I've been doing a study in Ephesians recently...trying to memorize the whole book...it's slowly coming. I know a lot of people who don't believe in predestination. On one hand I can see why, but after reading scripture and praying and struggling about it, there's no way around it. I'm convicted it's true. You may not agree, but that is for you to work out in fear and trembling. Some other words for ''predestination'' are "chosen" or "elect". The more I study scripture, the more it is obvious to me.
It's not just an Ephesians 2:8-9 passage or Romans 8 passage, but it's the whole Bible. God chose Abraham, he chose Israel as a nation (whether they choose him in return is a different question), and he chose his disciples. I don't see any difference between my God in the OT and my God in the NT. There's no difference. When I first heard about predestination, I thought it was crazy...
And I'll admit that it doesn't have a definite line between some things...there will always be more questions! But one of our flaws as humans is we feel we have to know EVERY LITTLE DETAIL. Unfortunately, that's not how God works (but really it's not that unfortunate).
As I looked closer at scripture and talked to some people who I think are very theologically sound, I was even more convinced. I read over Romans 9 (which is a greattt place to start if you're not sure where you stand) and starting reading my Spanish version Bible in Ephesians 2. Verses 8-9 say, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
In Spanish the word "grace" and "faith" are both feminine words. However when it says "this [is not your own doing]", the word for "this" is neutral. Hmmm...that's strange isn't it? This verse is talking about salvation. So I concluded that the "this" must mean the process of being saved. Yes, yes, we know it's through grace and faith, but it says that the process is "a gift of God". (Not to say that I'm an insanely awesome theologian all of a sudden--my theology isn't perfected).
Like I said I will never fully convince someone. This is a tough topic. However, the rest of scripture seems to point that God didn't just give this gift to anyone. (Even we don't do that--but let's not get our ways confused with how God is). Ephesians also says that, "he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we may be holy and blameless before him". And there are multiple other passages to look at about God choosing us first, and then we respond.
The point I'm trying to make is this: God chose us first. (We can't choose him first if he knew us before we were even existent). It is our choice that is our gift back to him (kinda used the wording from my pastor, Ben Roby). However, He already knows who will choose him and who won't. Israel won't be saved just because he chose them as a nation; likewise with the Jews. Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life. It is our choice to sin or not to, because God doesn't and can't live with sin. That was the purpose of his son coming for us.
Like stated (many, many times) there are many angels to predestination that I can't cover in a blog. You just need to read it for yourself, pray, and decide. (And by the way, I'm not saying that you have to believe in predestination to be saved, because I can't decide for you if you're going or not--that will be God's choice--once again).
I hope you found this helpful. If not, it helped me sort out some of my thoughts! haha.
"Porque por gracia son salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de ustedes, pues es don de Dios; no por obras, para que nadie se glorÃe." Efesios 2:8-9
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Surely Then it Multiplies
Last night I went to a Leeland concert. I absolutely love this band. They weren't about starting a pep rally, but actually putting our faith into works. They sang songs about how the church needs to wake up. But the song that really stuck in my heart was about the great awakening.
Leeland talked about how the "great awakening" in the 1700's that masses of people were coming to know Christ. Like whole towns were getting saved, and it moved from one city to another. And a writer wrote a poem about the great awakening, but it was lost. One day Leeland found it in a bible in a library, and put the poem into lyrics. This song is absolutely amazing.
Take a listen...When you really want a revival--you're asking for Jesus. This world needs to hear about Jesus. Don't pray for the revival--be the revival. Once you've really experienced the revival within yourself, you won't be able to stop telling others about it.
Leeland talked about how the "great awakening" in the 1700's that masses of people were coming to know Christ. Like whole towns were getting saved, and it moved from one city to another. And a writer wrote a poem about the great awakening, but it was lost. One day Leeland found it in a bible in a library, and put the poem into lyrics. This song is absolutely amazing.
Take a listen...When you really want a revival--you're asking for Jesus. This world needs to hear about Jesus. Don't pray for the revival--be the revival. Once you've really experienced the revival within yourself, you won't be able to stop telling others about it.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Prayer of Faith
One of the people who I admire most in my life right now is someone who I see every Tuesday at FCA. His name is Joe Maggelet. He is a great example for me and I am very encouraged in how he prays. You can see what God is doing in him because he has such a zeal and love for God. And it shows in how he acts and prays.
He has been telling us to pray the prayer of faith. There are so many things going on in your mind and you think you can't tell God certain things--but he already knows them! He wants you to pray specific things--not for your benefit, but for His glory. My God answers prayers. Don't be afraid to pray for specific things.
Pray the prayer of faith.
He has been telling us to pray the prayer of faith. There are so many things going on in your mind and you think you can't tell God certain things--but he already knows them! He wants you to pray specific things--not for your benefit, but for His glory. My God answers prayers. Don't be afraid to pray for specific things.
Pray the prayer of faith.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Definition of Crazy
If you've ever had a fish, I'm sure you've had one like mine. She swims in her tank going back and forth, back and forth, all the day long. The same route of swimming. Up one side, across, back down, across to the other side. All. Day. Long. And I look at her and without hesitation say, "Wow, Alice, you are crazy."
I don't think it was a coincidence that I see this and continue to see it everyday. I think there is something to learn from her. As I look at my daily life and pursuit of Christ, I can see I do the same thing.
He has saved me from sin, that I am no longer bound to, and I go right back to it. We have been delivered from that domain, and I willingly swim right back over to it, out of the Light. Why?
It's not that I don't love God. I love him more and more each day. And it's frustrating to look and evaluate my relationship and see that I keep going back to the same mistakes. Extremely frustrating. It reminds me of the Galatians.
I think this will be a daily challenge for all Christians. It's so easy for us to fall back on our habits and do things how we want, how we're used to, without even thinking about it. And then we realize, wow, God, you really have a better plan. I messed up again. And again. And again.
Thank God for his grace. He not only gave us salvation, but he sanctifies us. And Christ died once and for all for every sin I have done, am doing, and ever will. His wrath is holy, and was justified, but motivated out of his love. Amazing.
Truly amazing grace. That we take sooo much for granted.
As I look at Alice every morning, afternoon, and evening. It is a reminder to me: I can't go back to who I once was. I need to continue on, press on. Run the race with endurance that was set before me.
My reminder--
2 Corinthian 12:9-10: But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 3:7-11 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
I don't think it was a coincidence that I see this and continue to see it everyday. I think there is something to learn from her. As I look at my daily life and pursuit of Christ, I can see I do the same thing.
He has saved me from sin, that I am no longer bound to, and I go right back to it. We have been delivered from that domain, and I willingly swim right back over to it, out of the Light. Why?
It's not that I don't love God. I love him more and more each day. And it's frustrating to look and evaluate my relationship and see that I keep going back to the same mistakes. Extremely frustrating. It reminds me of the Galatians.
I think this will be a daily challenge for all Christians. It's so easy for us to fall back on our habits and do things how we want, how we're used to, without even thinking about it. And then we realize, wow, God, you really have a better plan. I messed up again. And again. And again.
