Isaiah 9:6-7
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgement and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
He is mighty to save and his judgements are always just.
I have been meditating on Psalm 25: 4-7 this week. I made a point to look it up because my mom has asked me to do the honor of reading one of the Scripture readings at Grandma's catholic church this Friday. But I will now actually be reading from Malachi. But Psalm 25 just caught me.
verse 4 says; "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths"
What do I do with my rebelliousness? My anger or hurt? Or my emotional pain or stress?
"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths"
What do I do with my doubts? My fears?
verse 5 says, " guide me in Your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
My doubts - Show me Your ways, Lord
My fears - Teach me Your paths
My failures - Guide me in Your truth, God my Savior
Merry Christmas, everyone!! This year let us ask Him to show us, teach us, and guide us in His ways, paths, and truth! He is a righteous God, who will answer your prayers!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I recommend Amazima
Our generation's Mother Theresa, I am so humbled, Katie inspires me to grow and change in the Lord's love.
"I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. So I keep stopping and loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a Christian." Katie Davis
http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
"I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. So I keep stopping and loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a Christian." Katie Davis
http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Radical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqxk9fzOh1k
I read David Platt's book about 2 and a half years ago with my women's small group. It changed my life and perspective, it challenges me everyday to work out the Gospel in my life. His book, Radical, is something I highly recommend for every American Christian to read.
I read David Platt's book about 2 and a half years ago with my women's small group. It changed my life and perspective, it challenges me everyday to work out the Gospel in my life. His book, Radical, is something I highly recommend for every American Christian to read.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Blessings
"Blessing is not merely getting things from God, but experiencing the presence of God."
"To be blessed is not to live free of struggle, but to cling to Christ in the midst of the struggle."
" Blessing comes not through grasping, but through trusting and being willing to wait on God." - Nancy Guthrie
I am learning so much from the story of Jacob in Genesis!
God has been so awesome to me this week, and it is EXCITING to live walking with Jesus. Learning each day new and exciting things, this week; blessings. The quotes above are from the Bible study book The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis, that has been the guide for the fall women's bible study. It amazes me that 1. You don't have to look that hard to see Jesus, He is the promised one! and 2. I continue to find connection with Scripture even in the Old Testament to our world today!
What a bigger picture I have been seeing this week.
Many times in conversations, either I am a part of or over hear, I listen to how people refer to and talk about 'blessings' or 'being blessed.' It is easy to see visible, tangable, material blessings. I am blessed with an amazing husband, God has given me this man to show me, even just a smiggin, of how much He loves and adores me. A visible, tangable blessing. A good job, especially in this economy is a blessing. I have such an enjoyable job God has intrusted to me, it is fulfilling to me, I feel I get to make a direct impact on people's lives and that is wonderful to experience. I see Butters as a blessing from God! She is just a great golden retriever who gives me love and laughter. A nice rental house, enough food everyday, the free country I live in, friends, family. I will tell you a secret, a personal blessing, Starbucks gift cards! (haha)
It is a good thing to count your blessings. This year, I have come to realize some blessings that may not be visible, tangable things, but are no less wonderful gifts from God in fact; better in many ways because nothing spoils them, they do not deteriorate or change in circumstance.
I was given the gift of salvation-- my name is in His book of Life, almost 3 years ago now. That is God's blessing through the work of Jesus on the cross, it remains unchanged for the rest of my days. My job could change, if medicad no longer covers OT- then my job could end. People and animals don't live forever. God is the only One I can count on ultimately.
God has also blessed me in some ways I cannot completely describe. The blessing of experiencing His presence, is more precious than gold. I get to feel His life in me, His words. I get to read His precious words everyday. That is a gift and a blessing when I am faced with real life trials, I have been blessed with a God who I can lean on. Knowing that no matter what, I am never alone.
"...it is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
I have been increadibly blessed with the opportunity to give finacially this year to various causes. It is true what Jesus himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
I realized another specific blessing from God, in the story of Jacob. (Genesis 25:19-35:21) Jacob used manipulation and lies to get what he wanted in life, what he knew should be his. I won't get into the entire story, there is so much to it. But, my favorite part of Jacob's story, is when he is wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-31) Physically, he fights God, all night.
This is where I found God's blessing. God would rather us fight and wrestle with Him than for us to pretend He is not there. Let me say that again, God is so big and so real that He can take (and He invites!) your questions, your anger and frustration to Him. He created the stars and the whole world, and He will take time to wrestle it out with you.
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
This is a blessing from God, when I seek Him I find Him when I search for God with all my heart. I have experienced it this year, the ultimate blessing which is God Himself.
"Blessing is not merely getting things from God, but experiencing the presence of God."
I have had the blessed opportunity to go to God with my questions, my personal frustrations, "wrestle" with Him, and God has shown me how to trust Him. Friend, that is joy!
"To be blessed is not to live free of struggle, but to cling to Christ in the midst of the struggle."
Eph 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,"
Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless you, in Jesus' name!
"To be blessed is not to live free of struggle, but to cling to Christ in the midst of the struggle."
" Blessing comes not through grasping, but through trusting and being willing to wait on God." - Nancy Guthrie
I am learning so much from the story of Jacob in Genesis!
God has been so awesome to me this week, and it is EXCITING to live walking with Jesus. Learning each day new and exciting things, this week; blessings. The quotes above are from the Bible study book The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis, that has been the guide for the fall women's bible study. It amazes me that 1. You don't have to look that hard to see Jesus, He is the promised one! and 2. I continue to find connection with Scripture even in the Old Testament to our world today!
What a bigger picture I have been seeing this week.
Many times in conversations, either I am a part of or over hear, I listen to how people refer to and talk about 'blessings' or 'being blessed.' It is easy to see visible, tangable, material blessings. I am blessed with an amazing husband, God has given me this man to show me, even just a smiggin, of how much He loves and adores me. A visible, tangable blessing. A good job, especially in this economy is a blessing. I have such an enjoyable job God has intrusted to me, it is fulfilling to me, I feel I get to make a direct impact on people's lives and that is wonderful to experience. I see Butters as a blessing from God! She is just a great golden retriever who gives me love and laughter. A nice rental house, enough food everyday, the free country I live in, friends, family. I will tell you a secret, a personal blessing, Starbucks gift cards! (haha)
It is a good thing to count your blessings. This year, I have come to realize some blessings that may not be visible, tangable things, but are no less wonderful gifts from God in fact; better in many ways because nothing spoils them, they do not deteriorate or change in circumstance.
I was given the gift of salvation-- my name is in His book of Life, almost 3 years ago now. That is God's blessing through the work of Jesus on the cross, it remains unchanged for the rest of my days. My job could change, if medicad no longer covers OT- then my job could end. People and animals don't live forever. God is the only One I can count on ultimately.
God has also blessed me in some ways I cannot completely describe. The blessing of experiencing His presence, is more precious than gold. I get to feel His life in me, His words. I get to read His precious words everyday. That is a gift and a blessing when I am faced with real life trials, I have been blessed with a God who I can lean on. Knowing that no matter what, I am never alone.
"...it is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
I have been increadibly blessed with the opportunity to give finacially this year to various causes. It is true what Jesus himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
I realized another specific blessing from God, in the story of Jacob. (Genesis 25:19-35:21) Jacob used manipulation and lies to get what he wanted in life, what he knew should be his. I won't get into the entire story, there is so much to it. But, my favorite part of Jacob's story, is when he is wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-31) Physically, he fights God, all night.
This is where I found God's blessing. God would rather us fight and wrestle with Him than for us to pretend He is not there. Let me say that again, God is so big and so real that He can take (and He invites!) your questions, your anger and frustration to Him. He created the stars and the whole world, and He will take time to wrestle it out with you.
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
This is a blessing from God, when I seek Him I find Him when I search for God with all my heart. I have experienced it this year, the ultimate blessing which is God Himself.
"Blessing is not merely getting things from God, but experiencing the presence of God."
I have had the blessed opportunity to go to God with my questions, my personal frustrations, "wrestle" with Him, and God has shown me how to trust Him. Friend, that is joy!
"To be blessed is not to live free of struggle, but to cling to Christ in the midst of the struggle."
Eph 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,"
Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless you, in Jesus' name!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Enough.
Paul writes concerning an affliction that he has asked God to remove three times, and this is Jesus' reply:
(2 Corinthians 12:9) "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."'
I feel like this week, God has been turning that statement into a question for me.
"Haley, is my grace sufficient for you? Will you let My power be made perfect in your weakness?"
I feel weak in faith, scared and terrified. Sometimes angry, which can quickly and easily turn to bitterness. I am very prone to bitterness and covetedness, to the point where sometimes I have to moment by moment ask for God's help. Angry tears followed by ... of all things, gratitude. All part of this "Door B" Christian life of mine.
Our pastor did a couple sermons on "Door A Christian life" verses "Door B Christian life." In Door A, the Christian falls in love with Jesus, repents of her sins, knows that it is by grace she has been saved not by works, and then expects that now everything should fall into place and God will "bless" her with health, wealth, and happiness all the rest of her days. She is then disillusioned when real life happens.
On the other hand, in Door B, the Christian falls in love with Jesus, repents of her sins, knows that it is by grace she has been saved not by works, and understands that those same "blessings of God" go hand-in- hand with the trials, tribulations, and hardships of living in a broken world.
Is His grace enough for me?
He does not leave us empty handed. I underlined what God has given me. Like a soldier with a sword I use these words to fight off darkness, so it does not take over.
Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
How could I hope for things I already have and see? How would that be faith? Whenever someone promises something to you, something important, they may say, "take my word for it." Or they may draw up a written contract, so you know they are bound to follow through with their promise. Time and time again Scripture demonstrates that God keeps His promises.
Whenever I buy some gas or some groceries, I use my debit card. I swipe it, and I sign a little piece of paper that confirms I promise that that amount of money for the goods will be in my checking account and be transfered to that store. They are taking my word for it, because it always takes a couple of days for the purchase to be processed.
Like that store, I am told to wait. And so I wait with hopeful expectation for whatever God has for me. I hold on to the contract, and I take God's "word for it." Another thing I am learning is that God's timetable is not my own, it is not instant.
Is His grace enough for me? Or does my security come from worldly people and things? He answers for me when I am weak.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
His grace is enough for me!! Amen.
