Hi everyone... sorry I've been leaving you hanging a bit of late. I've been switching up my devotions some mornings. Sometimes I do more prayer. Sometimes I do devotions with Brad. Sometimes I just want to do them without a computer. While I still love writing it out, I also value being with God in different ways.
He will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. —2 Timothy 2:21
I just finished reading the Timothies recently, and I loved it... as I always do. But I love this verse that was in the ODB this morning. I actually looked up the word for 'vessel' on wordreference.com, and it had as its first definition, a tool for transporting water. That was actually the definition I liked the best. The others said something about a container, but as a transportation device I love it. We are not meant as vessels just to hold God's Holy Spirit, being holy and sanctified to ourselves. We need to be prepared for every good work... useful... 'transporting' His Spirit, His love, His holiness, His goodness to everyone. Make me a vessel today, Lord.
6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. -Titus 1:6-9
This verse reminds me of how I have been so blessed to have many elders (although we tend to call them deacons... or often 'pillars of the church') who have supported and encouraged me through the years. Perhaps that's why I've always felt so connected to the COB. Even as a young girl, people would encourage me... call on me for certain things... and show me the ways that I should walk. Women who would come and make a huge dinner for our Thursday night kids program; youth who would help out with Vacation Bible School all week long; adults who would volunteer at service programs on the weekends; sunday school teachers; choir directors; nut roll volunteers; the list goes on and on and on. And whatever they did... they did it with a smile. I saw in a very real way that what these people did... they were doing it with all their heart, their soul and their strength for the Lord... with love and joy. And their encouragement is a very real reason for who I am today.
But my 'elders' influences haven't stopped. Just last night I got together with the Graduate Christian Fellowship, and I'm so thankful for the encouragement that each one of them provide to me. These are some of the most intelligent people I've ever met... and sometimes I feel like I don't quite fit in for that reason... but they're also amazingly devoted to our Lord. Despite the challenges of running in an academic circle and proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior, they do it. Their support meant so much to me last year... and it still does now. Lord, thank You for placing them in my life... I don't know what I would've done last year without a group like this. Help me to be an encouragement to others in the same way.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
I Wanna Be Like Christ
A Disclaimer: So, I feel I should explain that I've decided to take a Sabbath break from the computer (not from my devotions... but from the computer). It's nice to have some time away from being in front of the computer all day and see the other things that need tending.
This saying was originally "I wanna be like Mike" referring to Michael Jordan, but I think Christ is much more appropriate for us.
Through the Spirit (predestined?)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ~Romans 8:26-29
I've always loved this verse. It's a beautiful reminder that the Spirit intercedes for us (who have been called to his purpose). I know that the idea of predestination confuses a lot of people, but to me it simply recognizes God's power and omniscience. He is the beginning and the end, very literally. He can be the one who was and is and is to come. As the one who is, He is with us right now in our decisions, but the one who is to come knows what decisions we have already made (as He looks back on us through time).
Anyway, the part of this scripture I'm looking at this morning is how we are to be conformed to the likeness of His son. Lord, we do wanna be like Christ... though it's impossible... teach us to come closer and closer... just a closer walk with thee.
This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD. ~Jeremiah 9:23-24
What a beautiful verse to read this morning. I love this verse that encourages me not to boast in wisdom or strength or riches but only in the Lord. The Lord has given me whatever intelligence or abilities or material goods that I might have. In His kindness and goodness, He has given me so much. I really do delight in the Lord this morning as I count my blessings: my family who is always there for me, my friends who encourage me and lift my spirits, being able to study, my love who means so much to me... so so much more.
And not just that, but this morning I love this verse, because it encourages me. I feel so weak, so small, so unworthy of a place in ministry. There are so many things that would seem to make me unfit, but I praise God for the amazing blessing that He would choose to use even me. And I thank Him for the way He promises to work through me... so that it will all be to His glory and I can boast in Him. Change me Lord, work in me... I praise You for all that You do... that You may be seen in my life.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:6-12
Not just our prayers and our characters, but our life choices should also reflect our Lord, Father of all. Right now I am praying so much that God would take me and lead me. But even in my prayers, I have faith that at some point, God will use me in ministry. And all of our choices, not just the larger ones should reflect God. So many people fight about money... I think that's why Jesus talked about it so much in His time here. Instead, we are told to 'fight the good fight.' In other words, stop fighting about trivial things and fight the fight of faith! Look at what is important, don't wander from faith.
Sometimes I worry that pursuing a PhD might be selfish, because it's another 3 years with little income... and afterwards I'll still have my debt from college... but looking back on my life I know that I have been so happy and been so close to God at the times when I have had the least. I trust that He will help me to provide for a family when that time comes, that He will be in my heart, and that is the most important thing.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Advice from 1 Timothy 4: All Good Things, Youth, the Gift
3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
This morning I'm especially thinking of this verse, because I feel like sometimes I personally as well as we as a society run to rules in order to make us feel safe. If we only do this, it will work. We do need to follow principles and guidelines, but thinking of something that is forbidden forgets the importance and centrality of the issue. For instance, if you are forbidden to drink... that's it. But if you choose not to drink, you can explain... it's because you think of families and situations where alcohol is a problem and think of it as a non-necessity, money which could be better spent for those who have no food... but explain that all things are good and not to be rejected. This verse, in fact, is a part of the reason that I'm not a strict vegetarian. If someone offers me something, I do receive it in thanksgiving, recognizing that they have given it as a blessing to me and to their own household... because the giver is blessed, as I am blessed for the gift.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I'm so thankful this morning for my dad... who just celebrated some odd number of years, which I'll call 50, because I honestly don't remember. Maybe it's 64? Well, 50 is a nice number. He'd always take the time to answer the questions I had as a child. Doing my devotions and journaling in middle school, Dad would come in to wish me good night or sing me a goodnight song... a time that was more challenging than for many dads I'm sure. I'd ask him questions about Paul's ideas on slaves and women... on the rules of the old testament and all the wars... on why Cain's offering wasn't accepted if he was in charge of fields, not livestock. But he encouraged me and didn't look down on me in my youth. I hope to start a 'quiet time' or devotional practice with my own kids (if I have them someday)... from a very early age and to always show them... as my father does, that we need to make time every day for the Lord.
13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Sometimes I wonder so much about this verse. I'm praying to You, Lord, for guidance. Show me where You would have me go. I want to use my gifts to Your glory... and knowing that my church has called out gifts of ministry in me is something serious to consider. Speak to me, Jesus, and help me to devote myself to You and discern Your will for my life... because that is what I desire.
This morning I'm especially thinking of this verse, because I feel like sometimes I personally as well as we as a society run to rules in order to make us feel safe. If we only do this, it will work. We do need to follow principles and guidelines, but thinking of something that is forbidden forgets the importance and centrality of the issue. For instance, if you are forbidden to drink... that's it. But if you choose not to drink, you can explain... it's because you think of families and situations where alcohol is a problem and think of it as a non-necessity, money which could be better spent for those who have no food... but explain that all things are good and not to be rejected. This verse, in fact, is a part of the reason that I'm not a strict vegetarian. If someone offers me something, I do receive it in thanksgiving, recognizing that they have given it as a blessing to me and to their own household... because the giver is blessed, as I am blessed for the gift.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I'm so thankful this morning for my dad... who just celebrated some odd number of years, which I'll call 50, because I honestly don't remember. Maybe it's 64? Well, 50 is a nice number. He'd always take the time to answer the questions I had as a child. Doing my devotions and journaling in middle school, Dad would come in to wish me good night or sing me a goodnight song... a time that was more challenging than for many dads I'm sure. I'd ask him questions about Paul's ideas on slaves and women... on the rules of the old testament and all the wars... on why Cain's offering wasn't accepted if he was in charge of fields, not livestock. But he encouraged me and didn't look down on me in my youth. I hope to start a 'quiet time' or devotional practice with my own kids (if I have them someday)... from a very early age and to always show them... as my father does, that we need to make time every day for the Lord.
