"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." --James 1:22.
It is very aggravating to me to encounter people who know exactly what they need to do, but they are too stubborn and comfortable to actually do it. There are way too many girls and guys who are in unhealthy relationships, and they know it...they just don't understand how badly they really do need to end it...I think that after a certain point, they like the stress and drama of it all because they think that it means they have someone who cares for them. Newsflash: God always has and always will care for you...more than any person ever could. Comprehend that! It will change your life.
Another thing that I heard today (as well as many times last year) occurred during a prayer group. When we were talking about our prayer requests, one of the girls said that she needs to spend more time reading her Bible...she said that she had been slacking lately. Well...you have a Bible...you have eyes and a brain...you have 24 entire hours every day...what's the problem? In my opinion, that is just an example of selfishness...what do we put in our schedules before our time with God every day? Who would we rather hang out with for a few hours here and there than have a good quiet time? What tv show or movie would we rather watch than learn about the faith of Abraham or the steadfastness of Daniel? If you know that you need to spend more time with the LORD, then do it!
If the LORD is putting someone or something on your heart, don't ignore it just because it is inconvenient to do what He wants you to. Chances are, He will bless you twofold as a reward for your obedience. But the reward should not be the motivation for good works...everything we do should be an act of love towards the LORD. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Colossians 3:23.
What would this world be like if we truly loved those God places around us as much as we love ourselves? I'd like to see a world like that.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ready Now.
Well, this is the first free moment I have had in weeks...or so it seems. It's odd to just sit...but oh so necessary. Being busy all the time just comes naturally to me, so it is nearly impossible for me to be ok when I'm not...in fact, my leg is bouncing right now so that I can still be productive. To be honest, even though this semester has been much more busy than I anticipated, I've been "sitting" in a different form for weeks.
This sitting involves waiting on the LORD's timing...patience is hard. I would leave on a plane, train, or automobile (no, I haven't seen the movie) in an instant if He opened a door. But for now, I'm here...where He has sovereignly placed me...to do His work in a place where I am so uncomfortable. Even though this is rough, it is most certainly building my holy discontent deep within me...so it's bittersweet. And I am joyful. Despite the fact that I have no idea where the LORD wants me to be after I graduate, or what He wants me to do, or how He wants me to do it....I know that He will take care of it. And I don't need to know yet.
Now for some verses that have been sticking out to me lately:
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." --John 1:5.
(Well, that one always sticks out to me.)
"I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me." --Psalm 16:8.
"'Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfulling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah--that He must suffer these things." --Acts 3:17-18.
"When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right." --Romans 6:20.
"For the LORD of Heaven's Armies has not abandoned Israel and Judah. He is still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel." --Jeremiah 51:5.
This sitting involves waiting on the LORD's timing...patience is hard. I would leave on a plane, train, or automobile (no, I haven't seen the movie) in an instant if He opened a door. But for now, I'm here...where He has sovereignly placed me...to do His work in a place where I am so uncomfortable. Even though this is rough, it is most certainly building my holy discontent deep within me...so it's bittersweet. And I am joyful. Despite the fact that I have no idea where the LORD wants me to be after I graduate, or what He wants me to do, or how He wants me to do it....I know that He will take care of it. And I don't need to know yet.
Now for some verses that have been sticking out to me lately:
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." --John 1:5.
(Well, that one always sticks out to me.)
"I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me." --Psalm 16:8.
"'Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfulling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah--that He must suffer these things." --Acts 3:17-18.
"When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right." --Romans 6:20.
"For the LORD of Heaven's Armies has not abandoned Israel and Judah. He is still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel." --Jeremiah 51:5.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Impatience.
I always thought that I was a patient person, which is precisely why God has been throwing things at me to test and strengthen my patience. This patience involves several different levels, just as the word has various meanings. Let me start by describing the two forms of impatience that I have been enduring lately: impatience meaning that I'm so ready to be wherever I can serve the LORD the best (and out of school); impatience with the immaturity that surrounds me in this stage of life.
