Though the pastor was speaking, I can't say I was listening to him in church today. Instead, I was glued to something he had only briefly touched on at the very beginning of the sermon. I was stuck to what he said about the fig leaves Adam and Eve used to cover their nakedness. Let me try and convey all God showed me this morning.
So we know the story. Along with all of nature,Adam and Eve are God's creation. All is well in Paradise as the two people enjoy the perfect unity with their God and with one another until Satan deceives the two people under the disguise of a serpent. Adam and Eve can now distinguish good from evil, they realize their nakedness, hide from God, and attempt to cover up with fig leaves.
This is where it gets good.
Apparently, fig leaves can leave you pretty itchy if they touch your skin. Adam and Eve probably didn't think through this decision in their frantic search for anything to cover their nakedness before God saw them. There were probably an ample supply of fig leaves in the garden, because the trees would eventually grow new fig leaves were the others had been picked off. These leaves are symbolic of our human tendency to cover mistakes, insecurities, sin, pain, etc. They were not created to cover; the leaves did not do what Adam and Eve needed.
I doubt we'll see anyone running around in actual fig leaves today. But if fig leaves are anything we use to cover our mistakes, shortcomings, insecurities, etc, I'd say they're more common than we think: "If only I could lose that 15 pounds!", yelling at your children for not listening to you, wearing provocative clothing to get attention, controlling the atmosphere of the room you're in, watching pornography, obsessive health practices. Some of these things are more overtly wrong than others, but how exactly are these things, among many others, like fig leaves?
Fig leaves can be any action, thought, or perception we do/have to cover, make right, or cope; but these things do not suffice. Instead, they only work as a megaphone through which we both cry out our need for God and the refusal of His grace.
God had a different plan. Instead of providing itchy plants for Adam and Eve, He gave them clothes made from the skins of animals. Instead of the plentiful fig leaves the two had been using before, something had to die in order to cover Adam and Eve in a suffecient way. In God's eyes, nothing else would do. It was the only option, and it delighted Him to provide for them. God's reaction to Adam and Eve's sin is a prime example of His reaction toward our sin. When God found out what they did, He brought justice to all involved in the mess of sin and made garments of skin, and clothed Adam and Eve. Blood was shed, but a suffecient covering was made. All of this went against God's original design for humanity. He didn't originally write sin, death, and trials into the story. But His actions toward Adam and Eve in their sin shows me God's desire to be with us as close to normal as possible, even if that means detering from the original plan. He wants relationship with us that bad.
But what is normal anyway? I can say that the pattern of Christianity today is NOT what God sees as normal. Normal is God's original design for His relationship with humans and their relationship with one another. He designed both arenas of relationship to be bound in perfect unity and intimacy with Him. He provided for Adam and Eve and they walked with Him, enjoying one another, the presence of their God, and the beauty of His creation. Nothing, I can imagine, was done for the self but was instead directed toward God and one another. This was God's design. This was Paradise.
So Adam and Eve were given animal skins to cover their nakedness. They wanted to hide their mistake from God; but He already knew. After speaking with them and bring justice to the big mess, He supplied them with a covering. Just like Adam and Eve, I don't think we bring our mess to God. Instead, we act in rebellion to God's pattern and create our own coverings through the way we act, think, and feel. Like the itchy fig leaves, those coverings do not suffice to meet our need for grace, the true covering we need for our every mistake, insecurity, pain, and sin. We cover up with these outward actions so that we do not have to stand before God in our nakedness. We're shameful, embaressed, and regretful. We point fingers and attempt to shift the blame and focus to others. But really, God doesn't receive us in the way we deserve or in the way we perceive Hw ill. Instead of casting us away from His holy presence, He makes up for our mistakes so that He can walk with us again--for I believe that may be His only desire.
Can we really continue to rebel against our God's only desire, a desire that carries even blessings of joy, peace, comfort, guidance, protection, and provision for the ones who messed it all up in the first place? We think we're doing well in being dictators of cleanliness in our homes when we really need God's grace to cover our fear of losing control and thus becoming like the ones who've hurt us so deeply; we think we're doing well in pouring time into our appearance, being sure to always eat well and look decent when we really need God's grace to cover our insecurities, fear of martial unfaithfulness, and fear of being left alone yet again; we think we're doing well in gaining more and more knowledge when we really need God's grace to cover our reluctance to trust Him and wlak with the assurance of His Word in faith. We think we're doing well, but really, we're only wearing feeble fig leaves that fester uncomfortable itching. In reality, the leaves do not even cover at all. They're LEAVES. With one gust of wind, unexpected storm, or sudden change, the leaves drop and we're left naked before God and before man, pushing us to run from God and leaving us to franticly grasp for covering like Adam and Eve did that very first time. The leaves we use to hide from God and from man do not cover us like we so desperately need, and really, they only make that nakedness that much worse.
God desires life to go back to normal, where He walks with His people together as His people walk with one another. Our coverings just don't suffice to grant Him His desire, nor do they provide the Stuff of God we truly need. Only grace will do.
Does grace only cover? No! When accepted and allowed to spread into every dakr, dusty, broken, cob-webbed, aching, empty, stained part of your heart, it transforms. When one abandons all his or her self--the sin, fear, perceptions, habits, emotions, joys, wounds, dreams, hopes--and receives the grace of God into a surrendered being, God's original plan is restored. We can walk with Him in perfect unity and deepening intimacy and reflect this beauty in relationship with others. And when we walk in GOd's original design for humanity, everything changes.
Our makeshift coverings point to our need of God's grace to cover and to transform the parts of us we wish He didn't know about us and hope no one ever discovers. Why are we content to sneak around our need of God's grace in itchy fig leaves when God offers a suitable covering out of His desire to be with us? We must swollow our pride, declare our undying need of God's help, and walk in humility and receive His ready supply of covering and transformation.
Grace is the place where old becomes new, dark becomes light, Martha becomes Mary, Saul becomes Paul, Jacob becomes Israel, scarlet becomes snow==and there our God longs to be gracious. God knows you're hiding from Him int he bushes and already sees your covering of fig leaves. Step out, and receive His grace. You're safe, and in doing this, you grant the desire of your Creator.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Faithful and True
This morning, I woke up to an overcast, heather-grey sky that seemed to stretch for miles upon miles. The clouds casted a shadow on everything in sight and creation stood with a dull and frigid rigidity. In no way did my window view tempt me to escape the warmth of my bed and seek the outside world. And as a lover of all-things-morning, I sure did wonder what the sunrise looked like, but the clouds obstructed my view. Interestingly enough, God used this drab scene to get my attention.
This drab morning "skyscape" resembles so much that goes on in life! Our everyday lives on earth seem to change just as frequently as the weather. One day we're chipper, happy-go-lucky, and brimming with joy. But just as quickly as that kind of wonderfully sunny day can come, we scuff around in the dumps of emotion, barely able to genuinely smile at the people that pass us by. We're fickle! But despite these rapid changes, we can be sure of God's consistent character:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.
Revelation 19:11
For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:16-20
The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 23:4
O LORD God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
Psalm 89:8
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9
Scripture tells the beautiful story of God's undeniably perfect faithfulness, and we can trust that God will never go back on His Word because it is true! Though our perception may suggest otherwise, God isn't the One who is changing in our daily lives. He is more faithful than the sun in the sky! It is the clouds that are fickle. We cannot--We must not!--base our perception of who God is and what He is like on the way we feel, our circumstances, or what other people say. When I wondered what the sunrise looked like behind the clouds this morning, I remembered other sunrises I have seen before. There is a pattern of faithfulness in the rising and setting of the sun each day. In the same way, God has a pattern as well and His story is found the only reliable source of truth--the Word of God. Feelings and circumstances are always changing but the character of God is faithful. The sun is the constant; the clouds are the variables.
But do be have to be bound to the likeness of the fickle clouds that are always changing? Should we resemble the heather-grey clouds that cast a drab shadow or the Source of Light hidden somewhere beneath the thick layer of clouds? Though I believe God is aware of our weak, human flesh (Psalm 103:14), I wonder if He has a greater plan for us than allowing our emotions and circumstances cloud the incandescent light He wishes to shine through us:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16
It's all too typical to respond to life's clouds with melancholy attitude, slumping through the overcast day until the sun pierces the horizon again. Yes, we have human emotions, and yes, life circumstances often bring pain, sorrow, and frustration; but shouldn't the reliable reputation and perpetual presence of the faithful character of God be enough to find joy in everyday life? The Almighty-God, Creator of the universe, Maker of everything is always with us and always loves us! He sustains our breath and keeps our hearts beating! He has so graciously given us a beautiful planet to live on, packed full of color and life! No matter how thick the clouds are and no matter how long the Son hasn't been seen, all His promises are still true and the clouds cannot last forever. There is always a reason to praise God, and in that, can't we always offer Him rejoicing lips out of a grateful heart?
Though I think it's safe to say that we prefer sunny, blue-sky days where joy comes easily, we can rest assured of God's faithful promises, no matter how thick the clouds may get. God is always Faithful and always True. And with that blessed assurance, I can smile.
Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
Psalm 31:5
This drab morning "skyscape" resembles so much that goes on in life! Our everyday lives on earth seem to change just as frequently as the weather. One day we're chipper, happy-go-lucky, and brimming with joy. But just as quickly as that kind of wonderfully sunny day can come, we scuff around in the dumps of emotion, barely able to genuinely smile at the people that pass us by. We're fickle! But despite these rapid changes, we can be sure of God's consistent character:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.