13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Sometimes I wonder so much about this verse. I'm praying to You, Lord, for guidance. Show me where You would have me go. I want to use my gifts to Your glory... and knowing that my church has called out gifts of ministry in me is something serious to consider. Speak to me, Jesus, and help me to devote myself to You and discern Your will for my life... because that is what I desire.
Friday, October 23, 2009
I Will Make You...
Fishers of Men...
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
Able to Speak...
"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. -Matthew 4:18-22
Able to Speak...
"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth."-Jeremiah 1:6-9
This passage from Jeremiah has always been a favorite of mine since I was very young, because I've been called upon to speak by my church quite frequently: during worship service, during Sunday School, at Christmas Eve service, at various conferences. I'm always amazed and appreciative of my church that gave me opportunities to speak as such a young child... probably around 15 the first time. But it wasn't always easy to do... especially presenting at a conference in the DR at age 21, I felt like I was only a child... how could I do this? But God puts the words in our mouths.
Lord, I thank You for using me... what a beautiful blessing. And I ask that You continue to work through me... a shy quiet girl, nothing special about me- it's easy to see Your work in my life, because it could not be me... but You who makes me Yours.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
If You Look for the Good...
You Will Surely Find it.
In God's Way
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. —Psalm 119:37
When people tell me they have no time to pray or to read the Bible each day, I'm tempted to ask them how much time they spend doing other things: running, watching tv, talking with people, surfing the internet, writing emails, etc. All these things that we chase after (and yes, I am very guilty of this) are worthless. Like the old hymn, I pray to "fix my eyes upon Jesus" so that "the things of earth may grow strangely dim."
In God's Works
12 For this is what the LORD says:
In God's Way
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. —Psalm 119:37
When people tell me they have no time to pray or to read the Bible each day, I'm tempted to ask them how much time they spend doing other things: running, watching tv, talking with people, surfing the internet, writing emails, etc. All these things that we chase after (and yes, I am very guilty of this) are worthless. Like the old hymn, I pray to "fix my eyes upon Jesus" so that "the things of earth may grow strangely dim."
In God's Works
12 For this is what the LORD says:
"I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice
and you will flourish like grass;
the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants,
but his fury will be shown to his foes. -Isaiah 66:12-14
We have seen the beauty of what the Lord has done for us. I have seen Him come to comfort me and teach me. I love the image of a mother comforting her child. This is one of the few texts which likens our God to a mother. Usually talked about "our Father who art in heaven," I admit I wonder how much that might be derived from a language miscommunication. Many languages have the single neutral form parents as going to the word 'padre'... which means both Father and Mother. For me, thinking of God as both Father and Mother of all creation reminds me of His majesty... reminding me that God isn't simply a human form but so much more... so much greater than I could imagine.
In God's Word
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. -1 Timothy 2:1-3, 8-15
While I usually gloss over this difficult parts of scripture, I was struck by this Word this morning... remembering the context it comes from. I don't think we can read this letter without recognizing that it is a letter. A letter is addressed to someone for a specific reason. And here, verses 1-3 state the reason as being to solve a problem and restore peace to the area. The recommendations following it then are simple instructions meant regarding that certain area.
About the dress code, I remember how things were in the DR this summer. People there would see a girl in modest not tight jeans/pants and think it made them extremely attractive... which a Dominican woman in a tight short skirt did not attract any attention at all. It's all based on the society and what has been deemed attractive or appropriate. While here in the states, it might be exactly the opposite. That further suggests to me that Paul is talking to specific things that are happening in this circumstance.
About the submission, it's toomuch to go into here. Read "I Suffer Not a Woman" if you're interested in alternative readings to this passage.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Following His Voice, His Ways, His Leading
His Voice
2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. -John 10:2-6
His Ways
5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved?
His Leading
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Lord, it's a busy day... but I want to follow you through all of it. I want so much to hear Your voice. I thank You so much that I can hear You again calling me... I asked You, and You have been faithful, Lord. I'm so happy to listen to Your comforting, encouraging voice and follow. Help me to be faithful.
Help me also to follow your ways and recognize that a sinner and a mere human, I need You to change me and mold me like clay. I pray that You would still use me, like Paul, though I am the worst of sinners... that I might be able to point to Your unlimited patience.
You are amazing, Lord! Work in me... change my heart... prepare me to do Your work, Father, because that is all I want to do... to be Your servant in whatever capacity You would have me. I pray that I may be as willing as Levi to leave everything and follow You.
2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. -John 10:2-6
His Ways
5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved?
6 All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
7 No one calls on your name
or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and made us waste away because of our sins.
8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
9 Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look upon us, we pray,
for we are all your people.
10 Your sacred cities have become a desert;
even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation.
11 Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you,
has been burned with fire,
and all that we treasured lies in ruins.
12 After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back?
Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?
His Leading
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, it's a busy day... but I want to follow you through all of it. I want so much to hear Your voice. I thank You so much that I can hear You again calling me... I asked You, and You have been faithful, Lord. I'm so happy to listen to Your comforting, encouraging voice and follow. Help me to be faithful.
Help me also to follow your ways and recognize that a sinner and a mere human, I need You to change me and mold me like clay. I pray that You would still use me, like Paul, though I am the worst of sinners... that I might be able to point to Your unlimited patience.
You are amazing, Lord! Work in me... change my heart... prepare me to do Your work, Father, because that is all I want to do... to be Your servant in whatever capacity You would have me. I pray that I may be as willing as Levi to leave everything and follow You.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Take My Life... And Let It Be...
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." -Matthew 16:24-27
The ODB this morning talks about a woman who 'lost her life' through self-sacrifice, but gained great rewards. I don't think this is quite the point of this verse. Though 'losing your life' for Christ may seem like a sacrifice at first, it is not. You gain so much more. In fact, it is only through this loss, that you can have anything at all... (I think of Paul- so that we cannot boast.)
And it does challenge me. Does 'losing my life' mean turning away from my studies? What does it mean in my life to 'deny everything'? How and where can I follow Christ, because it is what I want most... or perhaps that in and of itself is following Him... being prepared to follow Him above all is, being prepared to giving it up, wanting to follow Him most of all. Lord, teach me to follow You. Give us guidance on where You would have us go, what You would have us do.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant-
The ODB this morning talks about a woman who 'lost her life' through self-sacrifice, but gained great rewards. I don't think this is quite the point of this verse. Though 'losing your life' for Christ may seem like a sacrifice at first, it is not. You gain so much more. In fact, it is only through this loss, that you can have anything at all... (I think of Paul- so that we cannot boast.)
And it does challenge me. Does 'losing my life' mean turning away from my studies? What does it mean in my life to 'deny everything'? How and where can I follow Christ, because it is what I want most... or perhaps that in and of itself is following Him... being prepared to follow Him above all is, being prepared to giving it up, wanting to follow Him most of all. Lord, teach me to follow You. Give us guidance on where You would have us go, what You would have us do.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant-
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."-Isaiah 56:6-7
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Growing Up
As Kids Grow...
You shall teach [God’s Word] to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. —Deut. 11:19
I love children, but I've been thinking about kids much too much lately. The other night at my birthday party, a new friend unassumingly began talking about how the age of the average PhD student is around 27, and they finish when they're 30 or 31, and then they need to get married, get a job, start a family. Little did she know that this birthday girl had just turn 27, is contemplating a PhD and concerned with those very issues.
