Showing posts with label Provoking Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Provoking Thoughts. Show all posts
In Retrospect
Today I spent a little bit of time browsing through some of the posts that I've written in the past. Looking back, I can't believe the amazing things that God has done. How he moved my heart and changed it. How he used my struggles and my strengths to touch your hearts. Its unfathomable to me how a God so great would call me His own. Unfathomable that he would love on me, and use the very last threads of his patience to wait for me to be receptive to him. Yet, as unfathomable as it seems to me, God does. He has an everlasting love, a love that embraces hearts, and a kindness that calls our hearts to him. Tonight don't forget that you have a God who LOVES you, who went to the depths for you, who while you were yet a sinner, died for you! Because he loves you. Because he WANTED to give you the opportunity to share in His love, and in every blessing he ever created. YES! We have a God like that.
All Dried Up
Have you ever felt all dried up? Like you've given what you can give but there is just nothing left that you can really do.
Sometimes I feel like that with my spiritual life. While there may be something that I can do about what God is convicting in me, I don't do it, and sometimes I don't even want to do it. It saddens my heart to admit it, but I know it's really true.
That's when I need to consult God and just say hey, I'm feeling all dried up, help me because I need it.
Grace. There is enough to cover me.
Nevertheless, I believe the lie that there isn't. I believe the lie that if I'm not good enough God will condemn me.
That's when I need to remember scripture.
Romans 8:1-3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
It really hits home for me when I read "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering".
Christ covers all.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Though we have been redeemed we are not without purpose. We have a job to do. Here Christ tells the disciples to be alert and aware of temptation praying to God for assistance to resist it.
We still live in a broken and sinful world, therefore we must watch and pray to avoid temptation. When we stop watching and praying that is when we fall into sin.
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
This passage in second Peter is a good reminder that though we live in a broken world God has given us everything we need to succeed in living a life pleasing to Him.
An excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary explains verses 3 & 4 in more depth...
Those who receive the promises of the gospel partake of the divine nature. They are renewed in the spirit of their mind, after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; their hearts are set for God and his service; they have a divine temper and disposition of soul; though the law is the ministration of death, and the letter killeth, yet the gospel is the ministration of life, and the Spirit quickeneth those who are naturally dead in trespasses and sins. [4.] Those in whom the Spirit works the divine nature are freed from the bondage of corruption. Those who are, by the Spirit of grace,renewed in the spirit of their mind, are translated into the liberty of the children of God; for it is the world in which corruption reigns. Those who are not of the Father, but of the world, are under the power of sin; the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19. And the dominion that sin has in the men of the world is through lust; their desires are to it, and therefore it rules over them. The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it.
The last sentence here is easy to overlook, but it is what stood out to me most. It says, "The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it". Hearing myself read those words both encourages and saddens me. I am saddened by this because it means that I am holding a dominion of sin over myself and therefore keeping myself from what God has for me. On the other hand, I am encouraged because it means that the only sin which has power over Christians is the sin that I myself take pleasure in. This means that through the Holy Spirit, I have the power I need to get rid of any sin that is held over me.
The only question that remains then is how. How do we get rid of the dominion of sin we are willingly holding over ourselves. Well I guess that the easy answer is to let go of it. The more helpful answer is perhaps to watch and pray. In order to get rid of it we need to ask God for help. We also need to be mindful or in other words pay attention to what thoughts lead us into sin. Then, instead of entertaining those thoughts, we need to capture them and toss them out. We can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit if we watch and pray.
Sometimes I feel like that with my spiritual life. While there may be something that I can do about what God is convicting in me, I don't do it, and sometimes I don't even want to do it. It saddens my heart to admit it, but I know it's really true.
That's when I need to consult God and just say hey, I'm feeling all dried up, help me because I need it.
Grace. There is enough to cover me.
Nevertheless, I believe the lie that there isn't. I believe the lie that if I'm not good enough God will condemn me.
That's when I need to remember scripture.
Romans 8:1-3
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
It really hits home for me when I read "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering".
Christ covers all.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Though we have been redeemed we are not without purpose. We have a job to do. Here Christ tells the disciples to be alert and aware of temptation praying to God for assistance to resist it.
We still live in a broken and sinful world, therefore we must watch and pray to avoid temptation. When we stop watching and praying that is when we fall into sin.
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
This passage in second Peter is a good reminder that though we live in a broken world God has given us everything we need to succeed in living a life pleasing to Him.