Thank God for his grace. He not only gave us salvation, but he sanctifies us. And Christ died once and for all for every sin I have done, am doing, and ever will. His wrath is holy, and was justified, but motivated out of his love. Amazing.
Truly amazing grace. That we take sooo much for granted.
As I look at Alice every morning, afternoon, and evening. It is a reminder to me: I can't go back to who I once was. I need to continue on, press on. Run the race with endurance that was set before me.
My reminder--
2 Corinthian 12:9-10: But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 3:7-11 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
"If you are thirsty, come and drink"
I started reading The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis today, and I was just astonished with a passage in the 2nd chapter. It is about an encounter that Jill has with Aslan. The passage is a bit long, but I will highlight specific things that stuck out to me. It goes like this...
...And the thirst became so bad that she almost felt she would not mind being eaten by the lion if only she could be sure of geting a mouthful of water first.
"If you're thirsty, you may drink."
They were the fist words she had heard since Scrubb had spoken to her on the edge of the cliff. For a second she stared here and there, wondering who had spoken. Then the voice said again, "If you are thirsty, come and drink," and of course she remembered what Scrubb had said about animals talking in that other world, and realized that it was the lion speaking...
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion.
"May I--could I-- would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience...
"Will you promise no to--do anything to me, if I do come?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
"Do you eat girls?" she said.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion...
It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted. You didn't need to drink much of it, for it quenched your thirst at once.
After reading, a couple verses came to mind about "thirst", but I looked up other references in my handy ESV to find more. -->
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Mt 5:6
"For I was hunger and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me," Mt 25:35
"Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again." Jn 4:13-14
"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my sould thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Ps 63:1
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and mile
without money and without price." Is 55:1
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." Jn 7:37b
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;" Rev 7:16a
And there are probably many other places that have a form of "thirst" in the Bible.
So to tie this all together, recently in church and in my personal time with God, he has been teaching me that I must come to him on His terms, not mine. I must count the cost, and the walk of faith. But the only way you can truly do that is if you CANNOT HELP IT. Jill's thirst must be quenched. She cannot help but quench it. She asks Aslan if he can go away, or make promises, but those are HER terms, not his. She has to count the cost of losing her life if he chooses to eat her, and she takes the risk. She counted it. We must do the same. Just like in Matthew 8, the fishermen are in the storm because they counted the cost of following Christ. He invites them, Jill, and us into the boat or to drink the water. He doesn't promise things won't get rocky, or edgy. That's a part of faith. He doesn't want us to come at our own convenience. He wants it all or nothing. And you can't go running to another stream, because he is the only one, and the only one who satisfies. There is no personal pick-this-and-drop-that Jesus. It's all him, or it's nothing. I'm tired of this comfortable "I have my own customized Jesus" lie that so many of us have fallen into, are falling, or will.
The disciples counted the cost and followed him to dangerous places---we should as well.
C.S. Lewis continues saying this...
"Come. Walk before me to the edge of the cliff."
Christ doesn't say, 'Come and stroll with me through the park.' It reminded me of the story about Abraham and Isaac. God tells Abraham to offer up his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. And Abraham goes in, without questioning, having faith that God can raise him. And God makes a covenant with him saying, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." (Gen 17:1-2) First, he makes a covenant because of his faithfulness and trust in God. Second, he says "walk before me, and be blameless" because walking is a consistent, intimate relationship and "blameless" is a sacrificial life of having no blemish. It is an intimate on-going relationship of transforming to be more like Him. And third, he says, "that I may make my covenant between me and you". The covenant is based on walking with him and being blameless. It isn't claim him, pick out what you want, and you're good. It's his terms, or no covenant.
So it's time: Count the cost. It's His limits. Are you willing to sacrifice everything you have, give your life, to follow Him?
...And the thirst became so bad that she almost felt she would not mind being eaten by the lion if only she could be sure of geting a mouthful of water first.
"If you're thirsty, you may drink."
They were the fist words she had heard since Scrubb had spoken to her on the edge of the cliff. For a second she stared here and there, wondering who had spoken. Then the voice said again, "If you are thirsty, come and drink," and of course she remembered what Scrubb had said about animals talking in that other world, and realized that it was the lion speaking...
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion.
"May I--could I-- would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience...
"Will you promise no to--do anything to me, if I do come?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
"Do you eat girls?" she said.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion...
It was the worst thing she had ever had to do, but she went forward to the stream, knelt down, and began scooping up water in her hand. It was the coldest, most refreshing water she had ever tasted. You didn't need to drink much of it, for it quenched your thirst at once.
After reading, a couple verses came to mind about "thirst", but I looked up other references in my handy ESV to find more. -->
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Mt 5:6
"For I was hunger and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me," Mt 25:35
"Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again." Jn 4:13-14
"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my sould thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Ps 63:1
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and mile
without money and without price." Is 55:1
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." Jn 7:37b
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;" Rev 7:16a
And there are probably many other places that have a form of "thirst" in the Bible.
So to tie this all together, recently in church and in my personal time with God, he has been teaching me that I must come to him on His terms, not mine. I must count the cost, and the walk of faith. But the only way you can truly do that is if you CANNOT HELP IT. Jill's thirst must be quenched. She cannot help but quench it. She asks Aslan if he can go away, or make promises, but those are HER terms, not his. She has to count the cost of losing her life if he chooses to eat her, and she takes the risk. She counted it. We must do the same. Just like in Matthew 8, the fishermen are in the storm because they counted the cost of following Christ. He invites them, Jill, and us into the boat or to drink the water. He doesn't promise things won't get rocky, or edgy. That's a part of faith. He doesn't want us to come at our own convenience. He wants it all or nothing. And you can't go running to another stream, because he is the only one, and the only one who satisfies. There is no personal pick-this-and-drop-that Jesus. It's all him, or it's nothing. I'm tired of this comfortable "I have my own customized Jesus" lie that so many of us have fallen into, are falling, or will.
The disciples counted the cost and followed him to dangerous places---we should as well.
C.S. Lewis continues saying this...
"Come. Walk before me to the edge of the cliff."
Christ doesn't say, 'Come and stroll with me through the park.' It reminded me of the story about Abraham and Isaac. God tells Abraham to offer up his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. And Abraham goes in, without questioning, having faith that God can raise him. And God makes a covenant with him saying, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." (Gen 17:1-2) First, he makes a covenant because of his faithfulness and trust in God. Second, he says "walk before me, and be blameless" because walking is a consistent, intimate relationship and "blameless" is a sacrificial life of having no blemish. It is an intimate on-going relationship of transforming to be more like Him. And third, he says, "that I may make my covenant between me and you". The covenant is based on walking with him and being blameless. It isn't claim him, pick out what you want, and you're good. It's his terms, or no covenant.
So it's time: Count the cost. It's His limits. Are you willing to sacrifice everything you have, give your life, to follow Him?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
With Everything
Hillsong: With Everything
Open our eyes,
To see the things
That make Your heart cry,
To be the church
The You would desire.
