Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. —John 15:13
Wow. This kind of love certainly is amazing, and when I allow myself to really "survey that wondrous cross," I am overcome with what my Lord has done for me- the amazing love that He has shown for all of us. Sometimes I wonder who or what I would really "take a bullet" for. I mean, I've never been put to that test (thankfully), so how do I really really know?
But perhaps that's not the only measure of a love comparable to this one. We often read it as 'death,' but couldn't it also refer to the 'laying down one's life' as 'dedicating one's life' to his friends. ODB this morning reads, "Someone once said that “the measure of love is what one is willing to give up for it." And Jesus certainly did that. He gave his life to working with and teaching and healing, living with and among and loving the people that he came to eventually give up His life for. Lord, I want to learn this... Your greatest love... I want to lay my life down for you... and for all my brothers and sisters. Speak to me, Father. I listen for Your guidance... especially now as I consider the following year.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, b]">Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
To us a child is born! (I can almost hear the beautiful "Messiah" sopranos.) While Jesus gave His life in service and gave His life on the cross, God the Father gave up His only son. The joy of a child is something I have been thinking a bit about lately as the first new generation of O'Donnells is soon to be born. My friend Lindsey is also soon to have a baby, and I am praying for health for each of them. But thinking about this, I can only think that- to give up that joy... and to give that baby up into known harm and danger is unbelievable.
I know that my dad, like most I suppose, is extremely protective and defensive of his girl. If someone does something to upset or hurt him, well that's not good. But, if someone upsets or hurts me, it's ten times worse. Like any loving father, he has put my well-being before his own. In fact, that is what God the Father is doing. If we remember that we are all His children in a matter of speaking, then it makes sense... He is putting the well-being of His children before himself and His only 'begotten' son. Although we are just adopted into His family, He cares enough about our lives and our well-being that He gives up His son Jesus.
Lord, thank You for this love that You give me... defending me and protecting me from myself, looking out for my well being.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17-19
This verse from Ephesians is so beautiful... and the part that I never really thought much about before is the section "may have power." The syntactic structure suggests that may have power is directly related to the fact that you are rooted and established in love. While I never thought much about the connectedness of those sentiments, I agree wholeheartedly. If we are rooted and established in love, then we have the power to understand Christ's love. It seems to me that this has powerful implications in evangelism. It suggests that without being rooted in love, you might not be able to "understand" this love, because it's not something that you can "understand" based on knowledge.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Power of "Us"
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. -Colossians 4:2-6
Yet another verse about the importance of prayer. We need to devote ourselves to prayer and pray for one another- especially for other Christians who are trying to further God's kingdom. Sometimes we are shy about asking prayer for ourselves, but it's important for at least a couple reasons. One- we open ourselves up to our brothers and sisters. Two- we recognize God's power to help us. So at once we are reaching out to each other and up to the Lord. It's as if we had two sets of arms at once. And the most important thing we can pray for is that God's will be done on earth... in whatever way we may accomplish it.
Right now I am praying especially for two groups of Christians... for my friends in the Bible Study (especially the first years... that they may continue to be strong in their faith, following God and making time for Him even on the busy days). Also, I pray for wisdom for the GCF leadership team... we are trying to reach out to so many, and we hope to make things meaningful for everyone. May God lead us in how to proceed.
18 Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. -Isaiah 8:18
The "us" that comes before God in prayer is not just a group of Christians but also the family unit. I'm so thankful that I grew up in a family where faith was a priority. Attending church and Sunday School and Thursday night Bible Study and service projects was something that we did... and something that we enjoyed. I never ever put up a fuss about going to church. I loved it. And by the time I was in middle school I had started a personal devotional time, which I saw from my father's example. When we come together before the Lord as a family, it is such a blessing to us... and so many others.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Yet another verse about the importance of prayer. We need to devote ourselves to prayer and pray for one another- especially for other Christians who are trying to further God's kingdom. Sometimes we are shy about asking prayer for ourselves, but it's important for at least a couple reasons. One- we open ourselves up to our brothers and sisters. Two- we recognize God's power to help us. So at once we are reaching out to each other and up to the Lord. It's as if we had two sets of arms at once. And the most important thing we can pray for is that God's will be done on earth... in whatever way we may accomplish it.
Right now I am praying especially for two groups of Christians... for my friends in the Bible Study (especially the first years... that they may continue to be strong in their faith, following God and making time for Him even on the busy days). Also, I pray for wisdom for the GCF leadership team... we are trying to reach out to so many, and we hope to make things meaningful for everyone. May God lead us in how to proceed.
18 Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. -Isaiah 8:18
The "us" that comes before God in prayer is not just a group of Christians but also the family unit. I'm so thankful that I grew up in a family where faith was a priority. Attending church and Sunday School and Thursday night Bible Study and service projects was something that we did... and something that we enjoyed. I never ever put up a fuss about going to church. I loved it. And by the time I was in middle school I had started a personal devotional time, which I saw from my father's example. When we come together before the Lord as a family, it is such a blessing to us... and so many others.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. -Ephesians 2:14-22
And we are all one and the same. One thing that's hard for me is all the division that exists between different churches. Sometimes it seems some people like to emphasize differences and others similarities. When what unites us is so important, I don't think that little differences (style of baptism, clothes, traditions, music, in this case... circumcision) should make a difference. We all have Jesus... the Prince of Peace... who came to unite "us" and give us all access to the Father by one Spirit.
I especially like the imagery of being "built together to become one dwelling." When a home is built, you need several different kinds of materials... wood, insulation, nails, etc... but it is all connected... different materials touching one another and working together for a common purpose. May we all learn to work together for God's purposes... a holy temple for His work.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wisdom-Granting Power
5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" -Isaiah 6:5-8
Right now, Lord, I pray that You transform me. Take over my life with Your holy power and show me where You will send me. "Here I am. Send me!"
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit" of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. -Ephesians 1:15-19
What a beautiful prayer... and this morning I pray it for all of the wonderful wonderful kids in my bible study. It's that difficult time in the semester when it feels like everything has been snowballing and going faster and faster and faster. While I know that they each have a beautiful faith and an amazing love for the Lord and for each other, I pray that they may have the gift of the Spirit... which may encourage them to continue to find time to come to Bible Study, to take a devotional time each morning, so that they may know Him better, that they may know that His power is great to help them succeed in everything... including their studies.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Life-Giving, Cleansing, Edifying Forgiveness
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature," God made you" alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."-Colossians 2:13-15
The word forgiveness makes me think of many beautiful things, but this morning's scripture readings shed new light on the topic. I think of forgiveness as beautiful and freeing but seldom do I see it as life-giving. But it's so true. It brings new life into us, life in abundance... we are alive in Christ.
Oh the Christian... it's so difficult to deal with this idea of forgiveness, because we feel so much pressure to be like Christ, to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect... and we should strive for such things. But we also need to understand that Christ is only Christ in our lives when we recognize our sin and the need for His forgiveness... the need for him to nail the code and regulations upon the cross. He freed us from death on that cross of our sins. And we can now live in Him. I'm alive in Christ, because I am dead to myself. On my own I would be a goner. But I live because Christ lives! I can almost hear the beautiful song, "He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus Lives Today!" We can also sing, "I Live! I Live! I Live Today... because of His death on the cross."
2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit" of judgment and a spirit " of fire. 5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. -Isaiah 4:2-6
We hide our sins, our struggles, our temptations, because people do judge others. They do. In some way, they judge whether you're worthy of their company. It seems quite ridiculous to me, because we all sin. Perhaps some sins are easier to see or talk about or acknowledge. What about the sin of being self-seeking or ambition? What about the sin of wealth? What about the sin of pride? What about the sin of self-reliance and self-sufficiency? "Huh?" you ask. Those aren't sins. Well, of course those aren't the ones that come to mind most readily, because these are all upheld as values in our society, to a certain extent. But taken to an extreme... these can also be sins.
That's why I've always found the Psalm so important... Lord, forgive me from my hidden faults. Yet, we must also be more and more forgiving with people, understanding that we have far more sins in our own lives than those that we acknowledge. That's why Romans 2 is so important, that we are not to judge others... we simple don't know enough to even be able to do that.
And we need to search and examine ourselves in order to humble ourselves before the Lord. Habakuk states that we must be silent before the Lord. Recognizing our own weakness and our own sins is an important way to do that... and then we can move from that confession to a joy and appreciation for the powerful forgiviness that He offers us. I've always loved the Third Day song, "Consuming Fire," because it shows the transforming power of Christ in our lives. This morning I tried to share the power I have felt of God to transform me. When I allow Him to be the greatest in my life, He transforms me. Sometimes it's a hard process- with fire and smoke that sometimes take a long time- but it results in peace, shelter and refuge. Lord, I praise You for seeing my sins, cleansing me of my sins, and working in me through Your Holy Spirit in order to transform me with Your amazing power. You are Holy and Beautiful to me, Lord God.
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load. -Galatians 6:1-3
Sometimes it is so important for me to recognize again and again that my Lord has cleansed me and forgiven me the blood of my sins, because the world is not so forgiving. (Of course, they won't admit that.) But people are very hesitant to listen to your struggles and it makes them very uncomfortable if you mention something along those lines. Our mantra is supposed to be, "I'm ok. Everything's fine." If you cross that thin line, they can no longer imagine that you're perfect person and go along with their business.
Sharing struggles and temptations and difficulties and sins not only humble us, but they hold us accountable for our brothers and sisters. When you know that someone is caught in sin, you must "restore him gently." We are commanded to "carry each other's burdens," a very serious command seeing that this is seen as synonymous with fulfilling the law of Christ. We are being disobedient to Christ if we do not look out for our brother and sister... forgiving them their sins, but also (and much more difficult)... restoring their souls.
The word forgiveness makes me think of many beautiful things, but this morning's scripture readings shed new light on the topic. I think of forgiveness as beautiful and freeing but seldom do I see it as life-giving. But it's so true. It brings new life into us, life in abundance... we are alive in Christ.
Oh the Christian... it's so difficult to deal with this idea of forgiveness, because we feel so much pressure to be like Christ, to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect... and we should strive for such things. But we also need to understand that Christ is only Christ in our lives when we recognize our sin and the need for His forgiveness... the need for him to nail the code and regulations upon the cross. He freed us from death on that cross of our sins. And we can now live in Him. I'm alive in Christ, because I am dead to myself. On my own I would be a goner. But I live because Christ lives! I can almost hear the beautiful song, "He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus Lives Today!" We can also sing, "I Live! I Live! I Live Today... because of His death on the cross."
2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit" of judgment and a spirit " of fire. 5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. -Isaiah 4:2-6
We hide our sins, our struggles, our temptations, because people do judge others. They do. In some way, they judge whether you're worthy of their company. It seems quite ridiculous to me, because we all sin. Perhaps some sins are easier to see or talk about or acknowledge. What about the sin of being self-seeking or ambition? What about the sin of wealth? What about the sin of pride? What about the sin of self-reliance and self-sufficiency? "Huh?" you ask. Those aren't sins. Well, of course those aren't the ones that come to mind most readily, because these are all upheld as values in our society, to a certain extent. But taken to an extreme... these can also be sins.
