Tuesday 31 May 2011
Monday 30 May 2011
Mud sticker. Bicycling in faith mishaps.
As much as I try to depend on God and as much as I try to remember both the verse for this year to move forth and the tunnel vision I had - I get stuck sometimes. We all do. I start this analogy with the fact that I'm not a baby Christian anymore. I've taken off and thrown away the training wheels. That said, on with the possible and/or necessary dangers of bicycling in faith; of growing in Christ.
So, I'll be going along, bicycling through my day, through my walk, and something will happen. I'll stick my feet out, cartoon style, and come to that horrible grinding full out stop. You know the kind, right? And what happens? When you do that, you end up in the mud. There's always mud. It's no coincidence. So, you land (on your bottom... if you're fortunate), right smack in the middle of the messes you try to work through. Closer than God would have you be, if you're working with Him that is. If you're not then you need to face things, you need to see how difficult it is without Him. Either way, you get stuck. It happened to me this week. It's something I'm still trying to work through. I went inward again. I said no to things I shouldn't have. I tried to shut myself down. Now, and for the past couple of days, I've been trying to start up again. I can't. Hear me? I can't.
You need momentum to start up again and we can't find that momentum ourselves. Not ever. We need God to get us back on track. We need Him to hold that bicycle seat and push, even if it's just for a moment. That's not a weakness that works against us; it's one of those give it to God and let Him show His glory through this struggle kind of moment. It's a decision we have to make. A choice that determines where we put God in our lives. Is He on the outskirts, in an in case of emergency capacity, or can we truly put Him in the middle of every situation we come across? I am weak and He is strong. I do need Him. In everything. In every single way. There is strength in that. In knowing that His involvement comes with all of the things that make Him Him! I go to this verse up again and again because I need too.
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
--> I am weak in so many ways, but I know that God's been working in me. That I've been built up in some ways and that I've been chipped away in others. I'm being molded to His purposes. I'm a work in progress. I am clay. He is the Potter. He alone.
Jeremiah 18:2
"Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will announce My words to you."
--> God's really been hammering me about positions lately. About how to position ourselves to hear God's word. About how to position ourselves to change in Him. What better place is there to change than a potter's house? When we go into the Word ready to change in Him, then we can truly go forth in the ways we need to. We're the ones holding back. We stick out our feet and try to stay where we are. We're like a child who's trying so hard not to go somewhere that they claw at doorposts in an effort to stop moving. We do that. The question is why? It's one we have to answer individually. We have to look at ourselves, at the muck we pick up, and find the root causes.
Proverbs 2:21-22
"For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it."
--> In the natural I'm treacherous. I'm horrible. To put it in simple faith terms, I'm a sinner. I still am one, but for the saving grace of God. We are in the process of being sifted. Finding the roots of our present struggles is painful, and so is having them pulled out of us, but God is a Healer. He constantly fills us up. He fills us up until there's an overflow. A constant overflow in the things of God. Wow. He is good.
So, I'll be going along, bicycling through my day, through my walk, and something will happen. I'll stick my feet out, cartoon style, and come to that horrible grinding full out stop. You know the kind, right? And what happens? When you do that, you end up in the mud. There's always mud. It's no coincidence. So, you land (on your bottom... if you're fortunate), right smack in the middle of the messes you try to work through. Closer than God would have you be, if you're working with Him that is. If you're not then you need to face things, you need to see how difficult it is without Him. Either way, you get stuck. It happened to me this week. It's something I'm still trying to work through. I went inward again. I said no to things I shouldn't have. I tried to shut myself down. Now, and for the past couple of days, I've been trying to start up again. I can't. Hear me? I can't.
You need momentum to start up again and we can't find that momentum ourselves. Not ever. We need God to get us back on track. We need Him to hold that bicycle seat and push, even if it's just for a moment. That's not a weakness that works against us; it's one of those give it to God and let Him show His glory through this struggle kind of moment. It's a decision we have to make. A choice that determines where we put God in our lives. Is He on the outskirts, in an in case of emergency capacity, or can we truly put Him in the middle of every situation we come across? I am weak and He is strong. I do need Him. In everything. In every single way. There is strength in that. In knowing that His involvement comes with all of the things that make Him Him! I go to this verse up again and again because I need too.
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
--> I am weak in so many ways, but I know that God's been working in me. That I've been built up in some ways and that I've been chipped away in others. I'm being molded to His purposes. I'm a work in progress. I am clay. He is the Potter. He alone.
Jeremiah 18:2
"Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will announce My words to you."
--> God's really been hammering me about positions lately. About how to position ourselves to hear God's word. About how to position ourselves to change in Him. What better place is there to change than a potter's house? When we go into the Word ready to change in Him, then we can truly go forth in the ways we need to. We're the ones holding back. We stick out our feet and try to stay where we are. We're like a child who's trying so hard not to go somewhere that they claw at doorposts in an effort to stop moving. We do that. The question is why? It's one we have to answer individually. We have to look at ourselves, at the muck we pick up, and find the root causes.
Proverbs 2:21-22
"For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it."
--> In the natural I'm treacherous. I'm horrible. To put it in simple faith terms, I'm a sinner. I still am one, but for the saving grace of God. We are in the process of being sifted. Finding the roots of our present struggles is painful, and so is having them pulled out of us, but God is a Healer. He constantly fills us up. He fills us up until there's an overflow. A constant overflow in the things of God. Wow. He is good.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Sundaes vs Sundays (hint: fill me up)
So. Today's blog is random. Yet again. It's been hot lately, not nice hot, but sticky humid filled ickiness. Today it's pretty ugly, but at least it's cool out. Generally speaking though, now is the time for Ice Cream Sundaes. Here's the thing about Sundaes though - they just don't stick. They're good for a moment, but then they get weird. And don't they just make you thirsty? I get about halfway through cold things then it's like bring on the water. Aftertaste too. They present a good front, a pretty picture. The real truth of it that there's just no substance to them. I'm getting sick of things without substance. I want things of lasting value instead. I pick the things I can get from a Sunday instead. I want to let God work and pull things of me. I'm done with willfully putting junk in. I don't want fluff; I want to be filled with the things of God. I'm done with merely appearances - in both things and in my walk. I'm working towards more. Inside and out.
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
1 Peter 3:3-4
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
Saturday 28 May 2011
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury
Okay. I'm a cornball. The book 'Unlocked' by Karen Kingsbury is corny and more. Much more. I love it. It's a true life to fiction story about an autistic boy, Holden, who has these amazing freedom moments. It shows the simple and complex faith that Holden has, the faith that his family needs, and the faith walk of Holden's childhood friend Ella. It's about trying to understand people and about learning from different people's faith. Just found out a couple of days ago that it's going to be a movie! Thought I'd share the trailer. It's beyond corn, but I'm still excited! The book is so awesome though! Read the book for now! I shall review the movie when it's released! Except that I can't find out when! It may have already been released! Weird. I hope it doesn't get lost like Ted Dekker's 'Blink' movie.
Here's a note of encouragement from Karen Kingsbury's letter to the reader:
"Finally, I dealt with the idea that there are many ways to be locked in your own world. Life is too short to be anything but real with the cast of characters God has placed in the story of your life. Love well, laugh often, and find your life in Christ. Don't hide away or be a follower. Be the wonderful unique person God made you to be, and know that your purpose will always be best when defined by your faith in Him."
Here's a note of encouragement from Karen Kingsbury's letter to the reader:
"Finally, I dealt with the idea that there are many ways to be locked in your own world. Life is too short to be anything but real with the cast of characters God has placed in the story of your life. Love well, laugh often, and find your life in Christ. Don't hide away or be a follower. Be the wonderful unique person God made you to be, and know that your purpose will always be best when defined by your faith in Him."
Questions & I. The RANDOM (warning) blog (that's been plotting its way forward)
A love-hate relationship exists between questions and myself. A sort of epic battle. Do I love them or hate them? How can I decide? Seriously... how? I think I'll start by categorizing them into their proper places ('Monk'ish... I love that show).
My first statement about questions (wow, how does that even work?): I like ones that are asked without leading and answered honestly. I do. It's important to me in general, and more specifically, to me as a Christian. We can't walk out our faith when we're not honest about what we face. We're not perfect, but we're not even on our way if we can't be open and face what we need to face. I'll be honest - I struggle with lying. I do. It's out there - don't run away screaming yet! I've been working on it since I got here. But still, there are levels of truth I face everyday. Whenever someone asks me a question I do this 'check their face' thing to see if they're interested and judge my response accordingly. I think I'm done with the 'I'm fine' response though - that's not even an emotion. We're people and we're Christians - we're always going through something or we're just not dealing with what we need to. The answer levels I go to are these: honest but brief answer - working through some things but I'm working them through; honest and need support answer - struggling with this, could use some help or prayer with such and such; brutally honest - self-explanatory. There are different types of relationships and covenants in this world and we need to be careful with what we do in them. You can't share everything with everybody - you'll stretch yourself too thin. You'll be open to attacks. Know who you're talking to and don't give everything to a person that won't build you up in Christ. He'll strengthen you.
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Next questions rant: I don't usually like standard ones. I guess I'm weird but except for the standard 'how are you doing' question I don't really find they reveal too much. I like when people just talk and things you didn't ask get answered. I like conversations that pattern that way. I think people are more themselves when they're speaking comfortably, without a question and answer period. You make connections and new topics come up. Plus, their cadence and tone changes. That's when I get to know who people are. I don't like forced conversations, I would rather be quiet. Ebbs and flows happen and you can be patient in both. Look, the truth of the matter is that questions represent interest. I get that. I even like the standard ones sometimes. Mostly though, I just wanted to say that I'm interested in people's stories, in their lives, and in their testimonies. I think my frustrations come with wanting to know but being unwilling to ask. And with the fact that I don't usually have specific questions. I'll work on both. See what I mean about the battle?
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Next questions rant: I don't usually like standard ones. I guess I'm weird but except for the standard 'how are you doing' question I don't really find they reveal too much. I like when people just talk and things you didn't ask get answered. I like conversations that pattern that way. I think people are more themselves when they're speaking comfortably, without a question and answer period. You make connections and new topics come up. Plus, their cadence and tone changes. That's when I get to know who people are. I don't like forced conversations, I would rather be quiet. Ebbs and flows happen and you can be patient in both. Look, the truth of the matter is that questions represent interest. I get that. I even like the standard ones sometimes. Mostly though, I just wanted to say that I'm interested in people's stories, in their lives, and in their testimonies. I think my frustrations come with wanting to know but being unwilling to ask. And with the fact that I don't usually have specific questions. I'll work on both. See what I mean about the battle?
Last questions rant: The loss of childlike questions to 'mature' ones. What a struggle. I loved the 'did you ever' questions from childhood. I loved the many 'whys' I asked in a day. I loved that as a kid you'd ask another kid 50 questions in a row, about everything they thought, and still play with them no matter what they said. I love those questions. I loved the freedom of being able to ask anything. I can tell you where I lost that. I lost that in the not nows. I lost that in the I don't knows. I lost that in that silence that followed an awkward question (you know the kind - 'hey Mom, why'd that person just lie?'). It happens as we grow up. Questions start falling off of us. We stop caring what people think unless its about us. I think that's the selfish struggle of caring just for me for awhile. The thing is, we need to drop some of the attitudes we pick up. We need to care. We need to question things. To question and find answers and grow. Jesus asked and answered questions in the Bible. He had the knowledge for both, but only when people accepted Him did they hear, understand, and claim the truths He shared. The way childlike questions work is built on curiousity. I'm curious about Jesus. I am. We dig into the Bible because we're curious about truth. Christians can have questions - express that interest - know that in every single possible way the truths of the Bible will stand at the end of them. Pick up the curiousity you had as a child and let it lead you into greater truths and understandings in God.
Matthew 19:14
"But Jesus said, 'Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'".
See what I meant about random? And about the epic battle? Pick up some good questions during the next few days! Or, answer these ones as I have:
Examples:
Did you ever think you were a superhero? Yep - forget normal ear ringing - I was Supergirl.
How'd God get ahold of you? Slowly with great love, determination, and patience.
Did you ever get lost in a foreign country? Yep, inside and almost outside the Vatican.
Do you night swim? Yeah, I'm cool like that.
Do you ever want to jump in chalk drawings like in 'Mary Poppins'? Everytime I see one.
Favourite color? All that are found in the Ocean, mostly blue.
Best story? That's not a good question, crazy person. It a non-question ebb and flow thing. Did you even read this?
Be childlike today! Remember how you used to notice everything in the world around you. Explore. Learn something you didn't know. Dwell in His Word. Live it out. Spend a minute doing something you used to love - spin in circles, jump as far as you can, feed some birds, look at a favourite picture book, dance like a crazy person, blow bubbles, yell with your whole voice, or even just use your imagination. Find joyful freedom in God.
Psalm 118:24
"This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Proverbs 16:1
"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer."
Matthew 19:14
"But Jesus said, 'Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'".
See what I meant about random? And about the epic battle? Pick up some good questions during the next few days! Or, answer these ones as I have:
Examples:
Did you ever think you were a superhero? Yep - forget normal ear ringing - I was Supergirl.
