Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 3:3-5
If we rejoice when something good happens, that's what's to be expected. I can almost hear "even the pagans do that" in my head. But we extend ourselves and challenge ourselves when we remain in joy in the midst of challenges. And I think it's significant that we have this word: joy. Happiness is so fleeting. Happiness is caused by something, but to me joy runs much deeper... it is a way of being. Moments of suffering- great or small- seem to take over our hearts and our minds. When we lose a loved one, when we are experiencing great struggles, when we are disillusioned, when we are stressed and feeling doubtful, when we feel lost or afraid, it is always easy to say that we will come out of this stronger... but it is so hard to do.
What sometimes helps me is to think back upon a time of suffering that I thought I'd never come out of. What most easily comes to mind right now is my struggles with anorexia. The world looked so dark, and I for some irrational reason felt like the only thing that mattered every day was that I lose weight. If I lost a pound, it was a good day. If I didn't, it was an awful day filled with more and more exercise. And the worst of it all, while society would like me to believe the promise that I would feel fulfilled and beautiful and extremely happy, I was so deeply sad and unsatisfied. I remember a morning when I just didn't want to get out of bed, because I couldn't see anything good waiting for me. (I had gotten to a point where it was so hard to lose any weight, and I was fighting against my body so hard every day.) And when I think of how I've come out of that, I know it was God carrying me so many times- providing encouragement through friends and through his word. Slowly but surely (persevering), I would see God in invitations to a meal or a word from a friend or things that I read. And I now have hope that whatever comes my way, it'll be alright. My Father is watching over me and the Holy Spirit is here with me to help me out of such dark moments and keep me in His light.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. -Proverbs 16:3
Moments of decisions are very hard for me, because for some reason decisions have never just been about what Katie wants. I've felt God's hand guiding me in a very real way throughout my whole life. And that just makes it harder in some ways. I've loved those moments of being in His service, and so I want to listen and know His leading for my life. But right now I'm faced with many options and praying for the patience to know where God wants me next... and promising to commit my next step to God, wherever and whatever that is.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. -2 Corinthians 6:4-10
People really don't understand BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) and others like it. You can't know it until you've experienced it, really. People will say strange things like, "That's a good thing to do." Or "that's so nice of you." They don't understand that really the volunteer is the one that is so blessed by the whole experience. My years in BVS were not to be pitied or honored. It was a beautiful moment in my life where I received so much more than I could give. Being poor, my life was so enriched. Possessing nothing, I possessed everything.
Service is amazing. You have to be it to believe it. And I long to live my life continuing to serve, knowing that those are the moments I have felt closest to God and the most fulfilled. It was not easy, not at all. There were many challenges- moments I felt so faint and so far from home. But, all of it together was worth everything.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Humility in Ourselves and Pride in HIm
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." -Matthew 20:24-28
This morning I had a beautiful run with a new friend, Veronika. She's from Hungary and just the sweetest girl ever. To me, she seems to perfectly demonstrate the verse on humility. While she was recruited to come to the U.S. to run, she jogged slowly with me this morning, assuring me that it was a fine pace. And while she studied at the prestigious Harvard, she didn't even mention it until I specifically asked. To every remarkable accomplishment, she meekly shook her head and humbly explained how it was 'no big deal.' When others would walk around with their head held high, talking about their various medals and starting long stories with, "When I was studying at Harvard..." she refuses to fall victim to this prideful tendency. Lord she is yours, because I can see Your humility in her beautiful humble spirit. May she feel Your spirit around her... comfort her and protect her and guide her as she searches for her way.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. -Proverbs 15:17
I have had many a beautiful simple meal of broth or boiled plantains or simply a bowl of rice in the many countries where I have traveled. And this week I have had several more lovely simple meals. Not in fancy 5 star restaurants but the simple coming together of these sisters of mine in Christ. On Thursday, the girls provided a space to talk about our weeks and even challenged me to think about what I want to "end up doing." And for some reason, it hit me in that moment that what I want more than anything is to be serving the Lord, working for the church in some way... whether that is my profession or something I do additionally, I don't know. But I've felt the most joy in my life when that has been what has happened. I must believe that God worked through this simply meal and the love of my sisters to speak to me.