That's why I've always found the Psalm so important... Lord, forgive me from my hidden faults. Yet, we must also be more and more forgiving with people, understanding that we have far more sins in our own lives than those that we acknowledge. That's why Romans 2 is so important, that we are not to judge others... we simple don't know enough to even be able to do that.
And we need to search and examine ourselves in order to humble ourselves before the Lord. Habakuk states that we must be silent before the Lord. Recognizing our own weakness and our own sins is an important way to do that... and then we can move from that confession to a joy and appreciation for the powerful forgiviness that He offers us. I've always loved the Third Day song, "Consuming Fire," because it shows the transforming power of Christ in our lives. This morning I tried to share the power I have felt of God to transform me. When I allow Him to be the greatest in my life, He transforms me. Sometimes it's a hard process- with fire and smoke that sometimes take a long time- but it results in peace, shelter and refuge. Lord, I praise You for seeing my sins, cleansing me of my sins, and working in me through Your Holy Spirit in order to transform me with Your amazing power. You are Holy and Beautiful to me, Lord God.
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load. -Galatians 6:1-3
Sometimes it is so important for me to recognize again and again that my Lord has cleansed me and forgiven me the blood of my sins, because the world is not so forgiving. (Of course, they won't admit that.) But people are very hesitant to listen to your struggles and it makes them very uncomfortable if you mention something along those lines. Our mantra is supposed to be, "I'm ok. Everything's fine." If you cross that thin line, they can no longer imagine that you're perfect person and go along with their business.
Sharing struggles and temptations and difficulties and sins not only humble us, but they hold us accountable for our brothers and sisters. When you know that someone is caught in sin, you must "restore him gently." We are commanded to "carry each other's burdens," a very serious command seeing that this is seen as synonymous with fulfilling the law of Christ. We are being disobedient to Christ if we do not look out for our brother and sister... forgiving them their sins, but also (and much more difficult)... restoring their souls.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
No-Matter-What Love
Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.-1 Corinthians 13:7
1 Corinthians 13- who doesn't love this lovely verse about love? I suppose it's no surprise that I adore this verse. I used to check out whole books of poetry out of the library, thinking and writing and memorizing so many sweet verses, dreaming someday of the love that might come. Yet this is one of my favorites, and it reminds me of a favorite line from an oft quoted Shakespearean sonnet:
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds... (from "Let Me Not to the Marraige of True Minds")
This kind of love from 1 Corinthians 13 is a no-matter-what love... it puts up with everything, believes everything, hopes everything, endures everything... no-matter-what. I can't tell you how amazing it is to have found a love like this. Although I've always hoped and dreamed and written poems about this guy that I would someday meet, but now that I have this love... it's so indescribable. Imagine that... me... who lives in a world of words... speechless.
And to then take that to the love our Lord offers to us... how beautiful it is, and how incomprehensible to us. And this is challenging, because we are to love everyone in this "no-matter-what" way. If people treat you meanly, if they're in a bad mood, if they take your spot in line or take the job you'd been dreaming of or forget to wash the dishes for the seventh time. Perhaps this new love that I feel, that I'm experiencing will help me learn to love everyone more... help me to practice giving this amazing love that my love gives to me. Thank You, Father... for the love You have give to me through Your son and through meu amor. Lord, help me to love everyone (all Your children) no-matter-what.
"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." -Isaiah 1:18
And we all need this no-matter-what love. I'm quite looking forward to Romans Bible Study this week, because we are reminded that none of us are enough on our own. So humbling and oh so very true. We need our Father's forgiveness. We need our Father's love, because we do sin... and we do need His faithfulness. This love and this forgiveness are beautiful beyond measure.
While we often think of communion as a solemn occasion, I am reminded of a beautiful communion service at Boca Chica Haitian Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic this summer. The tune "Whiter than Snow" was so different than how it is in our churches here. With drums, guitars, tambourines and guidos (like the old-timey washboard sound), women and men sang their hearts out and danced their way up to receive the communion. Smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts, this communion was filled with appreciation, joy and a deep understanding of the beauty of celebrating our Father's forgiveness. Lord, the fact that You forgive me when I sin... sins which hurt myself or others or You... is beautiful. I rejoice this morning for a Lord who loves me and washes me... "blan pase koton."
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. -Galatians 5:13
Yet, to this secure and forever love, we must be careful not to take advantage of it. It's not a "get out of jail free" card. If we have really given our hearts and our lives over to Jesus, then we must show that we are not taking advantage of the freedom from our sins and transgressions, but moved by His love to live in accordance with His teachings. Let me go about this day, sharing about You in a most honoring way, Lord.
1 Corinthians 13- who doesn't love this lovely verse about love? I suppose it's no surprise that I adore this verse. I used to check out whole books of poetry out of the library, thinking and writing and memorizing so many sweet verses, dreaming someday of the love that might come. Yet this is one of my favorites, and it reminds me of a favorite line from an oft quoted Shakespearean sonnet:
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds... (from "Let Me Not to the Marraige of True Minds")
This kind of love from 1 Corinthians 13 is a no-matter-what love... it puts up with everything, believes everything, hopes everything, endures everything... no-matter-what. I can't tell you how amazing it is to have found a love like this. Although I've always hoped and dreamed and written poems about this guy that I would someday meet, but now that I have this love... it's so indescribable. Imagine that... me... who lives in a world of words... speechless.
And to then take that to the love our Lord offers to us... how beautiful it is, and how incomprehensible to us. And this is challenging, because we are to love everyone in this "no-matter-what" way. If people treat you meanly, if they're in a bad mood, if they take your spot in line or take the job you'd been dreaming of or forget to wash the dishes for the seventh time. Perhaps this new love that I feel, that I'm experiencing will help me learn to love everyone more... help me to practice giving this amazing love that my love gives to me. Thank You, Father... for the love You have give to me through Your son and through meu amor. Lord, help me to love everyone (all Your children) no-matter-what.
"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." -Isaiah 1:18
And we all need this no-matter-what love. I'm quite looking forward to Romans Bible Study this week, because we are reminded that none of us are enough on our own. So humbling and oh so very true. We need our Father's forgiveness. We need our Father's love, because we do sin... and we do need His faithfulness. This love and this forgiveness are beautiful beyond measure.
While we often think of communion as a solemn occasion, I am reminded of a beautiful communion service at Boca Chica Haitian Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic this summer. The tune "Whiter than Snow" was so different than how it is in our churches here. With drums, guitars, tambourines and guidos (like the old-timey washboard sound), women and men sang their hearts out and danced their way up to receive the communion. Smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts, this communion was filled with appreciation, joy and a deep understanding of the beauty of celebrating our Father's forgiveness. Lord, the fact that You forgive me when I sin... sins which hurt myself or others or You... is beautiful. I rejoice this morning for a Lord who loves me and washes me... "blan pase koton."
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. -Galatians 5:13
Yet, to this secure and forever love, we must be careful not to take advantage of it. It's not a "get out of jail free" card. If we have really given our hearts and our lives over to Jesus, then we must show that we are not taking advantage of the freedom from our sins and transgressions, but moved by His love to live in accordance with His teachings. Let me go about this day, sharing about You in a most honoring way, Lord.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Love for His Chidren, for His Bride
My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you. —Galatians 4:19
As is reflected in this verse by Paul, God loves His children. And he pains (labors) over us... hoping that we may soon reach spiritual maturity. He wants so much for us to grow in the Spirit. We are constantly growing and learning more and becoming more like Christ, who is being formed in us.
Last night Brad asked me about my birthday coming up, and I told him it was a blessing. The thing is that I wouldn't wish to be 18 again. I have learned so much and grown so much and changed so much since then. I have had so many experiences that have helped me to become a 27 year old. Similarly next year, I'll hopefully continue to grow into a more mature 28 year old. It's the same with our faith. I wouldn't want to be a spiritual infant again- watered-down stories and a faith without a personal devotional and prayer time, a desire to learn the scriptures so well. Lord, continue to form Yourself in me... that I may grow ever closer to You.
Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
And as Song of Solomon is often seen as a comparison of the Father's love for us... I am challenged to imagine a love like this coming from the Lord. It takes on new characteristics... thinking of how God's love could even be more powerful and beautiful than that of meu amor.
As is reflected in this verse by Paul, God loves His children. And he pains (labors) over us... hoping that we may soon reach spiritual maturity. He wants so much for us to grow in the Spirit. We are constantly growing and learning more and becoming more like Christ, who is being formed in us.
Last night Brad asked me about my birthday coming up, and I told him it was a blessing. The thing is that I wouldn't wish to be 18 again. I have learned so much and grown so much and changed so much since then. I have had so many experiences that have helped me to become a 27 year old. Similarly next year, I'll hopefully continue to grow into a more mature 28 year old. It's the same with our faith. I wouldn't want to be a spiritual infant again- watered-down stories and a faith without a personal devotional and prayer time, a desire to learn the scriptures so well. Lord, continue to form Yourself in me... that I may grow ever closer to You.
Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give
all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned. -Song of Solomon 8:6-7
And as Song of Solomon is often seen as a comparison of the Father's love for us... I am challenged to imagine a love like this coming from the Lord. It takes on new characteristics... thinking of how God's love could even be more powerful and beautiful than that of meu amor.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Christian's New Clothes
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:28-33
Yesterday I reflected on these verses but didn't get a chance to write anything about them. This verse really stood out to me yesterday as I thought not just about how God takes care of my needs but how He takes care of tomorrow. So many people focus so much on outward appearance, and while that is fine, we need to remember that it's not what is seen, it's what is unseen.
7 All beautiful you are, my darling;
there is no flaw in you.
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -Galatians 3:26-29
We have new clothes... clothed as Christians, we don't need to worry about these clothes wearing out or needing to be patched. They cover our transgressions and they show that we are His.
Yesterday I reflected on these verses but didn't get a chance to write anything about them. This verse really stood out to me yesterday as I thought not just about how God takes care of my needs but how He takes care of tomorrow. So many people focus so much on outward appearance, and while that is fine, we need to remember that it's not what is seen, it's what is unseen.
7 All beautiful you are, my darling;
there is no flaw in you.
8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,
come with me from Lebanon.
Descend from the crest of Amana,
from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon,
from the lions' dens
and the mountain haunts of the leopards.
9 You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have stolen my heart
with one glance of your eyes,
with one jewel of your necklace.
10 How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much more pleasing is your love than wine,
and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!
11 Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride;
milk and honey are under your tongue.
The fragrance of your garments is like that of Lebanon. -Song of Solomon 4:7-11
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -Galatians 3:26-29
We have new clothes... clothed as Christians, we don't need to worry about these clothes wearing out or needing to be patched. They cover our transgressions and they show that we are His.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Faith in God's Response, Love and Grace
Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. —John 14:13
While these verses are beautiful and comforting, I have to admit that sometimes they are also frustrating. There are so many people who I know who are or have been sick and hurting. They pray so much for healing, and yet it never happens. The only way I can understand this is that I do not know everything, as God knows everything. I know that God hears our prayers, but I also know that God knows how best to respond to each of our prayers. As a young girl I prayed and prayed for a boyfriend, but I was too young at the time and foolish... it would not have been good for me. So, God answered my prayer in time. Sometimes it just takes time. Lord, give me the faith to pray and ask You for what I need and the patience to wait for Your will to be done... all so that You may be glorified.