How'd God get ahold of you? Slowly with great love, determination, and patience.
Did you ever get lost in a foreign country? Yep, inside and almost outside the Vatican.
Do you night swim? Yeah, I'm cool like that.
Do you ever want to jump in chalk drawings like in 'Mary Poppins'? Everytime I see one.
Favourite color? All that are found in the Ocean, mostly blue.
Best story? That's not a good question, crazy person. It a non-question ebb and flow thing. Did you even read this?
Be childlike today! Remember how you used to notice everything in the world around you. Explore. Learn something you didn't know. Dwell in His Word. Live it out. Spend a minute doing something you used to love - spin in circles, jump as far as you can, feed some birds, look at a favourite picture book, dance like a crazy person, blow bubbles, yell with your whole voice, or even just use your imagination. Find joyful freedom in God.
Psalm 118:24
"This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Deliberate Faith. Narrowing our Paths.
“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” - Oswald Chambers
Deliberately. God's plans are definite. We can walk deliberately in them. We need to do this to let Him reign in our lives.
2 Samuel 5:23-24
"When David inquired of the Lord, He said, 'You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.'"
I really like this story because it's so ridiculously clear. God says don't go up directly. So don't. He says circle around. So do that. He says wait. So be patient. It's hard to apply such clarity to the types of lives we choose to lead today. There are just so many paths available to us. We can live exactly how we want to and get nothing that we actually need, but only if we live separate from Him. That way sucks. We're putting ourselves through pain. Doesn't that just seem weird when you think about it? Why are we so willing to suffer? To not rely on anything that's why; and most especially to not rely on God. We live in a world of instant gratification. We can talk to anyone whenever we want (we don't even have to actually talk to them - we can message or facebook them until we die - wow... apparently I'm dramatic today), we can watch anything, we can visit or move anywhere, we have the wonderful world wide web at our fingertips, and we're worse off for it. Don't get me wrong, I like technology (hi, I'm using it right now), but I don't like the overwhelming nature of it. Something went wrong. We need to narrow our paths.
There can be clarity in our lives, we just need to seek God for it. Especially in those moments where it feels like the world is coming down on us. To be honest, it is. The things of this world will always try to pull us down. That's why living daily for God is so important. We're in a battle for our salvation. We've taken it up, but we've got to protect it. We've got to fight for the salvation of future Christians. We do both of these things by walking in obedience. By walking deliberately. Those walks add up to faith. Faith is recognizing our need of Him. Faith is walking in God and knowing He will lead us to only and all good things. He knows more than us. We can't see the whole picture. Start in the little things and be built up in Christ. When we do this, then great things happen. Just like in this Bible story, God will send His army ahead of us. He will coordinate our lives; if we let Him. I want to rely on Him everyday. He is good.
His promise of victory revealed:
2 Samuel 5:25
"Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer."
--> Obedience is difficult, but His plan always outweighs our desires and wants; in its depth, in its fullness, and in its love. The funniest part: later on, after coming through our trials and our struggles, we'll see the end and we'll see Him being there for us and we'll say 'Oh, so that's why I had to come through that, so that I could come to this'. Deeper faith levels are always worked for. So, work with Him and not against Him. It makes an indescribable difference.
Psalm 119:109
"My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions."
Proverbs 16:9
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
Matthew 7:13
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it."
Deliberately. God's plans are definite. We can walk deliberately in them. We need to do this to let Him reign in our lives.
2 Samuel 5:23-24
"When David inquired of the Lord, He said, 'You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.'"
I really like this story because it's so ridiculously clear. God says don't go up directly. So don't. He says circle around. So do that. He says wait. So be patient. It's hard to apply such clarity to the types of lives we choose to lead today. There are just so many paths available to us. We can live exactly how we want to and get nothing that we actually need, but only if we live separate from Him. That way sucks. We're putting ourselves through pain. Doesn't that just seem weird when you think about it? Why are we so willing to suffer? To not rely on anything that's why; and most especially to not rely on God. We live in a world of instant gratification. We can talk to anyone whenever we want (we don't even have to actually talk to them - we can message or facebook them until we die - wow... apparently I'm dramatic today), we can watch anything, we can visit or move anywhere, we have the wonderful world wide web at our fingertips, and we're worse off for it. Don't get me wrong, I like technology (hi, I'm using it right now), but I don't like the overwhelming nature of it. Something went wrong. We need to narrow our paths.
There can be clarity in our lives, we just need to seek God for it. Especially in those moments where it feels like the world is coming down on us. To be honest, it is. The things of this world will always try to pull us down. That's why living daily for God is so important. We're in a battle for our salvation. We've taken it up, but we've got to protect it. We've got to fight for the salvation of future Christians. We do both of these things by walking in obedience. By walking deliberately. Those walks add up to faith. Faith is recognizing our need of Him. Faith is walking in God and knowing He will lead us to only and all good things. He knows more than us. We can't see the whole picture. Start in the little things and be built up in Christ. When we do this, then great things happen. Just like in this Bible story, God will send His army ahead of us. He will coordinate our lives; if we let Him. I want to rely on Him everyday. He is good.
His promise of victory revealed:
2 Samuel 5:25
"Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer."
--> Obedience is difficult, but His plan always outweighs our desires and wants; in its depth, in its fullness, and in its love. The funniest part: later on, after coming through our trials and our struggles, we'll see the end and we'll see Him being there for us and we'll say 'Oh, so that's why I had to come through that, so that I could come to this'. Deeper faith levels are always worked for. So, work with Him and not against Him. It makes an indescribable difference.
Psalm 119:109
"My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions."
Proverbs 16:9
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."
Matthew 7:13
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it."
Early Morningness: Walk & Roll
Another fun morning adventure with Mr. Si. Still ridiculously muddy out there, but worth it. Oh, to explain the randomness of the pics - well, if you know us, we don't have to. One is about mismatched clothes though. Don't tell anyone, especially the fashion police. Try to know little. Plausible deniability. And who doesn't want to roll down a pretty hill sometime? Go out and do something for fun or for funnies! NOW!
Tuesday 24 May 2011
My Heart. Leap of Faith: Reflections. 24 me vs 13 me (winner: God)
Alrighty then. So, I've mentioned before that I was brought to the saving knowledge of Christ in a slow way. Well, today I started cleaning out some of the physical junk I carried with me in my move from Ottawa. I found something. In Grade 8 we had to write an essay about meeting Jesus. I read mine and cried like a baby. I was walking towards salvation and I stopped myself. I was stubborn and scared and I felt alone. I've decided to share what I wrote, because even though its my wide open and vulnerable heart, and even though sharing it makes me want to throw up, there's something in it. It's important. It makes me remember how scary salvation looks from the other side. Looking back at my Christian walk I can say that I love that moment, that surrender to God, but I remember the fear and the uncertainty that came in making the choice. Right now, I'm remembering even before that - I'm remembering what it's like to first recognize truth and the terrifying idea of putting everything we have known aside to know God instead. I want to remember that feeling, because I want to remember what happens when people give their hearts to the Lord. It's big. It's intimidating. But the biggest thing you could ever face in giving yourself to God is love. He is love. I didn't understand His love when I was 13. It took until I was 17. If I had been open in my beliefs, if I hadn't been so scared to be vulnerable, I would have come to the saving knowledge of Christ earlier. But, I made choices and my life is God's now. I waited but no one else has to. If I knew what I now know about God, I would have leapt to be with Him. That's not how life works though. I know that even in this small essay, there was a foundation for God being built in my life. You don't seek something without wanting to find it. Seek God. And if you don't know Him then make that leap. What's on the other side is love. What's on the other side is everything worth anything.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
----
Please remember that I was little... and that this is unchanged... and that I totally got a bad mark on it...
----
Fictional / Totally Personal Essay
A few years ago, my family took a summer trip to Florida. It was quite a long car ride, and we had to stop a lot for gas and meals. We once stopped at a tiny, little restaurant just outside of a small town. It was a place I knew I would never forget. It would be our last stop for at least four hours. As my family headed inside, I turned and ran back to the car to retrieve my wallet. I had decided to buy an ice cream cone after lunch. After I closed the door, stood up, and turned around, I found myself facing a tall, thirty-something year old man. He was wearing dirty, ripped, and ragged old clothes. I was very scared, unless I went downtown it was rare that I would come across any beggars or pan handlers. This man didn't ask for money though. He must have sensed or read my thoughts because the next thing He said was, "Don't be afraid. I will not harm you or ask you for money; I will just talk." I was still scared but His warm eyes wouldn't let me turn away. He followed me into the restaurant. My family was more than a little surprised when He sat down with us. In fact, they looked the same way I did a few minutes ago. He quickly warmed them up and said the same things to them that He had said to me. He got them to relax a little. He told us stories that made us all stop and think. We listened with interest as He quoted the Bible and told us parables. He knew so much about the Bible that you would think that He'd written it Himself. He seemed to know everything we were thinking. He, amazingly, answered all of our questions before we had even asked them. He also had a way of wording things to make Himself easy to understand and to listen to. He talked easily and His words seemed to roll out of His mouth; Everything He said was filled with such wisdom that I thought I would never forget any of it.
My parents stood up to go and pay the bill. A while later my sister went to get another ice cream cone. While everyone else was gone, I began to slowly feel uncomfortable around Him again. He still hadn't told us His name. He said that, "A name isn't as important as a personality". He then said, "Tell me your problems and your worries, so that I can help you". I guess I told Him all of my problems, one at a time. I was surprised that my family was away long enough for me to tell Him everything.
The first thing I brought up was the peer pressure that happens to the teens around us. The things that go on surprise me. Drinking, smoking, drugs, and even sex are moving down to our age group. Although I'm not friends with these people and I don't even know all of their names, I still care a lot about their safety. I don't like the way that they are hurting themselves. I explained to Him about everything that happens in schools all over the world. That is why I'm I am so fortunate to have friends who have talked about doing all that stuff. We all decided if faced with a decision like that, we would all say no. Even though I trust my friends a lot I try to always look out for them. I guess I am very over protective of them. Falling with your eyes closed can be dangerous and I like to help keep my friends eyes completely open.
The teasing people go through because they are shy, smart, dumb, nervous, or just because they speak differently, act differently, or are their own person is not fair to them. People tease other people to feel control over them or to feel better about themselves. I guess they don't realize that sticking up for people makes you feel even better about yourself. I guess you have to get teased yourself to find that lesson out. A few years ago I was a very insecure person. I was very shy and would hardly even talk while surrounded by my peers. I got teased a lot and I will always remember the awful feeling it gave me. I used to go home and put a smile on my face so my family wouldn't guess what I was going through. Almost every night, I would cry myself to sleep. I got through most of my fears and shyness before coming to St Matthew High School. So far I haven't been really teased unless it was the friendly kind. I told Him that I thought about teasing a lot in seventh grade, and I remembered how bad it made me feel. I told Him how I teased people and how sorry I was about what I had done. I also said sorry to the people I had teased when we came back after summer. I confessed everything I had ever done to Him. It was my most thoughtful day that had happened in my life and I know it always will be. I hope to remember the lessons He taught me my whole life and even after that as well.
One of the million things I talked to Him about that day was how hard it was to make good friends. When I was a shy and insecure person, I had no friends at all. I played by myself and learnt to trust myself. I was pretty happy at home, the only bad thing in my life was school. I explained to Him about when I used to fake a sickness to stay home. I was scared to go to school because I might have had to read out loud. I was more insecure about reading then anything else. I used to think everyone was staring at me so I read with a stutter because I was always nervous. I also read really fast and used to shake. I told Him how I still do sometimes. I like to offer friendships to a lot of different types of people. If they accept, great. If they don't, it's fine. You never know who your real friends are until they stick by you when you are having a real rough time. I said to Him, "I belong to a group of friends who hardly know me", and it's true. I have a few friends who really know me, but that's it. When I first came to St. Matt's, I was very worried. I told Him that I was worried because all of my friends were going into french immersion and I would be in extended. At the beginning of seventh grade I was very quiet. I soon acted like my real self, but was still worried about things because I wasn't totally accepted. I felt the exact same way at the beginning of eighth grade. In place of not knowing who my friends are in the group, I have become closer to lots of very nice, and very cool people.
On that day, I told Him more than I thought I ever could. I talked to Him about my feelings about everything. To all this He said, "I cannot solve your problems. I can help you, stand by you, and be with you. I am of the Father and I will always listen to you". He stood up and left. I had just realized who He was, as the words He had left me with sank in. When my family finally came back I told them everything that had happened, and about my new found faith.
Today, I know that God is always with me and that I can always tell Him my problems. I know that He will always listen. I don't go to Church and although I pray in religion class and before I go to bed, that never seemed like I was close enough to God. About a month ago, I started reading the Bible and although I started in the New Testament and am only in Matthew 23, I already feel closer to Him.
All in all, this essay means more to me than I could say or write. I thought it would be much harder then term ones essay, but I was wrong. As soon as I found out how to encounter Jesus, I couldn't stop writing. In conclusion, writing this essay taught me a lot and I will keep it forever in hope that I will remember it when I grow up. The End.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
----
Please remember that I was little... and that this is unchanged... and that I totally got a bad mark on it...