(2 Corinthians 12:9) "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."'
I feel like this week, God has been turning that statement into a question for me.
"Haley, is my grace sufficient for you? Will you let My power be made perfect in your weakness?"
I feel weak in faith, scared and terrified. Sometimes angry, which can quickly and easily turn to bitterness. I am very prone to bitterness and covetedness, to the point where sometimes I have to moment by moment ask for God's help. Angry tears followed by ... of all things, gratitude. All part of this "Door B" Christian life of mine.
Our pastor did a couple sermons on "Door A Christian life" verses "Door B Christian life." In Door A, the Christian falls in love with Jesus, repents of her sins, knows that it is by grace she has been saved not by works, and then expects that now everything should fall into place and God will "bless" her with health, wealth, and happiness all the rest of her days. She is then disillusioned when real life happens.
On the other hand, in Door B, the Christian falls in love with Jesus, repents of her sins, knows that it is by grace she has been saved not by works, and understands that those same "blessings of God" go hand-in- hand with the trials, tribulations, and hardships of living in a broken world.
Is His grace enough for me?
He does not leave us empty handed. I underlined what God has given me. Like a soldier with a sword I use these words to fight off darkness, so it does not take over.
Romans 5:1-5
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
How could I hope for things I already have and see? How would that be faith? Whenever someone promises something to you, something important, they may say, "take my word for it." Or they may draw up a written contract, so you know they are bound to follow through with their promise. Time and time again Scripture demonstrates that God keeps His promises.
Whenever I buy some gas or some groceries, I use my debit card. I swipe it, and I sign a little piece of paper that confirms I promise that that amount of money for the goods will be in my checking account and be transfered to that store. They are taking my word for it, because it always takes a couple of days for the purchase to be processed.
Like that store, I am told to wait. And so I wait with hopeful expectation for whatever God has for me. I hold on to the contract, and I take God's "word for it." Another thing I am learning is that God's timetable is not my own, it is not instant.
Is His grace enough for me? Or does my security come from worldly people and things? He answers for me when I am weak.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
His grace is enough for me!! Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Focusing on my Lord, God today
Psalm 36: 5-9
"Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgements area a great deep; O Lord, You preseve man and beast.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust underthe shadow of Your wings. They are abudantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
Lord, God, I am feeding on you today, give me strength. I wait on You. Thank you, Lord. When I think about the way you love me, You are so jealous for me! 'Love like a hurricane, and I am the tree; bending beneath the weight of Your love and mercy. And all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory! How you love us!'
God, bless my time today, you know what work I need to get done, give me Your joy this week. Thank you, God. In your Son Jesus' name. amen.
"Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgements area a great deep; O Lord, You preseve man and beast.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust underthe shadow of Your wings. They are abudantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
Lord, God, I am feeding on you today, give me strength. I wait on You. Thank you, Lord. When I think about the way you love me, You are so jealous for me! 'Love like a hurricane, and I am the tree; bending beneath the weight of Your love and mercy. And all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory! How you love us!'
God, bless my time today, you know what work I need to get done, give me Your joy this week. Thank you, God. In your Son Jesus' name. amen.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Church member verses Christian
The two are not synonymous. But I feel like I keep seeing and hearing that people believe they are. A Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Church of Christ member, Lutheran, Bible Church member, all can be Christian. But church attendance and/or membership is neither a requirement nor does it automatically make you or I a Christian.
It is two different things altogether.
A Christian by definition, is a person who sees themselves as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness, AND accepts God's forgiveness given freely through Jesus Christ, knowing that they themselves can do nothing to remedy their sin.
One could attend a church for years, and not be a Christian. People have different reasons. It could be that going to church, maybe a particular church, is the social norm, and it is expected that they are there. A person could think that their participation in the rituals somehow makes them better or more worthy before God and/or other people. This makes them a church member and a good church participant even, but it does not make them a Christian (see the definition above).
Let me also say, that a person who reads the Bible also does not automatically make a person a Christian. An atheist can read his Bible, and still be an atheist, so that does not make one a Christian also. The same goes for service work. A Muslim, Jewish person, Buddhist, Christian, and Atheist (sounds like I am going to start a joke) could all be at a soup kitchen lovingly serving folks.
To quote a paraphrased version of John 1:12-13 (Jesus Storybook Bible)
"For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who believes what Jesus said
For anyone who will just reach out to take it
Then God will give them this wonderful gift:
To be born into a whole new Life
To be who they really are
Who God always made them to be -
Their own true selves -
God's dear Child. "
I know this blog post may upset some people, and many may disagree with me. But honestly, I just had to post it, it's been on my heart and on my mind for a while. And I write it with love in my heart, and with the intent of just clarifying and not hurting anyone's feelings. If you disagree with me, and think what I said is wrong, that's fine. I just encourage you to pray about it, seek His answers. Ask God to reveal His truth to you.
It is two different things altogether.
A Christian by definition, is a person who sees themselves as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness, AND accepts God's forgiveness given freely through Jesus Christ, knowing that they themselves can do nothing to remedy their sin.
One could attend a church for years, and not be a Christian. People have different reasons. It could be that going to church, maybe a particular church, is the social norm, and it is expected that they are there. A person could think that their participation in the rituals somehow makes them better or more worthy before God and/or other people. This makes them a church member and a good church participant even, but it does not make them a Christian (see the definition above).
Let me also say, that a person who reads the Bible also does not automatically make a person a Christian. An atheist can read his Bible, and still be an atheist, so that does not make one a Christian also. The same goes for service work. A Muslim, Jewish person, Buddhist, Christian, and Atheist (sounds like I am going to start a joke) could all be at a soup kitchen lovingly serving folks.
To quote a paraphrased version of John 1:12-13 (Jesus Storybook Bible)
"For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who believes what Jesus said
For anyone who will just reach out to take it
Then God will give them this wonderful gift:
To be born into a whole new Life
To be who they really are
Who God always made them to be -
Their own true selves -
God's dear Child. "
I know this blog post may upset some people, and many may disagree with me. But honestly, I just had to post it, it's been on my heart and on my mind for a while. And I write it with love in my heart, and with the intent of just clarifying and not hurting anyone's feelings. If you disagree with me, and think what I said is wrong, that's fine. I just encourage you to pray about it, seek His answers. Ask God to reveal His truth to you.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
I found this link to the website of Christian apologist, Alex McFarland. Thought I would share it because of his precise, intelligent, and easy to understand answers to common questions we face today. His answers speak the truth in love, and are biblically sound. enjoy.
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
Alex's answers to common questions, part 1
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Race (before, during, and after)
I can understand, that for many people, running long distance and training for a long distance race is not necessarily a spiritual experience. However, for me; God used this time to draw me closer to Him. From the beginning, I knew that this was something I was suppost to do. I was going to do this for Ashley, to run a half marathon, was something I never thought I would do, and for Ashley, I know that cancer is something she would never have signed up for either.
During most of my training runs, I listened to worship music and prayed as I ran. I prayed for people I passed by, I prayed for Zach and our marriage, I prayed for family, I prayed for people hurting, I prayed for forgiveness of my sins, places I failed, and for His mercy and love. God opened my eyes to His love. One run in particular, I do not have good enough words to describe it, but I saw each person in my life who I know: family, friends, and acquaintances, and I SAW, if only a glimpse, the intense love God has for that person. For each individual. It was like a bright glow, warm, rainbow of light. By the way, God's heart ache's for you.
The night before the race, I laid in bed and meditated on Psalm 40. Here are some of the verses:
V. 1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." --That's me!
During the race, my ipod played songs that helped push me along. Here are the songs that I particularly remember that lifted me up (not all necessarily Christian, and not all fast pace, but each I remember brought me joy and God used to nudge me forward)
Listen to the Sound (Building 429) - at mile 5, almost half way...almost. His grace is reaching for us, His grace is reaching out!
Light up the Sky (The Afters) - He is with me.
7x70 (Chris August) - but forgiveness made a way.
Never say Never (The Fray) - Don't let me go, don't let me go.
This one's for the girls (Martina McBride)
Work That (Mary J. Blige) - I think about mile 7 or so. MJB told me to "work what you got, I'm talkin about things that I know. Be yourself!"
Meant to Live (Switchfoot)
Let's Get it Started (Black Eyed Peas)
Eye of the Tiger (Surviver mix) - mile 9 needed this!
Ray of Light (Madonna)
Where you Lead me (Mercy Me)
And then, today, the day after the big race. God has led me to His word, to guide me into the wisdom to know that like a long distance race, life is not easy. But with Jesus, it is never in vain.
Acts 20:24 "...Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
I also want to say, that I could not have done it without the love and support of my family, my husband, and the encouragment of the TEAM in Training folks! I know God used each of them as well to inspire me to keep moving. It reminded me, that as a Christian, I do not live on an island. God uses others to encourage, teach, learn, and challenge us! I love each of you very much. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging family of support. And how blessed I was to experience it. Go Team Ashley!
During most of my training runs, I listened to worship music and prayed as I ran. I prayed for people I passed by, I prayed for Zach and our marriage, I prayed for family, I prayed for people hurting, I prayed for forgiveness of my sins, places I failed, and for His mercy and love. God opened my eyes to His love. One run in particular, I do not have good enough words to describe it, but I saw each person in my life who I know: family, friends, and acquaintances, and I SAW, if only a glimpse, the intense love God has for that person. For each individual. It was like a bright glow, warm, rainbow of light. By the way, God's heart ache's for you.
The night before the race, I laid in bed and meditated on Psalm 40. Here are some of the verses:
V. 1-3 "I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." --That's me!
During the race, my ipod played songs that helped push me along. Here are the songs that I particularly remember that lifted me up (not all necessarily Christian, and not all fast pace, but each I remember brought me joy and God used to nudge me forward)
Listen to the Sound (Building 429) - at mile 5, almost half way...almost. His grace is reaching for us, His grace is reaching out!
Light up the Sky (The Afters) - He is with me.
7x70 (Chris August) - but forgiveness made a way.
Never say Never (The Fray) - Don't let me go, don't let me go.
This one's for the girls (Martina McBride)
Work That (Mary J. Blige) - I think about mile 7 or so. MJB told me to "work what you got, I'm talkin about things that I know. Be yourself!"