Revelation 19:11
For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:16-20
The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
Deuteronomy 23:4
O LORD God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
Psalm 89:8
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9
God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9
Scripture tells the beautiful story of God's undeniably perfect faithfulness, and we can trust that God will never go back on His Word because it is true! Though our perception may suggest otherwise, God isn't the One who is changing in our daily lives. He is more faithful than the sun in the sky! It is the clouds that are fickle. We cannot--We must not!--base our perception of who God is and what He is like on the way we feel, our circumstances, or what other people say. When I wondered what the sunrise looked like behind the clouds this morning, I remembered other sunrises I have seen before. There is a pattern of faithfulness in the rising and setting of the sun each day. In the same way, God has a pattern as well and His story is found the only reliable source of truth--the Word of God. Feelings and circumstances are always changing but the character of God is faithful. The sun is the constant; the clouds are the variables.
But do be have to be bound to the likeness of the fickle clouds that are always changing? Should we resemble the heather-grey clouds that cast a drab shadow or the Source of Light hidden somewhere beneath the thick layer of clouds? Though I believe God is aware of our weak, human flesh (Psalm 103:14), I wonder if He has a greater plan for us than allowing our emotions and circumstances cloud the incandescent light He wishes to shine through us:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16
It's all too typical to respond to life's clouds with melancholy attitude, slumping through the overcast day until the sun pierces the horizon again. Yes, we have human emotions, and yes, life circumstances often bring pain, sorrow, and frustration; but shouldn't the reliable reputation and perpetual presence of the faithful character of God be enough to find joy in everyday life? The Almighty-God, Creator of the universe, Maker of everything is always with us and always loves us! He sustains our breath and keeps our hearts beating! He has so graciously given us a beautiful planet to live on, packed full of color and life! No matter how thick the clouds are and no matter how long the Son hasn't been seen, all His promises are still true and the clouds cannot last forever. There is always a reason to praise God, and in that, can't we always offer Him rejoicing lips out of a grateful heart?
Though I think it's safe to say that we prefer sunny, blue-sky days where joy comes easily, we can rest assured of God's faithful promises, no matter how thick the clouds may get. God is always Faithful and always True. And with that blessed assurance, I can smile.
Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
Psalm 31:5
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Love them Like Jesus
The love of her life is drifting away
They’re losing the fight for another day
The life that she’s known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child’s broken heart
You’re holding her hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you
Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus
The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to grey
As the little one slips away
You’re holding their hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
They’re desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They’re looking to you
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus
They’re losing the fight for another day
The life that she’s known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child’s broken heart
You’re holding her hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you
Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus
The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to grey
As the little one slips away
You’re holding their hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
They’re desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They’re looking to you
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Your Hands
I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands
Friday, October 29, 2010
In Your Arms
I'm turning the world off
Embracing the silence
Walking away from all the voices
That are Screaming in my ear
I've been too caught up
I've been so stressed out
All of the noise replaced the whisper
That used to be so clear
So I close every door
Put my face back on the floor
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
I'm letting my fears go
Giving You control
For You are the one who holds me closer
In my soul's darkest night
Everything I see
Is so temporary
So help me to run the race before me
With eternity in sight
Now I close every door
Put my face back on the floor
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
To sit at Your feet
At Your table of mercy
To gaze on Your beauty, my Lord
To drink from Your well
And be changed by Your glory
How could I ask for more
Jesus, how could I ask for more
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
Embracing the silence
Walking away from all the voices
That are Screaming in my ear
I've been too caught up
I've been so stressed out
All of the noise replaced the whisper
That used to be so clear
So I close every door
Put my face back on the floor
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
I'm letting my fears go
Giving You control
For You are the one who holds me closer
In my soul's darkest night
Everything I see
Is so temporary
So help me to run the race before me
With eternity in sight
Now I close every door
Put my face back on the floor
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
To sit at Your feet
At Your table of mercy
To gaze on Your beauty, my Lord
To drink from Your well
And be changed by Your glory
How could I ask for more
Jesus, how could I ask for more
And I'm in Your arms
Where I belong
There's no other place for me
Than right where You are
Some things just don't change
When I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace
When I'm in Your arms
Tears of Saints
There are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People's hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures
This is an emergency!
There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We're crying for them come back home
We're crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In it's state of desperation
For Your glory
This is an emergency!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People's hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures
This is an emergency!
There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We're crying for them come back home
We're crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In it's state of desperation
For Your glory
This is an emergency!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Hide Away in the Love of Jesus
Come, weary saints, though tired and weak
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Your strength will return by His quiet streams
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Come, wandering souls, and find your home
Hide away in the love of Jesus
He offers the rest that you yearn to know
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Hear Him calling your name
See the depths of His love
In the wounds of His grace
Hide away
Come, guilty ones weighed down with sin
Hide away in the love of Jesus
The freedom you long for is found in Him
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Come, hopeless hearts, do not despair
Hide away in the love of Jesus
For ten thousand joys await you there
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Your strength will return by His quiet streams
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Come, wandering souls, and find your home
Hide away in the love of Jesus
He offers the rest that you yearn to know
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Hear Him calling your name
See the depths of His love
In the wounds of His grace
Hide away
Come, guilty ones weighed down with sin
Hide away in the love of Jesus
The freedom you long for is found in Him
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Come, hopeless hearts, do not despair
Hide away in the love of Jesus
For ten thousand joys await you there
Hide away in the love of Jesus
Monday, October 18, 2010
My Inheritance
MY INHERITANCE
Ronnie Freeman, Chad Cates, Tony Wood
What is silver and gold or anything I could hold
Compared to You, compared to You
What is fame and success, it’s all just vain emptiness
Compared to You, compared to You
All that You hold in store is all that I want O Lord
I WILL SHOUT, I WILL SING
JESUS YOU’RE MY EVERYTHING
YOU’RE MY TREASURE, MY INHERITANCE
I AM RICH, I AM BLESSED
IN YOUR LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS
YOU’RE MY TREASURE AND FOREVER
YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
Girls part)
YOU ARE MY PROTECTOR, MY PROVIDER
JESUS, YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
YOU ARE MY REDEEMER, MY SUSTAINER
JESUS, YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
My name has been changed from sinner to saint
Because of You, because of You
Now You call me Your own, I know heaven’s my home
Because of You, because of You
All that you hold in store is all that I want O Lord
Ronnie Freeman, Chad Cates, Tony Wood
What is silver and gold or anything I could hold
Compared to You, compared to You
What is fame and success, it’s all just vain emptiness
Compared to You, compared to You
All that You hold in store is all that I want O Lord
I WILL SHOUT, I WILL SING
JESUS YOU’RE MY EVERYTHING
YOU’RE MY TREASURE, MY INHERITANCE
I AM RICH, I AM BLESSED
IN YOUR LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS
YOU’RE MY TREASURE AND FOREVER
YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
Girls part)
YOU ARE MY PROTECTOR, MY PROVIDER
JESUS, YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
YOU ARE MY REDEEMER, MY SUSTAINER
JESUS, YOU ARE MY INHERITANCE
My name has been changed from sinner to saint
Because of You, because of You
Now You call me Your own, I know heaven’s my home
Because of You, because of You
All that you hold in store is all that I want O Lord
Thank You
The truth of the matter is that God is good and worthy of praise--despite any degree of turmoil, chaos, and despair.
Thank You for wildflowers, long letters, and morning fog. Thank You for tire swings and willow trees and autumn leaves. Thank You for pumpkin pie and red hair and meadows. Thank You for colorful skin and little children and puppies. Thank You for pregnant bellies and excited daddies and wild berries. Thank You for apple orchards and soccer games and really smooth chocolate. Thank You for freckles, morning clouds, and burning leaves. Thank You for warm hugs, hot cider, and surprises. Thank you for tea, leather chairs, and good books. Thank You for homemade blankets, fresh soup, and rich candles. Thank You for smoothies, bike rides, and crunchy autumn leaves. Thank You for black and blue butterflies, long walks, long talks, and real love. Thank You for clean houses, ballet flats, and day-after cold turkey. Thank You for Grandma's nachos, pretty paper, and woodburning stoves. Thank You.
Thank You for questions, trials, pain, and hopelessness--all these things prod me to seek you. I have nothing else, Lord. You are all I have.
And so You will be found. You are my joy.
Thank You for wildflowers, long letters, and morning fog. Thank You for tire swings and willow trees and autumn leaves. Thank You for pumpkin pie and red hair and meadows. Thank You for colorful skin and little children and puppies. Thank You for pregnant bellies and excited daddies and wild berries. Thank You for apple orchards and soccer games and really smooth chocolate. Thank You for freckles, morning clouds, and burning leaves. Thank You for warm hugs, hot cider, and surprises. Thank you for tea, leather chairs, and good books. Thank You for homemade blankets, fresh soup, and rich candles. Thank You for smoothies, bike rides, and crunchy autumn leaves. Thank You for black and blue butterflies, long walks, long talks, and real love. Thank You for clean houses, ballet flats, and day-after cold turkey. Thank You for Grandma's nachos, pretty paper, and woodburning stoves. Thank You.
Thank You for questions, trials, pain, and hopelessness--all these things prod me to seek you. I have nothing else, Lord. You are all I have.