An excerpt from Matthew Henry's Commentary explains verses 3 & 4 in more depth...
Those who receive the promises of the gospel partake of the divine nature. They are renewed in the spirit of their mind, after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; their hearts are set for God and his service; they have a divine temper and disposition of soul; though the law is the ministration of death, and the letter killeth, yet the gospel is the ministration of life, and the Spirit quickeneth those who are naturally dead in trespasses and sins. [4.] Those in whom the Spirit works the divine nature are freed from the bondage of corruption. Those who are, by the Spirit of grace,renewed in the spirit of their mind, are translated into the liberty of the children of God; for it is the world in which corruption reigns. Those who are not of the Father, but of the world, are under the power of sin; the world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19. And the dominion that sin has in the men of the world is through lust; their desires are to it, and therefore it rules over them. The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it.
The last sentence here is easy to overlook, but it is what stood out to me most. It says, "The dominion that sin has over us is according to the delight we have in it". Hearing myself read those words both encourages and saddens me. I am saddened by this because it means that I am holding a dominion of sin over myself and therefore keeping myself from what God has for me. On the other hand, I am encouraged because it means that the only sin which has power over Christians is the sin that I myself take pleasure in. This means that through the Holy Spirit, I have the power I need to get rid of any sin that is held over me.
The only question that remains then is how. How do we get rid of the dominion of sin we are willingly holding over ourselves. Well I guess that the easy answer is to let go of it. The more helpful answer is perhaps to watch and pray. In order to get rid of it we need to ask God for help. We also need to be mindful or in other words pay attention to what thoughts lead us into sin. Then, instead of entertaining those thoughts, we need to capture them and toss them out. We can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit if we watch and pray.
Brokenness
Brokenness. I guess that is a good word for what I have been experiencing lately. I think that for me the term brokenness is a state of being. Feeling broken. It's a feeling of inadequacy, vulnerability, rawness.
Maybe brokenness is just a realization of present reality, like the present reality that this world is a messed up place.
I don't know what being broken or brokenness means or feels like for you, but for me that is how it feels.
This isn't the type of brokenness that feels hopeless though. It's more of the type of brokenness where I realize my vulnerabilities and thus my deep and daily need for God. God makes my weaknesses okay. Yes, I am inadequate. Yes, I don't always do the best things, but with God none of that matters because he is adequate and without flaw. His perfection fills my imperfect places and makes me whole again.
Maybe brokenness is just a realization of present reality, like the present reality that this world is a messed up place.
I don't know what being broken or brokenness means or feels like for you, but for me that is how it feels.
This isn't the type of brokenness that feels hopeless though. It's more of the type of brokenness where I realize my vulnerabilities and thus my deep and daily need for God. God makes my weaknesses okay. Yes, I am inadequate. Yes, I don't always do the best things, but with God none of that matters because he is adequate and without flaw. His perfection fills my imperfect places and makes me whole again.
The old hymn says it best...
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Dazed & Confused
Did you ever have a time in your life when everything seemed to be spinning around you? When you were so confused you could't make heads or tails of it?
What are we to do when confronted with these type of situations?
1) The first thing that comes to my mind is seek God. I have had a few conversations in the past with women in this situation. People who don't know what to do and are desperate for any advice that might be helpful. I want so bad to help these young women with their situations, but the reality is that I can't. As much as I want to help, some decisions must be made by the person in the situation. What I can do is encourage them to seek God. Because when we seek God, we find him.
2) Make a decision. When we find ourselves dazed and confused in our circumstances it is likely that we need to make a decision. Perhaps there is something you have been putting off or trying to ignore to the best of your ability? If there is, it's probably time to face it. The great thing is we don't have to face it alone. God is right here waiting for us to come to him with our big messes because he knows we can't clean them up all by ourselves.
What are we to do when confronted with these type of situations?
1) The first thing that comes to my mind is seek God. I have had a few conversations in the past with women in this situation. People who don't know what to do and are desperate for any advice that might be helpful. I want so bad to help these young women with their situations, but the reality is that I can't. As much as I want to help, some decisions must be made by the person in the situation. What I can do is encourage them to seek God. Because when we seek God, we find him.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
2) Make a decision. When we find ourselves dazed and confused in our circumstances it is likely that we need to make a decision. Perhaps there is something you have been putting off or trying to ignore to the best of your ability? If there is, it's probably time to face it. The great thing is we don't have to face it alone. God is right here waiting for us to come to him with our big messes because he knows we can't clean them up all by ourselves.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:5-10
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Verse Seven...