The thing is that if God blesses me with kids of my own someday, I want to be a good mother, because I think it's really so important. I have some great mothers to look at as examples- Marisa, Lisa, my own mom, and Chrissy- even though she's just begun I can see all the love in her eyes! Kids take up a lot of time and a lot of money and a lot of effort teaching them the most important things... the word of the Lord. I talked to my parents just the other day about how I grew up largely not even realizing that it was different that my faith was so important to me. I grew up always going to church during the week for bible study and choir practice, participating in service events on Saturdays, always there for Sunday School and Church. I always call it my church family, because it really is like an extended family to me.
Well, I guess sometimes I wonder if it's selfish of me to want to do a PhD, if I should be saving for kids that I might either have or adopt someday. But, this verse does remind me that is not the most important thing. While I will need to be financially prepared before I have kids (some 5-6 years down the road or so), it's even more important to store up those treasures in heaven so that I can not only give my children the financial stability they need but also the faith stability they need.
As I Grow...
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
It's hard to read these verses right now, because I did feel that God was calling me into ministry, but right now I'm just not sure. Where do you want me, God? Yesterday I asked Dad if he thought this difference might be God's way of saying 'not right now.' Maybe He makes himself known to me sometimes to assure me that He wants to use me, but that right now might not be the time. Because I really do want to be worthy of His calling... so He might fulfill His good purpose through me, through my faith. Use me, Father... let me know what You would have me do... and when... and how. I am willing and I am obedient to You. Help me to have faith, because like my brother Jerry said, "Katie will always have a ministry." Help me always to seek it out and fulfill it every day.
You shall teach [God’s Word] to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. —Deut. 11:19
I love children, but I've been thinking about kids much too much lately. The other night at my birthday party, a new friend unassumingly began talking about how the age of the average PhD student is around 27, and they finish when they're 30 or 31, and then they need to get married, get a job, start a family. Little did she know that this birthday girl had just turn 27, is contemplating a PhD and concerned with those very issues.
The thing is that if God blesses me with kids of my own someday, I want to be a good mother, because I think it's really so important. I have some great mothers to look at as examples- Marisa, Lisa, my own mom, and Chrissy- even though she's just begun I can see all the love in her eyes! Kids take up a lot of time and a lot of money and a lot of effort teaching them the most important things... the word of the Lord. I talked to my parents just the other day about how I grew up largely not even realizing that it was different that my faith was so important to me. I grew up always going to church during the week for bible study and choir practice, participating in service events on Saturdays, always there for Sunday School and Church. I always call it my church family, because it really is like an extended family to me.
Well, I guess sometimes I wonder if it's selfish of me to want to do a PhD, if I should be saving for kids that I might either have or adopt someday. But, this verse does remind me that is not the most important thing. While I will need to be financially prepared before I have kids (some 5-6 years down the road or so), it's even more important to store up those treasures in heaven so that I can not only give my children the financial stability they need but also the faith stability they need.
As I Grow...
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
It's hard to read these verses right now, because I did feel that God was calling me into ministry, but right now I'm just not sure. Where do you want me, God? Yesterday I asked Dad if he thought this difference might be God's way of saying 'not right now.' Maybe He makes himself known to me sometimes to assure me that He wants to use me, but that right now might not be the time. Because I really do want to be worthy of His calling... so He might fulfill His good purpose through me, through my faith. Use me, Father... let me know what You would have me do... and when... and how. I am willing and I am obedient to You. Help me to have faith, because like my brother Jerry said, "Katie will always have a ministry." Help me always to seek it out and fulfill it every day.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
God- Here Among Us
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. —Joshua 1:5
Last night the speaker at GCF brought to my attention the irony that so many people will affirm that the Bible is "the word of God," without having ever read it through. Honestly, if we really took it seriously, if everyone recognized that it was the word of God... the Holy of Holies... the creator of the universe, well, I think we'd all be reading it every day! Come read a book written by one who knows all, sees all, can do all! In the same way, I think I forget that God is really here with us... not in a "I'm going to sing it now as a part of a song" way, but in a really real way. God is here! God! The creator of the world! The creator of my being! The only Lord of everything would be in my presence... it's amazing and unbelievable... only proving His goodness, which I still cannot completely comprehend. Lord, You are holy and amazing, and it is hard for me to truly understand Your perfection.
When I came, why was there no one?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Was my arm too short to ransom you?
Do I lack the strength to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,
I turn rivers into a desert;
their fish rot for lack of water
and die of thirst.
I clothe the sky with darkness
and make sackcloth its covering. -Isaiah 50:2-3
And not only that, we see God as seeking us. He honestly wants this relationship with us, although He doesn't need it. He seeks to help us, to rescue us, but we must answer Him when He calls us. Lord, help me to listen... help me to seek Your will all the days of my life. It is such an honor that You call me to be Your child... that You call me to do a part of Your work. I love so much any small thing that You give me to do.
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
And the fact that God is with us and calls us gives us great responsibility. We are responsible in how we act, because we are living with Him. I'd always remind people as a young girl... "Would you do that if Jesus were right beside you? Because He is." (Jerry often got annoyed at this... I especially remember one game of pick up sticks when he got especially upset.) I think the faith is what I'm struggling with right now- faith in knowing that God will guide me. God is here with me, just like He was with Moses. Help me to live with faith and hope and love, Father... and to always do all things in a way that is honoring to the gift of Your presence.
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 Spiritf]">[f] 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. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. -Ephesians 1:15-23
We read this last night at GCF, and I found it so helpful, so inspiring. I do pray for this wisdom, Lord... that I may be enlightened to what You are calling me to.
Last night the speaker at GCF brought to my attention the irony that so many people will affirm that the Bible is "the word of God," without having ever read it through. Honestly, if we really took it seriously, if everyone recognized that it was the word of God... the Holy of Holies... the creator of the universe, well, I think we'd all be reading it every day! Come read a book written by one who knows all, sees all, can do all! In the same way, I think I forget that God is really here with us... not in a "I'm going to sing it now as a part of a song" way, but in a really real way. God is here! God! The creator of the world! The creator of my being! The only Lord of everything would be in my presence... it's amazing and unbelievable... only proving His goodness, which I still cannot completely comprehend. Lord, You are holy and amazing, and it is hard for me to truly understand Your perfection.
When I came, why was there no one?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Was my arm too short to ransom you?
Do I lack the strength to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,
I turn rivers into a desert;
their fish rot for lack of water
and die of thirst.
I clothe the sky with darkness
and make sackcloth its covering. -Isaiah 50:2-3
And not only that, we see God as seeking us. He honestly wants this relationship with us, although He doesn't need it. He seeks to help us, to rescue us, but we must answer Him when He calls us. Lord, help me to listen... help me to seek Your will all the days of my life. It is such an honor that You call me to be Your child... that You call me to do a part of Your work. I love so much any small thing that You give me to do.
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
And the fact that God is with us and calls us gives us great responsibility. We are responsible in how we act, because we are living with Him. I'd always remind people as a young girl... "Would you do that if Jesus were right beside you? Because He is." (Jerry often got annoyed at this... I especially remember one game of pick up sticks when he got especially upset.) I think the faith is what I'm struggling with right now- faith in knowing that God will guide me. God is here with me, just like He was with Moses. Help me to live with faith and hope and love, Father... and to always do all things in a way that is honoring to the gift of Your presence.
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 Spiritf]">[f] 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. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. -Ephesians 1:15-23
We read this last night at GCF, and I found it so helpful, so inspiring. I do pray for this wisdom, Lord... that I may be enlightened to what You are calling me to.
