I was recently wooed by an unexpected treasure in the bookstore. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp has revolutionized my thinking in what I believe is a beautiful and God-pleasing way. This book is beautifully and artfully written in a way that awakens all senses. However, the driving message between the covers is what has had the biggest impact on my life.
The challenge is to give thanks, in all circumstances. To swim against the current of lamenting, of focusing on our have-nots and woe-is-me's. And to count your blessings instead. I always considered myself one who is easily amused. I can stare at a sunset with complete infatuation. I relish the sounds of my children in the next room, chattering away. I could go on and on. But this practice of literally counting ways to thank our Father in heaven, to literally list them with pen on paper, it has me subconsciously seeking to find the treasures of blessings, gifts, that God has lavished on us each and everyday. And I'm hopelessly hooked. I find myself slowing down even more to take in my surroundings. And in this act of seeking, I have found no time for lamenting. Daydreaming of "what if's" and "if only's" has lost its hold on me.
Oh, how I wish this increasing joy for everyone. Please do not let me discount that this act is nothing if it is simply noticing nice things. It is acknowledging the Giver of these gifts, it is lifting up His name for all that He has bestowed to us, His created, THAT is the point. HE has given us so much. And HE deserves our eternal and total gratitude and worship. Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!!!
And so I am in the process of collecting my own list, 1000 gifts. I am currently on #68 and God is so good!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
And my heart cries out...
Holy. Holy. Holy.
...I consider things A LOT. I'm always in thought, but it occurs to me that as much as I contemplate, I seldom arrive at a conclusion... {-randomness}
I have, on my heart, a matter that weighs heavily. After this weekend's sermon about worrying, I have considered, "Am I worried about this? Or burdened?" But I believe, I am simply grieving this matter, while also enduring, and seeking to persevere through it. A loved one, who's thinking is SO 10,000 miles in the wrong direction that for some she might seem hopeless. But my God is THE God of hope!
While I am not convinced that I am worrying over this matter (I do believe the Lord is in control) I might be a tad anxious as to how to act, how to show love without enabling poor choices.
In the past I would agonize, but right now I am determined to take it to Scripture. And thanks to this weekend's sermon, I am armed with Philippians 4:6-7 fresh on my mind, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And so I pray. Asking for wisdom and discernment. Thankful for the truths I know that God hears my prayers, answers them, provides me according to His glorious riches. And I surrender my anxiety. :)
Several days ago, the Lord put Psalm 23 on my heart. This is a passage of scripture that is ofte
n quoted, memorized by children, etc. But I don't think I've ever taken the time to hide it in my own heart. So I felt prompted to commit it to memory, and since then, I've had reasons to claim it daily.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads my beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Praise God! Amen!
And today, God drew me to another bit of Scripture, Psalm 94:18,19 "When I said,'my foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.'"
And so, through all of this, how can I not do anything but rejoice. Though my heart at times feels heavy, never am I without help, His yoke to help me carry it. And not only that, but to know that it is not without purpose, a good purpose, one that even benefits me, which sounds selfish in a way, but more than that, to me, it shows evidence that the Lord is alive and active in my own life :) and so I can faithfully say, with God by my side right now, that "I consider it pure joy to face [these trials] because I know the testing of my faith develops perseverence." James 1:2
I pray this peace for everyone! Its so marvelous!!! :)
...I consider things A LOT. I'm always in thought, but it occurs to me that as much as I contemplate, I seldom arrive at a conclusion... {-randomness}
I have, on my heart, a matter that weighs heavily. After this weekend's sermon about worrying, I have considered, "Am I worried about this? Or burdened?" But I believe, I am simply grieving this matter, while also enduring, and seeking to persevere through it. A loved one, who's thinking is SO 10,000 miles in the wrong direction that for some she might seem hopeless. But my God is THE God of hope!
While I am not convinced that I am worrying over this matter (I do believe the Lord is in control) I might be a tad anxious as to how to act, how to show love without enabling poor choices.