And so You will be found. You are my joy.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer
Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Fly Away
Every time I receive an email asking me to answer an urgent need for teachers in a far, far away place, my heart aches deeply. I cannot quite describe the sweet and rich desire I have to stand before a jam-packed, muggy room full of brown-eyed, tan-skinned little kiddos. Oh, Jesus, I trust You with these desires. Still yet, my heart deeply, deeply breaks for the hardened hearts in the city. I desire to warm such hearts with the warmth that comes from my Jesus in me. I cannot quite decide to where my heart is more strongly pulled. Even more, I so deeply long to sit before my Lord and gaze upon His beauty--face to face. Oh Jesus, I trust You...Order my steps, Father. I will obey.
Fly Away
Stars call me closer
The earth is dragging me down
I want to be more than hungry
I want to live somewhere other than this old gray town
I want to fly away far beyond my cage
Where I hear freedom singing
You are telling me again there’s no door to keep me in
I hear freedom singing
Beauty all around me
Drawing me to the sky
This is life I can feel it
Bid my lonely days goodbye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGNuPyZeQt4
Fly Away
Stars call me closer
The earth is dragging me down
I want to be more than hungry
I want to live somewhere other than this old gray town
I want to fly away far beyond my cage
Where I hear freedom singing
You are telling me again there’s no door to keep me in
I hear freedom singing
Beauty all around me
Drawing me to the sky
This is life I can feel it
Bid my lonely days goodbye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGNuPyZeQt4
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Furnace Repair Man
Sometimes I wonder if all that Jesus endured as a man on earth, on the cross, and with men of sinful flesh was worth it. This curiosity doesn't downplay the beauty and meaning of my Savior's sacrifice but I just can't help but wonder just how frustrating it would have been to come to earth for such good reasons only to be ridiculed, ignored, and killed because of them. It would be much like if I owned my own home and in that home there being a perpetually broken furnace that left me frozen in the winter and cooked in the summer. So in hopes of a well-functioning temperature regulation system in my home, I call a repairman to fix it. But when he arrives, all I do is push him around, question his reasoning for being at my doorway, threaten to hurt him for years, and eventually kill him because I don't truly believe he came to fix my furnace when in all honesty, that was his ONLY reason for coming to my house. While that may be a far fetched example, it's hardly different from Jesus and His decision to embody Himself as God in the likeness of sinful flesh, die a gruesome death, and be raised from the dead SO THAT we could choose unity with God by the grace in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to redeem His lost sheep but the majority of them just mistreated Him, choosing to believe He wasn't God and shoving away the Life they had been pining for for so long. So was all of that worth it? Jesus's answer startled me when I asked Him.
He said, "If it were only you in this world, I still would have done it. Your problem of sin was that ugly and my love for you that great."
Simply put, painfully and beautifully true.
So even if I were among the mockers and beaters that led up Calvary, my Jesus's eyes still would have rested on me as if to beg me to let Him love me. I still--and hope I never--can't get over it: God died for me and gave Himself life again...well, in all honesty, just for me.
Crazy enough, He did it entirely, wholly, and fully just for you, too.
The words of the children's song really have never been more beautiful to me than they are now:
Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him beside. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
He said, "If it were only you in this world, I still would have done it. Your problem of sin was that ugly and my love for you that great."
Simply put, painfully and beautifully true.
So even if I were among the mockers and beaters that led up Calvary, my Jesus's eyes still would have rested on me as if to beg me to let Him love me. I still--and hope I never--can't get over it: God died for me and gave Himself life again...well, in all honesty, just for me.
Crazy enough, He did it entirely, wholly, and fully just for you, too.
The words of the children's song really have never been more beautiful to me than they are now:
Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him beside. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Just Like Daddy
We've all seen it. It could be counted as one of the cutest things the eyes of man could ever behold: when a little boy wants to be just like his daddy. Whether it be the little tyke pretending to shave along side Pops in the morning, developing the same interests as Dad, or becoming likened to the same favorite foods, it's a sight to behold. There is something that little guy sees in his daddy that is so highly esteemed that it is worthy of copying. And let me tell you, it's even more beautiful to watch those dads beam with pride at the sight of their son following in their footsteps. Those dads walk with more confident strides, shoulders back, chests puffed out saying, "YEP! That's MY son! And he wants to be JUST LIKE ME!" Nothing can compare to the precious bond between a father and his son.
Do you think it's the same way with God and His kids?
I was listening to Pandora Online Radio and at the end of Hosanna's rendition of "None but Jesus," the common worship song that goes "Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Bless His holy name" played over and over again. Even after the song ended, the words echoed in my heart much like the way Christmas songs remain with you for weeks past Santa and Rudolph. As I was singing those words, I was filled with such a joy that I am not able to describe. I began to wonder just what it would take for my life to be a blessing to God. I mean, He doesn't need anything from me because He has no desire for material possessions or anything of earthly value. So what would it take for me to please God?
In Romans chapter 8, Paul writes to the believers in Rome about the vast difference between living in the Spirit versus living in the flesh. While living in the flesh can bring about words like sin (v.2), death (v.2), weak (v.3), hostile (v.7), slavery (v.15), fear (v.15), living in the Spirit produces much the opposite: no condemnation (v.1), life, (v.2,6), peace (v.6), alive (v.10), and righteousness (v.10). As Romans 8 describes so well, it would profit me to live in the Spirit! Life! Peace! Vitality! Righteousness! But really, that's not the best part.
If Romans 8:8 is true (which it is) when it says, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God," then the opposite is also true: those who are in the Spirit can please God! In other words, when we live as God (ahem, the Spirit-John 4:24) we please God! The passage goes even further to say we "have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but [we] have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, as heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed with suffer with Him so that we may be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:15-7).
Is anybody else excited? How can I NOT be? Because I have the Spirit of God in me, I belong to GOD Himself! He calls me His daughter! My flesh is good and dead because I have been crucified with Christ! It is no longer I that live but the Spirit of God that lives in me (Galatians 2:20)! I have been bought at a very, very high price--the price of God Himself! I have been reborn in the power and purity of the resurrection of my Lord! My life is HOPE because of the ONE who claimed it as His own! I am not my own! And as I by the Spirit put to death the deeds of my flesh, I will live. Verse 14 says that if I am being led by the Spirit of God, I am a child of God!
Much like the kiddo and his daddy, so I gaze with wide, curious eyes up at the One who made me with a deep desire to be just like Him. I see Him in the sweetness of spring and in the compassionate hearts of the unlikely revolutionaries of generations old. I see Him in the faith of children, the blaze of young love, and the resurrection of the lives of His people. He may be big and I may be little but that won't stop me from being like my Father. I may never be able to please God by giving Him anything, but by golly, I'll please Him by trying to be like Him.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Let everything that is within me bless Your holy name.
Do you think it's the same way with God and His kids?
I was listening to Pandora Online Radio and at the end of Hosanna's rendition of "None but Jesus," the common worship song that goes "Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Bless His holy name" played over and over again. Even after the song ended, the words echoed in my heart much like the way Christmas songs remain with you for weeks past Santa and Rudolph. As I was singing those words, I was filled with such a joy that I am not able to describe. I began to wonder just what it would take for my life to be a blessing to God. I mean, He doesn't need anything from me because He has no desire for material possessions or anything of earthly value. So what would it take for me to please God?
In Romans chapter 8, Paul writes to the believers in Rome about the vast difference between living in the Spirit versus living in the flesh. While living in the flesh can bring about words like sin (v.2), death (v.2), weak (v.3), hostile (v.7), slavery (v.15), fear (v.15), living in the Spirit produces much the opposite: no condemnation (v.1), life, (v.2,6), peace (v.6), alive (v.10), and righteousness (v.10). As Romans 8 describes so well, it would profit me to live in the Spirit! Life! Peace! Vitality! Righteousness! But really, that's not the best part.
If Romans 8:8 is true (which it is) when it says, "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God," then the opposite is also true: those who are in the Spirit can please God! In other words, when we live as God (ahem, the Spirit-John 4:24) we please God! The passage goes even further to say we "have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but [we] have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, as heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed with suffer with Him so that we may be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:15-7).
Is anybody else excited? How can I NOT be? Because I have the Spirit of God in me, I belong to GOD Himself! He calls me His daughter! My flesh is good and dead because I have been crucified with Christ! It is no longer I that live but the Spirit of God that lives in me (Galatians 2:20)! I have been bought at a very, very high price--the price of God Himself! I have been reborn in the power and purity of the resurrection of my Lord! My life is HOPE because of the ONE who claimed it as His own! I am not my own! And as I by the Spirit put to death the deeds of my flesh, I will live. Verse 14 says that if I am being led by the Spirit of God, I am a child of God!
Much like the kiddo and his daddy, so I gaze with wide, curious eyes up at the One who made me with a deep desire to be just like Him. I see Him in the sweetness of spring and in the compassionate hearts of the unlikely revolutionaries of generations old. I see Him in the faith of children, the blaze of young love, and the resurrection of the lives of His people. He may be big and I may be little but that won't stop me from being like my Father. I may never be able to please God by giving Him anything, but by golly, I'll please Him by trying to be like Him.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Let everything that is within me bless Your holy name.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Voice of God
"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing." C. Austin Miles
This morning, I spent some time putting away and de-wrinkling the clothes I had so carelessly left in the dryer overnight. I was listening to the story of Hosea on my laptop, beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as my laundry pile got smaller and smaller, and unaware how God would use these meaningless, tedious life tasks to teach me.
