Ahhhhhhh where to start?! I've been learning a lot lately. The more you know, the more ignorant you begin to feel. Sorry for not writing since forever! :/ I have a lot to talk about, so I'm just going to jump in. I have much to write about, I just can't give my 20 page thoughts into one post! Nobody has that time!! Haha.
Well, first off, I saw Gungor in concert March 11th in Rocklin. THEY WERE AWESOME!!!!!! (Not to make you jealous or anything ........... Hahahaha.) Anyway, so Gungor had a speaker talk between their songs, and three things stood out to me.
1) Scars. The fact that Jesus let Himself be scarred to take away ours. Wow, have you ever thought of that?
2) Body. Michael Gungor actually said this part. He was saying how we, as the church, are the body and Christ is the head. We are the bride, He is the groom. So often, we ask, "Where are you, God?" when in reality, we should be asking, "Where are WE?"
3) Reality. This last one I want to spend a little more time on. The woman who gave about 5 minutes worth of encouraging word said that we often think of ourselves as what's real. Whereas God is some ghostly, far off, distant "thing" that somehow works in our lives. But she made us take a new perspective. What if God was reality? What if we are what's distant and ghostly? (Hence Gungor's "Ghosts Upon the Earth" album title.) This concept made me think ... Dictionary.com defines reality a few ways, one including, "something that exists independently of all other things and from which all other things derive." If you believe in God, isn't He the one thing that stands? Isn't He what's lasting? Isn't He what's consistent and never changes? Think Inception. What's real lasts. What isn't real constantly changes. God is EVERlasting.
For King and Country has a song called "Busted Heart." I remember how the lyrics, "desperate for grace" stood out to me once. I thought, "Yes, we're all desperate for grace." Sometimes, when you hear something so often, you sort of become immune to it. Often, we become too content where we are and forget we are in need of grace. But for whatever reason, it really stood out to me: We're ALL desperate for grace. Why do we forget that? Not only that, but we never stop being desperate for grace! Eph. 4:26 calls us to "be angry." Not for the sake of being angry, but that we'd be passionate about what God is passionate for. I need Christ to rescue me from drowning in contentedness and set me on fire so I'd burn and be moved!
We break God's heart all the time. We push Him away. We chase after other things. We get tired of trying with God. We give up. We get lazy. We get too busy to even call on Him for a short bit. Even when we aren't busy, we go sit on a couch and watch TV instead of even letting God hear about our day. Think about the most awful significant other you could ever have: THAT'S YOU. That's me. That's every single person to walk this planet -- except Jesus. We cheat on God ALL the time, yet He CHOOSES us; loves us; pursues us.
You know, I want to stop feeling immune to the things that matter. I want to be a better me for Christ. Break my heart until it moves my hands and feet. I want to be Your hands and feet; I can't do that unless I'm attached to You! I want to think like Christ did while suffering for me and stop living for my selfish passions and start living for God's will (1 Peter 4:1-2). Let me delight in You and let me receive Your desires (Psalm 37:4). Encourage and strengthen me to renounce my worldly passions and show perfect courtesy to everyone, all the time, whether they see or not (Titus 2:11, 3:2-3)! Teach me to hate hating and love loving.
"Broke Your heart a thousand times, but You've never left my side. You have always been here for me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K44DPMA5HnY).
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Pennies
I normally don't like these stories, but I liked this one and thought it was post worthy. Enjoy! :)
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about ...
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer.. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see.. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it," he said. "Read what it says." She read the words: "United States of America ..." He shook his head, "No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes!"
"And ...?"
He explained, "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as my response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And God is patient ...
Have a lovely, penny-filled day!
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about ...
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer.. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see.. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it," he said. "Read what it says." She read the words: "United States of America ..." He shook his head, "No, not that; read further."
"One cent?"
"No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?"
"Yes!"
"And ...?"
He explained, "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as my response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And God is patient ...
Have a lovely, penny-filled day!
Friday, January 6, 2012
A Forever Friend
Well ... I'm back? Haha. Sorry for dropping off the face of the blogging world for a while. I've been busy, but more so lazy when it comes to blogging. So I'm sorry for those who have wondered what happened to me and my life and my blogging and my rhinoceros which I do not own. Anyways, here's a story that I hope causes you to think twice about your life and how you're living it.