Meant to Live (Switchfoot)
Let's Get it Started (Black Eyed Peas)
Eye of the Tiger (Surviver mix) - mile 9 needed this!
Ray of Light (Madonna)
Where you Lead me (Mercy Me)
And then, today, the day after the big race. God has led me to His word, to guide me into the wisdom to know that like a long distance race, life is not easy. But with Jesus, it is never in vain.
Acts 20:24 "...Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
I also want to say, that I could not have done it without the love and support of my family, my husband, and the encouragment of the TEAM in Training folks! I know God used each of them as well to inspire me to keep moving. It reminded me, that as a Christian, I do not live on an island. God uses others to encourage, teach, learn, and challenge us! I love each of you very much. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging family of support. And how blessed I was to experience it. Go Team Ashley!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We remember
Today, on September 11, 2011 we remember that horrific day for our country 10 years ago. I don't think President Obama could have picked a better reading for the beginning of the memorial service in New York, as I heard him pray Psalm 46 from the Bible.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Selah
As the families who lost their loved ones read the names, nearly 3000 people who died that day. I pray they take these words to heart, I pray we look to Lord Almighty, the God of Jacob, who is ever present in our troubles. I am praying for our great, free country today. That we look to God for our comfort and strength.
Friday, September 2, 2011
For when life happens
Hebrews 10:32, 35-36
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." *
(V. 39) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." *
Colossians 2:6-10
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, stregthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." *
1 Peter 1:21-22
"Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." *
Colossians 3:12-14
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." *
*Praying all this is locked secure in my heart today, and forever and ever.
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." *
(V. 39) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." *
Colossians 2:6-10
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, stregthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." *
1 Peter 1:21-22
"Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." *
Colossians 3:12-14
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." *
*Praying all this is locked secure in my heart today, and forever and ever.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
True confessions continue, fall study.
Toward the end of Luke's Gospel, in Chapter 24, we read the account of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead. And after this is discovered by Mary; and confirned by Peter, the disciples were perplexed.
Verse 13 begins, two of them on 'the road to Emmaus' discussing the recent events.
V. 15-16 "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him."
To paraphrase, they basically tell this 'stranger' that they are disappointed and confused, they thought Jesus was the Messiah to redeem Israel. But, sadly, the one they thought was the Messiah to save them was killed 3 days ago, and now, his body is gone. Some of the women even claimed to have seen visions of angels, who say he is alive.
Jesus responds. (v. 25-27) "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
Enter our fall study. Jesus himself tells us that from the Beginning, the stories have whispered His name and told what He was sent to do, so that we may know Him. A fresh perspective on the Old Testament, instead of just 'life lessons' and 'wise principles' we are going to read about how the Plan has ALWAYS been for Jesus. I am excited to begin this 10 week study this fall with the lovely Jessica Garret!
(John 8:58) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"
http://www.amazon.com/Promised-One-10-week-Bible-Study/dp/1433526255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313371195&sr=8-1
Verse 13 begins, two of them on 'the road to Emmaus' discussing the recent events.
V. 15-16 "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him."
To paraphrase, they basically tell this 'stranger' that they are disappointed and confused, they thought Jesus was the Messiah to redeem Israel. But, sadly, the one they thought was the Messiah to save them was killed 3 days ago, and now, his body is gone. Some of the women even claimed to have seen visions of angels, who say he is alive.
Jesus responds. (v. 25-27) "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
Enter our fall study. Jesus himself tells us that from the Beginning, the stories have whispered His name and told what He was sent to do, so that we may know Him. A fresh perspective on the Old Testament, instead of just 'life lessons' and 'wise principles' we are going to read about how the Plan has ALWAYS been for Jesus. I am excited to begin this 10 week study this fall with the lovely Jessica Garret!
(John 8:58) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"
http://www.amazon.com/Promised-One-10-week-Bible-Study/dp/1433526255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313371195&sr=8-1
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
True Confessions of a Christian nerd.
I cannot remember what movie I am thinking about, but it's some romantic comedy, where the young man has just won the woman he desires. He is spinning around a busy park, skipping, and singing loudly,
"I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE, AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!!"
Everyone in the park is looking at him funny and rolling there eyes, maybe getting a few smiles from knowing onlookers. He doesn't pay attention to where he is going, and he falls into a fountain, and he just doesn't seem to notice! He is so joyful about the one he loves!
I once thought I was going to bomb a big test in high school, I winced as the teacher passed the tests back.
A+ !!!!
I couldn't believe it! Not only did I not fail, I got an A!
Well, that is what I felt like, and still feel like when someone mentions Jesus. My wish is for everyone to experience the real Jesus, because he is pure love and pure joy.
Be sure, I did not always feel this way. I was not always a Christian nerd. Until just a few years ago, I did not understand many things about who Jesus is and why it mattered.
Going back to the test scenario. I thought I had made....like a D, in life; when it came to God's standards. I didn't like that, but I thought, I know; I could go back, ask to retake the test, start over and build up my credit again. I was looking at the possibility of working up to a C or B- at most. With enough church going, sermon listening, and Communion taking. I could build myself back up. I was preparing for the journey, and walked into a women's small group Bible study. We read the Bible, and the words began to jump off the page and onto my heart. Verses I either had never seen or heard, or never gave much thought to before.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works- so that no one can boast. " (Eph 2:8-9)
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)
"But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:4-5)
"Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf." (Hebrews 7:25)
"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life --that I should raise them on the last day." (John 6:37-40)
"Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace." (Romans 6:14)
So, I know, I've told the story before, but I will say it again. I found out how, like everyone else, I had an "F" by God's standards because God is perfect. But God had made a way. Jesus took the test in my place, and passed with flying colors! Now, when God looks at my test score, He sees Jesus' and His is an A+.
Since then, the Holy Spirit which is sealed in me (Eph 1:13-14) convicts me of my own sin, gives me peace when things don't go as I planned, the power to forgive others when they hurt me, the wisdom to understand that God is, not other people are, in charge of my salvation and spiritual growth, shows me just how wide and deep God's love is for me and for everyone else.
And THAT is why I say, I love Jesus! --- From the weird Christian nerd.
"I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE, AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!!"
Everyone in the park is looking at him funny and rolling there eyes, maybe getting a few smiles from knowing onlookers. He doesn't pay attention to where he is going, and he falls into a fountain, and he just doesn't seem to notice! He is so joyful about the one he loves!
I once thought I was going to bomb a big test in high school, I winced as the teacher passed the tests back.
A+ !!!!
I couldn't believe it! Not only did I not fail, I got an A!
Well, that is what I felt like, and still feel like when someone mentions Jesus. My wish is for everyone to experience the real Jesus, because he is pure love and pure joy.
Be sure, I did not always feel this way. I was not always a Christian nerd. Until just a few years ago, I did not understand many things about who Jesus is and why it mattered.
Going back to the test scenario. I thought I had made....like a D, in life; when it came to God's standards. I didn't like that, but I thought, I know; I could go back, ask to retake the test, start over and build up my credit again. I was looking at the possibility of working up to a C or B- at most. With enough church going, sermon listening, and Communion taking. I could build myself back up. I was preparing for the journey, and walked into a women's small group Bible study. We read the Bible, and the words began to jump off the page and onto my heart. Verses I either had never seen or heard, or never gave much thought to before.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works- so that no one can boast. " (Eph 2:8-9)
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)
"But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:4-5)
"Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf." (Hebrews 7:25)
"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life --that I should raise them on the last day." (John 6:37-40)
"Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace." (Romans 6:14)
So, I know, I've told the story before, but I will say it again. I found out how, like everyone else, I had an "F" by God's standards because God is perfect. But God had made a way. Jesus took the test in my place, and passed with flying colors! Now, when God looks at my test score, He sees Jesus' and His is an A+.
Since then, the Holy Spirit which is sealed in me (Eph 1:13-14) convicts me of my own sin, gives me peace when things don't go as I planned, the power to forgive others when they hurt me, the wisdom to understand that God is, not other people are, in charge of my salvation and spiritual growth, shows me just how wide and deep God's love is for me and for everyone else.
And THAT is why I say, I love Jesus! --- From the weird Christian nerd.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
How shall I respond?
"Fight every battle in prayer, and you will win every time."
Jesus said, (Matthew 5:43-48) "You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.""
Ephesians 2: 3-5
"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifing the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."
James 4: 6-8
" 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. "
1 Samuel 16:7
"...The Lord does not look at the things a man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Luke 23:34
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
Help me God, cause I don't understand your ways all the time. I love you so much. You are amazing! Thank you for saving me from myself! As you said on the cross, "It is finished" your finished work has freed me!! Give me your strength to endure and continue to proclaim who you are. All for Your glory, never for myself.
Jesus said, (Matthew 5:43-48) "You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.""
Ephesians 2: 3-5
"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifing the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."
James 4: 6-8
" 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. "
1 Samuel 16:7
"...The Lord does not look at the things a man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Luke 23:34
"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
Help me God, cause I don't understand your ways all the time. I love you so much. You are amazing! Thank you for saving me from myself! As you said on the cross, "It is finished" your finished work has freed me!! Give me your strength to endure and continue to proclaim who you are. All for Your glory, never for myself.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Jesus,church, and beautiful basics
I recently posted on facebook a book/author I found, Dan Trimmal, who wrote They like Jesus but not the church and I like Jesus but not the church. Pretty sure I got some funny looks from all sides, but I wanted to comment on it by posing this analogy.
Zach liked this so I thought I would blog it.
Let us say, that you have never met my husband Zach and I. Say you met us at a party. And you thought, "hey, I really like Zach, he seems like such a nice guy and has so many good things to say, but I don't like Haley. She is really annoying, and I don't like her."
So, you really want to be friends with Zach, but the thing is, Zach is married to me. He loves me, and while getting to know Zach and spending time with him, you will begin to get to know Haley as well. Or maybe, before that even, the fact that Zach DOES love Haley and is commited to her.
Jesus loves His church, he sacrificed his life for her. Jesus has a similar relationship with the church of believers, as a husband to his wife.
More than anything, I would like to see the universal, Christian church wake up and get back to preserving the gospel truth. Zach and I looked at our budget of giving funds and realized that we are mostly supporting missionaries in the United States. I think this is because the truth the Bible tells us has either been watered down or skewed so much. God's gospel, simple and elegant, able to be understood by a child and still amazes a theologian or philosopher.
