something big...

This post makes me feel very vulnerable for some reason.  And I saved it as a draft several times before posting it, but I think I need to...

***

You know when you're watching a movie & the story gradually draws you in until you're on the edge of your seat thinking, something big is about to happen?

Or when you're listening with anticipation as a piece of music builds & swells & you know it's about to get even better?

Or the way you feel sitting in an theater before they open the curtains & the overture begins playing & you know, any second now, the curtains will open & something magical will begin?

Or the way you felt as a kid when you lay in bed on December 24 & just could.not.sleep because you knew...tomorrow is Christmas?

This is the word that's on my heart lately: courage.

First I read about it with Joshua {Joshua 1} & Rahab {Joshua 2} & then with Peter & John {Acts 4}. 

I feel like something big is coming.  My life is about to change.  And I may not like it...but whatever it is, may it be for His glory, & may I have the courage to go where He leads.

because He lives, I can face tomorrow.  because He lives, all fear is gone.  because I know He holds the future, my life is worth the living just because He lives.

#34. a God who is faithful to encourage us, even when we feel in the dark.

#35. not knowing the whole plan.

our authority & responsibility

Do you realize that we have the authority to correct those who speak anything that is not the Gospel?

This has come up over & over again lately.

First because of some things with a friend...she stood up for what she believed in & what is clearly taught in the Bible, & others said she was being judgmental, pushing her religion on them, etc.

Let me just say this...no - we do not have the authority to judge others, to ridicule them, or to force our beliefs upon them.  However, when we see & hear things being "preached," that are clearly not the word of God, we have not only the authority, but the responsibility, to correct those things.

Constantly in every one of Paul's letters, he is reminding his people of this.

"You must teach these things & encourage the believers to do them.  You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don't let anyone disregard what you say." 

Titus 2:15
 

"Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, & encourage your people with good teaching."

2 Timothy 4:2

"Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.  These teachings promote a godly life."

1 Timothy 6:3

"Teach these things & insist that everyone learn them."

1 Timothy 4:11

"Let God's curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.  I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the once you welcomed, let that person be cursed.  Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.  If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."

Galatians 1:8-9

"All Scripture is inspired by God & is useful to teach us what is true & to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong & teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare & equip His people to do every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

While we have no right to judge others, we do have the responsibility of making sure everyone hears the truth, so that when they are judged by the only true & righteous Judge, He will find them faithful & be able to welcome them into His eternal Kingdom.

Paul tells Timothy...

"...run from all these evil things.  Pursue righteousness & a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, & gentleness.  Fight the good fight for the true faith.  Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses."

1 Timothy 6:11-12

inspired thoughts {2}

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For this week's inspired thoughts for today, we're going to journey back to Passion 2010...loved, loved, loved everything about Passion, as I always do.  But there was one message that stood out above all the rest.  These were my thoughts that I blogged right after Passion:

Deep breath. Piper. Honestly, I wasn’t really looking forward to hearing Piper. Last time it was so over my head & I’m pretty sure I fell asleep. I still had to really listen this time, but I really got it. Annnddd…it blew my mind. Rocked my world. Piper basically talked about how God is selfish & created everything for His glory. Created us for His glory. Sent Jesus to die for His glory. Our salvation, yes…but mainly for His glory. To me, this is such a HUGE part of the Gospel. And I don’t remember ever hearing it until recently. And when I did, I ignored it. I didn’t even want to entertain the thought that Jesus died for something other than me. I wanted to be the center of it all. So, clearly…God wanted me to learn this since it was brought up again. God is passionate about His glory & is the most God-centered being in the universe. He is selfish. And that’s not a bad thing. We don’t have to choose between God’s glory & our joy because we can have both by delighting in His glory. C.S. Lewis said that, “We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment.” The absolute best moments in life are when I feel the most insignificant. Looking at the stars presented with His majesty, He just gets bigger & I get smaller & smaller…& I can be thrilled with that. The foundation of my salvation is not based on my value at all, but is based on GOD’s infinite value. Piper described eternity as self-forgetfulness as we behold the beauty of God. Wow. God’s self-exultation is not an act of a needy ego, but an act of infinite giving for our enjoyment. And because of that we won’t be fully happy unless we GIVE GLORY. This is not God’s arrogance or grace. It is not Him being an egomaniac. It’s love. This message seriously made me think more than any other ever has. I feel like I’m looking at everything in a new light. Not that I didn’t understand that all is for God’s glory or that my life is for His glory, but I didn’t get that Jesus came primarily to bring God glory & secondarily to save my life.