"He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events to you so as shall convince you of his paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come unto you,”"
When life seems to toss you around so much that you don't know what to do remember to first seek God because he cares for you.
A Friendship Like Their's
The story of Jonathan and David's friendship is one of my favorites. But a friendship like theirs is hard to come by. Especially today it seems that good friends are few and far between. Best friends are even rarer. I am so blessed that I have the beginning of a friendship like theirs. You can read there awesome story here...
1 Samuel 18-20
The Voice (VOICE)
18 By the time David had finished speaking to Saul, Saul’s son Jonathan was bound to David in friendship, and Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 2 Saul took David into his service on that day and would not let him return to his father’s home. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 He took off the robe he wore and gave it to David, and also his armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolically transferring to David his right to ascend the throne.
5 David went wherever Saul sent him and was successful in battle; and as a result, Saul made him commander of his army. And all the people, even those who served Saul, were pleased.
6 On the day they were returning from David’s victory over the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet the king, singing and dancing with tambourines and other instruments, making joyful music. 7 At one point, the women sang as they danced and celebrated.
Women: Saul has slain his thousands,
and David, his tens of thousands.
and David, his tens of thousands.
8 This chant made Saul tremble with fury.
Saul: Do you hear this? They have said that David killed tens of thousands and that I only killed thousands. What else is left for him but my kingdom?
9 From that moment on, Saul was suspicious of David.
10 On the next day, the True God sent an evil spirit to overwhelm Saul and put him in a prophetic state inside his residence. While David was playing the harp, as he did every day to try and soothe the king, Saul had his spear in his hand 11 and decided to throw it at David, thinking, “I will pin him to the wall.” But David twice escaped Saul’s angry attacks.
12 Saul was afraid of David because the Spirit of the Eternal was with him but had left Saul. 13 So, at last, Saul removed David from his presence, making him a commander over 1,000 men, hoping he would die in battle. But David went out to the battle and returned. 14 David was successful in everything he did because the Eternal One was present with him.
15 When Saul saw that David achieved such success, he was amazed and afraid of him. 16 All of Israel and Judah loved David, who led their soldiers into battle and brought them back victorious.
Saul came up with a plan and called David.
Saul: 17 David, I want you to take my oldest daughter Merab in marriage. I ask only one thing in return: valiantly fight the Eternal One’s battles on my behalf.
Saul was thinking that he did not need to murder David himself; instead, the Philistines would eventually kill David.
David (to Saul): 18 Who am I, what have I done, and who is my family in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?
19 But at the time when Saul’s daughter Merab was to be given to David as his wife, she was instead given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite. 20 Saul’s daughter Michal, however, loved David; and when Saul heard this, he was pleased.
21 He thought that he would give her to David to trap him in a dangerous situation where the Philistines could still destroy David. So Saul spoke to David again.
Saul (to David): I want you to marry my other daughter.
22 (to his servants) Talk to David privately. Tell him, “The king is very happy with you, and you are loved by those who serve him. So why don’t you become the king’s son-in-law?”
23 So Saul’s servants spoke these words to David as requested, but again he replied modestly.
David: Does it seem to you such a simple thing that I should become the king’s son-in-law? What about the fact that I have no money to pay the brideprice and come from an unknown family with no political connections?
24 Saul’s servants reported David’s concerns back to the king.
Saul: 25 Tell David that in place of the traditional dowry, I want only the foreskins of 100 Philistines, so the king will be avenged against his enemies.
Saul thought David would be killed by the Philistines while attempting this task. 26 When the servants repeated Saul’s words, he agreed to Saul’s terms and decided to fulfill these conditions to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the allotted time elapsedto pay the dowry, 27 David went with his men, killed 200 Philistines, and presented their foreskins to the king so that he could become the king’s son-in-law. So Saul gave David his daughter Michal in marriage; 28 but when the king saw how David enjoyed the favor of the Eternal One, and that his daughter Michal loved him, 29 he felt even more threatened by David. Afterhis plan failed, Saul considered David his constant enemy.
30 Whenever the commanders of the Philistine army came out to fight, David distinguished himself against them more than any of Saul’s other servants, so that everyone valued him.
19 Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to figure out a way to kill David, but Jonathan was very fond of David.
Jonathan (warning David): 2 My father wants you dead. Watch out tomorrow morning. Think of a safe place to hide that nobody knows about. 3 I will go into the field near where you are hiding, and I will speak on your behalf to my father. If I learn anything, I will tell you.
