I'm a little late on the blog thing today because of this thing I do each day called Work. The past few days have been kinda crazy, but I love what I do, so I just go with it (sometimes). I decided maybe I should blog about work, not my specific job in general, but more of like how work has effected my almost 30 years of life. I can now say that I have worked for more than half my life. Crazy. My first job started the summer I was 14 - I babysit a little girl named Emily. It was a real deal job from 8-5, Monday-Friday. I don't have a clue how much money I made, but I am thankful for the experience. From the end of that summer, I transitioned to a cool part-time office job. I worked that throughout High School. It was definitely a great job for a student. Like most, I have worked in many different areas - I did my time in retail sales and had a banking job, plus a few other random things. Last night, I was waiting and contemplating what I have learned from my years of work.
My parents taught me to work hard. Little did I know at the time that this a Biblical truth, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," (Colossians 3:23). I remember being taught truths from the "work ethic" of the ant in Proverbs as opposed to the sluggard. These are good truths, but maybe the bigger question for me would be, "What truth has the Lord shown me about Himself because of work?"
What I have learned most from work is that the Lord provides. My job would be the first aspect that is a gift from the Lord and the ability to do the task set before me. Because of the provision of a job, my needs are met and most of my wants. My family was never wealthy, but I can never recall a time where our needs were not met. This has still been true even in my adult years. Because of the Lord providing work, the Lord has been faithful to provide for what I needed. Luke 12:22-31 is always a good reminder that the Lord is our provider. He knows what we need, including a job.
Today, I am thankful for work, whether it is a past or present job. Over and over again, He has shown Himself to be the faithful Provider.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Thursday, August 04, 2011
4 for 31 - The Resurrection.
It is not Easter, but the Resurrection should not just be celebrated on that special day. Last night, we talked about Jesus our Savior in our table groups at church. We are studying the book, "What is the Gospel?" The last part of the chapter hits hard on the truth of the Resurrection. I believe that as each year of my life passes, the promise of the Resurrection grows sweeter to me. Simple reasons why I love and rest in the truth of the Resurrection--
Christ is Risen by Matt Maher
Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
But fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him
Who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You’ve bled for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but heaven’s will
No scheme of hell
No scoffer's crown
No burden great
Can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night
O death, where is your sting
O hell, where is your victory
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead,
He's alive! He's alive!
- Proves Jesus is who He said He was. He is not dead, He is alive. His death and resurrection made salvation's story complete, and because of that we can have eternal life. (Romans 10:9)
- Believers have the grand opportunity of serving the living God. I know of no other religion apart from Christianity that can make that claim. (Matthew 28:6)
- Because Christ was resurrected, believers have the promise of being resurrected. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
- The death and resurrection of Christ was more than enough to satisfy the wrath of God for believers and we can rejoice in that, but there's more! The living Savior continues to intercede on behalf of believers to the Father. He's our Heavenly advocate! Amazing. (Romans 8:34)
Christ is Risen by Matt Maher
Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
But fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him
Who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You’ve bled for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but heaven’s will
No scheme of hell
No scoffer's crown
No burden great
Can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night
O death, where is your sting
O hell, where is your victory
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead,
He's alive! He's alive!
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
3 for 31 - School and Learning.
I like learning; that may have been the reason I kinda liked school. I still like the idea of school, it sounds better than work. However, I don't think God really planned for me to be in school for forever, so I will just stick with the learning part for now.
Kindergarten through 12th Grade was spent at Eastside Baptist Academy. Dad was the principal there, plus he took care of bunch of High School kids. Mom later joined him as a Kindergarten teacher in 1993. I started in 1986 with a class full of friends. I don't remember much from my elementary years at school except for the fact that I hated subtraction and I let a box of crayons melt in the back of Dad's car. Bummer for the crayons and for me. Our school was Independent Baptist all the way including the lovely jumpers that I wore from start to finish. For those who may not know what a jumper is, I have included an example.
Despite the bad dresswear, I am truly thankful for a Christian education. I learned about awesome men of God like Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, and Jim Elliot as a kid. Scripture memorization was high priority! The school was almost like homeschool is structured now. My work was self-paced and helped me learn to stay motivated and do things well. It was probably not meant for everyone, but worked well for me. Middle School and High School were awkward years for me, but I persevered. I graduated in a class of 1 in 1999. (Feel free to make jokes about that.)
From EBA, I spent the Fall Semester at Bob Jones University and then a short 24-hour stay at Pensacola Christian College. After that, God lead me to Memphis. Still thankful to this day for that leading. I took classes at Southwest Tennessee Community College and the University of Memphis. Memphis was somewhat of a culture shock for this sheltered girl, but I learned quickly. It was the first time in my life that my Christianity was ever put to the test. Many people around me did not share any of my beliefs, some even professed that there was no God. (Lots of 1 Peter 3:15 moments.) I'm so very thankful for this time of learning. I thought God was preparing me to be an accountant, at least that was what I was in school for. During college, my relationship with the Lord was strengthened like it had never been before in my young life. I saw very clearly things about God that I failed to noticed before - He was my Provider, Sustainer, and I learned what it meant to depend on Him. (Still learning all these lessons.)
From the University of Memphis, God would allow me to go to Union University to work on a Master's in Christian Studies. This was my favorite schooling ever. It is so much more fun when you get to study things you want to study. This time of learning was incredible. I enjoyed the professors, especially Dr. Easley and New Testament. Theology messed with me the most. I wrestled through Scripture just trying to figure out doctrines and beliefs. This gave me a greater appreciation for Scripture. God blessed me with some sweet friendships that have continued even though school is complete. I look back at Union as a very grateful student. The truth from God's Word that was poured into my life during that time impacts what I do everyday.
Higher education is not for everyone, but I do believe it was God's plan for me. I do think that learning, especially from God's Word is for everyone. Dad used to say to me, "When you stop learning, you die." That may not be literally true, but I get his point. The book of Proverbs is one of my go-to books for learning and receiving practical instruction for life. I am thankful for the Word of God that continues to teach me and Biblical-based books that promote further learning from God's Word.
Kindergarten through 12th Grade was spent at Eastside Baptist Academy. Dad was the principal there, plus he took care of bunch of High School kids. Mom later joined him as a Kindergarten teacher in 1993. I started in 1986 with a class full of friends. I don't remember much from my elementary years at school except for the fact that I hated subtraction and I let a box of crayons melt in the back of Dad's car. Bummer for the crayons and for me. Our school was Independent Baptist all the way including the lovely jumpers that I wore from start to finish. For those who may not know what a jumper is, I have included an example.
From EBA, I spent the Fall Semester at Bob Jones University and then a short 24-hour stay at Pensacola Christian College. After that, God lead me to Memphis. Still thankful to this day for that leading. I took classes at Southwest Tennessee Community College and the University of Memphis. Memphis was somewhat of a culture shock for this sheltered girl, but I learned quickly. It was the first time in my life that my Christianity was ever put to the test. Many people around me did not share any of my beliefs, some even professed that there was no God. (Lots of 1 Peter 3:15 moments.) I'm so very thankful for this time of learning. I thought God was preparing me to be an accountant, at least that was what I was in school for. During college, my relationship with the Lord was strengthened like it had never been before in my young life. I saw very clearly things about God that I failed to noticed before - He was my Provider, Sustainer, and I learned what it meant to depend on Him. (Still learning all these lessons.)
From the University of Memphis, God would allow me to go to Union University to work on a Master's in Christian Studies. This was my favorite schooling ever. It is so much more fun when you get to study things you want to study. This time of learning was incredible. I enjoyed the professors, especially Dr. Easley and New Testament. Theology messed with me the most. I wrestled through Scripture just trying to figure out doctrines and beliefs. This gave me a greater appreciation for Scripture. God blessed me with some sweet friendships that have continued even though school is complete. I look back at Union as a very grateful student. The truth from God's Word that was poured into my life during that time impacts what I do everyday.
Higher education is not for everyone, but I do believe it was God's plan for me. I do think that learning, especially from God's Word is for everyone. Dad used to say to me, "When you stop learning, you die." That may not be literally true, but I get his point. The book of Proverbs is one of my go-to books for learning and receiving practical instruction for life. I am thankful for the Word of God that continues to teach me and Biblical-based books that promote further learning from God's Word.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
2 for 31 - Roommates
Continuing with my theme of 30 reflections (actually 31) for my 30th Birthday this month, I'd like to share about:
Roommates.
I have had roommates 3 times (if you count my 1 semester at Bob Jones University). FYI, that semester at BJU was a terrible time of my life and the Lord paired me with three girls total opposite of me. I don't remember too much about our roommate situation, so I'm just going to put that in the past and move forward.
#1 Roomies came in the summer of 2004. April and Teri came to me one Sunday morning at church and asked if I wanted to be their roommate. I told them I would pray about it. Monday we went looking at apartments. Monday afternoon, we signed a lease. These girls were serious about moving out. Prior to our move-in, we had lunch at Moe's, since they were like BFF's and just knew me from church. The three of us do not remember much about that lunch, except for the fact that we found out we all liked the same type of bread - wheat bread. Those were two of the most fun, surprising, and enjoyable years of life. We learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and how we are pretty klutzy when we run at 5am. They were so edifying to me spiritually and I am truly thankful for that! We had random jobs, changed jobs, started school, finished school, and April fell in love with David - All in 2 memorable years. We left the not-so-wonderful Poplar Place when Teri moved to Mexico for 2 years as a teacher. April and I stayed together 1 more year until her and David got married. Two great roomies, that I am happy to have shared life together with them.
