I am learning so much lately. God's molding can hurt -- and right now, it hurts quite a bit -- but in the end, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd rather learn from Jesus and hurt, than not learn anything, and be "okay" with feeling okay.
Soo ... Define "Fear"
What does it mean to really fear Him? "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). If that's true, we must learn to fear Him in order to gain wisdom. The more life I live, the more I feel entitled to give Him what I can never repay. To comprehend that He'd die for me is one thing. To understand that I get to be His servant?! What a privilege. But I haven't even taken up His offer on that yet. He gives me a chance to "know," "believe," and "understand" Him (Isaiah 43:10). Not only that, but I get to be His "witness" (Isaiah 43:10). How, then, I can live such a distracted life with such selfish motives? Yes, sin lurks everywhere, but we're called to overcome it's desire for us and "rule over it" (Genesis 4:7). Why? Because sin isn't our master anymore; we're not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). With that said, I have a lot to work to do and a lot of "desires" to overcome.
How do I overcome myself? Put on your superhero clothes!
"Put on the full armor of God [...] so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand [...] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people" (Eph. 6:11, 13, & 18). "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7). I couldn't have said it better myself. But just like superheroes, we don't know when "the Son of Man is coming" (Luke 12:40). In fact, He's coming at an hour we don't expect, so we have to stay "dressed for action" at all times (Luke 12:35;40).
God Knows Best
God knows best, so of course He's going to choose His timing. I'm preaching to the choir, if you know what I mean, because I'm pretty bad at realizing His plan is a lot better than mine! I know Jesus makes "everything beautiful in its time" and that we "cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end" because "whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him" (Ecclesiastes 3:11 & 14). Knowing He knows it all -- and we know next to nothing -- should be enough reason to let Him plan. God tells us, "I am the first and I am the last [...] Who is like me? [...] Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen [...] Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any" (Isaiah 44:6-8). You know what I found interesting though? If I simply remember Him, He invites us to "argue" with Him; to set forth my case to be proved right (Isaiah 43:26). He wants my opinion; He wants to talk with me! There really is no God like Him. Lastly, he warns, "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
How's your perception and reception?
"Can you hear me now? Good." [Yes, I did just steal a Verizon Wireless commercial line.] I truly think He asks that a lot and when we finally perceive what He's saying, He sighs and says, "Good!" or probably more accurately put, "finally!" or "about time!" Our reception is pretty terrible most of the time, but every once in a while, we perceive what He's saying. Even if we perceive what He's saying, how often do we take action? Not very often, unfortunately. God wants us to "magnify his law and make it glorious" for His sake and pleasure (Isaiah 42:21). But honestly, we do a crappy job. As of late, however, I've come to realize that I need His help for and in EVERYTHING, including serving Him! God working in your life has an endless abundance of blessing. But I can't lie, it can hurt, too. God will give us a new heart and a new spirit, replacing our "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26-27). That transformation in our hearts takes a lot of surgery in our own lives, but it's well worth it. Think about it. We have a heart of stone compared to His heart for us. He was willing to face the hardships of man and die on a cross. What are we willing to do? Buy a donut for 89 cents. Our lack of faith is disturbing. MY lack of faith is disturbing. If I had any faith, I'd take way more action. After this speech tournament, I am waking up from my slumber of passion for Jesus.
Lord, teach me your ways so that I may walk in your truth. Please, unite my heart to fear your name. I will give thanks to you with my whole heart! Create in me a heart pure enough to glorify You, that I may give You a sliver of justice.
Love, Your Servant Who's Working On it [Psalm 86:11-12].
P.S. I already have a blog idea for my next one :O It will be addressed like a letter from God to us :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Jesus and Japan
In case you've been living in a hole the past few days, Japan has been facing tsunamis and earthquakes. Times are crazy. I've even heard that there is a lack of food and are now only feeding the children and elderly. The stock market has been crashing. To top it off, some people say that this is Revelations unveiling itself (though I suppose that's nothing new).
Chaos. That is the best word to describe about what's happening. But a few days ago, I was reading Psalm 46. I found it very fitting for what's happening right now.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging [...] God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"(Psalm 46:1-3;5-10).
God can provide the healing and strength needed to overcome this tragedy. We just have to trust Him. He can use this for His glory, even if we don't find it glorious in any way or fashion. I can't do much, but I pray He can use this to further His kingdom.