Friday, October 16, 2009
God's Guidance and a Quiet Life
This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go. -Isaiah 48:17
Recently I have been praying a lot about where you want me, Father. So much more right now as the SLAT PhD program begins to look like a real possibility to me. When I met with Dr. Troike, my program director, the other day, he loved my research idea (interlanguage variation in young simultaneous L2 learners) and told me that to his knowledge no one has done such a study. And he once again told me that I would be an ideal candidate for the program, and he would already hear "PhD" after my name.
It makes me wonder. I'd love to do this, because I feel the chances of me doing a PhD at another point in my life (while not impossible) are slim. And I really am enjoying my coursework and my studies and learning a lot about this field. And the SLAT program opens you up to so many possibilities: academics (professor of many areas), language analyst, Bible translation, language planning, etc.
While this all sounds well and good, it's true what I said, some of the moments I've been the happiest were when I was involved in ministry of some kind. I've continuously sought out opportunities for service and ministry- during the summers, spring break trips, volunteer years, etc. And I guess another thing I think of is when Brad and I were talking in the car... he asked me if I would give up my career in order to work in ministry with him, I said an affirmative "yes" even faster than I thought possible. Honestly, that would be the easiest decision in my life... (besides perhaps the decision to marry this love of mine and attempt to be the best help for him that I could ever be).
But since that's not a real possibility right now, I can't let myself think of that as a real option... and honestly, I'm not sure I could be a pastor on my own- perhaps I just need to have more faith. Perhaps God will guide and teach me yet. Lord, I'm trusting in You, because I really do want to do Your will... it's all that I want. Continue to teach me and guide me.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Such a beautiful verse hidden in Thessalonians... I never noticed it before. And we wouldn't notice it, because it is so very countercultural and very curiously worded. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. It seems quite a contradictory statement until you recognize that aiming to lead a quiet life (or Brethren might say- a simple life) is so radical in today's society... that it takes ambition to do it!
And I wonder how this fits in with further studies or career goals or following Your leading for my life, oh God. I'm not sure right now, but I pray that You teach me more as I go about this day.
And thank You, Father, for so many good things.
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go. -Isaiah 48:17
Recently I have been praying a lot about where you want me, Father. So much more right now as the SLAT PhD program begins to look like a real possibility to me. When I met with Dr. Troike, my program director, the other day, he loved my research idea (interlanguage variation in young simultaneous L2 learners) and told me that to his knowledge no one has done such a study. And he once again told me that I would be an ideal candidate for the program, and he would already hear "PhD" after my name.
It makes me wonder. I'd love to do this, because I feel the chances of me doing a PhD at another point in my life (while not impossible) are slim. And I really am enjoying my coursework and my studies and learning a lot about this field. And the SLAT program opens you up to so many possibilities: academics (professor of many areas), language analyst, Bible translation, language planning, etc.
While this all sounds well and good, it's true what I said, some of the moments I've been the happiest were when I was involved in ministry of some kind. I've continuously sought out opportunities for service and ministry- during the summers, spring break trips, volunteer years, etc. And I guess another thing I think of is when Brad and I were talking in the car... he asked me if I would give up my career in order to work in ministry with him, I said an affirmative "yes" even faster than I thought possible. Honestly, that would be the easiest decision in my life... (besides perhaps the decision to marry this love of mine and attempt to be the best help for him that I could ever be).
But since that's not a real possibility right now, I can't let myself think of that as a real option... and honestly, I'm not sure I could be a pastor on my own- perhaps I just need to have more faith. Perhaps God will guide and teach me yet. Lord, I'm trusting in You, because I really do want to do Your will... it's all that I want. Continue to teach me and guide me.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Such a beautiful verse hidden in Thessalonians... I never noticed it before. And we wouldn't notice it, because it is so very countercultural and very curiously worded. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. It seems quite a contradictory statement until you recognize that aiming to lead a quiet life (or Brethren might say- a simple life) is so radical in today's society... that it takes ambition to do it!
And I wonder how this fits in with further studies or career goals or following Your leading for my life, oh God. I'm not sure right now, but I pray that You teach me more as I go about this day.
And thank You, Father, for so many good things.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Come and See the Works of the Lord
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields b]">[b] with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."-Psalm 46:8-10
24 "This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
I am the LORD,
who has made all things,
who alone stretched out the heavens,
who spread out the earth by myself, -Isaiah 44:24
This reminds me of a couple of Sundays ago. The Sunday School teacher at church was speaking about Creationism. Now I never heard that preached growing up, and it sort of always made sense to me that the '7 days' need not be 7 literal days. Yet, Brad and I in talking about it agreed- the most important thing is that God was bringing the earth into being... no matter how exactly it was done. He made us... He made all things. What wonderful amazing work He has done!
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. -1 Thessalonians 2:13
And the work is not just outside of us but also within us! This is the beauty of being a part of bible studies... because throughout the week I can actually feel the word of God at work in me... thinking about Romans (how I might focus on believing, not doing) and Luke (how I might be more obedient, challenged and amazed by the power of God to accomplish His purpose through blessings and actions that affect much more than the individual). Thank You so much Lord for Christians who surround me and encourage me in the word, and Your Holy Spirit which works in me. Continue to transform me... so that Yours may be the glory.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
So They May See and Know
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16
20 so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it. -Isaiah 41:20
8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. -1 Thessalonians:8-10
20 so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it. -Isaiah 41:20
8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. -1 Thessalonians:8-10
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thank You!!!
In everything give thanks. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
This past week I admit I didn't do such a great job at this. Exhausted and stressed out, I couldn't see beyond the piles of work and better studying and more lessons and everything I needed to do. The crazy part... I had everything done for Monday and Tuesday... I was just nervous about getting ahead. Sometimes it comes upon me like a flood, and I have to remember again how much I enjoy learning... how much I enjoyed the conference I went to, learning about cool psycholinguistic theories that know what our mind is really thinking, talking about issues of resonance and sociolinguistic variation... Thank You, Father for the gift of learning, for the gift of language, for the gift of life.
"The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime." -Isaiah 39:8
And my parents gave me the perfect gift this weekend... a weekend away from my worries and cares and problems. There in Sedona, surrounded by a huge expanse of bright blue sky, gorgeous green trees and radiant red rocks, I could see the Lord and feel again that there would be peace and serenity again. It was perfect. But, Brad's right. I need to be able to do this on every Sunday, to allow it to be a restful day. Lord, I hope You can help me to have a 'spiritual retreat' on Sundays... on days when a 'geographical retreat' is not possible.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. -Colossians 4:2
Last night, Brad made me think differently about something. I thought he was admonishing me for not having enough faith when I was talking about my decisions last year. But he said, "I'm not saying that you're not trusting in the Lord. You should trust Him, but He doesn't say He'll make our decisions for us." And this morning, reading this verse from Colassians, I see that so clearly. We are to devote ourselves to prayer but also be "watchful"... careful and looking out for what God wants in our lives, carefully and deliberately considering our options. And we should also be thankful for the decisions that God grants us.
This past week I admit I didn't do such a great job at this. Exhausted and stressed out, I couldn't see beyond the piles of work and better studying and more lessons and everything I needed to do. The crazy part... I had everything done for Monday and Tuesday... I was just nervous about getting ahead. Sometimes it comes upon me like a flood, and I have to remember again how much I enjoy learning... how much I enjoyed the conference I went to, learning about cool psycholinguistic theories that know what our mind is really thinking, talking about issues of resonance and sociolinguistic variation... Thank You, Father for the gift of learning, for the gift of language, for the gift of life.