Imagine you have a train coming towards you. Normally, that's no big deal, right? Right. Trains come rushing toward you at high speeds all the time. The catch is, you're tied up in ropes on the train track so there's nothing you can do about it. As the train lights shine blindingly into your eyes, it's as if they see right through you and all you've done, and flashes of your life pass you by like an old movie film. In moments, you'll be dead, but you feel like time has suddenly stopped so you can watch your life. Suddenly, the most awful things you've ever said that you'd purposely blocked from your memory come swarming back to haunt you. The happiest moments that you never thought you could relive again seem almost reachable. But your wrong trumps the good, and all the hurtful words, ignorant actions, and evil thoughts stab you with a pain that makes you wish you'd literally been stabbed instead. You wish you'd been more thankful, giving, gracious, loving ... So you squeeze your eyes as tight as you can hoping everything will just go away. And then, you hear the train blare it's horn, and boom. Death was quicker than you thought. Only, nothing feels like it's changed. In fact, the impossible happened: You were saved. A man risks his life and swoops you up out of nowhere. The train zooms by and you can feel the blast of air coming beside the train. You barely made it. You're afraid to open your eyes. Was this real? The fear grips you that you might be in heaven -- or worse, hell -- but you hope it's heaven. Then you hear a deep, reassuring voice, "Are you alright?" and you'd never heard words sweeter than honey come from someone's mouth. In your shock and gratefulness and fear, you mumble words that you don't even understand yourself. So he squeezes your hand lightly, scoops your hurting body up, and carries you to the nearest hospital to fix you up. All the while, holding you tight, never letting go, never slipping, never stumbling, despite the pouring down rain. And then, as you recover, you always have a new, fresh bed of flowers by your bed by this mysterious, life changing and life saving man.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? The women scream "Ahh, my hero," and the men groan wondering why they paid $10 for a movie like every other chick flick. The women have unrealistic expectations and the guy has to meet these impossible expectations. Nobody wins. But you know what? He exists. Jesus is His name and people call him Emmanuel. He's the one guy who walked this planet who DID do exactly what everyone wants: A Savior. If someone saved our life, like in the story above, you could never thank him enough. You'd do anything you could to help him out to return the greatest favor of saving your life. Well, if Jesus is that guy, why don't we give him credit where it's due? Or better yet, how can we go a single day without recognizing, "Wow, I'm alive because of Christ." How do we go a week without remembering He saved my life! And your life. He does this heroic act by saving our lives again and again by dying on the cross for us. And ever sin is like a nail pierced to His heart. Troops die for us everyday, and we give them our reverence. Shouldn't we do the same for Christ? We persecute Jesus in our actions, our words, and even our very thoughts every hour because we're sinners. Yet, He never leaves. He is a forever, faithful friend.
Find Him more important than the things you find important. And most importantly, how can we just stand and watch loved ones get hit by a train? Food for thought ... (I'm guilty of it too.)
Imagine you have a train coming towards you. Normally, that's no big deal, right? Right. Trains come rushing toward you at high speeds all the time. The catch is, you're tied up in ropes on the train track so there's nothing you can do about it. As the train lights shine blindingly into your eyes, it's as if they see right through you and all you've done, and flashes of your life pass you by like an old movie film. In moments, you'll be dead, but you feel like time has suddenly stopped so you can watch your life. Suddenly, the most awful things you've ever said that you'd purposely blocked from your memory come swarming back to haunt you. The happiest moments that you never thought you could relive again seem almost reachable. But your wrong trumps the good, and all the hurtful words, ignorant actions, and evil thoughts stab you with a pain that makes you wish you'd literally been stabbed instead. You wish you'd been more thankful, giving, gracious, loving ... So you squeeze your eyes as tight as you can hoping everything will just go away. And then, you hear the train blare it's horn, and boom. Death was quicker than you thought. Only, nothing feels like it's changed. In fact, the impossible happened: You were saved. A man risks his life and swoops you up out of nowhere. The train zooms by and you can feel the blast of air coming beside the train. You barely made it. You're afraid to open your eyes. Was this real? The fear grips you that you might be in heaven -- or worse, hell -- but you hope it's heaven. Then you hear a deep, reassuring voice, "Are you alright?" and you'd never heard words sweeter than honey come from someone's mouth. In your shock and gratefulness and fear, you mumble words that you don't even understand yourself. So he squeezes your hand lightly, scoops your hurting body up, and carries you to the nearest hospital to fix you up. All the while, holding you tight, never letting go, never slipping, never stumbling, despite the pouring down rain. And then, as you recover, you always have a new, fresh bed of flowers by your bed by this mysterious, life changing and life saving man.