In the past I would agonize, but right now I am determined to take it to Scripture. And thanks to this weekend's sermon, I am armed with Philippians 4:6-7 fresh on my mind, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And so I pray. Asking for wisdom and discernment. Thankful for the truths I know that God hears my prayers, answers them, provides me according to His glorious riches. And I surrender my anxiety. :)
Several days ago, the Lord put Psalm 23 on my heart. This is a passage of scripture that is ofte
n quoted, memorized by children, etc. But I don't think I've ever taken the time to hide it in my own heart. So I felt prompted to commit it to memory, and since then, I've had reasons to claim it daily.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads my beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Praise God! Amen!
And today, God drew me to another bit of Scripture, Psalm 94:18,19 "When I said,'my foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.'"
And so, through all of this, how can I not do anything but rejoice. Though my heart at times feels heavy, never am I without help, His yoke to help me carry it. And not only that, but to know that it is not without purpose, a good purpose, one that even benefits me, which sounds selfish in a way, but more than that, to me, it shows evidence that the Lord is alive and active in my own life :) and so I can faithfully say, with God by my side right now, that "I consider it pure joy to face [these trials] because I know the testing of my faith develops perseverence." James 1:2
I pray this peace for everyone! Its so marvelous!!! :)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
We Never Go Into Battle Alone
This morning I read from the Max Lucado book, "Six Hours One Friday." Lucado, ever the masterful storyteller, paints this picture of sin's earthly debut:
"It came camouflaged. It came in a golden cup with a long stem. It was in the flavor of fruit. It came not in the hands of the king, but the hands of a prince-the prince of shadows. Until this moment there had been no reason to hide in the Garden. The King walked with his children and the children new their King. There were no secrets. There were no shadows.
Then the prince of shadows entered the Garden. He had to hide himself. He was too ugly, too repulsive. Craters marred his face. So he came in darkness. He came encircled in ebony. He was completely hidden; only hi voice could be heard.
'Taste it,' he whispered, holding the goblet before her. 'It's sweet with wisdom.'
The daughter heard the voice and turned. She was intrigued. Her eyes had never seen a shadow. There was something tantalizing about his hiddenness.
The King watched. His army knew the prince of shadows would be no contest for their mighty legion. Eagerly they awaited the command to attack.
But no command was given.
'The choice is hers,' the King instructed. 'If she turns to us for help, that is your command to deliver her. If she doesn't turn, if she doesn't look to Me-don't. The choice is hers.'"
...I will leave the rest of the story for you to read yourself, but the point I want to emphasize is at the end, when the zooms out of that scene in the garden, and focuses on the heavenly realms. There is, most definitely, an unseen army that stands at the ready to intercede and go to battle for us against the evil that tries to overcome us. How seldom we employ this 'legion.'
"...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 1 Corinthians 10:3-4
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
All we need to do is turn to Him in our hour of struggle. Just say the word, and our Lord is swift to come to our rescue.
"No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Next time you hear the hissing voice of the shadow, be slow to react. Don't take another step before you seek the discernement of the Lord, no matter how sweet and fruitful the fragrance is of what's being offered. And do not forget, His great and powerful army stands ready, mounted on their horses, swords drawn, all you need to do is say the words, "Lord, help me" and you will be saved. How it could have saved Eve! But always, the choice is yours...
"It came camouflaged. It came in a golden cup with a long stem. It was in the flavor of fruit. It came not in the hands of the king, but the hands of a prince-the prince of shadows. Until this moment there had been no reason to hide in the Garden. The King walked with his children and the children new their King. There were no secrets. There were no shadows.
Then the prince of shadows entered the Garden. He had to hide himself. He was too ugly, too repulsive. Craters marred his face. So he came in darkness. He came encircled in ebony. He was completely hidden; only hi voice could be heard.
'Taste it,' he whispered, holding the goblet before her. 'It's sweet with wisdom.'
The daughter heard the voice and turned. She was intrigued. Her eyes had never seen a shadow. There was something tantalizing about his hiddenness.
The King watched. His army knew the prince of shadows would be no contest for their mighty legion. Eagerly they awaited the command to attack.
But no command was given.
'The choice is hers,' the King instructed. 'If she turns to us for help, that is your command to deliver her. If she doesn't turn, if she doesn't look to Me-don't. The choice is hers.'"