I know when you read this you probably think "duh...that's the essence of the Gospel...how did you not get it?"  But I really had never heard it put in a way that I really grasped (& realized it's importance) until Piper explained it in such a way.  If you know me at all, you've probably heard me reference that sermon...seriously rocked me.  And it's been coming up a lot lately, so I just felt like I needed to say it again for any of you hard-headed ones like me who just have to hear it over & over until one day it just clicks.

So, here's what's made me think of it lately...I'll leave you with this today.

"If it is wrong for man to seek a lesser end than God's glory, it would be wrong for God, too."

J.I. Packer

"Our God is God-centered.  He saves His people because He loves His glory...if it disturbs us that God lives to exalt Himself, we should ask, 'Who else would we have Him exalt?'"

David Platt

"Before the cross is for anyone else's sake, the cross is for God's sake.  Christ died for God."

David Platt

"Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it.  I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations.  I will show how holy my great name is -- the name on which you brought shame among the nations.  And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord." 

Ezekiel 36:22-23

"We're redeemed & adopted for God's glory...not for us.  No choosing between His glory & our joy."

John Piper

Link up, share some thoughts, comment & let me know what you think...am I the only one that initially had such a hard time grasping this?

sanctuary

This past Sunday at church, the electricity went out about halfway through the service & stayed out the rest of the time.  Since our church is fairly small, it wasn't a big deal...we could still hear & there are windows at the back, so we could see well enough.  Before we closed, we sang "Sanctuary."  No microphones, no instruments...just voices.  There's something pure about that.

 

You could stand in the most beautiful cathedral in the world - you know the kind...stained glass windows that reach the sky, organ pipes lining the front of the room, pew after pew after pew...  But if there is not worship in the hearts of the people, that places is no sanctuary.  We so often consider a church a building rather than the people, & the same is with a sanctuary.  It is not a building or a room...it is the heart where God dwells.

not a slave to sin

This week in my Bible Study with my high school girls we started studying women in the Bible...tonight we began with Eve.  I don't plan on going through every woman in order...it just kind of happened that way for now. 

Eve made a wrong choice.  She let Satan in her head.  She allowed him to create a separation between herself & God; she allowed him to place doubt in her mind about the sovereignty of God.

Sin would have come into the world whether through Adam & Eve (because I believe Adam was just as much, if not more, to blame than Eve...he was there & was not being a spiritual leader for his wife) or someone else.  We view sin as this big, ugly word...something like murder, adultery, etc.  And it is just that...big & ugly.  But what about the little things?  What about doing something halfway because we just really don't feel like doing our best?  Isn't God good enough for our best?  Or what about a "little" sin like the one Eve committed...allowing Satan to create doubt that our God is not who He says He is.  Don't our seemingly little sins hurt him just as much as the "big" ones?  Didn't God allow Roman soldiers to drive nails into Jesus because of my "little" sins just as much as He did for those who have committed "big" sins like murder?

Through Jesus' death He didn't make it to where we could never sin, but He made it to where we have the option not to sin.  We say we're sinners.  We know deep down.  But how often do we really think about sin?  How often do we acknowledge our sin?  Jesus died once.  He rose again once.  But He saves us continually.  Do we acknowledge that continually?