Sounds lovely, doesn't it? The women scream "Ahh, my hero," and the men groan wondering why they paid $10 for a movie like every other chick flick. The women have unrealistic expectations and the guy has to meet these impossible expectations. Nobody wins. But you know what? He exists. Jesus is His name and people call him Emmanuel. He's the one guy who walked this planet who DID do exactly what everyone wants: A Savior. If someone saved our life, like in the story above, you could never thank him enough. You'd do anything you could to help him out to return the greatest favor of saving your life. Well, if Jesus is that guy, why don't we give him credit where it's due? Or better yet, how can we go a single day without recognizing, "Wow, I'm alive because of Christ." How do we go a week without remembering He saved my life! And your life. He does this heroic act by saving our lives again and again by dying on the cross for us. And ever sin is like a nail pierced to His heart. Troops die for us everyday, and we give them our reverence. Shouldn't we do the same for Christ? We persecute Jesus in our actions, our words, and even our very thoughts every hour because we're sinners. Yet, He never leaves. He is a forever, faithful friend.
Find Him more important than the things you find important. And most importantly, how can we just stand and watch loved ones get hit by a train? Food for thought ... (I'm guilty of it too.)
Monday, August 1, 2011
An Inside Out Hero
Haha. Well ... So much for writing more often. Sorry ... Again! I am so far from perfect!! Alright, I think I'm going to hit the highlights of life this summer of 2011. They're not exactly highlights in my life per say, but it's a Jesus highlight. Sometimes the worst times are the best "Jesus" times (if that makes sense).
Inside Out
A lot of you have probably heard the song from the Inside Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPrK3FP9Yrs). One time, while I was driving somewhere recently (listening to Christian music) and this line from that song stood out to me: "Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise." And I guess you could call it an ephiphany, because it just hit me. I understood. Our one purpose in life is to glorify Him, correct? And if God is faithful to the end -- just like He says -- then He will make sure that we glorify Him, even through our faults. All He wants is for us to live and love for Him, through Him! And if we love with Christ's love, that "surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19). So if God's love surpasses all knowledge, then if we learn to love and live like Jesus, then our lives are automatically wise. As Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." :) So don't break down or worry about life because we have a King within us (Micah 4:9). If we hope for what we can't see, we just have to wait patiently (Romans 8:25).
Superhero
So I was thinking ... If Christ is our Hero, a Savior to the world, doesn't that make us superhuman to some extent since He lives in us? And if our God is for us, who could ever stop us? He has the power to do abundantly more than we could even imagine (Eph. 3:20). With Him, all things are possible. Speaking of heroes ... One time I heard a story of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in her car and walked away perfectly fine. We are just like her. Every single day of our lives, He sustains our every breath. Every day, God gives us another chance. Every day, He forgives You. And every day ............. He SAVES us. We are meant to be here. God hasn't called us home yet -- He hasn't called you home yet. Are you doing what He wants? He is the only thing worth living and dying for!
Oh, and honestly, this isn't even the half of what I've learned this summer! But one thing that stood out to me when I was praying once was, "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing things for Me." It really could not be more clear that I needed to do my part before I asked him all I wanted like a kid on Santa's lap. Obviously, He's done more for me than I could ever ask for. It's about time I start giving back ...
Lord, help me to be a joyful and refreshing person to be around (Romans 15:32). Let me be an Inside Out Superhero as cheesy as that is. As my fellow Jesus follower once said [the bass player of MercyMe], "good writers write about what consumes them." I know I'm not the best writer, but help me to glorify You in all that I do. Your glory goes beyond all fame. The cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out, "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1). Love You Jesusssss :)
Inside Out
A lot of you have probably heard the song from the Inside Out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPrK3FP9Yrs). One time, while I was driving somewhere recently (listening to Christian music) and this line from that song stood out to me: "Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise." And I guess you could call it an ephiphany, because it just hit me. I understood. Our one purpose in life is to glorify Him, correct? And if God is faithful to the end -- just like He says -- then He will make sure that we glorify Him, even through our faults. All He wants is for us to live and love for Him, through Him! And if we love with Christ's love, that "surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:19). So if God's love surpasses all knowledge, then if we learn to love and live like Jesus, then our lives are automatically wise. As Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." :) So don't break down or worry about life because we have a King within us (Micah 4:9). If we hope for what we can't see, we just have to wait patiently (Romans 8:25).
Superhero
So I was thinking ... If Christ is our Hero, a Savior to the world, doesn't that make us superhuman to some extent since He lives in us? And if our God is for us, who could ever stop us? He has the power to do abundantly more than we could even imagine (Eph. 3:20). With Him, all things are possible. Speaking of heroes ... One time I heard a story of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in her car and walked away perfectly fine. We are just like her. Every single day of our lives, He sustains our every breath. Every day, God gives us another chance. Every day, He forgives You. And every day ............. He SAVES us. We are meant to be here. God hasn't called us home yet -- He hasn't called you home yet. Are you doing what He wants? He is the only thing worth living and dying for!