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
In a symphonic piece, this would be called, "Paul's Theme." We are not justified by the law or following the order of things, but we are justified through faith. The outward symbols mean nothing. In Bible Study on Monday, it was very cool to compare outward symbols to a wedding band. Mike pointed out that some people wear wedding rings even if they have been divorced or perhaps if it's not theirs, they just want to wear it. So the symbol no longer means anything. On the other side of things, sometimes musicians or writers don't wear their rings because of their work. So, although that love is very real and meaningful, the outward symbol isn't there.
Lord, I pray that I may learn more to know that Your grace comes by faith... deepen the faith that I have in you... faith that You will answer my prayers, faith in Your indescribable love, faith in the grace that You give to me... in spite of my insufficiency. Teach me and help me to be more of what You want me to be, Lord. I want You to use me to glorify You, Father.
While these verses are beautiful and comforting, I have to admit that sometimes they are also frustrating. There are so many people who I know who are or have been sick and hurting. They pray so much for healing, and yet it never happens. The only way I can understand this is that I do not know everything, as God knows everything. I know that God hears our prayers, but I also know that God knows how best to respond to each of our prayers. As a young girl I prayed and prayed for a boyfriend, but I was too young at the time and foolish... it would not have been good for me. So, God answered my prayer in time. Sometimes it just takes time. Lord, give me the faith to pray and ask You for what I need and the patience to wait for Your will to be done... all so that You may be glorified.
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
He has taken me to the banquet hall,
and his banner over me is love. -Song of Solomon 2:3-4
Song of Solomon is a very interesting book and one that most Christians try to ignore, exactly why I think it would make such an interesting study. Well, most interpretations liken it to an allegorical relationship between God and his people Israel (husband and wife). Here the 'wife' or beloved is proclaiming her love for the beauty of the apple tree... with sweet fruit and shade from the heat. The 'lover' is the provider. And not only that, he takes her to the banquet hall, invites her to this special dinner, introducing her to all who are there, announcing her in love (with the banner). The 'lover' values her with his love.
In a society where most men and women were married at a young age, this book could have had several important purposes. As it shows the beauty of a courtship relationship and the love that couples should show to one another, it shows how the Father's love for us is like this. It is a love that they would know firsthand, so they could relate to this. I have to admit that I couldn't relate to this book until more recently, to the beauty of this kind of love. And now to think of my love who cares for and values me and to think of my God as similar is a very very beautiful revelation to me. If this love that I now know is sooo beautiful and amazing, I must have faith that God's love is even more beautiful and amazing.
In a symphonic piece, this would be called, "Paul's Theme." We are not justified by the law or following the order of things, but we are justified through faith. The outward symbols mean nothing. In Bible Study on Monday, it was very cool to compare outward symbols to a wedding band. Mike pointed out that some people wear wedding rings even if they have been divorced or perhaps if it's not theirs, they just want to wear it. So the symbol no longer means anything. On the other side of things, sometimes musicians or writers don't wear their rings because of their work. So, although that love is very real and meaningful, the outward symbol isn't there.
Lord, I pray that I may learn more to know that Your grace comes by faith... deepen the faith that I have in you... faith that You will answer my prayers, faith in Your indescribable love, faith in the grace that You give to me... in spite of my insufficiency. Teach me and help me to be more of what You want me to be, Lord. I want You to use me to glorify You, Father.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Praise... So He May Be Praised
Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! —Revelation 5:13
Tuesday morning on my beautiful bike ride to the Community Food Bank Farmer's Market is the perfect time to praise Him. God is so amazing and so good. Last night reflecting on the Romans chapter, I couldn't help but recognize His goodness... in the face of our weakness and hypocrisy. As Christians, we have such responsibility to share about Him through the way that we live and what we do. Paul in essence says that our words aren't enough. Our actions aren't enough. But our heart must move us to live out our lives for Him and speak about the hope that we have in Christ. Lord, my only hope is in You, because You are perfect in the face of my imperfection. May Your name be praised, Lord. Forgive me... because I do not give You as much time as I should... forgive me when a ritual becomes just that... not motivated by the heart. Circumcise my heart... as Jess put it, so that I can get all the "shmuck out of my life" and be left only with you.
This beautiful praise song from Revelations reminds me of my dear, dear friend Kammy. I miss her so much. She taught me so well how to glorify the Lord with a shining countenance and a loving heart and a warm spirit.
Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
or the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
or the wheel broken at the well,
Lord, I pray that I might be like Paul... that somehow... whether through actions that You help me to complete or through the words that You give me to speak... that I may encourage others to praise Your holy name.
Tuesday morning on my beautiful bike ride to the Community Food Bank Farmer's Market is the perfect time to praise Him. God is so amazing and so good. Last night reflecting on the Romans chapter, I couldn't help but recognize His goodness... in the face of our weakness and hypocrisy. As Christians, we have such responsibility to share about Him through the way that we live and what we do. Paul in essence says that our words aren't enough. Our actions aren't enough. But our heart must move us to live out our lives for Him and speak about the hope that we have in Christ. Lord, my only hope is in You, because You are perfect in the face of my imperfection. May Your name be praised, Lord. Forgive me... because I do not give You as much time as I should... forgive me when a ritual becomes just that... not motivated by the heart. Circumcise my heart... as Jess put it, so that I can get all the "shmuck out of my life" and be left only with you.
This beautiful praise song from Revelations reminds me of my dear, dear friend Kammy. I miss her so much. She taught me so well how to glorify the Lord with a shining countenance and a loving heart and a warm spirit.
Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
or the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
or the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.-Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
This is one of the hardest lessons ever. I can't just praise God when it's convenient... when something is going well, when my home is filled with silver and gold. But when the silver is severed, when the gold is broken, when the pitcher is shattered, when the wheel is broken. This past Sunday, a truck tire which had been torn to shreds was on the highway. A car ran over it, and it flew right up into my face. Thanks be to God, it didn't crash through the window. It left some cracks on the windowshield, but both Brad and I were ok. I'm so thankful... it could've been so much worse. Actually, I'm thankful for two things... that we were ok and also that instead of getting upset, we could count our blessings and thank God that no one was hurt.
When I was in 2nd grade, I kept a journal in class. I remember reading back through it, and I read a very short journal entry: "This morning the apples spilled. It was a VERY bad day." The apples had spilled on the floor that morning, and my dad had gotten upset... and things just seemed to snowball from there. Lord, I need to learn to praise you... even when the apples spill.
Lord, I pray that I might be like Paul... that somehow... whether through actions that You help me to complete or through the words that You give me to speak... that I may encourage others to praise Your holy name.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Self-Examination
You . . . have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. —Matthew 23:23
The proof of spiritual maturity is not how “pure” you are but your awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to God’s grace. — Philip Yancey
In the ODB this morning, I appreciated reading this reflection by Yancey. It's easy to read the New Testament accounts about the Pharisees and point our fingers at the "whitewashed tombs," but it's harder to recognize that tendency in ourselves. I often think that many Christians need to alter their view of things (myself included).
This New Covenant that binds us together and gives us the hope of eternal salvation is not one of laws and rules. It is one of grace, because we are all impure, we all are found wanting if we test ourselves. The rules that we follow have all come out of God's love for us, wanting the best for us. So, instead of earning God's love and acceptance from following the rules, God accepts us and loves us and gives us guidance that comes out of His love for us. Otherwise, by following those laws, we feel that we can earn what we can never possibly earn. And the laws we put so much emphasis on are not the most important ones. Jesus' life showed us very well that the most important things are: justice and mercy and faith. Teach me to live by these laws, Lord... and thank You for the grace that none of us deserve.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? -2 Corinthians 13:5
This is something that Brethren (and especially I myself) do a lot. Look at your life and see how you are living it. Where are you following the Lord? Where do you need to improve? Where are you not living in faith? I have to admit that recently I have found myself lacking where it comes to faith. I have been anxious and worrying about the future, when I know the Bible says that I explicitly should not do this. And yesterday reminded me that there are so many people who have much much more reason to worry... and yet they live by tremendous faith. Lord, protect them and continue to watch over them, as You have been doing. Bless them. You know the faith they have in You.
So, I spend today (International Day of Prayer) praying for many concerns of my brothers and sisters who have so many worries that are greater than my own.
The proof of spiritual maturity is not how “pure” you are but your awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to God’s grace. — Philip Yancey
In the ODB this morning, I appreciated reading this reflection by Yancey. It's easy to read the New Testament accounts about the Pharisees and point our fingers at the "whitewashed tombs," but it's harder to recognize that tendency in ourselves. I often think that many Christians need to alter their view of things (myself included).
This New Covenant that binds us together and gives us the hope of eternal salvation is not one of laws and rules. It is one of grace, because we are all impure, we all are found wanting if we test ourselves. The rules that we follow have all come out of God's love for us, wanting the best for us. So, instead of earning God's love and acceptance from following the rules, God accepts us and loves us and gives us guidance that comes out of His love for us. Otherwise, by following those laws, we feel that we can earn what we can never possibly earn. And the laws we put so much emphasis on are not the most important ones. Jesus' life showed us very well that the most important things are: justice and mercy and faith. Teach me to live by these laws, Lord... and thank You for the grace that none of us deserve.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? -2 Corinthians 13:5
This is something that Brethren (and especially I myself) do a lot. Look at your life and see how you are living it. Where are you following the Lord? Where do you need to improve? Where are you not living in faith? I have to admit that recently I have found myself lacking where it comes to faith. I have been anxious and worrying about the future, when I know the Bible says that I explicitly should not do this. And yesterday reminded me that there are so many people who have much much more reason to worry... and yet they live by tremendous faith. Lord, protect them and continue to watch over them, as You have been doing. Bless them. You know the faith they have in You.
So, I spend today (International Day of Prayer) praying for many concerns of my brothers and sisters who have so many worries that are greater than my own.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Hallowed Aloe: Soothes the Soul
There was a man all alone;
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. -Ecclesiastes 5:2
This verse spoke to me this morning. I have been praying so much lately for everyone and everything, but this morning on my run I just had no words to say. I didn't know how to put anything anymore. So I just said, "I give it to You, Lord." It's true. We spend so much time praying for an answer and so little time listening for an answer. Lord, I open myself to You, soothed that peace may be the first step to the peace that You give to my soul.
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Several of my students chose to write their essays on Obama's acceptance speech. In this speech, he talks about how 8 years (of Bush) is enough. He states, "We must say, 'Enough.'" In quite a different way, this verse makes me think, "We must say, 'Enough.'" Christ's grace is enough. When everything seems to be spinning out of control, when worries abound, when sadness seems to close in on us, when people call us crazy, we must say, 'Enough.' I myself am not enough, but Christ is enough. Lord, I praise You for the grace that soothes my ever-troubled heart... the grace that covers all my sins and strengthens me in the difficult times, the power that makes me able to do Your will. I worship You Lord, provider of the amazing grace that is 'enough' for all of us.
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless—
a miserable business!