In other news, one of the main reasons why I chose to study women in the Bible was to talk about how real these women were.  It's so easy to see the "characters" of the Bible as just that; we often forget that they were living, breathing people just like us.  I love seeing these girls "get" that.  I love when they can relate to these women from ages ago & see that God has made their stories last because He has something to tell us through their lives.  Just love it.

walk through the valley

From My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers:

• When we realize that the vision is real, but is not yet real in us, Satan comes to us with his temptations, & we are inclined to say that there is no point in even trying to continue.
• God gives us a vision, & then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision.  It is in the valley that so many of us give up & faint.  Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience.
• God has to take us into the valley & put us through the fires & floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the point where He can trust us with the reality of the vision.
• He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us, & yet over & over again we try to escape from the Sculptor's hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal.
• Allow the Potter to put you on His wheel & whirl you around as He desires.  Then as surely as God is God, & you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of the vision.  But don't lose heart in the process.  If you have ever had a vision from God, you may try as you will to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never allow it.

These remind me of the analogy of God to a silversmith or a blacksmith.  He puts his work through the fire...through the hottest part of the flame.  This strengthens it before it is taken into battle.  [Every time I think of this analogy, I picture A Knight's Tale...I love that movie!]  

The world is full of battles that we, as Christians, will have to fight.  Whenever we're doing what God is calling us to do, Satan will be right there trying to attack us.  God would not send us into that battle unprepared...He strengthens us first in the valley, like Oswald said.

I'll gladly walk through any valley if I come out more able to glorify Him through my life.

where lies your devotion?

"There is a vast difference between devotion to a person & devotion to principles or a cause.  Our Lord never proclaimed a cause -- He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself." (My Utmost for His Highest)

I loved how this was put...I often get frustrated because I feel like there a lot of "do gooders" these days.  I see this in "real life" everyday, but also in Hollywood all. the. time.  I'm addicted to People magazine...I'll admit it.  Every time I open it up or click to the site online, I see celebrities being praised for their support of a "cause."  Some I'm sure are doing it for the right reasons, but often not.  Adopting kids from third world countries, building homes for those in need, caring for the environment, rebuilding after a natural disaster, feeding the hungry, etc...these are all good things to do, but they should be done for His glory...not our own.

Even as a Christian, this is hard to keep in check sometimes.  I often have to ask myself if the good things I'm doing are because I feel a compassion for the people because I feel sorry for them, or because I feel a compassion for the people because they are His & I want to glorify Him by helping them in what little ways I can.

"Whenever the Holy Spirit sees an opportunity to glorify Jesus through you, He will take your entire being & set you ablaze with glowing devotion to Jesus Christ." (My Utmost for His Highest)

never waver

"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger, & in this he brought glory to God.  He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises."

Romans 4:20-21

Throughout the Bible, God promises that He is in control...He has plans for us & they are good.  Many waited years before God's promises were fulfilled, but their waiting brought more glory to God.  What could be better?

"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home & go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance.  He went without even knowing where he was going.  And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith - for he was like a foreigner, living in tents.  And so did Isaac & Jacob, who inherited the same promise.  Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed & built by God."

Hebrews 11:8-10

be.reckless.immediately

Last week I got a great surprise in the mail...my Chloe friend sent me "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers...& a beautiful one, at that!

I've been loving it...but the one from yesterday, I just need to tell you about.  Ok, actually, I'm just going to type it all out because I underlined so much that I might as well put the whole thing.  *Em, this made me think of you & your time with Karen :) *

Keep Recognizing Jesus

"...Peter...walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid..." Matthew 14:29-30

The wind really was boisterous & the waves really were high, but Peter didn't see them at first.  He didn't consider them at all; he simply recognized his Lord, stepped out in recognition of Him, & "walked on the water."  Then he began to take those things around him into account, & instantly, down he went.  Why couldn't our Lord have enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves, as well as on top of them?  He could have, yet neither could be done without Peter's continuing recognition of the Lord Jesus.

