Don't worry, this post will not be depressing. The storm has hit, but it was more of a light drizzle with great learning involved. As I continue with my quest to seek and know God, I am amazed at how simple of a task it is, yet my mind wants to make it this long, exhaustive strain.
Grace is too easy. We do not have to do anything except ask God to forgive us and acknowledge that Jesus already took care of our short-coming and sin. God's glory is being revealed continuously. All He asks of me is to seek Him and love Him. Is it that easy? Why then do I try to "earn" this love. The American Dream is awesome for success in the world, but it's the opposite way to restore our relationship with God.
The drizzle in my life has been the mundane of going to work. Well, my work is hardly mundane, but it does take all of my energy. I found that it is so easy for me to become distracted and get caught up in the things that do not matter, instead of "praying without ceasing". My prayer is to seek God at work through the stressful events of a critical patient or avoid the gossip during the down times. I want to build others up instead of complaining. May God's glory be revealed instead of the negative busy-ness of life.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Is there a storm a brewing?
Today I was reading my discipleship book and came across three scriptures that talk about the testing and trying of our faith. I can honestly say I'm not thrilled to read these types of passages. These are the things that happen when God exposes me and I see how wretched of a person I actually am, but in spite of it all, He loves me with this love that is overwhelming and beautiful. He has forgiven me through Christ Jesus and opens his arms to me despite all my repeated failures.
So, since things are going well and smooth, I can't help but think I might be facing trials soon. Lord help me! Give me the grace and peace that surpass all understanding. May I cling to your mercy and love for me.
Can I say that I hate it when 3 trial verses are read in one day? I finished the reading for this week and 2 verses were on testing and trials, and then of course James 1:2-3 came to mind. Thankfully the beginning of Romans is about having peace. I also heard two different versions of "It is well with my soul". Is this the calm before the storm?
Rom 5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
1 Pet 4
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
James 1
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
So, since things are going well and smooth, I can't help but think I might be facing trials soon. Lord help me! Give me the grace and peace that surpass all understanding. May I cling to your mercy and love for me.
Can I say that I hate it when 3 trial verses are read in one day? I finished the reading for this week and 2 verses were on testing and trials, and then of course James 1:2-3 came to mind. Thankfully the beginning of Romans is about having peace. I also heard two different versions of "It is well with my soul". Is this the calm before the storm?
Rom 5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
1 Pet 4
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
James 1
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
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