And getting together with Ke on Friday was such a nice time to talk about our loves and our lives and where God has come into our lives and somehow changed our plans. I really hope that we may continue to have these simple meals together in order to consider You, Lord. Such a seemingly simple gift, Lord. But the gift of wonderful Christian friends who encourage me in my walk is a gift without measure.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. -2 Corinthians 5:11-12
While the Bible speaks against pride in most instances, here we have an example of when we should take pride. We should take pride in what is in the heart. But this does not mean we should take pride in our moral or emotional superiority. As Christians, what is in our hearts is the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus fills our hearts with the joy that comes from His forgiving and freeing grace. So we are proud of what Jesus has given to us... and we are eager to share with everyone that which is so special and unique and offered to everyone... which is so so much more important than what we can see on the outside. Lord, I am filled with pride in the amazing power that You have to transform every bit of our lives... may that motivate me to always speak of You.
This morning I had a beautiful run with a new friend, Veronika. She's from Hungary and just the sweetest girl ever. To me, she seems to perfectly demonstrate the verse on humility. While she was recruited to come to the U.S. to run, she jogged slowly with me this morning, assuring me that it was a fine pace. And while she studied at the prestigious Harvard, she didn't even mention it until I specifically asked. To every remarkable accomplishment, she meekly shook her head and humbly explained how it was 'no big deal.' When others would walk around with their head held high, talking about their various medals and starting long stories with, "When I was studying at Harvard..." she refuses to fall victim to this prideful tendency. Lord she is yours, because I can see Your humility in her beautiful humble spirit. May she feel Your spirit around her... comfort her and protect her and guide her as she searches for her way.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. -Proverbs 15:17
I have had many a beautiful simple meal of broth or boiled plantains or simply a bowl of rice in the many countries where I have traveled. And this week I have had several more lovely simple meals. Not in fancy 5 star restaurants but the simple coming together of these sisters of mine in Christ. On Thursday, the girls provided a space to talk about our weeks and even challenged me to think about what I want to "end up doing." And for some reason, it hit me in that moment that what I want more than anything is to be serving the Lord, working for the church in some way... whether that is my profession or something I do additionally, I don't know. But I've felt the most joy in my life when that has been what has happened. I must believe that God worked through this simply meal and the love of my sisters to speak to me.
And getting together with Ke on Friday was such a nice time to talk about our loves and our lives and where God has come into our lives and somehow changed our plans. I really hope that we may continue to have these simple meals together in order to consider You, Lord. Such a seemingly simple gift, Lord. But the gift of wonderful Christian friends who encourage me in my walk is a gift without measure.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. -2 Corinthians 5:11-12
While the Bible speaks against pride in most instances, here we have an example of when we should take pride. We should take pride in what is in the heart. But this does not mean we should take pride in our moral or emotional superiority. As Christians, what is in our hearts is the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus fills our hearts with the joy that comes from His forgiving and freeing grace. So we are proud of what Jesus has given to us... and we are eager to share with everyone that which is so special and unique and offered to everyone... which is so so much more important than what we can see on the outside. Lord, I am filled with pride in the amazing power that You have to transform every bit of our lives... may that motivate me to always speak of You.
Friday, September 11, 2009
And Nothing But the Truth
Those who deal truthfully are [God’s] delight. —Proverbs 12:22
Although all 'good' Brethren know that we will not "swear" to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, we will "affirm" to tell the truth if called to testify in court. But even if we're not in court, isn't this something that we should do every day? Should we tell ourselves every day that we will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Last night in my Anthropological Linguistics class, I am ashamed to say that I did not tell the Truth. While the class rallied against religion and Christianity specifically, I bit my tongue and didn't raise up the point of view that it is quite possible to be Christian and also appreciate indigenous languages and cultures. But it is hard. We are afraid... even in relationships, friendships, our daily lives. We're afraid of what others will think. I feel it gets harder the older we get, the more that we feel we have to lose by being 100% who we are... when in reality not being that is more of a threat than anything! Lord, give me the courage to always tell the truth and always tell the Truth... so that I may be Your delight. I so long for that, Lord... that is my only life goal... to be Your delight and to live to glorify You.
The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight -Proverbs 11:1
Yet truth doesn't just lie in what we say but also in what we do. The old saying goes that the Brethren was the one of whom "you didn't have to weigh his grain." Way back in the day in Pennsylvania when the farmers went to the store, they didn't have to weigh what the Duncar took. He was good to his word.
I pray that I may live in such a way that my word may be enough. Though nowadays we don't weigh grain, perhaps it is in your reliability to keep a promise, your constant prayer time, that be-where-you-say-you-will-ness. My old boss Mr. Scheuermann would always say, "You need to give people a fair shake."