Oh, and honestly, this isn't even the half of what I've learned this summer! But one thing that stood out to me when I was praying once was, "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing things for Me." It really could not be more clear that I needed to do my part before I asked him all I wanted like a kid on Santa's lap. Obviously, He's done more for me than I could ever ask for. It's about time I start giving back ...
Lord, help me to be a joyful and refreshing person to be around (Romans 15:32). Let me be an Inside Out Superhero as cheesy as that is. As my fellow Jesus follower once said [the bass player of MercyMe], "good writers write about what consumes them." I know I'm not the best writer, but help me to glorify You in all that I do. Your glory goes beyond all fame. The cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out, "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1). Love You Jesusssss :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
He is Greater
Heyyyyy so it's been a while since I've written. Sorry. Again. Haha. I said I was going to write more often because I discovered people actually read this (why didn't you tell me earlier?! ;) so anyway I apologize for not keeping up with this! Anyway, this post is about a God who is greater than everything. Let me repeat that: Greater than EVERYTHING. Have you ever really sat down and let that sink in?
Age
God is greater than your age. Have you ever felt called to do something, but felt as if you were too young to accomplish the task? Well, so have a lot of people in the past, such as Jeremiah. He tells the Lord, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth" (Jer. 1:6). How many times have I told Him that and how many times as He responded, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jer. 1:7-8). If He calls you to do something, you better do it! And I don't mean on your own time, for only God knows how long our days on earth are anyway. Do what you can while you're here and God will use you to glorify Himself, faults and all. In another instance, maybe it's not your own lack of confidence, but others' lack of confidence for you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says not to let that get to you: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). We need to be living, breathing examples of the living, breathing word of God. Make sense? If you are a youth -- or have been a youth -- you'll realize just how difficult it is to be an example of Christ in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In today's society, you see a lack of all these things. That's why we have to show we are different (in a good way!) in the way we present ourselves (to Christians and non-Christians alike).
Storm
Have you ever told God, "I really don't think I can handle this" or tell Him that He's really given you more than you can handle? Instead of telling God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big God is! He is greater than whatever you're facing currently. Everyone has a storm in their lives. Big and small; minuscule or furious. Today I read Psalm 93:3-5, which for whatever reason made me think it'd be a great basis for a song! Haha. Yeah, I'm cool. Anyway, it says, "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever" (Psalm 93:3-5). God is greater than the noise, the height, and the power of whatever you're facing. If God is for you, what could ever be against you?
Yourself
I think I'm doing this for myself more than anyone else. I take the blame easily -- maybe too easily? -- and sometimes I take it harder than I should. I just have to realize that He is GREATER. In Genesis 1:6, God says He made the "greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." Have you ever thought about how God is the greater light of us and we are the lesser light? No matter how bad we are, God shines brighter than us or our problems.
God, thank you for being greater than my own heart and knowing everything (1 John 3:20). Help me to become more like you and gain the abundance of peace you have for me, which lasts until the moon is no more (Psalm 72:7). You have done sooo much for me. "I sing with joy because of what you have done" and let it be so for the rest of my life, even if I'm not as consistent as I should be in thanking You (Psalm 92:4). Let me "become complete" with You (2 Cor. 13:11). Much love to you Padre <3 I'm working on it ...
Age
God is greater than your age. Have you ever felt called to do something, but felt as if you were too young to accomplish the task? Well, so have a lot of people in the past, such as Jeremiah. He tells the Lord, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth" (Jer. 1:6). How many times have I told Him that and how many times as He responded, "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jer. 1:7-8). If He calls you to do something, you better do it! And I don't mean on your own time, for only God knows how long our days on earth are anyway. Do what you can while you're here and God will use you to glorify Himself, faults and all. In another instance, maybe it's not your own lack of confidence, but others' lack of confidence for you. 1 Timothy 4:12 says not to let that get to you: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). We need to be living, breathing examples of the living, breathing word of God. Make sense? If you are a youth -- or have been a youth -- you'll realize just how difficult it is to be an example of Christ in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In today's society, you see a lack of all these things. That's why we have to show we are different (in a good way!) in the way we present ourselves (to Christians and non-Christians alike).
Storm
Have you ever told God, "I really don't think I can handle this" or tell Him that He's really given you more than you can handle? Instead of telling God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big God is! He is greater than whatever you're facing currently. Everyone has a storm in their lives. Big and small; minuscule or furious. Today I read Psalm 93:3-5, which for whatever reason made me think it'd be a great basis for a song! Haha. Yeah, I'm cool. Anyway, it says, "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever" (Psalm 93:3-5). God is greater than the noise, the height, and the power of whatever you're facing. If God is for you, what could ever be against you?