We step right out with recognition of God in some things, then self-consideration enters our lives & down we go.  If you are truly recognizing your Lord, you have no business being concerned about how & where He engineers your circumstances.  The things surrounding you are real, but when you look at them you are immediately overwhelmed, & even unable to recognize Jesus.  THen comes His rebuke, "...why did you doubt?" (14:31).  Let your actual circumstances be what they may, but keep recognizing Jesus, maintaining complete reliance on Him. 

If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you.  Never start to say, "Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?"  Be reckless immediately -- totally unrestrained & willing to risk everything -- by casting your all upon Him.  You do not know when His voice will come to you but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him.  It is only through abandonment of yourself & your circumstances that you will recognize Him.  You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness -- being willing to risk your all.

Much of this was just what I needed to hear...& some was a slap in the face.  A good, needed slap in the face.  How often do we (me being the worst about this) worry about our circumstances?  I definitely don't think we're just supposed to sit back & let God bring a job, money, insurance, husband, friends, etc, to our doorstep...but if it is drawing us away from Him instead of moving us to trust Him more, there's a problem.

And that in the last paragraph about doubting what God has told you...I've done that so many times.  There have been a handful of times in my life that I've KNOWN what God was saying to me.  Even when others questioned me, I knew.  And then I turned & questioned God...are You suuure that's what you meant to tell me?  No.  When you've heard God, you know it.  Don't question what He's told you.  Don't question why He's picked you.  Don't question His timing or His methods.  I'm talking to myself here...but it applies to everyone.

I love when God just throws something in your face right when you need it.  So refreshing to know that He knows my weaknesses & loves me the same.

little moments

God doesn't always reveal His plan weeks - or even days - at a time as we might wish that He would.  And it wouldn't make sense for Him to.  When we surrender to Him, we're not only giving our lives, but our moments.  We're giving each breath.  And I think that's harder. 

When I worked at a youth camp a few summers ago, I took a group of youth to a mission site each day.  One of the ones that I was at all summer was an assisted living home way out in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina.  A few times a week we would gather around the piano in their activity room & sing hymns.  Mrs. Iola Mungo's favorite was "One Day at a Time."  I'd never heard it.  It wasn't even in the hymnal.  I often wondered if she made it up until I was telling my mom & grandmother this story & they started singing it with gusto that could rival Mrs. Iola Mungo's...& that was quite a feat.

Anyway, I think that hymn would be more fitting to say
one moment, or
one breath, or
one instant...

We're called to trust Him, surrender to Him, moment by moment.  And each of those seemingly insignificant moments prepares us for the next.  And eventually the next moment will be the one we've been waiting, praying, hoping, wishing, dreaming of.

Any big moment -
     diploma in hand
     ring on finger
     baby in arms
- starts with a million seemingly mundane ones.

The waiting, the frustration, the doubt, the dependence...it's all preparing me for the right time, an overwhelming peace, assurance, & {still} total dependence on Him.

And that's more than okay. 

Daydream Believer

So, God's been teaching me about believing, right?  Believing that He has the power to do anything we ask of Him & to work His will through us. 

I want to know *now* whether I'm going to get this job I want or not.  I'm tired of this waiting game that seems to be my life.  The other night when I was praying about it, I felt that I needed a little "pick me up."  Not that I don't believe that He can do it, & not that I don't believe with all my heart that He is calling me to this place, but I just needed some reassurance.  Apparently, not only do I need to believe, but I need to learn to trust that He has it all under control.

I was praying this prayer right before I went to sleep Saturday night.  When I woke up Sunday morning, I remembered my dream very vividly; I'd gotten the job.  Some serious excitement ensued in my dream.  I thought "well ok, God...thanks for that reassurance." 

Then a verse popped into my head, Joel 2:28. 

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons & daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

I thought that ironic for two reasons. 

#1. It's from Joel.  JOEL.  How many people even knew that was a book of the Bible?  I only know the verse because it was the theme verse of a camp I worked at several summers ago.

#2. It's about dreams/visions...but is that just coincidence that I just had this dream?