Light to be seen.
Break down our pride,
And all the walls
We've built up inside,
Our earthly crowns
And all our desires,
We lay at Your feet.
So let hope rise,
And darkness tremble
In Your holy light,
And every eye will see
Jesus, our God,
Great and mighty to be praised.
God of all days,
Glorious in all of Your ways.
Your majesty, the wonder and grace,
In the light of Your name.
With everything,
With everything,
We will shout for your glory.
With everything,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
Our hearts will cry
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
Woah...
This song has been on my mind for the last week or so. I don't know what it is, but God has been getting me so excited about him. He has shown himself to me so much through nature here, through people, situations. So many places. And I've been thinking a lot about my life after this one and I get so excited about seeing a group of people who just love praising Jesus and lifting up his name! And we will get to do it forever. It's such an amazing thought!
I think it's about time that we, as Christians, should start getting excited! Get pumped about Jesus!!! Imagine it! Before the throne, praising the God who created everything!!! EVERYTHING! And we should be even more excited that he is using us, US, to bring more people to be excited about him! People that will get to share and fellowship with Christ! We get to have a relationship with him and get to know the God of this place! And later get to live with him and praise him!
Ah, I just can't explain my excitement. It's just overwhelming!
We need to get excited!
Anyone with me? !
Open our eyes,
To see the things
That make Your heart cry,
To be the church
The You would desire.
Light to be seen.
Break down our pride,
And all the walls
We've built up inside,
Our earthly crowns
And all our desires,
We lay at Your feet.
So let hope rise,
And darkness tremble
In Your holy light,
And every eye will see
Jesus, our God,
Great and mighty to be praised.
God of all days,
Glorious in all of Your ways.
Your majesty, the wonder and grace,
In the light of Your name.
With everything,
With everything,
We will shout for your glory.
With everything,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
Our hearts will cry
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.
Woah...
This song has been on my mind for the last week or so. I don't know what it is, but God has been getting me so excited about him. He has shown himself to me so much through nature here, through people, situations. So many places. And I've been thinking a lot about my life after this one and I get so excited about seeing a group of people who just love praising Jesus and lifting up his name! And we will get to do it forever. It's such an amazing thought!
I think it's about time that we, as Christians, should start getting excited! Get pumped about Jesus!!! Imagine it! Before the throne, praising the God who created everything!!! EVERYTHING! And we should be even more excited that he is using us, US, to bring more people to be excited about him! People that will get to share and fellowship with Christ! We get to have a relationship with him and get to know the God of this place! And later get to live with him and praise him!
Ah, I just can't explain my excitement. It's just overwhelming!
We need to get excited!
Anyone with me? !
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
"Have the Attitude of Christ"
Last week was a trying week for me. I had a teacher who was...very difficult to say the least. Let me just say, if I would've had her all 8 weeks, I would not want to be a teacher any longer. Here at Conversa (the school here in CR) each week we get a new teacher. Each class switches teachers, which I kind of enjoy. But last week, I had a teacher named Amira. She wasn't my preferred kind of teacher. She didn't explain anything. Simply wrote it on the board and asked, "Esta claro?" (Is it clear?) Then we would go around the room and do examples of how to use it, and move on to the next theme for the day. We sat in class mostly silent all day, and when we had a chance to talk, it was only to use examples.
The second day in class, she made me cry. If you know me well, you know that I don't even like to cry in front of my family or my closest friends. I don't like showing my emotions and vulnerability to others. So for her to make me cry, was very hard for me to handle--and it wasn't even half of the week yet.
So you might be wondering...well what did she do to make you cry??? Well, we were going over a tense called subjunctive. This tense is when you use sentences that have doubt involved. So if there is a doubt about something, use subjunctive. So it came around to me while we were doing examples and I was going to say, "It makes me happy that my sister will turn 5 years old next year", but I stopped mid-sentence because I don't want to have doubt that my sister won't complete 5 years. So Amira told me to continue finishing the sentence, so I did. And I told her I didn't have any doubt that she would. But Amira insisted that there was indeed room for doubt in the sentence.
Imediately my eyes started to water. I don't want to think that my sister may die before next year. And Amira asks, "Why are you about to cry? Why are your eyes watering up?" And it made me furious. I began crying, and told her, "I don't want to think about that! My 4 year old sister dying?!" And she started laughing. It made me even more angry. And I had a bitter, angry attitude the rest of the day.
On Wednesday, I was determined that things had to change in the classroom. So while I was doing my devotions that morning, I wrote "Have the attitude of Christ" on the inside of my hand. Right on my palm where I could see it. That day in class, whenever I had a bad thought or attitude, I looked at my hand and was reminded that I need to change. And throughout that day, things improved. We made Amira laugh and class was slightly more enjoyable. As the week progressed, things slowly improved. By the end of the week, we were playing games and laughing, and shockingly enjoying the class! Amazing.
It was amazing to see how fast things change when we strive to be like Christ. When we talk to him and rely on him. I couldn't believe how fast he worked in the situation. When we thirst for Christ, to be more like him, things change. Radically. And Amira was right--nothing is guaranteed in this life. My sister may not make it to 5- He could come before then, or take her home. When we have the right mindset and attitude, it makes a difference. And learning to be vulnerable is necessary sometimes. It is humbling. God is amazing.
I don't really know what else to say about that.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Philippians 2: 3-8
The second day in class, she made me cry. If you know me well, you know that I don't even like to cry in front of my family or my closest friends. I don't like showing my emotions and vulnerability to others. So for her to make me cry, was very hard for me to handle--and it wasn't even half of the week yet.
So you might be wondering...well what did she do to make you cry??? Well, we were going over a tense called subjunctive. This tense is when you use sentences that have doubt involved. So if there is a doubt about something, use subjunctive. So it came around to me while we were doing examples and I was going to say, "It makes me happy that my sister will turn 5 years old next year", but I stopped mid-sentence because I don't want to have doubt that my sister won't complete 5 years. So Amira told me to continue finishing the sentence, so I did. And I told her I didn't have any doubt that she would. But Amira insisted that there was indeed room for doubt in the sentence.
Imediately my eyes started to water. I don't want to think that my sister may die before next year. And Amira asks, "Why are you about to cry? Why are your eyes watering up?" And it made me furious. I began crying, and told her, "I don't want to think about that! My 4 year old sister dying?!" And she started laughing. It made me even more angry. And I had a bitter, angry attitude the rest of the day.
On Wednesday, I was determined that things had to change in the classroom. So while I was doing my devotions that morning, I wrote "Have the attitude of Christ" on the inside of my hand. Right on my palm where I could see it. That day in class, whenever I had a bad thought or attitude, I looked at my hand and was reminded that I need to change. And throughout that day, things improved. We made Amira laugh and class was slightly more enjoyable. As the week progressed, things slowly improved. By the end of the week, we were playing games and laughing, and shockingly enjoying the class! Amazing.