Yourself
I think I'm doing this for myself more than anyone else. I take the blame easily -- maybe too easily? -- and sometimes I take it harder than I should. I just have to realize that He is GREATER. In Genesis 1:6, God says He made the "greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." Have you ever thought about how God is the greater light of us and we are the lesser light? No matter how bad we are, God shines brighter than us or our problems.
God, thank you for being greater than my own heart and knowing everything (1 John 3:20). Help me to become more like you and gain the abundance of peace you have for me, which lasts until the moon is no more (Psalm 72:7). You have done sooo much for me. "I sing with joy because of what you have done" and let it be so for the rest of my life, even if I'm not as consistent as I should be in thanking You (Psalm 92:4). Let me "become complete" with You (2 Cor. 13:11). Much love to you Padre <3 I'm working on it ...
Friday, May 27, 2011
What is His Purpose for You?
Today, I read Hebrews 6:19, which says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast." I love having an anchor for my life that can never be moved. You know how Jesus sometimes has a theme of the day? Mine was definitely His unwavering strength and dedication for me. First, with that verse. Second, with the love of family and friends shown to me. Lastly, through a song ...
"I know what you said but I’m in over my head. You said that I’m not alone here, I said, 'Throw me a rope then,' I've had more then enough of the rain [...] When I feel like I am drifting away; sinking down, the sands are shifting today; I'm about to lose my way -- You anchor, anchor me down. Looking out the skies are turning to grey. All around the tide is pulling away; just about to lose my way -- You anchor, anchor me down" ("Anchor" by Satellites & Sirens). Love this song; it had more meaning for me today than usual.
If God is our anchor, we must be the ship going where ... ? This post is about His purpose for you and how to discover it. Trust me, this is something I strive and struggle with, so I'm not claiming that I've found some magic formula to following Christ -- in fact, there ISN'T a magic formula; it's a lifelong process that takes lots of messing up, even when we think we have it right.
I once heard a story on a Christian radio station of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in a car accident and survived against the odds of what happened (I forget the specifics, but it was pretty amazing she survived). She was saved. God is using her. God could instantly smite you right now, am I wrong? Hahaha. Yet, in His grace, He hasn't done that. Logically, doesn't it follow that He saves you everyday? You are saved. God is using you. He is NOT smiting you and forgives and loves you every moment of the day. We have to try and return the favor, don't we?
If you think He doesn't have a purpose for your life, do something for me. Breathe in. Now, breathe out. Oh, hey, you're alive and Jesus hasn't called you home yet. I guess that means He needs you to do some errands first!!! Lame, but let's face it, I have a point haha. Anyway, I've outlined my thoughts below ...
Who is God?
Isaiah 40:12-18 can answer this question: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales? Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?"
Your relationship with God is unlike anything else in this world -- it's out of this world and He can rock your world! That is, if we let Him consume our lives and use it. Imagine all that He could accomplish! Sometimes, when I'm seeking His will, I'll say, as the Bible reads, "My way is hidden from the Lord" (Isaiah 40:27). But instead he turns this phrase and begs the questions, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power" (Isaiah 40:27-29). He wants to help us, even if His plan is beyond our understanding.
Spiritually In Tune
Have you ever had to listen to an out of tune guitar or piano? Or any instrument? How about someone who can't sing on pitch? It's not exactly a pleasant sound, right? Well, whenever we're not in tune with our Jesus, He isn't pleased and honestly we aren't pleased either! So how do we make sure we've tuned our hearts and minds to play our part in God's symphony? 1 Cor. 2 answers that one ...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory [...] 'THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.' For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:6-7; 9-14).
There was one phase in my life I recently was praying and asking for something. My response? "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing some things for Me." He always responds so simply. That's probably a good thing for someone like me ...
How are you viewed?
Obviously, one cannot please everyone, but if we are following Christ, we will be found "acceptable to God and approved by men" (Romans 14:18). We are called to be a "fragrance" for the ones following Christ and even the ones who are not, such as our enemies even (2 Cor. 2:15). Are you a joyful and refreshing person to be around? Paul wrote that he wished that in Romans 15:32! Should we not be a pleasant person to be around; a light that doesn't fade with our circumstances? For we have an anchor that no current in heaven, hell, or earth can uplift.