----
Fictional / Totally Personal Essay
A few years ago, my family took a summer trip to Florida. It was quite a long car ride, and we had to stop a lot for gas and meals. We once stopped at a tiny, little restaurant just outside of a small town. It was a place I knew I would never forget. It would be our last stop for at least four hours. As my family headed inside, I turned and ran back to the car to retrieve my wallet. I had decided to buy an ice cream cone after lunch. After I closed the door, stood up, and turned around, I found myself facing a tall, thirty-something year old man. He was wearing dirty, ripped, and ragged old clothes. I was very scared, unless I went downtown it was rare that I would come across any beggars or pan handlers. This man didn't ask for money though. He must have sensed or read my thoughts because the next thing He said was, "Don't be afraid. I will not harm you or ask you for money; I will just talk." I was still scared but His warm eyes wouldn't let me turn away. He followed me into the restaurant. My family was more than a little surprised when He sat down with us. In fact, they looked the same way I did a few minutes ago. He quickly warmed them up and said the same things to them that He had said to me. He got them to relax a little. He told us stories that made us all stop and think. We listened with interest as He quoted the Bible and told us parables. He knew so much about the Bible that you would think that He'd written it Himself. He seemed to know everything we were thinking. He, amazingly, answered all of our questions before we had even asked them. He also had a way of wording things to make Himself easy to understand and to listen to. He talked easily and His words seemed to roll out of His mouth; Everything He said was filled with such wisdom that I thought I would never forget any of it.
My parents stood up to go and pay the bill. A while later my sister went to get another ice cream cone. While everyone else was gone, I began to slowly feel uncomfortable around Him again. He still hadn't told us His name. He said that, "A name isn't as important as a personality". He then said, "Tell me your problems and your worries, so that I can help you". I guess I told Him all of my problems, one at a time. I was surprised that my family was away long enough for me to tell Him everything.
The first thing I brought up was the peer pressure that happens to the teens around us. The things that go on surprise me. Drinking, smoking, drugs, and even sex are moving down to our age group. Although I'm not friends with these people and I don't even know all of their names, I still care a lot about their safety. I don't like the way that they are hurting themselves. I explained to Him about everything that happens in schools all over the world. That is why I'm I am so fortunate to have friends who have talked about doing all that stuff. We all decided if faced with a decision like that, we would all say no. Even though I trust my friends a lot I try to always look out for them. I guess I am very over protective of them. Falling with your eyes closed can be dangerous and I like to help keep my friends eyes completely open.
The teasing people go through because they are shy, smart, dumb, nervous, or just because they speak differently, act differently, or are their own person is not fair to them. People tease other people to feel control over them or to feel better about themselves. I guess they don't realize that sticking up for people makes you feel even better about yourself. I guess you have to get teased yourself to find that lesson out. A few years ago I was a very insecure person. I was very shy and would hardly even talk while surrounded by my peers. I got teased a lot and I will always remember the awful feeling it gave me. I used to go home and put a smile on my face so my family wouldn't guess what I was going through. Almost every night, I would cry myself to sleep. I got through most of my fears and shyness before coming to St Matthew High School. So far I haven't been really teased unless it was the friendly kind. I told Him that I thought about teasing a lot in seventh grade, and I remembered how bad it made me feel. I told Him how I teased people and how sorry I was about what I had done. I also said sorry to the people I had teased when we came back after summer. I confessed everything I had ever done to Him. It was my most thoughtful day that had happened in my life and I know it always will be. I hope to remember the lessons He taught me my whole life and even after that as well.
One of the million things I talked to Him about that day was how hard it was to make good friends. When I was a shy and insecure person, I had no friends at all. I played by myself and learnt to trust myself. I was pretty happy at home, the only bad thing in my life was school. I explained to Him about when I used to fake a sickness to stay home. I was scared to go to school because I might have had to read out loud. I was more insecure about reading then anything else. I used to think everyone was staring at me so I read with a stutter because I was always nervous. I also read really fast and used to shake. I told Him how I still do sometimes. I like to offer friendships to a lot of different types of people. If they accept, great. If they don't, it's fine. You never know who your real friends are until they stick by you when you are having a real rough time. I said to Him, "I belong to a group of friends who hardly know me", and it's true. I have a few friends who really know me, but that's it. When I first came to St. Matt's, I was very worried. I told Him that I was worried because all of my friends were going into french immersion and I would be in extended. At the beginning of seventh grade I was very quiet. I soon acted like my real self, but was still worried about things because I wasn't totally accepted. I felt the exact same way at the beginning of eighth grade. In place of not knowing who my friends are in the group, I have become closer to lots of very nice, and very cool people.
On that day, I told Him more than I thought I ever could. I talked to Him about my feelings about everything. To all this He said, "I cannot solve your problems. I can help you, stand by you, and be with you. I am of the Father and I will always listen to you". He stood up and left. I had just realized who He was, as the words He had left me with sank in. When my family finally came back I told them everything that had happened, and about my new found faith.
Today, I know that God is always with me and that I can always tell Him my problems. I know that He will always listen. I don't go to Church and although I pray in religion class and before I go to bed, that never seemed like I was close enough to God. About a month ago, I started reading the Bible and although I started in the New Testament and am only in Matthew 23, I already feel closer to Him.
All in all, this essay means more to me than I could say or write. I thought it would be much harder then term ones essay, but I was wrong. As soon as I found out how to encounter Jesus, I couldn't stop writing. In conclusion, writing this essay taught me a lot and I will keep it forever in hope that I will remember it when I grow up. The End.
Monday 23 May 2011
The real life faith dangers of SOAP SCUM!
Soap scum. It may be silly, but truths of God come in all levels. So, off to explain the soap scum reference. It's bad. It's frustrating. It happens when we settle for less. When we try to clean things off with inferior products. Its true of our faith walk too. People do it all the time, I've done it all the time. We go for quick fixes. We think we're on steady ground because we're at least trying, but that's a lie, that's THE lie, because we're failing and we're falling. We think we're all good, that we're standing up high and fighting the good fight. Lie. The real question is why?
Answer: It happens when we go for the unworthy stuff because it costs less. Let's be honest, the soap scum costs more, way way way more. It builds up and it starts binding to things. It infects. It costs us our walk. It costs us our life in Christ. If we don't stop the build-up that is.
And what is the build-up say you? Faith soap scum happens when we go for appearances. When we become fake or plastic Christians. When we say the right thing but feel nothing. When we hear without understanding. When we tithe out of obligation. When the people around us are a burden, not joyfully taken up in His love.
It also happens when we stop applying God to our daily lives - come on, what brings scum quicker than that? I know the minute I question the things of God the enemy brings lies to my door - those traps, those agreements that include twistings of God's Word, those 'do what's best for you' advisors. Shut those doors before they open! Rely on the Word in its entirety instead. Delve into it. Dig for truths. Stand firm in it.
Another soap scum faith challenge is the games we play. They look easier and sometimes they feel easier, but they are so much more difficult than we recognize. People play games for many reasons, but mostly they do it to protect and hide themselves. To create distance. To maintain control. To cover themselves in a thin sheen of lies - to which the Christian response is 'I can still see clear enough'. Not into the things of God you can't. The worst part is the excuses that pour forth, they come up in me when I struggle - it's from our flesh and the absolute inability to walk in truth. Games are hard, so shut 'em down. Walk away when they start - set a tone with which people can respond to. Many relationships in my life have standards that were built against games. I walk away from that which is not good. I've done it even more as a Christian. You can't shut out the world, or the people who God has placed in your life, but you can have expectations and limits. Don't just float around agreeing with all, unwilling to take any stand - build your character! Move forward in the things of God. Stop settling for a soap scum existence. God has so much more in store for me and for you!
All in all, soap scum is about taking responsibility for what we pick up and what we put down. Its about not cleaning stuff off our faith and its about trying to walk as if it doesn't matter. It does. The details matter. I don't want to just talk the talk of faith, I want to walk it out. We are going to make mistakes, only One was perfect on this earth, but we need keep our hearts clean. We need a strong faith to rely on - one that continually reaches for more. So my question is simple and not mine at all:
James 2:20
"But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?"
--> I don't want to live a foolish soap scum existence. I want to be a full-out Christian, not have the appearance of one. I want to live in Him.
Psalm 119:11
"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
--> That's a really powerful cry out to God verse! Putting the things of God into our hearts this way is how to be real in faith. To be stabilized. To be strengthened. Put your Word in our hearts, Lord. Let us know your voice from what we've stored there. Eject and purge everything else. Let us put stubbornness aside and let You work in us. Then strengthen us and build us up to work in You. For Your people, that You may bring them out of this world and into Your heart.
Psalm 119:119
"You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!"
Answer: It happens when we go for the unworthy stuff because it costs less. Let's be honest, the soap scum costs more, way way way more. It builds up and it starts binding to things. It infects. It costs us our walk. It costs us our life in Christ. If we don't stop the build-up that is.
And what is the build-up say you? Faith soap scum happens when we go for appearances. When we become fake or plastic Christians. When we say the right thing but feel nothing. When we hear without understanding. When we tithe out of obligation. When the people around us are a burden, not joyfully taken up in His love.
It also happens when we stop applying God to our daily lives - come on, what brings scum quicker than that? I know the minute I question the things of God the enemy brings lies to my door - those traps, those agreements that include twistings of God's Word, those 'do what's best for you' advisors. Shut those doors before they open! Rely on the Word in its entirety instead. Delve into it. Dig for truths. Stand firm in it.
Another soap scum faith challenge is the games we play. They look easier and sometimes they feel easier, but they are so much more difficult than we recognize. People play games for many reasons, but mostly they do it to protect and hide themselves. To create distance. To maintain control. To cover themselves in a thin sheen of lies - to which the Christian response is 'I can still see clear enough'. Not into the things of God you can't. The worst part is the excuses that pour forth, they come up in me when I struggle - it's from our flesh and the absolute inability to walk in truth. Games are hard, so shut 'em down. Walk away when they start - set a tone with which people can respond to. Many relationships in my life have standards that were built against games. I walk away from that which is not good. I've done it even more as a Christian. You can't shut out the world, or the people who God has placed in your life, but you can have expectations and limits. Don't just float around agreeing with all, unwilling to take any stand - build your character! Move forward in the things of God. Stop settling for a soap scum existence. God has so much more in store for me and for you!
All in all, soap scum is about taking responsibility for what we pick up and what we put down. Its about not cleaning stuff off our faith and its about trying to walk as if it doesn't matter. It does. The details matter. I don't want to just talk the talk of faith, I want to walk it out. We are going to make mistakes, only One was perfect on this earth, but we need keep our hearts clean. We need a strong faith to rely on - one that continually reaches for more. So my question is simple and not mine at all:
James 2:20
"But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?"
--> I don't want to live a foolish soap scum existence. I want to be a full-out Christian, not have the appearance of one. I want to live in Him.
Psalm 119:11
"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
--> That's a really powerful cry out to God verse! Putting the things of God into our hearts this way is how to be real in faith. To be stabilized. To be strengthened. Put your Word in our hearts, Lord. Let us know your voice from what we've stored there. Eject and purge everything else. Let us put stubbornness aside and let You work in us. Then strengthen us and build us up to work in You. For Your people, that You may bring them out of this world and into Your heart.
Psalm 119:119
"You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!"
Sunday 22 May 2011
Obedience & Arising & Contagious Victory by the Blood of Jesus
This morning Pastor Peter taught about the type of faith and obedience that was demonstrated through the Joseph of the Old Testament and the Joseph of the New Testament. Both men went through many trials and had much to overcome, but both were positioned to become obedient to God. No one likes to think of the difficulties that come with living daily for God, but they're there. They exist. We have been set apart from this world and in doing that we invite conflict into our lives. That conflict can build though - it can build through faith. I want to get continually stronger in God and I couldn't, or rather wouldn't, rely on Him if my life was picture perfect. Sure, we praise Him in the good things, but if they were continual we really would walk away - we would walk alone. Being for God always is the faith we work towards, not the one we walk out in our present lives. If we did we'd just be pulled up to Heaven now - no more world life required. The message was interesting, and more importantly it was thought-provoking. It made me think about fractals (what doesn't?) - about the importance of timing and about the intersections between all circumstances and all people. Which falls completely in line with the evening service...
Pastor Bryan preached tonight about the positions we can take as a Christian. It was really interesting. It was about how the mountains and valleys of life affect our position - and how we're called out of that mindset. It's true - we don't know God's plans. Who are we to give up when we feel like it? People that stop themselves from breakthroughs, that's who! Wow, that sounds like a line from a kids book - moving right along. Joshua was the focus of the message. He was a man who'd been given victories by God and who forgot, who felt himself unworthy - he was a man who in hopelessness lay down and stopped moving for God. Sure there were problems, when are there not, but God told him to get up:
Joshua 7:10
"So the Lord said to Joshua, 'Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face?'"
