Friday, May 7, 2010

"I have a dream"

Today was the last day of my History class. And we were talking... well, the Professor was talking and I was thinking, about racism. He was talking about how he believed racism still exhists today in America, but that we so far have come a long way towards being truly an integrated society.

He showed us tons of images of black Americans who were beaten hung and even burned alive after the Civil War. They were horrific images. And I can hardly think of them now without getting sick. The absolute cruelty and gross injustice is enough to make me literally sick. What must those people have been thinking who were standing all around. Granted maybe most didn't take part in the actual lynching but they were there! They were watching.

And God pricked my heart to the core about Abortion. It is the present day form of racism, and even worse than what happened to the black Americans (even anything could be worse). When I think of the numerous "methods" of abortion, they are worse than the hanging and the burning alive. And yet those being aborted have no way to defend themselves nor to speak for their freedom. The people who are aborted cannot march on Washington as the black Americans did in 1963.

America, as God has judged you for slavary so will He judge you for abortion. As we once denied a different race human rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" so have we denied our own races the right to LIFE, let alone liberty and hapiness.

I asked myself as I saw those grotesque images of the black Americans being burned alive, how could such a thing happen? In those days people convinced themselves that black people were not only another race but another species intirely that lacked a soul. The Germans too were convinced that Jews were without soul as well. This idea of souless bodies allowed every type of cruelty, maltreatment and ultimately murder of human beings. Today Americans have convinced themselves that a child in the womb has not a soul, and every type of cruelty, maltreatment and ultimately murder has befallen that child who is left without protection or even a voice with which to protest.

So what does this have to do with me? By Gods grace and mercy, I have never committed abortion. I have told people how I feel about the subject and I have gone on LIFE walks. I have heard that the sins of a country are a picture of the Christians in that country. The sin of abortion would be murder, or hatred. It would also be the sin of idol worship, or of valueing the world, temporal things, etc, more than we value the Creator. Both of these sins I can see in my life and it is time to wage war against these sins. How I do this?

Repentance, concluding that God is right and I am wrong, turning from my wrong ways. Repent from these sins and draw close to the Lord through obedience and faith in His Word. The fruit of this I am convinced will be the abolition of abortion. For when God is God in the lives of saints, real love rules not hatred. A love willing to rebuke wickedness at all costs and embrace righteousness at all costs. And also God's Lordship brings humilty and breaks apart selfish idolatry. His Lorship will cause saints to surrender their own plans, loves, and desires for the work and glory of God.

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?
Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weight out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their sholders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble.
Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness; I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory." -Isaiah 46:3-13

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Pics









These are some of the pictures I drew recently... I will put some captions on this sometime when I don't have a test for which to study. :-) Happy Sunday all!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Am I a Soldier?

My least favorite class this semester has been history class... but I must say that I have learned far more than I expected to in this class. My professor doesn't give his three hour lectures on how bad the church is anymore, instead he plugs in three hour PBS documentaries on early American History. There are times I confess I have almost fell asleep, and I know that is really rude, so I started to practice drawing on the subjects that we are learning about. That helped me focus a lot better on the subject matter (believe it or not. i am becoming quite the multi-tasker)... and I get to spend three hours a week drawing.

Besides learning how to make the eyes on a head look more realistic I am also learning other things. Last week we were studying the Civil War and one person who was famous really stuck out to me.

General "Stonewall" Jackson really caught my attention. I always knew that he was a devout man but not much more than that. God has used Jackson's testimony to teach me about being a soldier of the Lord.

Jackson was not well loved by his soldiers, but they were loyal to him because he won battles. He was an extremely strict disciplinarian. One of his officers said, "Jackson would have a man shot at the drop of a hat, and usually he drops the hat." He also believed that you didn't "fight" your enemy you "crushed" your enemy. He was an observer of the Sabbath. While Jackson would fight battles on a Sunday he would "observe" the Sabbath on another day of the week. :-) Jackson was nicknamed "Stonewall" because he stood like a stone wall before his enemies and the most fearsome of circumstances. His men reported that he had absolutely no fear of death. This fact about Jackson struck me the most.

Jackson's testimony of his devotion to the Lord (even when it wasn't convenient, or attractive), the way in which he fought (not toying with the enemey but destroying it) and his lack of fear of death really encouraged and challenged me. Through this class the Lord has really opened my eyes to some sins that I had not really considered before taking this class. There have been times at work when it wasn't convenient to tell people about what the Lord was doing in my life through difficult circumstances about which they asked. Also in dealing with sin that the Lord has pointed out to me, I noticed that I have been almost toying with it in the way I "fight" it. I have not been putting my sin to death with "crushing" blows. Lastly, and one of the most convicting, I have feared death, not physical death, but death to myself, death to my life, my plans, my way. I have feared and not trusted the Lord. Jackson's testimony reminded me that there is no fear in giving ones life to the Lord and to His service. He will care for me, but I must surrender to Him and bow my will to His supreme authority. Oh for grace to trust Him more. He has given me grace to be an obedient and good soldier, now I must seize it.