4 Jonathan spoke generously on behalf of his friend to his father, Saul.
Jonathan: The king should not sin against his servant David, who has never sinned against you. Indeed his achievements have been of real service to you and your kingdom. 5 He faced death when he fought against the Philistine, and the Eternal One gave David a great victory for all of Israel. When you saw it then, you were filled with joy. Why would you now sin against an innocent person like David by killing him without a proper cause?
Saul (considering this counsel): 6 As the Eternal One lives, David should not be murdered.
7 Jonathan found David and told him everything that had happened, and then Jonathan brought David back into the service of Saul the king.
8 Once again there was war between Israel and the Philistines, and David went out to fight them. He crushed them and made them flee.
9 Again the Eternal sent an evil spirit to disturb Saul as he sat at home, spear in hand, listening to David play music; 10 again Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, but Saul missed him and the spear stuck into the wall. David escaped that night and ran to his home.
11 Saul dispatched some of his officers to watch David’s house so that they could kill him the next day. David’s wife Michal warned him.
Michal: If you don’t save yourself tonight, tomorrow morning you’ll be killed.
12 So Michal lowered David down through the window, and he escaped. 13 Then she laid a large idol on the bed, made it a wig of goat’s hair, and covered it with clothes. 14 When Saul’s officers came to take David to the king, she told them, “He’s sick.”
15 Hearing this report, Saul ordered his officers to return and see David for themselves. He would not be deterred.
Saul: Even if you have to carry him to me in his bed, do it so I can kill him.
16 When the officers returned, they threw back the blankets and, instead of David, they discovered the idol with its goat-hair wig in the bed. So they took Michal to Saul.
Saul (to Michal): 17 Why have you betrayed me like this, daughter, and let my enemy escape?
Michal (lying): He said to me, “Let me go. Don’t make me kill you.”
18 David fled to Samuel in Ramah, and he told him everything that had happened. Samuel took David to the town of Naioth, and they lived there.
19 Saul soon learned that David was at Naioth in Ramah, 20 so he sent officers to arrest him and bring him back. But when they came, they found a group of prophets in a prophetic trance with Samuel standing and leading them, and the Spirit of the True God entered Saul’s officers so that they, too, were caught up and prophesied.
21 When Saul heard this news, he sent other officers who were also affected in this way. He sent a third set of officers, and again, the same thing happened when they encountered Samuel and the prophets.
22 So finally Saul went, himself, to Ramah. When he arrived at the large cistern at Secu, he asked where he might find Samuel and David and was told they were at Naoith in Ramah. 23 As Saul traveled, the Spirit of God entered him, and he, too, fell into a constant prophetic trance. When he reached Naoith in Ramah, 24 he stripped off all his clothes and fell into a prophetic ecstasy before Samuel, lying naked all that day and night. (This is another way the saying arose, “Is Saul also one of the prophets?”)
20 David ran for his life. He left Naioth in Ramah and found Jonathan.
David: What have I done? Of what am I guilty? What crime have I committed against your father to make him want to kill me?
Jonathan: 2 Impossible! Don’t worry about it. You’re not going to die. My father doesn’t make any decision, large or small, without telling me. And why would my father hide this from me? It is not so.
David: 3 But your father knows we are friends, and he has said, “Don’t tell Jonathan about this; he will be upset.” I swear to you, as the Eternal lives—and as you live—I am on the verge of being killed.
Jonathan: 4 Whatever you ask, I will do for you.
David: 5 Look. Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should be sitting with the king at his table. But let me go and hide myself in the field until three days have passed. 6 If your father asks about me, tell him that I asked to return to my hometown, Bethlehem, for an annual family sacrifice. 7 If he says, “Fine,” then all will be well with your servant. But if he is angry, you will know that he intends to harm me. 8 So deal kindly with your servant, for you have made a sacred covenant with me, your servant. But if I am guilty, then kill me yourself. Why should you have to bring me in front of your father?
Jonathan: 9 That will never happen. If I knew my father planned to hurt you, wouldn’t I tell you?
David: 10 So who will tell me if your father gives you a good or bad answer?
Jonathan: 11 Let’s go out to the field.
They went out to the field so that David could find a place to lie low.
Jonathan (to David): 12 Let the Eternal God of Israel be my witness; this is my vow. When I have talked to my father, about this time tomorrow or no later than the third day, if he acts friendly about you, won’t I send an answer to you? 13 But if my father plans to harm you, then may the Eternal do to me what he plans for you—and more—if I don’t let you know and send you away to safety.