--> Despite circumstances we need to rise up! Are we children that need to be coddled and continually persuaded to follow God? No! We need to be mature in Christ. Joshua did get up. He got up and faced and defeated 31 kings. Does that sound like a breakthrough to anyone? It did tonight and if we keep it close to our hearts then during our struggles it will remain a breakthrough story. The other verse Pastor Bryan spoke on was:
Ephesians 6:13
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
--> Standing for God is important. It's where He wants us to be. This verse is full of responsibility - it puts us in the position of having to do everything we can to stand firm in God. I like that. Everyday of being a Christian is about making the choice to live for God. Stand because you know God's victory is around the corner. The service was about how both defeatist and victorious attitudes are contagious. So, we need to make the choice and declare God's victory. We need to see the truth of that past our situations, past ourselves.
The last thing I'll mention about the service is about circumstances. Pastor Bryan talked about having to recognize that God asks us to face different circumstances in different ways. Something that worked in the past will not work in the present. There is only one manual for Christian living and that, the Bible, describes all of the situations we can face. I wouldn't want to read it if it had the same response for everything - it wouldn't be God's Word. Yes, there's a consistency and a constant love, but it's a living book, not a dead one. We can't change it and we for surely can't make it simple. Anyways, the idea of different circumstances and responses made me think of the intersecting aspect of our lives on earth. Yes yes, again with the fractals. But seriously, of course we need to respond differently in all things. The amount of details on this earth are innumerable. God intersects all small, seemingly insignificant, details and uses them for His purposes. If you changed one part of my life before I got saved it would have been a different life. Every interaction we have and every struggle we go through gets put towards God's plan. How could we not be in awe of that? How could we not declare victory for that which we don't see? He will reign. We can rest on that. We can stand firm. In Him and Him alone.
Pastor Bryan preached tonight about the positions we can take as a Christian. It was really interesting. It was about how the mountains and valleys of life affect our position - and how we're called out of that mindset. It's true - we don't know God's plans. Who are we to give up when we feel like it? People that stop themselves from breakthroughs, that's who! Wow, that sounds like a line from a kids book - moving right along. Joshua was the focus of the message. He was a man who'd been given victories by God and who forgot, who felt himself unworthy - he was a man who in hopelessness lay down and stopped moving for God. Sure there were problems, when are there not, but God told him to get up:
Joshua 7:10
"So the Lord said to Joshua, 'Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face?'"
--> Despite circumstances we need to rise up! Are we children that need to be coddled and continually persuaded to follow God? No! We need to be mature in Christ. Joshua did get up. He got up and faced and defeated 31 kings. Does that sound like a breakthrough to anyone? It did tonight and if we keep it close to our hearts then during our struggles it will remain a breakthrough story. The other verse Pastor Bryan spoke on was:
Ephesians 6:13
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
--> Standing for God is important. It's where He wants us to be. This verse is full of responsibility - it puts us in the position of having to do everything we can to stand firm in God. I like that. Everyday of being a Christian is about making the choice to live for God. Stand because you know God's victory is around the corner. The service was about how both defeatist and victorious attitudes are contagious. So, we need to make the choice and declare God's victory. We need to see the truth of that past our situations, past ourselves.
The last thing I'll mention about the service is about circumstances. Pastor Bryan talked about having to recognize that God asks us to face different circumstances in different ways. Something that worked in the past will not work in the present. There is only one manual for Christian living and that, the Bible, describes all of the situations we can face. I wouldn't want to read it if it had the same response for everything - it wouldn't be God's Word. Yes, there's a consistency and a constant love, but it's a living book, not a dead one. We can't change it and we for surely can't make it simple. Anyways, the idea of different circumstances and responses made me think of the intersecting aspect of our lives on earth. Yes yes, again with the fractals. But seriously, of course we need to respond differently in all things. The amount of details on this earth are innumerable. God intersects all small, seemingly insignificant, details and uses them for His purposes. If you changed one part of my life before I got saved it would have been a different life. Every interaction we have and every struggle we go through gets put towards God's plan. How could we not be in awe of that? How could we not declare victory for that which we don't see? He will reign. We can rest on that. We can stand firm. In Him and Him alone.
Refreshed and Joyful aka REVIVAL
Acts 3:19-20
"Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus"
--> Seasons of refreshing. That's the core of revival. Refreshed from the Lord's presence, awakened to live for Him. That others might find Him. I love these words. The knowledge that Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, the joy of Heaven, the Savior, was sent for every single individual. He was sent for you. He was sent for me. Is that not refreshing? Does that not fill a person with awe? We were given love. Are we so hardened that we can't find a steadying joy in that? Joy with which to live for Him. We need to live it out.
Psalms 32:11
"Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, ye righteous; And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
Psalms 105:43
"And he brought forth his people with joy, And his chosen with singing."
Nehemiah 8:10
"for the joy of Jehovah is your strength."
"Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus"
--> Seasons of refreshing. That's the core of revival. Refreshed from the Lord's presence, awakened to live for Him. That others might find Him. I love these words. The knowledge that Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, the joy of Heaven, the Savior, was sent for every single individual. He was sent for you. He was sent for me. Is that not refreshing? Does that not fill a person with awe? We were given love. Are we so hardened that we can't find a steadying joy in that? Joy with which to live for Him. We need to live it out.
Psalms 32:11
"Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, ye righteous; And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."
Psalms 105:43
"And he brought forth his people with joy, And his chosen with singing."
Nehemiah 8:10
"for the joy of Jehovah is your strength."
Fear to Faith (the thinking way)
May 22nd, 2011 11:15 AM
John 12:42-43
"Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God."
--> What a horrible position to be in. One that I was in before I was saved. I knew that God was real, but chose to live apart from Him. Not set apart in Him, but separate from His love. I see that in the people in my life. In my family, in my friends, in my co-workers, and in the strangers I meet. I don't want to ever fall into that trap again, of living separate from God, and I desperately don't want that for these people. For these people that are supposed to being living as God's people.
The 'end of the world' fear that occurred yesterday was silly. It was people believing a lie because they DO know the truth. They know God is real, but were frightened because they didn't know Him. They didn't know that no one knows the final day, not even Jesus. Its God's set time and He alone knows it. All of these people worried and I hope that it's shed some light on their own beliefs.
1 John 2:21
"I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth."
Our society moves at the pace it does so that its members can exist without giving time to their own thoughts. Stay busy: to not think. Watch this: to not think. Always have noise going on: to not think. Take up the opinion of the last person you talked to: to not think. Care about celebrities: to not think. Talk only of surface things: to not think. Medicate yourself to sleep: to not think. It's scary, but it's true. Recognize the way you're thinking when you're making decisions. Learn the pathways of your brain. Know the reasons behind your actions. Stop and think. Believe something for yourself. In what other way can you have a foundation? These things are so much more important for a Christian to consider. We need a firm foundation for God in our lives. How else can we share it with unbelievers? We need our beliefs to be personal, otherwise how could we possibly try to move forward in a personal and meaningful relationship with God? That's when religion comes in - it takes away that depth. We let ourselves be comforted by surface beliefs and routines, when God is asking for our whole hearts! It's a lot, it's all, but what else can we offer? I don't want to give my second, third, fourth, or hundredth 'bests' --> I want to live an all or nothing life. I want to be all for God because I just can't be nothing anymore.
You can't go back after knowing Him. You can try, but you will fail. The Word says you'd be worse off and I know that to be true because I know the Bible to be true. Then the Holy Spirit gets ahold of you and even looking at what you came from and thinking about going back will have you shaking in your boots! Looking at choices and determining decisions based on an all or nothing faith is scary, but it's also real. More real than what happens when we try to fractionalize our faith. When we do that - look out - we've already lost the faith necessary to stand for God. He is good though. Always. No matter how far we go, repentance and a sincere heart can bring us back to Him. We can stand again. The people who know of God without knowing Him can stand, if they turn to Him with everything. That they would, Lord.
Galatians 4:9
"but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?"
2 Timothy 2:19
"Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
...AND LET YOURSELF THINK!!!
John 12:42-43
"Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God."
--> What a horrible position to be in. One that I was in before I was saved. I knew that God was real, but chose to live apart from Him. Not set apart in Him, but separate from His love. I see that in the people in my life. In my family, in my friends, in my co-workers, and in the strangers I meet. I don't want to ever fall into that trap again, of living separate from God, and I desperately don't want that for these people. For these people that are supposed to being living as God's people.
The 'end of the world' fear that occurred yesterday was silly. It was people believing a lie because they DO know the truth. They know God is real, but were frightened because they didn't know Him. They didn't know that no one knows the final day, not even Jesus. Its God's set time and He alone knows it. All of these people worried and I hope that it's shed some light on their own beliefs.
1 John 2:21
"I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth."
Our society moves at the pace it does so that its members can exist without giving time to their own thoughts. Stay busy: to not think. Watch this: to not think. Always have noise going on: to not think. Take up the opinion of the last person you talked to: to not think. Care about celebrities: to not think. Talk only of surface things: to not think. Medicate yourself to sleep: to not think. It's scary, but it's true. Recognize the way you're thinking when you're making decisions. Learn the pathways of your brain. Know the reasons behind your actions. Stop and think. Believe something for yourself. In what other way can you have a foundation? These things are so much more important for a Christian to consider. We need a firm foundation for God in our lives. How else can we share it with unbelievers? We need our beliefs to be personal, otherwise how could we possibly try to move forward in a personal and meaningful relationship with God? That's when religion comes in - it takes away that depth. We let ourselves be comforted by surface beliefs and routines, when God is asking for our whole hearts! It's a lot, it's all, but what else can we offer? I don't want to give my second, third, fourth, or hundredth 'bests' --> I want to live an all or nothing life. I want to be all for God because I just can't be nothing anymore.
You can't go back after knowing Him. You can try, but you will fail. The Word says you'd be worse off and I know that to be true because I know the Bible to be true. Then the Holy Spirit gets ahold of you and even looking at what you came from and thinking about going back will have you shaking in your boots! Looking at choices and determining decisions based on an all or nothing faith is scary, but it's also real. More real than what happens when we try to fractionalize our faith. When we do that - look out - we've already lost the faith necessary to stand for God. He is good though. Always. No matter how far we go, repentance and a sincere heart can bring us back to Him. We can stand again. The people who know of God without knowing Him can stand, if they turn to Him with everything. That they would, Lord.
Galatians 4:9
"but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?"
2 Timothy 2:19
"Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
I.Am.Random
May 21st, 2011 11:14 PM
Up, up, and away! I've been called random and a half often lately. I am quite random, I'll admit it.
Proverbs 15:24
"To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath."
'Stand Up' by Remedy Drive
--> It's time.
Up, up, and away! I've been called random and a half often lately. I am quite random, I'll admit it.
Proverbs 15:24
"To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath."
'Stand Up' by Remedy Drive
--> It's time.
Pulling Things Out (and putting things in)
May 21st, 2011 10:52 PM
Psalms 118:6-8
"Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? Jehovah is on my side among them that help me: Therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man."
--> Fear's been my thing since I was a kid. It was the one constant in my life. As such, there was comfort in it. That's so wrong. I've been trying to set it aside since I moved here, but now I just want it ripped from me. I don't want to be wrapped in it. I don't want it to have a place in every area of my life, in every area of my thoughts. I don't want it intertwined in my heart anymore. I want to change against my very core nature. I want to set aside the fears and routines I so deeply love with a twisted natural love. I want to love good things in the pure and strengthening way that God means us too. I want to live out the love depicted in Jesus's life. I will rely on Him. I will not numb myself. I will not rest on the words and opinions of mere men. I will not try to carry things myself. I will see the world through the Holy Spirit. I will be a light-giver by demonstrating and leading to the true life-giver. I will rely on Him. I trust in Him. I love Him. I will recognize His love for me. For the world.
Psalms 118:6-8
"Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? Jehovah is on my side among them that help me: Therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man."
--> Fear's been my thing since I was a kid. It was the one constant in my life. As such, there was comfort in it. That's so wrong. I've been trying to set it aside since I moved here, but now I just want it ripped from me. I don't want to be wrapped in it. I don't want it to have a place in every area of my life, in every area of my thoughts. I don't want it intertwined in my heart anymore. I want to change against my very core nature. I want to set aside the fears and routines I so deeply love with a twisted natural love. I want to love good things in the pure and strengthening way that God means us too. I want to live out the love depicted in Jesus's life. I will rely on Him. I will not numb myself. I will not rest on the words and opinions of mere men. I will not try to carry things myself. I will see the world through the Holy Spirit. I will be a light-giver by demonstrating and leading to the true life-giver. I will rely on Him. I trust in Him. I love Him. I will recognize His love for me. For the world.
God's Love Letter. To US!
My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
(Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
(Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways.
(Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
(Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image.
(Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being.
(Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring.
(Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived.
(Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation.
(Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
(Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
(Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
(Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
(Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
(Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
(1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
(1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
(1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
(Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect father.
(Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
(James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
(Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
(Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
(Psalms 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you.
(Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession.
(Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
(Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
(Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires.
(Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
(Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
(Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
(Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
(Revelation 21:3-4)
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
(John 17:26)
He is the exact representation of my being.
(Hebrews 1:3)
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
(Romans 8:31)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
(1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
(Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
(1 John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
(Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
(Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
(Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is…
Will you be my child?
