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.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Barbarian
The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus
"If you don't like the idea of being an innovator, that's fine. Just do whatever Jesus calls you to do the moment it is clear to you. Do not procrastinate; do not hesitate; do not deviate from whatever course of action He calls you to. But I want to warn you, the closer you walk with Christ, the greater the faith required. The more you trust Him, the more you'll risk on His behalf. The more you love Him, the more you will love others. If you genuinely embrace His sacrifice, you will joyfully embrace a sacrificial life. Your expectations of Jesus will change as your intimacy with Him deepens. When you begin to follow passionately after Jesus, you will inadvertently find yourself innovating. After all, Jesus is transforming lives, writing history, creating the future, and unleashing the kingdom of God. If you plan to keep step with Jesus the Pioneer, you better expect some changes." (p 53-54).
"If you don't like the idea of being an innovator, that's fine. Just do whatever Jesus calls you to do the moment it is clear to you. Do not procrastinate; do not hesitate; do not deviate from whatever course of action He calls you to. But I want to warn you, the closer you walk with Christ, the greater the faith required. The more you trust Him, the more you'll risk on His behalf. The more you love Him, the more you will love others. If you genuinely embrace His sacrifice, you will joyfully embrace a sacrificial life. Your expectations of Jesus will change as your intimacy with Him deepens. When you begin to follow passionately after Jesus, you will inadvertently find yourself innovating. After all, Jesus is transforming lives, writing history, creating the future, and unleashing the kingdom of God. If you plan to keep step with Jesus the Pioneer, you better expect some changes." (p 53-54).
Evangelism
Oh, the scary word! Christians and non-Christians alike have seen the ugliness that has come through ungodly fanatics. Yet, the only purpose for being on this earth is to GO and tell people about Jesus. Why is this hard?
I've been reading about the early church in Acts. I am moved to tears reading about Peter, Steven and Paul telling about the coming of Jesus, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the salvation that Jesus brings.
Peter, a disciple of Christ, denied him 3 times when he was crucified and then weeks later was proclaiming his life. Read Acts 2 and 10.
Steven was stoned to death just for talking about Christ. I cried when I read this (Acts 7:54-60)
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.'''
He was like Jesus, stating, "forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." That is love!
Then of course, Paul. He starts proclaiming Jesus to non-Jews and it transformed the world!
Will I have this boldness? Will I be able to tell people of the wonderful things that God has done in my life? Can I be so filled that I bubble over with God's love? I am thrilled about what God has done and have no hesitations to tell fellow believers, but what about those who do not believe?
God, you are so kind and compassionate, and so full of mercy. Thank you for guiding me deeper into Jesus. Holy Spirit, flow through me that your love and compassion would shine through me stronger than the weaknesses of my flesh. May I love people like you love. Show me your ways, Lord! Thank you for being God! Thank you for the life of Jesus!
I've been reading about the early church in Acts. I am moved to tears reading about Peter, Steven and Paul telling about the coming of Jesus, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the salvation that Jesus brings.
Peter, a disciple of Christ, denied him 3 times when he was crucified and then weeks later was proclaiming his life. Read Acts 2 and 10.
Steven was stoned to death just for talking about Christ. I cried when I read this (Acts 7:54-60)
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.'''
He was like Jesus, stating, "forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." That is love!
Then of course, Paul. He starts proclaiming Jesus to non-Jews and it transformed the world!
Will I have this boldness? Will I be able to tell people of the wonderful things that God has done in my life? Can I be so filled that I bubble over with God's love? I am thrilled about what God has done and have no hesitations to tell fellow believers, but what about those who do not believe?
God, you are so kind and compassionate, and so full of mercy. Thank you for guiding me deeper into Jesus. Holy Spirit, flow through me that your love and compassion would shine through me stronger than the weaknesses of my flesh. May I love people like you love. Show me your ways, Lord! Thank you for being God! Thank you for the life of Jesus!
God knows us--Ps 139
Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched meand you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
...
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
and lead me in the way everlasting.
I love this Psalm. God knows me. This can be scary since nothing is hidden from Him. He sees all of my ugly thoughts and unloving ways and yet loves me.
Thank you for your grace and mercy, Lord! Thank you for teaching me your ways and providing a loving Savior who I can learn from. Help me to love those around me with your love, for you are love! Thank you for caring about me intimately and knowing my heart more than I know myself. Teach me your ways Lord!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Source of Contention
The Bible
"The Bible- banned, burned, beloved. More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history. Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it; dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed those who read it. Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it is more powerful than their weapons. Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints." ~Charles Colson
The Bible has been a source of contention for how many years? Non-believers seem to seethe at the mouth when talking about Christianity, Christians, and "their" Bible. Why can't they just be complacent and not care? What is it about scripture that stirs people? Why do people criticize what they have not read. Does this make any sense? How can you criticize it if you know nothing about it or never read scripture?
I believe that Scripture is God breathed and is living. I know it stirs people in good and bad because it is real. People (believers and nonbelievers) must obey the truth to have a restored relationship with God, or suffer in the separation from Him who loves us. Many times throughout my Christian walk I have chosen to not obey and suffered in the separation from Him. I pray that God gives me the strength to obey so that I may have a deeper relationship with Him. I have true peace and happiness in my relationship with God through Jesus! Thank you Lord!!
James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
"The Bible- banned, burned, beloved. More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history. Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it; dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed those who read it. Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it is more powerful than their weapons. Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints." ~Charles Colson
The Bible has been a source of contention for how many years? Non-believers seem to seethe at the mouth when talking about Christianity, Christians, and "their" Bible. Why can't they just be complacent and not care? What is it about scripture that stirs people? Why do people criticize what they have not read. Does this make any sense? How can you criticize it if you know nothing about it or never read scripture?
I believe that Scripture is God breathed and is living. I know it stirs people in good and bad because it is real. People (believers and nonbelievers) must obey the truth to have a restored relationship with God, or suffer in the separation from Him who loves us. Many times throughout my Christian walk I have chosen to not obey and suffered in the separation from Him. I pray that God gives me the strength to obey so that I may have a deeper relationship with Him. I have true peace and happiness in my relationship with God through Jesus! Thank you Lord!!
James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Creed Poem
I found this to be interesting:
St Augustine's Confessions, "God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you."
Creed
by Steve Turner
We believe in Marxfreudanddarwin
We believe everything is OK
as long as you don't hurt anyone
to the best of your definition of hurt,
and to the best of your knowledge.
We believe in sex before, during, and
after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that sodomy’s OK.
We believe that taboos are taboo.
We believe that everything's getting better
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.
We believe there's something in horoscopes
UFO's and bent spoons.
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha,
Mohammed, and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher though we think
His good morals were bad.
We believe that all religions are basically the same-
at least the one that we read was.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation,
sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.
We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens
they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then its
compulsory heaven for all
excepting perhaps
Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Kahn
We believe in Masters and Johnson
What's selected is average.
What's average is normal.
What's normal is good.
We believe in total disarmament.
We believe there are direct links between warfare and
bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors .
And the Russians would be sure to follow.
We believe that man is essentially good.
It's only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society.
Society is the fault of conditions.
Conditions are the fault of society.
We believe that each man must find the truth that
is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly.
The universe will readjust.
History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
excepting the truth
that there is no absolute truth.
We believe in the rejection of creeds,
And the flowering of individual thought.
If chance be
the Father of all flesh,
disaster is his rainbow in the sky
and when you hear
State of Emergency!
Sniper Kills Ten!
Troops on Rampage!
Whites go Looting!
Bomb Blasts School!
It is but the sound of man
worshiping his maker.St Augustine's Confessions, "God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you."
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