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!-Ecclesiastes 4:7-10
This verse today makes me think of the beautiful 'aloe' or soothing healing nature that others have in our lives. As you may know by now, I am quite stressed, not only with work and other random responsibilities that I impose upon myself, but with thinking about next year. It seems like every day now (and more often than not, several times a day), I am asked about what my plan is for next year. A planner myself, the majority of this pressure is probably self-generated. Be that as it may, it is still quite stressful. But, I have so many friends right beside me to soothe my anxious soul... Lise who changes the uncomfortable subject, V who sympathizes with the difficulty in decision making, my family who assures me that all my options are good ones and Brad who reminds me that I don't need to know today.
But he, unintentionally, makes it more difficult by being so wonderful. I know so well what this first verse speaks of... if I go away to a job, the job is more important. But then, "For whom am I toiling?" No, I know that I will stay here somehow, no matter what ends up happening. Still, it is awfully hard. It's hard to stay somewhere for someone, because then the secret's out... you're the one that loves more. And the one that loves more has more to lose. And it's scary, but that's why I'm so thankful for these friendships that soothe my soul.
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. -Ecclesiastes 5:2
This verse spoke to me this morning. I have been praying so much lately for everyone and everything, but this morning on my run I just had no words to say. I didn't know how to put anything anymore. So I just said, "I give it to You, Lord." It's true. We spend so much time praying for an answer and so little time listening for an answer. Lord, I open myself to You, soothed that peace may be the first step to the peace that You give to my soul.
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Several of my students chose to write their essays on Obama's acceptance speech. In this speech, he talks about how 8 years (of Bush) is enough. He states, "We must say, 'Enough.'" In quite a different way, this verse makes me think, "We must say, 'Enough.'" Christ's grace is enough. When everything seems to be spinning out of control, when worries abound, when sadness seems to close in on us, when people call us crazy, we must say, 'Enough.' I myself am not enough, but Christ is enough. Lord, I praise You for the grace that soothes my ever-troubled heart... the grace that covers all my sins and strengthens me in the difficult times, the power that makes me able to do Your will. I worship You Lord, provider of the amazing grace that is 'enough' for all of us.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
God Calls Us to Something New, Something Meaningful, Something Challenging
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” —Luke 5:10
I don't know about you, but as a fisherman, when I heard this I would've been afraid. Catching fish is all fine and dandy, but catching man? What was this man talking about? How could I not be afraid? That's a frightening thought! I mean, where would I even get the bait? The nets? And what do I do with them when caught? Certainly not grill them over a fire!
The problem is that we read these verses as we've read them for many many years, and we don't realize how it must've been in the moment when people weren't familiar with the 'Christian rhetoric.' Fishers of men... this was the coining of the phrase. It hadn't been used before. And Simon must've been astounded by this new something that God was asking us to do.
Just yesterday on my run I was thinking about The Irresistible Revolution, which is such a wonderful book. And I got to thinking about the way we do church when I passed a sanctuary with a sign out front that said, "Come join us." We expect the fish to come to us instead of going to the fish. It's like standing on the seashore and beckoning, "Here, fishy, fishy..." God dares us to be different... to go and catch men... and active verb denoting something that we are doing. Lord, doing this something different is sometimes scary, but help me to be faithful in actively carrying out your plan.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun. -Ecclesiastes 2:11
This morning I was talking to V on our beautiful morning run, and we talked about our futures. It is hard for both of us to envision where we could end up and what we would do. There are so many options which is a beautiful thing, but it's so hard to know which way to turn. And then sometimes I step back and consider that perhaps the most meaningful thing I could do would be to just go where I'm needed and do something good. I have loved the moments that I have been able to work to help people. And it may be idealistic of me, but I've always had such a strong desire to really make a difference in the world (even if just on an individual level). I want to in some way work for, as we say in Brethren circles, "the glory of God and my neighbor's good." Lord, I know You call us all into meaningful ministry... wherever we may be. I pray that You would show me where You want me... where You can use me best, Father.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. -2 Corinthians 11:23-30
Oh, Paul... there he goes 'boasting' about his sufferings again. Interesting because he boasting sometimes sounds a bit like complaining. Maybe I should try that one sometime. ("No, I'm not complaining. I'm just boasting about my weakness.") Well, honestly I don't blame the guy. He has an awful lot to "boast" about. No home, danger, persecuted, hungry, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked. But he still remains a servant of Christ. And I have to tell you that his openness has been a comfort for me.
Whether it's cultural or just natural, we tend to hide our sufferings and challenges... to gloss over it with a "It's going ok," or "Everything's fine." Paul on the other hand says... no it hasn't been fine. Listen to all the challenges I've faced. When I was in Brazil and feeling so alone and foreign and far from home at times... it helped to know that Paul was without a home. When I was in Boston earning $60/month and working to clean and cook for a housefull of people, it helped to know that Paul had been underappreciated. And there are other times, but it has always helped to know the truth that yes... there are challenges to face wherever God calls us. But, it is still a beautiful and meaningful task... and our life's work to follow His call and allow Him to work through our weakness and suffering.
I don't know about you, but as a fisherman, when I heard this I would've been afraid. Catching fish is all fine and dandy, but catching man? What was this man talking about? How could I not be afraid? That's a frightening thought! I mean, where would I even get the bait? The nets? And what do I do with them when caught? Certainly not grill them over a fire!
The problem is that we read these verses as we've read them for many many years, and we don't realize how it must've been in the moment when people weren't familiar with the 'Christian rhetoric.' Fishers of men... this was the coining of the phrase. It hadn't been used before. And Simon must've been astounded by this new something that God was asking us to do.
Just yesterday on my run I was thinking about The Irresistible Revolution, which is such a wonderful book. And I got to thinking about the way we do church when I passed a sanctuary with a sign out front that said, "Come join us." We expect the fish to come to us instead of going to the fish. It's like standing on the seashore and beckoning, "Here, fishy, fishy..." God dares us to be different... to go and catch men... and active verb denoting something that we are doing. Lord, doing this something different is sometimes scary, but help me to be faithful in actively carrying out your plan.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun. -Ecclesiastes 2:11
This morning I was talking to V on our beautiful morning run, and we talked about our futures. It is hard for both of us to envision where we could end up and what we would do. There are so many options which is a beautiful thing, but it's so hard to know which way to turn. And then sometimes I step back and consider that perhaps the most meaningful thing I could do would be to just go where I'm needed and do something good. I have loved the moments that I have been able to work to help people. And it may be idealistic of me, but I've always had such a strong desire to really make a difference in the world (even if just on an individual level). I want to in some way work for, as we say in Brethren circles, "the glory of God and my neighbor's good." Lord, I know You call us all into meaningful ministry... wherever we may be. I pray that You would show me where You want me... where You can use me best, Father.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. -2 Corinthians 11:23-30
Oh, Paul... there he goes 'boasting' about his sufferings again. Interesting because he boasting sometimes sounds a bit like complaining. Maybe I should try that one sometime. ("No, I'm not complaining. I'm just boasting about my weakness.") Well, honestly I don't blame the guy. He has an awful lot to "boast" about. No home, danger, persecuted, hungry, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked. But he still remains a servant of Christ. And I have to tell you that his openness has been a comfort for me.
Whether it's cultural or just natural, we tend to hide our sufferings and challenges... to gloss over it with a "It's going ok," or "Everything's fine." Paul on the other hand says... no it hasn't been fine. Listen to all the challenges I've faced. When I was in Brazil and feeling so alone and foreign and far from home at times... it helped to know that Paul was without a home. When I was in Boston earning $60/month and working to clean and cook for a housefull of people, it helped to know that Paul had been underappreciated. And there are other times, but it has always helped to know the truth that yes... there are challenges to face wherever God calls us. But, it is still a beautiful and meaningful task... and our life's work to follow His call and allow Him to work through our weakness and suffering.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Eternally Minded
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18
This verse quite beautifully describes the basis behind "Liberation Theology," the idea that no matter how bad we have it here on earth, it doesn't matter. Our end goal is heaven. While this can be a lovely message, it's hard to remember it this morning. I'm reminded of my dear friend Amy and her husband Mark, who lost his brother, age 26. How difficult to think about the blessing that he is in heaven, surrounded by God's glory when you are hurting so much.
It's even harder for me to be confronted with this again... because death at such a young age is so much more painful now that I can remember it. It reminds me of Amanda, and in fact it's such a hard time for me, thinking of this young man's death right before the benefit concert for the scholarship for the girls in Sudan set up in Amanda's honor. I know she'd love this concert and she'd love this project, but it's hard to think about how this happened. I remember too well that day, feeling completely stifled until my uncle asked me how I was, and then I started crying my eyes out. That whole week was dark and heavy. And now I think of another family passing through this terribly difficult time. So sudden, Lord, so painful, Father. Please be with the Cook family right now... send Your peace and comfort that You sent to my family. May they know that their suffering will pass... maybe not completely, but it will become different.
"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,and so dishonor the name of my God. -Proverbs 30:7-9
People who live for today and not for our eternal life in heaven, can't understand teachings in the Bible warning us about riches. The money itself is not what makes it hard to enter into the kingdom of God, but the self-reliance. And this verse points out that we shouldn't make ourselves completely poor, because then we might need to steal in order to survive. However, there is that balance. When we follow the world's instructions and get as much wealth and power and fame as we can, then we will be tempted to say, "Who is the Lord? I can do this on my own. Things are working just great for me, me, me, me, me." Marcos loved to call this 'belly button theology,' because you are looking at yourself... your own belly button. Instead we look out around us and up to our Father in heaven (who we can also see all around us). Father, help me to remember that whatever I do is for Your glory and being self-reliant is only a myth. I need You.
I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. -2 Corinthians 11:2-3
As Christians, we have already been presented to Christ, but I think there is truth to Paul's words here. We need to be careful that our minds aren't 'led astray.' I look at the situation in the world, and I can understand why some groups of Christians live so separately (Amish, old order Mennonites). It's extremely difficult to live in the world and not be affected by all of its leanings... prideful ambition, search for wealth, self-interest in general. But we are instructed that we need to 'seek first the kingdom of God.' No matter what else enters into our lives, no matter where we are, we need to remain sincere and pure in our devotion to you. Last night it was helpful to have Brad remind me that God can use me wherever I am as long as I open myself to be of use. After all, the end goal is heaven, and there I'll be able to serve my Father all day long.
This verse quite beautifully describes the basis behind "Liberation Theology," the idea that no matter how bad we have it here on earth, it doesn't matter. Our end goal is heaven. While this can be a lovely message, it's hard to remember it this morning. I'm reminded of my dear friend Amy and her husband Mark, who lost his brother, age 26. How difficult to think about the blessing that he is in heaven, surrounded by God's glory when you are hurting so much.
It's even harder for me to be confronted with this again... because death at such a young age is so much more painful now that I can remember it. It reminds me of Amanda, and in fact it's such a hard time for me, thinking of this young man's death right before the benefit concert for the scholarship for the girls in Sudan set up in Amanda's honor. I know she'd love this concert and she'd love this project, but it's hard to think about how this happened. I remember too well that day, feeling completely stifled until my uncle asked me how I was, and then I started crying my eyes out. That whole week was dark and heavy. And now I think of another family passing through this terribly difficult time. So sudden, Lord, so painful, Father. Please be with the Cook family right now... send Your peace and comfort that You sent to my family. May they know that their suffering will pass... maybe not completely, but it will become different.
