan has no power in our family.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
So what is the true purpose of parenting? Here's a definition I found. Parenting is the process of promoting & supporting the physical, emotional, social, & intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parental figures provide for a child's physical needs, protect them from harm, & impart in them skills & cultural values until they reach adulthood.
OK, the physical needs & protect from harm are like common sense stuff. Unfortunately imparting skills & cultural values doesn't come so natural. Shouldn't parents be more concerned about whether or not their children will be able to function as adults than their unconditional happiness?
Where is all of this coming from you ask. I was watching a blurb on the news the other day about 4 college seniors. They graduated last year and the news program was catching up with them to see how their lives had changed. It didn't give a lot of detail about their social status or anything. From what I could tell they were just average kids from different places in the country. They went to just regular colleges, not ivy league or anything. This is how their lives were going. One student had no idea what to do with himself when he graduated. He had never had a job or balanced a check book. So there he was with a college degree under his belt & couldn't find a job because he had no experience. He looked & looked to no avail. Eventually he got some entry level mail room job. He didn't really like that so he decided to go back to grad school & live off his parents for a few more years. Now what will happen to him when he has his masters? He will be a few years older still with no experience. Hi, this him in the same boat!!! Another student wasn't able to find work & ended up tending bar. Another one found work but ran up credit cards so high & didn't know how to manage his money so he is always broke. I don't remember the other one (sorry). Now I'm not assuming that the parents did a poor job of imparting skills for adulthood. The kids basically said that they were not prepared. They were never given a realistic view of adult life. They thought that the easy-go-lucky lifestyle they had experienced thus far would just carry over. I guess they believe in MAGIC!
What does God have to say about this? Well He says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I am a firm believer that this is true. It was for me in my life. It has been for other people that I know. Yes, there was a time when I was very far from God. There was a time I behaved very far from the standards set forth by my family. But I came home. Those thoughts, ideas, feelings, & standards were always there in the back of my mind. Now I did my very best to squash them down & ignore them. A strong foundation will remain. One of my favorite dialogues from a movie is a father & son. The son is asking how he will find his way home & the dad answers, "follow your feet." We know the way home. As parents it is crucial that the foundation is strong & the path is made clear. The children will follow their feet. Parents have to make sure their feet are coming from a good place.
When children aren't taught how to be adults all along society shouldn't be shocked when they don't know how to be one. That being said I also truly believe that there comes a time when a person should be held accountable. Each individual reaches a point where they realize there is something different about them or their circumstances. Our job as individuals then is to decide to continue the pattern or learn new skills. Do we move toward a more productive existence or wallow in our inadequacies?
OK, the physical needs & protect from harm are like common sense stuff. Unfortunately imparting skills & cultural values doesn't come so natural. Shouldn't parents be more concerned about whether or not their children will be able to function as adults than their unconditional happiness?
Where is all of this coming from you ask. I was watching a blurb on the news the other day about 4 college seniors. They graduated last year and the news program was catching up with them to see how their lives had changed. It didn't give a lot of detail about their social status or anything. From what I could tell they were just average kids from different places in the country. They went to just regular colleges, not ivy league or anything. This is how their lives were going. One student had no idea what to do with himself when he graduated. He had never had a job or balanced a check book. So there he was with a college degree under his belt & couldn't find a job because he had no experience. He looked & looked to no avail. Eventually he got some entry level mail room job. He didn't really like that so he decided to go back to grad school & live off his parents for a few more years. Now what will happen to him when he has his masters? He will be a few years older still with no experience. Hi, this him in the same boat!!! Another student wasn't able to find work & ended up tending bar. Another one found work but ran up credit cards so high & didn't know how to manage his money so he is always broke. I don't remember the other one (sorry). Now I'm not assuming that the parents did a poor job of imparting skills for adulthood. The kids basically said that they were not prepared. They were never given a realistic view of adult life. They thought that the easy-go-lucky lifestyle they had experienced thus far would just carry over. I guess they believe in MAGIC!
What does God have to say about this? Well He says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I am a firm believer that this is true. It was for me in my life. It has been for other people that I know. Yes, there was a time when I was very far from God. There was a time I behaved very far from the standards set forth by my family. But I came home. Those thoughts, ideas, feelings, & standards were always there in the back of my mind. Now I did my very best to squash them down & ignore them. A strong foundation will remain. One of my favorite dialogues from a movie is a father & son. The son is asking how he will find his way home & the dad answers, "follow your feet." We know the way home. As parents it is crucial that the foundation is strong & the path is made clear. The children will follow their feet. Parents have to make sure their feet are coming from a good place.
When children aren't taught how to be adults all along society shouldn't be shocked when they don't know how to be one. That being said I also truly believe that there comes a time when a person should be held accountable. Each individual reaches a point where they realize there is something different about them or their circumstances. Our job as individuals then is to decide to continue the pattern or learn new skills. Do we move toward a more productive existence or wallow in our inadequacies?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
How Deep the Father's Love...
"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others." - Tozer
Yes, I love how Tozer presents ideas that we already know but can't really verbalize. At least, I can't. How big is our God? So big that each and every one of us can experience Him fully without sharing. We as humans have to decide who we spend time with and when, how much time we want to invest in certain relationships, and how much time we want for ourselves. Our Father is not like that at all. How different would each of our lives be if we had our parents undevoted attention? If they didn't have to spread themselves between work, spouse, other children, and friends. I don't mean that to sound like God is at our beck & call. Just the opposite, He is everpresent but we don't call the shots. He is there because He wants to be, because He loves us so much. There is a quote from The Shack, "He would have done it even if it was just for me, but it wasn't." It's saying that what Jesus did here on earth and on the cross was for me and you and everyone. He would have done it even if it was only for me or you or Joe or whoever. He loves us so completely that He would have endured all of that for just one person. One person to be with Him in His Kingdom for eternity.