#2 Roomies came in the May 2009. Darlene was living in a house and need some roommates. Teri was back from Mexico and did not want to live with her family (although they are very nice people), so we all lived in a house together. This time was a bit different because we all had full-time jobs, friends and family of our own. Mornings were the most fun times at the house as each of us were rushing around trying to do stuff, but still wanted to socialize. One of the interesting highlights of our time together was reading through the chronological Bible, it was something none of us had ever done before. For awhile we tried to read to one another outloud... that may not have been our best idea. :) Teri and Darlene were a lot of fun and I am grateful for 2 years to be their roommate. Teri bought a house and Darlene left for an adventure on the other side of the world, so we split.
So, why do I share about my roommates? They have been a precious part of my life. I'm thankful that God allows us to be molded and shaped by the people we share life with. My roomies could be classified as my Philippians 1:7 friends, "I hold them in my heart." Grateful for their friendship and the ways they pointed me to Jesus.
Roommates.
I have had roommates 3 times (if you count my 1 semester at Bob Jones University). FYI, that semester at BJU was a terrible time of my life and the Lord paired me with three girls total opposite of me. I don't remember too much about our roommate situation, so I'm just going to put that in the past and move forward.
 |
| Roomies - 2005, I think. |
#2 Roomies came in the May 2009. Darlene was living in a house and need some roommates. Teri was back from Mexico and did not want to live with her family (although they are very nice people), so we all lived in a house together. This time was a bit different because we all had full-time jobs, friends and family of our own. Mornings were the most fun times at the house as each of us were rushing around trying to do stuff, but still wanted to socialize. One of the interesting highlights of our time together was reading through the chronological Bible, it was something none of us had ever done before. For awhile we tried to read to one another outloud... that may not have been our best idea. :) Teri and Darlene were a lot of fun and I am grateful for 2 years to be their roommate. Teri bought a house and Darlene left for an adventure on the other side of the world, so we split.
 |
| Honduras Mission Trip 2010 |
So, why do I share about my roommates? They have been a precious part of my life. I'm thankful that God allows us to be molded and shaped by the people we share life with. My roomies could be classified as my Philippians 1:7 friends, "I hold them in my heart." Grateful for their friendship and the ways they pointed me to Jesus.
Monday, August 01, 2011
30 for 30
Welcome to August. I'm turning 30 this month. I think my face frowns a bit when I say the word thirty. Whoever, invented our English number system, should have made 30 a different word so it doesn't sound so horrible when you say it. I know it is a derivative of three... Anyway, I digress.
In honor of this milestone in my life, I decided that the month of August would be for 30 reflections. Actually, it may have 31 since August has 31 days. I like odd numbers too. The reflections may be Biblical or random. I don't really have an order or system for these reflections, just things that have influenced or been important to me in the last 30 years!
Day 1 - Memorizing Scripture.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
In honor of this milestone in my life, I decided that the month of August would be for 30 reflections. Actually, it may have 31 since August has 31 days. I like odd numbers too. The reflections may be Biblical or random. I don't really have an order or system for these reflections, just things that have influenced or been important to me in the last 30 years!
Day 1 - Memorizing Scripture.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
God gave me really good parents. They thought that Scripture was to be held with the highest authority and that it was very important for their kids to memorize passages of it! I remember Scripture being made into songs to help us memorize them. My brothers and I went to a Christian school where we were required to memorize a passage of Scripture each month. It seemed like a tough task during some months, but looking back, it just took a little bit of time. If we memorized verses outside of school, there was normally a reward associated for memorizing. I was highly motivated with money, food, etc. I am thankful for the challenge I was given to memorize as now I continue to see more clearly the value of knowing and applying God's Word. I think often we take to lightly the value of Scripture and its importance for life. The Bible clearly talks about itself as being sufficient for all things. I have experienced firsthand the truth that is is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..." Who knew a practice that I started as a little kid would provide and continue to provide one of the greatest benefits of my life - knowing the Word of God. I don't pretend to know it all or have it all memorized, but I'm still working on the truth of Psalm 119:11, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Summer Reading
I don't really celebrate summertime so much, since I am no longer classified as a student, at least in the going to school sense of the word. I do like the concept of "summer reading" though, like I can knock out a few books during some free moments here and there. This is what I am currently reading or have finished this summer...
What is the Gospel?
by Greg Gilbert
We are studying this on Wednesday nights with our students. Seems like such a simple question, but you would be surprised how difficult it can be for Christians to give a definite answer to "what is the Gospel?". This is an easy read and I have greatly enjoyed it. It is actually the second 9Marks book I have read recently. Their stuff seems very well done and not tedious like a textbook, but practical for learning as a believer.
Just Do Something
by Kevin DeYoung
Kevin DeYoung may be one of my favorite bloggers. This is actually my third reading of this book. I have been reading with two of the girls I disciple, along with a study of 1&2 Timothy. I would probably recommend some reading in Proverbs while reading through this book. This is another short book, but great insight from God's Word concerning His will. I think we spend way too much time talking about God's will instead of actually carrying it out. This book actually goes well with the first one. Get a good grasp on the Gospel and then go out and do it. I actually love DeYoung's emphasis on Matthew 6:33 in this book. It is referenced quite a few times. The key to finding and doing God's will is not an enigma. The Word tells us how to live. This book is a fantastic reminder that God's Word has all we need for life, if we would just practice it!
Humility
by Andrew Murray
Another short book. I just pulled this off my shelf a few days ago. It's been looking at me for a long time. I don't really know too much about Murray. I did a search on him and found out that he was a missionary to South Africa in the 1800's-early 1900's. The book has been quite challenging so far as it looks at the example of Christ who demonstrated perfect humility. I will try to break down some of this book on the blog soon. The chapters are short, but quite convicting.
The Organized Heart
by Staci Eastin
This would be my must read recommendation for ladies this summer! This book bothered me and still continues to do so. The first chapter challenges women to put aside our idols of leisure, busyness, perfectionism, and possessions. As I read through each chapter, I realized that we try so hard to organized our lives, but fail to begin with the motives of the heart. I am not even going to attempt to put into words just how challenging this book is. It takes the truths of Scripture and tears down the idols that we so easily build in our lives. Who knew that perfectionism was an idol in my life? "Not by way of eyeservice as people pleasers, but as servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart." -Ephesians 6:6. The thoughts and ideas of this book continue to challenge me. I cannot recommend it enough, for the busy person, it is only 103 pages. You are without excuse! Read this book.
Son of Hamas
by Mosab Hassan Yousef
The first two chapters of this book were enough to keep me reading. The different accounts in this book are unbelievable to my Americanized, Christian mind. It is an amazing story and one that will burden your heart as you think of those who are so blinded to the truth of the Gospel. A tough read with intimate details, but worth it.
Choosing to See
by Mary Beth Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman is definitely someone I have listened to since my introduction to Contemporary Christian Music. I think the Chapman's advocacy for adoption is amazing and they have played an important parents with their adoption organization Show Hope providing grants for those adopting parents! You wonder what happens when tragedy strikes a seemingly "perfect life." I like this book for the realness of it. It is their life and their family. It is a good reminder that Christians are not always promised the easy road, but Christ offers hope in our darkest hour. They chose to "Taste and see that the Lord is good..." (Psalm 34:8).
And last but not least, the book of Luke. (I couldn't find a picture for it.) He is without a doubt my favorite Gospel writer. I know the other Gospel writers are just as significant in the Word and we often see the Apostle Paul as the grand writer in the New Testament, but for me there is something about Luke. Historical records find that Paul and Luke were friends, even traveled together as we see in the book of Acts. (Seems like Luke chose good company to keep.) It has been a fresh look for me at the ministry of Christ from His miracles, parables, revelation of who He is, and culmination with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior. I like Luke's attention to detail along with his convicting statements. My challenge would be to read one of the Gospels this summer. A closer look at the Savior would be my highest my recommendation for the summer!
What are your reading this summer? I would love for you to share!
What is the Gospel?
by Greg Gilbert
We are studying this on Wednesday nights with our students. Seems like such a simple question, but you would be surprised how difficult it can be for Christians to give a definite answer to "what is the Gospel?". This is an easy read and I have greatly enjoyed it. It is actually the second 9Marks book I have read recently. Their stuff seems very well done and not tedious like a textbook, but practical for learning as a believer.
Just Do Something
by Kevin DeYoung
Kevin DeYoung may be one of my favorite bloggers. This is actually my third reading of this book. I have been reading with two of the girls I disciple, along with a study of 1&2 Timothy. I would probably recommend some reading in Proverbs while reading through this book. This is another short book, but great insight from God's Word concerning His will. I think we spend way too much time talking about God's will instead of actually carrying it out. This book actually goes well with the first one. Get a good grasp on the Gospel and then go out and do it. I actually love DeYoung's emphasis on Matthew 6:33 in this book. It is referenced quite a few times. The key to finding and doing God's will is not an enigma. The Word tells us how to live. This book is a fantastic reminder that God's Word has all we need for life, if we would just practice it!