(John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you.
(Luke 15:11-32)
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com
--> Wow. His love is so big. So great. So wondrous. So complete. So absolutely whole. So affirming. So undeserved. So much beyond what we can grasp. So powerful. So life changing. So... EVERYTHING.
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
(Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
(Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways.
(Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
(Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image.
(Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being.
(Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring.
(Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived.
(Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation.
(Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
(Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
(Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
(Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
(Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
(Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
(1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
(1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
(1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
(Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect father.
(Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
(James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
(Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
(Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
(Psalms 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you.
(Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession.
(Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
(Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
(Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires.
(Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
(Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
(Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
(Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
(Revelation 21:3-4)
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
(John 17:26)
He is the exact representation of my being.
(Hebrews 1:3)
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
(Romans 8:31)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
(1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
(Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
(1 John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
(Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
(Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
(Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is…
Will you be my child?
(John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you.
(Luke 15:11-32)
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com
--> Wow. His love is so big. So great. So wondrous. So complete. So absolutely whole. So affirming. So undeserved. So much beyond what we can grasp. So powerful. So life changing. So... EVERYTHING.
Follow His Voice. Importance of Words: Declared & Pure
May 20th, 2011 10:03 PM
John 10:27
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"
--> Only His.
Psalms 118:17
"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah."
Proverbs 15:26
"The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words."
--> Something to work towards. Pure life giving words.
John 10:27
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"
--> Only His.
Psalms 118:17
"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah."
Proverbs 15:26
"The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words."
--> Something to work towards. Pure life giving words.
Raised by God
May 19th, 2011 6:55 AM
Col 3:1-2
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth,"
We are in the life-long process of being raised by and to God. As a child I would have these God moments, these comfort moments really, ones in which I was wrapped in Him. That's really the beginning of my salvation - those God loves me moments that end up leading us to Him. Then, knowing that He loves us, we start getting built up in Christ. We grow. We set things aside. We pick up the responsibilities we have in Him. We change. We mature. We learn His Word. We stand firm. Then, when we have problems, we seek Him first. When we break or make a mistake, He's there:
Psalms 145:14
"Jehovah upholdeth all that fall, And raiseth up all those that are bowed down."
--> We will be caught in His love. Raised up in it. We will be alive in it. We have been saved in it. Loved in it.
I've got Gungor's 'Bright Day' in my head. We may not be there yet, but God's love is going to overwhelm everything else. Seriously. Scarily. Perfectly.
The truth of being lifted up by God when we fall always brings that 'Footprints' prayer into my head. I think I was about 12 when I first read that and it just grabbed me. I desperately wanted more and I knew the answer was God. I still wasn't willing to live for Him at that point, but I knew the truth of Him that I was trying to avoid. Reading the verse is so much more powerful. Knowing He's there in our struggles is key. It's how I first felt God and how I first started on the path to finding Him. I think about it whenever pain threatens to overwhelm people, because I know, without a doubt, that God's waiting for them to choose Him and accept His comfort. To let Him build them up in His great love.
Col 3:1-2
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth,"
We are in the life-long process of being raised by and to God. As a child I would have these God moments, these comfort moments really, ones in which I was wrapped in Him. That's really the beginning of my salvation - those God loves me moments that end up leading us to Him. Then, knowing that He loves us, we start getting built up in Christ. We grow. We set things aside. We pick up the responsibilities we have in Him. We change. We mature. We learn His Word. We stand firm. Then, when we have problems, we seek Him first. When we break or make a mistake, He's there:
Psalms 145:14
"Jehovah upholdeth all that fall, And raiseth up all those that are bowed down."
--> We will be caught in His love. Raised up in it. We will be alive in it. We have been saved in it. Loved in it.
I've got Gungor's 'Bright Day' in my head. We may not be there yet, but God's love is going to overwhelm everything else. Seriously. Scarily. Perfectly.
The truth of being lifted up by God when we fall always brings that 'Footprints' prayer into my head. I think I was about 12 when I first read that and it just grabbed me. I desperately wanted more and I knew the answer was God. I still wasn't willing to live for Him at that point, but I knew the truth of Him that I was trying to avoid. Reading the verse is so much more powerful. Knowing He's there in our struggles is key. It's how I first felt God and how I first started on the path to finding Him. I think about it whenever pain threatens to overwhelm people, because I know, without a doubt, that God's waiting for them to choose Him and accept His comfort. To let Him build them up in His great love.
Love. The True Way. Turning from the World to GOD. Accept Him because you're not the exception. He Loves.
May 18th, 2011 9:43 PM
Baptism of God's love. That's what Pastor Peter preached about tonight. It was a hard hitting one. I had a hard time even sitting still enough to listen. I am so unwilling to accept love. I repulse from it. I try to distance myself from it. From everyone that mentions it. I have been broken. We all have. We can only understand real love, perfect love, from our relationship with God. By positioning ourselves to know Him. By reading His love letter to us, dwelling in that the Word. By reading about Jesus, who eclipses every word and moment of the Bible, by recognizing that this truth and love is meant for us. Pastor Peter hit things head on for me - I am willing to accept God's love for others, but not for myself. I do have a tendency to believe others would have to be loved more than me. I am unworthy. I understand God's love only in relationship to the worldly love I've faced. It should be the other way around. The true way. Well. I want to claim that love that He offers us. It's for me too. I have been so desirous of seeking God's truth, but so completely unwilling to accept His love. I had this word string in my head: First obedience, then the truth of God, then the love. This was my faith string of words - I declared it as the path I was on. I feel like I got stuck in it, but I've been getting pushed into the third level - I've been quietly (otherwise I would have run) being built up in God's love. I still want to run, but I'm choosing to stand firm in it. To stand firm in all God has to offer, not just the bits and pieces I choose to accept. To stand firm in Him, for Him.
Baptism of God's love. That's what Pastor Peter preached about tonight. It was a hard hitting one. I had a hard time even sitting still enough to listen. I am so unwilling to accept love. I repulse from it. I try to distance myself from it. From everyone that mentions it. I have been broken. We all have. We can only understand real love, perfect love, from our relationship with God. By positioning ourselves to know Him. By reading His love letter to us, dwelling in that the Word. By reading about Jesus, who eclipses every word and moment of the Bible, by recognizing that this truth and love is meant for us. Pastor Peter hit things head on for me - I am willing to accept God's love for others, but not for myself. I do have a tendency to believe others would have to be loved more than me. I am unworthy. I understand God's love only in relationship to the worldly love I've faced. It should be the other way around. The true way. Well. I want to claim that love that He offers us. It's for me too. I have been so desirous of seeking God's truth, but so completely unwilling to accept His love. I had this word string in my head: First obedience, then the truth of God, then the love. This was my faith string of words - I declared it as the path I was on. I feel like I got stuck in it, but I've been getting pushed into the third level - I've been quietly (otherwise I would have run) being built up in God's love. I still want to run, but I'm choosing to stand firm in it. To stand firm in all God has to offer, not just the bits and pieces I choose to accept. To stand firm in Him, for Him.
My Dailies
May 18th, 2011 2:24 PM
John 10:16-18
"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father."
Wow. Daily Bible readings are cool. I used to try to go cover to cover. Started early, but never read into the Word. What a difference exists between reading and reading into. This is one of those bridging moments - where Jesus takes us all in. We were branched into the Promised Land. It says it was a must. A must for us to be brought forth to God. That God would let us into this is astounding. We were but stones desperately crying out for God. He included us in the saving sacrifice of His Son. Jesus chose us too. He laid down His life and three days later picked it up again. In victory!
John 10:16-18
"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father."
Wow. Daily Bible readings are cool. I used to try to go cover to cover. Started early, but never read into the Word. What a difference exists between reading and reading into. This is one of those bridging moments - where Jesus takes us all in. We were branched into the Promised Land. It says it was a must. A must for us to be brought forth to God. That God would let us into this is astounding. We were but stones desperately crying out for God. He included us in the saving sacrifice of His Son. Jesus chose us too. He laid down His life and three days later picked it up again. In victory!
Early Walks
May 18th, 2011 6:55 AM
Just got back from an hour walk with Mr. Si. The first of many morning outings. He's a great kid, pardon my auntie talk, he's a a great youngish man. I finally feel awake. This is going to be a great way to start my days. Awake and just alive to live for God. Funny things: So, Julian Smith is Mr. Si's favourite comedian and 'JUMP' is one of my favourites of his videos. Though I find actually leapfrogging uncool, I love being around it and would laugh myself out of commission if I saw it. Anyways, Mr. Si really wanted to leapfrog up a hill. I, being the awesome aunt that I am, acquiesced to his dream. It was bad. The kid told me he could jump over his friend while the friend was standing up. I should have remembered his height challenged kicking abilities. Either way, bad. His enthusiastic miss threw his camera quite far away. Of course, being that we are family, his camera landed in water. Sad, but true. The rest of it: just plain funny. Next time though, I wish it to be less muddy out. My new (old) shoes sure got broken in and soaking wet socks are just not cool. Well, actually technically speaking they were quite cool, but uncomfortable nonetheless. I should explain my new (old) system because it's a family thing, or maybe just a crazy thing, but I can't use or wear anything I buy or am given until at least a year has passed. I know I'm weird, but if I love something I save it. My sister does the same thing. It drives our parents bonkers! Whahaha! I love them, but Whahahaha!
This Blog's Name (that sounds like a random song)
May 16th, 2011 6:50 PM
Proverbs 2:7-8
"He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them that walk in integrity; That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints."
A shield for us! For us! If there's one thing in the Bible I need to hold onto it's this - that God gives us only and all good things. He's for us when we live for Him. He's for us even before we make that choice, but we're not in a position to accept it. We are a stubborn collection of people. We fight so hard for free will, for control. The harder that we fight the more we are controlled by the desire to do so. We get wrapped up in it, bound in our quest for freedom. Controlled by what we are fighting against. Freedom comes only through God. From surrender to more than ourselves. We run until we can run no longer. We fight until we tire. We hate God, until we're desperate for Him. Then and only then we reach for God. Despite everything we've done against Him, and every way we've tried to avoid Him, He accepts us. He loves us. He encourages us to grow in Him. He becomes everything. He is everything, but only when we put ourselves aside. I'm stubborn enough that I try do this in bits and pieces, which is why the name of this is a warning and a promise. Bits and pieces will give way to wholly. Wholly for Him. Wholly His. His desire for us, our desire for freedom in Him. Running towards this epic and awesome love. Towards every good thing. Towards everything worth anything. Wholly pursuing God.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end."
Proverbs 2:7-8
"He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them that walk in integrity; That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints."
A shield for us! For us! If there's one thing in the Bible I need to hold onto it's this - that God gives us only and all good things. He's for us when we live for Him. He's for us even before we make that choice, but we're not in a position to accept it. We are a stubborn collection of people. We fight so hard for free will, for control. The harder that we fight the more we are controlled by the desire to do so. We get wrapped up in it, bound in our quest for freedom. Controlled by what we are fighting against. Freedom comes only through God. From surrender to more than ourselves. We run until we can run no longer. We fight until we tire. We hate God, until we're desperate for Him. Then and only then we reach for God. Despite everything we've done against Him, and every way we've tried to avoid Him, He accepts us. He loves us. He encourages us to grow in Him. He becomes everything. He is everything, but only when we put ourselves aside. I'm stubborn enough that I try do this in bits and pieces, which is why the name of this is a warning and a promise. Bits and pieces will give way to wholly. Wholly for Him. Wholly His. His desire for us, our desire for freedom in Him. Running towards this epic and awesome love. Towards every good thing. Towards everything worth anything. Wholly pursuing God.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end."
Promises: Wisdom and Truths
May 14th, 2011 4:18 PM
Proverbs 2:10-12
"For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things"
A heart so overflowing with the things of God that it's completely delivered from the way of evil. Kept alive in such things as wisdom, pleasant knowledge, discretion, and understanding. All good things through God who saves. Kept from the evil spoken at us too. Keep apart from the lies we face - that's what I want to walk in. It's done with both good and bad intentions - people twisting things of truth. I hate it. We will face it always though, we just have to know how to deal. I keep thinking on the the lies Jesus faced. His family told Him to promote himself before God's time had been set in motion, all of the charges brought against Him were false, He was betrayed by one disciple, and He was denied by others. Only after He was raised from the dead did the truth fully reign. Still, Jesus was perfect in His responses to the lies He faced. He faced the situations depicted in the Bible with love and grace and, when necessary, with righteous anger. Righteous anger is so much more weighty than the natural, emotional, fleshly anger we have to fight against. What an example and way to live. To live after One doing God's work fully. To follow One who died to give us a life with our Father God.
John 8:46-47
"Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God."
--> We need to recognize truth. We can't be for God without having truth prevalent in our lives and in our hearts. We need to be of God.