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. -2 Corinthians 4:1-2
And in Christ, we are a new creation. We renounce ways that might be harmful and turn to His ways. In Brazil, the church's motto is: Uma igreja diferente fazendo diferenca. (A different church making a difference.) And they are! How I miss them! We are challenged as Christians to live life in a boldly different way. Perhaps that means being a pacifist in a war-hungry country or living simply in a world gone mad with materialism, being loving when it is the hardest most inconvenient thing to do, or taking the hard road in a relationship when others could never understand that decision at all.
It's transparency. And transparency is scary, because it involves vulnerability. I think of the movie "Fools Rush In." Isa's mother tells her, "You'll never experience love unless you give yourself up to it." I think the same is true for Truth. You'll never experience Truth (of the Father), unless you give yourself up to truth.
Although all 'good' Brethren know that we will not "swear" to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, we will "affirm" to tell the truth if called to testify in court. But even if we're not in court, isn't this something that we should do every day? Should we tell ourselves every day that we will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Last night in my Anthropological Linguistics class, I am ashamed to say that I did not tell the Truth. While the class rallied against religion and Christianity specifically, I bit my tongue and didn't raise up the point of view that it is quite possible to be Christian and also appreciate indigenous languages and cultures. But it is hard. We are afraid... even in relationships, friendships, our daily lives. We're afraid of what others will think. I feel it gets harder the older we get, the more that we feel we have to lose by being 100% who we are... when in reality not being that is more of a threat than anything! Lord, give me the courage to always tell the truth and always tell the Truth... so that I may be Your delight. I so long for that, Lord... that is my only life goal... to be Your delight and to live to glorify You.
The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight -Proverbs 11:1
Yet truth doesn't just lie in what we say but also in what we do. The old saying goes that the Brethren was the one of whom "you didn't have to weigh his grain." Way back in the day in Pennsylvania when the farmers went to the store, they didn't have to weigh what the Duncar took. He was good to his word.
I pray that I may live in such a way that my word may be enough. Though nowadays we don't weigh grain, perhaps it is in your reliability to keep a promise, your constant prayer time, that be-where-you-say-you-will-ness. My old boss Mr. Scheuermann would always say, "You need to give people a fair shake."
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. -2 Corinthians 4:1-2
And in Christ, we are a new creation. We renounce ways that might be harmful and turn to His ways. In Brazil, the church's motto is: Uma igreja diferente fazendo diferenca. (A different church making a difference.) And they are! How I miss them! We are challenged as Christians to live life in a boldly different way. Perhaps that means being a pacifist in a war-hungry country or living simply in a world gone mad with materialism, being loving when it is the hardest most inconvenient thing to do, or taking the hard road in a relationship when others could never understand that decision at all.
It's transparency. And transparency is scary, because it involves vulnerability. I think of the movie "Fools Rush In." Isa's mother tells her, "You'll never experience love unless you give yourself up to it." I think the same is true for Truth. You'll never experience Truth (of the Father), unless you give yourself up to truth.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Healthy Hearts- Filled with the Word, Wisdom, and the Spirit
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11
I'm reminded of the time my friends and I went camping. As luck would have it, it was pouring outside, so we couldn't be outside under the stars in our tents (although I will get to do that someday). So, what did we do? We pitched our tents in the attic of our friend Kelly's cabin out near Raystown Lake. Jason had figured out how the material went and where it should be, but it wasn't working out. For some reason my brilliant physics major friend was missing an essential ingredient. Finally, I found the missing piece of the frame that had been left by the wayside, and our tent was stable and steady and ready to 'protect us from the elements of mothballs' or at least provide a perfect backdrop for our shadow puppets.
But our hearts are like that. In order to keep ourselves 'healthy' or pure or holy spiritually, we need every part of the frame in place. We need every part of His word in our hearts. Not just a part of what God has said, not just a certain passage or teaching from the scripture, we need all of it. Without His word filling our hearts, we run the risk of falling down all together.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
bestowing wealth on those who love me
and making their treasuries full. - Proverbs 8:17-21
Yesterday I reflected on the lack of necessity for riches, so it may seem odd that today I'm reading about how Wisdom will grant us riches and honor. But, you may notice that the next line states that the fruits of wisdom are better than gold and surpass silver. So again, the richness that is being talked about is different than the monetary riches we think of. It's also interesting to consider what it means to seek Wisdom. We are told that we will find Wisdom if we seek it. I makes me wonder how many people may claim to seek Wisdom but hide from it, knowing that they don't really want to change and follow the ways of righteousness... that would challenge their ways. It is also seen as something that is bestowed upon us, not something that we gain.