Later on Sunday I had a baccalaureate service to attend.  I was waiting in line at the bathroom while at the church & looked to my left to see a frame on the wall...with the verse Joel 2:28.  Odd, I thought.

Not remembering what the context was in Joel of all places, I went back to read the passage that night.  And I've read it several times since then.  From what I can gather, the book is a warning to Judah about coming judgment, urging them to repent & accept God's restoration.  I know there's a reason that all of this is there, but what it has to do with me & my life right now, I'm not real sure...

However, I got this...

The Lord will reply to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine & oil, enough to satisfy you fully... (Joel 2:19)

Be not afraid, O land; be glad & rejoice.  Surely the Lord has done great things. (Joel 2:21)

You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, & you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you...Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God & there is no other... (Joel 2:26-27)

So maybe God just drew me to this passage to show me that time & again, He has come to the rescue of His people & saved them from destruction.  He has provided for all of their needs, & they have rejoiced in Him doing so. 

And I am His people. 

He will no doubt provide for me.

I might not get the job that I want & believe He wants for me.

But I might.

Either way, He is my Provider.

I will not take my love away

When praises cease & seasons change

While the whole world turns away

I will not take my love away

I will not leave you all alone

When striving leads you far from home

And there's no yield for what you've sown

I will not leave you all alone

I will give you what you need

In plenty or in poverty

Forever, always, look to Me

And I will give you what you need

I will not take my love away

{I Will Not Take My Love Away by Matt Werz}

love like that

"Watch what God does, & then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.  Mostly what God does is love you.  Keep company with Him & learn a life of love.  Observe how Christ loved us.  His love was not cautious but extravagant.  He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us.  Love like that."
Ephesians 5:1-2 {The Message}

This verse keeps coming up.  I've read it on several blogs & on Twitter.  Strange how God throws Scripture at you sometimes.  I love the way this passage describes love.  It's not some feel-good, warm & fuzzy kind of thing.  Yeah, it is those things sometimes...but those are just the feelings that come from love.  In itself, love is not an emotion; it's an action, & a bold one at that.  I think God is challenging me to love the people that I don't want to love, to love with actions & not only words.

love.  like.  that.

{& speaking of love, check out this great video...thanks, Chelle!}

What Do I Know of Holy?

First off, I just have to say this: spring fever + senioritis do not make me a very good student at all.  I wrote this blog during class today.  And I mean wrote...remember when people used papers & pens?  So, be thankful you're reading this nicely typed version & not this:

...cause when I get excited, my handwriting also gets excited & does not turn out so well.

I have several things to say that are going to seem pretty unrelated, but hang in there...it all relates, I promise.  At least it does in my head...

A week or so ago I started reading the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins.  I read the kid ones when I was little, but have never read the "grown-up" ones.  And they. are. so. good.

They prompt so many questions.  I know I won't be here in the days that LaHaye & Jenkins have fictionalized, but still...I don't think God put the book of Revelation in the Bible only as a manual for those "left behind" after the Rapture of His Church.  I think, among other reasons, it is there to instill in us a great sense of urgency.  I certainly am thankful that I won't be here during those days & I don't want others to be here for the Tribulation either.

Anyway...back to my point...Revelation.  I've read it before but it's been years & I didn't really understand it then.  Not that I fully understand it now (or ever will), but God's showing me so much through it.

Revelation 7:9-10 says this: After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation & tribe & people & language, standing in front of the throne & before the Lamb.  They were clothed in white robes & held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a mighty shout, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne & from the Lamb!"  It paints such a beautiful picture.  

Nation.  

Tribe.  

People.  

Language.   

All worshiping at the feet of God.

I can't imagine anything more powerful.  Every nation - the nations that won't even allow missionaries in their borders...they'll have citizens who are believers.  Every tribe - this means the unreached people groups...they'll be reached (either by Christians on earth, or by God Himself through the Holy Spirit).  Every people &  every language - they people who don't even have a Bible in their language...they'll know God.  Wow.