P.S. On a positive note, I overheard a couple in Starbucks tonight talking about Jesus, so I asked if they were Christians. They said yes :) The guy was wondering if I was a Christian too when I pulled out a book, so he creeped on me and saw it was indeed a Bible, just like he thought ;) Idk why, but these encounters always make me so happy.
Chaos. That is the best word to describe about what's happening. But a few days ago, I was reading Psalm 46. I found it very fitting for what's happening right now.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging [...] God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"(Psalm 46:1-3;5-10).
God can provide the healing and strength needed to overcome this tragedy. We just have to trust Him. He can use this for His glory, even if we don't find it glorious in any way or fashion. I can't do much, but I pray He can use this to further His kingdom.
P.S. On a positive note, I overheard a couple in Starbucks tonight talking about Jesus, so I asked if they were Christians. They said yes :) The guy was wondering if I was a Christian too when I pulled out a book, so he creeped on me and saw it was indeed a Bible, just like he thought ;) Idk why, but these encounters always make me so happy.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
What Can Faith Do?
I'm not sure. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly my faith can accomplish. There's a chance I never will find out (until heaven I guess!). But I've been wondering ... how much do our day-to-day choices affect our lives? What seems like a big decision at the time means nothing. Other times, a seemingly small decision has a huge impact. Furthermore, sometimes our decisions have no impact (like choosing to eat an egg for breakfast). Or does it? What about the more serious things in life? Or giving advice to friends? Choosing a spouse? What I'm going to eat? Where that food ends up? .......... jk that's a whole different conversation. I'm probably over-analyzing; I am a woman after all ;) lol but seriously, what kind of impact do our choices have? How much does our faith in something contribute to our future? I've been thinking a lot about it for probably like a month. If you have thoughts, feel free to share :)
So, what can faith do? According to the Bible, it can work wonders. Matthew gives an account of a man who brings his possessed child to them, hoping they could heal his son. The man informs Jesus of this, to which Jesus responds, "How long shall I put up with you?" (Matthew 17:17) and heals the boy. When the disciples ask why they were incapable of healing the boy, Jesus responds that they had "so little faith" (Matthew 17:20). In fact, he adds, "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). Basically, if the disciples just had faith, they could have sent out the demon themselves, right? For the things that are impossible with humans are possible with God (Luke 18:27). But instead Jesus taught them a lesson through their inadequacy. Additionally, the Bible gives examples of what faith can do. In fact, the entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is devoted to how people historically -- in the Old Testament -- leads God to take action on their behalf. It starts off by defining faith: "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). You can read it for a clearer idea of what I'm saying. But anyways, it concludes with how people, through faith, can conquer kingdoms, administer justice, gain what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, quench the fury of the flames, escape the edge of the sword, turned weakness into strength, raised the dead -- basically do anything (Hebrews 11:33-35). Faith also meant suffering in many ways, because "the world was not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38). Yet, they're all commended for their faith, even when they didn't recieve what was promised, since God had a better plan in the works toward perfection (Hebrews 11:39-40). In Romans 4:20-21, we're told Abraham, "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Faith means to be fearless and doubtless. Faith means 100% trusting and believing in something. However, this still doesn't answer my question. If I ask, I'll recieve -- but I have to believe it. If so, does my lack of faith keep me from recieving? Or was it not in God's plan? And how do I tell the difference? Where is the line between what God plans for me and what I choose? What are the effects? See, doubting has been the problem since the beginning. (Did Satan not place doubt in Eve's mind in the garden?) Sometimes I wonder if doubt is the problem. Even Jesus says in Mark's writing (11:22-24) to, “Have faith in God [...] if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Essentially, everywhere I look, it says if I ask, I'll recieve, I just have to believe! But it's doesn't seem that simple. Why? Because we doubt ... right? Doubting isn't always bad, but a lot of times it is. But even if we had faith to move the mountains, it wouldn't mean a thing unless -- in fact, "I am nothing" -- if I don't love (1 Cor. 13:2). I guess the key is to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Because in the end, the world isn't concerned about what storms came our way. Instead, they focus on if the ship made it to shore. I just have to trust Jesus to guide me! Simple ...... kinda ... but not really.