"The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime." -Isaiah 39:8
And my parents gave me the perfect gift this weekend... a weekend away from my worries and cares and problems. There in Sedona, surrounded by a huge expanse of bright blue sky, gorgeous green trees and radiant red rocks, I could see the Lord and feel again that there would be peace and serenity again. It was perfect. But, Brad's right. I need to be able to do this on every Sunday, to allow it to be a restful day. Lord, I hope You can help me to have a 'spiritual retreat' on Sundays... on days when a 'geographical retreat' is not possible.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. -Colossians 4:2
Last night, Brad made me think differently about something. I thought he was admonishing me for not having enough faith when I was talking about my decisions last year. But he said, "I'm not saying that you're not trusting in the Lord. You should trust Him, but He doesn't say He'll make our decisions for us." And this morning, reading this verse from Colassians, I see that so clearly. We are to devote ourselves to prayer but also be "watchful"... careful and looking out for what God wants in our lives, carefully and deliberately considering our options. And we should also be thankful for the decisions that God grants us.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Now You See It- Now You Don't.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.-John 21:4
It's always surprising to me that the disciples who had spent so much time so many days, inseparable from Jesus would not realize it was him at first. They just didn't see him. But, aren't we often the same? We can't see the embodiment of Jesus in our brothers and sisters from another country or of another circumstance. I can't help but think that if we did... if we were 100% aware and looking for the Jesus in everyone, this world would be so different.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD. -Isaiah 31:1
Part of the problem with not seeing the Lord is not seeking the Lord. Often we get so caught up in our everyday every day that we forget to turn to our Savior for His plan for our lives. Put this way it sounds ridiculous. What more important thing do we have to do today than to look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord. I hope that in this my 27th year, I may learn to look for you more, Jesus. Especially this year, I am waiting to see Your will for my life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I didn't notice this part before in this familiar verse: be evident to all. It's not enough to be rejoicing and to be evident. We must do so in a way that others may see it! And gentleness... not quite sure how to display that, but I can only think of a perfect example who is here with me. My dear friend Amy is so sweet and mild and gentle in her ways... I'm sure she's a perfect teacher on how to show this hard-to-pin-down quality.
It's always surprising to me that the disciples who had spent so much time so many days, inseparable from Jesus would not realize it was him at first. They just didn't see him. But, aren't we often the same? We can't see the embodiment of Jesus in our brothers and sisters from another country or of another circumstance. I can't help but think that if we did... if we were 100% aware and looking for the Jesus in everyone, this world would be so different.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD. -Isaiah 31:1
Part of the problem with not seeing the Lord is not seeking the Lord. Often we get so caught up in our everyday every day that we forget to turn to our Savior for His plan for our lives. Put this way it sounds ridiculous. What more important thing do we have to do today than to look to the Holy One of Israel or seek help from the Lord. I hope that in this my 27th year, I may learn to look for you more, Jesus. Especially this year, I am waiting to see Your will for my life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I didn't notice this part before in this familiar verse: be evident to all. It's not enough to be rejoicing and to be evident. We must do so in a way that others may see it! And gentleness... not quite sure how to display that, but I can only think of a perfect example who is here with me. My dear friend Amy is so sweet and mild and gentle in her ways... I'm sure she's a perfect teacher on how to show this hard-to-pin-down quality.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sometimes, We Just Don't Understand...
One Another
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. —Proverbs 20:5
..dwell with [your wife] with understanding -1 Peter 3:7
I am thankful for every day that I get to 'ask questions, listen intently and ask again about my love. It is so beautiful and wonderful to learn about his heart, every new day. And it is one of the blessings that has made this 27th year so beautiful for me. Lord, help me to draw this understanding out of the more difficult sources as well.
God's "Law"
11 Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues
God will speak to this people,
This verse speaks of a heavenly view... searching for the prize of heaven. Sometimes I appreciate this acknowledgment in the Bible. While we try to understand, we should also humbly come before the Lord our God, knowing that we cannot understand everything, but also being confident that someday God will make it clear to us. What a beautiful promise! That's surely a reason to look forward to heaven! To understand all these mysteries and concepts that are just so difficult for me now. Help me to be content with where I have attained, where I am in my walk... but always continuing to walk closer with thee, my Lord- closer and closer in this next year.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. —Proverbs 20:5
..dwell with [your wife] with understanding -1 Peter 3:7
ODB reflects: "This principle works both ways. Husbands want to be understood as well. Actually, we all do. Everyone, married or not, longs to be understood by others at the deepest possible level. We’re born with that need, and we never seem to outgrow it.
It’s feeble avoidance to say we can’t understand one another. We can and we must. It takes time—time spent in one another’s presence asking questions, listening intently, then asking again. It’s as simple and as difficult as that. No one, of course, can fully plumb the mystery of another person’s heart, but we can learn something new every day."I am thankful for every day that I get to 'ask questions, listen intently and ask again about my love. It is so beautiful and wonderful to learn about his heart, every new day. And it is one of the blessings that has made this 27th year so beautiful for me. Lord, help me to draw this understanding out of the more difficult sources as well.
God's "Law"
11 Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues
God will speak to this people,
12 to whom he said,
"This is the resting place, let the weary rest";
and, "This is the place of repose"—
but they would not listen.
13 So then, the word of the LORD to them will become:
Do and do, do and do,
rule on rule, rule on rule;
a little here, a little there—
so that they will go and fall backward,
be injured and snared and captured. -Isaiah 28:11-13
Oh, will we ever learn? God's law in the beginning wasn't a law of rules and what to do, but we fell backward. God said that it was a resting place, a place of repose, but we saw it as rules. I am much too much like this. Yesterday I admitted I'm a Martha, and my friend Andrew called me out on it last night. It's true... discipline for all its helpful qualities causes these types of problems: following rules, set schedules, not taking advantage of a beautiful birthday breakfast for two because it would interfere with running and devotions and everything. I only hope that I can change, Lord. Help me to know Your resting place... and to deeply understand that Yours is not a law of rules or of doing but of love and grace... and rest.
A Heavenly View of Things
This verse speaks of a heavenly view... searching for the prize of heaven. Sometimes I appreciate this acknowledgment in the Bible. While we try to understand, we should also humbly come before the Lord our God, knowing that we cannot understand everything, but also being confident that someday God will make it clear to us. What a beautiful promise! That's surely a reason to look forward to heaven! To understand all these mysteries and concepts that are just so difficult for me now. Help me to be content with where I have attained, where I am in my walk... but always continuing to walk closer with thee, my Lord- closer and closer in this next year.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Stay Focused! - Avoiding Distractions
Focus on Jesus
Martha was distracted with much serving. —Luke 10:40
I reread this familiar story this morning, and ODB pointed out this verse. It struck me this morning. The problem wasn't that Martha was serving, which is something essentially good. The problem is that Martha was distracted by the serving. We have here a classic case of 'not seeing the forest for the trees.' Martha 'couldn't see Jesus for the serving.' Instead of focusing on her Lord, she was focused on the perfect cut of meat and most delicious bread and beautiful tablescape. Had she forgotten that this was the guy who turned water to wine? If he wanted to, he could make a banquet fit for kings appear right there on the table! And here Martha was, running around, distracted by all her preparations.
Sometimes I'm much too much like Martha. I worry about having everything just so instead of paying attention to the beautiful blessing of being with people that are so wonderful in my life. But the thing I really have to watch out for is that all my good intentions- acts of service, prayer, study don't become something 'to do' (as Joseph put it last night). It's all about Jesus. We need to stay focused... so that it's just the opposite: We can't see the service for the Jesus.
God Focuses on Us
2 In that day—
"Sing about a fruitful vineyard:
3 I, the LORD, watch over it;
I water it continually.