You're NEVER Too Young
There is a difference between being submissive to authority and following your call. God will never call you to do something that would make you disobey His own commands. However, don't let age or enemies get in the way of your purpose. If you feel led to do something, DO IT. There's a reason your heart feels passionate for whatever it may be. The poor? The elderly? The broken hearted? The lonely? The forsaken? The neglected? You name it. There is always a need. What many don't realize is that there is always a cure for the need (even if it's not fully cured until heaven). If we are the body, BE the hands, BE the feet. BE the church. Christ is head, now let's go and be fishers of men. You're never too young to do His will: "Then I said, 'Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am a youth," because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,' declares the LORD" (Jer. 1:6-8).
You vs. God
Let's be honest. Who is going to win? You have your plans, God has His plans. Most likely, God is going to make sure His plan happens. Sure, you might have a great plan. But God has a better one! Proverbs 16 defines our plans vs. God's and how to deal with it. "The plans of the heart belong to man [...] All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil [...] When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him [...] The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:1-4; 7; 9). To break it down, God looks at your motives and decides whether you are truly committing yourself to Him. If we are following Him, His plan becomes our plan, and even though life isn't perfect, we will feel secure in our steps, knowing He is leading the way.
God, can You hold me together? Without You, I'm holding my heart. I'm falling apart. I'm slowly realizing that I cannot move mountains -- but if You want to, You can. If it's for your glory, please, move the mountains in my life. If not, grant me Your peace in what I cannot understand. But above all, glorify yourself through my imperfections. Help me to wait patiently, as you beckon me towards the hope I cannot see (Romans 8:25). Don't let me lose my hope, for I know you, my King, lives within me (Micah 4:9). You lived and died for me. In turn, you're the only thing worth living AND dying for in this life! I need you to be my hope that keeps me grounded; an anchor for my soul (Hebrews 6:19).
"I know what you said but I’m in over my head. You said that I’m not alone here, I said, 'Throw me a rope then,' I've had more then enough of the rain [...] When I feel like I am drifting away; sinking down, the sands are shifting today; I'm about to lose my way -- You anchor, anchor me down. Looking out the skies are turning to grey. All around the tide is pulling away; just about to lose my way -- You anchor, anchor me down" ("Anchor" by Satellites & Sirens). Love this song; it had more meaning for me today than usual.
If God is our anchor, we must be the ship going where ... ? This post is about His purpose for you and how to discover it. Trust me, this is something I strive and struggle with, so I'm not claiming that I've found some magic formula to following Christ -- in fact, there ISN'T a magic formula; it's a lifelong process that takes lots of messing up, even when we think we have it right.
I once heard a story on a Christian radio station of a girl who flipped 3 1/2 times in a car accident and survived against the odds of what happened (I forget the specifics, but it was pretty amazing she survived). She was saved. God is using her. God could instantly smite you right now, am I wrong? Hahaha. Yet, in His grace, He hasn't done that. Logically, doesn't it follow that He saves you everyday? You are saved. God is using you. He is NOT smiting you and forgives and loves you every moment of the day. We have to try and return the favor, don't we?
If you think He doesn't have a purpose for your life, do something for me. Breathe in. Now, breathe out. Oh, hey, you're alive and Jesus hasn't called you home yet. I guess that means He needs you to do some errands first!!! Lame, but let's face it, I have a point haha. Anyway, I've outlined my thoughts below ...
Who is God?
Isaiah 40:12-18 can answer this question: "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales? Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?"
Your relationship with God is unlike anything else in this world -- it's out of this world and He can rock your world! That is, if we let Him consume our lives and use it. Imagine all that He could accomplish! Sometimes, when I'm seeking His will, I'll say, as the Bible reads, "My way is hidden from the Lord" (Isaiah 40:27). But instead he turns this phrase and begs the questions, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power" (Isaiah 40:27-29). He wants to help us, even if His plan is beyond our understanding.
Spiritually In Tune
Have you ever had to listen to an out of tune guitar or piano? Or any instrument? How about someone who can't sing on pitch? It's not exactly a pleasant sound, right? Well, whenever we're not in tune with our Jesus, He isn't pleased and honestly we aren't pleased either! So how do we make sure we've tuned our hearts and minds to play our part in God's symphony? 1 Cor. 2 answers that one ...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory [...] 'THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.' For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:6-7; 9-14).
There was one phase in my life I recently was praying and asking for something. My response? "I'll start doing things for you if you start doing some things for Me." He always responds so simply. That's probably a good thing for someone like me ...
How are you viewed?
Obviously, one cannot please everyone, but if we are following Christ, we will be found "acceptable to God and approved by men" (Romans 14:18). We are called to be a "fragrance" for the ones following Christ and even the ones who are not, such as our enemies even (2 Cor. 2:15). Are you a joyful and refreshing person to be around? Paul wrote that he wished that in Romans 15:32! Should we not be a pleasant person to be around; a light that doesn't fade with our circumstances? For we have an anchor that no current in heaven, hell, or earth can uplift.