Each time I stepped into my closet to put an article of clothing away, I wasn't able to hear the story of Hosea that was coming out of my laptop. In terms of science, it was simple. I was entering into a place were it took a little more work for the sound waves to penetrate. In terms of hearing quality, the story became dull, the words hard to make out, and the susceptibility of distraction far higher than when I was out of my closet. In came the teaching moment.
Much like Isaiah 30:21, it was as if there was a tiny voice behind me that said, "It's hard to hear my voice when you're in darkness." BAM! It's so true! How many times have we yearned for God, pleaded for His presence, and longed for His closeness all while comfortably sitting in the darkness we've allowed into our lives? While it is very true that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), our reluctance to take up the cross and follow Christ is not somehow merited (Mark 8:34). YES, we may seek God in the darkness, but NO, we cannot expect Him to meet us as we idly sit in our sin because God is light and darkness cannot be found in Him (1 John 1:5).
And so we seek. But are we seeking from a seat of sin or willing feet? To which side of us is darkness? Is darkness at our front as we fall deeper into it or is it at our back as we pursue Light? The voice of God is able to be heard, however, it will be far harder to hear Him if we're surrounded by walls of darkness. So instead of asking for God to speak louder, step out into the Light. His voice will be clearer and the life sweeter.
This morning, I spent some time putting away and de-wrinkling the clothes I had so carelessly left in the dryer overnight. I was listening to the story of Hosea on my laptop, beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as my laundry pile got smaller and smaller, and unaware how God would use these meaningless, tedious life tasks to teach me.
Each time I stepped into my closet to put an article of clothing away, I wasn't able to hear the story of Hosea that was coming out of my laptop. In terms of science, it was simple. I was entering into a place were it took a little more work for the sound waves to penetrate. In terms of hearing quality, the story became dull, the words hard to make out, and the susceptibility of distraction far higher than when I was out of my closet. In came the teaching moment.
Much like Isaiah 30:21, it was as if there was a tiny voice behind me that said, "It's hard to hear my voice when you're in darkness." BAM! It's so true! How many times have we yearned for God, pleaded for His presence, and longed for His closeness all while comfortably sitting in the darkness we've allowed into our lives? While it is very true that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), our reluctance to take up the cross and follow Christ is not somehow merited (Mark 8:34). YES, we may seek God in the darkness, but NO, we cannot expect Him to meet us as we idly sit in our sin because God is light and darkness cannot be found in Him (1 John 1:5).
And so we seek. But are we seeking from a seat of sin or willing feet? To which side of us is darkness? Is darkness at our front as we fall deeper into it or is it at our back as we pursue Light? The voice of God is able to be heard, however, it will be far harder to hear Him if we're surrounded by walls of darkness. So instead of asking for God to speak louder, step out into the Light. His voice will be clearer and the life sweeter.
Open Wide
"Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." God (Psalm 81:10b)
Because of, well, how God made me, my body goes completely nuts every time I eat something I'm allergic to. So when that happens, my life becomes utter chaos and all hope for a normal day is completely shot. But when I eat the right food, I grow in health and am able to live as I ought to. Very literally, I am affected by what I put in my mouth.
It is no different for those who claim to be Christ-followers. Rightfully so, we like our bellies full, don't we? But all too often, we hear our tummies rumbling and look to faulty sources of nourishment, fulfillment, and fullness. These could be all sorts of things: culture, validation, pornography, physical health, wealth, beauty, children, drugs, academic success, alcohol, service, technology, masturbation, food, romance, materialism, sexual appeal, acceptance, pride, etc. Among that list, as you may have noticed, are things that could be coined either "good" or "bad." In that, the list may have surprised you to some extent. It is easy to say that negative, sinful things are damaging and hurtful when consumed; however, even positive, godly things can never nourish your soul as Jesus Christ can. Our spiritual bellies weren't created to be satisfied by anything but God Himself, the Bread of Life and the Living Water that is Jesus Christ. So why are we looking to be nourished by anything else?
Interestingly enough, if I eat even the TINIEST bit of what I'm allergic to, I will still get extremely sick. Spiritually, it is no different. In the same way, we will be spiritually malnourished and sick if we feed on anything but God. We cannot look to anything of the world to nourish us in even the slightest way. It WILL hurt us and lead us down a path we never originally planned to trod down.
It is no wonder that we continue to feel hunger pains! How can we expect lush, rolling, fertile green pastures when we spend little if any time in the presence of the One who can feed us and instead spend our time eating junk? Why else should we expect anything but withered, tasteless, and sour fruit when we fail to go to the Source of everything good? We may be opening our mouths wide but are turned away from the One who can truly fulfill us. In the same way one would never expect a car to run without fuel, we must never expect ourselves as vehicles of the Holy Spirit to go anywhere or live as we ought to live. As vessels, we have one purpose and that is to be filled by the One who holds us; we were not made to be filled with the world in any sense whatsoever. We are given such a beautiful and high calling to walk as Jesus walked but there is no way possible we can do that unless we first go to God for nourishment.
Somewhere beneath the layers of rocky soil, stubborn roots, and mole holes lay a hidden Eden that only the Gardener can grow in our souls. For all too long, we have been satisfied with barren souls free of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of God in us. We've walked the hard road with joyless faces, asking the world to join us by our words but not convincing them with our lives. In all the passion, fervor, and zeal a truthful word or two could bring, nothing would win more for Christ except that of the life that grows the fruit of looking to God as He truly is. I am afraid that the only thing that the majority of our lives beg is to remain in the bondage of everything we want to be free of.
We can go as far to say that what we put in our mouths as Christians gives us life or it gives us death. Each and every bite we take grows Eden in us or it grows destruction. Send all that bad junk you're eating down the garbage disposal in the name of Jesus and set your priorities straight. After all, you are what you eat. What's on your plate?
Because of, well, how God made me, my body goes completely nuts every time I eat something I'm allergic to. So when that happens, my life becomes utter chaos and all hope for a normal day is completely shot. But when I eat the right food, I grow in health and am able to live as I ought to. Very literally, I am affected by what I put in my mouth.
It is no different for those who claim to be Christ-followers. Rightfully so, we like our bellies full, don't we? But all too often, we hear our tummies rumbling and look to faulty sources of nourishment, fulfillment, and fullness. These could be all sorts of things: culture, validation, pornography, physical health, wealth, beauty, children, drugs, academic success, alcohol, service, technology, masturbation, food, romance, materialism, sexual appeal, acceptance, pride, etc. Among that list, as you may have noticed, are things that could be coined either "good" or "bad." In that, the list may have surprised you to some extent. It is easy to say that negative, sinful things are damaging and hurtful when consumed; however, even positive, godly things can never nourish your soul as Jesus Christ can. Our spiritual bellies weren't created to be satisfied by anything but God Himself, the Bread of Life and the Living Water that is Jesus Christ. So why are we looking to be nourished by anything else?
Interestingly enough, if I eat even the TINIEST bit of what I'm allergic to, I will still get extremely sick. Spiritually, it is no different. In the same way, we will be spiritually malnourished and sick if we feed on anything but God. We cannot look to anything of the world to nourish us in even the slightest way. It WILL hurt us and lead us down a path we never originally planned to trod down.
It is no wonder that we continue to feel hunger pains! How can we expect lush, rolling, fertile green pastures when we spend little if any time in the presence of the One who can feed us and instead spend our time eating junk? Why else should we expect anything but withered, tasteless, and sour fruit when we fail to go to the Source of everything good? We may be opening our mouths wide but are turned away from the One who can truly fulfill us. In the same way one would never expect a car to run without fuel, we must never expect ourselves as vehicles of the Holy Spirit to go anywhere or live as we ought to live. As vessels, we have one purpose and that is to be filled by the One who holds us; we were not made to be filled with the world in any sense whatsoever. We are given such a beautiful and high calling to walk as Jesus walked but there is no way possible we can do that unless we first go to God for nourishment.
Somewhere beneath the layers of rocky soil, stubborn roots, and mole holes lay a hidden Eden that only the Gardener can grow in our souls. For all too long, we have been satisfied with barren souls free of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of God in us. We've walked the hard road with joyless faces, asking the world to join us by our words but not convincing them with our lives. In all the passion, fervor, and zeal a truthful word or two could bring, nothing would win more for Christ except that of the life that grows the fruit of looking to God as He truly is. I am afraid that the only thing that the majority of our lives beg is to remain in the bondage of everything we want to be free of.
We can go as far to say that what we put in our mouths as Christians gives us life or it gives us death. Each and every bite we take grows Eden in us or it grows destruction. Send all that bad junk you're eating down the garbage disposal in the name of Jesus and set your priorities straight. After all, you are what you eat. What's on your plate?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Rock-a-Bye-Baby
As a whole, Mark 1 shows the active beginnings of Jesus's ministry as He preaches, calls disciples from their established ways of living, and heals people of various ailments. His actions are anything but typical. In fact, one could even label them as jarring and outrageous. Jesus's actions disturb normalcy and call for a way of living that none could fully prepare for. I mean, look at how He called His disciples! I imagine Him quietly walking alongside the Sea of Galilee, sandals in hand, the sun-scorched sand warming His well-worn feet. His ministry had begun, His name was growing in fame, and He was beginning to be hotly pursued by the religious leaders that heard about Him. Even His family was paying for the connection they had with Jesus! Everything about Jesus disrupted
But what did they have before? So most of His disciples went fishing for a living. Big deal! They didn't even catch that many fish! Life before Jesus was predictable, monotonous, and completely banal. It lacked originality, fervor, and fire. People were free to live their lives as mundane as their daily tasks required and too often chose to allow those things to be the weight that kept them from flying freely. Burdened by their very selves, they chose a life that lacked the incandescent brilliance that is Light itself.