Sometimes, we can walk around in life feeling like we have gotten bits and pieces of information but never the whole story. Or, if you have ever taken a high school or college course and the professior failed to hand out a syllabus. And every class assignment and lecture feels random, and you may walk away feeling like, yeah, I did learn something... I guess I can try to use that somehow. Well, here is the syllabus that put it all together for me.
My syllabus for Life:
1. I was created for God, by God:
Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and eath and does not live in temples built by hands.
2. I have sinned:
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
3. Sin's penalty is death, I will die physically and spiritually:
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
4. Christ paid my wage-what I earned, by his death and resurrection, paid in full.
2 Cor. 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
5. I believe and I am assured in Christ, and He leads me to life.
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-
John 5:24 I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Eph 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
Zach liked this so I thought I would blog it.
Let us say, that you have never met my husband Zach and I. Say you met us at a party. And you thought, "hey, I really like Zach, he seems like such a nice guy and has so many good things to say, but I don't like Haley. She is really annoying, and I don't like her."
So, you really want to be friends with Zach, but the thing is, Zach is married to me. He loves me, and while getting to know Zach and spending time with him, you will begin to get to know Haley as well. Or maybe, before that even, the fact that Zach DOES love Haley and is commited to her.
Jesus loves His church, he sacrificed his life for her. Jesus has a similar relationship with the church of believers, as a husband to his wife.
More than anything, I would like to see the universal, Christian church wake up and get back to preserving the gospel truth. Zach and I looked at our budget of giving funds and realized that we are mostly supporting missionaries in the United States. I think this is because the truth the Bible tells us has either been watered down or skewed so much. God's gospel, simple and elegant, able to be understood by a child and still amazes a theologian or philosopher.
Sometimes, we can walk around in life feeling like we have gotten bits and pieces of information but never the whole story. Or, if you have ever taken a high school or college course and the professior failed to hand out a syllabus. And every class assignment and lecture feels random, and you may walk away feeling like, yeah, I did learn something... I guess I can try to use that somehow. Well, here is the syllabus that put it all together for me.
My syllabus for Life:
1. I was created for God, by God:
Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and eath and does not live in temples built by hands.
2. I have sinned:
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
3. Sin's penalty is death, I will die physically and spiritually:
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
4. Christ paid my wage-what I earned, by his death and resurrection, paid in full.
2 Cor. 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
5. I believe and I am assured in Christ, and He leads me to life.
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-
John 5:24 I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Eph 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Where is my faith?
Today, while working with two children that I have known and worked for for over 2 years now were coloring with me; the little 3 year old kept calling me "mommy" several times. As I walked to my car and drove off after the session, I realized, while this is not uncommon for young children to call their teachers "mommy" what caught me was my reaction to it. It had taken me until the end of the session to correct him, to call me "Ms Haley". Throughout the session, I let the "mommy" just wash over me like a cool wave. And, I hate to admit this, but I started to 'pretend' that I was to this child, what he was calling me. When I am not.
I thought about how God has provided for me time and time again, so why do I keep doubting His ways?
When I was in college, I pretended that my boyfriend was my husband, when he was not. I realized later that God had much greater plans for me. Not only to have an amazing husband -- with a mutual loving and growing relationship, but He wanted me to get to know Him. Through His son Jesus, I got to know the God who has great plans for me all along.
I have been studying Philippians this summer, so these passages have come to my mind and it is amazing how as I read them, I see doors opening and insight into what God has for me.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:11)
- OK, so, I obviously need to learn what Paul learned here. My battle is always with discontentment. Always looking forward to what I don't have now, and thinking things should be different, and in the meantime loosing opportunities to be who I am.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
- God started His work in my heart when I was younger, and has been faithful even though I have not always been faithful!!
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Phil 1:9)
- I am learning that God is good, and that God is God no matter what is going on in my life, and no matter what others say or what I say or think, God is who He is. He is God and I can give Him glory in my life whether I have a baby or not. I still pray that I do, because I am aware that my circumstances are not uncommon.
I laugh at how little patience I have, and how God is sorta telling me, yeah, let's work on that, huh?
I thought about how God has provided for me time and time again, so why do I keep doubting His ways?
When I was in college, I pretended that my boyfriend was my husband, when he was not. I realized later that God had much greater plans for me. Not only to have an amazing husband -- with a mutual loving and growing relationship, but He wanted me to get to know Him. Through His son Jesus, I got to know the God who has great plans for me all along.
I have been studying Philippians this summer, so these passages have come to my mind and it is amazing how as I read them, I see doors opening and insight into what God has for me.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:11)
- OK, so, I obviously need to learn what Paul learned here. My battle is always with discontentment. Always looking forward to what I don't have now, and thinking things should be different, and in the meantime loosing opportunities to be who I am.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
- God started His work in my heart when I was younger, and has been faithful even though I have not always been faithful!!
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Phil 1:9)
- I am learning that God is good, and that God is God no matter what is going on in my life, and no matter what others say or what I say or think, God is who He is. He is God and I can give Him glory in my life whether I have a baby or not. I still pray that I do, because I am aware that my circumstances are not uncommon.
I laugh at how little patience I have, and how God is sorta telling me, yeah, let's work on that, huh?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Persecution.com
I have been seeking out what Christ followers around the world face, and ways that they worship in their own, unique cultures. I love to hear how Jesus appeals to those in different cultures, and how the Gospel of Christ is universal. Today, Zach and I listened to our friends who recently went to Japan for a misson trip. He told how this one 20 something year old girl, bold and full of life, wanted to "hear it straight" as she put it. She wanted to know exactly who Jesus was and why it mattered to her and her life. Her response to the gospel message was, "DO OTHER PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS??" Her father was a Buddist priest, she grew up Buddist. She had heard things about Jesus, and just thought he was just another 'moral teacher' along with Muhammad and Budda. But not that he went to die willingly to atone for her sin!
"I never knew how important Jesus was..." she just kept repeating. I love hearing stories like this, because I can always relate somehow.
I knew Jesus was important, but I didn't know just how important He truely was and still is today, until nearly two years ago. Like that girl in Japan, I felt the need to tell others.
As an American Christain, I tend to forget that my brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering around the world for the sake of the Gospel.
http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NDAw&featuredstory_ID=MjYy&clickfrom=ZmVhdHVyZWRzdG9yaWVz
The stories of people you hardly read about in the news; in prison, beaten, even killed in much of the Arab nations as well as Africa, Asia, and around the globe. It is so easy to forget and take for granted that I can worship freely.
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"I never knew how important Jesus was..." she just kept repeating. I love hearing stories like this, because I can always relate somehow.
I knew Jesus was important, but I didn't know just how important He truely was and still is today, until nearly two years ago. Like that girl in Japan, I felt the need to tell others.
As an American Christain, I tend to forget that my brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering around the world for the sake of the Gospel.
http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NDAw&featuredstory_ID=MjYy&clickfrom=ZmVhdHVyZWRzdG9yaWVz
The stories of people you hardly read about in the news; in prison, beaten, even killed in much of the Arab nations as well as Africa, Asia, and around the globe. It is so easy to forget and take for granted that I can worship freely.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Just how far?
A song this morning got to me, because it is the prayer I had in my heart this morning and have had in the past too. As I went out to Starbucks to get my Iced Chi tea (in my awesome special cup) and Zach a latte, these words came on from Casting Crown, that very much spoke to me this morning. I love listening to music that puts to words what I am feeling, that I sometimes cannot find. I think I have done that all my life, and it could not be more true for me now.
"Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west?
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other "
'Woman' for me, 'I don't have to see the woman I've been come rising up in me again' man flows better. I am just hanging on to Jesus this morning, sometimes I feel like by a pinky--He'll pull me back up though.
I've watched alot of TV and movies in my life, and so, I think in images. My brain is like a constant movie reel. Today, I am seeing myself as the 'girl in distress' about to fall off a cliff, and Jesus is my Prince, Rescuer, who is pulling me back up to safety. Dramatic? yeah. Real? YES!
"Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west?
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way
I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me
Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other "
'Woman' for me, 'I don't have to see the woman I've been come rising up in me again' man flows better. I am just hanging on to Jesus this morning, sometimes I feel like by a pinky--He'll pull me back up though.
I've watched alot of TV and movies in my life, and so, I think in images. My brain is like a constant movie reel. Today, I am seeing myself as the 'girl in distress' about to fall off a cliff, and Jesus is my Prince, Rescuer, who is pulling me back up to safety. Dramatic? yeah. Real? YES!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Blessed Assurance
This morning, I am thinking about all the things I am grateful for. Here is my list:
1. My eternal security and assurance of salvation (my eternal home when I die here on earth is with God in His kingdom in heaven).
2. The Scripture that clearly confirms my assurance.
3. My loving husband, and our marriage relationship.
4. My loving family and friends, so supportive of me, esp my parents.
5. My church, and all believers in Jesus, those I worship with, those I serve with, those who keep me accountable and remind me that my behavior here matters with their grace and love! All of God's Church in Jesus, reminds me He is God, and He is much bigger than me and I am a part of His great plan.
Looking back to number 2. I look at Luke 23:42-43
"Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:42-43)
I absolutely love this passage, this man asking Jesus to remember him is a criminal, about to die. He just repented of his sins, and the big thing he did was recognize who Jesus is. He confessed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus himself assured him, TODAY you will be with me in paradise.
John 5:24
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."
Luke 10:20
"Rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven."
Romans 8:1-2
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
1 Peter 1:3-5
"All honor to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salavation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see."
There are more. Whenever I struggle with doubt, I look to Him and His word, so I know that no matter what others may say or think, this is something I can always be grateful for.
1. My eternal security and assurance of salvation (my eternal home when I die here on earth is with God in His kingdom in heaven).
2. The Scripture that clearly confirms my assurance.
3. My loving husband, and our marriage relationship.
4. My loving family and friends, so supportive of me, esp my parents.
5. My church, and all believers in Jesus, those I worship with, those I serve with, those who keep me accountable and remind me that my behavior here matters with their grace and love! All of God's Church in Jesus, reminds me He is God, and He is much bigger than me and I am a part of His great plan.