Humility
by Andrew Murray
Another short book. I just pulled this off my shelf a few days ago. It's been looking at me for a long time. I don't really know too much about Murray. I did a search on him and found out that he was a missionary to South Africa in the 1800's-early 1900's. The book has been quite challenging so far as it looks at the example of Christ who demonstrated perfect humility. I will try to break down some of this book on the blog soon. The chapters are short, but quite convicting.
The Organized Heart
by Staci Eastin
This would be my must read recommendation for ladies this summer! This book bothered me and still continues to do so. The first chapter challenges women to put aside our idols of leisure, busyness, perfectionism, and possessions. As I read through each chapter, I realized that we try so hard to organized our lives, but fail to begin with the motives of the heart. I am not even going to attempt to put into words just how challenging this book is. It takes the truths of Scripture and tears down the idols that we so easily build in our lives. Who knew that perfectionism was an idol in my life? "Not by way of eyeservice as people pleasers, but as servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart." -Ephesians 6:6. The thoughts and ideas of this book continue to challenge me. I cannot recommend it enough, for the busy person, it is only 103 pages. You are without excuse! Read this book.
Son of Hamas
by Mosab Hassan Yousef
The first two chapters of this book were enough to keep me reading. The different accounts in this book are unbelievable to my Americanized, Christian mind. It is an amazing story and one that will burden your heart as you think of those who are so blinded to the truth of the Gospel. A tough read with intimate details, but worth it.
Choosing to See
by Mary Beth Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman is definitely someone I have listened to since my introduction to Contemporary Christian Music. I think the Chapman's advocacy for adoption is amazing and they have played an important parents with their adoption organization Show Hope providing grants for those adopting parents! You wonder what happens when tragedy strikes a seemingly "perfect life." I like this book for the realness of it. It is their life and their family. It is a good reminder that Christians are not always promised the easy road, but Christ offers hope in our darkest hour. They chose to "Taste and see that the Lord is good..." (Psalm 34:8).
And last but not least, the book of Luke. (I couldn't find a picture for it.) He is without a doubt my favorite Gospel writer. I know the other Gospel writers are just as significant in the Word and we often see the Apostle Paul as the grand writer in the New Testament, but for me there is something about Luke. Historical records find that Paul and Luke were friends, even traveled together as we see in the book of Acts. (Seems like Luke chose good company to keep.) It has been a fresh look for me at the ministry of Christ from His miracles, parables, revelation of who He is, and culmination with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior. I like Luke's attention to detail along with his convicting statements. My challenge would be to read one of the Gospels this summer. A closer look at the Savior would be my highest my recommendation for the summer!
What are your reading this summer? I would love for you to share!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thankful for Adam
Often I read Scripture and think of a person or have a connection with a certain event or time of my life. As I was thinking of Adam (which I do often), my mind went to Psalm 1. He would never say that he has perfected the words of this Psalm, but they remind me of him:
Blessed is the man
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Today, I am thankful for a man who has chosen the way of the Lord over the things of this world! Adam delights in the law of the Lord and makes the Word his mediation. Adam, you are a man of integrity and of God's Word! I am truly thankful for God's blessing of you in my life!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
To My Sweet Arkansas Family (from the archives)
Originally posted April 11, 2009. I spent the day with most of my Arkansas family today. (Missed you Dad and Linda). The sentiments are as true today as they were two years ago!
I just returned from a few days in Arkansas. When I was a teenager and even in my early 20's, I couldn't really stand going to Arkansas or being there. It was like some kind of obligation. Thankfully as time progresses, I've grown up and don't feel that way anymore. So, I thought I would share how I feel about my family (immediate and extended) who I get to see when I am Arkansas.
Even though it is not my home there anymore, you make me feel right at home. You invite me to come, kick off my shoes, and stay awhile. You care more about my life than most would even venture to ask. You celebrate the little joys in life and are so excited about what the future holds. You ask questions, sometimes you are nosy, but I think it is just because you care more than most. You are a safe place for me, where I don't have to worry. You allow me to talk freely and openly about ministry, but never ask me to minister in a specific situation. However, you minister to me. I am served and loved in the most incredible ways. The little things you do bring me great joy. You recharge me and encourage me. You notice little things and listen to my stories, but most of all you just let me be me. Thanks for understanding when I want to be alone and when I can stay awake till 1 am talking about everything. Thank you for saying sweet things about my Mom and helping me remember things about her. Thank you for making me laugh and laughing at me when I say or do something stupid. Thank you for reminding how blessed I truly am with an incredible family. Thank you for sacrificing your time for me, your investment in my life has not gone unnoticed. You remind me of Philippians 1. I do thank my God with every remembrance of you, and I hold you deeply in my heart.
Just in case you didn't realize or I failed to tell you, You are my favorite thing about coming home.
I just returned from a few days in Arkansas. When I was a teenager and even in my early 20's, I couldn't really stand going to Arkansas or being there. It was like some kind of obligation. Thankfully as time progresses, I've grown up and don't feel that way anymore. So, I thought I would share how I feel about my family (immediate and extended) who I get to see when I am Arkansas.
Even though it is not my home there anymore, you make me feel right at home. You invite me to come, kick off my shoes, and stay awhile. You care more about my life than most would even venture to ask. You celebrate the little joys in life and are so excited about what the future holds. You ask questions, sometimes you are nosy, but I think it is just because you care more than most. You are a safe place for me, where I don't have to worry. You allow me to talk freely and openly about ministry, but never ask me to minister in a specific situation. However, you minister to me. I am served and loved in the most incredible ways. The little things you do bring me great joy. You recharge me and encourage me. You notice little things and listen to my stories, but most of all you just let me be me. Thanks for understanding when I want to be alone and when I can stay awake till 1 am talking about everything. Thank you for saying sweet things about my Mom and helping me remember things about her. Thank you for making me laugh and laughing at me when I say or do something stupid. Thank you for reminding how blessed I truly am with an incredible family. Thank you for sacrificing your time for me, your investment in my life has not gone unnoticed. You remind me of Philippians 1. I do thank my God with every remembrance of you, and I hold you deeply in my heart.
Just in case you didn't realize or I failed to tell you, You are my favorite thing about coming home.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Jesus, I Am Resting
A blog I regularly read, posted this song the other day. I am trying to practice "rest" more in my life as things around me are crazy busy! I love the truth of resting in the joy of my Savior. These words are old, but quite beautiful.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transfoming power Thou hast made me whole.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart –
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
Compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ‘neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory, Sunshine of my father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting, Fill me with Thy grace.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art,
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
( Jean Sophia Pigott, 1845-1882)
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transfoming power Thou hast made me whole.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart –
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
Compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ‘neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory, Sunshine of my father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting, Fill me with Thy grace.
Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art,
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
( Jean Sophia Pigott, 1845-1882)
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day Reflections...
I have been challenged a little more this Mother's Day than I have in the past to not make this so hard on myself. By letting certain feelings come, it is easy to hurt or feel deep pain on this special day. I'm also reminded of the truth from God's Word that we do not grieve as those who have no hope, "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
So, on this special day, I am choosing to grieve with hope and celebrate the blessings of a Godly mother. If you are blessed and your mother is still here with you, I urge you to celebrate what is. If you are like me awaiting a reunion with a Godly mother, I encourage you to celebrate what was.
I like lists (actually I love lists), so here are things I am celebrating today:
I have been challenged a little more this Mother's Day than I have in the past to not make this so hard on myself. By letting certain feelings come, it is easy to hurt or feel deep pain on this special day. I'm also reminded of the truth from God's Word that we do not grieve as those who have no hope, "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
So, on this special day, I am choosing to grieve with hope and celebrate the blessings of a Godly mother. If you are blessed and your mother is still here with you, I urge you to celebrate what is. If you are like me awaiting a reunion with a Godly mother, I encourage you to celebrate what was.
I like lists (actually I love lists), so here are things I am celebrating today:
1. My mom's love for God's Word. From everything I can recall my mom believed God's Word was true and took the words of Scripture literally. How do I know? Well, I can think of a few examples. We were taught to obey authorities because of this verse, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17). Often we were taught about the importance of time and speech with these words, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6). Obviously we all fall short in obeying the Word of God, but Mom also believed Psalm 119:11, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." I can think of probably a hundred verses she tried to teach us that applied to her life and ours. I'm thankful for her love for the Word and pray that my love for the Word continues to grow.