Then Jesus spoke.
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men," He said with a strange combination of fire and water in His eyes. How did these men respond? Were they already frustrated with the way their lives were going? Were they sick of getting all the boats and nets ready only to catch a few fish each day? We're they ready for something new and just waiting for somebody to give them an opportunity to live for once in their lives? Each time Jesus invited someone to follow Him and give everything they've ever known in exchange for a life of meaning, purpose, and excellence, He was answered with an immediate and resounding, "YES! So with one response to the Messiah's call, the lives of a handful of men went from painfully average to extraordinary.
The excitement of being a Christ-follower has nothing to do with the adventure or thrill that comes along with it but everything to do with the One we can choose to follow. In the same way the joy of being in relationship with my boyfriend is not determined by the fun things I get to do with him or even the blessings of bliss and excitement that come along with it but rather my blessing comes from being with him for who he is, not for what he does or how he makes me feel. It was the same way with the disciples! The joy of following the Lord was not in the crazy miracles they saw so often or the power they received by knowing Him but rather the person of Jesus Christ Himself and the blessing of being with Him. Even if Jesus never performed a single miracle or healed any ailments of any person, He alone still would have been reason enough to immediately follow because of the richness of Who He is.
And as our will loosens and our submission increases, our ability to follow Christ in the fullness of who He is also increases. The disciples could not have said they were followers of Jesus if they dragged their boats and nets along with them or went back every so often to check the nets in anticipation for the next big catch of the day. You cannot pledge alliegence to two people at once without neglecting one or the other. These people were presented with a choice and it is no different with us. Either we follow Him or we don't.
They were average people, just like you and me, who did what they were supposed to do. They couldn't claim any fame or wealth except what their hands meagerly and inconsistently produced. What if the disciples hadn't been eager for a change and quick to answer Jesus with that bold and triumphant, "I'll go!"? What if they were more like us, far too comfortable to step out in faith as we ought? What if they, much like us, had they gotten so used to failure, stagnancy, and motionlessness that their hearts had grown cold to any desire to fully live again or for the first time? Or what if they had been afraid to live freely like we are so often? What if Jesus's offer of life with Him choked them with fear and caused them to retreat back to their established lives of safety, predictability, and lack-luster routine?
And so we sit in our boats, gently rocking to the waves we know so well. The sun is warm, the breeze is nice, and the view is pretty. It'd be easy to lay back, enjoy the elements, and live each day just like this one. But then Jesus speaks, breaking our stubborn patterns of ignorance and inviting us to exchange normalcy for the abundance of Life itself. And just like the disciples did, we each have to make a decision. We can go about as we always do and will do until we decide not to or we can step out, make some waves, and fully follow the One who is calling us. Either we choose death or Life. The choice is ours to make, and our Savior stands on shore, waiting for our answer.
Wanna rock the boat?
But what did they have before? So most of His disciples went fishing for a living. Big deal! They didn't even catch that many fish! Life before Jesus was predictable, monotonous, and completely banal. It lacked originality, fervor, and fire. People were free to live their lives as mundane as their daily tasks required and too often chose to allow those things to be the weight that kept them from flying freely. Burdened by their very selves, they chose a life that lacked the incandescent brilliance that is Light itself.
Then Jesus spoke.
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men," He said with a strange combination of fire and water in His eyes. How did these men respond? Were they already frustrated with the way their lives were going? Were they sick of getting all the boats and nets ready only to catch a few fish each day? We're they ready for something new and just waiting for somebody to give them an opportunity to live for once in their lives? Each time Jesus invited someone to follow Him and give everything they've ever known in exchange for a life of meaning, purpose, and excellence, He was answered with an immediate and resounding, "YES! So with one response to the Messiah's call, the lives of a handful of men went from painfully average to extraordinary.
The excitement of being a Christ-follower has nothing to do with the adventure or thrill that comes along with it but everything to do with the One we can choose to follow. In the same way the joy of being in relationship with my boyfriend is not determined by the fun things I get to do with him or even the blessings of bliss and excitement that come along with it but rather my blessing comes from being with him for who he is, not for what he does or how he makes me feel. It was the same way with the disciples! The joy of following the Lord was not in the crazy miracles they saw so often or the power they received by knowing Him but rather the person of Jesus Christ Himself and the blessing of being with Him. Even if Jesus never performed a single miracle or healed any ailments of any person, He alone still would have been reason enough to immediately follow because of the richness of Who He is.
And as our will loosens and our submission increases, our ability to follow Christ in the fullness of who He is also increases. The disciples could not have said they were followers of Jesus if they dragged their boats and nets along with them or went back every so often to check the nets in anticipation for the next big catch of the day. You cannot pledge alliegence to two people at once without neglecting one or the other. These people were presented with a choice and it is no different with us. Either we follow Him or we don't.
They were average people, just like you and me, who did what they were supposed to do. They couldn't claim any fame or wealth except what their hands meagerly and inconsistently produced. What if the disciples hadn't been eager for a change and quick to answer Jesus with that bold and triumphant, "I'll go!"? What if they were more like us, far too comfortable to step out in faith as we ought? What if they, much like us, had they gotten so used to failure, stagnancy, and motionlessness that their hearts had grown cold to any desire to fully live again or for the first time? Or what if they had been afraid to live freely like we are so often? What if Jesus's offer of life with Him choked them with fear and caused them to retreat back to their established lives of safety, predictability, and lack-luster routine?
And so we sit in our boats, gently rocking to the waves we know so well. The sun is warm, the breeze is nice, and the view is pretty. It'd be easy to lay back, enjoy the elements, and live each day just like this one. But then Jesus speaks, breaking our stubborn patterns of ignorance and inviting us to exchange normalcy for the abundance of Life itself. And just like the disciples did, we each have to make a decision. We can go about as we always do and will do until we decide not to or we can step out, make some waves, and fully follow the One who is calling us. Either we choose death or Life. The choice is ours to make, and our Savior stands on shore, waiting for our answer.
Wanna rock the boat?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Complete Release
When one is presented with an opportunity to sin--knowing the good you ought to do but not doing it (James 4:17) or whatever is not from faith (Romans 14:23)or generally going against God's Word in any way at all--he or she is given the opportunity to become more or less like Jesus Christ. If one flees from sin, he or she chooses God's way; however, if one gives into sin, he or she chooses the personal, sinful will. Each direction takes a person one step closer or one step further away from Jesus's likeness.
As sinful beings, we are continually, perpetually, and habitually offending God with our behavior or lack thereof. Opportunity after opportunity is thrown at us with open claws and gnashing teeth. Our completion in Jesus Christ is threatened by sin and darkness sneers at us, begging for us to give in. It is with extreme difficulty and the grace of God that we will be able to tear away and step into that marvelous Light that is Jesus Christ our Lord.
So what do we do when we're presented with that opportunity to give in? They sure are plentiful, if you ask me. Is it okay to be "okay" with our brokenness, shortcomings, and fruitless vessels if we claim the grace of God upon our lives? Is it right to walk in our own strength, in our own will, in our own way if we just say that God is working in us and we hope for a better tomorrow?
I don't think it is.
"THIS is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 (emphasis added) Is it not true that the psalmist wrote THIS is the day the Lord has made? Did he not say that THIS was the day we should rejoice and be glad in? It is very clear to me.
So does that mean we have to put on a happy face and fake joy in an attempt to obey God? Definitely not! The Bible says that Jesus was a man of sorrows who was acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53). So how did Jesus do it? He surely had quite the load to bear, a huge responsibility, and loads of opposition. When I read about His life, I read stories of triumph, victory, and power. There are hints of restlessness, sorrow, and frustration, but they are definitely not dominating. Instead, I see the characteristics of His Father, God. I see Him walking in joy, present in each moment, fully alive and ready to serve until He drops. That was Jesus. With all of the pain, the weight on His shoulders, and the responsibility to all of mankind, our Jesus walked in love, compassion, joy, and freedom. While He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders, it didn't always show. Did He always feel that way but just repress it for the sake of others? I don't know. It's not as if He ignored is frustrations, burdens, or sorrows. He clearly addressed them.
Remember the garden of Gethsemane? Jesus was utterly distraught. He sweat blood. He cried and begged God to break the original plan if there was any possible way at all. Sorrow does not rightly describe what He was feeling. It is a feeling that is far deeper than we will ever know or experience. But I think the determining factor is that Jesus did not dwell on His sorrows. He seemed to retreat on His own for a while, talk to God about what was going on in His heart and head, and He left the conversation with God. He didn't seem to take it back with Him or let it drag behind Him. It was as if when His words left His mouth, they stuck to God and stayed with Him. His words fell at the foot of God's throne, never to be with Jesus again.
Can't we do the same thing?
We will always be presented with sorrow, pain, stress, guilt, and so so so much more. We will be given opportunity after opportunity to walk joyless, fruitless lives. But in that, we counteract the very character of God. Ephesians says to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" and our God is a God of Joy!!!! To be joyless is to be like Satan. So even while we are continually given relentless opportunities to walk without joy because of the negativity and burdens of this world, we can choose joy when we speak to God of our frustrations and LEAVE them at the foot of His cross. It is not wrong to experience such negative feelings, but it's when we dwell upon them that we become less and less like Christ, for it was Jesus who gave up His will and all of His feelings. So instead of having an inward focus of what you are feeling and the things you must do, turn your focus upward, release your feelings to God, and leave them with Him. Then WALK in the FREEDOM of His joy!! Oftentimes, it is from our very selves that we must be released!! It is for freedom that you've been set free! As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven."