Looking back to number 2. I look at Luke 23:42-43
"Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.' And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:42-43)
I absolutely love this passage, this man asking Jesus to remember him is a criminal, about to die. He just repented of his sins, and the big thing he did was recognize who Jesus is. He confessed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus himself assured him, TODAY you will be with me in paradise.
John 5:24
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."
Luke 10:20
"Rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven."
Romans 8:1-2
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
1 Peter 1:3-5
"All honor to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salavation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see."
There are more. Whenever I struggle with doubt, I look to Him and His word, so I know that no matter what others may say or think, this is something I can always be grateful for.
Monday, May 30, 2011
To stand.
This morning, during my quiet time, randomly Harold Camping came to mind. I thought, "Lord, didn't you say?..." I opened my Bible and turned right to Matthew 24:36, He says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angles in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Yeah, I thought so.
When lies are all around us, even coming from 'so called Christians' (and who's to say, because H. Camping could have his trust in Christ, although; listening to some of his interviews I fear his theology is way off base and it sure sounds like he is taking advantage of some naive people) What are we to do?
I looked around Chapter 24 of Matthew to see if I could find something, God always reveals His truth when our goal is to know Him more.
Matthew 24:13 says,
"but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Stands. A present tense verb, an action. And it is repeated throughout Scripture as instruction for God's people. Stand. Not ' defend,' not 'be on the offense,' not 'be agreeable' but simply to stand. The American Heritage Dictionary defines stand: To rise to an upright position. To assume or maintain an upright position. To remain stable, valid, or intact.
Paul loved to remind the early church members to stand.
1 Corinthians 15:1
"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
2 Corinthians 1:21
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ He anointed us"
2 Corinthians 1: 24 (one of my early favorites)
"Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm."
Ephesians 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Galatians 5:1
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
There are actually, many, many more. If you want to find them, do a word search on biblegateway.com.
Because God is God in the Old Testament as well as the New, He instructed us to stand for Him before Jesus came to earth.
Isaiah 7:9
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
It sounds simple, but it is not. In most of the passages, the way we stand is described as 'firm' to 'stand firm.' My natural disposition fights me on this. Trusting in the gospel, is standing in the knowledge of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
But my natural tendency is to argue and need to be in control, be critical of others and become bitter, think I need to fix others' problems, need to be right, worry, compete with others or compare myself to others, or compromise.
One of the hardest things about being a Christian is just trusting in the power of Christ! We really have nothing to prove, and that can be hard to remember. So, I pray that God continues to work in me because even when I stumble and fall, I always want to stand firm with Him.
Yeah, I thought so.
When lies are all around us, even coming from 'so called Christians' (and who's to say, because H. Camping could have his trust in Christ, although; listening to some of his interviews I fear his theology is way off base and it sure sounds like he is taking advantage of some naive people) What are we to do?
I looked around Chapter 24 of Matthew to see if I could find something, God always reveals His truth when our goal is to know Him more.
Matthew 24:13 says,
"but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Stands. A present tense verb, an action. And it is repeated throughout Scripture as instruction for God's people. Stand. Not ' defend,' not 'be on the offense,' not 'be agreeable' but simply to stand. The American Heritage Dictionary defines stand: To rise to an upright position. To assume or maintain an upright position. To remain stable, valid, or intact.
Paul loved to remind the early church members to stand.
1 Corinthians 15:1
"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
2 Corinthians 1:21
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ He anointed us"
2 Corinthians 1: 24 (one of my early favorites)
"Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm."
Ephesians 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Galatians 5:1
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
There are actually, many, many more. If you want to find them, do a word search on biblegateway.com.
Because God is God in the Old Testament as well as the New, He instructed us to stand for Him before Jesus came to earth.
Isaiah 7:9
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
It sounds simple, but it is not. In most of the passages, the way we stand is described as 'firm' to 'stand firm.' My natural disposition fights me on this. Trusting in the gospel, is standing in the knowledge of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
But my natural tendency is to argue and need to be in control, be critical of others and become bitter, think I need to fix others' problems, need to be right, worry, compete with others or compare myself to others, or compromise.
One of the hardest things about being a Christian is just trusting in the power of Christ! We really have nothing to prove, and that can be hard to remember. So, I pray that God continues to work in me because even when I stumble and fall, I always want to stand firm with Him.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
THIS
By: Sally Llyod-Jones in The Storybook Bible
"Now, some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn't do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn't mainly about you and what you should be doing. It's about God and what he has done. Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you'll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren't heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean. No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story.The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture. And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend."
(Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible)
"Now, some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn't do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn't mainly about you and what you should be doing. It's about God and what he has done. Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you'll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren't heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean. No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story.The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture. And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend."
(Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What if there's a bigger picture?
These past several weeks I have been struggling with something that I hate. I found myself thinking highly negative and critical thoughts toward others, nagging and resentment toward even loved ones. Harboring and voicing distain toward others' wrongs. It is difficult to see in yourself the very things you know is wrong, that you can so easily see in other people.
I have been thinking about John 3:17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." At first, I said, how nice, thanks Jesus. I like to personalize God's word to me, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn Haley, but to save Haley through him." Okay, save me from what? Well, that took me about 26 years to figure out. If Jesus did NOT come into the world to condemn (definition: to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment) us, but to save (definition: to preserve something from harm, injury, loss, etc) us then what is it He is saving us from? Well, just what I stated above, my sin. Not only the hateful thinking of today, but of all my past sin and future sin. He came for the rest of the world too, to save us from all the sin here on earth, one person at a time.
In honor of Mother's Day, I want to illustrate what God is doing here. When my little sister was younger, like 2 years old, she would get sick with ear infections or flu or something. My mom would take her to the doctor who would perscribe some medicine. It was always a liquid medication, and Aubrey would refuse to take it. Mom knew it would help make her better, she pleaded and even at one point pinned her down to open her mouth to take it. But Aubrey would just spit it right back up in her face! That did not stop mom from desperately wanting Aubrey to agree to just swallow the medicine, knowing that it may not taste good right off, but would soon make her feel much, much better.
When I finally agree to swallow my pride, and take in the love and grace of God in Jesus, I feel much better and stronger.
This came to light for me this week. I am reading a book, Half the Sky, recommended by some ladies at our church and I quickly became critical, while overlooking the amazing job these authors put forth. Some background, this married couple, journalists investigate and bring forth the stories of women in our world today in what can only be considered our society's slavery and modern slave trade. Hundreds and thousands of women due to poverty or just in unsafe circumstances get tricked and sold into forced prostitution and are fiercely abused. They also discuss issues in countries like China and India "disappearing women" phenomion. One point the authors made confused me a little in his conclusion.
In China, women are under so much pressure from their culture and economic situations, to have sons and not daughters, that at one point when given ultrasounds if they found that the baby was a girl they would select to have an abortion. This is so sad, and a tragic problem because hundreds of girls were 'going missing' as the chapter first began in stating the problem of 'missing girls' So, regulations were made so that pregnant women were not allowed to know the gender of the child from the ultrasound. Sadly, this has led to the problem of neglected and abadoned babies---girls, in China. The author then insinuates that an easy solution to this would be to allow selective abortions......wait, what? Solve a problem with another problem? I felt this was a contradiction, and I get upset when people want to 'put bandaids over huge surgical wounds' so to speak. Just wash your hands of it rather than looking at the root of the problem. Now, the authors do spend time in other chapters doing just that, and they do talk about the heart of these issues and what we can do about it. But in this instance, I did not like how they suggest to solve one problem by using another. In these issues, I know there are no easy solutions. This book illustrated and discussed openly many of the major sins that have taken hold in our society, but what I really liked about the book is the authors gave some redemption stories.
One like Rath, a young Cambodian woman who went to Thailand thinking she was getting a job washing dishes and was instead forced into a brothel where she was betten, raped, and drugged routinuely. After more than one attempt, she finally escaped and when she returned to Cambodia there was an aid group in place that was able to give her a $400 starter loan so that Rath could start her own small business selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs to tourists at the Thai-Cambodian border walk.
John 3:16 is a famous Bible quote, you might see it on billboards or shopping bags even. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
"For God so loved Haley...."
"For God so loved Zach..."
"For God so loved Dan...."
"For God so loved Rachael..."
"For God so loved Aubrey...."
"For God so loved Helen..."
"For God so loved Charlie...."
"For God so loved Atticus..."
"For God so loved Rath that he gave his one and only Son for her, that if Rath believes in him she shall not perish but have eternal life."
No matter where you are, what kind of culture you live in, and what status you have here, God desperately wants you. And these women's stories remind me of how God loves each of us, and wants us to turn to Him.
I have been thinking about John 3:17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." At first, I said, how nice, thanks Jesus. I like to personalize God's word to me, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn Haley, but to save Haley through him." Okay, save me from what? Well, that took me about 26 years to figure out. If Jesus did NOT come into the world to condemn (definition: to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment) us, but to save (definition: to preserve something from harm, injury, loss, etc) us then what is it He is saving us from? Well, just what I stated above, my sin. Not only the hateful thinking of today, but of all my past sin and future sin. He came for the rest of the world too, to save us from all the sin here on earth, one person at a time.
In honor of Mother's Day, I want to illustrate what God is doing here. When my little sister was younger, like 2 years old, she would get sick with ear infections or flu or something. My mom would take her to the doctor who would perscribe some medicine. It was always a liquid medication, and Aubrey would refuse to take it. Mom knew it would help make her better, she pleaded and even at one point pinned her down to open her mouth to take it. But Aubrey would just spit it right back up in her face! That did not stop mom from desperately wanting Aubrey to agree to just swallow the medicine, knowing that it may not taste good right off, but would soon make her feel much, much better.
When I finally agree to swallow my pride, and take in the love and grace of God in Jesus, I feel much better and stronger.
This came to light for me this week. I am reading a book, Half the Sky, recommended by some ladies at our church and I quickly became critical, while overlooking the amazing job these authors put forth. Some background, this married couple, journalists investigate and bring forth the stories of women in our world today in what can only be considered our society's slavery and modern slave trade. Hundreds and thousands of women due to poverty or just in unsafe circumstances get tricked and sold into forced prostitution and are fiercely abused. They also discuss issues in countries like China and India "disappearing women" phenomion. One point the authors made confused me a little in his conclusion.