It was amazing to see how fast things change when we strive to be like Christ. When we talk to him and rely on him. I couldn't believe how fast he worked in the situation. When we thirst for Christ, to be more like him, things change. Radically. And Amira was right--nothing is guaranteed in this life. My sister may not make it to 5- He could come before then, or take her home. When we have the right mindset and attitude, it makes a difference. And learning to be vulnerable is necessary sometimes. It is humbling. God is amazing.
I don't really know what else to say about that.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Philippians 2: 3-8
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Be My Everything
I can't believe it's already Wednesday. Time flies here. This passed week I've gotten second degree burns and sick, but my God still remains faithful.
There are so many things to be learned here I can't even name all of them. But I can name some--
Within the first week here, I was struggling spiritually. However, my God provided. He gave me a group of practicing Christians to fellowship with. He gave me a way to communicate with people in a different country. He gave me peace in my sickness and patience with the bugs. Don't get me wrong, they do annoy me, but I've come to terms with them. He gave me the opportunity to rise every morning and gave me the opportunity to see his beautiful creation here. He gave me technology that I may take a documentary of the trip and remember it through the videos. So many things He's given me.
I've continued reading Crazy Love, and I've been learning a lot through that book. Something that stood out to me these passed couple days was the quote, "What are you doing that requires faith?" And I sit there and thought, wow...nothing comes to mind. I act like the rest of the world. Sure I don't drink, or smoke, or cuss, but really, how do I truly show my love of God in my daily life? The way I've been loving Him, His word, and His people should demonstrate my love for him. I've realized that I need him to help me. I can't do it on my own.
I need him to transform my heart. Break what breaks him. Love what he loves. I want to be just like him. Like a child who loves their father. I must start to use what he has given to glorify him and not myself. He has given spiritual gifts, personal characteristics, and opportunities galore, and I choose to ignore them or take them and run. I need him more and more every day.
Because he should be my everything.
There are so many things to be learned here I can't even name all of them. But I can name some--
Within the first week here, I was struggling spiritually. However, my God provided. He gave me a group of practicing Christians to fellowship with. He gave me a way to communicate with people in a different country. He gave me peace in my sickness and patience with the bugs. Don't get me wrong, they do annoy me, but I've come to terms with them. He gave me the opportunity to rise every morning and gave me the opportunity to see his beautiful creation here. He gave me technology that I may take a documentary of the trip and remember it through the videos. So many things He's given me.
I've continued reading Crazy Love, and I've been learning a lot through that book. Something that stood out to me these passed couple days was the quote, "What are you doing that requires faith?" And I sit there and thought, wow...nothing comes to mind. I act like the rest of the world. Sure I don't drink, or smoke, or cuss, but really, how do I truly show my love of God in my daily life? The way I've been loving Him, His word, and His people should demonstrate my love for him. I've realized that I need him to help me. I can't do it on my own.
I need him to transform my heart. Break what breaks him. Love what he loves. I want to be just like him. Like a child who loves their father. I must start to use what he has given to glorify him and not myself. He has given spiritual gifts, personal characteristics, and opportunities galore, and I choose to ignore them or take them and run. I need him more and more every day.
Because he should be my everything.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Viva Costa Rica.
Today is my fifth day here in Santa Ana, Costa Rica...wow it doesn't seem like 5 days. Life here is very different, in an extremely good way. It's simple, yet refreshing.
I live with Ana (my host mom), Jose Carlos (my host brother-5 yrs.) and Luis Mario (my host brother-10 yrs). It's awesome. I love the kids. Jose Carlos is convinced that everything is "bike" in English. Bola (ball) = "bike" ----everything is bike. haha. Jose is also my "Spanish teacher". Everyday he gives me lessons in Spanish over vocabulary, even though I already know all the words he is "teaching" me. Luis Mario loves mixing Spanish and English. I don't see him much, but he is very helpful when I don't understand something. My host mom Ana is gone a lot, but I love talking to her. She is very kind.
The school is very beautiful. The nature here is absolutely amazing. God's evidence is everywhere. The trees, mountains, lizards, birds--everything. I can't wait to go exploring.
I've been praying about where God would have me in the future...this is a possibility. I love the hispanic culture and just how simple life is here. I don't need hot showers, nice cars, or nice clothes.
The weather is very interesting...bipolar to say the least. But I love it. It's cool in the early morning, it quickly warms up mid-morning, the afternoons are cool/raining. The nights are cool. We get the best of both worlds here. The language is a little difficult to understand, but I'm getting the hang of it.
I'll keep you posted!
Pura Vida!
I live with Ana (my host mom), Jose Carlos (my host brother-5 yrs.) and Luis Mario (my host brother-10 yrs). It's awesome. I love the kids. Jose Carlos is convinced that everything is "bike" in English. Bola (ball) = "bike" ----everything is bike. haha. Jose is also my "Spanish teacher". Everyday he gives me lessons in Spanish over vocabulary, even though I already know all the words he is "teaching" me. Luis Mario loves mixing Spanish and English. I don't see him much, but he is very helpful when I don't understand something. My host mom Ana is gone a lot, but I love talking to her. She is very kind.
The school is very beautiful. The nature here is absolutely amazing. God's evidence is everywhere. The trees, mountains, lizards, birds--everything. I can't wait to go exploring.
I've been praying about where God would have me in the future...this is a possibility. I love the hispanic culture and just how simple life is here. I don't need hot showers, nice cars, or nice clothes.
The weather is very interesting...bipolar to say the least. But I love it. It's cool in the early morning, it quickly warms up mid-morning, the afternoons are cool/raining. The nights are cool. We get the best of both worlds here. The language is a little difficult to understand, but I'm getting the hang of it.
I'll keep you posted!
Pura Vida!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
He Lives
So I have an incredible story, that I can't take credit for. It has His name all over it. This story is his, and glory all belongs to him.
Someone in my family has been having marital issues. She found out that her husband was committing adultery and she moved out. She has one 17 month baby and one on the way. She moved back to Mansfield and has been doing better. Well, this weekend, Bob, her husband came up for a court date. On Friday night he calls his wife, Natasha, to see if he can see his daughter for Easter. He says he has an Easter basket for her. My family urges Natasha not to let him see his daughter, fearing that he will try to take the baby.
You see, they both have equal custody at this point. If Bob decides he wants to take the baby back home and leave Natasha, there is nothing we can do.
So Natasha and our family agree that he can see her for a little bit in a public restaurant to be safe. Everything goes fine that night and everyone comes home safe and sound.
The next morning, Bob calls again and asks if he can see his daughter a little longer before he goes back home. Our family had been planning on going to the zoo, so they only had a little time. Natasha, Bob, and their daughter go and meet (only this time we don't know where). At about 1 o'clock, we decide we have to get going if we want enough time at the zoo, but Natasha isn't back home yet. She texts my sister, Hillary and tells her to go without her because Bob wants more time.