"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,and so dishonor the name of my God. -Proverbs 30:7-9
People who live for today and not for our eternal life in heaven, can't understand teachings in the Bible warning us about riches. The money itself is not what makes it hard to enter into the kingdom of God, but the self-reliance. And this verse points out that we shouldn't make ourselves completely poor, because then we might need to steal in order to survive. However, there is that balance. When we follow the world's instructions and get as much wealth and power and fame as we can, then we will be tempted to say, "Who is the Lord? I can do this on my own. Things are working just great for me, me, me, me, me." Marcos loved to call this 'belly button theology,' because you are looking at yourself... your own belly button. Instead we look out around us and up to our Father in heaven (who we can also see all around us). Father, help me to remember that whatever I do is for Your glory and being self-reliant is only a myth. I need You.
I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. -2 Corinthians 11:2-3
As Christians, we have already been presented to Christ, but I think there is truth to Paul's words here. We need to be careful that our minds aren't 'led astray.' I look at the situation in the world, and I can understand why some groups of Christians live so separately (Amish, old order Mennonites). It's extremely difficult to live in the world and not be affected by all of its leanings... prideful ambition, search for wealth, self-interest in general. But we are instructed that we need to 'seek first the kingdom of God.' No matter what else enters into our lives, no matter where we are, we need to remain sincere and pure in our devotion to you. Last night it was helpful to have Brad remind me that God can use me wherever I am as long as I open myself to be of use. After all, the end goal is heaven, and there I'll be able to serve my Father all day long.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Oh the Thinks You Can Think... If Only You Try
Casting down arguments and . . . bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:5
This morning I read a passage in the ODB about the "Thinking Christian." I think that the grad students might be interested in this topic, citing 2 Corinthians 10. Of course, it focused on thinking with clarity and dispelling arguments, making clear decisions. Today I am concerned with 2 kinds of thoughts that I want to be captive to the Lord. I want to obey His will for who I am and His will for who I will become.
Just yesterday I reached what was a huge huge step for me. I was walking back from my workspace and suddenly it occurred to me that I was no longer fighting a constant battle against my body. This worry, this concern that I'd had for so so long... it just suddenly wasn't there. It's really an indescribable thing... to feel free from something that so took over my thoughts. I praise the Lord for helping me to reach this point... for sending people into my life to help me, like Brad,... and I will not back down. I will remain obedient to You, Father. I lay my thoughts will remain captivated only by You not by the standards of the world. What a blessing, what an unbelievable blessing that I admit I doubted would ever come back again. Your power is amazing Lord... thank You for helping me to put You back into Your place.
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. -Proverbs 27:19
The second way I want my thoughts to be obedient to God is closely "reflected" in my heart. Last night I had the time to talk to my dear new friend Jennifer. It is so nice to have a good Christian friend who can talk about the joys and the challenges of being in a relationship with a wonderful Christian man. We talked about the challenges of long distance along with other considerations. And we prayed that God would show me clearly where He wants me and that I may know unmistakeably where I may go, so that I am be obedient to Him this year. I trust You, Lord... thank You for Your guidance... and for the blessing that Brad is in my life. Whatever You ask of me, that I will do.
This morning I read a passage in the ODB about the "Thinking Christian." I think that the grad students might be interested in this topic, citing 2 Corinthians 10. Of course, it focused on thinking with clarity and dispelling arguments, making clear decisions. Today I am concerned with 2 kinds of thoughts that I want to be captive to the Lord. I want to obey His will for who I am and His will for who I will become.
Just yesterday I reached what was a huge huge step for me. I was walking back from my workspace and suddenly it occurred to me that I was no longer fighting a constant battle against my body. This worry, this concern that I'd had for so so long... it just suddenly wasn't there. It's really an indescribable thing... to feel free from something that so took over my thoughts. I praise the Lord for helping me to reach this point... for sending people into my life to help me, like Brad,... and I will not back down. I will remain obedient to You, Father. I lay my thoughts will remain captivated only by You not by the standards of the world. What a blessing, what an unbelievable blessing that I admit I doubted would ever come back again. Your power is amazing Lord... thank You for helping me to put You back into Your place.
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. -Proverbs 27:19
The second way I want my thoughts to be obedient to God is closely "reflected" in my heart. Last night I had the time to talk to my dear new friend Jennifer. It is so nice to have a good Christian friend who can talk about the joys and the challenges of being in a relationship with a wonderful Christian man. We talked about the challenges of long distance along with other considerations. And we prayed that God would show me clearly where He wants me and that I may know unmistakeably where I may go, so that I am be obedient to Him this year. I trust You, Lord... thank You for Your guidance... and for the blessing that Brad is in my life. Whatever You ask of me, that I will do.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Say It: With Grace, Accuracy and Action
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.-Ecclesiastes 10:12
We often hear this word "gracious," but I was thinking about it's meaning this morning and couldn't pin it down... so I turned to the dictionary where it is describes as "displaying warmth, kindness, courtesy, politeness, good taste, charm and producing good things." I was struck by the fact that all of these words are so warm... it is all so loving.
Like the other day, this verse seems to point out the difference between 'wise' and 'knowledgeable.' A knowledgable man speaks knowledgeable things... but a wise man speaks them well- speaks them with kindness... and this produces good things. If what we say isn't said with love, isn't said warmly, we are 'consuming our own lips'- it is only for ourselves that we are speaking. No one will listen to you until they know what you say is out of love for them. Lord, teach me to let every word I speak come from you... let every word I speak be gracious and produce good things for your kingdom.
A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters. -Proverbs 25:11-13
While I included the whole series of verses here, this morning I am particularly impressed by verse 13. The trustworthy messenger. In this day it is so hard to trust. More than a few people have told me that when they first met me, they were skeptical whether it was really me or whether it was just a 'show.' Sad... because we live in an age where it's hard to trust that people are good and kind and just wanting to live and love and serve the Lord. Similarly, it's hard to trust what people say, because so often people say one thing and then the opposite or they say one thing and do another.
But we need to live in such a way that we are trustworthy. It is so important, because we are messengers, with the ultimately important message of Christ and his love, grace and salvation. And we do want to refresh the soul of our Master. Lord, may I be ever faithful, obedient and worthy of your trust in me... so that others may know You through me.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! -2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Not only with our words, Paul says... but with our actions. With our gifts (whether they be time, talent, money) we can actually cause people to praise God! But interestingly, he mentions that it is not just the gift without the confession nor the confession without the gift... both together (the action and the word) 'speak' in a very powerful way about God's surpassing grace. Not only that... it causes even more 'speaking'-- causing people to share with them and everyone else! Lord, may my gifts, my talents and my time be all for your glory... to share about Your love. Thank You for Your indescribable gift, Father!!! I know that my gifts seem so so small in comparison, but may they all be for Your glory, may they all speak of You...
Right now I am praying to You, Father. I dedicate this day to listen to You, to learn Your heart and Your direction for my life. Lord, I want to be obedient to where You want me to go, what You want me to do... wherever and whatever that may be. Teach me faith and patience to trust that You will be faithful in guiding me to where You want me in Your time. Thank You for Your promise to guide me... and Your faithfulness in how You have always guided my life. The mercy and love that You show to Your humble servant is so amazing... why me, Father? Thank You for loving me. I am so small, and Your are so great, but You look on me. Holy are You, Father... Holy and good and loving. I give this day to You.
We often hear this word "gracious," but I was thinking about it's meaning this morning and couldn't pin it down... so I turned to the dictionary where it is describes as "displaying warmth, kindness, courtesy, politeness, good taste, charm and producing good things." I was struck by the fact that all of these words are so warm... it is all so loving.
Like the other day, this verse seems to point out the difference between 'wise' and 'knowledgeable.' A knowledgable man speaks knowledgeable things... but a wise man speaks them well- speaks them with kindness... and this produces good things. If what we say isn't said with love, isn't said warmly, we are 'consuming our own lips'- it is only for ourselves that we are speaking. No one will listen to you until they know what you say is out of love for them. Lord, teach me to let every word I speak come from you... let every word I speak be gracious and produce good things for your kingdom.
A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters. -Proverbs 25:11-13
While I included the whole series of verses here, this morning I am particularly impressed by verse 13. The trustworthy messenger. In this day it is so hard to trust. More than a few people have told me that when they first met me, they were skeptical whether it was really me or whether it was just a 'show.' Sad... because we live in an age where it's hard to trust that people are good and kind and just wanting to live and love and serve the Lord. Similarly, it's hard to trust what people say, because so often people say one thing and then the opposite or they say one thing and do another.
But we need to live in such a way that we are trustworthy. It is so important, because we are messengers, with the ultimately important message of Christ and his love, grace and salvation. And we do want to refresh the soul of our Master. Lord, may I be ever faithful, obedient and worthy of your trust in me... so that others may know You through me.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! -2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Not only with our words, Paul says... but with our actions. With our gifts (whether they be time, talent, money) we can actually cause people to praise God! But interestingly, he mentions that it is not just the gift without the confession nor the confession without the gift... both together (the action and the word) 'speak' in a very powerful way about God's surpassing grace. Not only that... it causes even more 'speaking'-- causing people to share with them and everyone else! Lord, may my gifts, my talents and my time be all for your glory... to share about Your love. Thank You for Your indescribable gift, Father!!! I know that my gifts seem so so small in comparison, but may they all be for Your glory, may they all speak of You...