In China, women are under so much pressure from their culture and economic situations, to have sons and not daughters, that at one point when given ultrasounds if they found that the baby was a girl they would select to have an abortion. This is so sad, and a tragic problem because hundreds of girls were 'going missing' as the chapter first began in stating the problem of 'missing girls' So, regulations were made so that pregnant women were not allowed to know the gender of the child from the ultrasound. Sadly, this has led to the problem of neglected and abadoned babies---girls, in China. The author then insinuates that an easy solution to this would be to allow selective abortions......wait, what? Solve a problem with another problem? I felt this was a contradiction, and I get upset when people want to 'put bandaids over huge surgical wounds' so to speak. Just wash your hands of it rather than looking at the root of the problem. Now, the authors do spend time in other chapters doing just that, and they do talk about the heart of these issues and what we can do about it. But in this instance, I did not like how they suggest to solve one problem by using another. In these issues, I know there are no easy solutions. This book illustrated and discussed openly many of the major sins that have taken hold in our society, but what I really liked about the book is the authors gave some redemption stories.
One like Rath, a young Cambodian woman who went to Thailand thinking she was getting a job washing dishes and was instead forced into a brothel where she was betten, raped, and drugged routinuely. After more than one attempt, she finally escaped and when she returned to Cambodia there was an aid group in place that was able to give her a $400 starter loan so that Rath could start her own small business selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs to tourists at the Thai-Cambodian border walk.
John 3:16 is a famous Bible quote, you might see it on billboards or shopping bags even. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
"For God so loved Haley...."
"For God so loved Zach..."
"For God so loved Dan...."
"For God so loved Rachael..."
"For God so loved Aubrey...."
"For God so loved Helen..."
"For God so loved Charlie...."
"For God so loved Atticus..."
"For God so loved Rath that he gave his one and only Son for her, that if Rath believes in him she shall not perish but have eternal life."
No matter where you are, what kind of culture you live in, and what status you have here, God desperately wants you. And these women's stories remind me of how God loves each of us, and wants us to turn to Him.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Weekend
Last night, Zach and I attended our church's Good Friday service. It was a great time to reflect on the most important aspect of our faith in Jesus Christ. If Jesus had not died for our sins, he would have been just a moral teacher ( and, honestly, a nut job since he claimed to be God!) We could not have the joy of Easter faith without the sorrow of Good Friday. We all together read the prophesy reading in Isaiah 53:2-12 written hundreds of years before Jesus' birth. It is pretty remarkable. God had this planned all along. Since the fall of man, God began His work to redeem us! This reading is quite beautiful.
Isaiah 53:2-12
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgement he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied, by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
One part in there especially struck me, v. 10 says, "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer" How have you suffered this year? Reason tells us, "Isn't God loving??" so why would He want us to suffer? We all have it in us, a yearning for an Eden-like world. I know, I have family members who I see especially have a desire for the ideal world. Truth is, God made us that way, and we DID have Eden, but we sinned. We believed the lie that we can be "good without God" we gave into pride, and so suffering and death is the penalty. But God, being all loving, has mercy, He came here to earth Himself through Jesus and suffered and died so that we might be saved.
Ok, so I have accepted Jesus as the "intercession" for my sins. So, why do I still suffer? Paul says in Romans to rejoice in suffering. For suffering produces perseverance, character and hope. While we are here we remember that God never wastes our suffering experiences, but uses it, if we allow Him. We also need to remember that God cares deeply, and has compassion for us (Matthew 14:14). The story doesn't end here. In verse 11, it says "after the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life." It was true for Jesus, and it is true for all of us who believe in Him!
Revelation 21:1,4 says, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Isaiah 53:2-12
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgement he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied, by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
One part in there especially struck me, v. 10 says, "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer" How have you suffered this year? Reason tells us, "Isn't God loving??" so why would He want us to suffer? We all have it in us, a yearning for an Eden-like world. I know, I have family members who I see especially have a desire for the ideal world. Truth is, God made us that way, and we DID have Eden, but we sinned. We believed the lie that we can be "good without God" we gave into pride, and so suffering and death is the penalty. But God, being all loving, has mercy, He came here to earth Himself through Jesus and suffered and died so that we might be saved.
Ok, so I have accepted Jesus as the "intercession" for my sins. So, why do I still suffer? Paul says in Romans to rejoice in suffering. For suffering produces perseverance, character and hope. While we are here we remember that God never wastes our suffering experiences, but uses it, if we allow Him. We also need to remember that God cares deeply, and has compassion for us (Matthew 14:14). The story doesn't end here. In verse 11, it says "after the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life." It was true for Jesus, and it is true for all of us who believe in Him!
Revelation 21:1,4 says, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Saturday, April 2, 2011
I better check myself before I wreck myself
Zach here-I want to thank Haley for giving me the honor of being a guest blogger! I have been so encouraged by her blog posts and impressed with her insights. Having never posted on a blog, I have been a little unsure as to what I should write about but here goes...
I want to share some of the things I think God has been working to fix in my thinking. Perhaps you can identify and perhaps not. I am an intellectual property attorney and I spend most of my time working for people who are fairly wealthy and relatively well educated. Likewise, my work colleagues are all attorneys who have both technical and law degrees. Almost all of my friends are college educated and for the most part are doing fairly well financially now that we are in our thirties. The church Haley and I are members of has a congregation that, with some exceptions, is mostly white and upper middle class. In short, there is a real danger that I can live my life in a bubble, which is what I have been doing lately. However, this kind of life is completely contrary to what I think (per scripture) God would have his followers doing.
I started thinking about this a few weeks ago after I spent a half-day as a potential juror in the Dallas County criminal court system. Yes, we attorneys are not exempt from jury duty, even though we are not usually picked as jurors (I didn't get picked). As a potential juror, I was privy to hearing the opinions of my fellow Dallas County citizens. Although many of my fellow jurors seemed like very fine people, a number of other individuals seemed like, how can I say this, pure white trash. During breaks, I heard a couple of them discussing their own future court dates for various charges and just how drunk they had gotten the night before.
I have lived and worked with all types of criminals and addicts previously in my life. You might be surprised to hear that not all of them were lawyers. ;) When I worked on a dock at a fish processing plant in Alaska one summer when I was 19, almost all of my friends/co-workers were felons of some kind or likely on their way to becoming felons if they didn't change paths. Many of them were also hooked on something or another. However, that seems like a long time ago now and I found myself at jury duty beginning to harbor all kinds of negative thoughts about many of my fellow potential jurors. I was annoyed with them and quite frankly, looked down on them. I wanted to get as far away from them as fast as possible. This is when I think God started to work in my heart and I began to question my thinking.
Basically, I think God is revealing just how prideful I am and how wrongheaded my thoughts are. I think my internal thinking was along these lines: my education, perceived morality and upbringing makes me better than the people I was annoyed with and more valuable in God's sight. What a joke. This is undeniably false according to God's word. Not only that, this kind of self-righteous thinking is sinful and will render me much less likely to be used by God.
First, I need to check myself and realize that God isn't at all impressed with how much I think I've accomplished apart from Him:
Isaiah 64:6:
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
In fact, I would say that I have done nothing in my life of any truly lasting value apart from God's active involvement. Jesus's teachings as written in the Gospel of John support this conclusion:
John 15:1-5:
1 “I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Second, I need to remember that God loved the entire world of screwed up people (like me) and sent Jesus to deliver us from the condemnation that we deserve as a result of our rebellion against Him:
John 3:16:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
I note from the foregoing famous scripture verses that there is nothing in there about God only loving and using the educated, well-off, non-annoying and the superficially righteous. In contrast, from what I can tell, God has instead made it a habit to pick out the non-educated (many of Jesus's disciples-see Acts 4:13), annoying (Zacchaeus the tax collector) and initially blatantly sinful (Saul/Paul) for his most important work.
The truth is that we are all sick and in the same boat. We all need a savior to heal us:
Luke 5:16-17:
16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I pray that God would help me see when pride enters into my thinking and that He will help me root it out so that I can be effective in sharing His love for the world.
I want to share some of the things I think God has been working to fix in my thinking. Perhaps you can identify and perhaps not. I am an intellectual property attorney and I spend most of my time working for people who are fairly wealthy and relatively well educated. Likewise, my work colleagues are all attorneys who have both technical and law degrees. Almost all of my friends are college educated and for the most part are doing fairly well financially now that we are in our thirties. The church Haley and I are members of has a congregation that, with some exceptions, is mostly white and upper middle class. In short, there is a real danger that I can live my life in a bubble, which is what I have been doing lately. However, this kind of life is completely contrary to what I think (per scripture) God would have his followers doing.
I started thinking about this a few weeks ago after I spent a half-day as a potential juror in the Dallas County criminal court system. Yes, we attorneys are not exempt from jury duty, even though we are not usually picked as jurors (I didn't get picked). As a potential juror, I was privy to hearing the opinions of my fellow Dallas County citizens. Although many of my fellow jurors seemed like very fine people, a number of other individuals seemed like, how can I say this, pure white trash. During breaks, I heard a couple of them discussing their own future court dates for various charges and just how drunk they had gotten the night before.
I have lived and worked with all types of criminals and addicts previously in my life. You might be surprised to hear that not all of them were lawyers. ;) When I worked on a dock at a fish processing plant in Alaska one summer when I was 19, almost all of my friends/co-workers were felons of some kind or likely on their way to becoming felons if they didn't change paths. Many of them were also hooked on something or another. However, that seems like a long time ago now and I found myself at jury duty beginning to harbor all kinds of negative thoughts about many of my fellow potential jurors. I was annoyed with them and quite frankly, looked down on them. I wanted to get as far away from them as fast as possible. This is when I think God started to work in my heart and I began to question my thinking.
Basically, I think God is revealing just how prideful I am and how wrongheaded my thoughts are. I think my internal thinking was along these lines: my education, perceived morality and upbringing makes me better than the people I was annoyed with and more valuable in God's sight. What a joke. This is undeniably false according to God's word. Not only that, this kind of self-righteous thinking is sinful and will render me much less likely to be used by God.