We get frustrated, but decide to leave. I then notice that my car needed gas, so we decide to go to Kroger. We also had the top down on my car, because it was a very nice day. After getting gas, I then notice that I also need to fill up my tires with air. Hillary then hears someone screaming, "Mom! Mom! Mom!"
We look over in the Kroger parking lot and Bob is taking the car seat from Natasha's car and putting it in his car. I immediately run over to his car and jump in. Natasha is on the phone with the cops and Bob is trying to take the baby out of the car seat. However, I put my arm over her seat belt so that he couldn't get her out. Natasha somehow gets Layla out of the car seat and goes to her car and locks the door.
The police arrive shortly after. Luckily, Layla wasn't injured in the whole situation. I go to get my car from the gas station and park it in the parking lot. In the end, Bob and Natasha both got charged with child endangerment, but everyone was safe. Natasha and Layla returned home. Bob went to jail for not cooperating with the police.
Throughout this whole situation, God was working. How did we know what gas station to go to? How did so many witnesses at the Kroger parking lot show up within only a few minutes? Why did they help Natasha without even knowing the complete situation?
We just happened to choose the gas station right in front of where Natasha and Bob met up before going out to eat. We were in direct eye line of where they were parked. There were plenty of people who aided in stopping Bob from taking Layla, who willingly gave their time and energy into helping my sister get her baby safe.
My God is faithful. He is living and working in our lives. He is unconditionally loving, caring, and merciful. Praise be to him, and all the glory to him!
Someone in my family has been having marital issues. She found out that her husband was committing adultery and she moved out. She has one 17 month baby and one on the way. She moved back to Mansfield and has been doing better. Well, this weekend, Bob, her husband came up for a court date. On Friday night he calls his wife, Natasha, to see if he can see his daughter for Easter. He says he has an Easter basket for her. My family urges Natasha not to let him see his daughter, fearing that he will try to take the baby.
You see, they both have equal custody at this point. If Bob decides he wants to take the baby back home and leave Natasha, there is nothing we can do.
So Natasha and our family agree that he can see her for a little bit in a public restaurant to be safe. Everything goes fine that night and everyone comes home safe and sound.
The next morning, Bob calls again and asks if he can see his daughter a little longer before he goes back home. Our family had been planning on going to the zoo, so they only had a little time. Natasha, Bob, and their daughter go and meet (only this time we don't know where). At about 1 o'clock, we decide we have to get going if we want enough time at the zoo, but Natasha isn't back home yet. She texts my sister, Hillary and tells her to go without her because Bob wants more time.
We get frustrated, but decide to leave. I then notice that my car needed gas, so we decide to go to Kroger. We also had the top down on my car, because it was a very nice day. After getting gas, I then notice that I also need to fill up my tires with air. Hillary then hears someone screaming, "Mom! Mom! Mom!"
We look over in the Kroger parking lot and Bob is taking the car seat from Natasha's car and putting it in his car. I immediately run over to his car and jump in. Natasha is on the phone with the cops and Bob is trying to take the baby out of the car seat. However, I put my arm over her seat belt so that he couldn't get her out. Natasha somehow gets Layla out of the car seat and goes to her car and locks the door.
The police arrive shortly after. Luckily, Layla wasn't injured in the whole situation. I go to get my car from the gas station and park it in the parking lot. In the end, Bob and Natasha both got charged with child endangerment, but everyone was safe. Natasha and Layla returned home. Bob went to jail for not cooperating with the police.
Throughout this whole situation, God was working. How did we know what gas station to go to? How did so many witnesses at the Kroger parking lot show up within only a few minutes? Why did they help Natasha without even knowing the complete situation?
We just happened to choose the gas station right in front of where Natasha and Bob met up before going out to eat. We were in direct eye line of where they were parked. There were plenty of people who aided in stopping Bob from taking Layla, who willingly gave their time and energy into helping my sister get her baby safe.
My God is faithful. He is living and working in our lives. He is unconditionally loving, caring, and merciful. Praise be to him, and all the glory to him!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My Testimony
A couple days ago, on March 21, 2011, was my second year anniversary of my pursuit and relationship with God. It is so amazing to look back at who I was before I started my relationship with him. To see the changes, and the progress, and it is absolutely incredible how God works.
So here I am, telling you my testimony.
Growing up, I had always gone to church. I went to many different ones because my parents are divorced and they went to separate churches. At the age of nine, I was baptized, but I think I only did it because I thought it was the "right" thing to do. I didn't really understand what it meant. I had always understood the concepts of Christianity, it was just never a heart thing.
Then, going to high school, I was a very shy girl. My freshman year I went into a really bad depression/anger phase. I don't even remember how it started, I just know that I tried to make it look like everything was okay. I dated a guy that I wasn't really interested in. He was a junior. Luckily, I broke it off with him, but still continued in my depression. This continued into my sophomore year, when things started shaping up.
I started going to a church in Mansfield, and sure, I was still a little depressed. I felt isolated, alone. And then I started dating another guy who went to my school. This guy wasn't Christian, so at first things were a little shaky. I continued going to my church and things started getting better. I started bringing him to church, in hope of him coming to Christ with me. Eventually we started having devotions together, although it rarely happened.
My junior year, something finally sparked. I was at church retreat with my youth group. My boyfriend wasn't there, which made it easier to concentrate (which should have a been a sign to me). We were doing a series about going deeper in God's word and getting to know him on a deeper level. I don't know how it happened, but something just clicked. March 21, 2009. I cried, shared what was on my heart, and things started changing. However, I still struggled spiritually in my relationship with my boyfriend.
Our spiritual relationship was not solid and that made for problems. I was fighting it hard, but there were just some things that didn't line up. You see, I never had problems with drugs or drinking, but this relationship had problems of its own. I never slept with my boyfriend, but there were times when it came close, and I knew that things had to change. I was very, and at times still am very shameful of things that I allowed that were clearly crossing lines. So I continued to try and work through the problems, but it just didn't get anywhere.
My senior year, just after graduation, I broke it off with my boyfriend. I realized that he was a major distraction away from God and I had to change that. I cut myself off from him, knowing that if I didn't I might go back. It was hard and challenging, but it was then that I really started running to God. And looking back within these last two semesters at Ashland, I have never grown so quickly in my life.
I started going to a church in Ashland, and I continue going there now. I am very involved here, and have made a new family through my church and friends. I have learned so much within the passed few months that I will take with me the rest of my life.
And looking back, I shouldn't be shameful of anything in my past because I have been forgiven. Satan will try to use the past as at stronghold to keep you from looking forward. Through my mistakes, I have learned a lot. And without making them, I never would've learned what I did and currently am.
I have never shared my testimony like this before. And I just felt that it was something that I should do. God gives each of us unique testimonies of how he has worked in our lives, and I thank God that he entered my life. He changed my heart, is changing it, and will continue to. And in this whole story, I smile, knowing that it was Him the whole time, and in everything, He gets the glory in return.
So here I am, telling you my testimony.