May the Eternal One be with you, as He has been with my father. 14 If I live, then show to me the faithful love of the Eternal that I may not die. 15 Do not ever take your faithful love away from my descendants, not even if the Eternal were to remove all the enemies of the house of David from the face of the earth.
16 With these words, Jonathan made a covenant with David and his descendants.
Jonathan: May the Eternal One guarantee this promise by the hands of David’s enemies.
17 And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for Jonathan loved him more than life itself.
Jonathan: 18 Tomorrow is the festival of the new moon. People will notice you are gone because your place will be empty.19 On the day after tomorrow, you will be greatly missed. On that day, quickly go down to that place where you hid yourself the first time and wait by the stone Ezel. 20 I will shoot three arrows to the side of the stone, as if I’m shooting at a target.21 Then I will send a boy after them, saying, “Go find the arrows.” If I tell him, “Look, the arrows are on this side of you,” then come back, for as the Eternal One lives, you are not in any danger. 22 But if I tell the boy, “No, the arrows are beyond you,” then flee, because the Eternal has shown you that you must leave. 23 But as for the agreement that we have spoken together, the Eternal One is witness to it forever.
24 So David hid himself in the field.
When the new moon festival began and the king sat down to eat, 25 he took his usual seat in a place of safety with his back to the wall. Abner, his general, sat at the king’s side; Jonathan stood, but David’s seat was empty. 26 That first night, Saul said nothing. He thought that perhaps David had somehow become ritually unclean, and he could not attend a sacred feast. 27 But on the next day, the second day of the feast of the new moon, when David’s seat remained empty, Saul spoke to Jonathan.
Saul: Why hasn’t the son of Jesse joined us at the feast these past two days?
Jonathan: 28 David asked me if he could go to Bethlehem. 29 “Please allow me to go,” he said. “Our family is sacrificing in the city, and my brother has insisted that I come. So if you think highly of me, I ask that you let me go there and see my brothers.” That is why he is not at the king’s table.
30 Saul, not fooled for a moment, became very angry with Jonathan.
Saul: You son of a degenerate and rebellious woman! Do you think I don’t know that you have befriended the son of Jesse? This is just as shameful for you as your mother’s nakedness was. 31 As long as David walks the earth, you will never rule this kingdom. Now send for him. Bring him here to me, because he will most certainly die.
Jonathan: 32 Why should David be put to death? What offense has he committed?
33 At that, Saul threw his spear at him, fully intending to hit him, so Jonathan knew that it was truly his father’s intention to have David killed. 34 Jonathan left the table in a rage, without eating a bite on the second day of the festival. He was grieved because of David and because his father had disgraced him.
35 In the morning, Jonathan took his bow and went out into the field, as he had arranged with David, and he brought a small boy with him.
Jonathan (to the boy): 36 Run and find the arrows that I shoot.
The boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy reached the place where the arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out.
Jonathan: Isn’t the arrow beyond you? 38 Hurry! Be quick about it. Don’t hang around out there!
So Jonathan’s young servant gathered the arrows and returned to his master. 39 He knew nothing, of course; only Jonathan and David knew what had just transpired. 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and told him to take them back to the city.
41 As soon as the boy left, David rose from his hiding place south of the stone and prostrated himself before Jonathan. He bowed to Jonathan three times, and then David and Jonathan kissed each other. Both of them wept, but David wept more.
Jonathan (to David): 42 Go in peace and safety, since we have both sworn in the name of the Eternal One, “He will mediate between me and you, and between our descendants, forever.”
David got up from the ground and left, and Jonathan returned to the city.
...I wonder how our lives would be different if we put more work into our friendships. If we truly loved our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.