...I will leave the rest of the story for you to read yourself, but the point I want to emphasize is at the end, when the zooms out of that scene in the garden, and focuses on the heavenly realms. There is, most definitely, an unseen army that stands at the ready to intercede and go to battle for us against the evil that tries to overcome us. How seldom we employ this 'legion.'
"...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 1 Corinthians 10:3-4
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
All we need to do is turn to Him in our hour of struggle. Just say the word, and our Lord is swift to come to our rescue.
"No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Next time you hear the hissing voice of the shadow, be slow to react. Don't take another step before you seek the discernement of the Lord, no matter how sweet and fruitful the fragrance is of what's being offered. And do not forget, His great and powerful army stands ready, mounted on their horses, swords drawn, all you need to do is say the words, "Lord, help me" and you will be saved. How it could have saved Eve! But always, the choice is yours...
Friday, August 20, 2010
8.15.10 Francis Chan Sermon
I really have a great respect for Francis Chan, author of "Crazy Love" and "Forgotten God." He was, up until recently, the pastor of a church out in California and a lot of his convictions, his interpretations of Scripture fall right into line with mine, so I've been listening to some older sermons of his a couple times a week for the past month or so. Anyways, this one below is pretty good. The first 15 minutes is "announcements" of sorts to the church, so you can skip over that if you want. The question he poses that I find really thought-provoking is, "If you started with the Bible, would you do church the same way?"
Towards the end of the sermon, I like how Francis Chan lists off Scripture of what God has called us to do/be as a church. Rather than just write down what he said, I decided to do a word search of my own and look through the references to make sure I wasn't stretching the passage to fit the topic. So below is a list of instructions for believer's in how we should treat/respond to/live with 'one another.' I think its really good to go down through and say them outloud and mentally consider if we are obedient to God in these.
"Be at peace with one another"
"Wash one anothers feet"
"Love one another"
"Be devoted to one another"
"Give preference to one another in honor"
"Live in harmony with one anohter"
"Be of the same mind with one another"
"Accept one another"
"Admonish one another with love"
"Greet one another with a holy kiss"
"Stop depriving one another"
"Wait for one another"
"Care for one another"
"Serve one another"
"Not challenging or envying one another"
"Restore one another in a spirit of gentleness"
"Bear one another's burdens"
"Show tolerance of one another"
"Be kind to one another"
"Forgive one another"
"Speak to one another with hymns and Spiritual songs"
"Submit to one another"
"Regard one another as more important than yourselves"
"Be truthful to one another"
"Comfort one another"
"Encourage one another"
"Seek after that which is good for one another"
"Not hating one another"
"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds"
"Not speaking against one another"
"Confess your sins to one another"
"Pray for one another"
"Be hospitable to one another"
"Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another"
"Have fellowship with one another"
Towards the end of the sermon, I like how Francis Chan lists off Scripture of what God has called us to do/be as a church. Rather than just write down what he said, I decided to do a word search of my own and look through the references to make sure I wasn't stretching the passage to fit the topic. So below is a list of instructions for believer's in how we should treat/respond to/live with 'one another.' I think its really good to go down through and say them outloud and mentally consider if we are obedient to God in these.
"Be at peace with one another"
"Wash one anothers feet"
"Love one another"
"Be devoted to one another"
"Give preference to one another in honor"
"Live in harmony with one anohter"
"Be of the same mind with one another"
"Accept one another"
"Admonish one another with love"
"Greet one another with a holy kiss"
"Stop depriving one another"
"Wait for one another"
"Care for one another"
"Serve one another"
"Not challenging or envying one another"
"Restore one another in a spirit of gentleness"
"Bear one another's burdens"
"Show tolerance of one another"
"Be kind to one another"
"Forgive one another"
"Speak to one another with hymns and Spiritual songs"
"Submit to one another"
"Regard one another as more important than yourselves"
"Be truthful to one another"
"Comfort one another"
"Encourage one another"
"Seek after that which is good for one another"
"Not hating one another"
"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds"
"Not speaking against one another"
"Confess your sins to one another"
"Pray for one another"
"Be hospitable to one another"
"Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another"
"Have fellowship with one another"
8.7.10 - Personal Reflection
It is an interesting thing to me when you live long enought to see connections in how God has allowed your life to be influenced. For instance, my desire to work with teenagers was birthed well before I ever was one myself. My tumultuous years as a teen has equipped me for this season of my life to work with them, empathize to some degree, and hopefully encourage and challenge them.