As sinful beings, we are continually, perpetually, and habitually offending God with our behavior or lack thereof. Opportunity after opportunity is thrown at us with open claws and gnashing teeth. Our completion in Jesus Christ is threatened by sin and darkness sneers at us, begging for us to give in. It is with extreme difficulty and the grace of God that we will be able to tear away and step into that marvelous Light that is Jesus Christ our Lord.
So what do we do when we're presented with that opportunity to give in? They sure are plentiful, if you ask me. Is it okay to be "okay" with our brokenness, shortcomings, and fruitless vessels if we claim the grace of God upon our lives? Is it right to walk in our own strength, in our own will, in our own way if we just say that God is working in us and we hope for a better tomorrow?
I don't think it is.
"THIS is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 (emphasis added) Is it not true that the psalmist wrote THIS is the day the Lord has made? Did he not say that THIS was the day we should rejoice and be glad in? It is very clear to me.
So does that mean we have to put on a happy face and fake joy in an attempt to obey God? Definitely not! The Bible says that Jesus was a man of sorrows who was acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53). So how did Jesus do it? He surely had quite the load to bear, a huge responsibility, and loads of opposition. When I read about His life, I read stories of triumph, victory, and power. There are hints of restlessness, sorrow, and frustration, but they are definitely not dominating. Instead, I see the characteristics of His Father, God. I see Him walking in joy, present in each moment, fully alive and ready to serve until He drops. That was Jesus. With all of the pain, the weight on His shoulders, and the responsibility to all of mankind, our Jesus walked in love, compassion, joy, and freedom. While He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders, it didn't always show. Did He always feel that way but just repress it for the sake of others? I don't know. It's not as if He ignored is frustrations, burdens, or sorrows. He clearly addressed them.
Remember the garden of Gethsemane? Jesus was utterly distraught. He sweat blood. He cried and begged God to break the original plan if there was any possible way at all. Sorrow does not rightly describe what He was feeling. It is a feeling that is far deeper than we will ever know or experience. But I think the determining factor is that Jesus did not dwell on His sorrows. He seemed to retreat on His own for a while, talk to God about what was going on in His heart and head, and He left the conversation with God. He didn't seem to take it back with Him or let it drag behind Him. It was as if when His words left His mouth, they stuck to God and stayed with Him. His words fell at the foot of God's throne, never to be with Jesus again.
Can't we do the same thing?
We will always be presented with sorrow, pain, stress, guilt, and so so so much more. We will be given opportunity after opportunity to walk joyless, fruitless lives. But in that, we counteract the very character of God. Ephesians says to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" and our God is a God of Joy!!!! To be joyless is to be like Satan. So even while we are continually given relentless opportunities to walk without joy because of the negativity and burdens of this world, we can choose joy when we speak to God of our frustrations and LEAVE them at the foot of His cross. It is not wrong to experience such negative feelings, but it's when we dwell upon them that we become less and less like Christ, for it was Jesus who gave up His will and all of His feelings. So instead of having an inward focus of what you are feeling and the things you must do, turn your focus upward, release your feelings to God, and leave them with Him. Then WALK in the FREEDOM of His joy!! Oftentimes, it is from our very selves that we must be released!! It is for freedom that you've been set free! As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven."
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Unlimited Supply
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
"God cannot fully bless you until He fully breaks you."
Everyone (EVERYONE) has something to offer to another. As vessels, we either intentionally or unintentionally purpose ourselves for good or evil and are filled with either Light or darkeness. We are full of something. As we interact with people every day in person, on the phone, on Facebook, or even through word of mouth, we're either a blessing or a discouragement. We either build people up or tear them down. We either heal or break more. We either uplift or discourage. Our every action affects the lives of the people we come in contact with whether or not we know it's happening. What exactly are we telling people with our words, actions, facial expressions, etc? Does our every movement and emotion draw our listeners and watchers to Jesus Christ or do we disallusion people to the glory, freedom, victory, and beauty that is Jesus Christ? Because our lives tell a story, whether that be through our speech or everyday emotions, we must be sure to tell His story of grace, mercy, peace, love, and justice. We must speak loudly with our lives, boldy claiming the Person of Jesus Christ. Our lives must proclaim His blood, deliverance, and redemption. Why must we drag our feet and sludge through mundane daily necessities when through these things we can speak the Truth of Jesus Christ walking in His Joy, His peace, His love, His justice, and His mercy? Psalm 23 says that when God fills, He overfills. When we intentionally go to the Filler of good things, we are only then able to give good things to the people around us. When we do not submit to the Lord, read His Word, look to Him for our complete satisfaction, and worship Him, we only give poison to the people around us. The Bible says that:
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-12
Let our thirst drive us to the Unlimited supply of Living water that is Jesus Christ and as He fills us, may we pour ourselves out and give life to the ones who are dying of thirst around us.
You are God's vessel that is full of something. Are you giving away Life or death? Are you keeping it for yourself? Let us be a people that others can write the words of Philemon 20 about: "I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." We are of great benefit and refreshment to the lost of this world and our brothers and sisters in Christ if we are full of the One who gives Life abundantly. The people around us are clawing for God. We have in us the same Power that conquered Jesus Christ from the dead. We are the emodiment of the Living Word. We can choose to arrogantly, cowardly, or pridefully keep Him to ourselves or like Jesus Christ, allow God Him self to permiate us and radiate out of us.
"God cannot fully bless you until He fully breaks you."
Everyone (EVERYONE) has something to offer to another. As vessels, we either intentionally or unintentionally purpose ourselves for good or evil and are filled with either Light or darkeness. We are full of something. As we interact with people every day in person, on the phone, on Facebook, or even through word of mouth, we're either a blessing or a discouragement. We either build people up or tear them down. We either heal or break more. We either uplift or discourage. Our every action affects the lives of the people we come in contact with whether or not we know it's happening. What exactly are we telling people with our words, actions, facial expressions, etc? Does our every movement and emotion draw our listeners and watchers to Jesus Christ or do we disallusion people to the glory, freedom, victory, and beauty that is Jesus Christ? Because our lives tell a story, whether that be through our speech or everyday emotions, we must be sure to tell His story of grace, mercy, peace, love, and justice. We must speak loudly with our lives, boldy claiming the Person of Jesus Christ. Our lives must proclaim His blood, deliverance, and redemption. Why must we drag our feet and sludge through mundane daily necessities when through these things we can speak the Truth of Jesus Christ walking in His Joy, His peace, His love, His justice, and His mercy? Psalm 23 says that when God fills, He overfills. When we intentionally go to the Filler of good things, we are only then able to give good things to the people around us. When we do not submit to the Lord, read His Word, look to Him for our complete satisfaction, and worship Him, we only give poison to the people around us. The Bible says that:
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-12
Let our thirst drive us to the Unlimited supply of Living water that is Jesus Christ and as He fills us, may we pour ourselves out and give life to the ones who are dying of thirst around us.
You are God's vessel that is full of something. Are you giving away Life or death? Are you keeping it for yourself? Let us be a people that others can write the words of Philemon 20 about: "I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." We are of great benefit and refreshment to the lost of this world and our brothers and sisters in Christ if we are full of the One who gives Life abundantly. The people around us are clawing for God. We have in us the same Power that conquered Jesus Christ from the dead. We are the emodiment of the Living Word. We can choose to arrogantly, cowardly, or pridefully keep Him to ourselves or like Jesus Christ, allow God Him self to permiate us and radiate out of us.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Acts 1
Luke realized that even while Jesus did immaculate, miraculous things while He was embodied as God on earth, He was not yet finished with His work. Acts 1:1
We can do nothing of ourselves. We are completely powerless until the Holy Spirit comes upon us. If we speak, write, or act upon our own initiative, our efforts will be fruitless and meaningless; however, when we speak, write, and act in obedience out of a surrendered spirit, the Holy Spirit does these things THROUGH us. A vessel's purpose is to be used as it was made for. It is only then that we'll be able to do just as Jesus called us to do. He has called us according to HIS purpose that we might glorify HIM, however, we are able to walk His calling by the Holy Spirit in us. Acts 1:8
Were Jesus's followers still upset that He was leaving? Did they not believe Him when He said there was One coming who was better than Jesus? If we truly believe what God says (ie. Cast your cares on Him), would we have still have human-like emotions? Yes? When Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, He believed that God wasn't messing around when He sent Him to die. But Jesus still showed human emotions. Is unwavering obedience what truly matters then? One can only obey in such circumstances when God is reigning in his or her spirit. Acts 1:11
How can 11 men have one mind (1:14)? How is that possible, and what would that look like? There had to ahve been a lot of sacrifice, compromise, and prayer. They must have denied what they wanted and sought to let God rein in their mortal bodies. What did they have "one mind" in? Did they have to struggle to get there or was it natural because the Holy Spirit was their unification?(VERY INTERSTING:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3661&cscs=Rom)
These 11 men, along with women as well, CONTINUALLY DEVOTED themselves to prayer. (Devote:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4342&t=KJV)The word usage is interesting here, because it says, "Continually devoting." The word continually implies the present tense into the futre tense. The word devoting is entirely a present tense word. So, with those combined, it is as if they were constantly making the choice to be devoted to prayer and they knew this was not a phase of any sort. They were committed to being always devoted to prayer.