Being Vulnerable
Today was the last day of one of my classes and I will miss it. It has truly been a blessing to have the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing group of people. As you may have guessed, this wasn't just a regular class. This class was a community. A community where we could be open with one another and share our life struggles. Where we were accepted and not laughed at. Even though some weeks it may have been hard to be vulnerable, it was worth it in the end. You see, for this class each week every person completed a spiritual discipline practice from Calhon's Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. Then at class every week we would share with one another what we experienced, and what we learned through participating in that spiritual discipline. This sharing time was an opportunity to be vulnerable. Was it uncomfortable? Scary? Yes and yes. Sometimes it was difficult to share how we were feeling and what we were learning in our personal practice of spiritual disciplines. But it was worth it. In the end we learned that by being vulnerable with each other we created a community. A place where we struggled, hurt, cried, and laughed. But it was also a place where we helped, comforted, consoled, and affirmed. Taking this class I learned a very important lesson. I am flawed, imperfect, a sinner. I don't have it together and I never will. And its okay. It's okay because so is everyone else. We are all the same, we are all flawed, we make mistakes, we sin. This class was good for me because it affirmed that I am normal. I am just as human as the next one. Yes I struggle, I get hurt, I have emotions. So do you. Something a bit more important struck me in the midst of my studies. God's grace IS enough. As much as I fight it some days and think that God can't possibly want someone as flawed as me, he DOES. I don't think I will ever fully grasp the meaning of God's grace. But I do know that I am thankful for it. Because without grace my sin is not okay. Disowning the very being who thought me up through my actions is not okay. But somehow, when I was not okay, God sent his son to earth to die so that I would be alight. This is unconditional love. Unfathomable love. That a man would lay down his life for his friends.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. - 1 John 3:16
Earthshaking Tragedy
Hundrads or maybe even thousands of years before Jesus was born, his death was written about in Isaiah 53 in excruciating detail. Later on, after Jesus' death and resurrection, the account of his death was written down by witnesses in the gospels. Below you can read Isaiah 53 which is the prophecy of the crucifixion and an eye witness account of his death from the gospels.
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
- Matthew 27
More Than Me
Tonight I feel so very thankful for all of the blessings in my life. I am humbled by the greatness of God and how even with all of my inadequacies, he still chooses to bestow these gifts on me. The gifts of good friends (and I mean really good), an awesome family, an education, a safe & warm home, knowing where my next meal comes from, but most of all his gift of grace through his son, which has allowed me to really live. It is unfathomable that a God, who is far greater than I, would choose me for love, even after I betrayed him in sin. Today he has opened my eyes once again to my weak places, my inadequacies; he has shown me just a little more, so that he can make me better. After all, "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." - Mark 2:17 It's on these days of humbleness, that I am most grateful.
Budgeting
"Budgeting" is probably not a title you expected to see on a blog about Jesus. But today's church sermon has made it clear to me that God needs to be at the center of our budgeting. Today's sermon was so good that I encourage you to check it out yourself. I could write about it here, but nothing that I can write here is as good as what God can say to you through the sermon itself. It is available Here today and hopefully at the link below tomorrow. I strongly encourage you to watch today's sermon because it has practical implications for Godly living.
You can click the link to go to the "We Give" Sermon Series page. There you will find sermons on giving. Today's sermon is not yet posted but I am hoping that will be updated in the next couple of days because it spoke to my heart and I hope that it will also speak to yours.
You can click the link to go to the "We Give" Sermon Series page. There you will find sermons on giving. Today's sermon is not yet posted but I am hoping that will be updated in the next couple of days because it spoke to my heart and I hope that it will also speak to yours.
What is Your Cause?
This year I am learning to be more generous. I know that I have so much more than most of the world. When I think about that it blows my mind. Especially when I think about all of the things I spend money on like candy bars at the cash register or drive-through coffee. Some days I feel really poor, especially when I can't make an unexpected payment or buy a wedding gift for a friend. However, I always come back, even on those days, and realize how much I really do have. It's in those moments when I feel poor that it is most difficult to be generous. I think to myself should I really be giving, as I look at the numbers in my bank account but I always come back with the answer overwhelmingly YES.
Matthew 6:2-4 says, "2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
When I am sitting in front of the numbers thinking about giving, verse three often comes to mind. "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" I realize that what I'm about to say isn't necessarily the direct meaning of this verse. However, for me this verse is a reminder not to think too hard about the logistics of giving. Instead of sitting in front of my bank statement wondering if and how much to give, I should give without worrying about how much I will have left (respectively). Because I have so much in comparison to others but more importantly, because I have a God who is not limited by the amount of money in my bank account. God knows that I need things. "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " - Matthew 6:31-33
Today I encourage you to give, think about the needs around you and fulfill them. If you can't think of any, here are some places you can donate to...
Amazima Ministries
Buffalo City Mission
Mocha Club - Emergency Needs
Any of your local Homeless Shelters, people in your life who need an expense paid(a college student perhaps), International giving, and so many more opportunities to be generous. Don't pass it up.