We spend our whole lives yearning for love an acceptance from a fallen and corrupt world. The perfect love we seek is available all along. We are too stubborn to accept it. We can do it by ourselves. Just like a baby that's learning how to dress themselves, "I can do it by myself" in a very exasperated tone. Eventually they realize the sleeve to the shirt is on the inside instead of the outside and they are tangled beyond belief. "Help!!!" finally escapes their lips. We as the adult are standing by waiting for that moment. We knew from the beginning of the dressing process that something like this would happen. We stood by silently waiting. When we help them do we say I told you so? Or do we, with love in our hearts, try to point out the fact that even when you know how sometimes you need help?
The love of our Father is complete for each of us. He loves each of His children to the utmost. We don't have to share His love because He is so big and so perfect. I am the apple of His eye. You are the apple of His eye. Neither one of us must experience a deminished amount of love when a new child is adopted into our family. That new brother or sister will be the apple of His eye.
This is not a concept that our human minds can wrap around. We aren't meant to understand all of these things. We are just meant to believe that they are so and trust our Father when He says it is. I am encouraged that the God of the universe, the Giver of Life, my Savior loves me more than anything else on earth!!! I am the best to Him.
That just blows my mind!!!!
Yes, I love how Tozer presents ideas that we already know but can't really verbalize. At least, I can't. How big is our God? So big that each and every one of us can experience Him fully without sharing. We as humans have to decide who we spend time with and when, how much time we want to invest in certain relationships, and how much time we want for ourselves. Our Father is not like that at all. How different would each of our lives be if we had our parents undevoted attention? If they didn't have to spread themselves between work, spouse, other children, and friends. I don't mean that to sound like God is at our beck & call. Just the opposite, He is everpresent but we don't call the shots. He is there because He wants to be, because He loves us so much. There is a quote from The Shack, "He would have done it even if it was just for me, but it wasn't." It's saying that what Jesus did here on earth and on the cross was for me and you and everyone. He would have done it even if it was only for me or you or Joe or whoever. He loves us so completely that He would have endured all of that for just one person. One person to be with Him in His Kingdom for eternity.
We spend our whole lives yearning for love an acceptance from a fallen and corrupt world. The perfect love we seek is available all along. We are too stubborn to accept it. We can do it by ourselves. Just like a baby that's learning how to dress themselves, "I can do it by myself" in a very exasperated tone. Eventually they realize the sleeve to the shirt is on the inside instead of the outside and they are tangled beyond belief. "Help!!!" finally escapes their lips. We as the adult are standing by waiting for that moment. We knew from the beginning of the dressing process that something like this would happen. We stood by silently waiting. When we help them do we say I told you so? Or do we, with love in our hearts, try to point out the fact that even when you know how sometimes you need help?
The love of our Father is complete for each of us. He loves each of His children to the utmost. We don't have to share His love because He is so big and so perfect. I am the apple of His eye. You are the apple of His eye. Neither one of us must experience a deminished amount of love when a new child is adopted into our family. That new brother or sister will be the apple of His eye.
This is not a concept that our human minds can wrap around. We aren't meant to understand all of these things. We are just meant to believe that they are so and trust our Father when He says it is. I am encouraged that the God of the universe, the Giver of Life, my Savior loves me more than anything else on earth!!! I am the best to Him.
That just blows my mind!!!!
Friday, May 14, 2010
love-affectionate concern for the well-being of others
A friend told a story last night about a young lady. A 15 year-old who left her home and walked to the interstate over-pass and jumped onto the interstate below. Why, you ask? She was sad because her sister died 2 years ago and she didn't have any friends and kids at school made fun of her for being overweight. How does this kind of thing happen? Who is responsible? What could have been done to prevent this tragedy? How can it be prevented in the future? These are all valid questions.
First, I would like to ask, who has ever felt like a situation is hopeless? I know I have. There are many times in my life when I was dissatisfied with aspects of my life. Whether it was my appearance, my level of popularity, my money situation, etc. I can look back now and I know that the real issue was the lack of Christ in my life. I can look at those same aspects of life now and though I may not be satisfied in them, I know that I am in HIM! All of the other things in my life are inconsequential to my relationship with my Savior. With God in my life there is always hope for me (us).
Did this young girl have a relationship with Christ? Did anyone in her school show her the hope they had inside them? Someone obviously showed her something but I guess it was not hope. Did she get help for dealing with the death of her sister? It's difficult in a family sometimes to see past your own pain to help another loved one. Was there not a teacher that noticed and tried to spend a little extra time with her?
When someone is lost in a fog of depression it is extremely difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe the kids at school that were "goofing" on her thought it was harmless fun. Maybe they didn't realize all the other stuff she had going on in her head. Maybe they did. Maybe they have a lack of Christ in their lives. That in and of itself lends to undesirable behavior. I have seen and heard people say and do things that are so mean spirited. I try to stop them or stand up for the other person but not always. What keeps me from doing it 100% of the time? Fear (that's for Ron) is the only answer. I don't want someone to call me a goody-goody or a kiss up. Or maybe I don't want to get involved because it isn't my business. But isn't it? When we make a commitment to our heavenly Father we say we accept all others as brothers and sisters. Does that not make it our business?