2. My mom's commitment to the Lord. I think somewhere along the way our world has let so much pride and selfishness abound that we have fallen short in faithfulness. If it doesn't make me happy, why should I bother. I love the recurring storyline in the Old Testament where we see the faithfulness of the Lord in spite of the people's selfishness and unfaithfulness. From what little information I know about my mom's childhood, I would guess that there were not a lot of faithful people in her life; a few family members and some teachers along the way. She never talked too much about her past. My family and I believed the Lord had been gracious and erased some things from her memory of the past. My mom realized her need for a Savior as a young girl, but did not make a commitment to Christ until she was a young woman. She loved to share of the time when the Lord pursued her and called her His own. I knew she recognized her sins, needed a Savior, and it was at that time she committed to serve Him. We have these words written down and signed by her, "Lord Jesus, on this 1st day of August 1964, I take by faith my place in thy death and resurrection and do yield my whole life unto Thee-- Body and Soul. ALL that I have, ALL that I am, ALL that I may ever be or have is Thine, wholly, absolutely, and unreservedly. Thou art my King, my Savior, and my Guide. USE ME, Lord in whatever way seems good to Thee, keeping my eyes fixed on Thee: ready to obey even Thy glance. Day by day draw me nearer, even nearer, until that glorious time when I shall see Thee face to face, and faith is lost in sight." Those words would offer very little hope, comfort, and peace to my heart unless they were backed up with actions. The Bible calls these actions fruit. :) Mom's actions produced fruit. She was faithful to her Savior and her family, teaching, and business reflected that. God graciously provided opportunities to lead some of the students she taught to Christ. I am grateful to be one of the opportunities God provided for her as well.
This commitment to the Lord remained faithful and unwavering through cancer. I never heard "why me?" but both of my parents took opportunities to remind me and probably themselves that the Lord had us where we were for a reason and this was our opportunity to put into practice the faith we claimed to possess. The lessons learned from cancer are greater than I can imagine - I did learn that God is bigger than cancer. He healed in the most beautiful way possible. He has proven to be faithful before, during, and since Mom was diagnosed with cancer. I'm confident He will be faithful until I see His glorious face.
Today in celebrating my Mom, I will rejoice in these two truths (they actually go together...)
1. God's Word is faithful and true.
2. God Himself is not only the Faithful Creator, but also loving Heavenly Father who proves Himself faithful and true to His children each and every day, even when I fail to acknowledge His sovereign hand.
This commitment to the Lord remained faithful and unwavering through cancer. I never heard "why me?" but both of my parents took opportunities to remind me and probably themselves that the Lord had us where we were for a reason and this was our opportunity to put into practice the faith we claimed to possess. The lessons learned from cancer are greater than I can imagine - I did learn that God is bigger than cancer. He healed in the most beautiful way possible. He has proven to be faithful before, during, and since Mom was diagnosed with cancer. I'm confident He will be faithful until I see His glorious face.
Today in celebrating my Mom, I will rejoice in these two truths (they actually go together...)
1. God's Word is faithful and true.
2. God Himself is not only the Faithful Creator, but also loving Heavenly Father who proves Himself faithful and true to His children each and every day, even when I fail to acknowledge His sovereign hand.
"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children," (Psalm 103:17)
This song is special to my family. These words ring true every time I hear them.
My Redeemer is Faithful and True
by Steven Curtis Chapman and James Issac Elliot
As I look back on the road I've travelled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
This song is special to my family. These words ring true every time I hear them.
My Redeemer is Faithful and True
by Steven Curtis Chapman and James Issac Elliot
As I look back on the road I've travelled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
New Book!
Well, I have been off the book blogging for about a month and I kind of miss it. My mind has been back and forth with the question "to book blog or not to book blog." Cheesy, I know.
So, I finally decided what it will be...
Isn't it a pretty book? You can accuse me of "judging a book by its cover." A pretty book is a perk in keeping me motivated to come back to its pages. I've got to share one disclaimer before I jump into the first chapter. This is just a personal thing...
I don't do book studies in place of a Bible study. I used to have some problems with this, of devouring a book over God's Word. Even a book about God's Word or that had a lot of God's Word in it was a problem for me. However, I do recommend a good study Bible or commentary as a companion to studying the Bible. The Holy Spirit is quite powerful and I am thankful for His work as I seek to study the Bible as my primary source and these other helpful books and materials as a secondary source to the Word. This is just my personal preference and disclaimer. On to Disciplines of a Godly Woman or for short DGW...
Chapter 1 - Discipline for Godliness
(shortest chapter of the book)
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7) It would be incredible if godliness came naturally, but unfortunately it does not. In fact, I think I spend a lot of time fighting with my rebellious heart to get it to even consider acting godly in certain situations. In 1 Timothy here, Paul is admonishing us that training has to take place for godliness to happen, but the end results seem to make the effort worthwhile. In Hebrews, the Bible talks about laying aside hindrance and running the race set before us with endurance. (Hebrews 12:1) In DGW, she asks the question, "What is weighing you down today?" How can I train to be godly when obstacles and hindrances are in the way? A simple thought should be put forth before proceeding... "Disciplined Christian lives are the exception in today's church, not the rule." What an incredible opportunity to follow the Word and be the exception?
One roadblock needs to be dealt with before getting into the different disciplines. Discipline does not and is not equal to legalism. In DGW, it is described this way, "legalism is self-centered, discipline is God-centered." Personally, I come from a somewhat legalistic background. At times, there were situations where one had to be careful that some ideas or beliefs did not translate into gaining merit with God, or more of a works-based salvation. Discipline comes from a life that wants to be transformed by the Word of God in order to glorify Him, not to gain merit or good standing with God. (Side note: salvation is nothing you can do. -Ephesians 2:8-9) "The true heart of discipline is relationship--a relationship with God."
The chapter wraps up with an excellent thought. "A Christian's life is about bring the will under submission to God's will, and submission is an idea that has fallen on hard times." Disciplines of a Godly Woman is about submission. It is a tough word for me to grasp at times and put into practice, but I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that submitting to God's will is the best way. Each chapter concludes with a few "Renew Your Mind" questions. I will plan on sharing a few of them at the end of each blog.
So, I finally decided what it will be...
I don't do book studies in place of a Bible study. I used to have some problems with this, of devouring a book over God's Word. Even a book about God's Word or that had a lot of God's Word in it was a problem for me. However, I do recommend a good study Bible or commentary as a companion to studying the Bible. The Holy Spirit is quite powerful and I am thankful for His work as I seek to study the Bible as my primary source and these other helpful books and materials as a secondary source to the Word. This is just my personal preference and disclaimer. On to Disciplines of a Godly Woman or for short DGW...
Chapter 1 - Discipline for Godliness
(shortest chapter of the book)
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7) It would be incredible if godliness came naturally, but unfortunately it does not. In fact, I think I spend a lot of time fighting with my rebellious heart to get it to even consider acting godly in certain situations. In 1 Timothy here, Paul is admonishing us that training has to take place for godliness to happen, but the end results seem to make the effort worthwhile. In Hebrews, the Bible talks about laying aside hindrance and running the race set before us with endurance. (Hebrews 12:1) In DGW, she asks the question, "What is weighing you down today?" How can I train to be godly when obstacles and hindrances are in the way? A simple thought should be put forth before proceeding... "Disciplined Christian lives are the exception in today's church, not the rule." What an incredible opportunity to follow the Word and be the exception?
One roadblock needs to be dealt with before getting into the different disciplines. Discipline does not and is not equal to legalism. In DGW, it is described this way, "legalism is self-centered, discipline is God-centered." Personally, I come from a somewhat legalistic background. At times, there were situations where one had to be careful that some ideas or beliefs did not translate into gaining merit with God, or more of a works-based salvation. Discipline comes from a life that wants to be transformed by the Word of God in order to glorify Him, not to gain merit or good standing with God. (Side note: salvation is nothing you can do. -Ephesians 2:8-9) "The true heart of discipline is relationship--a relationship with God."
The chapter wraps up with an excellent thought. "A Christian's life is about bring the will under submission to God's will, and submission is an idea that has fallen on hard times." Disciplines of a Godly Woman is about submission. It is a tough word for me to grasp at times and put into practice, but I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that submitting to God's will is the best way. Each chapter concludes with a few "Renew Your Mind" questions. I will plan on sharing a few of them at the end of each blog.
- What is spiritual discipline, and why is it so important? What usually prevents you from exercising spiritual discipline. (see Romans 3:9-18)
- Reflect on 1 Timothy 4:7-8 ("Train yourself to be godly") What is the literal meaning of train? What does the definition tell you about the way to approach spiritual discipline?
- Is there a cost to spiritual discipline? Check out 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. What could greater discipline cost you? Are you prepared to pay the price?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 31
Last day from this book. I am a little bummed to be finished, but also happy to have completed something. I may give a review/reflections from the book sometime soon. On with today.
The Tree of Life
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" - Genesis 3:11
Today's reading begins in Genesis 3. Even if you are familiar with the story, go there and read it again. These verse often prompt different emotions. If Adam and Eve had not sinned, we would still be in perfect communion in the Garden with God. If Adam and Eve had just been satisfied with the many blessing of the Lord, we would not have to deal with the evil and sin in our world. It is pretty easy to play the "what if" game with Adam and Eve, but what if is not the truth or reality. The reality is that Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world, paradise was lost.
"On this side of the fall, we cannot possibly imagine what was lost on that day. To have been perfectly cared for and perfect protected and to enjoy unhindered communion with one another and with their Creator is a life we cannot possibly comprehend." God had to punish their sin, their disobedience. He killed an animal, made them clothing from the animal skins and sent the out of the garden. "Go out now, covered in the blood of another. You deserve to die; you deserve to be shamed, but I have covered you." Verses 14-19 show God's curse because of sin. We see one glimpse of hope for the future in verse 15, "Her offspring shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." From this verse, prophecy of hope - a Messiah who would come and defeat Satan.