Matthew 6:2-4 says, "2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
When I am sitting in front of the numbers thinking about giving, verse three often comes to mind. "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" I realize that what I'm about to say isn't necessarily the direct meaning of this verse. However, for me this verse is a reminder not to think too hard about the logistics of giving. Instead of sitting in front of my bank statement wondering if and how much to give, I should give without worrying about how much I will have left (respectively). Because I have so much in comparison to others but more importantly, because I have a God who is not limited by the amount of money in my bank account. God knows that I need things. "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " - Matthew 6:31-33
Today I encourage you to give, think about the needs around you and fulfill them. If you can't think of any, here are some places you can donate to...
Amazima Ministries
Buffalo City Mission
Mocha Club - Emergency Needs
Any of your local Homeless Shelters, people in your life who need an expense paid(a college student perhaps), International giving, and so many more opportunities to be generous. Don't pass it up.
Creating Community
It's one thing to discuss how to build community but it's another to live it. That is exactly what one women did, and it changed her life! Check out her story here... Building Community
Truth
Today I answered the
door and two girls about my age stood at the top of the steps. They introduced
themselves and their reason for standing at my doorstep. They wanted to share
with me about God and the Bible. They were very sweet to me and gave me a small
book titled "What the Bible really says".
I thanked them and they asked if they could come by again, I told them that
they could. After they left, I sat back down in the living room and began to
skim through the little book they gave me. I was not sure if they were Mormons or
Jehovah Witnesses. As I browsed through a bit of the book, I concluded that
they were Jehovah Witnesses because the term Jehovah is the main name they used
for God. I wanted to accept the book from them so that I could understand
more about what they believe. Reading the book, I came across many
differences in what I believe compared to what the book was telling me. I
discovered some very interesting thoughts and challenged myself to consider
them for a moment. I concluded that although the book contained mostly truth
from the Bible, the false information it has is significant.
After going through the little book, I decided that I would read from my daily devotional e-mail (Proverbs 31 Ministries: Mistaken Identity). At the top of the page it says, "He who belongs to God hears what God says." John 8:47a (NIV 1984) I was comforted by this because I hope that the girls at my doorstep hear God. I pray that they know the truth and that it will set them free. I pray God will show them the way.
After going through the little book, I decided that I would read from my daily devotional e-mail (Proverbs 31 Ministries: Mistaken Identity). At the top of the page it says, "He who belongs to God hears what God says." John 8:47a (NIV 1984) I was comforted by this because I hope that the girls at my doorstep hear God. I pray that they know the truth and that it will set them free. I pray God will show them the way.
John 8:31-33
"To the Jews who had
believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you
are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will
set you free.” They answered him, “We are
Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you
say that we shall be set free?”
Psalm 25:4-6
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide
me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my
hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old."
Proverbs 30:7-9
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I
die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor
riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too
much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so
dishonor the name of my God."
Kisses from Katie
Recently I've been reading "Kisses from Katie" by Katie Davis. The book is about Katie's life living in Uganda. Her story is truly inspirational. It has encouraged me to reach out and help others. Reading her book has given me a new perspective that I am thankful for. My idea of what is a need and what is a want has changed. Before reading her book I have always wanted to be generous in big ways. Only a few times in my life have I taken advantage of the opportunity to give big. In the future, I hope that I am willing to give where God calls me to give. I look forward to what God is doing in my heart and in my life. I am very excited to go where he is sending me now that I have seen what he is doing through Katie.
The God Who Sees Me
 |
| St Peter's Basilica |
Devotions | Proverbs 31 Ministries
A Ray of Sunshine
This week is spring break and it has been so good to be home. Although, as the weather gets warmer and I frown at the need to return to school in a few days I realize how short my time is. In a few weeks I will no longer be a college student. My late nights spent doing homework are coming to a close and while this is a wonderful thing, I will miss school. I will miss all the nights I stayed up too late with my friends. The 12am trips to Walmart, Applebees, Stake and Shake, Mcdonalds, Maggie Moos, Tim Hortons, Coldestone... And of coarse all of those crazy campus events like lip sync and arbor games. But most of all I morn the loss of living in our community of love and support. When I can wake friends up at unruly hours because I don't feel well or need someone to talk to. It will be hard to say goodbye to the four years I spent building friendships but at least I know when I leave the relationships continue. If I gain nothing from my college education and take one thing when I go, it is the love and support of the people I bring with me. So thank you dear friends for your support, you mean a lot to me <3
Dear Jesus
<3 Hillary
Possible
"Possible" is a word that isn't often used with confidence. We encourage each other with good intentions and a right heart when we say "You can do it! you will do good on this test!"But when we say those things I wonder how many times we actually believe it? I learned recently, by the grace and mercy of God, that things are truly possible with Him. In fact, I know that nothing is impossible with God.