Growing up, I had always gone to church. I went to many different ones because my parents are divorced and they went to separate churches. At the age of nine, I was baptized, but I think I only did it because I thought it was the "right" thing to do. I didn't really understand what it meant. I had always understood the concepts of Christianity, it was just never a heart thing.
Then, going to high school, I was a very shy girl. My freshman year I went into a really bad depression/anger phase. I don't even remember how it started, I just know that I tried to make it look like everything was okay. I dated a guy that I wasn't really interested in. He was a junior. Luckily, I broke it off with him, but still continued in my depression. This continued into my sophomore year, when things started shaping up.
I started going to a church in Mansfield, and sure, I was still a little depressed. I felt isolated, alone. And then I started dating another guy who went to my school. This guy wasn't Christian, so at first things were a little shaky. I continued going to my church and things started getting better. I started bringing him to church, in hope of him coming to Christ with me. Eventually we started having devotions together, although it rarely happened.
My junior year, something finally sparked. I was at church retreat with my youth group. My boyfriend wasn't there, which made it easier to concentrate (which should have a been a sign to me). We were doing a series about going deeper in God's word and getting to know him on a deeper level. I don't know how it happened, but something just clicked. March 21, 2009. I cried, shared what was on my heart, and things started changing. However, I still struggled spiritually in my relationship with my boyfriend.
Our spiritual relationship was not solid and that made for problems. I was fighting it hard, but there were just some things that didn't line up. You see, I never had problems with drugs or drinking, but this relationship had problems of its own. I never slept with my boyfriend, but there were times when it came close, and I knew that things had to change. I was very, and at times still am very shameful of things that I allowed that were clearly crossing lines. So I continued to try and work through the problems, but it just didn't get anywhere.
My senior year, just after graduation, I broke it off with my boyfriend. I realized that he was a major distraction away from God and I had to change that. I cut myself off from him, knowing that if I didn't I might go back. It was hard and challenging, but it was then that I really started running to God. And looking back within these last two semesters at Ashland, I have never grown so quickly in my life.
I started going to a church in Ashland, and I continue going there now. I am very involved here, and have made a new family through my church and friends. I have learned so much within the passed few months that I will take with me the rest of my life.
And looking back, I shouldn't be shameful of anything in my past because I have been forgiven. Satan will try to use the past as at stronghold to keep you from looking forward. Through my mistakes, I have learned a lot. And without making them, I never would've learned what I did and currently am.
I have never shared my testimony like this before. And I just felt that it was something that I should do. God gives each of us unique testimonies of how he has worked in our lives, and I thank God that he entered my life. He changed my heart, is changing it, and will continue to. And in this whole story, I smile, knowing that it was Him the whole time, and in everything, He gets the glory in return.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Crab
This passed week, I went to the Bahamas for a mission trip. And although I could share SO much about that whole week, there is one thing that really stuck with me from that trip.
Throughout the week, I struggled spritually. (And it was a good struggle). I had begun learning how to love people in a new way. At home, I feel like I have to perform to get approval sometimes. I feel like my performance reflects how I love the people. But in the Bahamas, I began learning how to love people just by spending time with them, getting to know them, and just learning about who they are. I didn't have to perform, even though we did go to do home repair. It wasn't about repairing homes. This trip was about getting to build relationships with people that will last longer than a week. We got to know these people and be with them, and they changed our lives just by being who they were to us. And hopefully, God's love for them shone through us as well.
Also, I began to really recognize the beauty of God. I did a lot of video taping that week because I like taking videos instead of pictures, although pictures are awesome too. And behind the camera, I got to watch people and see who they were. I also got to know them while I wasn't video taping, but I liked experiences who they were all together. And as I got to know my team and the people there, I began to see how God makes people so different from each other. We all look differently, talk differently, have different personalities, likes, dislikes, etc. The list goes on and on. And I personally get so much joy from seeing so much diversity. And in this diversity, we all work together because if we were all the same, how would that work?
If we were all God's arms and no feet, how could we function? So I was watching at how each person had their function and who they were, and I began questioning myself. I began comparing myself to everyone, and seeing their beauty, I felt I had none. I felt like I had nothing interesting, nothing worth while about myself. And I struggled with this almost the whole week.
Then, on our last day, we were walking along the beach and I found a (dead) baby crab. I almost walked right by it, and almost kept going. But something about this crab just caught my attention. And I began thinking, God, why didn't I just walk passed this insignificant crab? There's nothing special here. It's small, dead, and I don't see anything worth while about it. And then a thought popped into my head, and I began thinking about how this tiny, insignificant crab was made by God. The creator of the universe. And that had more meaning, more significance than anything I had ever thought of.
I was that crab. I am tiny, insignificant, but I have been made by God. Even if there is no other talent, beauty, or anything else about me, my beauty comes from our Creator and I think that speaks volumes. And he has made me alive in his Son, and he loves me. I often have the attitude that I will never get married because there isn't really anything unique about myself, but I've realized something:
If God made me, created me, adopted me, calls me his child, then that is better than any other thing I will ever be able to think of. And I am growing so much more than I ever have, and I love God more and more each day, and if that isn't something extraordinary, then I don't know what is.
I am special because I am one of God's creations and I love him with all my heart.
Throughout the week, I struggled spritually. (And it was a good struggle). I had begun learning how to love people in a new way. At home, I feel like I have to perform to get approval sometimes. I feel like my performance reflects how I love the people. But in the Bahamas, I began learning how to love people just by spending time with them, getting to know them, and just learning about who they are. I didn't have to perform, even though we did go to do home repair. It wasn't about repairing homes. This trip was about getting to build relationships with people that will last longer than a week. We got to know these people and be with them, and they changed our lives just by being who they were to us. And hopefully, God's love for them shone through us as well.
Also, I began to really recognize the beauty of God. I did a lot of video taping that week because I like taking videos instead of pictures, although pictures are awesome too. And behind the camera, I got to watch people and see who they were. I also got to know them while I wasn't video taping, but I liked experiences who they were all together. And as I got to know my team and the people there, I began to see how God makes people so different from each other. We all look differently, talk differently, have different personalities, likes, dislikes, etc. The list goes on and on. And I personally get so much joy from seeing so much diversity. And in this diversity, we all work together because if we were all the same, how would that work?
If we were all God's arms and no feet, how could we function? So I was watching at how each person had their function and who they were, and I began questioning myself. I began comparing myself to everyone, and seeing their beauty, I felt I had none. I felt like I had nothing interesting, nothing worth while about myself. And I struggled with this almost the whole week.
Then, on our last day, we were walking along the beach and I found a (dead) baby crab. I almost walked right by it, and almost kept going. But something about this crab just caught my attention. And I began thinking, God, why didn't I just walk passed this insignificant crab? There's nothing special here. It's small, dead, and I don't see anything worth while about it. And then a thought popped into my head, and I began thinking about how this tiny, insignificant crab was made by God. The creator of the universe. And that had more meaning, more significance than anything I had ever thought of.