Proverbs 2:10-12
"For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things"
A heart so overflowing with the things of God that it's completely delivered from the way of evil. Kept alive in such things as wisdom, pleasant knowledge, discretion, and understanding. All good things through God who saves. Kept from the evil spoken at us too. Keep apart from the lies we face - that's what I want to walk in. It's done with both good and bad intentions - people twisting things of truth. I hate it. We will face it always though, we just have to know how to deal. I keep thinking on the the lies Jesus faced. His family told Him to promote himself before God's time had been set in motion, all of the charges brought against Him were false, He was betrayed by one disciple, and He was denied by others. Only after He was raised from the dead did the truth fully reign. Still, Jesus was perfect in His responses to the lies He faced. He faced the situations depicted in the Bible with love and grace and, when necessary, with righteous anger. Righteous anger is so much more weighty than the natural, emotional, fleshly anger we have to fight against. What an example and way to live. To live after One doing God's work fully. To follow One who died to give us a life with our Father God.
John 8:46-47
"Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God."
--> We need to recognize truth. We can't be for God without having truth prevalent in our lives and in our hearts. We need to be of God.
Church Cleaning Hijinks
May 14th, 2011 2:18 PM
Church cleaning. It happened. Was fun. Took the gunk off of the chairs in the classrooms. Couldn't wrap my head around the fact that that much dirt came off a kid. Glue and snot I get, pure dirt not so much. Evil laughed with people - awkward to do in Church - rename? Hilariously laughed it is! Karate fought with one person, tickled another down, and chased back yet another. Altogether was annoying most of the day. Will have to work on that. Awkward walking and waving are the things I don't regret - those will stand. Grabbed some KFC with Jenn and Sunshine. Watched Gilmore Girls with Nieceamine. Set up the basement with Mr. Si. Alphabetized DVDs with Mr. Si and Mister Chuckles. Pretty productive day, except that I didn't clean my room. Soon.
Church cleaning. It happened. Was fun. Took the gunk off of the chairs in the classrooms. Couldn't wrap my head around the fact that that much dirt came off a kid. Glue and snot I get, pure dirt not so much. Evil laughed with people - awkward to do in Church - rename? Hilariously laughed it is! Karate fought with one person, tickled another down, and chased back yet another. Altogether was annoying most of the day. Will have to work on that. Awkward walking and waving are the things I don't regret - those will stand. Grabbed some KFC with Jenn and Sunshine. Watched Gilmore Girls with Nieceamine. Set up the basement with Mr. Si. Alphabetized DVDs with Mr. Si and Mister Chuckles. Pretty productive day, except that I didn't clean my room. Soon.
Cashier pet peeves.
May 13th, 2011 11:49 AM
People that lick their money before giving it to you (especially if they're looking at you - weird). People that put their full baskets on the cash - I'm short enough already and pulling heavy stuff out of it is just awkward. People that stack their items in piles on top of each other - they're going to topple on me. Avid belt button pushers - your stuff is going to get smushed. Touchy people - I don't know you - don't grab my hand when I give you change! People that put items they don't want on the ground - I don't care what you leave just stop making such a mess - and don't do that with cold stuff! You're ripping the store off or you're getting someone sick! All of this stuff makes me laugh when not working, but today it's too much. People are not taking any responsibility for themselves. They want what they want when they want it. I get that being a customer is frustrating sometimes, that you have to wait in a line and spend your hard earned money. It's sucky, but step up. I complain, I complain - but I had some great customers today. My favorite really old guy who does the best sound effects ever, one really loud guy who was hilarious, some really nice ladies, cute babies, a lady who's a burger eater who wrote my name down because I told her I'd try the ones on sale, and a glad man who has this signature move which I call 'The Startle' - it's the best thing ever! Oh, this world of ups and downs. It's really in the moments. In how we respond to everyone. Are you going to be a grump or a light-giver? Either way - make your decision and don't be fake about it. I hate fake. Rant over. Attitude over. Break over. Back to scaring people with my tone-deaf singing skills.
People that lick their money before giving it to you (especially if they're looking at you - weird). People that put their full baskets on the cash - I'm short enough already and pulling heavy stuff out of it is just awkward. People that stack their items in piles on top of each other - they're going to topple on me. Avid belt button pushers - your stuff is going to get smushed. Touchy people - I don't know you - don't grab my hand when I give you change! People that put items they don't want on the ground - I don't care what you leave just stop making such a mess - and don't do that with cold stuff! You're ripping the store off or you're getting someone sick! All of this stuff makes me laugh when not working, but today it's too much. People are not taking any responsibility for themselves. They want what they want when they want it. I get that being a customer is frustrating sometimes, that you have to wait in a line and spend your hard earned money. It's sucky, but step up. I complain, I complain - but I had some great customers today. My favorite really old guy who does the best sound effects ever, one really loud guy who was hilarious, some really nice ladies, cute babies, a lady who's a burger eater who wrote my name down because I told her I'd try the ones on sale, and a glad man who has this signature move which I call 'The Startle' - it's the best thing ever! Oh, this world of ups and downs. It's really in the moments. In how we respond to everyone. Are you going to be a grump or a light-giver? Either way - make your decision and don't be fake about it. I hate fake. Rant over. Attitude over. Break over. Back to scaring people with my tone-deaf singing skills.
Transitioning Knowledge & Revival (WE REACH!)
May 12th, 2011 8:03 AM
"The fountains of sin need to be broken up. In a true revival Christians are always brought under such convictions; they see their sins in such a light, that they often find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God" - Charles Finney
--> Last night Pastor shared part four of the 'Transitioning your Knowledge' series - such a weighty and surely bringing down the fire topic. Today I've just been resting on it. He talked about Job and how the closer be got to God, the less he felt he knew Him. I like that. It's so true. While we need to be constantly walking towards God, actually more like desperately running towards Him, we also need to be in awe of Him. He is so far beyond us, but even reaching out to grasp Him can save everyone. Like when the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch but the hem of Jesus's garment. She, and we as a people, are desperate for the things of God. We do lose hope and we believe ourselves unworthy, but still we reach out. In desperation, in our hurts and in our failures, we still reach out to God. We are unworthy, but we reach. We are sinners, but we reach. We run from truth, but still we reach. With everything we are, we reach. And in that reaching, in that acknowledgement of our humanity, we move closer to God and He overwhelms the bad. We become teachable. We become steady. We become light-bearers of His truth. In spite of ourselves. It is powerful. It is life-giving. It is worth all.
1 Samuel 12:20-22
"And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not; ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart: and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain. For Jehovah will not forsake his people for his great name's sake, because it hath pleased Jehovah to make you a people unto himself."
In terms of the service, I just felt a shift. An alignment in the way we approach God. Pastor asked us to dedicate the 31 days left until the feast of Tabernacles to the study of Proverbs 2. A mapping ground to knowing God. What a powerful way to enter into such a season. He spoke about how God's plan in taking the Israelites to the Promised Land was more than that - how He was building a people completely and totally for Him. A people that He could dwell among. A people that would live just as He said. That would move when He moved and stay when He dwelt. That was such a powerful image. I always end up going back to my 'fractal' word to place myself in a position of learning with the things of God. It works here too. His plan is just so much bigger, complex, and just so completely whole that we can't grasp it. I think that's what happened with Job, really with all those who determinedly walked towards His presence. The more pieces of God's good plan, of His absolute glory, that are revealed to us - the more we know there is. There's talk about people being like icebergs with 90% of themselves being unknown and under the surface, but if it were so with God, I believe knowing even a percent would threaten to overload our systems - that is, if we were living in the world's system. That percentage can only climb higher when we stop ourselves and just rely on Him. It's something we should work towards though. Imagine dying because of His presence. We are slain by the Spirit daily, but physically - wow. In the meantime, God's pulling stuff out and like Pastor said we've got to fill those empty spaces up before they are full of darkness again. To fill them with the light of the Word and with the lifeblood of Jesus.
John 7:24
"Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly."
Proverbs 2:9
"Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, yea, every good path."
--> In studying Proverbs 2, I picked out this verse as one I really want to start living out. When we follow those 'if's' Pastor laid out, when we listen to a word or revelation with ears to hear, when we find it in and dwell amongst the Word, when we understand it and know it so well that it gets imprinted in our hearts, and when we're ready to give our voice to glorify God, then what is not open to us? Nothing can come against what is so firmly and complexly planted in us. We will be steady in the things of God. It says every good path will be open to us. What a word He has given us. We live for Him, to know and understand Him and He opens every good path to us. Who would want to walk down a rough and tumble path when one that is of God is open to us? The old ones will be unused and start being filled with overgrowth. An overgrowth that removes them as options for our lives. In working to know God, we stop the problems that we create for ourselves. We can put mindsets aside. We can live an existence in which we work wholly towards Him. As Pastor said, to live that way is to open up the way we really need to work. The way we're called to. We will work by abandoning ourselves. We will work by pushing for the things of God. By helping others see their need of Him. By building people up in Christ. By using words that give life and not death. How much better is the work of God then the work of the world? Infinitely. Every good path found in Him.
"The fountains of sin need to be broken up. In a true revival Christians are always brought under such convictions; they see their sins in such a light, that they often find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God" - Charles Finney
--> Last night Pastor shared part four of the 'Transitioning your Knowledge' series - such a weighty and surely bringing down the fire topic. Today I've just been resting on it. He talked about Job and how the closer be got to God, the less he felt he knew Him. I like that. It's so true. While we need to be constantly walking towards God, actually more like desperately running towards Him, we also need to be in awe of Him. He is so far beyond us, but even reaching out to grasp Him can save everyone. Like when the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch but the hem of Jesus's garment. She, and we as a people, are desperate for the things of God. We do lose hope and we believe ourselves unworthy, but still we reach out. In desperation, in our hurts and in our failures, we still reach out to God. We are unworthy, but we reach. We are sinners, but we reach. We run from truth, but still we reach. With everything we are, we reach. And in that reaching, in that acknowledgement of our humanity, we move closer to God and He overwhelms the bad. We become teachable. We become steady. We become light-bearers of His truth. In spite of ourselves. It is powerful. It is life-giving. It is worth all.
1 Samuel 12:20-22
"And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not; ye have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, but serve Jehovah with all your heart: and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain. For Jehovah will not forsake his people for his great name's sake, because it hath pleased Jehovah to make you a people unto himself."
In terms of the service, I just felt a shift. An alignment in the way we approach God. Pastor asked us to dedicate the 31 days left until the feast of Tabernacles to the study of Proverbs 2. A mapping ground to knowing God. What a powerful way to enter into such a season. He spoke about how God's plan in taking the Israelites to the Promised Land was more than that - how He was building a people completely and totally for Him. A people that He could dwell among. A people that would live just as He said. That would move when He moved and stay when He dwelt. That was such a powerful image. I always end up going back to my 'fractal' word to place myself in a position of learning with the things of God. It works here too. His plan is just so much bigger, complex, and just so completely whole that we can't grasp it. I think that's what happened with Job, really with all those who determinedly walked towards His presence. The more pieces of God's good plan, of His absolute glory, that are revealed to us - the more we know there is. There's talk about people being like icebergs with 90% of themselves being unknown and under the surface, but if it were so with God, I believe knowing even a percent would threaten to overload our systems - that is, if we were living in the world's system. That percentage can only climb higher when we stop ourselves and just rely on Him. It's something we should work towards though. Imagine dying because of His presence. We are slain by the Spirit daily, but physically - wow. In the meantime, God's pulling stuff out and like Pastor said we've got to fill those empty spaces up before they are full of darkness again. To fill them with the light of the Word and with the lifeblood of Jesus.
John 7:24
"Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly."
Proverbs 2:9
"Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, yea, every good path."
--> In studying Proverbs 2, I picked out this verse as one I really want to start living out. When we follow those 'if's' Pastor laid out, when we listen to a word or revelation with ears to hear, when we find it in and dwell amongst the Word, when we understand it and know it so well that it gets imprinted in our hearts, and when we're ready to give our voice to glorify God, then what is not open to us? Nothing can come against what is so firmly and complexly planted in us. We will be steady in the things of God. It says every good path will be open to us. What a word He has given us. We live for Him, to know and understand Him and He opens every good path to us. Who would want to walk down a rough and tumble path when one that is of God is open to us? The old ones will be unused and start being filled with overgrowth. An overgrowth that removes them as options for our lives. In working to know God, we stop the problems that we create for ourselves. We can put mindsets aside. We can live an existence in which we work wholly towards Him. As Pastor said, to live that way is to open up the way we really need to work. The way we're called to. We will work by abandoning ourselves. We will work by pushing for the things of God. By helping others see their need of Him. By building people up in Christ. By using words that give life and not death. How much better is the work of God then the work of the world? Infinitely. Every good path found in Him.
His Presence and our choices
May 11th, 2011 4:17 PM
Psalm 107:43
"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
--> I know His presence was and is and will be part of my life. I wouldn't and couldn't exist without Him. At all. I need to know that He's in charge. I need to know that I will obey and move forth in Him. To know Him. I need to die every single day and awake in the knowledge that I have to live for Him. There's no real choice left in this for me - there never really is when you recognize the past and what God has brought His believers through and to. Through death and sin to the ever-present glory and full-out love of God. What choice could compare? None. Ever. I choose Him.
2 Timothy 2:21
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work after righteousness, faith, love, pace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
--> Heart work. That heart vision with Proverbs 4:23 is tied with this verse. A heart. Purged and cleaned. Ready for the things of God.