Much later, a child was born. "Adam had been clothed with skins; now, the Son of God was clothed in Adam's flesh." Amazing that He would live on this earth for years, and yet not fall to the deception and temptation of Satan (example in Matthew 4), but would indeed be the Only One worthy to provide redemption. He came to reverse the curse that sin had brought. "We are all the same. We have plucked fruit from the forbidden tree. We have declared that we know best, that we can take care of ourselves." Just like Adam and Eve, we need to be covered in the blood of another. "The God-man has been slain. The Lamb's blood has been spilt, and it covers us. Our rags have been replaced with His robes. The garden has been reopened; we've been invited back in, "Here, eat of this, it will give you life."
Today, I rejoice in the Lamb that was given to reverse the curse of sin and death. The words of John 14:6 will forever ring true, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." He is the Life and because He is, we have life. May you rest in Him and His life-giving work today.
The Tree of Life
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" - Genesis 3:11
Today's reading begins in Genesis 3. Even if you are familiar with the story, go there and read it again. These verse often prompt different emotions. If Adam and Eve had not sinned, we would still be in perfect communion in the Garden with God. If Adam and Eve had just been satisfied with the many blessing of the Lord, we would not have to deal with the evil and sin in our world. It is pretty easy to play the "what if" game with Adam and Eve, but what if is not the truth or reality. The reality is that Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world, paradise was lost.
"On this side of the fall, we cannot possibly imagine what was lost on that day. To have been perfectly cared for and perfect protected and to enjoy unhindered communion with one another and with their Creator is a life we cannot possibly comprehend." God had to punish their sin, their disobedience. He killed an animal, made them clothing from the animal skins and sent the out of the garden. "Go out now, covered in the blood of another. You deserve to die; you deserve to be shamed, but I have covered you." Verses 14-19 show God's curse because of sin. We see one glimpse of hope for the future in verse 15, "Her offspring shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." From this verse, prophecy of hope - a Messiah who would come and defeat Satan.
Much later, a child was born. "Adam had been clothed with skins; now, the Son of God was clothed in Adam's flesh." Amazing that He would live on this earth for years, and yet not fall to the deception and temptation of Satan (example in Matthew 4), but would indeed be the Only One worthy to provide redemption. He came to reverse the curse that sin had brought. "We are all the same. We have plucked fruit from the forbidden tree. We have declared that we know best, that we can take care of ourselves." Just like Adam and Eve, we need to be covered in the blood of another. "The God-man has been slain. The Lamb's blood has been spilt, and it covers us. Our rags have been replaced with His robes. The garden has been reopened; we've been invited back in, "Here, eat of this, it will give you life."
Today, I rejoice in the Lamb that was given to reverse the curse of sin and death. The words of John 14:6 will forever ring true, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." He is the Life and because He is, we have life. May you rest in Him and His life-giving work today.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 30
Sit Down and Believe
We are treated as imposters, and yet are true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. -1 Corinthians 6:8-10
Before, I tell you about today, you need to start with this story in John 6. This is a familiar story recorded in all four gospels when Jesus feeds the multitude. Two really interesting things stand out - Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread? I'm sure Jesus knew exactly what He was going to do, but gave a little test to His disciple. Second, Andrew offered Jesus the loaves and two fishes from the little boy and then said, "what are they with so many?" After taking the loaves and fish, Jesus says something so simple, "Have the people sit down." You have read and know the story. Thousands of people were fed that day and twelve baskets were left over.
In some ways our situation is no different than the people that were following Jesus that day. Some want Jesus in hopes that He will bring healing or meet a need. Others desire Jesus because someone told Him the amazing things that He does, but when we look closely, we see we are all the same. We all have nothing. "We have no innate goodness, no righteousness, no wisdom, no strength, no miraculous power to enable us to work hard enough to meet the overwhelming needs of our souls. We are starving for true righteousness, hungering to be able to meet God's standards, languishing as we try to satisfy the ever-growing needs of those around us." Jesus bids the same for us, "Sit Down."
Later on in John 6, Jesus would share these words with those who were hungry. "Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:26-35 ESV)
Paul testified in 2 Corinthians 6, that we have nothing, yet possess everything. Remember what you bring to the table - absolutely nothing; no good works, no righteousness. Rest in the promises of God's Word. As a believer, God loved you in your sin and made a way for your redemption, your sin debt has been canceled, you have been given the righteousness of Christ, you have been adopted into the family of God, you are promised a home in Heaven, and the list goes on and on. "When Jesus serves you expect to be overwhelmed."
Today, I rejoice that the Savior satisfies. He is more than enough. "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35) Sit down; eat, drink, believe.
We are treated as imposters, and yet are true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. -1 Corinthians 6:8-10
Before, I tell you about today, you need to start with this story in John 6. This is a familiar story recorded in all four gospels when Jesus feeds the multitude. Two really interesting things stand out - Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread? I'm sure Jesus knew exactly what He was going to do, but gave a little test to His disciple. Second, Andrew offered Jesus the loaves and two fishes from the little boy and then said, "what are they with so many?" After taking the loaves and fish, Jesus says something so simple, "Have the people sit down." You have read and know the story. Thousands of people were fed that day and twelve baskets were left over.
In some ways our situation is no different than the people that were following Jesus that day. Some want Jesus in hopes that He will bring healing or meet a need. Others desire Jesus because someone told Him the amazing things that He does, but when we look closely, we see we are all the same. We all have nothing. "We have no innate goodness, no righteousness, no wisdom, no strength, no miraculous power to enable us to work hard enough to meet the overwhelming needs of our souls. We are starving for true righteousness, hungering to be able to meet God's standards, languishing as we try to satisfy the ever-growing needs of those around us." Jesus bids the same for us, "Sit Down."
Later on in John 6, Jesus would share these words with those who were hungry. "Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:26-35 ESV)
Paul testified in 2 Corinthians 6, that we have nothing, yet possess everything. Remember what you bring to the table - absolutely nothing; no good works, no righteousness. Rest in the promises of God's Word. As a believer, God loved you in your sin and made a way for your redemption, your sin debt has been canceled, you have been given the righteousness of Christ, you have been adopted into the family of God, you are promised a home in Heaven, and the list goes on and on. "When Jesus serves you expect to be overwhelmed."
Today, I rejoice that the Savior satisfies. He is more than enough. "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35) Sit down; eat, drink, believe.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 29
Draw Near
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22
Prayer. Why is it so much easier to pray when times are tough? I cry out to God in my time of need and beg for Him to hear. Most Christians you encounter would say they desire a better prayer life, myself included. Why is prayer a struggle? Elyse gives two possible reasons. First, "we don't pray is because we don't think we need to." According to the world's standards, do you think you are doing pretty well right now? I've definitely been there thinking that I was self-sufficient. God had provided food, clothing, shelter, and even many of my wants. Why pray when things are good? The problem is that "we are confirmed in our self-sufficient blindness, convinced that we are doing okay. We function as unbelievers." Has prayer ever been more a duty to you? Elyse describes it as a way to "silence our nagging conscience." We pray to make us feel better, so it is not really about Him, but us.
Second, "we have little fervor in prayer because we are not really very comfortable in God's presence." When I think that God knows my heart and my self-sufficient thinking, am I really comfortable going before Him? "We concede that we're sinful and flawed, but we are not really desperate." Do you know the only thing that will motivate us and help us to love to pray? The Gospel. The truth of the Gospel shatters my self-sufficient thinking and reminds me that I am nothing without Christ. I cannot come before Him on my good efforts. Hebrews 10:19 shares, "we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus." Do you want to learn to pray more? "Learn of your sin. Ask Him to show it to you, to give you a glimpse of your need. Ask Him to make you dependent on Him!"
As the Gospel shows me the reality of my sin, I can rest in the promise of Hebrews 10:21-22, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. "Only the Gospel will warm your affections so that you will long for an opportunity to be near Him. Let the Gospel motivate you to pray." Our High Priest is also our waiting Bridegroom. He has done the work of cleaning our hearts, so that we can with full assurance draw near to Him.
As the day's reading conclude with the admonition to draw near, Elyse ended the day with these words, "Run, now, to the lover of your soul." My mind was immediately drawn to one of my favorite super old hymns is Jesus, Lover of My Soul. My mom used to sing it to me, but I recently heard it again. I think it just fits with the truths of today's reading. I thought I would just share a few of the verses, but the entire hymn is so beautiful, so you get to read all of it. The last two verses are my favorites.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22
Prayer. Why is it so much easier to pray when times are tough? I cry out to God in my time of need and beg for Him to hear. Most Christians you encounter would say they desire a better prayer life, myself included. Why is prayer a struggle? Elyse gives two possible reasons. First, "we don't pray is because we don't think we need to." According to the world's standards, do you think you are doing pretty well right now? I've definitely been there thinking that I was self-sufficient. God had provided food, clothing, shelter, and even many of my wants. Why pray when things are good? The problem is that "we are confirmed in our self-sufficient blindness, convinced that we are doing okay. We function as unbelievers." Has prayer ever been more a duty to you? Elyse describes it as a way to "silence our nagging conscience." We pray to make us feel better, so it is not really about Him, but us.