When people are brought together by the Holy Spirit unification, they can do things they never thought possible. Peter, who couldn't stand up for Jesus Christ to a little girl, spoke boldly before a group of one hundred and twenty people.
Their method of choosing one for service is very interesting. They saw a need (1:22), picked out a few who they thought could do well to meet that need (1:23), prayed that God would show them which one He chose to take on the ministry (1:24), drew lots to see which one, and then filled the position! They didn't mess around, really. They trusted that God knew the hearts of these men and that in that, He'd pick the right one. Why don't we draw lots anymore? When did that change? We are always praying for God's will but these men simply prayed, trusted God, and let Him answer them through lots.
We can do nothing of ourselves. We are completely powerless until the Holy Spirit comes upon us. If we speak, write, or act upon our own initiative, our efforts will be fruitless and meaningless; however, when we speak, write, and act in obedience out of a surrendered spirit, the Holy Spirit does these things THROUGH us. A vessel's purpose is to be used as it was made for. It is only then that we'll be able to do just as Jesus called us to do. He has called us according to HIS purpose that we might glorify HIM, however, we are able to walk His calling by the Holy Spirit in us. Acts 1:8
Were Jesus's followers still upset that He was leaving? Did they not believe Him when He said there was One coming who was better than Jesus? If we truly believe what God says (ie. Cast your cares on Him), would we have still have human-like emotions? Yes? When Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, He believed that God wasn't messing around when He sent Him to die. But Jesus still showed human emotions. Is unwavering obedience what truly matters then? One can only obey in such circumstances when God is reigning in his or her spirit. Acts 1:11
How can 11 men have one mind (1:14)? How is that possible, and what would that look like? There had to ahve been a lot of sacrifice, compromise, and prayer. They must have denied what they wanted and sought to let God rein in their mortal bodies. What did they have "one mind" in? Did they have to struggle to get there or was it natural because the Holy Spirit was their unification?(VERY INTERSTING:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3661&cscs=Rom)
These 11 men, along with women as well, CONTINUALLY DEVOTED themselves to prayer. (Devote:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4342&t=KJV)The word usage is interesting here, because it says, "Continually devoting." The word continually implies the present tense into the futre tense. The word devoting is entirely a present tense word. So, with those combined, it is as if they were constantly making the choice to be devoted to prayer and they knew this was not a phase of any sort. They were committed to being always devoted to prayer.
When people are brought together by the Holy Spirit unification, they can do things they never thought possible. Peter, who couldn't stand up for Jesus Christ to a little girl, spoke boldly before a group of one hundred and twenty people.
Their method of choosing one for service is very interesting. They saw a need (1:22), picked out a few who they thought could do well to meet that need (1:23), prayed that God would show them which one He chose to take on the ministry (1:24), drew lots to see which one, and then filled the position! They didn't mess around, really. They trusted that God knew the hearts of these men and that in that, He'd pick the right one. Why don't we draw lots anymore? When did that change? We are always praying for God's will but these men simply prayed, trusted God, and let Him answer them through lots.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
No Never
"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:5-9
There are just some things that cannot be done. I mean, a toaster could never, EVER wash an elephant. You could never eat a steak with a straw, demolish a building with one blink of an eye, or convince an umbrella to walk just by asking it to. Like I said, there are just some things that cannot be done! In the same way, there are many things that God cannot do! It's true! God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). He doesn't do anything that He instructs us not to do, therefore, He doesn't doubt, fear, hold onto anxiety, lust, etc. If it is true (which it is...) that God is Light, than everything that God does is Light. Further, everything that God doesn't do is darkness. There is no darkness in God at all, so what does that mean for us? God puts it rather bluntly: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (1 John 1:6). We are all liars if while we say we have fellowship with God we do anything that God Himself does not do.
It's pretty simple. Examine your life. Is there anything that you do, say, think about, or feel that God Himself cannot do, say, think about, or feel? That is where you are walking in darkness and God says that when you walk in darkess, you cannot honestly say you are in fellowship with Him. And mind you, this is coming from the One who desires to have that heart-close, intimate love relationship with His people. He does not speak out of anything but His intense desire for us, a flawed people. We serve a God who seeks our fellowship, and we're the ones who get in the way of that. This is not, however, the end of the story.
Because we serve a God of hope, mercy, and grace, this is not the end of the story. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 When we refuse our Savior's redemptive and reconciling blood, we make Him die in vain. Christ didn't die for nothing, brothers and sisters! He died and rose again so that we might claim His victory and walk in the newness of His spirit! He died so that we may claim His blood and live!
So can we be a people that seeks to break every area of darkness in our lives with the bold, bright, and beautiful Light that is God Himself? Can we with His courage step into everything that God is, willingly and even joyfully leaving behind everything that is of ourselves? What is there to lose when there is so much to give to the One who gave it all?
There are just some things that cannot be done. I mean, a toaster could never, EVER wash an elephant. You could never eat a steak with a straw, demolish a building with one blink of an eye, or convince an umbrella to walk just by asking it to. Like I said, there are just some things that cannot be done! In the same way, there are many things that God cannot do! It's true! God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). He doesn't do anything that He instructs us not to do, therefore, He doesn't doubt, fear, hold onto anxiety, lust, etc. If it is true (which it is...) that God is Light, than everything that God does is Light. Further, everything that God doesn't do is darkness. There is no darkness in God at all, so what does that mean for us? God puts it rather bluntly: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (1 John 1:6). We are all liars if while we say we have fellowship with God we do anything that God Himself does not do.
It's pretty simple. Examine your life. Is there anything that you do, say, think about, or feel that God Himself cannot do, say, think about, or feel? That is where you are walking in darkness and God says that when you walk in darkess, you cannot honestly say you are in fellowship with Him. And mind you, this is coming from the One who desires to have that heart-close, intimate love relationship with His people. He does not speak out of anything but His intense desire for us, a flawed people. We serve a God who seeks our fellowship, and we're the ones who get in the way of that. This is not, however, the end of the story.
Because we serve a God of hope, mercy, and grace, this is not the end of the story. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 When we refuse our Savior's redemptive and reconciling blood, we make Him die in vain. Christ didn't die for nothing, brothers and sisters! He died and rose again so that we might claim His victory and walk in the newness of His spirit! He died so that we may claim His blood and live!
So can we be a people that seeks to break every area of darkness in our lives with the bold, bright, and beautiful Light that is God Himself? Can we with His courage step into everything that God is, willingly and even joyfully leaving behind everything that is of ourselves? What is there to lose when there is so much to give to the One who gave it all?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Purest Place
Paint me with Your purity
That I'd attract Your majesty
When others boast in fame and gold
The purest place is where I'll go
Chorus:
The purest place I will draw near
Do what it takes to keep me here
In the center of Your heart
The purest place is where You are
It's not with masses, not with kings
Not in these songs, or offerings
Not in this life, or what it brings
The purest place is You my King
Chorus
Bridge:
If there's such thing as too beautiful
If there's such things as too wonderful
If there's such thing as too marvelous
Jesus it's You, Jesus it's You
Chorus
It's You my King,
It's You my King
The purest place, is You my King
That I'd attract Your majesty
When others boast in fame and gold
The purest place is where I'll go
Chorus:
The purest place I will draw near
Do what it takes to keep me here
In the center of Your heart
The purest place is where You are
It's not with masses, not with kings
Not in these songs, or offerings
Not in this life, or what it brings
The purest place is You my King
Chorus
Bridge:
If there's such thing as too beautiful
If there's such things as too wonderful
If there's such thing as too marvelous
Jesus it's You, Jesus it's You
Chorus
It's You my King,
It's You my King
The purest place, is You my King
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Don't Get Comfortable
By Brandon Heath
Comfortable, don't comfortable
I am going to move this mountain
Then I'm going to move you in
Yesterday, this is not yesterday
You were standing on my shoulders
Now you're standing on the edge
You were looking for a sign all this time
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
So afraid, that you don't have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I'll remain
You been looking for a sign all this time
If you seek you find me anytime
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
Can you feel the call
of love is in moving you
Don't be a child of God
A Love is reaching you
It's everywhere a call of love
I just wanna show you what I mean
I just wanna love like you've never seen
Do you wanna live like you used to dream
Than I've got a song for you
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
You've got a new song
Comfortable, don't comfortable
I am going to move this mountain
Then I'm going to move you in
Yesterday, this is not yesterday
You were standing on my shoulders
Now you're standing on the edge
You were looking for a sign all this time
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
So afraid, that you don't have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I'll remain
You been looking for a sign all this time
If you seek you find me anytime
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
Can you feel the call
of love is in moving you
Don't be a child of God
A Love is reaching you
It's everywhere a call of love
I just wanna show you what I mean
I just wanna love like you've never seen
Do you wanna live like you used to dream
Than I've got a song for you
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
You've got a new song
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Bustle
After being in the city for over two weeks now, I have come to GREATLY appreciate my Savior's creation, even more so than ever before. Here, the cars are loud, the ground is dirty, and everything has been made or altered by human hands. These things, in turn, make it a struggle to have the peace I normally do. However, even while it is more difficult for me to enter into God's presence with all this bustling around me, I have found that GOd's peace can fill me no matter where I am. God reminded me of Psalm 23 when He MADE David lie down in green pastures and led him beside still waters. The diction used here is very direct and implies an outside force making something happen. At the same time, David was seated at the same tables as his enemies. Like me, he was not where he wsa comfortable, yet God gave him peace and even OVERfilled him with blessings. So, all while I am most comfortable in rural and snall town-like areas, I carry my Savior's peace no matter where I am. He is ALWAYS with me and because I embody Him, I carry all His characteristics with me every day. Unlike my surroundings, God's love never changes and His grace is always before me. Therefore, I will patiently endure the rush of the city and walk in the beauty of my Lord, for His peace fills my heart.