Psalm 107:43
"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord."
--> I know His presence was and is and will be part of my life. I wouldn't and couldn't exist without Him. At all. I need to know that He's in charge. I need to know that I will obey and move forth in Him. To know Him. I need to die every single day and awake in the knowledge that I have to live for Him. There's no real choice left in this for me - there never really is when you recognize the past and what God has brought His believers through and to. Through death and sin to the ever-present glory and full-out love of God. What choice could compare? None. Ever. I choose Him.
2 Timothy 2:21
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work after righteousness, faith, love, pace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
--> Heart work. That heart vision with Proverbs 4:23 is tied with this verse. A heart. Purged and cleaned. Ready for the things of God.
The death of preservatives
May 10th, 2011 10:17 PM
Cinnamon Jolly Ranchers candies! Classic deliciousness! Fort Frances style - I haven't been able to find them here. Found them in Florida though! They're the only candy I have left. My stash is empty! I love them, but when they're done, I'm done. That's right - it's time for another Lisa cut out the sweets season. I'm a cold turkey girl - I have an easily addicted personality and no sugar portion control - if it's there I'll eat it. I knew I'd put a year aside after I moved here when I didn't have to worry about food or weight. I needed it. I want to get healthy for my own sake - I didn't want it to have the same controlling aspects as it had in the past. Weight is my last physical hiding place. It's been such a defense for me. An issue that could rule over all of my other issues. One that could get attacked without hitting the real stuff. I've been here almost 9 months now. I'm ready to start getting healthy. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. Mostly though, I want to stop hiding. To move forward. I'm still good for homemade stuff, but I'm done with all this processed junk. I don't want dye and preservatives and a whole whack of chemicals in me anymore. And I can't have greasy things because of my acid reflux, so I think I'm in it for the long haul. Plus, I'm getting my sleep in order and walking with my nephew every weekday starting Monday. Poor him, I'm a bear in the mornings. It's a full health-fest for me. Maybe I'll even start eating breakfast. Wait, too many things at once. Actually, not so. I can do this. New things.
Cinnamon Jolly Ranchers candies! Classic deliciousness! Fort Frances style - I haven't been able to find them here. Found them in Florida though! They're the only candy I have left. My stash is empty! I love them, but when they're done, I'm done. That's right - it's time for another Lisa cut out the sweets season. I'm a cold turkey girl - I have an easily addicted personality and no sugar portion control - if it's there I'll eat it. I knew I'd put a year aside after I moved here when I didn't have to worry about food or weight. I needed it. I want to get healthy for my own sake - I didn't want it to have the same controlling aspects as it had in the past. Weight is my last physical hiding place. It's been such a defense for me. An issue that could rule over all of my other issues. One that could get attacked without hitting the real stuff. I've been here almost 9 months now. I'm ready to start getting healthy. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. Mostly though, I want to stop hiding. To move forward. I'm still good for homemade stuff, but I'm done with all this processed junk. I don't want dye and preservatives and a whole whack of chemicals in me anymore. And I can't have greasy things because of my acid reflux, so I think I'm in it for the long haul. Plus, I'm getting my sleep in order and walking with my nephew every weekday starting Monday. Poor him, I'm a bear in the mornings. It's a full health-fest for me. Maybe I'll even start eating breakfast. Wait, too many things at once. Actually, not so. I can do this. New things.
Randomness (and grocery store tetris)
May 10th, 2011 8:32 PM
Tuesday, Tuesday. Say what! It was a good day. Last night I closed at work. I hated it. Night shoppers are rushy and stressed out, while day ones are open to fun times. I had 'em. I played my ever present game of Tetris with people's purchases - yes this oddly shaped multi-colored item will fit there. I danced. I sang a Christmas song - well, I may have sung a Christmas song. Without words. I couldn't remember them. Apparently it doesn't sound like a Christmas song - my fellow workers called it a Scottish or Gaelic ballad. They were not impressed by it or by the fact that there are 229 days left until Christmas. To make matters worse I now forget even the melody - I can't prove that I'm (w)right. Sad. Moving right along, that's it. My day in a nutshell. And now I move into the evening - at the end of which I will sleep for more than 3 hours for the first time in 4 nights! Onwards I go!
Tuesday, Tuesday. Say what! It was a good day. Last night I closed at work. I hated it. Night shoppers are rushy and stressed out, while day ones are open to fun times. I had 'em. I played my ever present game of Tetris with people's purchases - yes this oddly shaped multi-colored item will fit there. I danced. I sang a Christmas song - well, I may have sung a Christmas song. Without words. I couldn't remember them. Apparently it doesn't sound like a Christmas song - my fellow workers called it a Scottish or Gaelic ballad. They were not impressed by it or by the fact that there are 229 days left until Christmas. To make matters worse I now forget even the melody - I can't prove that I'm (w)right. Sad. Moving right along, that's it. My day in a nutshell. And now I move into the evening - at the end of which I will sleep for more than 3 hours for the first time in 4 nights! Onwards I go!
Failures
May 8th, 2011 11:38 PM
Christians that fail. It happens. Today's services about seeking knowledge from God's word hit well. The importance of building the foundation of our lives on God's word. When we don't - that's when we fail. That's when we try to rely on the natural. Thats when we start to believe in anything but the truth. When we try to be built up by mankind - we lose. Any and all relationships cannot be lasting or fruitful without God. We have to seek God, not glory for us or for others. I don't want be be full of reverence for a person, to pin my hopes and dreams and worth on my family and others in my life. Those relationship are meaningful and I'm trying to be respectful in saying that I want to live a life with reverence for God alone.
John 5:43-44
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?"
John 12:43-46
"for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God. And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that beholdeth me beholdeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness."
John 7:18
"He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."
--> It's so easy to turn to away from recognizing God's role in our lives. We're supposed to find value in Him. The darkness of this world is most dominant in our lives while we try to find a place in it. We've been set apart for God's purposes. There is nothing outside of God that is worthy of glory. We lose when we move away from that. Jesus came to pull us out of that. We need to trust in God.
Joshua 24:15
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah."
Philemon 1:14
"but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will."
--> We need to choose Him for ourselves. Free will. We can't choose to believe for others and neither can we force people to conform to our beliefs. We need to stand in truth, to let God reign without muddying up His shining light with our sin stained hands. Serving God is such a privilege, not something to be taken lightly. It's a responsibility. It's difficult. It's a choice He gives us. It's worth everything. Worth all of us.
Christians that fail. It happens. Today's services about seeking knowledge from God's word hit well. The importance of building the foundation of our lives on God's word. When we don't - that's when we fail. That's when we try to rely on the natural. Thats when we start to believe in anything but the truth. When we try to be built up by mankind - we lose. Any and all relationships cannot be lasting or fruitful without God. We have to seek God, not glory for us or for others. I don't want be be full of reverence for a person, to pin my hopes and dreams and worth on my family and others in my life. Those relationship are meaningful and I'm trying to be respectful in saying that I want to live a life with reverence for God alone.
John 5:43-44
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?"
John 12:43-46
"for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God. And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that beholdeth me beholdeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness."
John 7:18
"He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."
--> It's so easy to turn to away from recognizing God's role in our lives. We're supposed to find value in Him. The darkness of this world is most dominant in our lives while we try to find a place in it. We've been set apart for God's purposes. There is nothing outside of God that is worthy of glory. We lose when we move away from that. Jesus came to pull us out of that. We need to trust in God.
Joshua 24:15
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah."
Philemon 1:14
"but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will."
--> We need to choose Him for ourselves. Free will. We can't choose to believe for others and neither can we force people to conform to our beliefs. We need to stand in truth, to let God reign without muddying up His shining light with our sin stained hands. Serving God is such a privilege, not something to be taken lightly. It's a responsibility. It's difficult. It's a choice He gives us. It's worth everything. Worth all of us.
Transitioning your Knowledge
May 8th, 2011 12:24 PM
Service was great! Transitioning your knowledge. Responsibility. Stuff I needed to hear. Stuff that's been rolling around inside of me for quite some time. Stepping up and out of the muck and seeking God first - seeking God fully. Hard stuff. The stuff that makes or breaks us Christians - the way we're supposed to be challenged daily. To step out of the world. To step out of religion. To step out of ourselves. To step into God. To step in line with His plan. To step into a love that challenges everything else from a God who desperately wants us to grow in Him. To step into what matters, or at least what should matter. To breakthrough. To be for God. To push for others. To be a light in this world of lost people. A world full of His people - desperate in their need for Him. Running from the love and the type of life He offers everyone. Every single person. The world can look like a sad place, but it doesn't when we recognize the difference of God. That difference - the one He makes with the lives given to Him is one full of hope. Pure and not ever simple hope. We need to die for Him daily. To be adopted by God. Worth it we can't be, but still this and so much more is given freely to us. A gift without strings.
Romans 8:13-17
"for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him."
Running out of Time - BarlowGirl
--> We need to choose and live our decisions out!
Service was great! Transitioning your knowledge. Responsibility. Stuff I needed to hear. Stuff that's been rolling around inside of me for quite some time. Stepping up and out of the muck and seeking God first - seeking God fully. Hard stuff. The stuff that makes or breaks us Christians - the way we're supposed to be challenged daily. To step out of the world. To step out of religion. To step out of ourselves. To step into God. To step in line with His plan. To step into a love that challenges everything else from a God who desperately wants us to grow in Him. To step into what matters, or at least what should matter. To breakthrough. To be for God. To push for others. To be a light in this world of lost people. A world full of His people - desperate in their need for Him. Running from the love and the type of life He offers everyone. Every single person. The world can look like a sad place, but it doesn't when we recognize the difference of God. That difference - the one He makes with the lives given to Him is one full of hope. Pure and not ever simple hope. We need to die for Him daily. To be adopted by God. Worth it we can't be, but still this and so much more is given freely to us. A gift without strings.
Romans 8:13-17
"for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him."
Running out of Time - BarlowGirl
--> We need to choose and live our decisions out!
Coffee House: The Rant
May 7th, 2011 10:35 AM
Oh maple fudge. The most Canadian of the fudge choices out there. I hate you. I love you too, but mostly I hate you. So last night was the Coffee House at the Church to raise money for 'Run with Purpose' that raises money for the 'Guatemala Orphans Destiny' - which is just a great cause and rather impossible to say no to. Plus, the ticket salespersons were rather aggressive - I'll say no names but anyone that comes at me in a surprise mode and says 'BUY THIS' - will get me - it was too hilariously done. Plus, I'm a bit of a sucker. I'm just saying. Either way - as awkward as I can be, I still had a great time - they put together an awesome show! Anyways - I go to this event thinking I don't drink coffee so I'll be good - not super hyper or anything - enter the maple fudge. It was just sitting there. One of my favourite things. So, I took that little piece and decided to love on it. It was good and times went well. I ate it slowly to avoid a blood sugar crazy person reaction. I tried, I failed. I was still up at like 4:45 this morning. Rolling back and forth in my bed - telling myself to go to sleep. That never works. At first I thought I would blame the maple fudge maker, but it was just so tasty, so instead I turn my blame towards my ticket salesperson... mostly because I don't know who the maple fudge maker is - I hate anonymity. The ticket seller doesn't know what's going to be coming at them - the depth of my sugar induced hyperness will be coming at them - not now, that would be too easy, but one day. Oh, I almost feel pity for them - they so know not me or my craziness. That said, this may be fun!
Oh maple fudge. The most Canadian of the fudge choices out there. I hate you. I love you too, but mostly I hate you. So last night was the Coffee House at the Church to raise money for 'Run with Purpose' that raises money for the 'Guatemala Orphans Destiny' - which is just a great cause and rather impossible to say no to. Plus, the ticket salespersons were rather aggressive - I'll say no names but anyone that comes at me in a surprise mode and says 'BUY THIS' - will get me - it was too hilariously done. Plus, I'm a bit of a sucker. I'm just saying. Either way - as awkward as I can be, I still had a great time - they put together an awesome show! Anyways - I go to this event thinking I don't drink coffee so I'll be good - not super hyper or anything - enter the maple fudge. It was just sitting there. One of my favourite things. So, I took that little piece and decided to love on it. It was good and times went well. I ate it slowly to avoid a blood sugar crazy person reaction. I tried, I failed. I was still up at like 4:45 this morning. Rolling back and forth in my bed - telling myself to go to sleep. That never works. At first I thought I would blame the maple fudge maker, but it was just so tasty, so instead I turn my blame towards my ticket salesperson... mostly because I don't know who the maple fudge maker is - I hate anonymity. The ticket seller doesn't know what's going to be coming at them - the depth of my sugar induced hyperness will be coming at them - not now, that would be too easy, but one day. Oh, I almost feel pity for them - they so know not me or my craziness. That said, this may be fun!
The Red Sea: Closed.