Second, "we have little fervor in prayer because we are not really very comfortable in God's presence." When I think that God knows my heart and my self-sufficient thinking, am I really comfortable going before Him? "We concede that we're sinful and flawed, but we are not really desperate." Do you know the only thing that will motivate us and help us to love to pray? The Gospel. The truth of the Gospel shatters my self-sufficient thinking and reminds me that I am nothing without Christ. I cannot come before Him on my good efforts. Hebrews 10:19 shares, "we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus." Do you want to learn to pray more? "Learn of your sin. Ask Him to show it to you, to give you a glimpse of your need. Ask Him to make you dependent on Him!"
As the Gospel shows me the reality of my sin, I can rest in the promise of Hebrews 10:21-22, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. "Only the Gospel will warm your affections so that you will long for an opportunity to be near Him. Let the Gospel motivate you to pray." Our High Priest is also our waiting Bridegroom. He has done the work of cleaning our hearts, so that we can with full assurance draw near to Him.
As the day's reading conclude with the admonition to draw near, Elyse ended the day with these words, "Run, now, to the lover of your soul." My mind was immediately drawn to one of my favorite super old hymns is Jesus, Lover of My Soul. My mom used to sing it to me, but I recently heard it again. I think it just fits with the truths of today's reading. I thought I would just share a few of the verses, but the entire hymn is so beautiful, so you get to read all of it. The last two verses are my favorites.
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 28
Today, I am sharing the entire day's reading. It was too hard to try to pick and choose parts of it. It is long compared to my normal blogs, but so worth the read.
Passed Over
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. -Zechariah 13:1
Today is just like every other day. Yes, there is some commotion in the temple. Yes, there is to be an execution. But, after all, this Jerusalem; those Romans aren't squeamish about punishing us Jews. Yet our religious leaders aren't the sort of people who let things get out of hand, especially not now, with a city so full of Passover pilgrims. yes, this is just another day in just another city under Rome's harsh rule. Just another day, remembering our slavery in Egypt and straining to be free from our slavery to Rome. Just another day...
As we progress through our Passover celebrations, we recall the prophecies. But will Messiah come? Will a deliverer rescue us as Moses did so many thousands of years before? We eat the Seder meal. The youngest child asks the question, "Why is this day different from any other day?" and the rote answers are recited. This is the day we remember our deliverance from slavery. These are the days we let hope live again. But is this Passover somehow different?
Yes, we are prepared. We've chosen a young lamb for our celebration one without blemish, three years old. We've slaughtered it, drained its blood, and painted our doorposts. We are careful not to break one bone. We will eat the meal, the lamb, the unleavened bread, the sweet wine. We will sing together, dip our bread in bitter herbs, remember our slavery, rejoice because death passed over us and struck down our enemies' beloved sons. Our tradition is beautiful; it brings us hope.
He has walked through our towns for three years. He has touched lepers, invited children to crawl up into his lap. He has invited us to come to him, and we would have, but there was that shocking saying, "You must eat my flesh and drink my blood." Our leaders warned us, "If you follow Him, we'll put you out of the temple." His followers were untaught fishermen and tax collectors. Surely the true Messiah wouldn't associate with such as these We thought perhaps He was the One, but no. He is just another religious zealot in a long line of religious zealots. And now He is going to die. Oh, well. Neither we nor the Romans could have someone going around claiming to be God, claiming to be King.
But on this day, in the heart of Jerusalem's power, Pilate's jaded conscience is strangely trouble. "I find no guilt in him" (John 18:38).
"If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend" (John 19:12).
"What have you done, Jesus? Answer me! Don't you know I have authority to punish you?"
"You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11).
Yet even more troubled, Pilate sought to relieve his own distressed conscience. "When Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.' And all the people answered, 'His blood be on us and on our children!'" (Matthew 27:24-25)
Now, in the streets, they thrust the tree upon Him. He stumbles. "You don't think we're going to carry your cross for you, do you?" the soldiers mock. "This is your execution. Not ours."
"Let someone else carry it for Him. We don't want Him to break a bone before He climbs up The Skull."
Now on the hill. "Look at Him. Hanging there, naked; a mockery. The 'I Am'? Hardly. If you're God, then come down here and prove it. Be careful not to get too near. We don't want to be defiled for the celebration."
"Here, dip this rag in bitter wine for Him."
The guards receive a command, "Kill the prisoners now. These superstitious dogs don't want their land defiled by letting them hang here overnight."
"This one seems to be dead already. I will make sure."
"One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water" (John 19:34).
"The beloved Lamb is beaten, mocked, cursed, pierced. how does His Father respond?"
"I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and please for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn." (Zechariah 12:10)
Our sins call for unimaginable wrath and fury. We're religious; we delight in our traditions. We love feeling chosen, righteous, separate from Gentile scum. Yes, pass the bread, answer the questions, remember the deliverer, feel good. But we're also Roman oppressors. We, too, relish opportunities to mock the weak and scorn sufferers. We gleefully watch as this man Jesus stumbles down the street. We would have enjoyed taking a crack at Him, too.
Our sins call for unimaginable wrath and fury. How does He respond? Will he pour out wrath? No, He pours out a spirit of grace and mercy. Grace and mercy for us all--for Jew and Gentile--to repent. "Why is this day different from any other day?" Because we have seen our sin and been given grace to repent.
On this day, this marvelously different day, God applies the blood to the doorpost of our soul. This precious blood springs from the found in His Son's bleeding side. Again He sees blood. Again He passes over His chosen ones.
We haven't prepared for this. Our souls are full of self-righteousness, our hearts infected with leaven; our consciences have grown callous. We aren't really looking, waiting, hoping for our Deliverer. We're simply enjoying our tradition, living each day as it comes to us.
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleaness. (Zechariah 13:1)
On this day in Jerusalem a fountain has been opened for Jew and Gentile alike. It flows and flows, on and on, from His pierced side and covers all our sin. It covers our religious sin. It covers our irreligious sin. In one stroke, the Father has opened this fountain and with it He washes away all our sin and uncleaness. Our souls are cleansed by this water, atoned for by this blood. He opens a fountain that will never run dry; this well is sufficient for us all. We have pierced Him. He has taken that blood and water and made us His own.
Dear friend, the day you are facing may seem like any other day: uneventful, business as usual, nothing to celebrate. But ask yourself, what makes this day different from any other day? Then look on Him whom we have pierced and remember, there is a fountain opened to cleanse you from all your sin and uncleanness. "For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate" (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) Yes, let us celebrate this day that is different from every other day. Let us celebrate Christ, our Passover Lamb, today.
(Comforts from the Cross, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Day 28, Passed Over, pp. 123-126)
Passed Over
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. -Zechariah 13:1
Today is just like every other day. Yes, there is some commotion in the temple. Yes, there is to be an execution. But, after all, this Jerusalem; those Romans aren't squeamish about punishing us Jews. Yet our religious leaders aren't the sort of people who let things get out of hand, especially not now, with a city so full of Passover pilgrims. yes, this is just another day in just another city under Rome's harsh rule. Just another day, remembering our slavery in Egypt and straining to be free from our slavery to Rome. Just another day...
As we progress through our Passover celebrations, we recall the prophecies. But will Messiah come? Will a deliverer rescue us as Moses did so many thousands of years before? We eat the Seder meal. The youngest child asks the question, "Why is this day different from any other day?" and the rote answers are recited. This is the day we remember our deliverance from slavery. These are the days we let hope live again. But is this Passover somehow different?
Yes, we are prepared. We've chosen a young lamb for our celebration one without blemish, three years old. We've slaughtered it, drained its blood, and painted our doorposts. We are careful not to break one bone. We will eat the meal, the lamb, the unleavened bread, the sweet wine. We will sing together, dip our bread in bitter herbs, remember our slavery, rejoice because death passed over us and struck down our enemies' beloved sons. Our tradition is beautiful; it brings us hope.
He has walked through our towns for three years. He has touched lepers, invited children to crawl up into his lap. He has invited us to come to him, and we would have, but there was that shocking saying, "You must eat my flesh and drink my blood." Our leaders warned us, "If you follow Him, we'll put you out of the temple." His followers were untaught fishermen and tax collectors. Surely the true Messiah wouldn't associate with such as these We thought perhaps He was the One, but no. He is just another religious zealot in a long line of religious zealots. And now He is going to die. Oh, well. Neither we nor the Romans could have someone going around claiming to be God, claiming to be King.
But on this day, in the heart of Jerusalem's power, Pilate's jaded conscience is strangely trouble. "I find no guilt in him" (John 18:38).
"If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend" (John 19:12).
"What have you done, Jesus? Answer me! Don't you know I have authority to punish you?"
"You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11).
Yet even more troubled, Pilate sought to relieve his own distressed conscience. "When Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.' And all the people answered, 'His blood be on us and on our children!'" (Matthew 27:24-25)
Now, in the streets, they thrust the tree upon Him. He stumbles. "You don't think we're going to carry your cross for you, do you?" the soldiers mock. "This is your execution. Not ours."
"Let someone else carry it for Him. We don't want Him to break a bone before He climbs up The Skull."
Now on the hill. "Look at Him. Hanging there, naked; a mockery. The 'I Am'? Hardly. If you're God, then come down here and prove it. Be careful not to get too near. We don't want to be defiled for the celebration."