Revelation doesn't only show the end of the world as we know it, but also a tiny glimpse of Heaven - creatures & angels singing of the holiness of our God: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, & who is to come (4:8); You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory & honor & power.  For you created all things & they exist because You created what You pleased (4:11); Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered - to receive power & riches & wisdom & strength & honor & glory & blessing (5:12)...it goes on & on (as it should)...

Second seemingly unrelated thing: every time that I've prayed the Lord's Prayer lately, I find myself pausing right there at the beginning when it says "hallowed be Thy name."  Hallowed.  Do we know what that means?  My friend dictionary.com says "regarded as holy; sacred."  But do we know what those words mean?

Which brings me to the third thing: mine & Cait's new favorite song - "What Do I Know of Holy" by Addison Road.  Holy...that's one of those churchy words that we throw out all the time...but do we really know what it means?  My favorite definition says "entitled to worship."  But even Mr. Webster doesn't suffice.  Our God is One with a plan for the end that will bring Himself the most glory, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven & on earth & under the earth, & every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).  I'd say that's entitled to worship.  Holy.  

So, to tie all of that together...I'm learning about holiness.  The Addison Road song that I mentioned is pretty much my thoughts exactly: [I was going to put a few lines here but decided you just needed to read the whole thing.]

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
 

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

I Surrender All?

So take me as You find me, all my fears and failures. Fill my life again. I give my life to follow everything I believe in. Now I surrender

So take me as You find me, all my fears & failures.  Fill my life again.  I'll give my life to follow everything I believe in.  Now I surrender.

This morning at church was the conclusion to Andy Stanley's White Flag series about Jonah.  We all know about Jonah running from God, being swallowed by the fish, & spit back out again to go, as commanded the first time, to preach to the people of Ninevah.

Before going any further, we need to understand what kind of person Jonah was.  He was a "good guy."  He was the perfect illustration of many "church people" today.  He had surrendered to the law of God...but that wasn't enough.

When Jonah arrived in Ninevah & preached to the people, they fasted, prayed, & turned their lives again.  And...this made Jonah mad.  The Ninevites were known for being very violent people & Jonah didn't think they deserved God's compassion.

Even though Jonah had surrendered his morals, his values, his life choices, to God, he hadn't surrendered to what God wanted to do with the rest of the world.

I think this was just what I needed to hear this morning.  I've always felt like I had a good grasp of God's global purpose.  I've been on every mission trip I had the opportunity to go on, both here and overseas.  But each of those trips had a specific beginning and end.  I knew who would be there with me.  I knew what I would be doing for the most part.  I knew there would be something that I could do to help the people that we were serving.

But what about now?  In looking at jobs, I limit my searches to places close to my family, states I'd want to live in, or if far away, ones with a beginning and ending date.  That's totally limiting God & running from what He may want to do through me.  I'm not saying that God is necessarily calling me to go somewhere far away from home, but how do I know if I'm not even being open to it?  I'm talking myself out of the things that God is most concerned with.  Ultimate surrender requires that I surrender to God's concerns around the world.  Andy said, "feelings of care are different from what you do with your time, talents, and treasure."  Compassion, by definition, is not just sympathy, but is also a "desire to alleviate the suffering."  We are called to engage in what God's up to.

I want to be discontent until everyone knows.

Totally & Completely Adequate

I read Jesus Calling as I was getting ready this morning (actually listened...app on iTunes!) & it led me to Ephesians 3:17-19.  After reading that, I just had to read the whole chapter.  I've read it a million times, but it was just different today.