I was that crab. I am tiny, insignificant, but I have been made by God. Even if there is no other talent, beauty, or anything else about me, my beauty comes from our Creator and I think that speaks volumes. And he has made me alive in his Son, and he loves me. I often have the attitude that I will never get married because there isn't really anything unique about myself, but I've realized something:
If God made me, created me, adopted me, calls me his child, then that is better than any other thing I will ever be able to think of. And I am growing so much more than I ever have, and I love God more and more each day, and if that isn't something extraordinary, then I don't know what is.
I am special because I am one of God's creations and I love him with all my heart.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Childlike Drive
Some say that being like a child is annoying or a bad thing because people need to mature, and I would agree, mostly. However, children has this admirable way in them. When they find something fascinating, they cling to it. They have this passion to know this thing, to get close to it, to invest in this remarkable thing. This desire that children have is simply incredible. This is what God wants from us. He wants a chase from us to Him. It truly breaks my heart when I realize that I myself am not chasing Him all the time. I chase after things that are meaningless. Things of this world. Success, happiness, whatever it may be. And really I should be chasing the one thing that matters. The one thing that isn't meaningless, but the source of meaning.
In A. W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God, he writes, "I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. he waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain...We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond."
I pray that I will be able to be a good example in my chase, my walk, my relationship with Christ. I want others to find something worth chasing. Or rather, not something to chase, but the only One worth chasing. Not money, success, husbands, friends, or anything of this world. But a relationship with our Creator and Father. A chase after anything other than Christ is entirely meaningless in life. What will it gain after death? "What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north...I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless -- like chasing the wind" Ecclesiastes (Ch. 1).
In A. W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God, he writes, "I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. he waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain...We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond."
I pray that I will be able to be a good example in my chase, my walk, my relationship with Christ. I want others to find something worth chasing. Or rather, not something to chase, but the only One worth chasing. Not money, success, husbands, friends, or anything of this world. But a relationship with our Creator and Father. A chase after anything other than Christ is entirely meaningless in life. What will it gain after death? "What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north...I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless -- like chasing the wind" Ecclesiastes (Ch. 1).
Friday, December 31, 2010
The New Year
Unlike most, I do not hope for a "happy" New Year, but a challenging one. I think Americans, generally speaking, are happy enough. I started a book yesterday, and it only opened my eyes that we, if I may speak for many, are very comfortable in our present lives. We don't have to think much about it. We are encouraged to be comfortable. I think it's time to get out of this filthy realm and ignite what God really has in mind.
I realize that just saying this is not going to do anything really. But I have been thinking about how we, Christians, are going to make a difference if we don't speak up. Wearing W.W.J.D bracelets or T-shirts isn't going to do much if our lives aren't matching what we stand for. After all, we are ambassadors of Christ. We must try to represent him as best as we can. We can't just sit here and expect people to question us if we don't get out there and give them something to question.
My New Year Resolution: I want to thirst so much for God until it hurts. I want to see what he has in store and be willing to do that and beyond what he asks without question. I want Christians to be distinguished and different from non-believers and even lukewarm Christians. I want people who have zeal and are completely RADICAL. Out of their minds for Christ. I want to be that. I want there to be a death in me, and a new reviving of Christ in my life. I want to shed that unnecessary skin and be clothed anew. I want Christians to fall in love more and more everyday with Christ. To know Him, and grow. I want to touch people all over and share with them. I want God's people to unite and start a revolution.
A Revolution. 2011.
I realize that just saying this is not going to do anything really. But I have been thinking about how we, Christians, are going to make a difference if we don't speak up. Wearing W.W.J.D bracelets or T-shirts isn't going to do much if our lives aren't matching what we stand for. After all, we are ambassadors of Christ. We must try to represent him as best as we can. We can't just sit here and expect people to question us if we don't get out there and give them something to question.
My New Year Resolution: I want to thirst so much for God until it hurts. I want to see what he has in store and be willing to do that and beyond what he asks without question. I want Christians to be distinguished and different from non-believers and even lukewarm Christians. I want people who have zeal and are completely RADICAL. Out of their minds for Christ. I want to be that. I want there to be a death in me, and a new reviving of Christ in my life. I want to shed that unnecessary skin and be clothed anew. I want Christians to fall in love more and more everyday with Christ. To know Him, and grow. I want to touch people all over and share with them. I want God's people to unite and start a revolution.
A Revolution. 2011.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Relax, Take it Easy
It is really easy to get caught up in the stress and freak outs of final week. I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed because I have so much stuff to do before the semester is over, but then I remembered that everything I am doing is for God. Everything. I also started thinking that he has everything in control. I don't have to worry about anything. Everything will happen how he planned it. Plus, what does worry really do? Does it help? Does it make anything better? I think not.
So therefore, the best thing to do is relax, take time and breath, and meditate on the thought that God has everything in control. Leave all your worries and anxiety on him. He's got your back. He can help so much better than we can worry.
Just remember these words: Relax, take it easy. For there is nothing that we can do WITHOUT CHRIST! Everything you do for him is never wasted, but selfish ambition, or performing for human satisfaction will be wasted if you aren't doing it for Christ. We can do anything with him.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37: 4
So therefore, the best thing to do is relax, take time and breath, and meditate on the thought that God has everything in control. Leave all your worries and anxiety on him. He's got your back. He can help so much better than we can worry.
Just remember these words: Relax, take it easy. For there is nothing that we can do WITHOUT CHRIST! Everything you do for him is never wasted, but selfish ambition, or performing for human satisfaction will be wasted if you aren't doing it for Christ. We can do anything with him.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37: 4
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
We Are From the Lowliest of All Things- Dust
I was reading my daily devotions, and the topic was titled "Uncommonly Unique." I thought...hmm..this should be interesting..
So I go on reading and it discusses how we are no coincidence, accident, or anything, other than "fearfully and wonderfully made." This quote coming from Psalm 139, probably my favorite of them all. I think it is completely breath-taking that humans, coming from dust, are still fearfully and wonderfully made. We come from DUST! We could have been made from anything, but God chose dust.
I looked up the different translations for "fearfully and wonderfully made" and came across a few others including: "strangely and delicately formed," "amazingly and miraculously made," and "wonderfully complex." So my thought then is this: coming from dust, why weren't we made the lowliest of the creatures. I mean, we could've been made from anything higher really. But we come from dust, and he chose to make us his workmanship, his masterpiece. Does this not amaze you? He could've kept us the lowliest positions, but instead we were made to rule over all the creatures.
Do you know what dust is made from? It can range from dead skin cells, corpses of dust mites, concrete, and stone dust. We come from dead things, and were breathed into, and then given life! How incredible!
Do you want to know the irony in that? Every creature besides us, his masterpieces, choose to obey everything he says to do. We were the only ones given free will, and yet we choose to abuse it. His workmanship can't even obey what he has asked.
The creation rejecting the Creator.
