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.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)