Here at the university, we all appreciate knowledge and learning... but those are very different from wisdom. Knowledge is well and good, but Wisdom is being able to apply your knowledge and experience with great insight. I pray that God may bestow Wisdom upon me... that I may be able to use all the Word that I have hidden in my heart and live for Him always.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Praise the Lord! He speaks to me through these scriptures in the morning. When I feel so inadequate to be leading a Bible Study or too small to be leading a discussion for intimidating grad students on Friday, He tells me that He will be my confidence. As long as I am doing whatever I am doing for the Lord, my competence comes from Him, and He makes it all possible. I certainly can't claim anything for myself... because who am I to do these things? I am not trained or knowledgeable in all of this. Most of the time, I don't even feel like a real grad student.
But He makes us all ministers of the new covenant through the gift of the Spirit. I am no longer bound to the judgment and failure I face from the law (the letter), because only Jesus could perfectly uphold the law (although He chose not to on several accounts). Instead, I am saved by God's grace and my life comes from the Spirit which gives me confidences and keeps my tent standing... with the Word to keep me from sinning, Wisdom to help me apply it, and the Spirit to minister to all.
I'm reminded of the time my friends and I went camping. As luck would have it, it was pouring outside, so we couldn't be outside under the stars in our tents (although I will get to do that someday). So, what did we do? We pitched our tents in the attic of our friend Kelly's cabin out near Raystown Lake. Jason had figured out how the material went and where it should be, but it wasn't working out. For some reason my brilliant physics major friend was missing an essential ingredient. Finally, I found the missing piece of the frame that had been left by the wayside, and our tent was stable and steady and ready to 'protect us from the elements of mothballs' or at least provide a perfect backdrop for our shadow puppets.
But our hearts are like that. In order to keep ourselves 'healthy' or pure or holy spiritually, we need every part of the frame in place. We need every part of His word in our hearts. Not just a part of what God has said, not just a certain passage or teaching from the scripture, we need all of it. Without His word filling our hearts, we run the risk of falling down all together.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
bestowing wealth on those who love me
and making their treasuries full. - Proverbs 8:17-21
Yesterday I reflected on the lack of necessity for riches, so it may seem odd that today I'm reading about how Wisdom will grant us riches and honor. But, you may notice that the next line states that the fruits of wisdom are better than gold and surpass silver. So again, the richness that is being talked about is different than the monetary riches we think of. It's also interesting to consider what it means to seek Wisdom. We are told that we will find Wisdom if we seek it. I makes me wonder how many people may claim to seek Wisdom but hide from it, knowing that they don't really want to change and follow the ways of righteousness... that would challenge their ways. It is also seen as something that is bestowed upon us, not something that we gain.
Here at the university, we all appreciate knowledge and learning... but those are very different from wisdom. Knowledge is well and good, but Wisdom is being able to apply your knowledge and experience with great insight. I pray that God may bestow Wisdom upon me... that I may be able to use all the Word that I have hidden in my heart and live for Him always.
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Praise the Lord! He speaks to me through these scriptures in the morning. When I feel so inadequate to be leading a Bible Study or too small to be leading a discussion for intimidating grad students on Friday, He tells me that He will be my confidence. As long as I am doing whatever I am doing for the Lord, my competence comes from Him, and He makes it all possible. I certainly can't claim anything for myself... because who am I to do these things? I am not trained or knowledgeable in all of this. Most of the time, I don't even feel like a real grad student.
But He makes us all ministers of the new covenant through the gift of the Spirit. I am no longer bound to the judgment and failure I face from the law (the letter), because only Jesus could perfectly uphold the law (although He chose not to on several accounts). Instead, I am saved by God's grace and my life comes from the Spirit which gives me confidences and keeps my tent standing... with the Word to keep me from sinning, Wisdom to help me apply it, and the Spirit to minister to all.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Road to Riches
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch
These teaches are no stranger to the Brethren. I'm always trying to acquire less stuff, although admittedly I don't do such a good job. It's hard to recognizing that even attempting to live simply as I do, I am living at a standard so much higher than so many in the world. I really appreciated the fact that Carol and Jason Longenecker-Schmidt have a Simple Living group through their church. It seems like such a great idea to me, because this is something that we are called to as Christians and also something that we are called to as Christian... a life that is not centered around the abundance of stuff. But, it's very very challenging in today's society. In fact, if we are to take all of Jesus' teachings about money (and there are many) very seriously, it is quite countercultural to say the least.