So who is responsible? That is not a question that can be answered. My prayer is that in this tragedy God receives all the glory and honor and praise. How can that happen? I cannot answer that question either. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Can this sort of thing be prevented? Yes, we can do as Christ called us to do and love one another as He has loved us. When we see someone who is hurting we should pour out more love on them. Even if it is just you, that is the face of Christ for that person that day. Only we can change things by starting a change within ourselves. By allowing God to shape us and mold us into the likeness of Christ we can prevent young people from feeling that life is a hopeless mess. Christ through us can save them.
First, I would like to ask, who has ever felt like a situation is hopeless? I know I have. There are many times in my life when I was dissatisfied with aspects of my life. Whether it was my appearance, my level of popularity, my money situation, etc. I can look back now and I know that the real issue was the lack of Christ in my life. I can look at those same aspects of life now and though I may not be satisfied in them, I know that I am in HIM! All of the other things in my life are inconsequential to my relationship with my Savior. With God in my life there is always hope for me (us).
Did this young girl have a relationship with Christ? Did anyone in her school show her the hope they had inside them? Someone obviously showed her something but I guess it was not hope. Did she get help for dealing with the death of her sister? It's difficult in a family sometimes to see past your own pain to help another loved one. Was there not a teacher that noticed and tried to spend a little extra time with her?
When someone is lost in a fog of depression it is extremely difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe the kids at school that were "goofing" on her thought it was harmless fun. Maybe they didn't realize all the other stuff she had going on in her head. Maybe they did. Maybe they have a lack of Christ in their lives. That in and of itself lends to undesirable behavior. I have seen and heard people say and do things that are so mean spirited. I try to stop them or stand up for the other person but not always. What keeps me from doing it 100% of the time? Fear (that's for Ron) is the only answer. I don't want someone to call me a goody-goody or a kiss up. Or maybe I don't want to get involved because it isn't my business. But isn't it? When we make a commitment to our heavenly Father we say we accept all others as brothers and sisters. Does that not make it our business?
So who is responsible? That is not a question that can be answered. My prayer is that in this tragedy God receives all the glory and honor and praise. How can that happen? I cannot answer that question either. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Can this sort of thing be prevented? Yes, we can do as Christ called us to do and love one another as He has loved us. When we see someone who is hurting we should pour out more love on them. Even if it is just you, that is the face of Christ for that person that day. Only we can change things by starting a change within ourselves. By allowing God to shape us and mold us into the likeness of Christ we can prevent young people from feeling that life is a hopeless mess. Christ through us can save them.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Winds of Change
"You cannot control the wind, but you can adjust your sails to get to where God has called you." Pastor Woody
God rocked my face off on the way to work this morning!!! It is so amazing what He has been speaking to me. Not only that but how evident He is making it. I had struggled for so long wondering what it was like to hear from God. Well I am experiencing it and whoa, I love it.
In the summer of 2008, while I was in Montana, I felt God call me to missions. I wasn't sure what that was supposed to look like, but I had a feeling it would be tied to Four Winds in some way. The quote above was actually written in a Bible in their chapel. When I spoke with Pastor Woody about it he told me he had written it years ago but he knew it was for me. I was going to widen my tent stakes and do great things. Then I went off the handle and tried to take over (like I always do) and God put on the skids. Not now, not yet, just wait, be patient. Patience, no thank you, I don't enjoy that just let me take this and run with it. No, God said, you must learn this lesson.
So many things have happened as of late that I can no longer wait. I feel that it is time to make a change. I was starting to feel like I was just making much of nothing. Maybe God was just telling me that the mission work I was doing with the church was all I needed to do. Then God started putting things together for me. Whether it be through scripture reading, sermons, fellow followers, other reading, etc. He is telling me it is time!!!
This morning I was listening to the radio and there was a lady on there talking about how God had laid something on her heart. She was saying that she just couldn't get away from the idea. Even though it was not anything she was familiar with or knew anything about. Then she was moving a dresser and found a book she had purchased 4 years earlier. She mentioned how odd that was because she would read her books as soon as she got them. She just flipped to a page and it was on the exact thing God was telling her to do. No other area of the book had any reference to this topic. What was the book you ask? Don't Waste Your Life by Piper. My breathe caught in my throat, chills all over my body, and tears streaming down my face. How many times has that book come up in conversation with me and my friends? How about that was and is the next book in my reading!!!
Last summer when God told me to go and buy painting and jewelry making supplies I thought, "Well I can't draw a stick man and the only jewelry I have ever made was crafts at camp, but if You say so." I didn't really know what would happen. Well nothing has happened really. I mean I have sold a few pieces here and there. I have made the money back that I spent on the materials, but nothing earth shattering. The closer I get to my mission trips for the summer the stronger my pull to make a change has become. And God is opening doors. I have 2 festivals that I will take my art to sell. We shall see what God has in store for those days. I am trusting in Him 100%. I will go where He sends me!!! I will do what is required.
Also, I think it was no accident that I got to become great friends with Patrick and his family. I feel that God is calling me to be a part of his ministry in Africa. I don't know what that will look like just yet, but I am trusting the Lord. I feel that God is leading me to complete my degree in counseling in a shorter time frame so that those talents can be used in different areas of missions.