Likewise, my desire for God's Word was birthed well before I began my relationship with Him. As a nine year old I remember dusting off my father's old King James leatherbound Bible, starting "In the beginning" and usually not making it past "On the fifth day..." before giving up-but the desire was there. Our family didn't go to church or talk about God, but I knew it was an important book. Then as a 19 year old newlywed, I went back to Genesis 1:1 and prayed that God would excite me for His Word-and since then, those pages became like a gripping suspenseful page-turning novel in that I can't seem to get enough! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to show me next! God is so faithful!!
I used to struggle quite a bit, and sometimes still do, over how the Lord convicts people differently in gray matters like alchohol, birth control, politics, etc. It would drive me crazy that other people weren't convicted like I am. As I write that the image pops up in my head of the lecture I am constantly giving my daughters when they want to tattle or boss one another, I say, "YOU worry about what YOU are doing!" Because the truth is we are each held accountable for our own actions. It is not for us to decide how one ought to be convicted. Now, there are definite wrongs and rights clearly discussed in God's Word, but for those gray areas-I have too much plank left in my own eye to get worked up about the sawdust in my neighbor's. Leave the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
That said, I am beginning to see definite connections throughout my life that lead me to believe God is calling me to live radically for Him. My convictions are deep. My interpretations of Scripture are such that I draw closer to Paul's proclamation "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (Philippians 3:8). That is to say, "what else matters?" I remember being 20 years old, newlywed, with a baby and having every financial "complication" stacked against me. I remember feeling an odd sense of joy in my circumstances that with an empty wallet came a humility that would/could bond my little family and somewhat force us to rely on the Lord. Ha. And I remember getting that "she is crazy" look from others for this view. As years have passed I've watched "good fortune" fall on a lot of people around me. They accumulate toys and wealth, success, etc. and the temptation is to envy them. Now, I want to pause a moment and say that I KNOW that I am EXTREMELY blessed, living on means that would be categorized under "ridiculously filthy rich" to most of the world. But in the context of middle-class America and the narrow-minded temptations we are challenged by to compare ourselves to other middle-classed Americans (which is just nonsense and foolishness), this is what we face. And in that, we would "seem" to be at a disadvantage. As years pass and the more I study Scripture, the more thankful I become that so much wasn't handed to me freely without having to work for it. Knowing my personality and prone to pridefulness, I tend to believe I would not respond well to it. What humility I have is because things have not gone my way. After all, "God does not tempt you beyond what you can bare..." I doubt I am strong enought to win the lottery and do right by it. haha. But seriously, the more I seek God, the less appeal the trappings of this world have on me and I'm so thankful for it!!! Pursuing such things always left me empty! Pursuing God-now there's a promise that delivers!!
So instead of constantly fighting my convictions I am learning to embrace them. I believe God will continue to refine me in this way, and I believe, by doing so, make me a little more Christ-like. :)
Likewise, my desire for God's Word was birthed well before I began my relationship with Him. As a nine year old I remember dusting off my father's old King James leatherbound Bible, starting "In the beginning" and usually not making it past "On the fifth day..." before giving up-but the desire was there. Our family didn't go to church or talk about God, but I knew it was an important book. Then as a 19 year old newlywed, I went back to Genesis 1:1 and prayed that God would excite me for His Word-and since then, those pages became like a gripping suspenseful page-turning novel in that I can't seem to get enough! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to show me next! God is so faithful!!