But it's not enough to give up the riches of this world. Bosch says it quite well in this poem. The point of giving up worldly riches and possessions is to be able to recognize that our lives aren't about monetary riches but rather the richness of God. Lord, I praise You for the richness that You offer to us so freely and how it fills my heart and soul with joy each morning. You are so great, Heavenly Father. To You be the praise for the riches that You offer to all the humble of heart.
This is a beautiful verse, likening our words about God to a beautiful fragrance and aroma. For some reason this reminds me of the flowering tree "dama da noite" in Brazil. Right in the middle of the dark, dirty and smelly favela after a long day of sweat and trash had gathered on the streets, the "dama da noite" gave off a beautifully sweet scent. I wished that I could take it with me, that I could bottle that scent that covered all the unpleasantness of daily life there. But I have another fragrant aroma... "the frangrance of the knowledge of him," and I know that it is sweeter than even the "dama da noite." And it is something I carry with me always, something that also covers up all the unpleasantness of daily life.
The second part of this, verses 16 and 17 touch my heart this morning. I have asked, "Who is equal to such a task?" many times. I feel so small to be given such responsibility, but I praise You, Father. This week's bible study brought so many wonderful ideas from many of the Christians who saw so much in Your word and shared with all of us. It brought friends who shared advice and teaching with me. It brought help with leading groups and unexpected sweet words of encouragement from friends who were there. And none of us are in this for the money, but for Your glory, Father... for the spreading of Your sweet word... fragrant to our surroundings and sweet honey to our lips.
The riches of this world are vain,
They vanish in a day;
But sweet the treasures of God’s love—
They never pass away. —Bosch
These teaches are no stranger to the Brethren. I'm always trying to acquire less stuff, although admittedly I don't do such a good job. It's hard to recognizing that even attempting to live simply as I do, I am living at a standard so much higher than so many in the world. I really appreciated the fact that Carol and Jason Longenecker-Schmidt have a Simple Living group through their church. It seems like such a great idea to me, because this is something that we are called to as Christians and also something that we are called to as Christian... a life that is not centered around the abundance of stuff. But, it's very very challenging in today's society. In fact, if we are to take all of Jesus' teachings about money (and there are many) very seriously, it is quite countercultural to say the least.
But it's not enough to give up the riches of this world. Bosch says it quite well in this poem. The point of giving up worldly riches and possessions is to be able to recognize that our lives aren't about monetary riches but rather the richness of God. Lord, I praise You for the richness that You offer to us so freely and how it fills my heart and soul with joy each morning. You are so great, Heavenly Father. To You be the praise for the riches that You offer to all the humble of heart.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. - Proverbs 6: 9-11
Now, while our life is not centered around wealth and possessions, Solomon gives some very sound advice here. Neither are we to become lazy and stop working. There are many hardworking people in the Bible to give us their example. While these verses are a bit extreme- "a little sleep, a little slumber"- it gets the point across. Hey, don't just sit there. Work for your living. Support your family. Earn your keep, so that you don't have the problem of poverty. Again this proves that the riches themselves are not the problem but rather the priorities. Are you chasing after money more than God? A beautifully decorated home more than Jesus? An attractive new wardrobe more than the Holy Spirit? There's the problem. As it says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, then all these things shall be added unto you." Keep working, but work for the glory of God... the building up of the kingdom.
This is a beautiful verse, likening our words about God to a beautiful fragrance and aroma. For some reason this reminds me of the flowering tree "dama da noite" in Brazil. Right in the middle of the dark, dirty and smelly favela after a long day of sweat and trash had gathered on the streets, the "dama da noite" gave off a beautifully sweet scent. I wished that I could take it with me, that I could bottle that scent that covered all the unpleasantness of daily life there. But I have another fragrant aroma... "the frangrance of the knowledge of him," and I know that it is sweeter than even the "dama da noite." And it is something I carry with me always, something that also covers up all the unpleasantness of daily life.
The second part of this, verses 16 and 17 touch my heart this morning. I have asked, "Who is equal to such a task?" many times. I feel so small to be given such responsibility, but I praise You, Father. This week's bible study brought so many wonderful ideas from many of the Christians who saw so much in Your word and shared with all of us. It brought friends who shared advice and teaching with me. It brought help with leading groups and unexpected sweet words of encouragement from friends who were there. And none of us are in this for the money, but for Your glory, Father... for the spreading of Your sweet word... fragrant to our surroundings and sweet honey to our lips.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
From God to Us to Others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. -2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Paul wrote this letter to a church who was facing great hardships because of their faith. While I don't feel I confront that often, sometimes the life of a devout Christian is hard. It means giving up more of your time, having different priorities, and for the scientific grad students- often being attacked because of their beliefs.