We shall see. Please pray that I will remain obedient (even though most are doubtful I will succeed). I want nothing more than to live each day to the fullest extent of God's glory in whatever way He sees fit.
Praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the DEAD!!!!
God rocked my face off on the way to work this morning!!! It is so amazing what He has been speaking to me. Not only that but how evident He is making it. I had struggled for so long wondering what it was like to hear from God. Well I am experiencing it and whoa, I love it.
In the summer of 2008, while I was in Montana, I felt God call me to missions. I wasn't sure what that was supposed to look like, but I had a feeling it would be tied to Four Winds in some way. The quote above was actually written in a Bible in their chapel. When I spoke with Pastor Woody about it he told me he had written it years ago but he knew it was for me. I was going to widen my tent stakes and do great things. Then I went off the handle and tried to take over (like I always do) and God put on the skids. Not now, not yet, just wait, be patient. Patience, no thank you, I don't enjoy that just let me take this and run with it. No, God said, you must learn this lesson.
So many things have happened as of late that I can no longer wait. I feel that it is time to make a change. I was starting to feel like I was just making much of nothing. Maybe God was just telling me that the mission work I was doing with the church was all I needed to do. Then God started putting things together for me. Whether it be through scripture reading, sermons, fellow followers, other reading, etc. He is telling me it is time!!!
This morning I was listening to the radio and there was a lady on there talking about how God had laid something on her heart. She was saying that she just couldn't get away from the idea. Even though it was not anything she was familiar with or knew anything about. Then she was moving a dresser and found a book she had purchased 4 years earlier. She mentioned how odd that was because she would read her books as soon as she got them. She just flipped to a page and it was on the exact thing God was telling her to do. No other area of the book had any reference to this topic. What was the book you ask? Don't Waste Your Life by Piper. My breathe caught in my throat, chills all over my body, and tears streaming down my face. How many times has that book come up in conversation with me and my friends? How about that was and is the next book in my reading!!!
Last summer when God told me to go and buy painting and jewelry making supplies I thought, "Well I can't draw a stick man and the only jewelry I have ever made was crafts at camp, but if You say so." I didn't really know what would happen. Well nothing has happened really. I mean I have sold a few pieces here and there. I have made the money back that I spent on the materials, but nothing earth shattering. The closer I get to my mission trips for the summer the stronger my pull to make a change has become. And God is opening doors. I have 2 festivals that I will take my art to sell. We shall see what God has in store for those days. I am trusting in Him 100%. I will go where He sends me!!! I will do what is required.
Also, I think it was no accident that I got to become great friends with Patrick and his family. I feel that God is calling me to be a part of his ministry in Africa. I don't know what that will look like just yet, but I am trusting the Lord. I feel that God is leading me to complete my degree in counseling in a shorter time frame so that those talents can be used in different areas of missions.
We shall see. Please pray that I will remain obedient (even though most are doubtful I will succeed). I want nothing more than to live each day to the fullest extent of God's glory in whatever way He sees fit.
Praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the DEAD!!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
O the wonderful cross, Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
For this Good Friday I was feeling lead to meditate on the stations of the cross. I figured I would share it with you. I know you probably have done this before and seen many variations, but this is what I feel lead to share. Please read station and corresponding verses then follow with the consideration listed for each one.
1. Jesus condemned to die-Matt. 27:15-26
Consider how Jesus, after having been scourged & crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.
2. Soldiers mock Jesus-Matt. 27:27-31
Consider the amount of ridicule Jesus suffered from the soldiers, there were approximately 200 soldiers in a legion. Compare this to the ridicule we shy away from today.
3. Simon helps Jesus carry his cross-Luke 23:26
Consider how the soldiers, watching with each step, Jesus becoming weaker & fearing he would die before the ultimate torture & humiliation of the cross, forced Simon of Cyrene to assist him.
4. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem-Luke 23:27-31
Consider how these women wept, with compassion, at the sight of Jesus, with blood streaming down his body, as he walked by them.
5. Jesus is stripped-Mark 15:22-24
Consider the force & violence which the soldiers employ to strip Jesus of his garment. The blood had started to dry making the garment stick to His raw flesh. As they ripped the fabric they also reopened wounds and tore more flesh.
6. Jesus nailed to the cross-Mark 15:25-32
Consider the pain of being beaten bloody & thrown onto a rough cut piece of lumber. Then imagine a spike driven through your hand and the other stretched to the point of dislocation before another spike is driven to hold it there. Then one foot placed on the other at an awkward unnatural angle to have a spike driven there. Then the cross is raised & dropped into a hole with a treacherous jolt.
7. Jesus crucified with criminals-Luke 23:32-33; 39-43
Consider the King of Kings, the Highest of High, hanging between 2 common criminals. He made himself nothing.
8. Jesus provides for his mother-John 19:25-27
Consider this, Jesus being fully God & fully human. Not only was He obedient to God even unto death, but also obedient to his earthly mother. As the oldest son, He made sure to provide for his mother by having John watch over her.
9. Holy of Holies is opened-Luke 23:44-46
Consider the moment of realization that comes over the people when the earth shakes, the sky darkens, & the veil is torn. The most sacred place was now revealed. What fear & trembling did they experience?
10. Jesus dies-John 19:28-30
Consider the sorrow of the crowd of believers, Jesus' family, & the Father because it had to be done.