First, I need to check myself and realize that God isn't at all impressed with how much I think I've accomplished apart from Him:
Isaiah 64:6:
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
In fact, I would say that I have done nothing in my life of any truly lasting value apart from God's active involvement. Jesus's teachings as written in the Gospel of John support this conclusion:
John 15:1-5:
1 “I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Second, I need to remember that God loved the entire world of screwed up people (like me) and sent Jesus to deliver us from the condemnation that we deserve as a result of our rebellion against Him:
John 3:16:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
I note from the foregoing famous scripture verses that there is nothing in there about God only loving and using the educated, well-off, non-annoying and the superficially righteous. In contrast, from what I can tell, God has instead made it a habit to pick out the non-educated (many of Jesus's disciples-see Acts 4:13), annoying (Zacchaeus the tax collector) and initially blatantly sinful (Saul/Paul) for his most important work.
The truth is that we are all sick and in the same boat. We all need a savior to heal us:
Luke 5:16-17:
16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I pray that God would help me see when pride enters into my thinking and that He will help me root it out so that I can be effective in sharing His love for the world.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Coming soon....
As many, or maybe a few of you, may know, I like my television. So, right now I am excited to be like a TV host on my own show through this blog.
Coming soon, on Haley's Blog.........we will be having a guest star!!!!
My amazing and Christ-centered husband, Zach Hilton, will be writing and posting his thoughts making his first guest appearance on John 3:30 blog. Stay tuned!! ;-)
Coming soon, on Haley's Blog.........we will be having a guest star!!!!
My amazing and Christ-centered husband, Zach Hilton, will be writing and posting his thoughts making his first guest appearance on John 3:30 blog. Stay tuned!! ;-)
Monday, March 7, 2011
My confession.
What is confession?
"When we fill our hearts with the glory of God (through Adoration) and pray as Jesus taught us, 'Hallowed be your name,' the natural movement of our hearts is to see the darkness of our lives in light of his radiance." ....
"Confession is the courageous and honest admission that we have violated God's holy law and are in desperate need of forgiveness." (How Do We Pray? Discipleship Essentials)
One question I had for a long while is, how do I confess? Do I tell people? Be it friends or family? Do I chastise myself when I know I messed up? Do I say a silent prayer to God? Do I talk out loud?
The Greek word, confess means "to agree with." How should we look at this? When we confess, we are agreeing with God with what He sees (Foster, 1998).
We often talk about what God blesses us with. "I am very blessed to have a great husband!" "I am so blessed to have a job in this economy!" " My children are a blessing from God!"
While this is true, I think that conviction of our sin is: 1. A blessing from God. 2. Only something God can do.
It is a blessing from God, in that we are clearly able to see our depravity and desperate need for God's rescue through Jesus. Zach and I were watching a documentary following a group of young soilders in combat in Afghanistan. In an extra interview of a young man returned home. He states his severe guilt for the things he has done 'over there.' Innocent lives taken at his hand, in some cases. He said he hated it when well meaning people told him, "Don't feel bad, you did what you had to do." This, he said, made him angry. "I didn't have to go there....I'm not a religious guy, but what is God going to say when I die and face Him? 'Oh, don't worry.' With a pat on the back. 'You did what you had to do, son, just comon' into heaven.' I don't f***ing think so."
This man knows the bad news, that he deserves death for what he has done. I remember when I realized that for the evil things I had done and not done. It is then, that we can really appriciate the Good News! Jesus paid the price. If we take all those terrible things to Him, we can be washed clean. That man, can go to God when he faces him and say, "I claim Jesus, your Son, as my only way into heaven." And God will welcome him in! Today, while still on earth, we can talk to God in prayer because of Jesus. When we confess, we are freed to see that much more and get that much closer to God, our Father.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
This is repeated in the New Testament:
Hebrews 12:6 "because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
To be sure, we must be careful not to confuse God's conviction with Satan's accusations. I wrote a chart:
Satan's Accusations: vs. God's Conviction:
- causes feelings of unworthy - leads to godly sorrow
"Blessed are those who morn"(Matt 5:4)
- leads to restoration
- focused on a specific sin
to be God's child -remember "there is no condimnation in Christ"
- General unnamed guilt
-put downs
- feel discouraged
- nagging messages "You call
yourself a Christain? Who are you kidding?"
Here is the link to the video of the service where Zach and I shared our card board testimonies. http://www.northwestbible.org/60thanniversary
I am now going to share how I look at confessing my sins.
ME: I love my dog, Butters. She brings me so much joy, laughter, and love. I am crazy about her. But, Butters does poop. It's gross. She can't not poop, and she can't clean it up herself.
GOD: I love my daughter, Haley. She brings me so much joy, laughter, and love. I am crazy about her. But, Haley does sin. It's gross. She can't not sin, and she can't clean it up herself.
This is what I did. I wrote out each of my specific sins on a note card. Every shameful act. From sexual sin to lying. I read each one out loud to God, and took ownership of the wrong. And told him that I put it at His feet. I ripped each one up and put it in a plastic grocery sack, and then I threw it out, just like Butters poop.
God redeems us, and gives us victories. Once you realize, there is nothing you can do on your own about it. Through the sanctification process, I learn more and more about what sins God has helped me overcome, and what sins I still struggle with.
"When we fill our hearts with the glory of God (through Adoration) and pray as Jesus taught us, 'Hallowed be your name,' the natural movement of our hearts is to see the darkness of our lives in light of his radiance." ....
"Confession is the courageous and honest admission that we have violated God's holy law and are in desperate need of forgiveness." (How Do We Pray? Discipleship Essentials)
One question I had for a long while is, how do I confess? Do I tell people? Be it friends or family? Do I chastise myself when I know I messed up? Do I say a silent prayer to God? Do I talk out loud?
The Greek word, confess means "to agree with." How should we look at this? When we confess, we are agreeing with God with what He sees (Foster, 1998).
We often talk about what God blesses us with. "I am very blessed to have a great husband!" "I am so blessed to have a job in this economy!" " My children are a blessing from God!"
While this is true, I think that conviction of our sin is: 1. A blessing from God. 2. Only something God can do.
It is a blessing from God, in that we are clearly able to see our depravity and desperate need for God's rescue through Jesus. Zach and I were watching a documentary following a group of young soilders in combat in Afghanistan. In an extra interview of a young man returned home. He states his severe guilt for the things he has done 'over there.' Innocent lives taken at his hand, in some cases. He said he hated it when well meaning people told him, "Don't feel bad, you did what you had to do." This, he said, made him angry. "I didn't have to go there....I'm not a religious guy, but what is God going to say when I die and face Him? 'Oh, don't worry.' With a pat on the back. 'You did what you had to do, son, just comon' into heaven.' I don't f***ing think so."
This man knows the bad news, that he deserves death for what he has done. I remember when I realized that for the evil things I had done and not done. It is then, that we can really appriciate the Good News! Jesus paid the price. If we take all those terrible things to Him, we can be washed clean. That man, can go to God when he faces him and say, "I claim Jesus, your Son, as my only way into heaven." And God will welcome him in! Today, while still on earth, we can talk to God in prayer because of Jesus. When we confess, we are freed to see that much more and get that much closer to God, our Father.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
This is repeated in the New Testament:
Hebrews 12:6 "because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
To be sure, we must be careful not to confuse God's conviction with Satan's accusations. I wrote a chart:
Satan's Accusations: vs. God's Conviction:
- causes feelings of unworthy - leads to godly sorrow
"Blessed are those who morn"(Matt 5:4)
- leads to restoration
- focused on a specific sin
to be God's child -remember "there is no condimnation in Christ"
- General unnamed guilt
-put downs
- feel discouraged
- nagging messages "You call
yourself a Christain? Who are you kidding?"
Here is the link to the video of the service where Zach and I shared our card board testimonies. http://www.northwestbible.org/60thanniversary
I am now going to share how I look at confessing my sins.
ME: I love my dog, Butters. She brings me so much joy, laughter, and love. I am crazy about her. But, Butters does poop. It's gross. She can't not poop, and she can't clean it up herself.
GOD: I love my daughter, Haley. She brings me so much joy, laughter, and love. I am crazy about her. But, Haley does sin. It's gross. She can't not sin, and she can't clean it up herself.
This is what I did. I wrote out each of my specific sins on a note card. Every shameful act. From sexual sin to lying. I read each one out loud to God, and took ownership of the wrong. And told him that I put it at His feet. I ripped each one up and put it in a plastic grocery sack, and then I threw it out, just like Butters poop.
God redeems us, and gives us victories. Once you realize, there is nothing you can do on your own about it. Through the sanctification process, I learn more and more about what sins God has helped me overcome, and what sins I still struggle with.
Monday, February 21, 2011
God who?
Last weekend, my mom shared her sabfab time with me. I enjoyed the ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and suplication) method of prayer with the movement of my body.
(Deuteronomy 6:5) "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
We were made to love and admire God with all our heart, mind, body, strength. And yet, this is many times the most difficult thing to do. Praise or worship or adoration means to get outside ourselves and take a look at who God IS and not what we think He is or should be. How do we know who God is then? We MUST look to Scripture to tell us, because otherwise we are just making our own assumptions based on our limited experiences and feelings.
First and formost, God is Holy. Ps. 99:9 "The Lord our God is holy." Whole hosts of angels were created to cry out (Isaiah 6:3) "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Emil Brunner expresses: "Holiness is the Nature of God, that which distinguishes Him from everything else...Holiness is not a quality which God possesses in common with other beings; on the contrary, it is that which distinguishes Him clearly and absolutely from everything else."
I was once asked about the fact that the word "fear" is used in the Bible to describe how we feel about God. Well, I think that due to His complete holiness, to encounter the living God who is completely separated from sin and blameless in every way is a frightening experience.
It is frightening, because I know that I fall short. I miss the mark of perfection. Because I am sinful and prideful and want my way instead of God's way in my life I deserve death. Does that sound too harsh?
Paul reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)
Because God is all holy, he hates sin, he cannot have anything to do with it, because He is all goodness and Light and there is no room for darkness with God. And He will exercise His wrath on sin.
Isaiah 13:9 "See, the day of the Lord is coming- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it."
I know that God is just.
Isaiah 5:16 "But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness."
I have been thinking this week, about all the injustice in the world today. Murder, rape, freedoms taken away, hatefullness. Don't you want justice? I know I do. It is good to know that God is good and God is just. He will set all things right. I like this until it comes down to me. When I am the one who has done the wrong, that is when I really want the Holy God to show his mercy and love. And he does! As much as God hates sin, He loves His people, He wants us to CHOOSE to love Him and choose to turn away from whatever else drives us in life to be driven by love for Him!