Reading this verse, I can't help but think of Brad, who was there for me and comforted me when I was so worried... in my time of hardship when I thought that I wouldn't be able to lead this bible study. I was wrongly doubted my Lord and Father who has made the earth. Yesterday on my hike I looked to the mountains and thought.... the mountains are so big, and God made them. If my Father can make these mountains, I know He can make me into a Bible study leader, and He will. But when I felt overcome, Brad was there to comfort me and read me scripture and pray with me. His ability to comfort came from the Lord, and now I only pray that I similarly may be able to comfort others... Lord, help me to comfort all those in need, with the comfort that You have shown to me in so many ways... through Your beauty, through Your word, through Your children.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you. -Proverbs 3:27-28
Paul wrote this letter to a church who was facing great hardships because of their faith. While I don't feel I confront that often, sometimes the life of a devout Christian is hard. It means giving up more of your time, having different priorities, and for the scientific grad students- often being attacked because of their beliefs.
Reading this verse, I can't help but think of Brad, who was there for me and comforted me when I was so worried... in my time of hardship when I thought that I wouldn't be able to lead this bible study. I was wrongly doubted my Lord and Father who has made the earth. Yesterday on my hike I looked to the mountains and thought.... the mountains are so big, and God made them. If my Father can make these mountains, I know He can make me into a Bible study leader, and He will. But when I felt overcome, Brad was there to comfort me and read me scripture and pray with me. His ability to comfort came from the Lord, and now I only pray that I similarly may be able to comfort others... Lord, help me to comfort all those in need, with the comfort that You have shown to me in so many ways... through Your beauty, through Your word, through Your children.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you. -Proverbs 3:27-28
This reminds me of the church in Irvington that I visited. When we visited the homes last Christmas time, the people were so happy to see us, and they welcomed us so warmly. And they always met us with a smile, pleasant conversation, at least a prayer or a Bible reading, and some delicious homemade Mexican food. Their spirit of generosity impressed upon me exactly what this verse talks of. And I can't help but see in their generosity, a fruit of the spirit that the Lord has given them. They are generous, because God generously has poured His spirit of love upon all of them. And it is so easy to see in each of their faces... in the warmth that they showed, even to me, a stranger entering their home. Lord, I pray that I may be able to do such good... whenever it is in my power to act.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Praise and practice
I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. —Psalm 61:8
Here again is the word 'always.' Not just when called to full-time ministry, but always. We always need to be serving our Father with whatever gifts He has graced us. While in grad school or afterwards. And it is so wonderful to serve Him. The other day my mom asked me if GCF was too much to me, and I quickly said no. It's so important to me... it's so wonderful for me. Does it take time? Yes. Does it take energy? Yes. But it fills be with joy to in some small way be able to serve my Lord and Savior. He is faithful. He gives me the love and energy and guidance that I need. And this work is not in vain.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens,
old men and children.- Psalm 148:7-12
This is an important issue for both Brad and I, as we have both felt called into some sort of ministry at some point. These first two verses seem to indicate that praise and practice go hand in hand. You can't be truly praising the Lord in an act of worship if what you are doing in your life is dishonoring to Him. The purpose of praise is to honor the Lord our God, so praising Him is directly incongruent with running from His will.
But it is comforting to know that as the first verse states, a part of completing God's will is in the everyday. Where I am right now, not in front of a congregation, I can still try to reach out to people and help people and be there when they need me. Also, the second verse talks about the winds and clouds that 'do His bidding.' They have no choice, and neither do we if we are called. Lord, I trust that You are powerful and faithful, and when You call me... I will do Your bidding, just like the seas and the winds that You also created.
Here again is the word 'always.' Not just when called to full-time ministry, but always. We always need to be serving our Father with whatever gifts He has graced us. While in grad school or afterwards. And it is so wonderful to serve Him. The other day my mom asked me if GCF was too much to me, and I quickly said no. It's so important to me... it's so wonderful for me. Does it take time? Yes. Does it take energy? Yes. But it fills be with joy to in some small way be able to serve my Lord and Savior. He is faithful. He gives me the love and energy and guidance that I need. And this work is not in vain.
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