11. Jesus taken down from the cross-Mark 15:42-45
Consider the fear, of Joseph of Arimathea, at having to ask Pilate for Christ's body. Imagine the care he gave in choosing & purchasing the cloth to wrap our Savior's body.
12. Jesus laid in the tomb-Luke 23:54-55
Consider the sorrow & pain that they experienced as they lay his body down. Imagine the sound of rolling the stone to the opening, like sealing a vault.
I'm not posting this to be preachy. I just want all the consider this day. We can't get to Sunday without going through Friday!
1. Jesus condemned to die-Matt. 27:15-26
Consider how Jesus, after having been scourged & crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.
2. Soldiers mock Jesus-Matt. 27:27-31
Consider the amount of ridicule Jesus suffered from the soldiers, there were approximately 200 soldiers in a legion. Compare this to the ridicule we shy away from today.
3. Simon helps Jesus carry his cross-Luke 23:26
Consider how the soldiers, watching with each step, Jesus becoming weaker & fearing he would die before the ultimate torture & humiliation of the cross, forced Simon of Cyrene to assist him.
4. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem-Luke 23:27-31
Consider how these women wept, with compassion, at the sight of Jesus, with blood streaming down his body, as he walked by them.
5. Jesus is stripped-Mark 15:22-24
Consider the force & violence which the soldiers employ to strip Jesus of his garment. The blood had started to dry making the garment stick to His raw flesh. As they ripped the fabric they also reopened wounds and tore more flesh.
6. Jesus nailed to the cross-Mark 15:25-32
Consider the pain of being beaten bloody & thrown onto a rough cut piece of lumber. Then imagine a spike driven through your hand and the other stretched to the point of dislocation before another spike is driven to hold it there. Then one foot placed on the other at an awkward unnatural angle to have a spike driven there. Then the cross is raised & dropped into a hole with a treacherous jolt.
7. Jesus crucified with criminals-Luke 23:32-33; 39-43
Consider the King of Kings, the Highest of High, hanging between 2 common criminals. He made himself nothing.
8. Jesus provides for his mother-John 19:25-27
Consider this, Jesus being fully God & fully human. Not only was He obedient to God even unto death, but also obedient to his earthly mother. As the oldest son, He made sure to provide for his mother by having John watch over her.
9. Holy of Holies is opened-Luke 23:44-46
Consider the moment of realization that comes over the people when the earth shakes, the sky darkens, & the veil is torn. The most sacred place was now revealed. What fear & trembling did they experience?
10. Jesus dies-John 19:28-30
Consider the sorrow of the crowd of believers, Jesus' family, & the Father because it had to be done.
11. Jesus taken down from the cross-Mark 15:42-45
Consider the fear, of Joseph of Arimathea, at having to ask Pilate for Christ's body. Imagine the care he gave in choosing & purchasing the cloth to wrap our Savior's body.
12. Jesus laid in the tomb-Luke 23:54-55
Consider the sorrow & pain that they experienced as they lay his body down. Imagine the sound of rolling the stone to the opening, like sealing a vault.
I'm not posting this to be preachy. I just want all the consider this day. We can't get to Sunday without going through Friday!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Beauty and Torture
Torture is the most extreme form of ill-treatment toward another person and can be both physical and psychological. It is the intentional infliction of pain and suffering used to intimidate, punish and obliterate the personality of the person (break their will). When we hear stories on the news about hostages being tortured we get angry or at the very least we are sad. Why is it then when we hear about the trial and crucifixion of our Savior we can just brush it off? We don't know those people personally nor are we acquainted with their family. Yet they, strangers, can elicit a response.
My Father sent his Son (Himself) to this earth to be beaten, kicked, spit on, ridiculed, and crucified for my sins because he loves me that much! Can I not strum up enough emotion to at least get a catch in my throat at the mention of His sacrifice? I know people, I consider very godly, who can't watch the Passion of the Christ or read a story about the suffering. They can't bear the thought of that happening to their Savior. But really don't we deserve the sorrow that comes with exposure to such content? That is only a fraction of what we deserve. We have been saved from an eternity in Hell. How torturous would that be? We can't fathom the extent. I will admit it is difficult to watch or hear because I know I am responsible for the death of the most precious being in my life. But I can rejoice in the fact that I have been saved and I will serve Him with all my heart until my heart caves in....
I say all of this because I am repeatedly reminded, even by other Christians, that worldly desire and accomplishments are far more important and desirable than following Christ. We want a nice house, car, job, beach house, clothes, makeup, hair stylist, tanning bed packages, spring break trips, the list is never ending. What are we willing to sacrifice for our Savior? He gave himself. Can we not do the same? Are our friends and stuff really that important in comparison to our eternity? Would I rather have material things here on earth than have my Father say, "well done!"? I am struggling with this in a major way right now. What would my life look like if I did live by faith. What would happen if I relied on God to provide my meals, insurance, livelihood? Well my friends we are about to find out!!!
I am super pumped about what God is doing in my life. And that He has given me the courage to follow Him, to trust Him in all things. Please pray for me and love me through this journey.
My Father sent his Son (Himself) to this earth to be beaten, kicked, spit on, ridiculed, and crucified for my sins because he loves me that much! Can I not strum up enough emotion to at least get a catch in my throat at the mention of His sacrifice? I know people, I consider very godly, who can't watch the Passion of the Christ or read a story about the suffering. They can't bear the thought of that happening to their Savior. But really don't we deserve the sorrow that comes with exposure to such content? That is only a fraction of what we deserve. We have been saved from an eternity in Hell. How torturous would that be? We can't fathom the extent. I will admit it is difficult to watch or hear because I know I am responsible for the death of the most precious being in my life. But I can rejoice in the fact that I have been saved and I will serve Him with all my heart until my heart caves in....