"Here, dip this rag in bitter wine for Him."
The guards receive a command, "Kill the prisoners now. These superstitious dogs don't want their land defiled by letting them hang here overnight."
"This one seems to be dead already. I will make sure."
"One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water" (John 19:34).
"The beloved Lamb is beaten, mocked, cursed, pierced. how does His Father respond?"
"I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and please for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn." (Zechariah 12:10)
Our sins call for unimaginable wrath and fury. We're religious; we delight in our traditions. We love feeling chosen, righteous, separate from Gentile scum. Yes, pass the bread, answer the questions, remember the deliverer, feel good. But we're also Roman oppressors. We, too, relish opportunities to mock the weak and scorn sufferers. We gleefully watch as this man Jesus stumbles down the street. We would have enjoyed taking a crack at Him, too.
Our sins call for unimaginable wrath and fury. How does He respond? Will he pour out wrath? No, He pours out a spirit of grace and mercy. Grace and mercy for us all--for Jew and Gentile--to repent. "Why is this day different from any other day?" Because we have seen our sin and been given grace to repent.
On this day, this marvelously different day, God applies the blood to the doorpost of our soul. This precious blood springs from the found in His Son's bleeding side. Again He sees blood. Again He passes over His chosen ones.
We haven't prepared for this. Our souls are full of self-righteousness, our hearts infected with leaven; our consciences have grown callous. We aren't really looking, waiting, hoping for our Deliverer. We're simply enjoying our tradition, living each day as it comes to us.
On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleaness. (Zechariah 13:1)
On this day in Jerusalem a fountain has been opened for Jew and Gentile alike. It flows and flows, on and on, from His pierced side and covers all our sin. It covers our religious sin. It covers our irreligious sin. In one stroke, the Father has opened this fountain and with it He washes away all our sin and uncleaness. Our souls are cleansed by this water, atoned for by this blood. He opens a fountain that will never run dry; this well is sufficient for us all. We have pierced Him. He has taken that blood and water and made us His own.
Dear friend, the day you are facing may seem like any other day: uneventful, business as usual, nothing to celebrate. But ask yourself, what makes this day different from any other day? Then look on Him whom we have pierced and remember, there is a fountain opened to cleanse you from all your sin and uncleanness. "For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate" (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) Yes, let us celebrate this day that is different from every other day. Let us celebrate Christ, our Passover Lamb, today.
(Comforts from the Cross, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Day 28, Passed Over, pp. 123-126)
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 27
Controlled by Love
The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died. -2 Corinthians 5:14
"The Christian life is a war. We are called to battle the world's deceptions, our own sinful desires, and our enemy's treachery." For some, we feel like we have battled for years, others have been battling a short time. The reality is that it is hard to admit that we have experienced failures and are not the people we have been trying to be. In fact, this reality humiliates my prideful self. "It is easy to say that we are fighting this war for God." Is that really truth? Elyse writes about two different thoughts concerning this war, "If we are self-righteous, demanding, proud, or critical of others' failures when we succeed, then we are not fighting this war out of love for God." The truth of that is that I am participating in this war for the glory of myself. "On the other hand, if we're self-condemning, unbelieving, and angry with ourselves when we fail, then we're fighting because we long to approve of ourselves, and we despair when we can't."
If you visited a bookstore (Christian or secular), you would encounter lots of self-help books. Christians want to change, people in our world want to change. Most of these things don't seem so bad. Who doesn't want to be healthy, overcome addictions, be more organized, etc? Here's the problem, "self-improvement isn't a Christian construct; death and resurrection are." Wow! Check out 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ controls us; because we have concluded this; that One has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised." The Bible says that all are dead, you know what dead people do? Nothing. This shows our need for resurrection. Another self-help book is not the solution. Resurrection is. "When He died, He died for us. When He was raised, we were raised with Him." So, actually, you are not having to war on your own. "We will not be able to fight victoriously against our sins unless we fight under the the banner of the Gospel and thereby detach ourselves from our hedonistic plans self-improvement." Verse 15 says that we live for Him!
Think about your self-improvement efforts; they are meaningless apart from the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels, controls, motivates us! My effort to try to make myself better must be met with the truth that God is Who He says He is and the work that He has done. "Our longing to approve of ourselves becomes absurd when we survey the cross, our deserved end, and our undeserved resurrection. Look at the great love poured out there. Live in that love and war on." Well said.
The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died. -2 Corinthians 5:14
"The Christian life is a war. We are called to battle the world's deceptions, our own sinful desires, and our enemy's treachery." For some, we feel like we have battled for years, others have been battling a short time. The reality is that it is hard to admit that we have experienced failures and are not the people we have been trying to be. In fact, this reality humiliates my prideful self. "It is easy to say that we are fighting this war for God." Is that really truth? Elyse writes about two different thoughts concerning this war, "If we are self-righteous, demanding, proud, or critical of others' failures when we succeed, then we are not fighting this war out of love for God." The truth of that is that I am participating in this war for the glory of myself. "On the other hand, if we're self-condemning, unbelieving, and angry with ourselves when we fail, then we're fighting because we long to approve of ourselves, and we despair when we can't."
If you visited a bookstore (Christian or secular), you would encounter lots of self-help books. Christians want to change, people in our world want to change. Most of these things don't seem so bad. Who doesn't want to be healthy, overcome addictions, be more organized, etc? Here's the problem, "self-improvement isn't a Christian construct; death and resurrection are." Wow! Check out 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ controls us; because we have concluded this; that One has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised." The Bible says that all are dead, you know what dead people do? Nothing. This shows our need for resurrection. Another self-help book is not the solution. Resurrection is. "When He died, He died for us. When He was raised, we were raised with Him." So, actually, you are not having to war on your own. "We will not be able to fight victoriously against our sins unless we fight under the the banner of the Gospel and thereby detach ourselves from our hedonistic plans self-improvement." Verse 15 says that we live for Him!
Think about your self-improvement efforts; they are meaningless apart from the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels, controls, motivates us! My effort to try to make myself better must be met with the truth that God is Who He says He is and the work that He has done. "Our longing to approve of ourselves becomes absurd when we survey the cross, our deserved end, and our undeserved resurrection. Look at the great love poured out there. Live in that love and war on." Well said.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 26
I skipped Friday. I read the words on rest and decided to actually practice it. Turns out I had a most restful day. Without further ado...
Rest
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matthew 11:28-29
God has always promised rest to His children. The Father even showed us an example of rest after he completed Creation and in telling His people to take a day of rest in Exodus. Hebrews 3:7-19 shows how the Israelities actually missed out on the rest that God promised. In Exodus 33:14, "My presence with go with you, and I will give you rest." "The good news, these Gospel words, were preached to them for hundreds of years, but it did not profit them because most of them just couldn't believe that God was that good, that loving, that powerful. They just wouldn't rest in Him, in the work He had done, and the work He would do."
The same good news is available to us today. Do we trust in the promises of God's Word? If God says it, do I truly believe that He will do it? Remember when God finished Creation, He looked over it and described it as "very good." Then the next verse tells of the seventh day when He rested. Hebrews 4:10 says this, "for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His." What is the Bible telling us to do in this verse? "Sit back, survey His wonder---His power, His grace, His mercy, His kindness, His love---and then glory in it. Rest in Him." The Bible doesn't stop in verse 10 though, Hebrews 4:11 gives us an admonition, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience." The Bible says that when we don't rest we disobey? Disobedience really comes into play when we experience fear, rebellion, self-indulgence, anger, or self-pity as an act of unbelief in the goodness of God and His work.
Remember the verses in Matthew 11:28-30, our need and desire for rest isn't met on our own merit, but when we respond to the invitation of the Savior to rest in Him. Just like our salvation, our rest is not dependent on what we do, but on the work of Christ. His invitation is, "Come to me... and I will give you rest." Today, I rejoice that God grants true rest. It is a Saturday, so be intentional about taking some time to rest in the Lord. Respond to His invitation to come to Him, the Word tells us to strive to enter that rest. And when you rest in Him, survey the wonder that can be found in Him alone. I promise it will delight your heart!
Rest
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matthew 11:28-29
God has always promised rest to His children. The Father even showed us an example of rest after he completed Creation and in telling His people to take a day of rest in Exodus. Hebrews 3:7-19 shows how the Israelities actually missed out on the rest that God promised. In Exodus 33:14, "My presence with go with you, and I will give you rest." "The good news, these Gospel words, were preached to them for hundreds of years, but it did not profit them because most of them just couldn't believe that God was that good, that loving, that powerful. They just wouldn't rest in Him, in the work He had done, and the work He would do."
The same good news is available to us today. Do we trust in the promises of God's Word? If God says it, do I truly believe that He will do it? Remember when God finished Creation, He looked over it and described it as "very good." Then the next verse tells of the seventh day when He rested. Hebrews 4:10 says this, "for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His." What is the Bible telling us to do in this verse? "Sit back, survey His wonder---His power, His grace, His mercy, His kindness, His love---and then glory in it. Rest in Him." The Bible doesn't stop in verse 10 though, Hebrews 4:11 gives us an admonition, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience." The Bible says that when we don't rest we disobey? Disobedience really comes into play when we experience fear, rebellion, self-indulgence, anger, or self-pity as an act of unbelief in the goodness of God and His work.