Here's the other thing. Obviously, God doesn't want us to sit around lazily. God continually calls people -- history attests to this -- to step up and take action. But life's like a game. Everyone cheats. God knows it, but let's the game go on [judgement is served when the words "game over" are uttered for every human life]. Our job is to make wise decisions throughout the game. So shouldn't we make Godly choices for Him? This is where I get confused. I don't live a perfect life, but I try my best. Every choice brings us closer or farther from something. What am I saying "yes" or "no" to in life? Do they glorify God? God's wisdom is immeasurable -- and even unsearchable (Romans 11:33). Yes, God controls everything. But my faith isn't obsolete; it has meaning. But how much can my faith do through Christ? That is the question ...
For now, I guess I'll just try to love like Jesus, for Jesus. Because true love leads to action and I wouldn't take action if I didn't have faith.
P.S. This song has been standing out to me lately, maybe because of all these thoughts! Idk. If you have any opinion on this, feel free to share with me because I am not sure right now! haha anyways, here is this awesome song by Kutless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo
So, what can faith do? According to the Bible, it can work wonders. Matthew gives an account of a man who brings his possessed child to them, hoping they could heal his son. The man informs Jesus of this, to which Jesus responds, "How long shall I put up with you?" (Matthew 17:17) and heals the boy. When the disciples ask why they were incapable of healing the boy, Jesus responds that they had "so little faith" (Matthew 17:20). In fact, he adds, "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). Basically, if the disciples just had faith, they could have sent out the demon themselves, right? For the things that are impossible with humans are possible with God (Luke 18:27). But instead Jesus taught them a lesson through their inadequacy. Additionally, the Bible gives examples of what faith can do. In fact, the entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is devoted to how people historically -- in the Old Testament -- leads God to take action on their behalf. It starts off by defining faith: "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). You can read it for a clearer idea of what I'm saying. But anyways, it concludes with how people, through faith, can conquer kingdoms, administer justice, gain what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, quench the fury of the flames, escape the edge of the sword, turned weakness into strength, raised the dead -- basically do anything (Hebrews 11:33-35). Faith also meant suffering in many ways, because "the world was not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38). Yet, they're all commended for their faith, even when they didn't recieve what was promised, since God had a better plan in the works toward perfection (Hebrews 11:39-40). In Romans 4:20-21, we're told Abraham, "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Faith means to be fearless and doubtless. Faith means 100% trusting and believing in something. However, this still doesn't answer my question. If I ask, I'll recieve -- but I have to believe it. If so, does my lack of faith keep me from recieving? Or was it not in God's plan? And how do I tell the difference? Where is the line between what God plans for me and what I choose? What are the effects? See, doubting has been the problem since the beginning. (Did Satan not place doubt in Eve's mind in the garden?) Sometimes I wonder if doubt is the problem. Even Jesus says in Mark's writing (11:22-24) to, “Have faith in God [...] if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Essentially, everywhere I look, it says if I ask, I'll recieve, I just have to believe! But it's doesn't seem that simple. Why? Because we doubt ... right? Doubting isn't always bad, but a lot of times it is. But even if we had faith to move the mountains, it wouldn't mean a thing unless -- in fact, "I am nothing" -- if I don't love (1 Cor. 13:2). I guess the key is to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Because in the end, the world isn't concerned about what storms came our way. Instead, they focus on if the ship made it to shore. I just have to trust Jesus to guide me! Simple ...... kinda ... but not really.
Here's the other thing. Obviously, God doesn't want us to sit around lazily. God continually calls people -- history attests to this -- to step up and take action. But life's like a game. Everyone cheats. God knows it, but let's the game go on [judgement is served when the words "game over" are uttered for every human life]. Our job is to make wise decisions throughout the game. So shouldn't we make Godly choices for Him? This is where I get confused. I don't live a perfect life, but I try my best. Every choice brings us closer or farther from something. What am I saying "yes" or "no" to in life? Do they glorify God? God's wisdom is immeasurable -- and even unsearchable (Romans 11:33). Yes, God controls everything. But my faith isn't obsolete; it has meaning. But how much can my faith do through Christ? That is the question ...
For now, I guess I'll just try to love like Jesus, for Jesus. Because true love leads to action and I wouldn't take action if I didn't have faith.
P.S. This song has been standing out to me lately, maybe because of all these thoughts! Idk. If you have any opinion on this, feel free to share with me because I am not sure right now! haha anyways, here is this awesome song by Kutless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)