I say all of this because I am repeatedly reminded, even by other Christians, that worldly desire and accomplishments are far more important and desirable than following Christ. We want a nice house, car, job, beach house, clothes, makeup, hair stylist, tanning bed packages, spring break trips, the list is never ending. What are we willing to sacrifice for our Savior? He gave himself. Can we not do the same? Are our friends and stuff really that important in comparison to our eternity? Would I rather have material things here on earth than have my Father say, "well done!"? I am struggling with this in a major way right now. What would my life look like if I did live by faith. What would happen if I relied on God to provide my meals, insurance, livelihood? Well my friends we are about to find out!!!
I am super pumped about what God is doing in my life. And that He has given me the courage to follow Him, to trust Him in all things. Please pray for me and love me through this journey.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hand in Hand
Accountability!!! How many other of my Christian brothers and sisters struggle with this topic? What does it look like to hold a fellow follower to God's standards? Do we have to be asked to be accountability partners? Are we supposed to call any follower out on their sin? Is this judging? What are we to do?
I know personally for me, I want my friends to call me out! It will be uncomfortable for me at first, I'm sure. I will probably get defensive and try to explain why I have done whatever it is. I don't like to be wrong (thank goodness I am very rarely-HA) so my pride is bound to be bruised. But you know what? I know that it is God's will for to practice accountability. He says so in His Word on several occasions. When He speaks it's important and if He repeats it you better know He does.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:1-2
This passage doesn't make it clear whether or not we need the person's permission to call them out, only that we have the Father's. I value one way more than the other. In 1 Corinthians 12 it talks about spiritual gifts and how we are all different. God gave us each gifts that we should use to glorify Him in the most high way. Just as our gifts differ we ourselves differ in purpose as the body of Christ. We are many parts. Is a foot's significance less because it's not a hand. A ear pointless because it isn't an eye. No, each part needs the other in order to function as a whole. God says there should be no division in the body, every part should have equal concern for the other, and if one part suffers all parts suffer.
So God calls us to hold each other accountable, lift each other up, and have equal concern for others as ourselves. Then in chapter 13 we are told that all these things are accomplished through LOVE! So we go back to one of the two most important commands. Do we love each other enough to call each other out? And when were are called out do we love each other enough to be mad at ourselves instead of the person trying to help?
We have to lift each other up. Satan wants us to feel alone and forsaken. Whether we feel alone in our sin or in our assisting a brother. He doesn't care. He's just glad to have the opportunity to use against us and our faith. When we are weak he can put all kinds of lies in our head that keep us from being obedient to God's call for accountability. They won't like me anymore. They are going to be mean to me or trash talk me.
How about we pray that our hearts will be open, our sins revealed, our hurts healed, and relationships restored?
I know personally for me, I want my friends to call me out! It will be uncomfortable for me at first, I'm sure. I will probably get defensive and try to explain why I have done whatever it is. I don't like to be wrong (thank goodness I am very rarely-HA) so my pride is bound to be bruised. But you know what? I know that it is God's will for to practice accountability. He says so in His Word on several occasions. When He speaks it's important and if He repeats it you better know He does.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:1-2
This passage doesn't make it clear whether or not we need the person's permission to call them out, only that we have the Father's. I value one way more than the other. In 1 Corinthians 12 it talks about spiritual gifts and how we are all different. God gave us each gifts that we should use to glorify Him in the most high way. Just as our gifts differ we ourselves differ in purpose as the body of Christ. We are many parts. Is a foot's significance less because it's not a hand. A ear pointless because it isn't an eye. No, each part needs the other in order to function as a whole. God says there should be no division in the body, every part should have equal concern for the other, and if one part suffers all parts suffer.
So God calls us to hold each other accountable, lift each other up, and have equal concern for others as ourselves. Then in chapter 13 we are told that all these things are accomplished through LOVE! So we go back to one of the two most important commands. Do we love each other enough to call each other out? And when were are called out do we love each other enough to be mad at ourselves instead of the person trying to help?
We have to lift each other up. Satan wants us to feel alone and forsaken. Whether we feel alone in our sin or in our assisting a brother. He doesn't care. He's just glad to have the opportunity to use against us and our faith. When we are weak he can put all kinds of lies in our head that keep us from being obedient to God's call for accountability. They won't like me anymore. They are going to be mean to me or trash talk me.
How about we pray that our hearts will be open, our sins revealed, our hurts healed, and relationships restored?
Friday, March 19, 2010
When you're in love...
O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirst for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.--AW Tozer, The Pursuit of God
I have never been one for gushy, sappy, romantic stuff. I never really played into my girl friends fantasies about a knight in shining armor or happily ever after. I had seen first hand what people can do to each other. Some have called me cynical, others a realist. I don't know what I am. I just really don't get terribly surprised when someones actions disappoint me. Now don't get me wrong. I want to find that love of a lifetime. Someone with whom to share this journey. But I think bells, whistles, and fireworks are just a tad bit unrealistic.