Right now I am praying to You, Father. I dedicate this day to listen to You, to learn Your heart and Your direction for my life. Lord, I want to be obedient to where You want me to go, what You want me to do... wherever and whatever that may be. Teach me faith and patience to trust that You will be faithful in guiding me to where You want me in Your time. Thank You for Your promise to guide me... and Your faithfulness in how You have always guided my life. The mercy and love that You show to Your humble servant is so amazing... why me, Father? Thank You for loving me. I am so small, and Your are so great, but You look on me. Holy are You, Father... Holy and good and loving. I give this day to You.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Balancing the Soulbook- Profits and Losses Turned Upside Down
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. -Phillipians 3:7-9
This passage that is so familiar to me struck me as challenging today, because it is so transforming if we could only allow it to transform us. We would care more about gains for the kingdom, for our brother and sister than our own pocketbook or pride or hard-won credentials or stuff or awards. It would be more important to be doing the God's will. Last night Jennifer talked about 'limits,' something from Physics I guess. But I think it applies here. The percent error changes when God enters the comparison, and then the difference between the gain and loss is huge! We gain EVERYTHING with Christ... so that anything else pales in comparison. Wealth, power, fame... it's all a loss compared to the gain that we gain through faith in Christ.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all. -Proverbs 22: 2, 4
We have now entered the age of illusion that the US is a classless society. Of course, it is different than the way in which it manifests itself in other places of the world, but the class system in the US is certainly alive and kicking. You can see it in the neighborhoods, the school systems, the infrastructure in certain areas, the certain people that run in certain circles. How often do you hang out with someone from a different social class? (Not in some kind of service project or another.) The civil rights movement argued that 'separate is not equal,' and I have to admit that I worry about Christians... the fact that we separate ourselves so much from those unlike us may subconsciously force us to think that we are not equal... that we are different. But we have the most important thing in common... the Lord. Living a simple life in Brazil and other places during BVS, I learned that these people aren't to be pitied for the 'losses' in their checkbook, but appreciated for the 'profit' in their hearts... and we can all love each other as equal brothers and sisters, made by our Father.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
This passage that is so familiar to me struck me as challenging today, because it is so transforming if we could only allow it to transform us. We would care more about gains for the kingdom, for our brother and sister than our own pocketbook or pride or hard-won credentials or stuff or awards. It would be more important to be doing the God's will. Last night Jennifer talked about 'limits,' something from Physics I guess. But I think it applies here. The percent error changes when God enters the comparison, and then the difference between the gain and loss is huge! We gain EVERYTHING with Christ... so that anything else pales in comparison. Wealth, power, fame... it's all a loss compared to the gain that we gain through faith in Christ.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all. -Proverbs 22: 2, 4
We have now entered the age of illusion that the US is a classless society. Of course, it is different than the way in which it manifests itself in other places of the world, but the class system in the US is certainly alive and kicking. You can see it in the neighborhoods, the school systems, the infrastructure in certain areas, the certain people that run in certain circles. How often do you hang out with someone from a different social class? (Not in some kind of service project or another.) The civil rights movement argued that 'separate is not equal,' and I have to admit that I worry about Christians... the fact that we separate ourselves so much from those unlike us may subconsciously force us to think that we are not equal... that we are different. But we have the most important thing in common... the Lord. Living a simple life in Brazil and other places during BVS, I learned that these people aren't to be pitied for the 'losses' in their checkbook, but appreciated for the 'profit' in their hearts... and we can all love each other as equal brothers and sisters, made by our Father.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."b]">[b] -2 Corinthians 8:9-15
Monday, September 14, 2009
Obedience: To His Commands, To His Plans, To His Will
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9
I have always loved this verse. The images are for some reason so very vibrant to me. I can see them tied like ribbons or wreaths on my doorframes and like scarves and beautiful bracelets on my wrists and forehead. And it is more beautiful than the finest jewelry! And these commands that I choose to obey (all of these bracelets and ribbons) link to one single clasp. The love of our one and only Lord. I think it is no accident that what precedes this exclamation about close adherence to the commands is a declaration of love for our one Lord. Love is what holds us together and keeps us obedient to His ways. Thank You, Father for Your beautiful love that has created these beautiful commandments that decorate my soul and my heart and my whole life with all good things.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. -Proverbs 19:21
Right now, I am whispering this verse to myself over and over again. I know God comes to me in my devotions and speaks to me through His powerful transforming word. My life right now is coming to another mysterious crossroad. While the world asks, "Where will you go?" and "What will you do?," I ask "Where do You want me to go?" and "What do You want me to do?" Father, there are so many ideas and so many possibilities, which is a beautiful thing... but help me to trust that Your purpose will prevail, and You will help me to know Your will in due time.
And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. -2 Corinthians 7:15-16
Just the other day I was talking to Brad and Reena about what it means to fear the Lord and the importance of this throughout the Old Testament. To be obedient, they needed to be fearful and trembling. Perhaps it was something about the time period, and they suggested how often we forget that this was written to people who knew no God. Well, I feel that sometimes I do need to remember to fear the Lord, not fear exactly but feel more respectful and reverent, always remembering and knowing His almighty power... obeying Him. Sometimes Lord, I really ask whether I am being obedient to You? Is this where You want me? What should I be doing? Show me Your path for my life, Lord... so that I may follow You always.
I have always loved this verse. The images are for some reason so very vibrant to me. I can see them tied like ribbons or wreaths on my doorframes and like scarves and beautiful bracelets on my wrists and forehead. And it is more beautiful than the finest jewelry! And these commands that I choose to obey (all of these bracelets and ribbons) link to one single clasp. The love of our one and only Lord. I think it is no accident that what precedes this exclamation about close adherence to the commands is a declaration of love for our one Lord. Love is what holds us together and keeps us obedient to His ways. Thank You, Father for Your beautiful love that has created these beautiful commandments that decorate my soul and my heart and my whole life with all good things.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. -Proverbs 19:21
Right now, I am whispering this verse to myself over and over again. I know God comes to me in my devotions and speaks to me through His powerful transforming word. My life right now is coming to another mysterious crossroad. While the world asks, "Where will you go?" and "What will you do?," I ask "Where do You want me to go?" and "What do You want me to do?" Father, there are so many ideas and so many possibilities, which is a beautiful thing... but help me to trust that Your purpose will prevail, and You will help me to know Your will in due time.
And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. -2 Corinthians 7:15-16
Just the other day I was talking to Brad and Reena about what it means to fear the Lord and the importance of this throughout the Old Testament. To be obedient, they needed to be fearful and trembling. Perhaps it was something about the time period, and they suggested how often we forget that this was written to people who knew no God. Well, I feel that sometimes I do need to remember to fear the Lord, not fear exactly but feel more respectful and reverent, always remembering and knowing His almighty power... obeying Him. Sometimes Lord, I really ask whether I am being obedient to You? Is this where You want me? What should I be doing? Show me Your path for my life, Lord... so that I may follow You always.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
When the Going Gets Tough...
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 3:3-5
If we rejoice when something good happens, that's what's to be expected. I can almost hear "even the pagans do that" in my head. But we extend ourselves and challenge ourselves when we remain in joy in the midst of challenges. And I think it's significant that we have this word: joy. Happiness is so fleeting. Happiness is caused by something, but to me joy runs much deeper... it is a way of being. Moments of suffering- great or small- seem to take over our hearts and our minds. When we lose a loved one, when we are experiencing great struggles, when we are disillusioned, when we are stressed and feeling doubtful, when we feel lost or afraid, it is always easy to say that we will come out of this stronger... but it is so hard to do.
What sometimes helps me is to think back upon a time of suffering that I thought I'd never come out of. What most easily comes to mind right now is my struggles with anorexia. The world looked so dark, and I for some irrational reason felt like the only thing that mattered every day was that I lose weight. If I lost a pound, it was a good day. If I didn't, it was an awful day filled with more and more exercise. And the worst of it all, while society would like me to believe the promise that I would feel fulfilled and beautiful and extremely happy, I was so deeply sad and unsatisfied. I remember a morning when I just didn't want to get out of bed, because I couldn't see anything good waiting for me. (I had gotten to a point where it was so hard to lose any weight, and I was fighting against my body so hard every day.) And when I think of how I've come out of that, I know it was God carrying me so many times- providing encouragement through friends and through his word. Slowly but surely (persevering), I would see God in invitations to a meal or a word from a friend or things that I read. And I now have hope that whatever comes my way, it'll be alright. My Father is watching over me and the Holy Spirit is here with me to help me out of such dark moments and keep me in His light.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. -Proverbs 16:3
Moments of decisions are very hard for me, because for some reason decisions have never just been about what Katie wants. I've felt God's hand guiding me in a very real way throughout my whole life. And that just makes it harder in some ways. I've loved those moments of being in His service, and so I want to listen and know His leading for my life. But right now I'm faced with many options and praying for the patience to know where God wants me next... and promising to commit my next step to God, wherever and whatever that is.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. -2 Corinthians 6:4-10
People really don't understand BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) and others like it. You can't know it until you've experienced it, really. People will say strange things like, "That's a good thing to do." Or "that's so nice of you." They don't understand that really the volunteer is the one that is so blessed by the whole experience. My years in BVS were not to be pitied or honored. It was a beautiful moment in my life where I received so much more than I could give. Being poor, my life was so enriched. Possessing nothing, I possessed everything.
Service is amazing. You have to be it to believe it. And I long to live my life continuing to serve, knowing that those are the moments I have felt closest to God and the most fulfilled. It was not easy, not at all. There were many challenges- moments I felt so faint and so far from home. But, all of it together was worth everything.
If we rejoice when something good happens, that's what's to be expected. I can almost hear "even the pagans do that" in my head. But we extend ourselves and challenge ourselves when we remain in joy in the midst of challenges. And I think it's significant that we have this word: joy. Happiness is so fleeting. Happiness is caused by something, but to me joy runs much deeper... it is a way of being. Moments of suffering- great or small- seem to take over our hearts and our minds. When we lose a loved one, when we are experiencing great struggles, when we are disillusioned, when we are stressed and feeling doubtful, when we feel lost or afraid, it is always easy to say that we will come out of this stronger... but it is so hard to do.
What sometimes helps me is to think back upon a time of suffering that I thought I'd never come out of. What most easily comes to mind right now is my struggles with anorexia. The world looked so dark, and I for some irrational reason felt like the only thing that mattered every day was that I lose weight. If I lost a pound, it was a good day. If I didn't, it was an awful day filled with more and more exercise. And the worst of it all, while society would like me to believe the promise that I would feel fulfilled and beautiful and extremely happy, I was so deeply sad and unsatisfied. I remember a morning when I just didn't want to get out of bed, because I couldn't see anything good waiting for me. (I had gotten to a point where it was so hard to lose any weight, and I was fighting against my body so hard every day.) And when I think of how I've come out of that, I know it was God carrying me so many times- providing encouragement through friends and through his word. Slowly but surely (persevering), I would see God in invitations to a meal or a word from a friend or things that I read. And I now have hope that whatever comes my way, it'll be alright. My Father is watching over me and the Holy Spirit is here with me to help me out of such dark moments and keep me in His light.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. -Proverbs 16:3
Moments of decisions are very hard for me, because for some reason decisions have never just been about what Katie wants. I've felt God's hand guiding me in a very real way throughout my whole life. And that just makes it harder in some ways. I've loved those moments of being in His service, and so I want to listen and know His leading for my life. But right now I'm faced with many options and praying for the patience to know where God wants me next... and promising to commit my next step to God, wherever and whatever that is.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. -2 Corinthians 6:4-10
People really don't understand BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) and others like it. You can't know it until you've experienced it, really. People will say strange things like, "That's a good thing to do." Or "that's so nice of you." They don't understand that really the volunteer is the one that is so blessed by the whole experience. My years in BVS were not to be pitied or honored. It was a beautiful moment in my life where I received so much more than I could give. Being poor, my life was so enriched. Possessing nothing, I possessed everything.
Service is amazing. You have to be it to believe it. And I long to live my life continuing to serve, knowing that those are the moments I have felt closest to God and the most fulfilled. It was not easy, not at all. There were many challenges- moments I felt so faint and so far from home. But, all of it together was worth everything.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Humility in Ourselves and Pride in HIm
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." -Matthew 20:24-28
This morning I had a beautiful run with a new friend, Veronika. She's from Hungary and just the sweetest girl ever. To me, she seems to perfectly demonstrate the verse on humility. While she was recruited to come to the U.S. to run, she jogged slowly with me this morning, assuring me that it was a fine pace. And while she studied at the prestigious Harvard, she didn't even mention it until I specifically asked. To every remarkable accomplishment, she meekly shook her head and humbly explained how it was 'no big deal.' When others would walk around with their head held high, talking about their various medals and starting long stories with, "When I was studying at Harvard..." she refuses to fall victim to this prideful tendency. Lord she is yours, because I can see Your humility in her beautiful humble spirit. May she feel Your spirit around her... comfort her and protect her and guide her as she searches for her way.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. -Proverbs 15:17
I have had many a beautiful simple meal of broth or boiled plantains or simply a bowl of rice in the many countries where I have traveled. And this week I have had several more lovely simple meals. Not in fancy 5 star restaurants but the simple coming together of these sisters of mine in Christ. On Thursday, the girls provided a space to talk about our weeks and even challenged me to think about what I want to "end up doing." And for some reason, it hit me in that moment that what I want more than anything is to be serving the Lord, working for the church in some way... whether that is my profession or something I do additionally, I don't know. But I've felt the most joy in my life when that has been what has happened. I must believe that God worked through this simply meal and the love of my sisters to speak to me.