To be honest, I get tired of singing the song "Everlasting God" in church so much...in my opinion, when songs are played too often, they begin to lose their meaning. It's like we have the words memorized so well that we don't even think about what we are saying enough to mean them with our whole hearts. And those are words that we really should mean...especially in times like this. "Strength will rise as we wait upon the LORD." Do we really believe that? Or do we try to take control of things on our own because we don't like to feel weak? God's power is made perfect in weakness...when we are weak, then we are strong. I believe that without any reservations...my whole heart cries it out to the only One who can do anything about it. Sometimes, I just wish that I could fast forward a few years...then I could be where God wants me to be...with who God wants me to be with...away from the people who hold me back...ministering to the people that God has placed in front of me. Oh wait! I'm at that place now...well, not the same place that it will be a few years from now, but I am in God's will even if I don't like it very much. I have no idea what He could use me for right here, but I need to trust that He's got me by the hand and He will take my willing heart wherever it needs to go.
Empty pockets. Open hands.
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is the body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself." --Ephesians 1:19-23.
Did you catch that?! Christ is everywhere. He is in everything. Not just where God ultimately has us serving for the majority of our lives...but right where we are too! He is in us! We are His church.
Christ in me, Christ in me, Christ in me, the Hope of Glory. You are Everything.
To be honest, I get tired of singing the song "Everlasting God" in church so much...in my opinion, when songs are played too often, they begin to lose their meaning. It's like we have the words memorized so well that we don't even think about what we are saying enough to mean them with our whole hearts. And those are words that we really should mean...especially in times like this. "Strength will rise as we wait upon the LORD." Do we really believe that? Or do we try to take control of things on our own because we don't like to feel weak? God's power is made perfect in weakness...when we are weak, then we are strong. I believe that without any reservations...my whole heart cries it out to the only One who can do anything about it. Sometimes, I just wish that I could fast forward a few years...then I could be where God wants me to be...with who God wants me to be with...away from the people who hold me back...ministering to the people that God has placed in front of me. Oh wait! I'm at that place now...well, not the same place that it will be a few years from now, but I am in God's will even if I don't like it very much. I have no idea what He could use me for right here, but I need to trust that He's got me by the hand and He will take my willing heart wherever it needs to go.
Empty pockets. Open hands.
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is the body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself." --Ephesians 1:19-23.
Did you catch that?! Christ is everywhere. He is in everything. Not just where God ultimately has us serving for the majority of our lives...but right where we are too! He is in us! We are His church.
Christ in me, Christ in me, Christ in me, the Hope of Glory. You are Everything.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Realize.
Beautiful daughters of the King,
When will you realize that The LORD God Almighty is pursuing a relationship with you?
How much heartache will it take for you to understand that no fallen human being can ever fulfill you as your Father can?
Why are you so obsessed with guys (the creation) that you are blinded to the fact that God (the Creator) loves you with an unconditional love that can never be equaled?
What will it take for you to see the Lover of your soul standing with outstreched arms just waiting for you to lose yourself in Him?
Why do you thrust your heart at just any boy that you find attractive?
How can you be so surprised when this boy fails you and leaves you feeling all alone?
When will you decide to surrender your whole heart to the LORD and trust Him to do with it what is best for you?
Be encouraged by this: God honors those who surrender to Him. Commit your way to the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Just think of the ways He could use you if the desires of your heart were totally wrapped up in His will for you...if you trusted Him as you say you do and believed that He can do all that He claims He can. Take heart: He can! Nothing is impossible for God! So believe that He will show you love when you have come to understand what His unfailing love looks like when it is displayed in your life and the lives of others. Calm down. Breathe deeply. Cast away all of your idols and other "lovers" as Gomer/Israel was told to do in Hosea. The Creator of Everything is actively pursuing you. Yes, that kind of pursuing...the kind that you are seeking so heavily from those incapable of it altogether...the only way a man will ever be able to pursue you is if you have given your heart to the LORD and he seeks Him first...every single relationship must be based on the pursuit of God above all else. No exceptions.
Fall in love with Him.
When will you realize that The LORD God Almighty is pursuing a relationship with you?
How much heartache will it take for you to understand that no fallen human being can ever fulfill you as your Father can?
Why are you so obsessed with guys (the creation) that you are blinded to the fact that God (the Creator) loves you with an unconditional love that can never be equaled?