I guard it day and night
so that no one may harm it. -Isaiah 27:2-3
And our example is this- a Lord who loves us so much, who is so faithful that it's absolutely indescribable. When we are fruitful (truly His), He will water us... refresh our souls, guard us day and night... not testing us beyond what we can bear, and not letting harm come to our souls. His constansy should be an example of the way that we might focus our hearts and souls and minds all on loving Him forever... that itself will make this vineyard fruitful.
Focus on Others
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Phillipians 2:1-4
This morning I am feeling very challenged by these verses, because this past week I was selfish and vain. I usually make sure that I call or email all of my wonderful GCF friends who are such a blessing in my life and such a beautiful part of my Romans Bible study. But this week I was filled with selfish ambition- focusing too much on my studies perhaps or other things. If I truly had been considering others before myself, I would have been praying more and touching base with these wonderful brothers and sisters of mine. Lord, please teach me to love with Your love, so that I may be able to truly express this same love that I have for my brothers and sisters... I pray for them double this week.
It's important to know our distractions, and this week I think about what I would fill in the blanks:
Katie was distracted by much _____.
grading, studying, running...
Lord help me to see you first, to focus on You... not to be distracted by even good things. I also pray this prayer for all my brothers and sisters: Kara, Kristi, Dustin, Jorge, Kuang, Jasmine, Youngmin, Michelle, Shijie, Blake, Mike, Jess L, Jess V, Christine, Jennifer, Pacifica, Mary, Nicole, Joseph, and everyone in all of GCF.
Martha was distracted with much serving. —Luke 10:40
I reread this familiar story this morning, and ODB pointed out this verse. It struck me this morning. The problem wasn't that Martha was serving, which is something essentially good. The problem is that Martha was distracted by the serving. We have here a classic case of 'not seeing the forest for the trees.' Martha 'couldn't see Jesus for the serving.' Instead of focusing on her Lord, she was focused on the perfect cut of meat and most delicious bread and beautiful tablescape. Had she forgotten that this was the guy who turned water to wine? If he wanted to, he could make a banquet fit for kings appear right there on the table! And here Martha was, running around, distracted by all her preparations.
Sometimes I'm much too much like Martha. I worry about having everything just so instead of paying attention to the beautiful blessing of being with people that are so wonderful in my life. But the thing I really have to watch out for is that all my good intentions- acts of service, prayer, study don't become something 'to do' (as Joseph put it last night). It's all about Jesus. We need to stay focused... so that it's just the opposite: We can't see the service for the Jesus.
God Focuses on Us
2 In that day—
"Sing about a fruitful vineyard:
3 I, the LORD, watch over it;
I water it continually.
I guard it day and night
so that no one may harm it. -Isaiah 27:2-3
And our example is this- a Lord who loves us so much, who is so faithful that it's absolutely indescribable. When we are fruitful (truly His), He will water us... refresh our souls, guard us day and night... not testing us beyond what we can bear, and not letting harm come to our souls. His constansy should be an example of the way that we might focus our hearts and souls and minds all on loving Him forever... that itself will make this vineyard fruitful.
Focus on Others
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Phillipians 2:1-4
This morning I am feeling very challenged by these verses, because this past week I was selfish and vain. I usually make sure that I call or email all of my wonderful GCF friends who are such a blessing in my life and such a beautiful part of my Romans Bible study. But this week I was filled with selfish ambition- focusing too much on my studies perhaps or other things. If I truly had been considering others before myself, I would have been praying more and touching base with these wonderful brothers and sisters of mine. Lord, please teach me to love with Your love, so that I may be able to truly express this same love that I have for my brothers and sisters... I pray for them double this week.
It's important to know our distractions, and this week I think about what I would fill in the blanks:
Katie was distracted by much _____.
grading, studying, running...
Lord help me to see you first, to focus on You... not to be distracted by even good things. I also pray this prayer for all my brothers and sisters: Kara, Kristi, Dustin, Jorge, Kuang, Jasmine, Youngmin, Michelle, Shijie, Blake, Mike, Jess L, Jess V, Christine, Jennifer, Pacifica, Mary, Nicole, Joseph, and everyone in all of GCF.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Matter of Life and Death
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! -Phillipians 1:21-22
Interesting that I read this passage this morning, because Brad and I were just talking about that all illusive topic "life" yesterday. How do we make the most of it? What is it to really "live"? This verse at first seems to be all about "liberation theology." And certainly, dying is gain... although as mortals it seems our bodies strongly resist the notion. It's not really about this heavenly earth, and we know that in heaven we'll be united with our Savior.
But another important aspect of this verse is that to live is Christ. To really really live is to be in Christ... I remember the vine and the branches. In this life, what we are meant to do is be fruitful. I'm listening to the song, "Take My Life" by Third Day this morning... with the beautiful chorus: "Please take from me my life, because I don't have the strength to give it away to you." Lord, sometimes we feel to weak, overcome by the stress of work and classes and research and so much... we don't have the strength, Lord. So please take our lives... and help us to live, as Paul meant... in a way that living is You, Christ.
This morning I especially pray for my love. I know it was a very hard week for him yesterday. I pray that you'd guide him through this week... give him balance, peace and a renewed sense of focus and energy. Take his life, Lord and be with him all day, and help him to know this and feel Your presence in a real way.
1 See, the LORD is going to lay waste the earth
and devastate it;
he will ruin its face
and scatter its inhabitants-
This morning this is my prayer for everyone in my small group. If this is a hard time of the semester for people like Brad and myself, some of the new students must also be feeling the pressure. I really pray that each one: Kara, Kristi, Dustin, Nicole, Mary, Kuang, Jasmine, Jorge, Youngmin, Blake, Jennifer, Jess V., Jess L., Shijie, Mike, Christine, Joseph and Pacifica may all be filled with knowledge and depth of insight... able to discern what is best (how to study and how to give time to God) -to the glory and praise of God. Lord help to give Blake and Jennifer peace now as they look forward to tests this week. Make them efficient and effective- calm their hearts and steady their minds.
Interesting that I read this passage this morning, because Brad and I were just talking about that all illusive topic "life" yesterday. How do we make the most of it? What is it to really "live"? This verse at first seems to be all about "liberation theology." And certainly, dying is gain... although as mortals it seems our bodies strongly resist the notion. It's not really about this heavenly earth, and we know that in heaven we'll be united with our Savior.
But another important aspect of this verse is that to live is Christ. To really really live is to be in Christ... I remember the vine and the branches. In this life, what we are meant to do is be fruitful. I'm listening to the song, "Take My Life" by Third Day this morning... with the beautiful chorus: "Please take from me my life, because I don't have the strength to give it away to you." Lord, sometimes we feel to weak, overcome by the stress of work and classes and research and so much... we don't have the strength, Lord. So please take our lives... and help us to live, as Paul meant... in a way that living is You, Christ.
This morning I especially pray for my love. I know it was a very hard week for him yesterday. I pray that you'd guide him through this week... give him balance, peace and a renewed sense of focus and energy. Take his life, Lord and be with him all day, and help him to know this and feel Your presence in a real way.
1 See, the LORD is going to lay waste the earth
and devastate it;
he will ruin its face
and scatter its inhabitants-
2 it will be the same
for priest as for people,
for master as for servant,
for mistress as for maid,
for seller as for buyer,
for borrower as for lender,
for debtor as for creditor. -Isaiah 24:1-2
And this verse speaks not of individual death but of the death of a people, the destruction that would come before the peace. And it is the same for all these people! Jesus is the great equalizer, and death has been called such as well. In our American graveyards we can see that all the tombstones are roughly the same... reminding us that in the end we are all more similar than we admit. The master and the servant, priest and people, all have to face death. But what we often forget is that because of Jesus, we are the same in life... Jesus came to all of us "the same: for the priest as for the people, for master as for the servant..." Lord, help us to remember in life and death that we are humbly Yours... all Your servants.