You're NEVER Too Young
There is a difference between being submissive to authority and following your call. God will never call you to do something that would make you disobey His own commands. However, don't let age or enemies get in the way of your purpose. If you feel led to do something, DO IT. There's a reason your heart feels passionate for whatever it may be. The poor? The elderly? The broken hearted? The lonely? The forsaken? The neglected? You name it. There is always a need. What many don't realize is that there is always a cure for the need (even if it's not fully cured until heaven). If we are the body, BE the hands, BE the feet. BE the church. Christ is head, now let's go and be fishers of men. You're never too young to do His will: "Then I said, 'Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am a youth," because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,' declares the LORD" (Jer. 1:6-8).
You vs. God
Let's be honest. Who is going to win? You have your plans, God has His plans. Most likely, God is going to make sure His plan happens. Sure, you might have a great plan. But God has a better one! Proverbs 16 defines our plans vs. God's and how to deal with it. "The plans of the heart belong to man [...] All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil [...] When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him [...] The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:1-4; 7; 9). To break it down, God looks at your motives and decides whether you are truly committing yourself to Him. If we are following Him, His plan becomes our plan, and even though life isn't perfect, we will feel secure in our steps, knowing He is leading the way.
God, can You hold me together? Without You, I'm holding my heart. I'm falling apart. I'm slowly realizing that I cannot move mountains -- but if You want to, You can. If it's for your glory, please, move the mountains in my life. If not, grant me Your peace in what I cannot understand. But above all, glorify yourself through my imperfections. Help me to wait patiently, as you beckon me towards the hope I cannot see (Romans 8:25). Don't let me lose my hope, for I know you, my King, lives within me (Micah 4:9). You lived and died for me. In turn, you're the only thing worth living AND dying for in this life! I need you to be my hope that keeps me grounded; an anchor for my soul (Hebrews 6:19).
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Thursday Thoughts and the 30 Hour Famine
I promised I'd write more regularly! :) First, I'll start with some thoughts I had on Thursday. Every Thursday I drive about 2 hours at least. Thus, I have a lot of time to think haha. My thoughts in this post will consist of why good people die, a misfit army, and then my 30 hour famine (that I didn't do alone of course haha).
1) Why do good people die?
One of the most trying, difficult question a Christian must face. Non-believes consistently ask this question and Christians consistently don't have an answer. I don't have the answer. Honestly, the question is valid and isn't easy to respond to. Of course, whoever said the answers were supposed to be easy? While I was driving, I was thinking of how sad (obviously) it is when someone dies. For some reason, this deceased person always seems to have the most potential to change the world. Or they seemed to be one of the best people you ever knew or came across. Something makes them stand out from the world as superior to the others and all you can say to yourself sometimes is, "Why them?" Out of all people, they had so much life to live. Even the not-so-great people still could've turned their lives around and you ask yourself, "Why so soon?" But as I was driving, I realized something. We mourn about good people dying. There isn't anything wrong with that. Yet, at the same time, the GREATEST man that ever walked this earth died for us -- but Christians and non-Christians alike don't mourn about it. I'm not saying we don't care about His death -- we do. I'm also not saying we need to walk around in black, crying our eyeballs out of our sockets. Instead, I'm saying if we truly cared, we would be devastated. If we cared, we would rejoice in Christ's resurrection every single day. If we cared, we would tell the world about Him. If we cared, life's circumstances wouldn't get us down. If we cared, we could change the world. If we cared, we could stand up from the hilltops and proclaim Jesus like nobody has before. Let the lost ones in this world inspire you.
2) Misfit Army
Don't laugh. I find my tag clever ... Actually, that phrase, "Misfit Army," kept pounding in my head. Usually, that means I'm supposed to take action on a recurring idea. A lot of times, for me, it means to write about it. Basically, I was just admiring God. He is so anti-world. It's great! Haha. I was in awe. Well, I still am I guess ... God uses the weakest to be His strongest. Some of the most broken, messed up people are the people God uses for His glory the most. For example, take a girl who has done drugs, cut herself, gotten pregnant out of wedlock, nearly commits suicide, but finds Jesus instead. Those types of people have a fire like I've never seen for Jesus. Not only do I love that, but I love that Jesus uses the weakest to lead -- by the world's standard -- the "strongest." Can you imagine a chief officer placing his weakest men in the front? Weird strategy, right? Why would someone place a guy with a missing arm in the front row? Exactly; it makes no sense. Yet who uses that strategy and EXCELS? Jesus. And it only works with Him ...