What will it take for you to see the Lover of your soul standing with outstreched arms just waiting for you to lose yourself in Him?
Why do you thrust your heart at just any boy that you find attractive?
How can you be so surprised when this boy fails you and leaves you feeling all alone?
When will you decide to surrender your whole heart to the LORD and trust Him to do with it what is best for you?
Be encouraged by this: God honors those who surrender to Him. Commit your way to the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Just think of the ways He could use you if the desires of your heart were totally wrapped up in His will for you...if you trusted Him as you say you do and believed that He can do all that He claims He can. Take heart: He can! Nothing is impossible for God! So believe that He will show you love when you have come to understand what His unfailing love looks like when it is displayed in your life and the lives of others. Calm down. Breathe deeply. Cast away all of your idols and other "lovers" as Gomer/Israel was told to do in Hosea. The Creator of Everything is actively pursuing you. Yes, that kind of pursuing...the kind that you are seeking so heavily from those incapable of it altogether...the only way a man will ever be able to pursue you is if you have given your heart to the LORD and he seeks Him first...every single relationship must be based on the pursuit of God above all else. No exceptions.
Fall in love with Him.
Not My Own.
Just as a warning...there is no telling what my fingers are going to type in this post. It quite possibly could be the worst organized writing you have ever read. Just so you're aware...you're not crazy if you have no idea what I'm talking about...God knows.
When people ask me how school is going, I usually want to say "Do you really want to know?" As the days pass by, being here becomes more and more stressful and burdensome...if I'm just being honest. The LORD is making me so aware of the things that He thinks and feels about different situations that it's more than overwhelming. This begs the question "What is my true purpose for being here right now?" The answer has many, many parts. First, I am where I am in order to serve: God first, and then others. Second, I am where I am so that God can teach me all of the things that I need to learn right now and apply throughout the rest of my life. Third, I am where I am to be in a community of believers who push me and inspire me to want to know the LORD more deeply every day. Fourth, I'm here to be uncomfortable...every moment that I am here increases the burning within me to go...like Isaiah 6:8.
But you know what? All that matters is bringing glory to our Father, the LORD Jesus Christ. That is what I am ultimately here (and wherever He sends me) for. So above all, I have to keep my eyes on the prize...the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is sitting at the Right Hand of the Father. Praise His Holy Name! His is the Name by which we are saved. There is no one else for me...none but Jesus. The second I lose sight of that, this life becomes all about me. May it never be! That is the absolute worst thing that can happen. Because everything would fall apart...literally. That is when it seems like life is spinning out of control: when pride takes over. He is my hope in the day of disaster. He even comes to my rescue when I have rebelled and tried to follow my own path. Amazing Love. Oh to Grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be...
You are good.
You are good.
And Your love endures.
When people ask me how school is going, I usually want to say "Do you really want to know?" As the days pass by, being here becomes more and more stressful and burdensome...if I'm just being honest. The LORD is making me so aware of the things that He thinks and feels about different situations that it's more than overwhelming. This begs the question "What is my true purpose for being here right now?" The answer has many, many parts. First, I am where I am in order to serve: God first, and then others. Second, I am where I am so that God can teach me all of the things that I need to learn right now and apply throughout the rest of my life. Third, I am where I am to be in a community of believers who push me and inspire me to want to know the LORD more deeply every day. Fourth, I'm here to be uncomfortable...every moment that I am here increases the burning within me to go...like Isaiah 6:8.
But you know what? All that matters is bringing glory to our Father, the LORD Jesus Christ. That is what I am ultimately here (and wherever He sends me) for. So above all, I have to keep my eyes on the prize...the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is sitting at the Right Hand of the Father. Praise His Holy Name! His is the Name by which we are saved. There is no one else for me...none but Jesus. The second I lose sight of that, this life becomes all about me. May it never be! That is the absolute worst thing that can happen. Because everything would fall apart...literally. That is when it seems like life is spinning out of control: when pride takes over. He is my hope in the day of disaster. He even comes to my rescue when I have rebelled and tried to follow my own path. Amazing Love. Oh to Grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be...
You are good.
You are good.
And Your love endures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)