We come from dust, and yet somehow God treasures us in a way that I cannot even fathom! And it breaks my heart, I mean it really tears me up inside, to think that we put a limit to ourselves. God made us for him. It is awesome that he would want to use someone like me! Someone coming from dead skin and dead dust mites...Wow.
He doesn't care what we think of ourselves because he knows every thought, action, motive, every detail about us and knows us completely. And still, he loves us and wants to use us for his will.
There really is no one like you, LORD.
So I go on reading and it discusses how we are no coincidence, accident, or anything, other than "fearfully and wonderfully made." This quote coming from Psalm 139, probably my favorite of them all. I think it is completely breath-taking that humans, coming from dust, are still fearfully and wonderfully made. We come from DUST! We could have been made from anything, but God chose dust.
I looked up the different translations for "fearfully and wonderfully made" and came across a few others including: "strangely and delicately formed," "amazingly and miraculously made," and "wonderfully complex." So my thought then is this: coming from dust, why weren't we made the lowliest of the creatures. I mean, we could've been made from anything higher really. But we come from dust, and he chose to make us his workmanship, his masterpiece. Does this not amaze you? He could've kept us the lowliest positions, but instead we were made to rule over all the creatures.
Do you know what dust is made from? It can range from dead skin cells, corpses of dust mites, concrete, and stone dust. We come from dead things, and were breathed into, and then given life! How incredible!
Do you want to know the irony in that? Every creature besides us, his masterpieces, choose to obey everything he says to do. We were the only ones given free will, and yet we choose to abuse it. His workmanship can't even obey what he has asked.
The creation rejecting the Creator.
We come from dust, and yet somehow God treasures us in a way that I cannot even fathom! And it breaks my heart, I mean it really tears me up inside, to think that we put a limit to ourselves. God made us for him. It is awesome that he would want to use someone like me! Someone coming from dead skin and dead dust mites...Wow.
He doesn't care what we think of ourselves because he knows every thought, action, motive, every detail about us and knows us completely. And still, he loves us and wants to use us for his will.
There really is no one like you, LORD.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
He is set apart [HOLY]
One of the most greatest things I can ever be thankful for is the gift of having a holy father who loves me and chooses to love me despite who I am.
Do you ever think about what if God wasn't special? What if he was like every other (false) god? What would make him worthwhile? Well..the good news is that he isn't like every other (false) god. He is alive, and has been forever.
Even better than him even existing is the fact that he knows us completely. Into the deepest corners of our hearts, he knows. Every thought, every motivation. And yet, he chooses us. He loves us, and chooses us to work for him. We are completely undeserving of this spectacular gift.
Why on earth would he ever choose me? I wouldn't choose me. And yet, he does. Even though I know how despicable I am, and how pathetic, he know, and STILL CHOOSES to use me.
It's entirely amazing.
Not only this, but he gives us sooooo many blessings that I lose count of, and take for granted --extremely. I just don't get it. I can't believe how awesome he is.
How incredible! Would you not agree?
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Do you ever think about what if God wasn't special? What if he was like every other (false) god? What would make him worthwhile? Well..the good news is that he isn't like every other (false) god. He is alive, and has been forever.
Even better than him even existing is the fact that he knows us completely. Into the deepest corners of our hearts, he knows. Every thought, every motivation. And yet, he chooses us. He loves us, and chooses us to work for him. We are completely undeserving of this spectacular gift.
Why on earth would he ever choose me? I wouldn't choose me. And yet, he does. Even though I know how despicable I am, and how pathetic, he know, and STILL CHOOSES to use me.
It's entirely amazing.
Not only this, but he gives us sooooo many blessings that I lose count of, and take for granted --extremely. I just don't get it. I can't believe how awesome he is.
How incredible! Would you not agree?
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
My Renovation
I don't blame God for wanting to spit me out. It disgusts me how lukewarm I am sometimes. I'm reading a book called Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. It's a great book. I mean, I care more about the creations of this world and choose to worship them instead of the Creator itself!! See the problem here? I often compare myself to others and only give part of my time with Him, when he wants it alllll. All the time! Why do I fear telling people about how amazing He is? I care more about actions and performing instead of what is going on internally.
Many people would use the term of heart surgery, but I heard someone recently call it suicide. We must every day be killing our old selves and being born into the new one. Searching ourselves, and doing what is pleasing to God. Crucify every unholy thought and just do a complete renovation of your heart and mind.
Easier said than done, huh? It's not easy, but I think that's the point. For me, it is my nature to want to control every single thing that happens. And when it doesn't go my way, I try to calculate why that is. God didn't want us to control everything. What would be the purpose of that? He wants us to need him. We do need him, more desperately than we know (or may possibly ever comprehend).
I don't even know if any of this is making sense, because I'm just rambling thoughts. I hope someone can relate. I just feel so completely undeserving. I want that relationship. And the good news is is that it's there for the taking! You can get it anytime! What a blessing.
I'm so thankful we have a relentless, and unconditionally loving God.
Many people would use the term of heart surgery, but I heard someone recently call it suicide. We must every day be killing our old selves and being born into the new one. Searching ourselves, and doing what is pleasing to God. Crucify every unholy thought and just do a complete renovation of your heart and mind.
Easier said than done, huh? It's not easy, but I think that's the point. For me, it is my nature to want to control every single thing that happens. And when it doesn't go my way, I try to calculate why that is. God didn't want us to control everything. What would be the purpose of that? He wants us to need him. We do need him, more desperately than we know (or may possibly ever comprehend).
I don't even know if any of this is making sense, because I'm just rambling thoughts. I hope someone can relate. I just feel so completely undeserving. I want that relationship. And the good news is is that it's there for the taking! You can get it anytime! What a blessing.
I'm so thankful we have a relentless, and unconditionally loving God.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Making A Reservation
I was thinking the other day about how I get frustrated when I feel I have to make a reservation to see my friends. Why should I say hey can we hang out next week? Or can I have a girl's night? And then it hit me, I wonder if God thinks the same thing. "Hey Miriah, can I spend some time with you today?" Why should I do this to a God that loves me so much? I mean this God literally spoke and the world was created. Why would I not want to spend time with him?! He sees the depths of who I am, loves me still, and I choose to "set aside" time for him? Why does he only get my left over time? "Oh, well 30 minutes is enough.." No. God deserves all of me, all the time. Yes, it is good to read your bible every day, but we should be constantly with him, talking to him.
Just think..
What if God gave each of us a plant that symbolized our spiritual growth. Would yours be growing? Dead? Not even planted yet? Everyday we should be falling more and more in love with him. This God loves harder than we can even imagine.
Proverbs 23 says, "O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in following my ways."
Do we really delight, enjoy, get excited, enthused about seeing, hearing, talking with, and being near God?
Just think..
What if God gave each of us a plant that symbolized our spiritual growth. Would yours be growing? Dead? Not even planted yet? Everyday we should be falling more and more in love with him. This God loves harder than we can even imagine.
Proverbs 23 says, "O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in following my ways."
Do we really delight, enjoy, get excited, enthused about seeing, hearing, talking with, and being near God?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)