And getting together with Ke on Friday was such a nice time to talk about our loves and our lives and where God has come into our lives and somehow changed our plans. I really hope that we may continue to have these simple meals together in order to consider You, Lord. Such a seemingly simple gift, Lord. But the gift of wonderful Christian friends who encourage me in my walk is a gift without measure.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. -2 Corinthians 5:11-12
While the Bible speaks against pride in most instances, here we have an example of when we should take pride. We should take pride in what is in the heart. But this does not mean we should take pride in our moral or emotional superiority. As Christians, what is in our hearts is the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus fills our hearts with the joy that comes from His forgiving and freeing grace. So we are proud of what Jesus has given to us... and we are eager to share with everyone that which is so special and unique and offered to everyone... which is so so much more important than what we can see on the outside. Lord, I am filled with pride in the amazing power that You have to transform every bit of our lives... may that motivate me to always speak of You.
This morning I had a beautiful run with a new friend, Veronika. She's from Hungary and just the sweetest girl ever. To me, she seems to perfectly demonstrate the verse on humility. While she was recruited to come to the U.S. to run, she jogged slowly with me this morning, assuring me that it was a fine pace. And while she studied at the prestigious Harvard, she didn't even mention it until I specifically asked. To every remarkable accomplishment, she meekly shook her head and humbly explained how it was 'no big deal.' When others would walk around with their head held high, talking about their various medals and starting long stories with, "When I was studying at Harvard..." she refuses to fall victim to this prideful tendency. Lord she is yours, because I can see Your humility in her beautiful humble spirit. May she feel Your spirit around her... comfort her and protect her and guide her as she searches for her way.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. -Proverbs 15:17
I have had many a beautiful simple meal of broth or boiled plantains or simply a bowl of rice in the many countries where I have traveled. And this week I have had several more lovely simple meals. Not in fancy 5 star restaurants but the simple coming together of these sisters of mine in Christ. On Thursday, the girls provided a space to talk about our weeks and even challenged me to think about what I want to "end up doing." And for some reason, it hit me in that moment that what I want more than anything is to be serving the Lord, working for the church in some way... whether that is my profession or something I do additionally, I don't know. But I've felt the most joy in my life when that has been what has happened. I must believe that God worked through this simply meal and the love of my sisters to speak to me.
And getting together with Ke on Friday was such a nice time to talk about our loves and our lives and where God has come into our lives and somehow changed our plans. I really hope that we may continue to have these simple meals together in order to consider You, Lord. Such a seemingly simple gift, Lord. But the gift of wonderful Christian friends who encourage me in my walk is a gift without measure.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. -2 Corinthians 5:11-12
While the Bible speaks against pride in most instances, here we have an example of when we should take pride. We should take pride in what is in the heart. But this does not mean we should take pride in our moral or emotional superiority. As Christians, what is in our hearts is the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus fills our hearts with the joy that comes from His forgiving and freeing grace. So we are proud of what Jesus has given to us... and we are eager to share with everyone that which is so special and unique and offered to everyone... which is so so much more important than what we can see on the outside. Lord, I am filled with pride in the amazing power that You have to transform every bit of our lives... may that motivate me to always speak of You.
Friday, September 11, 2009
And Nothing But the Truth
Those who deal truthfully are [God’s] delight. —Proverbs 12:22
Although all 'good' Brethren know that we will not "swear" to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, we will "affirm" to tell the truth if called to testify in court. But even if we're not in court, isn't this something that we should do every day? Should we tell ourselves every day that we will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Last night in my Anthropological Linguistics class, I am ashamed to say that I did not tell the Truth. While the class rallied against religion and Christianity specifically, I bit my tongue and didn't raise up the point of view that it is quite possible to be Christian and also appreciate indigenous languages and cultures. But it is hard. We are afraid... even in relationships, friendships, our daily lives. We're afraid of what others will think. I feel it gets harder the older we get, the more that we feel we have to lose by being 100% who we are... when in reality not being that is more of a threat than anything! Lord, give me the courage to always tell the truth and always tell the Truth... so that I may be Your delight. I so long for that, Lord... that is my only life goal... to be Your delight and to live to glorify You.
The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight -Proverbs 11:1
Yet truth doesn't just lie in what we say but also in what we do. The old saying goes that the Brethren was the one of whom "you didn't have to weigh his grain." Way back in the day in Pennsylvania when the farmers went to the store, they didn't have to weigh what the Duncar took. He was good to his word.
I pray that I may live in such a way that my word may be enough. Though nowadays we don't weigh grain, perhaps it is in your reliability to keep a promise, your constant prayer time, that be-where-you-say-you-will-ness. My old boss Mr. Scheuermann would always say, "You need to give people a fair shake."
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. -2 Corinthians 4:1-2
And in Christ, we are a new creation. We renounce ways that might be harmful and turn to His ways. In Brazil, the church's motto is: Uma igreja diferente fazendo diferenca. (A different church making a difference.) And they are! How I miss them! We are challenged as Christians to live life in a boldly different way. Perhaps that means being a pacifist in a war-hungry country or living simply in a world gone mad with materialism, being loving when it is the hardest most inconvenient thing to do, or taking the hard road in a relationship when others could never understand that decision at all.
It's transparency. And transparency is scary, because it involves vulnerability. I think of the movie "Fools Rush In." Isa's mother tells her, "You'll never experience love unless you give yourself up to it." I think the same is true for Truth. You'll never experience Truth (of the Father), unless you give yourself up to truth.
Although all 'good' Brethren know that we will not "swear" to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, we will "affirm" to tell the truth if called to testify in court. But even if we're not in court, isn't this something that we should do every day? Should we tell ourselves every day that we will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Last night in my Anthropological Linguistics class, I am ashamed to say that I did not tell the Truth. While the class rallied against religion and Christianity specifically, I bit my tongue and didn't raise up the point of view that it is quite possible to be Christian and also appreciate indigenous languages and cultures. But it is hard. We are afraid... even in relationships, friendships, our daily lives. We're afraid of what others will think. I feel it gets harder the older we get, the more that we feel we have to lose by being 100% who we are... when in reality not being that is more of a threat than anything! Lord, give me the courage to always tell the truth and always tell the Truth... so that I may be Your delight. I so long for that, Lord... that is my only life goal... to be Your delight and to live to glorify You.
The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight -Proverbs 11:1
Yet truth doesn't just lie in what we say but also in what we do. The old saying goes that the Brethren was the one of whom "you didn't have to weigh his grain." Way back in the day in Pennsylvania when the farmers went to the store, they didn't have to weigh what the Duncar took. He was good to his word.
I pray that I may live in such a way that my word may be enough. Though nowadays we don't weigh grain, perhaps it is in your reliability to keep a promise, your constant prayer time, that be-where-you-say-you-will-ness. My old boss Mr. Scheuermann would always say, "You need to give people a fair shake."
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. -2 Corinthians 4:1-2
And in Christ, we are a new creation. We renounce ways that might be harmful and turn to His ways. In Brazil, the church's motto is: Uma igreja diferente fazendo diferenca. (A different church making a difference.) And they are! How I miss them! We are challenged as Christians to live life in a boldly different way. Perhaps that means being a pacifist in a war-hungry country or living simply in a world gone mad with materialism, being loving when it is the hardest most inconvenient thing to do, or taking the hard road in a relationship when others could never understand that decision at all.
It's transparency. And transparency is scary, because it involves vulnerability. I think of the movie "Fools Rush In." Isa's mother tells her, "You'll never experience love unless you give yourself up to it." I think the same is true for Truth. You'll never experience Truth (of the Father), unless you give yourself up to truth.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Healthy Hearts- Filled with the Word, Wisdom, and the Spirit
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11
I'm reminded of the time my friends and I went camping. As luck would have it, it was pouring outside, so we couldn't be outside under the stars in our tents (although I will get to do that someday). So, what did we do? We pitched our tents in the attic of our friend Kelly's cabin out near Raystown Lake. Jason had figured out how the material went and where it should be, but it wasn't working out. For some reason my brilliant physics major friend was missing an essential ingredient. Finally, I found the missing piece of the frame that had been left by the wayside, and our tent was stable and steady and ready to 'protect us from the elements of mothballs' or at least provide a perfect backdrop for our shadow puppets.
But our hearts are like that. In order to keep ourselves 'healthy' or pure or holy spiritually, we need every part of the frame in place. We need every part of His word in our hearts. Not just a part of what God has said, not just a certain passage or teaching from the scripture, we need all of it. Without His word filling our hearts, we run the risk of falling down all together.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
bestowing wealth on those who love me
and making their treasuries full. - Proverbs 8:17-21
Yesterday I reflected on the lack of necessity for riches, so it may seem odd that today I'm reading about how Wisdom will grant us riches and honor. But, you may notice that the next line states that the fruits of wisdom are better than gold and surpass silver. So again, the richness that is being talked about is different than the monetary riches we think of. It's also interesting to consider what it means to seek Wisdom. We are told that we will find Wisdom if we seek it. I makes me wonder how many people may claim to seek Wisdom but hide from it, knowing that they don't really want to change and follow the ways of righteousness... that would challenge their ways. It is also seen as something that is bestowed upon us, not something that we gain.
Here at the university, we all appreciate knowledge and learning... but those are very different from wisdom. Knowledge is well and good, but Wisdom is being able to apply your knowledge and experience with great insight. I pray that God may bestow Wisdom upon me... that I may be able to use all the Word that I have hidden in my heart and live for Him always.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Praise the Lord! He speaks to me through these scriptures in the morning. When I feel so inadequate to be leading a Bible Study or too small to be leading a discussion for intimidating grad students on Friday, He tells me that He will be my confidence. As long as I am doing whatever I am doing for the Lord, my competence comes from Him, and He makes it all possible. I certainly can't claim anything for myself... because who am I to do these things? I am not trained or knowledgeable in all of this. Most of the time, I don't even feel like a real grad student.
But He makes us all ministers of the new covenant through the gift of the Spirit. I am no longer bound to the judgment and failure I face from the law (the letter), because only Jesus could perfectly uphold the law (although He chose not to on several accounts). Instead, I am saved by God's grace and my life comes from the Spirit which gives me confidences and keeps my tent standing... with the Word to keep me from sinning, Wisdom to help me apply it, and the Spirit to minister to all.
I'm reminded of the time my friends and I went camping. As luck would have it, it was pouring outside, so we couldn't be outside under the stars in our tents (although I will get to do that someday). So, what did we do? We pitched our tents in the attic of our friend Kelly's cabin out near Raystown Lake. Jason had figured out how the material went and where it should be, but it wasn't working out. For some reason my brilliant physics major friend was missing an essential ingredient. Finally, I found the missing piece of the frame that had been left by the wayside, and our tent was stable and steady and ready to 'protect us from the elements of mothballs' or at least provide a perfect backdrop for our shadow puppets.