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." - look at this passage from Deu. "love the Lord your God" He is MY God, not only the God of nations, all powerful and knowing, but my personal helper and friend. There is a Christian song I have been listening to, and one of the lyrics says, "Could the Maker of the stars, hear the sound of my breaking heart?"
God is so personal, we are made to be so personal with Him. He wants in on all aspects of our life. Last week, I was working, and I had been sick the day before. I was exhausted, I felt almost numb. Between patient visits, I was just in tears crying out loud to God because in my own strength, I felt helpless. I could not go on. I told Him that He was going to have to do this last visit, give me the energy and strength. I was too weary, He needed to pick me up. God is always faithful. I felt a rush of joy come over me, and I made it for my last visit. I realized this was another example of how Jesus comes to our rescue. God wants us to call on Him, can I go to heaven? Yes, because you are covered by Jesus, he did it all for you if you just believe in Him. Can I get through this work day? Yes, because God is going to carry you through if you just believe in Him.
God is loving and merciful, he gave us Jesus. I would not be alive if not for Him.
John 5:26 "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself."
(Deuteronomy 6:5) "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
We were made to love and admire God with all our heart, mind, body, strength. And yet, this is many times the most difficult thing to do. Praise or worship or adoration means to get outside ourselves and take a look at who God IS and not what we think He is or should be. How do we know who God is then? We MUST look to Scripture to tell us, because otherwise we are just making our own assumptions based on our limited experiences and feelings.
First and formost, God is Holy. Ps. 99:9 "The Lord our God is holy." Whole hosts of angels were created to cry out (Isaiah 6:3) "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Emil Brunner expresses: "Holiness is the Nature of God, that which distinguishes Him from everything else...Holiness is not a quality which God possesses in common with other beings; on the contrary, it is that which distinguishes Him clearly and absolutely from everything else."
I was once asked about the fact that the word "fear" is used in the Bible to describe how we feel about God. Well, I think that due to His complete holiness, to encounter the living God who is completely separated from sin and blameless in every way is a frightening experience.
It is frightening, because I know that I fall short. I miss the mark of perfection. Because I am sinful and prideful and want my way instead of God's way in my life I deserve death. Does that sound too harsh?
Paul reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)
Because God is all holy, he hates sin, he cannot have anything to do with it, because He is all goodness and Light and there is no room for darkness with God. And He will exercise His wrath on sin.
Isaiah 13:9 "See, the day of the Lord is coming- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it."
I know that God is just.
Isaiah 5:16 "But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness."
I have been thinking this week, about all the injustice in the world today. Murder, rape, freedoms taken away, hatefullness. Don't you want justice? I know I do. It is good to know that God is good and God is just. He will set all things right. I like this until it comes down to me. When I am the one who has done the wrong, that is when I really want the Holy God to show his mercy and love. And he does! As much as God hates sin, He loves His people, He wants us to CHOOSE to love Him and choose to turn away from whatever else drives us in life to be driven by love for Him!
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." - look at this passage from Deu. "love the Lord your God" He is MY God, not only the God of nations, all powerful and knowing, but my personal helper and friend. There is a Christian song I have been listening to, and one of the lyrics says, "Could the Maker of the stars, hear the sound of my breaking heart?"
God is so personal, we are made to be so personal with Him. He wants in on all aspects of our life. Last week, I was working, and I had been sick the day before. I was exhausted, I felt almost numb. Between patient visits, I was just in tears crying out loud to God because in my own strength, I felt helpless. I could not go on. I told Him that He was going to have to do this last visit, give me the energy and strength. I was too weary, He needed to pick me up. God is always faithful. I felt a rush of joy come over me, and I made it for my last visit. I realized this was another example of how Jesus comes to our rescue. God wants us to call on Him, can I go to heaven? Yes, because you are covered by Jesus, he did it all for you if you just believe in Him. Can I get through this work day? Yes, because God is going to carry you through if you just believe in Him.
God is loving and merciful, he gave us Jesus. I would not be alive if not for Him.
John 5:26 "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Be Mine!
A friends sent this to me, and thought it was perfect for Valentine's Day!
A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings to you the sweetest love song in the universe.
The Lord your God..will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all. Jesus.
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1
A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Remember this day that our Lord God, holy and alive forever, is DEEPLY IN LOVE with you!!!!
A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings to you the sweetest love song in the universe.
The Lord your God..will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all. Jesus.
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1
A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Remember this day that our Lord God, holy and alive forever, is DEEPLY IN LOVE with you!!!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Walk Like a Christian, talk like a Christian
This week has been absolutely banannas! I really don't like the fact that I have to take time off work and the fact that I am not sitting on a beach or at a ski resort during this forced time off! But, it has given me the opportunity to take care of the things that I have been neglecting lately. I finally signed up for my 401k this week, I renewed my gym membership....went to the gym....spent time with parents, and most importantly, spent time with my Lord and Savior whom I love. Having the opportunity to marinate over conversations and experiences of late, an article by Darrell Johnson had been coming to my mind. Titled: Demands My All, he begins:
"'Life is difficult.' That is the way M. Scott Peck begins his very helpful book The Road Less Traveled. Most people do not see this truth. Most people believe that life should be easy. The road most traveled is the road of moaning and grumbling about life's difficulties. The road less traveled is the road of accepting life's difficulties and meeting them head-on."
Some good stuff. I want to take a closer look even. At first glance, one may speculate that what Johnson is pointing out is that we should just "get over it," with little to no sympathy. That we only have two choices in life, to be upset over the wrongs and hurts we endure or to pretend there are no wrongs or hurts. A pitfall for many Christians is that we think we have to have it "all together" in order to be a good Christ follower, that if things are ugly and testing us we need to slap on a happy face, hide it so others don't know we struggle, for the world to see that as a Christain, you too, could have it "all together" like me. This is a lie, and not what Jesus intended for his followers.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)" But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
We have heard the term "take up your cross."
(Matthew 16:24) "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
I want to point out something here, Jesus is completely validating the fact that we each have a cross to bear. I know believers and non-believers alike who suffer with depression, death of loved ones, betrayal, cancer, loniness, chronic pain, and regrets. Jesus is not telling you to deny those very real pains, He is telling you to take up those hurts and pains, own them, and bring it to Him. Denying myself does NOT mean denying my self worth, denying myself does NOT mean denying my feelings. Denying myself does mean that I no longer answer to "Lord Haley"
D. Johnson says, "Human bondage in all its forms is the result of being our own gods."
If we can put aside our pride, jealousy, argumentative spirit, resentments, then we become free to be ourselves in a very honest and real way.
This raw exposure of ourselves seems intimidating, Jesus doesn't want you to be a basket case either. It is risky, to go against what the world tells you, and put your whole faith and joy in God. But I know from experience, that it is completely worth it. Remember, Jesus rose from the dead on Easter! He had to go through Good Friday, all the suffering and death, before he could overcome it.
It is also just as important to remember that the gifts God has given you, the unique mixture of your personal checkbook, home, brain, heart, talents, feet, mouth, etc. when given to God for HIS benefit and glory will never leave you short changed in life.
I have been reading Isaiah 43: 1-4 these past couple of days. I like how these verses give me some answers and insight into 1. Who God is. 2. Who I am and 3. What that means for me. When you go about denying yourself, its good to know what your doing it for (or Who in this case: God) and what we do receive in return.
God takes ownership of me (His creation)
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." (v. 1)
God protects me
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (v. 2)
Who is God?
"For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your sted. (v. 3)
Who are we?
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you," (v. 4)
God sacrifices for us
"I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (v. 4)
"'Life is difficult.' That is the way M. Scott Peck begins his very helpful book The Road Less Traveled. Most people do not see this truth. Most people believe that life should be easy. The road most traveled is the road of moaning and grumbling about life's difficulties. The road less traveled is the road of accepting life's difficulties and meeting them head-on."
Some good stuff. I want to take a closer look even. At first glance, one may speculate that what Johnson is pointing out is that we should just "get over it," with little to no sympathy. That we only have two choices in life, to be upset over the wrongs and hurts we endure or to pretend there are no wrongs or hurts. A pitfall for many Christians is that we think we have to have it "all together" in order to be a good Christ follower, that if things are ugly and testing us we need to slap on a happy face, hide it so others don't know we struggle, for the world to see that as a Christain, you too, could have it "all together" like me. This is a lie, and not what Jesus intended for his followers.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)" But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
We have heard the term "take up your cross."
(Matthew 16:24) "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
I want to point out something here, Jesus is completely validating the fact that we each have a cross to bear. I know believers and non-believers alike who suffer with depression, death of loved ones, betrayal, cancer, loniness, chronic pain, and regrets. Jesus is not telling you to deny those very real pains, He is telling you to take up those hurts and pains, own them, and bring it to Him. Denying myself does NOT mean denying my self worth, denying myself does NOT mean denying my feelings. Denying myself does mean that I no longer answer to "Lord Haley"
D. Johnson says, "Human bondage in all its forms is the result of being our own gods."
If we can put aside our pride, jealousy, argumentative spirit, resentments, then we become free to be ourselves in a very honest and real way.
This raw exposure of ourselves seems intimidating, Jesus doesn't want you to be a basket case either. It is risky, to go against what the world tells you, and put your whole faith and joy in God. But I know from experience, that it is completely worth it. Remember, Jesus rose from the dead on Easter! He had to go through Good Friday, all the suffering and death, before he could overcome it.
It is also just as important to remember that the gifts God has given you, the unique mixture of your personal checkbook, home, brain, heart, talents, feet, mouth, etc. when given to God for HIS benefit and glory will never leave you short changed in life.
I have been reading Isaiah 43: 1-4 these past couple of days. I like how these verses give me some answers and insight into 1. Who God is. 2. Who I am and 3. What that means for me. When you go about denying yourself, its good to know what your doing it for (or Who in this case: God) and what we do receive in return.
God takes ownership of me (His creation)
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." (v. 1)
God protects me
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (v. 2)
Who is God?
"For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your sted. (v. 3)
Who are we?
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you," (v. 4)
God sacrifices for us
"I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (v. 4)
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