When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles...assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles.  As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.  As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.  God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles & prophets.  And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles & Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children.  Both are part of the same body, & both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.  By God's grace & mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading the Good News.  Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.  I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.  God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers & authorities in the heavenly places.  This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Because of Christ & our faith in Him, we can now come boldly & confidently into God's presence.  So please don't lost heart because of my trials here.  I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.When I think of all this, I fall to my knees & pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven & on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.  Your roots will grow down into God's love & keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, & how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life & power that comes from God.  Now all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  GLORY to him in the church & in Christ Jesus through all generations forever & ever!  Amen.  (Ephesians 3:1-21)

Last night when I was lying in bed & couldn't sleep [time changes make me antsy], I just started feeling really inadequate.  I had just been looking at some jobs online...I found some great ones but it's so scary to think that I could end up anywhere.  Not only that, but sometimes I just let that fear get to me...what if I can't do it?  What if I get there & hate it?  What if I can't find a job?  What if I'm not good enough?  What if I feel dumb?

Then this morning I read this.  Paul felt completely inadequate, but knew that his God was totally adequate, totally big enough to do, through him, all that He said He would do.

God has a job out there for me.  He's chosen me for something.  And no, I'm not adequate.  I'm not good enough.  I'm not smart enough.  But HE is all of those things & even more, & through Him, I can do it.

Doorkeeper.

Berekiah, Elkanah, Obed-edom, & Jehiah.  Louie Giglio talked about these 4 men at Live Link last night.  Some of the names may sound familiar, but if you're like everyone at Live Link last night, you probably don't know these guys' story.

It all starts with the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 15).  At this point, lots of people had died because they touched or opened the Ark, not treating it with the respect that God had commanded.  One more time, David decides to try to take the Ark back to Jerusalem.  When they did, these 4 men were the door holders.  They held open a door for the representation of the holiness of God to be ushered in.  This makes me think of when we were kids...it was such an honor to be the line leader or the door holder.  Now, we would think nothing of this job...but what about if we think of it this way?

Louie pointed out that a doorkeeper is someone who has been in.  They've seen how great it is, yet they choose to come back out & open the door for others coming in.  They are able to see a person's face when they enter, & see that changed face as the exit.

Simple job, but these 4 guys' NAMES are in the Bible!  IN THE BIBLE.  That's kind of big...  What more could we possibly want to be than doorholders for the very presence of God?

Yahweh-Yireh

On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.  

-Genesis 22:14

I like this verse for several reasons.

1. I'm a fan of the B-I-B-L-E.
2. It talks about a mountain, & I live in the mountains so I just like that.  :)
3. It talks about how our God is ever faithful.

This is after God tests Abraham's faith by telling him to sacrificing Isaac.  We all know the story...he goes on the mountain, telling Isaac that God will provide a sacrifice, he outs Isaac on the altar as God had called him to do, an angel stops him from killing Isaac, & then there's a ram caught in the thorns nearby, the sacrifice that God provided.  After this, Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh, "the Lord will provide."

Since the beginning of the semester I've been looking for a job.  Didn't have to be anything great...just something to pay the bills until I graduate.  This is the slowest time of year for retails places so it's been really hard to even get anyone to take a resume.  I finally did, had an interview at Banana Republic on Friday, & found out yesterday that I got a job!

I can't even explain how I've had enough money for things for as long as I have.  I've been able to work every once in awhile when I went home, but haven't had a job since the beginning of January.  And somehow haven't had to ask my parents for money, haven't even had to put anything on the credit card.  I may have had my fair share of PBJ & cereal...but I've had just enough to get by.  Sunday night a sister was filling me in on lots of upcoming Alpha Gam events...great things...but things that cost money that I don't have.  And the next day, I got a job.  Now, if that's not faithful, I don't know what is.

Faithful, You are ever faithful to us God!  You're the song of my soul salvation.  Life that cannot be taken.  A solid rock, firm foundation.  Never changed.  You are never shaken.

 

Strong & Courageous

"This is my command - be strong & courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9

I feel like we hear this verse a lot...& I like that because it's one of my favorites.  We hear the story about Joshua & the battle of Jericho.  If you're like me, you probably still have that song stuck in your head..."Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho...Joshua fought the battle of Jericho & the walls came tumbling down!"