That being said...I have fallen head over heals in love with someone. I have never felt so full of life. He brings me flowers, writes me songs and love letters, protects me from meanies, lifts me up, lets me cry, holds my hand, and most of all accepts me for all that I am (and am not). I spent the better part of my life trying to get my worth from people around me (not a good idea, people will disappoint you and misuse this power). I no longer need others approval. I only need to be accepted and love by my one and only!!!
Who is this amazingly perfect someone? MY JESUS!!!! When I think about how much He loves me (even though He knows my heart, thoughts, everything) I am mystified. I mean He loves me so much that he gave up his place in heaven to come here. He came to a place where he knew he would be chastised, beaten, and killed. All because He love ME! In the book The Shack it says, "He would have done it even if it was just for me, but it wasn't." Like how crazy is that? These are the same hands that created the universe, put life into motion, carved the earth, and made me. Do I even realize what a big deal that is? Can I even comprehend that I have the greatest lover of all times?
All I do know is that He is on my mind constantly. I can't get enough! I want to read His Word, sing His praise, glorify His Name 24/7!!!
I never thought I could ever feel this way about anyone or anything. I'm so glad I do and hope I always will. I pray for diligence.
I have never been one for gushy, sappy, romantic stuff. I never really played into my girl friends fantasies about a knight in shining armor or happily ever after. I had seen first hand what people can do to each other. Some have called me cynical, others a realist. I don't know what I am. I just really don't get terribly surprised when someones actions disappoint me. Now don't get me wrong. I want to find that love of a lifetime. Someone with whom to share this journey. But I think bells, whistles, and fireworks are just a tad bit unrealistic.
That being said...I have fallen head over heals in love with someone. I have never felt so full of life. He brings me flowers, writes me songs and love letters, protects me from meanies, lifts me up, lets me cry, holds my hand, and most of all accepts me for all that I am (and am not). I spent the better part of my life trying to get my worth from people around me (not a good idea, people will disappoint you and misuse this power). I no longer need others approval. I only need to be accepted and love by my one and only!!!
Who is this amazingly perfect someone? MY JESUS!!!! When I think about how much He loves me (even though He knows my heart, thoughts, everything) I am mystified. I mean He loves me so much that he gave up his place in heaven to come here. He came to a place where he knew he would be chastised, beaten, and killed. All because He love ME! In the book The Shack it says, "He would have done it even if it was just for me, but it wasn't." Like how crazy is that? These are the same hands that created the universe, put life into motion, carved the earth, and made me. Do I even realize what a big deal that is? Can I even comprehend that I have the greatest lover of all times?
All I do know is that He is on my mind constantly. I can't get enough! I want to read His Word, sing His praise, glorify His Name 24/7!!!
I never thought I could ever feel this way about anyone or anything. I'm so glad I do and hope I always will. I pray for diligence.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Measure of Growth
How many of us have stood in a doorway of a loved ones home and had a pencil mark drawn on the wall? When we go to the doctor the first thing they do is weigh and measure us. Look at the trees and plants we have in our yards. We can see their growth, measure it even.
So how do we measure our spiritual growth? We should use the Word as our measuring stick. Are we doing what it says and not just reading it? (Thank you James) Do we question it more than before? Do we trust it more than before? Before what? Where do we start? Where do we stop? How often should we track our progress? Should we even bother or just go about our business and let God sort it out in the end?
My take is this: I question the Bible less now than I did 3 years ago. I felt that I needed to dissect every single verse and parables to extract the deep dark message hidden there. I don't feel that need any longer. Don't get me wrong, I love studying the Word. Each and every time I read scripture I see something that wasn't there the last. It's like when you watch a movie and the second time you see things you missed but the movie is still the same. The more you watch it the more you notice and the more you love it. I love the fact that my Daddy wrote me a love letter thousands of years ago and it speaks to me differently everyday. That is a love letter I would never want to live without. But more than that I guess is the whole question of creation and other such unbelievable things in the Bible. This isn't scientifically possible. That isn't physically possible. This and that could never have happened, there is no explanation. No explanation other than God. My God can do anything he wants!!! He is the Boss of me and you and everyone (whether they want to admit it or not). I don't have to have a scientific explanation of where dinosaurs fit in the picture. God did what he did in the time frame he wanted to do it and here we are to worship! How did Jesus withstand all that physical torture, carry the cross (whole or top beam, whatever), and hang on the cross for 6 grueling hours? He is God. He does what he wants. Here we are to worship!
So, I guess the bottom line for that is this: You ask me how I know the Bible is true. The Bible is true because it is the Word of God. He breathed everything into motion. Now, yes, there are tons of ways to show how the Bible is true, but I only need the one.
Moving on, before what: before I realized God loved me more than life, before I have my sins washed away and forgotten, before I truly was alive.
Where do we start? Today! Am I striving harder than yesterday to seek His face?
Where do we stop? We don't, EVER!
How often? Every second of every day!
Should we bother? Well God will sort everything out in the end, true. But do we want to seek His guidance and do a heart check so that we can stay the course? I know I do! If He didn't want us to check ourselves (before we wrc-wrcty-wreck ourselves) He wouldn't have given us the instruction book, yes?
I suppose my point in all of this is that I am thankful that I have a Father that loves me enough to show me ways I have grown (positive reinforcement, if you will. Not if you won't). He is allowing me to see in tiny ways how evident he is in my life and what obedience looks like.