You see, this weekend I had to study for two very important exams. While this may seem silly to you, to me it was a huge deal. I'm in my last year in college and I want to do the best I can. However, while studying for these two test I felt like it wasn't possible to do well on both. I might be able to pass both exams, but actually doing well on the two of them was unlikely in my mind. Through a lot of prayer, and the ear of a good friend I was able to come to terms with my work and be calm. Then last night as I was taking my 9 essay exam, the Lord enabled me to remember what I had studied. When I handed my test in I was able to give my prof the thumbs up he was looking for. I left my night class ecstatic that God had made my test possible.
This afternoon I had my second test. Going in, I wasn't as confident as I was last night, and I felt that my studying wasn't up to par. I even said to my classmate that this test's grade will be at the expense of the other. As I left class today I felt relieved knowing that I had passed and maybe even better than passed.
That is why I began this post writing what is below.
This verse is perfect for today and what God has been teaching me. He can do all things and is limited by nothing. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, for the joy of the Lord is my strength.
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV
His plans are beyond our wildest imagination. Praise God! We are so blessed <3
All things are possible with Him.
You see, this weekend I had to study for two very important exams. While this may seem silly to you, to me it was a huge deal. I'm in my last year in college and I want to do the best I can. However, while studying for these two test I felt like it wasn't possible to do well on both. I might be able to pass both exams, but actually doing well on the two of them was unlikely in my mind. Through a lot of prayer, and the ear of a good friend I was able to come to terms with my work and be calm. Then last night as I was taking my 9 essay exam, the Lord enabled me to remember what I had studied. When I handed my test in I was able to give my prof the thumbs up he was looking for. I left my night class ecstatic that God had made my test possible.
This afternoon I had my second test. Going in, I wasn't as confident as I was last night, and I felt that my studying wasn't up to par. I even said to my classmate that this test's grade will be at the expense of the other. As I left class today I felt relieved knowing that I had passed and maybe even better than passed.
That is why I began this post writing what is below.
This verse is perfect for today and what God has been teaching me. He can do all things and is limited by nothing. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, for the joy of the Lord is my strength.
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV
His plans are beyond our wildest imagination. Praise God! We are so blessed <3
All things are possible with Him.
Social Justice
"Living
as we do in a world that suffers so much, two opposing possibilities
can easily tempt us: either to turn our backs and live oblivious to the
pain or to allow the pain to overwhelm us and despair to take up
residence in our hearts. The truly faithful option is to face the pain
and live joyfully in the midst of it. Those who suffer most remind us of
how tragic and arrogant it would be for us to lose hope on behalf of
people who have not lost theirs. They are teachers of joy." - Joyce
Hollyday from the book Zealous Love
Real Love Is...
1 Corinthians 13:2-4
The Message (MSG)
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
What if we hung this on our bedroom walls and replaced Love with our names? Would the statement still be true?
Name never gives up.
Name cares more for others than for self.
Name doesn't want what Name doesn't have.
Name doesn't strut,
Name Doesn't have a swelled head,
Name Doesn't force itself on others,
Name Isn't always "me first,"
Name Doesn't fly off the handle,
Name Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Name Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Name Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Name Puts up with anything,
Name Trusts God always,
Name Always looks for the best,
Name Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
The Message (MSG)
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
What if we hung this on our bedroom walls and replaced Love with our names? Would the statement still be true?
Name never gives up.
Name cares more for others than for self.
Name doesn't want what Name doesn't have.
Name doesn't strut,
Name Doesn't have a swelled head,
Name Doesn't force itself on others,
Name Isn't always "me first,"
Name Doesn't fly off the handle,
Name Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Name Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Name Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Name Puts up with anything,
Name Trusts God always,
Name Always looks for the best,
Name Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Sweet Discovery
Tonight I thought I'd browse through blogger and see what all the buzz is about then I came across this awesome poem. Check it out!
Life as donny: To Be Me: "M y name is Donny, I’m thirty years old, I was born quite normally, or so I was told. I have a mom and a dad, and an older brother too, W..."
Life as donny: To Be Me: "M y name is Donny, I’m thirty years old, I was born quite normally, or so I was told. I have a mom and a dad, and an older brother too, W..."
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