Remember the verses in Matthew 11:28-30, our need and desire for rest isn't met on our own merit, but when we respond to the invitation of the Savior to rest in Him. Just like our salvation, our rest is not dependent on what we do, but on the work of Christ. His invitation is, "Come to me... and I will give you rest." Today, I rejoice that God grants true rest. It is a Saturday, so be intentional about taking some time to rest in the Lord. Respond to His invitation to come to Him, the Word tells us to strive to enter that rest. And when you rest in Him, survey the wonder that can be found in Him alone. I promise it will delight your heart!
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 25
Hope of Glory
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness... 1 Timothy 3:16
Not much can be said tonight, besides my desire for you to read this whole verse, to look at it over and over again. Creeds were an important part of early Christianity and church history. This is like a creed, but even better, it is Scripture.
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
One beautiful verse shows the incarnation, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. A thought that Elyse writes for today. "The gospel shatters our glory-seeking and self-confidence and tells us that the godliness that pleases the Father is a mystery. Our only hope of glory is the Gospel. The incarnated, resurrected, and ascended Son of God, the Christ, lives in us. Christ is in us, and because He is, His godliness (the only godliness there is) is ours. This mysterious truth is the sweetest, most liberating truth you will ever know. Christ is in you; He's your hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)."
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness... 1 Timothy 3:16
Not much can be said tonight, besides my desire for you to read this whole verse, to look at it over and over again. Creeds were an important part of early Christianity and church history. This is like a creed, but even better, it is Scripture.
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
One beautiful verse shows the incarnation, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. A thought that Elyse writes for today. "The gospel shatters our glory-seeking and self-confidence and tells us that the godliness that pleases the Father is a mystery. Our only hope of glory is the Gospel. The incarnated, resurrected, and ascended Son of God, the Christ, lives in us. Christ is in us, and because He is, His godliness (the only godliness there is) is ours. This mysterious truth is the sweetest, most liberating truth you will ever know. Christ is in you; He's your hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)."
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 24
Safe in His Care
Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek." -John 18:4
Remember, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden right after they sinned. The Bible says in Genesis 3 that they hid themselves. It was almost like the game we play now of hide-and-seek, except they were trying to hide from the God of the universe (not possible.) Much like Adam and Eve, we still like to hide. We try to hide from ourselves, from God, for uncomfortable situations, you name it; someone has probably tried to hide from it.
Today's reading needs more than just one verse, so start here in John 18:1-11. Verse 4 is the key verse for today, and shows that He came forward to His attackers. When Jesus presented Himself to these religious leaders and Judas, they drew back and fell to the ground. Then Jesus handed Himself over to these as the One who they were seeking and asked that the others be let go. Here we see our Good Shepherd. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) Why would He do such a thing for those who would deny and betray who He is? Love. Love was and always has been the motivation. We are unworthy, yet, the life of our Lord Jesus says, "Take me. Let them go." "This has been His theme throughout all eternity, 'Take me. Punish me. Let them go.'"
If I believed Jesus was who He says He is, would I hide from Him? In the Gospels, we see how He loved those who were His. Do you grasp the magnitude of what He did? "He interposed His precious blood between the righteous wrath of His Father and His sinful bride! What a Savior!" We do not need to follow the example of Adam and Eve and hide, but the Savior invites us to draw near. As I have been considering the Good Shepherd and His care for His sheep, my mind quickly went to Colossians 1:17b, "in Him all things hold together." I can draw near to the Savior because of what He did and because of who He is. Today, I rejoice that God's Word reminds me that He holds all things together, He knows, we cannot hide from Him, and I can find comfort that I am safe with the Good Shepherd.
My family used to listen to Elisabeth Elliot on the radio when I was younger, she is one of my missionary heroes. She always ended her radio program with Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." As believers, we serve a big God, bigger than you and I can imagine. Find your dwelling place in Him!
Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to Him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek." -John 18:4
Remember, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden right after they sinned. The Bible says in Genesis 3 that they hid themselves. It was almost like the game we play now of hide-and-seek, except they were trying to hide from the God of the universe (not possible.) Much like Adam and Eve, we still like to hide. We try to hide from ourselves, from God, for uncomfortable situations, you name it; someone has probably tried to hide from it.
Today's reading needs more than just one verse, so start here in John 18:1-11. Verse 4 is the key verse for today, and shows that He came forward to His attackers. When Jesus presented Himself to these religious leaders and Judas, they drew back and fell to the ground. Then Jesus handed Himself over to these as the One who they were seeking and asked that the others be let go. Here we see our Good Shepherd. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) Why would He do such a thing for those who would deny and betray who He is? Love. Love was and always has been the motivation. We are unworthy, yet, the life of our Lord Jesus says, "Take me. Let them go." "This has been His theme throughout all eternity, 'Take me. Punish me. Let them go.'"
If I believed Jesus was who He says He is, would I hide from Him? In the Gospels, we see how He loved those who were His. Do you grasp the magnitude of what He did? "He interposed His precious blood between the righteous wrath of His Father and His sinful bride! What a Savior!" We do not need to follow the example of Adam and Eve and hide, but the Savior invites us to draw near. As I have been considering the Good Shepherd and His care for His sheep, my mind quickly went to Colossians 1:17b, "in Him all things hold together." I can draw near to the Savior because of what He did and because of who He is. Today, I rejoice that God's Word reminds me that He holds all things together, He knows, we cannot hide from Him, and I can find comfort that I am safe with the Good Shepherd.
My family used to listen to Elisabeth Elliot on the radio when I was younger, she is one of my missionary heroes. She always ended her radio program with Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." As believers, we serve a big God, bigger than you and I can imagine. Find your dwelling place in Him!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Comforts from the Cross - Day 23
His Appearing
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing. -2 Timothy 4:8
A little over a month ago, we celebrated the first coming of Jesus to earth. As believers, the Christmas season is quite exciting, but we mostly celebrate a baby. A sweet baby Jesus born in a manger. He coming was meek and lowly, it probably wouldn't make the evening news in our world today. Here's a question that Elyse pondered in today's reading, "Because of how Jesus came to earth the first time, do people think He will come again the same way?"
My pastor preached on Revelation 19:11-21 this past Sunday night, so the message is fresh in my mind. Go check out the passage. I know the world did not expect a baby born in a manger the first time our Savior entered the world. I can only expect that the heavens being opened and a Rider on a white horse will take most of our world by surprise as well. "For some, His return will be a terrifying introduction into an even more horrifying eternity." The truth of Revelation 6:15-17 will come to pass, "Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” "Smug unbelief would be instantaneously transformed into terrifying understanding."
What would be your response? How should a believer respond as we think about this? (I personally believe the church will have been raptured before this time, but this is not about my eschatology.) Think about those who experience the Rider on the white horse, they won't love His appearing; they will hate it. The Bible tells me that I will love His appearing. Why? Because of the Gospel of grace. Over and over again, the Bible tells me how God has given me His righteousness. He replaced my sinfulness with His righteousness. Trusting in His righteousness comes by faith alone, faith that God grants! Are you trusting in that today? I rejoice that I will love His appearing because of what He did. I end today with one of my favorite "non-Scripture paragraphs" that is deep with the truths from Scripture. It sums up what I have seen as I have read in Comforts from the Cross. The words are quite beautiful...
"He himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!"
From The Letter to Diognetus, chapter 9.
O Sweet Exchange- my wickedness for a Crown of Righteousness!
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing. -2 Timothy 4:8
A little over a month ago, we celebrated the first coming of Jesus to earth. As believers, the Christmas season is quite exciting, but we mostly celebrate a baby. A sweet baby Jesus born in a manger. He coming was meek and lowly, it probably wouldn't make the evening news in our world today. Here's a question that Elyse pondered in today's reading, "Because of how Jesus came to earth the first time, do people think He will come again the same way?"
My pastor preached on Revelation 19:11-21 this past Sunday night, so the message is fresh in my mind. Go check out the passage. I know the world did not expect a baby born in a manger the first time our Savior entered the world. I can only expect that the heavens being opened and a Rider on a white horse will take most of our world by surprise as well. "For some, His return will be a terrifying introduction into an even more horrifying eternity." The truth of Revelation 6:15-17 will come to pass, "Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” "Smug unbelief would be instantaneously transformed into terrifying understanding."
What would be your response? How should a believer respond as we think about this? (I personally believe the church will have been raptured before this time, but this is not about my eschatology.) Think about those who experience the Rider on the white horse, they won't love His appearing; they will hate it. The Bible tells me that I will love His appearing. Why? Because of the Gospel of grace. Over and over again, the Bible tells me how God has given me His righteousness. He replaced my sinfulness with His righteousness. Trusting in His righteousness comes by faith alone, faith that God grants! Are you trusting in that today? I rejoice that I will love His appearing because of what He did. I end today with one of my favorite "non-Scripture paragraphs" that is deep with the truths from Scripture. It sums up what I have seen as I have read in Comforts from the Cross. The words are quite beautiful...
"He himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!"
From The Letter to Diognetus, chapter 9.
O Sweet Exchange- my wickedness for a Crown of Righteousness!
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