3) 30 Hour Famine
Food never tasted so good after that famine (which, for the record, I actually went 31 hours! ;) For me, it showed how selfish I am. I was SO excited to eat ... and it was only 30 hours. Usually, I can't go 30 minutes without eating. And I whined and complained because I'm a weenie. So for me, yes, it was an accomplishment. I shouldn't have complained and focused more on what matters. So what matters? People around the world who go much longer than 30 minutes from eating. In fact, it kills men, women, and children alike everyday. What do I do? Sit on my couch and eat Goldfish. COOL. I'm a great Christian :P I think what I'm trying to say is ... after the famine, I realize how much time I waste thinking of myself.
I'm not in the Misfit Army -- I'm misfit FOR the army. I suppose that makes me the perfect candidate for You, doesn't it? Lord, train me to be worthy of your army of love that proclaims not ourselves, "but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 4:5-6).
Where do we keep our treasure? In "jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us" (1 Cor. 4:7).
And this is how the army stands: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but no driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies [...] So death is at work in us, but life in you [...] For it is all for your sake, so that s grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart [...] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (1 Cor. 4:8-10, 12, 15-18).
1) Why do good people die?
One of the most trying, difficult question a Christian must face. Non-believes consistently ask this question and Christians consistently don't have an answer. I don't have the answer. Honestly, the question is valid and isn't easy to respond to. Of course, whoever said the answers were supposed to be easy? While I was driving, I was thinking of how sad (obviously) it is when someone dies. For some reason, this deceased person always seems to have the most potential to change the world. Or they seemed to be one of the best people you ever knew or came across. Something makes them stand out from the world as superior to the others and all you can say to yourself sometimes is, "Why them?" Out of all people, they had so much life to live. Even the not-so-great people still could've turned their lives around and you ask yourself, "Why so soon?" But as I was driving, I realized something. We mourn about good people dying. There isn't anything wrong with that. Yet, at the same time, the GREATEST man that ever walked this earth died for us -- but Christians and non-Christians alike don't mourn about it. I'm not saying we don't care about His death -- we do. I'm also not saying we need to walk around in black, crying our eyeballs out of our sockets. Instead, I'm saying if we truly cared, we would be devastated. If we cared, we would rejoice in Christ's resurrection every single day. If we cared, we would tell the world about Him. If we cared, life's circumstances wouldn't get us down. If we cared, we could change the world. If we cared, we could stand up from the hilltops and proclaim Jesus like nobody has before. Let the lost ones in this world inspire you.
2) Misfit Army
Don't laugh. I find my tag clever ... Actually, that phrase, "Misfit Army," kept pounding in my head. Usually, that means I'm supposed to take action on a recurring idea. A lot of times, for me, it means to write about it. Basically, I was just admiring God. He is so anti-world. It's great! Haha. I was in awe. Well, I still am I guess ... God uses the weakest to be His strongest. Some of the most broken, messed up people are the people God uses for His glory the most. For example, take a girl who has done drugs, cut herself, gotten pregnant out of wedlock, nearly commits suicide, but finds Jesus instead. Those types of people have a fire like I've never seen for Jesus. Not only do I love that, but I love that Jesus uses the weakest to lead -- by the world's standard -- the "strongest." Can you imagine a chief officer placing his weakest men in the front? Weird strategy, right? Why would someone place a guy with a missing arm in the front row? Exactly; it makes no sense. Yet who uses that strategy and EXCELS? Jesus. And it only works with Him ...
3) 30 Hour Famine
Food never tasted so good after that famine (which, for the record, I actually went 31 hours! ;) For me, it showed how selfish I am. I was SO excited to eat ... and it was only 30 hours. Usually, I can't go 30 minutes without eating. And I whined and complained because I'm a weenie. So for me, yes, it was an accomplishment. I shouldn't have complained and focused more on what matters. So what matters? People around the world who go much longer than 30 minutes from eating. In fact, it kills men, women, and children alike everyday. What do I do? Sit on my couch and eat Goldfish. COOL. I'm a great Christian :P I think what I'm trying to say is ... after the famine, I realize how much time I waste thinking of myself.
I'm not in the Misfit Army -- I'm misfit FOR the army. I suppose that makes me the perfect candidate for You, doesn't it? Lord, train me to be worthy of your army of love that proclaims not ourselves, "but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 4:5-6).
Where do we keep our treasure? In "jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us" (1 Cor. 4:7).
And this is how the army stands: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but no driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies [...] So death is at work in us, but life in you [...] For it is all for your sake, so that s grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart [...] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (1 Cor. 4:8-10, 12, 15-18).
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