The other night I found out that I didn't get the internship that was my first choice.  I knew it was a long shot (10 positions, 230 people applied), but I kind of had my heart set on it.  I was ok with it...disappointed, sure...but while I know that would be a good option, God has a great plan that is so much better.  And that wasn't one of those things I just told myself...I really believed it.

Since the beginning of the year I've been following the reading plan my Bible has laid out.  Love that, by the way.  So later I turned to see what I was supposed to read that day.  Joshua 1.  

Something jumped out at me that never has before.  God tells commands Joshua 3 times to be "strong & courageous.  It's not written anywhere in this chapter that Joshua was nervous or scared or that He doubted that God could just make those walls crumble...but he was a human being!  Of course he was scared to death!  God knew his fears and just spoke to his heart, telling him that He would never leave him.  

And then comes the really cool part.  Towards the end of the chapter after Joshua has told his men the plan (probably thinking that they were going to laugh at him), they said they'd do whatever he told them to do.  Not only that, they go on & on about how they will obey him as they did Moses & just show so much respect for their leader.  And then...the last thing they say is..."be strong & courageous."  God used Joshua's men and reaffirmed the very thing that He'd been repeating to Joshua this whole time.  He knew exactly what Joshua needed at all times & He made sure that Joshua was confident of that.

So, yeah...it'd be really easy to be afraid that I won't find a job.  Or to get discouraged after filling out 12 billion job applications both for now & for after graduation (58 days!).  But I'm not.  I want GREAT...not just good...& I know He won't abandon me.

New Opportunities

I just love my Bible Study group. Lately I've just had this overwhelming desire to see this group grow & really seek the Lord. In my Senior Seminar class I've had to talk a lot about my time at North Georgia & how & what I've learned. This has prompted me to think not only about what I've learned academically, but also how I've grown spiritually. My years in college have been some of the most trying, but also some of the times that I've felt closest to God. My faith has become my own. I don't go to church or read the Bible or fellowship with other Christians because I have to, or because it's what my parents do but because I want to. This Bible Study has been a huge part of me for the last year & a half. I've always enjoyed meeting with small groups like this, but never before have I felt such a desire to seek God & to really know Him.

Today I was asking one of our new baby squirrels (my sorority's mascot is the squirrel, so our new members are "baby squirrels," just to clarify...I don't generally speak to actual live squirrels.), asking if she is involved in a Bible study right now & she answered "I'm planning on coming to the one at your house." I was so excited to hear that! I was just thinking on the way home...we have 28 new members. That's 28 new opportunities. But way more really. I want to see some of these girls at Bible Study. I want to see them bring other girls from their halls. I just see how much I've grown & how many people have invested in me, & more than ever, I want that for them.

"My heart has heard you say, 'Come & talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord I am coming.'" -Psalm 27:8

At the Manger

This morning during church I had a bit of an epiphany. I feel like I've put myself in Mary's shoes, in Joseph's, the shepherds, the wise men, & even the inn keeper. But where do I fit into this picture? That Nativity story drastically changed the story of my life, so I have to also have a role in it.

Jesus is the only baby ever to be born on this earth with the sole purpose of dying. When I picture myself there, at the cradle of my Savior, what would I be thinking?

The other day I was holding my little 5-week-old cousin thinking about how perfect she is - her tiny little fingers & toes & her sweet baby smell. Imagine holding a little one like that - holding Jesus - & knowing that one day nails would drive through those perfect little hands. Nails that I put there with my sin.

The son of God, here, born to bleed
a crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering, exalted now, the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground
-Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) by Chris Tomlin

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
-Celebrate the Day by Relient K

Sometimes I feel like Christmas is all celebration & Easter, while it's about celebrating, there's also the sadness in knowing that we are why God sent Jesus to die in the first place. However, it all ties in together...He was born to die. In my mind, the manger is just as much a symbol of our salvation as the cross is. Both are reminders that He came & gave His very life.

And I think that is where I would find myself. By the manger, holding Jesus in my arms. What a state of awe that would be! I don't know that anything could make me overflow with thankfulness for my Savior more than that.