This morning this is my prayer for everyone in my small group. If this is a hard time of the semester for people like Brad and myself, some of the new students must also be feeling the pressure. I really pray that each one: Kara, Kristi, Dustin, Nicole, Mary, Kuang, Jasmine, Jorge, Youngmin, Blake, Jennifer, Jess V., Jess L., Shijie, Mike, Christine, Joseph and Pacifica may all be filled with knowledge and depth of insight... able to discern what is best (how to study and how to give time to God) -to the glory and praise of God. Lord help to give Blake and Jennifer peace now as they look forward to tests this week. Make them efficient and effective- calm their hearts and steady their minds.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Serving God = Serving All (and vice versa)
Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? —1 John 3:17
This verse is always very challenging to me... especially at these tough economic times. I do pass people who have need for something. That's why we tend to live in socially stratified neighborhoods. Imagine the university professor living next door to the one room apartment filled with 3 different immigrant families. They couldn't live with their mansion next to that. They would see the disparity every day... it would be harder for that professor to 'shut up his/her heart.' Perhaps that's what we need... as certain lots in Ocean City NJ are designated for business and others for personal dwellings and others for duplexes, perhaps we need a zoning system where there is a broad range of income levels on each block. Maybe then we would allow it to affect us in a real way and show God's love to people in need.
But, not everyone has a 'hardened heart.' Just this week my friend V had her bike stolen from her... unfortunately since she's only been here for a few months. And we were talking about how wonderful it is that someone would just give her a bike that they weren't using.... God's love, I'm sure is shown through people who care so much about their brothers and sisters to meet the needs whenever and however they can.
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. -Ephesians 6:5-8
This is another one of those Paul verses that people try to avoid, but if you look closely it's quite similar to the wives and husbands text from the other day. It's a different rhetorical style for us, because the important piece comes last... whereas we're comfortable with it coming first. He starts off talking about slave only to reach his main point- that we should be 'slaves' of Christ... doing His will from our heart, no matter if we think His eye is on us or not. We should do it for the Lord and not for man. I have taken to sending my tithe into church, which is much easier for me, especially coming from Brazil where I'd give my tithe without anyone knowing. Not everyone had a tithe to give, so we didn't want to make a show of what we were doing.
I also always appreciated more the service projects where things could be given anonymously... so that people could appreciate that it was a gift from the Lord and not from certain people at all. Because it is not to our glory, so that our 'right hand may not know.' We don't need a reward for what we give or don't give or do or don't do, because that reward may hopefully be the reflection that people can see in the love of Jesus. I'd love to send cards to people in need... signing them simply: Jesus. It's all for Your honor, Lord. I give it all to You... teach me more and more how to serve you wholeheartedly and wholly for You.
This verse is always very challenging to me... especially at these tough economic times. I do pass people who have need for something. That's why we tend to live in socially stratified neighborhoods. Imagine the university professor living next door to the one room apartment filled with 3 different immigrant families. They couldn't live with their mansion next to that. They would see the disparity every day... it would be harder for that professor to 'shut up his/her heart.' Perhaps that's what we need... as certain lots in Ocean City NJ are designated for business and others for personal dwellings and others for duplexes, perhaps we need a zoning system where there is a broad range of income levels on each block. Maybe then we would allow it to affect us in a real way and show God's love to people in need.
But, not everyone has a 'hardened heart.' Just this week my friend V had her bike stolen from her... unfortunately since she's only been here for a few months. And we were talking about how wonderful it is that someone would just give her a bike that they weren't using.... God's love, I'm sure is shown through people who care so much about their brothers and sisters to meet the needs whenever and however they can.
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. -Ephesians 6:5-8
This is another one of those Paul verses that people try to avoid, but if you look closely it's quite similar to the wives and husbands text from the other day. It's a different rhetorical style for us, because the important piece comes last... whereas we're comfortable with it coming first. He starts off talking about slave only to reach his main point- that we should be 'slaves' of Christ... doing His will from our heart, no matter if we think His eye is on us or not. We should do it for the Lord and not for man. I have taken to sending my tithe into church, which is much easier for me, especially coming from Brazil where I'd give my tithe without anyone knowing. Not everyone had a tithe to give, so we didn't want to make a show of what we were doing.
I also always appreciated more the service projects where things could be given anonymously... so that people could appreciate that it was a gift from the Lord and not from certain people at all. Because it is not to our glory, so that our 'right hand may not know.' We don't need a reward for what we give or don't give or do or don't do, because that reward may hopefully be the reflection that people can see in the love of Jesus. I'd love to send cards to people in need... signing them simply: Jesus. It's all for Your honor, Lord. I give it all to You... teach me more and more how to serve you wholeheartedly and wholly for You.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Clarity in the Face of Distortion
Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. —1 Corinthians 2:5
I found my ODB reading this morning especially meaningful, as I reflected on how we can't rely on our own wisdom and understanding because as humans, we have a distorted view of things. We 'see through a mirror dimly' and 'see only in part.' We have human-colored glasses, but God can see it all. Lord, I put my faith in Your wisdom and in Your power that surpasses everything... because when things just get to be too much I lose it. I don't know where I am or what I should be doing. Lead me, Lord, and help me to be open and listening to that leading. I need you... and I need Your wise and complete view of things to give me perspective once again.
So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. -Isaiah 19:21
Lord, I pray that You make Yourself known to me, because I cannot see everything. This part of the semester is always one of the hardest for me. I remember last year. I just feel so out of balance, and I feel like I'm drowning. Lord, make Yourself known to me. Like the Egyptians, I long to see You all day every day and to follow You.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. -Ephesians 5:31-32
This is a part of scripture that most people (especially feminists like myself) dislike intensely. But I read it with new eyes this morning... and I hope with a less distorted view. Paul is talking about Christ and the church, when he marvels at the mystery that 'man' has left his Father and been united to his 'wife.' To me this morning, I marveled at how Jesus left his Father to be united with us. Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to us... to teach us more about Your character, more about Your ways...guide us in Your wisdom so that we may see.
I found my ODB reading this morning especially meaningful, as I reflected on how we can't rely on our own wisdom and understanding because as humans, we have a distorted view of things. We 'see through a mirror dimly' and 'see only in part.' We have human-colored glasses, but God can see it all. Lord, I put my faith in Your wisdom and in Your power that surpasses everything... because when things just get to be too much I lose it. I don't know where I am or what I should be doing. Lead me, Lord, and help me to be open and listening to that leading. I need you... and I need Your wise and complete view of things to give me perspective once again.
So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. -Isaiah 19:21
Lord, I pray that You make Yourself known to me, because I cannot see everything. This part of the semester is always one of the hardest for me. I remember last year. I just feel so out of balance, and I feel like I'm drowning. Lord, make Yourself known to me. Like the Egyptians, I long to see You all day every day and to follow You.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. -Ephesians 5:31-32
This is a part of scripture that most people (especially feminists like myself) dislike intensely. But I read it with new eyes this morning... and I hope with a less distorted view. Paul is talking about Christ and the church, when he marvels at the mystery that 'man' has left his Father and been united to his 'wife.' To me this morning, I marveled at how Jesus left his Father to be united with us. Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to us... to teach us more about Your character, more about Your ways...guide us in Your wisdom so that we may see.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Let Your Life Sing...
Sing in Community
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. —Ephesians 5:19
This verse reminds me of my dear friend Kammy who came to our COB Young Adult Conference last year. When asked what she thought about it, she said, "You're a very sing-y group." It's true. We'd spend free time doing a special hymn sing. Our fun talent show night was mostly made up of musical acts. And we'd have worship 3 times a day with lovely songs... in at least 3 part harmony, of course.