May 6th, 2011 9:19 AM
The parental units are for surely moving! House sold and they're moving into a condo. To be brutally honest I've always hated the house, but still it's weird. I think my problem is that it feels like I have no fall back plan. Obviously I'm still quite uncomfortable here and I just had Ottawa as a safety place in my head - like going back couldn't be called running because I've already been there for most of my life - that I could call it the great return or something. In reality, I've known that I can't go back since almost the moment I got here, but still some strings are just hard to break. Even my family doesn't want me back (not in a bad way) - they want me in a position where I'll grow ... as long as that takes form in a stable and well-paying full-time job soon. I need that too. Pastor preached awhile ago about God having to physically cut His people's past away because they would always try to return to them - like when He closed the red sea behind them - that it wasn't just to stop those chasing them but because He knew our weaknesses. Sure enough they wanted to go back. With every difference, challenge or situation they faced they told themselves that things had and would be better in Egypt. They constantly wanted to go back. I have to stop. I have to stop trying to go back to the friendships and physical places of my past - especially in my head - where rose-colored glasses threaten to reign more than anywhere else. I said this year would be about moving constantly forward towards the things of God. I can't afford to look back, or drag myself to a full stop, I want to be in the place God wants me to be. No more catching up. The past is finished, done, closed for business. As the red sea blocks the path back to Egypt, so too have barriers been raised to keep me from going back to Ottawa. Back. Backwards. Backsliding. I may be trying to run to God, but it's a mighty big difference then the running from His truth as I backslide kind of running. If we run for and to Him - He builds a firm foundation ahead of us - knowing exactly when and where we'll be. If we run away from Him, He lets us. He knows when and where we'll be, but we've always had the choice to live alone, to live away from Him, so He feels that pain and He has to keep Himself away - for us. Imagine doing that when a loved one spirals - doing nothing - hard isn't it, almost impossible, but when you've given them every opportunity - stepped in and saved them innumerable times - it just comes to a point where it's their choice - live or die - they need to grow. It's still hard to imagine letting go completely - even when it's necessary - how much harder for an all powerful and all loving God. One who loves us so much we can't even fully feel or comprehend it. I feel firm in God. I just need to let myself feel firm in the present and in the future. To hear the rushing waters of the closing red sea of my past roar in my ears. That the sound would wash away what needs to be washed away. A past intact, but free from strings, drawings, or power - one that can be told only to give glory to Him that's always been with me. But for God I know where I'd be, who I'd be - where and who I never want to be again. But FOR God, I'm still a work in progress - but I'm committed in working towards Him in all things. The difference in the lives I could have led is simple - It's His love - it's the distance between the east and the west. It's something I can't live without; that I steadfastly won't live without. I need Him. More than anything else, that I may always know my desperate need for Him and that it be shown in my heart and in my life. In all that I can give to Him. God is great.
Galatians 6:17
"Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus."
Deuteronomy 11:8
"Therefore shall ye keep all the commandment which I command thee this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go over to possess it"
--> I will go forth here. Where He's placed me.
Psalms 66:12
"Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."
Psalms 91:2
"I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust."
Psalms 94:17
"Unless Jehovah had been my help, My soul had soon dwelt in silence."
Hebrews 10:39
"But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul."
The parental units are for surely moving! House sold and they're moving into a condo. To be brutally honest I've always hated the house, but still it's weird. I think my problem is that it feels like I have no fall back plan. Obviously I'm still quite uncomfortable here and I just had Ottawa as a safety place in my head - like going back couldn't be called running because I've already been there for most of my life - that I could call it the great return or something. In reality, I've known that I can't go back since almost the moment I got here, but still some strings are just hard to break. Even my family doesn't want me back (not in a bad way) - they want me in a position where I'll grow ... as long as that takes form in a stable and well-paying full-time job soon. I need that too. Pastor preached awhile ago about God having to physically cut His people's past away because they would always try to return to them - like when He closed the red sea behind them - that it wasn't just to stop those chasing them but because He knew our weaknesses. Sure enough they wanted to go back. With every difference, challenge or situation they faced they told themselves that things had and would be better in Egypt. They constantly wanted to go back. I have to stop. I have to stop trying to go back to the friendships and physical places of my past - especially in my head - where rose-colored glasses threaten to reign more than anywhere else. I said this year would be about moving constantly forward towards the things of God. I can't afford to look back, or drag myself to a full stop, I want to be in the place God wants me to be. No more catching up. The past is finished, done, closed for business. As the red sea blocks the path back to Egypt, so too have barriers been raised to keep me from going back to Ottawa. Back. Backwards. Backsliding. I may be trying to run to God, but it's a mighty big difference then the running from His truth as I backslide kind of running. If we run for and to Him - He builds a firm foundation ahead of us - knowing exactly when and where we'll be. If we run away from Him, He lets us. He knows when and where we'll be, but we've always had the choice to live alone, to live away from Him, so He feels that pain and He has to keep Himself away - for us. Imagine doing that when a loved one spirals - doing nothing - hard isn't it, almost impossible, but when you've given them every opportunity - stepped in and saved them innumerable times - it just comes to a point where it's their choice - live or die - they need to grow. It's still hard to imagine letting go completely - even when it's necessary - how much harder for an all powerful and all loving God. One who loves us so much we can't even fully feel or comprehend it. I feel firm in God. I just need to let myself feel firm in the present and in the future. To hear the rushing waters of the closing red sea of my past roar in my ears. That the sound would wash away what needs to be washed away. A past intact, but free from strings, drawings, or power - one that can be told only to give glory to Him that's always been with me. But for God I know where I'd be, who I'd be - where and who I never want to be again. But FOR God, I'm still a work in progress - but I'm committed in working towards Him in all things. The difference in the lives I could have led is simple - It's His love - it's the distance between the east and the west. It's something I can't live without; that I steadfastly won't live without. I need Him. More than anything else, that I may always know my desperate need for Him and that it be shown in my heart and in my life. In all that I can give to Him. God is great.
Galatians 6:17
"Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus."
Deuteronomy 11:8
"Therefore shall ye keep all the commandment which I command thee this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go over to possess it"
--> I will go forth here. Where He's placed me.
Psalms 66:12
"Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."
Psalms 91:2
"I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust."
Psalms 94:17
"Unless Jehovah had been my help, My soul had soon dwelt in silence."
Hebrews 10:39
"But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul."
The Play
May 4th, 2011 9:54 PM
Play day. Morning and Mr. Si versus 'The Wizard of Oz'. It was a great play. They acted quite awesomely! Morning was in the lullaby league and Mr. Si played Uncle Henry. Great production - all the kids were so cute. They're getting so old though! Morning looked like a princess and Mr. Si, well, he looked and sang like a man! Crazy how fast time goes! I just kept picturing them as they were when they were babies! Whoa, what are these elderly aunt ramblings! There are still many moments and days and years to have with them as they grow up. Plus, I'm here and I'm around them! Off to sleep some sense into this head of mine.
Play day. Morning and Mr. Si versus 'The Wizard of Oz'. It was a great play. They acted quite awesomely! Morning was in the lullaby league and Mr. Si played Uncle Henry. Great production - all the kids were so cute. They're getting so old though! Morning looked like a princess and Mr. Si, well, he looked and sang like a man! Crazy how fast time goes! I just kept picturing them as they were when they were babies! Whoa, what are these elderly aunt ramblings! There are still many moments and days and years to have with them as they grow up. Plus, I'm here and I'm around them! Off to sleep some sense into this head of mine.
May: Hidden Target Acquired
May 1st, 2011 11:26 AM
New month! I can't believe it's already May! Time goes so slow and so fast all at once. Conundrum - I should have warned ahead of time. I've been trying to live only in the present for the past week and it's just not working for me. To live only in the present is to live a surface life and I've never been good at that. I was raised to be a surface person, but my training never took and it's not something I'll ever be able to do. I knew that at the beginning of the week, but thought I could probably live with the appearance of it. Wrong. I didn't even need situations to show me the pain of that choice. It was made from pain and that never works. I need firm foundations in God in my life and He has definitely been telling me to appear as nothing but myself. I've probably got some 'splaining to do. I feel like since I moved here, well since I've been baptized, that God's been telling me to use my voice. Its a difficult choice to make, but I've been setting aside my lying tendencies and have answered things and situations honestly. I am a hider though, which is how my pain and frustration entered into this weeks equation. I have been more open about my hiding tendencies here. While only 2 people know the full out reason, many know my surface issues. Still, I feel like its something I've been pretty open about. As such, lots of people call me out on it. They need to. My frustration came out of the fact that all people hide, even in small ways. I haven't had real conversations with anyone yet and that's hard because while I can be a talker, I love being a listener. Everyone is in this time of growth and of pain right now, but I don't need people to be happy and entertaining all of the time; It'd be great and I'd be happy for them, but I really just need people to be honest. I love these people and I'm for them. I'm being pushed here and I know that's great but I want to be a part of it. I want a place here. I desperately want to help. So I broke, I got called out on hiding and I got angry. My frustrations turned ugly and I wanted to hide in a new way. I wanted to give up. To stop being honest. Truth be told though, I haven't let myself be known and no one knows I do care. I expect everything for nothing. How is that fair? I need an attitude adjustment. I just don't know how to be here. I'm tried of people not answering, avoiding or even lying about the questions I ask. I don't want to ask them anymore. I don't want to look as deeply as I do. I don't want someone to say they're 'so good' when they're about to break. I just don't. Right now, I feel like an obligation and I hate that. I can drop questioning, but I can't change how I see and I'm not in a position to help change how someone is. I'll just have to work on my emotional responses. I have to come to terms with the fact that I walked into a community. They already work together. I just regret my timing. I need to put that down and find out why I'm here now. God's reason why.
Galatians 6:2
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:10
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith."
--> I can do this. People are dealing with a lot, but I don't have to carry them in all things. Instead, I can be a light person - one who can try to make them smile or laugh or something. I can be how I am in my head and just make 'em laugh (I love 'Singin' in the Rain')
Psalms 51:6
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom."
Deuteronomy 30:10
"if thou shalt obey the voice of Jehovah thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou turn unto Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul."
--> I know I'm getting closer to God. I also know I'm supposed to be here. I need to change - to obey. To follow God's timing in all things, especially when I don't want to because my instinctive desires are of the natural - something I want to move past.
Psalms 100:3
"Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
3 John 1:3
"For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."
--> Pastor talked about this on Sunday. About being weak to show God's greatness. It all comes down to truth.
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
New month! I can't believe it's already May! Time goes so slow and so fast all at once. Conundrum - I should have warned ahead of time. I've been trying to live only in the present for the past week and it's just not working for me. To live only in the present is to live a surface life and I've never been good at that. I was raised to be a surface person, but my training never took and it's not something I'll ever be able to do. I knew that at the beginning of the week, but thought I could probably live with the appearance of it. Wrong. I didn't even need situations to show me the pain of that choice. It was made from pain and that never works. I need firm foundations in God in my life and He has definitely been telling me to appear as nothing but myself. I've probably got some 'splaining to do. I feel like since I moved here, well since I've been baptized, that God's been telling me to use my voice. Its a difficult choice to make, but I've been setting aside my lying tendencies and have answered things and situations honestly. I am a hider though, which is how my pain and frustration entered into this weeks equation. I have been more open about my hiding tendencies here. While only 2 people know the full out reason, many know my surface issues. Still, I feel like its something I've been pretty open about. As such, lots of people call me out on it. They need to. My frustration came out of the fact that all people hide, even in small ways. I haven't had real conversations with anyone yet and that's hard because while I can be a talker, I love being a listener. Everyone is in this time of growth and of pain right now, but I don't need people to be happy and entertaining all of the time; It'd be great and I'd be happy for them, but I really just need people to be honest. I love these people and I'm for them. I'm being pushed here and I know that's great but I want to be a part of it. I want a place here. I desperately want to help. So I broke, I got called out on hiding and I got angry. My frustrations turned ugly and I wanted to hide in a new way. I wanted to give up. To stop being honest. Truth be told though, I haven't let myself be known and no one knows I do care. I expect everything for nothing. How is that fair? I need an attitude adjustment. I just don't know how to be here. I'm tried of people not answering, avoiding or even lying about the questions I ask. I don't want to ask them anymore. I don't want to look as deeply as I do. I don't want someone to say they're 'so good' when they're about to break. I just don't. Right now, I feel like an obligation and I hate that. I can drop questioning, but I can't change how I see and I'm not in a position to help change how someone is. I'll just have to work on my emotional responses. I have to come to terms with the fact that I walked into a community. They already work together. I just regret my timing. I need to put that down and find out why I'm here now. God's reason why.
Galatians 6:2
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:10
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith."
--> I can do this. People are dealing with a lot, but I don't have to carry them in all things. Instead, I can be a light person - one who can try to make them smile or laugh or something. I can be how I am in my head and just make 'em laugh (I love 'Singin' in the Rain')
Psalms 51:6
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom."
Deuteronomy 30:10
"if thou shalt obey the voice of Jehovah thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou turn unto Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul."
--> I know I'm getting closer to God. I also know I'm supposed to be here. I need to change - to obey. To follow God's timing in all things, especially when I don't want to because my instinctive desires are of the natural - something I want to move past.
Psalms 100:3
"Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
3 John 1:3
"For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."
--> Pastor talked about this on Sunday. About being weak to show God's greatness. It all comes down to truth.
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
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