My prayer is that I continue on this path. That the Father be glorified in everything I do. As Bryan Adams sang, "everything I do, I do it for you." (sorry I'm cheesy)
So how do we measure our spiritual growth? We should use the Word as our measuring stick. Are we doing what it says and not just reading it? (Thank you James) Do we question it more than before? Do we trust it more than before? Before what? Where do we start? Where do we stop? How often should we track our progress? Should we even bother or just go about our business and let God sort it out in the end?
My take is this: I question the Bible less now than I did 3 years ago. I felt that I needed to dissect every single verse and parables to extract the deep dark message hidden there. I don't feel that need any longer. Don't get me wrong, I love studying the Word. Each and every time I read scripture I see something that wasn't there the last. It's like when you watch a movie and the second time you see things you missed but the movie is still the same. The more you watch it the more you notice and the more you love it. I love the fact that my Daddy wrote me a love letter thousands of years ago and it speaks to me differently everyday. That is a love letter I would never want to live without. But more than that I guess is the whole question of creation and other such unbelievable things in the Bible. This isn't scientifically possible. That isn't physically possible. This and that could never have happened, there is no explanation. No explanation other than God. My God can do anything he wants!!! He is the Boss of me and you and everyone (whether they want to admit it or not). I don't have to have a scientific explanation of where dinosaurs fit in the picture. God did what he did in the time frame he wanted to do it and here we are to worship! How did Jesus withstand all that physical torture, carry the cross (whole or top beam, whatever), and hang on the cross for 6 grueling hours? He is God. He does what he wants. Here we are to worship!
So, I guess the bottom line for that is this: You ask me how I know the Bible is true. The Bible is true because it is the Word of God. He breathed everything into motion. Now, yes, there are tons of ways to show how the Bible is true, but I only need the one.
Moving on, before what: before I realized God loved me more than life, before I have my sins washed away and forgotten, before I truly was alive.
Where do we start? Today! Am I striving harder than yesterday to seek His face?
Where do we stop? We don't, EVER!
How often? Every second of every day!
Should we bother? Well God will sort everything out in the end, true. But do we want to seek His guidance and do a heart check so that we can stay the course? I know I do! If He didn't want us to check ourselves (before we wrc-wrcty-wreck ourselves) He wouldn't have given us the instruction book, yes?
I suppose my point in all of this is that I am thankful that I have a Father that loves me enough to show me ways I have grown (positive reinforcement, if you will. Not if you won't). He is allowing me to see in tiny ways how evident he is in my life and what obedience looks like.
My prayer is that I continue on this path. That the Father be glorified in everything I do. As Bryan Adams sang, "everything I do, I do it for you." (sorry I'm cheesy)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Life or Death
This week our video for Crazy Love talked about baptism in other countries. In other cultures if someone chooses to follow Christ they truly have to give up everything. By choosing salvation they cease to exist in their families, lose their jobs, and in some cases have to fight for their lives. Why is it then, in our culture where it is acceptable to be "whoever we choose to be", that we can take commitment to Christ so lightly?
Seriously, what is the worst that can happen? You lose a friend? If they were really your friend to begin with wouldn't they respect your decision? People make jokes at your expense? Why does it matter what people think about you anyway? Are they the ones who determine your worth?
We have grayed so many areas of our lives that we don't even know what is what. The fact of the matter is there are some things in life that just are or are not. You can either be pregnant or not, no kinda to it. You are employed or you are not. You are alive or you are not. You believe in Christ or you do not. You live for Him or you do not. By not really making a decision on this subject you are making one.
Now I don't claim to be perfect. Gods knows, and others too, that I have faults as big as San Andreas. But what I do have is a burning passion for Christ. I can't get enough of Him. Sometimes I sit and think about what He has done, and continues to do, in my life and I can't help but smile. The best part of it isn't even that He has done great things. It's that He loved me first! He picked me! He made me! He wanted me!
"You make all things work together for my good!"
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil. 3:7-11
Seriously, what is the worst that can happen? You lose a friend? If they were really your friend to begin with wouldn't they respect your decision? People make jokes at your expense? Why does it matter what people think about you anyway? Are they the ones who determine your worth?
We have grayed so many areas of our lives that we don't even know what is what. The fact of the matter is there are some things in life that just are or are not. You can either be pregnant or not, no kinda to it. You are employed or you are not. You are alive or you are not. You believe in Christ or you do not. You live for Him or you do not. By not really making a decision on this subject you are making one.
Now I don't claim to be perfect. Gods knows, and others too, that I have faults as big as San Andreas. But what I do have is a burning passion for Christ. I can't get enough of Him. Sometimes I sit and think about what He has done, and continues to do, in my life and I can't help but smile. The best part of it isn't even that He has done great things. It's that He loved me first! He picked me! He made me! He wanted me!
"You make all things work together for my good!"
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil. 3:7-11
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Why Aunt Angels
Why Aunt Angels? Well, my nephew Keegan, started it. When he says his prayers at night one part says, "angels watch me through the night." Well Keeg says, "Aunt Angels" instead. I think that is precious. More than that he asked me one day, "Aunt Angel, does everybody have an angel living with them and watching over them like I do?" I answered, yes. Then he said, "well do their's have wings you can see cause yours are invisible?" Now I am not saying I am anything close to angelic but this kid blows my mind. Did I mention that he's not even 5 yet and he asked those questions probably a year ago? The Bible tells us to be like little children when we approach the throne. I wish my faith could mirror his sometimes. Keegan just believes that God is who he says he is and that Jesus died on a cross for him. He also refers to Christ's cross as his cross too.
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