I miss the days at Juniata where my friends would just sit around- taking song requests and singing together... and singing to the Lord. So wonderful, so simple, so completely for Him. But there's something else that strikes me about this verse- "speaking to one another..." We should learn to sing what we have to say, so that what we have to say may be a sweet melody to God. Lord, teach me to make my words (as I speak to others) a sweet melody that reflects my heart for You.
Sing in Response
7 All the lands are at rest and at peace;
they break into singing. -Isaiah 14:7
It's hard to imagine what it must've been like- to be living in slavery and bondage... to be waiting for freedom from their enemies. And to hear a promise like this for the future... about lands being a rest and breaking into singing. Actually, it's not so foreign to the world today. It's just that we conduct our 'business of war' in far off places where we can't see the fear and distress inflicted upon so many. But Lord, this morning, I do pray that all people may feel Your peace... that we may recognize that we are all brothers and sisters who can break into singing together, singing a song of peace and unity and Your love that binds us all together.
Sing in Actions
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. -Ephesians 5:8
All of these verses remind me of the song, "How Can I Keep from Singing," but especially this verse. I am convinced that when we "let our life sing," we need to not only sing with the 'semi-perfect pitch' we've acquired, but also with the notes we weave into our comings and goings and doings. As children of the light, we must learn what pleases the Lord and sing those songs... of goodness, righteousness and truth. Lord, teach me those melodies and help me to play them each day- joyfully and wholly for Your honor.
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. —Ephesians 5:19
This verse reminds me of my dear friend Kammy who came to our COB Young Adult Conference last year. When asked what she thought about it, she said, "You're a very sing-y group." It's true. We'd spend free time doing a special hymn sing. Our fun talent show night was mostly made up of musical acts. And we'd have worship 3 times a day with lovely songs... in at least 3 part harmony, of course.
I miss the days at Juniata where my friends would just sit around- taking song requests and singing together... and singing to the Lord. So wonderful, so simple, so completely for Him. But there's something else that strikes me about this verse- "speaking to one another..." We should learn to sing what we have to say, so that what we have to say may be a sweet melody to God. Lord, teach me to make my words (as I speak to others) a sweet melody that reflects my heart for You.
Sing in Response
7 All the lands are at rest and at peace;
they break into singing. -Isaiah 14:7
It's hard to imagine what it must've been like- to be living in slavery and bondage... to be waiting for freedom from their enemies. And to hear a promise like this for the future... about lands being a rest and breaking into singing. Actually, it's not so foreign to the world today. It's just that we conduct our 'business of war' in far off places where we can't see the fear and distress inflicted upon so many. But Lord, this morning, I do pray that all people may feel Your peace... that we may recognize that we are all brothers and sisters who can break into singing together, singing a song of peace and unity and Your love that binds us all together.
Sing in Actions
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. -Ephesians 5:8
All of these verses remind me of the song, "How Can I Keep from Singing," but especially this verse. I am convinced that when we "let our life sing," we need to not only sing with the 'semi-perfect pitch' we've acquired, but also with the notes we weave into our comings and goings and doings. As children of the light, we must learn what pleases the Lord and sing those songs... of goodness, righteousness and truth. Lord, teach me those melodies and help me to play them each day- joyfully and wholly for Your honor.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
What to Expect, When You're Expecting...
What was Expected of Jesus
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! —Matthew 7:11
And we should expect such good things from the Lord. Now, I think the key here is that it doesn't say which good things. We don't tell our Father... ok... I'd like to order good thing #1- health, good thing #2- a beautiful home, good thing #3- job security, good thing #4- a handsome guy (well, that one's already taken care of anyway). I think some people think that, and so they become disheartened that God doesn't really "give good things to those who ask Him."
But perhaps it's more general. We ask God for blessings and protection, and He decides what gifts are good. Like a Father, he "knows best." Lord, thank You for all the good things that You have given to me... even when I was on the verge of giving up hope. I really was starting to doubt that I would meet someone like Brad. And I thank You for the many many good things that You have given to me- an education, the opportunity to travel and serve You, and the many good things to come. Further more, I thank You for Your wisdom. You know what is good, oh God. Help me to expect and appreciate the good things that You give to me... so that I may use them all for Your glory.
What God Expects from Us
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. -Ephesians 4:1-3
Wow... what a powerful verse, especially the first one strikes me this morning. "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Imagine a world where all Christians were so on fire for Christ that they sought to live a life worthy of the calling they have received! It would be amazing! We are all called to certain things- humility, gentleness, patience, unity, etc. We also each have a calling.
Reading through Luke this week, what stood out to me was how different groups of people (soldiers, tax collectors, 'the crowd') all asked, "What shall we do?" It was good and right to ask this question, and they all received a very specific answer about what was required of them. So, I this morning ask this question, "What shall I do, Lord? What is your specific calling for me? What is required of me? I want to live a life worthy of the calling I have received." Thank You for the blessing of using me to complete Your work... fill me with your humility, gentleness, patience, so that I may honor You, always 'on fire' for my Lord, always living life for You.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling a]">[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea. -Isaiah 11:5-9
When you talk about "expecting," it's quite hard to do it without mention of the Jews waiting for their Messiah. They had the beautiful scriptures from Isaiah that promised them a Prince of Peace, filled with righteousness and faithfulness... and the earth would be filled with the knowledge of God. I really hope sometime I can study Isaiah more in depth.
But today it strikes me that some didn't believe... despite all of the promises, all of the scriptures that pointed to Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. Were they really expecting these promises to be fulfilled? I question myself about that sometimes... God's promises for us are so great and He is so faithful... but we are 'of little faith' and we doubt whether it can really be. But we need to wait in faithful expectance, or when His promises come true, we might not even see them. Lord, help me to have faith in the completion of Your promises in my life.
If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! —Matthew 7:11
And we should expect such good things from the Lord. Now, I think the key here is that it doesn't say which good things. We don't tell our Father... ok... I'd like to order good thing #1- health, good thing #2- a beautiful home, good thing #3- job security, good thing #4- a handsome guy (well, that one's already taken care of anyway). I think some people think that, and so they become disheartened that God doesn't really "give good things to those who ask Him."
But perhaps it's more general. We ask God for blessings and protection, and He decides what gifts are good. Like a Father, he "knows best." Lord, thank You for all the good things that You have given to me... even when I was on the verge of giving up hope. I really was starting to doubt that I would meet someone like Brad. And I thank You for the many many good things that You have given to me- an education, the opportunity to travel and serve You, and the many good things to come. Further more, I thank You for Your wisdom. You know what is good, oh God. Help me to expect and appreciate the good things that You give to me... so that I may use them all for Your glory.
What God Expects from Us
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. -Ephesians 4:1-3
Wow... what a powerful verse, especially the first one strikes me this morning. "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Imagine a world where all Christians were so on fire for Christ that they sought to live a life worthy of the calling they have received! It would be amazing! We are all called to certain things- humility, gentleness, patience, unity, etc. We also each have a calling.
Reading through Luke this week, what stood out to me was how different groups of people (soldiers, tax collectors, 'the crowd') all asked, "What shall we do?" It was good and right to ask this question, and they all received a very specific answer about what was required of them. So, I this morning ask this question, "What shall I do, Lord? What is your specific calling for me? What is required of me? I want to live a life worthy of the calling I have received." Thank You for the blessing of using me to complete Your work... fill me with your humility, gentleness, patience, so that I may honor You, always 'on fire' for my Lord, always living life for You.
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