Fame
By Rush of Fools
I have tried to follow, I have tried to lead
I have failed at everything
I have been the culprit to my selfish needs, made everything but You my King
I couldn't be any less worthy
To spend one day much less forever with You
I lift my hands just as I am, I'm letting go of false control
I lift my voice, I have no choice
My life is Yours, use me for Your fame, Your fame
I have not seen heaven, I haven't seen Your face
But I've seen Your Spirit move
And Jesus it's amazing the evidence of grace standing all around this room
I'm merely a product of mercy
The target and victim of Your perfect love
I lift my hands just as I am, I'm letting go of false control
I lift my voice, I have no choice
My life is Yours, use me for Your fame, spreading like a flame
Let every breath proclaim glory to Your name
You can't be contained and I'll never be the same
I have tried to follow, I have tried to lead
I have failed at everything
I have been the culprit to my selfish needs, made everything but You my King
I couldn't be any less worthy
To spend one day much less forever with You
I lift my hands just as I am, I'm letting go of false control
I lift my voice, I have no choice
My life is Yours, use me for Your fame, Your fame
I have not seen heaven, I haven't seen Your face
But I've seen Your Spirit move
And Jesus it's amazing the evidence of grace standing all around this room
I'm merely a product of mercy
The target and victim of Your perfect love
I lift my hands just as I am, I'm letting go of false control
I lift my voice, I have no choice
My life is Yours, use me for Your fame, spreading like a flame
Let every breath proclaim glory to Your name
You can't be contained and I'll never be the same
Friday, January 8, 2010
Hallelujah
Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?
I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond Your reach
I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when You hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah
The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day
Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play
And only You can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And You made it home
And set this prisoner free
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?
I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond Your reach
I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when You hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah
The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day
Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play
And only You can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And You made it home
And set this prisoner free
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah
Fernando
I didn't think I could fall in love with 26 people all at the same time.
I would be surprised if God could warm my heart any more for the little kiddos I get to spend seven beautiful hours with each day. I cannot describe the love that I have for them after only two days. While I am going to very willingly and extremely excitedly board the bus headed to Michigan in a few weeks, I am going to have a really hard time leaving these kiddos. Each one has already made a significant imprint in my heart that I'm afraid will never return to normal. I am forever changed by these precious children, and I'm alright with never changing back.
As I spend more time teaching English in this second grade bi-lingual classroom, I find myself being validated that something like this is what I'd like to do for, like...forever. Already, I've established a connection with the majority of kiddos in the classroom. With a thin language barrier, we've managed to talk about everything second graders love to talk about, whether that be ice cream, the north pole, animals, or exciting new math skills. However, I've also gotten a taste of what is burried beneath talk of Spiderman and fun movies. While these kids are bright and are very academically motivated, most of them have a hidden twinge of pain in their eyes that can only be recognized by one who's felt what they've felt, seen what they've seen, and been where they've been. I feel a connection with these and I yearn for their veils to be removed and see the grace that God is placing before them. It brings me physical pain when I let myself think about the stories that these kiddos bear alone. I want so badly for God's grace to sooth them as it has sunk deep into me. I know where they've been and it agonizes me to know they're in it even as I write this. I want to rush in, capture them from their pain, and give them everything they deserve and more. I want to lead them to the One that can fill their little impressionable hearts and hold them tight so they can fly free knowing they've know Love.
Fernando, the little boy whose teacher labeled him as the slowest in the class, has tickled my heart in a very special way. Of all the children, he speaks the least English but he talks to me the most. Despite my broken Spanish and his broken English, we've formed a rich friendship based off conversations about Spiderman and Santa Clause--two of our favorite things! He jibber-jabbers at me like I know every word he's saying and waits patiently for me to understand what he's saying to me. He reads with such color and has fun in everything. I only wish I could make him understand just how special he is, but when I try to tell him, he always interrupts me and says, "No, no, no, no!" Somewhere, somebody lied to him and told him he wasn't smart enough, worth love, or of any use. They were foolish to speak such things, because the Fernando I know is anything but those things.
I would be surprised if God could warm my heart any more for the little kiddos I get to spend seven beautiful hours with each day. I cannot describe the love that I have for them after only two days. While I am going to very willingly and extremely excitedly board the bus headed to Michigan in a few weeks, I am going to have a really hard time leaving these kiddos. Each one has already made a significant imprint in my heart that I'm afraid will never return to normal. I am forever changed by these precious children, and I'm alright with never changing back.
As I spend more time teaching English in this second grade bi-lingual classroom, I find myself being validated that something like this is what I'd like to do for, like...forever. Already, I've established a connection with the majority of kiddos in the classroom. With a thin language barrier, we've managed to talk about everything second graders love to talk about, whether that be ice cream, the north pole, animals, or exciting new math skills. However, I've also gotten a taste of what is burried beneath talk of Spiderman and fun movies. While these kids are bright and are very academically motivated, most of them have a hidden twinge of pain in their eyes that can only be recognized by one who's felt what they've felt, seen what they've seen, and been where they've been. I feel a connection with these and I yearn for their veils to be removed and see the grace that God is placing before them. It brings me physical pain when I let myself think about the stories that these kiddos bear alone. I want so badly for God's grace to sooth them as it has sunk deep into me. I know where they've been and it agonizes me to know they're in it even as I write this. I want to rush in, capture them from their pain, and give them everything they deserve and more. I want to lead them to the One that can fill their little impressionable hearts and hold them tight so they can fly free knowing they've know Love.
Fernando, the little boy whose teacher labeled him as the slowest in the class, has tickled my heart in a very special way. Of all the children, he speaks the least English but he talks to me the most. Despite my broken Spanish and his broken English, we've formed a rich friendship based off conversations about Spiderman and Santa Clause--two of our favorite things! He jibber-jabbers at me like I know every word he's saying and waits patiently for me to understand what he's saying to me. He reads with such color and has fun in everything. I only wish I could make him understand just how special he is, but when I try to tell him, he always interrupts me and says, "No, no, no, no!" Somewhere, somebody lied to him and told him he wasn't smart enough, worth love, or of any use. They were foolish to speak such things, because the Fernando I know is anything but those things.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I Miss Sleep
I am ridiculously thankful that Claire doesn't snore.
...'nuff said.
This, too, will pass, right?
...'nuff said.
This, too, will pass, right?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Cookies
Whelp, Christmas break is officially over, the new year is here, and school is starting again. I'm pretty sure I JUST moved away from SBC and into SAU, decorated my hallway, and had the best ever reunion with Claire...But there's snow on the ground, grades on my report card, and a "blank" slate ahead of me. I don't know what will happen this year, but I anticipate every bit of it.
So tonight, I'll turn in when the old people next door do and wake up even before the sun. I'll be teased by a still and lifeless campus at wave goodbye to my home once again. We'll drive 'til we're sick of driving, then drive some more, and then drive some more. Soon enough, we'll shed our layers, feel the warmth of the south on our skin, and stick out like brocolli among cheesecake amist the dark complected Texans. We'll settle, I'll miss home, I'll suck it up with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. I'll love each kiddo, stranger, team member to the best of my surrendered ability and work my very hardest to get a sunburn to take back to SAU.
Imagine, if you will, a person who likes cookies a lot. He's rather fond of all different types of cookies. Almost close enough to see them, there's a plate of cookies just out of his reach. He can't have them just yet. Instead, he must go eat a different plate of cookies. They're still cookies but just a different kind...He's excited about this new plate of cookies, but ya know, it's just not the same knowing there's a plate of cookies waiting for him.
Sigh...
...I can relate.
So tonight, I'll turn in when the old people next door do and wake up even before the sun. I'll be teased by a still and lifeless campus at wave goodbye to my home once again. We'll drive 'til we're sick of driving, then drive some more, and then drive some more. Soon enough, we'll shed our layers, feel the warmth of the south on our skin, and stick out like brocolli among cheesecake amist the dark complected Texans. We'll settle, I'll miss home, I'll suck it up with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. I'll love each kiddo, stranger, team member to the best of my surrendered ability and work my very hardest to get a sunburn to take back to SAU.
Imagine, if you will, a person who likes cookies a lot. He's rather fond of all different types of cookies. Almost close enough to see them, there's a plate of cookies just out of his reach. He can't have them just yet. Instead, he must go eat a different plate of cookies. They're still cookies but just a different kind...He's excited about this new plate of cookies, but ya know, it's just not the same knowing there's a plate of cookies waiting for him.
Sigh...
...I can relate.
Cliche New Year's Eve Message
So as I look back over the past year, I am reminded of just how good my God really is and just how much He loves me. I am reminded of His patience, persistence, and stubbornness in pursuing my wandering heart. I am reminded of the freedom He has given me, the blessings He has given me, and the moments when He drew me close.
I never want to forget these things.
Ever.
I never want to forget these things.
Ever.
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