All through my class I remembered that song "Am I a Soldier of the Cross." And throughout this week I will continue to remember this song and this question. Am I truly siding with the Lord, and fighting with Him and not against Him? Am I being a good soldier of the Cross?

Jackson's testimony was so good to hear. Once again, thank You God for this history class and this history professor! It has been an EXCELLENT semester... one of the best yet.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth... Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with [our] hands unto God in the heavens." Lamentations 3:21-41

I am expecting some harsh critizism from you, my friends, for drawing in class instead of taking notes. So please don't dissapoint me!

Hope you have a wonderful week! God bless you guys!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

In Christ Alone Will I Glory

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory! Studying John 18 and 19. It was amazing to see Pilate struggle so much to show the Jews that he was on their side. He knew who Christ was, but he was afraid of the crowd and afraid of losing his position of "power". Our Lord will be victorious in this battle between good and evil. And there is no fear of man for God created man. There is no fear of losing our positions because our glory is not found here on earth, but it is found in Christ alone! I can trust Him fully!

I love the line in this song, "I seek no other honor than just to know Him more. And count my gains but losses to the glory of the Lord." It is such an honor to know the Lord more and more! That coupled with "losses" that bring the Savior glory are sufficient blessings to make me a truly happy woman!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Living for Jesus

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 " For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this; that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those that live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

We were saved from HAVING to live for ourselves. That really goes against the grain of my natural thinking. But the truth from the Word of God is that living for Him is not only better than living for ourselves, but living for ourselves is something that we have/had to be rescued from... as in, it is a really bad thing. :-)

Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it

Saturday, April 3, 2010

BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Today is the eve of the rising of our Christ! It is a wonderful day full hope and expectation of things to come. It is the eve of the consumation of the hope we have in the Father. It is the day from which our salvation comes.

I love Easter best of all the holidays, and I love it more and more every year. This morning I was listening to John Piper's sermon to professors who work at seminaries. I have listened to it several times and it always cuts me to the heart with conviction, in the most painful and yet effective way. :-) Pastor Piper speaks of the single most important thing that students must learn and it is this: "To know God better than I know anything else, and to delight in God more than I delight in anything else."

This Easter I am praying this for all my friends, for all my family, and for myself... I might just pray this for my enemies too. :-) This is one of the most exciting Easter's I have ever had, for I know that God will work mightily in behalf of His people and for His glory in this year of our Lord, and Savior!

Let us study to know Him and labour to enjoy Him more than anything in this world! Amen!

Happy Easter!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Firm Foundation

"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." - Psalm 18:5

"By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." - Psalm 71:6

"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." -Romans 14:4

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." -2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I understand these verses so much better! His strength is made perfect in my huge and multiple weaknesses, and I finally know how firm this Foundation really is! It is unmovable; He will not let me fall into the hands of the Enemy. If I am put in the fire, so to speak, continually for the rest of my days, I will not be consumed for the Lord is with me and He cannot be consumed... He isn't combustable. LOL! It is a great day to know Him and be known by Him.

May you too know the Lord's strength and power in your life, and may you enjoy Him all the more!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Psalm 118

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
2. Let Israel now say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
3. Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
4. Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
5. Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
6. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
7. The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
9. It is better to take refuge in the lORD than to trust in princes.
10. All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
11. They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12. They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
13. I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.
14. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
15. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16. the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!
17. I shall not die but I shall live and recount the deeds of the LORD.
18. The LORD has disciplined me severely but he has not given me over to death.
19. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
20. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
21. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
22. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
23. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25. Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!
26. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
27. The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!
28. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.
29. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Isaiah 62

Ahh, I just love Isaiah. God has done good things, and is/was so merciful to give me such a Book, that in trouble I might know His thoughts! Here is another chapter in Isaiah that has been a great blessing to me.

Isaiah 62

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I wil not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness and her salvation as a burning torch
2. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.
3. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married.
5. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
6. On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance take no rest,
7. and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
8. The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm; I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored;
9. but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.
10. Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples.
11. Behold the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth; Say to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him."
12. And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

I am noticing that in the Christian walk there are some rough times... Imagine that. :-) And sometimes I have accused God of not being Holy, in His Sovereignty. And if you try to figure that one out you will notice that it is impossible for God to be Sovereign and not Holy, or vice versa. But none the less in my sin I have accused Him.