But our hearts are like that. In order to keep ourselves 'healthy' or pure or holy spiritually, we need every part of the frame in place. We need every part of His word in our hearts. Not just a part of what God has said, not just a certain passage or teaching from the scripture, we need all of it. Without His word filling our hearts, we run the risk of falling down all together.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
bestowing wealth on those who love me
and making their treasuries full. - Proverbs 8:17-21
Yesterday I reflected on the lack of necessity for riches, so it may seem odd that today I'm reading about how Wisdom will grant us riches and honor. But, you may notice that the next line states that the fruits of wisdom are better than gold and surpass silver. So again, the richness that is being talked about is different than the monetary riches we think of. It's also interesting to consider what it means to seek Wisdom. We are told that we will find Wisdom if we seek it. I makes me wonder how many people may claim to seek Wisdom but hide from it, knowing that they don't really want to change and follow the ways of righteousness... that would challenge their ways. It is also seen as something that is bestowed upon us, not something that we gain.
Here at the university, we all appreciate knowledge and learning... but those are very different from wisdom. Knowledge is well and good, but Wisdom is being able to apply your knowledge and experience with great insight. I pray that God may bestow Wisdom upon me... that I may be able to use all the Word that I have hidden in my heart and live for Him always.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Praise the Lord! He speaks to me through these scriptures in the morning. When I feel so inadequate to be leading a Bible Study or too small to be leading a discussion for intimidating grad students on Friday, He tells me that He will be my confidence. As long as I am doing whatever I am doing for the Lord, my competence comes from Him, and He makes it all possible. I certainly can't claim anything for myself... because who am I to do these things? I am not trained or knowledgeable in all of this. Most of the time, I don't even feel like a real grad student.
But He makes us all ministers of the new covenant through the gift of the Spirit. I am no longer bound to the judgment and failure I face from the law (the letter), because only Jesus could perfectly uphold the law (although He chose not to on several accounts). Instead, I am saved by God's grace and my life comes from the Spirit which gives me confidences and keeps my tent standing... with the Word to keep me from sinning, Wisdom to help me apply it, and the Spirit to minister to all.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Road to Riches
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch
These teaches are no stranger to the Brethren. I'm always trying to acquire less stuff, although admittedly I don't do such a good job. It's hard to recognizing that even attempting to live simply as I do, I am living at a standard so much higher than so many in the world. I really appreciated the fact that Carol and Jason Longenecker-Schmidt have a Simple Living group through their church. It seems like such a great idea to me, because this is something that we are called to as Christians and also something that we are called to as Christian... a life that is not centered around the abundance of stuff. But, it's very very challenging in today's society. In fact, if we are to take all of Jesus' teachings about money (and there are many) very seriously, it is quite countercultural to say the least.
But it's not enough to give up the riches of this world. Bosch says it quite well in this poem. The point of giving up worldly riches and possessions is to be able to recognize that our lives aren't about monetary riches but rather the richness of God. Lord, I praise You for the richness that You offer to us so freely and how it fills my heart and soul with joy each morning. You are so great, Heavenly Father. To You be the praise for the riches that You offer to all the humble of heart.
This is a beautiful verse, likening our words about God to a beautiful fragrance and aroma. For some reason this reminds me of the flowering tree "dama da noite" in Brazil. Right in the middle of the dark, dirty and smelly favela after a long day of sweat and trash had gathered on the streets, the "dama da noite" gave off a beautifully sweet scent. I wished that I could take it with me, that I could bottle that scent that covered all the unpleasantness of daily life there. But I have another fragrant aroma... "the frangrance of the knowledge of him," and I know that it is sweeter than even the "dama da noite." And it is something I carry with me always, something that also covers up all the unpleasantness of daily life.
The second part of this, verses 16 and 17 touch my heart this morning. I have asked, "Who is equal to such a task?" many times. I feel so small to be given such responsibility, but I praise You, Father. This week's bible study brought so many wonderful ideas from many of the Christians who saw so much in Your word and shared with all of us. It brought friends who shared advice and teaching with me. It brought help with leading groups and unexpected sweet words of encouragement from friends who were there. And none of us are in this for the money, but for Your glory, Father... for the spreading of Your sweet word... fragrant to our surroundings and sweet honey to our lips.
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch
These teaches are no stranger to the Brethren. I'm always trying to acquire less stuff, although admittedly I don't do such a good job. It's hard to recognizing that even attempting to live simply as I do, I am living at a standard so much higher than so many in the world. I really appreciated the fact that Carol and Jason Longenecker-Schmidt have a Simple Living group through their church. It seems like such a great idea to me, because this is something that we are called to as Christians and also something that we are called to as Christian... a life that is not centered around the abundance of stuff. But, it's very very challenging in today's society. In fact, if we are to take all of Jesus' teachings about money (and there are many) very seriously, it is quite countercultural to say the least.
But it's not enough to give up the riches of this world. Bosch says it quite well in this poem. The point of giving up worldly riches and possessions is to be able to recognize that our lives aren't about monetary riches but rather the richness of God. Lord, I praise You for the richness that You offer to us so freely and how it fills my heart and soul with joy each morning. You are so great, Heavenly Father. To You be the praise for the riches that You offer to all the humble of heart.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. - Proverbs 6: 9-11
Now, while our life is not centered around wealth and possessions, Solomon gives some very sound advice here. Neither are we to become lazy and stop working. There are many hardworking people in the Bible to give us their example. While these verses are a bit extreme- "a little sleep, a little slumber"- it gets the point across. Hey, don't just sit there. Work for your living. Support your family. Earn your keep, so that you don't have the problem of poverty. Again this proves that the riches themselves are not the problem but rather the priorities. Are you chasing after money more than God? A beautifully decorated home more than Jesus? An attractive new wardrobe more than the Holy Spirit? There's the problem. As it says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, then all these things shall be added unto you." Keep working, but work for the glory of God... the building up of the kingdom.
This is a beautiful verse, likening our words about God to a beautiful fragrance and aroma. For some reason this reminds me of the flowering tree "dama da noite" in Brazil. Right in the middle of the dark, dirty and smelly favela after a long day of sweat and trash had gathered on the streets, the "dama da noite" gave off a beautifully sweet scent. I wished that I could take it with me, that I could bottle that scent that covered all the unpleasantness of daily life there. But I have another fragrant aroma... "the frangrance of the knowledge of him," and I know that it is sweeter than even the "dama da noite." And it is something I carry with me always, something that also covers up all the unpleasantness of daily life.
The second part of this, verses 16 and 17 touch my heart this morning. I have asked, "Who is equal to such a task?" many times. I feel so small to be given such responsibility, but I praise You, Father. This week's bible study brought so many wonderful ideas from many of the Christians who saw so much in Your word and shared with all of us. It brought friends who shared advice and teaching with me. It brought help with leading groups and unexpected sweet words of encouragement from friends who were there. And none of us are in this for the money, but for Your glory, Father... for the spreading of Your sweet word... fragrant to our surroundings and sweet honey to our lips.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
From God to Us to Others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. -2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Paul wrote this letter to a church who was facing great hardships because of their faith. While I don't feel I confront that often, sometimes the life of a devout Christian is hard. It means giving up more of your time, having different priorities, and for the scientific grad students- often being attacked because of their beliefs.
Reading this verse, I can't help but think of Brad, who was there for me and comforted me when I was so worried... in my time of hardship when I thought that I wouldn't be able to lead this bible study. I was wrongly doubted my Lord and Father who has made the earth. Yesterday on my hike I looked to the mountains and thought.... the mountains are so big, and God made them. If my Father can make these mountains, I know He can make me into a Bible study leader, and He will. But when I felt overcome, Brad was there to comfort me and read me scripture and pray with me. His ability to comfort came from the Lord, and now I only pray that I similarly may be able to comfort others... Lord, help me to comfort all those in need, with the comfort that You have shown to me in so many ways... through Your beauty, through Your word, through Your children.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you. -Proverbs 3:27-28
Paul wrote this letter to a church who was facing great hardships because of their faith. While I don't feel I confront that often, sometimes the life of a devout Christian is hard. It means giving up more of your time, having different priorities, and for the scientific grad students- often being attacked because of their beliefs.
Reading this verse, I can't help but think of Brad, who was there for me and comforted me when I was so worried... in my time of hardship when I thought that I wouldn't be able to lead this bible study. I was wrongly doubted my Lord and Father who has made the earth. Yesterday on my hike I looked to the mountains and thought.... the mountains are so big, and God made them. If my Father can make these mountains, I know He can make me into a Bible study leader, and He will. But when I felt overcome, Brad was there to comfort me and read me scripture and pray with me. His ability to comfort came from the Lord, and now I only pray that I similarly may be able to comfort others... Lord, help me to comfort all those in need, with the comfort that You have shown to me in so many ways... through Your beauty, through Your word, through Your children.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you. -Proverbs 3:27-28
This reminds me of the church in Irvington that I visited. When we visited the homes last Christmas time, the people were so happy to see us, and they welcomed us so warmly. And they always met us with a smile, pleasant conversation, at least a prayer or a Bible reading, and some delicious homemade Mexican food. Their spirit of generosity impressed upon me exactly what this verse talks of. And I can't help but see in their generosity, a fruit of the spirit that the Lord has given them. They are generous, because God generously has poured His spirit of love upon all of them. And it is so easy to see in each of their faces... in the warmth that they showed, even to me, a stranger entering their home. Lord, I pray that I may be able to do such good... whenever it is in my power to act.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Praise and practice
I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. —Psalm 61:8
Here again is the word 'always.' Not just when called to full-time ministry, but always. We always need to be serving our Father with whatever gifts He has graced us. While in grad school or afterwards. And it is so wonderful to serve Him. The other day my mom asked me if GCF was too much to me, and I quickly said no. It's so important to me... it's so wonderful for me. Does it take time? Yes. Does it take energy? Yes. But it fills be with joy to in some small way be able to serve my Lord and Savior. He is faithful. He gives me the love and energy and guidance that I need. And this work is not in vain.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens,
old men and children.- Psalm 148:7-12
This is an important issue for both Brad and I, as we have both felt called into some sort of ministry at some point. These first two verses seem to indicate that praise and practice go hand in hand. You can't be truly praising the Lord in an act of worship if what you are doing in your life is dishonoring to Him. The purpose of praise is to honor the Lord our God, so praising Him is directly incongruent with running from His will.
But it is comforting to know that as the first verse states, a part of completing God's will is in the everyday. Where I am right now, not in front of a congregation, I can still try to reach out to people and help people and be there when they need me. Also, the second verse talks about the winds and clouds that 'do His bidding.' They have no choice, and neither do we if we are called. Lord, I trust that You are powerful and faithful, and when You call me... I will do Your bidding, just like the seas and the winds that You also created.
Here again is the word 'always.' Not just when called to full-time ministry, but always. We always need to be serving our Father with whatever gifts He has graced us. While in grad school or afterwards. And it is so wonderful to serve Him. The other day my mom asked me if GCF was too much to me, and I quickly said no. It's so important to me... it's so wonderful for me. Does it take time? Yes. Does it take energy? Yes. But it fills be with joy to in some small way be able to serve my Lord and Savior. He is faithful. He gives me the love and energy and guidance that I need. And this work is not in vain.
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