I used to struggle quite a bit, and sometimes still do, over how the Lord convicts people differently in gray matters like alchohol, birth control, politics, etc. It would drive me crazy that other people weren't convicted like I am. As I write that the image pops up in my head of the lecture I am constantly giving my daughters when they want to tattle or boss one another, I say, "YOU worry about what YOU are doing!" Because the truth is we are each held accountable for our own actions. It is not for us to decide how one ought to be convicted. Now, there are definite wrongs and rights clearly discussed in God's Word, but for those gray areas-I have too much plank left in my own eye to get worked up about the sawdust in my neighbor's. Leave the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
That said, I am beginning to see definite connections throughout my life that lead me to believe God is calling me to live radically for Him. My convictions are deep. My interpretations of Scripture are such that I draw closer to Paul's proclamation "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (Philippians 3:8). That is to say, "what else matters?" I remember being 20 years old, newlywed, with a baby and having every financial "complication" stacked against me. I remember feeling an odd sense of joy in my circumstances that with an empty wallet came a humility that would/could bond my little family and somewhat force us to rely on the Lord. Ha. And I remember getting that "she is crazy" look from others for this view. As years have passed I've watched "good fortune" fall on a lot of people around me. They accumulate toys and wealth, success, etc. and the temptation is to envy them. Now, I want to pause a moment and say that I KNOW that I am EXTREMELY blessed, living on means that would be categorized under "ridiculously filthy rich" to most of the world. But in the context of middle-class America and the narrow-minded temptations we are challenged by to compare ourselves to other middle-classed Americans (which is just nonsense and foolishness), this is what we face. And in that, we would "seem" to be at a disadvantage. As years pass and the more I study Scripture, the more thankful I become that so much wasn't handed to me freely without having to work for it. Knowing my personality and prone to pridefulness, I tend to believe I would not respond well to it. What humility I have is because things have not gone my way. After all, "God does not tempt you beyond what you can bare..." I doubt I am strong enought to win the lottery and do right by it. haha. But seriously, the more I seek God, the less appeal the trappings of this world have on me and I'm so thankful for it!!! Pursuing such things always left me empty! Pursuing God-now there's a promise that delivers!!
So instead of constantly fighting my convictions I am learning to embrace them. I believe God will continue to refine me in this way, and I believe, by doing so, make me a little more Christ-like. :)
8.4.10 Acts 9:1-19
Saul's life and conversion to Christianity was so substantial! Saul was known for being zealous and a 'Pharisee of pharisees.' I tend to beleive that he and many others truly believed what they were condemning. They thought they were defending the truth from false teachers, but were in fact cruxifying God Himself and persecuting His followers. I've got to believe nobody in their right mind would believe Jesus was/is who He says He was/is would still put Him to death. I do imagine, however, some of the religious leaders had doubts. Perhaps their pride kept them from voicing their wonderings. Perhaps they would quickly snuff out their convictions as soon as they rose. I have been guilty of that all too often. Then, in pride, we turn our defenses all the way up instead of considering that we may be wrong-we get angry. At others.
Maybe that was Saul. Or maybe Saul never doubted his beliefs. Whatever the case, he was going to great lengths to persecute those who followed "the Way." And then "the Way" got in his way! Jesus, Himself, meets Saul on the side of the road, confronts him, blinds him, and sets him straight about who he's really hurting. Knowing, somewhat, of how the rest of Saul's life goes, I find it intriguing! Sometimes God uses other people in our life to reveal His Truth. Sometimes He uses circumstances to get our attention. This time Jesus comes down from heaven! And oh! Doesn't God love irony!! He turns the guy who was determiend to stop the spread of Christianity, and taps him to extend His grace to the Gentiles!!! He takes the persecutor and so changes his heart that 'Saul' would go on to willing become the 'persecutED'! Never say never with the Almighty-I can vouch for that!
Maybe that was Saul. Or maybe Saul never doubted his beliefs. Whatever the case, he was going to great lengths to persecute those who followed "the Way." And then "the Way" got in his way! Jesus, Himself, meets Saul on the side of the road, confronts him, blinds him, and sets him straight about who he's really hurting. Knowing, somewhat, of how the rest of Saul's life goes, I find it intriguing! Sometimes God uses other people in our life to reveal His Truth. Sometimes He uses circumstances to get our attention. This time Jesus comes down from heaven! And oh! Doesn't God love irony!! He turns the guy who was determiend to stop the spread of Christianity, and taps him to extend His grace to the Gentiles!!! He takes the persecutor and so changes his heart that 'Saul' would go on to willing become the 'persecutED'! Never say never with the Almighty-I can vouch for that!
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