Oh for God's grace in putting this chapter in the Word! You know guys, we are on THE road to a brighter day. So great is His grace toward us that we cannot fathom that which He is working through us. And though times are difficult and rough we have a great inheritance awaiting us, and every single minute we "Stand Fast" in the Lord we are a moment closer to that day! We will be called "The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD, Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken".

God bless you and give you PEACE in your troubles, and the FAITH to stand fast.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Mark Cahill

March 2010


The Land of the Rising Sun
I know that many of you were praying for my trip to Japan. Thank you so much for the prayers! In some ways, I was really dreading the trip because of the long flights, etc. I haven’t traveled overseas in many years. It wound up being one of the best trips I have ever had in my life!

On the flight over, I was very happy: There was an empty seat next to me! That meant I could stretch out at least a little bit over the 13 1/2 hour trip. All of the sudden, a man walked up and asked the flight attendant if that seat was empty and if he could sit there. Next thing you know, he is plopping down next me. I am now not the happiest man in the free world! So we began to talk. He was an atheist. I am now the happiest man in the free world! We just had the best conversation. One interesting thing Michael said to me was that he knew in his heart there was a God. Even though he didn’t believe in Him, he knew there was a God. Twice during the conversation he told me, “You know we are supposed to be sitting next to each other talking about God.” And foolish me was worried about stretching out!

Japan is a fascinating country. The characters that are put together to make up the word ‘Japan’ actually mean ‘sun-origin.’ The red disk on their flag represents the sun. People still worship the sun there today. Only about 1% of Japan is Christian. Shintoism and Buddhism are the two main religions of the land, even though most people don’t really practice either of those religions. The picture below is me speaking at a Japanese Church:




Yes, there are only about 15 people at this church! Like I said, Christianity is very small there. It was one of the highlights of my trip to speak there! I asked the people through a translator, “What do people worship here in Japan?” Their response, without any hesitation, was ‘nature.’ The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ even makes more sense now.

Romans 1:18-25 says,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

If you do not worship the God of this universe, you will worship something. And most people will turn to worshipping the creation. Whether it is their love of the mountains, always angling their chair towards the sun on spring break, etc., you will worship something or someone.

In Japan, many also worship people. Some consider the emperor to be god. As you can see, it is a group of people that is being set up to easily worship an antichrist.

The picture below is when we were handing some tracts out to a group we ran into:




I had heard that people in Japan wouldn’t take tracts. We found the people very open to taking literature from us. When these girls walked away, they said some things and started laughing. I asked the translator what they said. She smiled and said, “A very handsome American!” If you find out I am moving the headquarters of the ministry to Japan, you now know why!!

I went to the island of Okinawa to speak. God allowed me to do some speaking to a lot of our military personnel that are stationed there. It is an island with a lot of history. Over 200,000 people were killed during WWII on Okinawa. There were over 2.7 million shells dropped on that island which equaled almost 5 shells per person that lived there at the time! To this very day, there are still over 1 million unexploded shells still on that island!

One of my high school friends, Jon, is a F-15 pilot and a Colonel in the Air Force. He put all the plans together to get me over there. One day, he hired a tour guide to take us around. Setsuko told us that she hid in a cave during WWII and that is how she survived. She was three months old at the time. Okinawa is a volcanic island, so there are caves everywhere. She was very angry at how Imperial Japan treated the Okinawans. She told us of the some of the horrific things the Japanese soldiers did to the Okinawans. She said, “We also had a different religion. We never believed the emperor was a god.”

She took us to a naval underground headquarters for the Japanese. It was a bunch of tunnels inside of a mountain. When the Americans were coming in to get them, well over 100 of them committed suicide. It was consider honorable to die that way for Japan and the emperor, and dishonorable for an American soldier to kill you. There was a lot of suicide on Okinawa. The Japanese would encourage Okinawans to commit suicide. They would give grenades to the adults to kill their whole family. It was considered an honor. The Okinawans were looked down upon by the people from the main island of Japan. Setsuko told us that in this one hospital, the Japanese soldiers came in and gave everyone milk. It was laced with cyanide. They killed all of these Okinawans. It was more evidence on how the heart is so deceitfully wicked.

Do you remember the story in the Bible of the Gadarene demoniac? Here is an interesting part of the story in the book of Mark:
“And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.”

He was cutting himself with stones. When people are into what is called ‘cutting,’ I call it a slow suicide. Suicide is murder. It is wrong. And yet Satan had so deceived people in Japan, they considered it an honor to kill themselves. The Great Deceiver is working hard all over the world on this issue.

Setsuko is a Christian now. She found the real Son. She wants the truth out about what happened on that island. Sounds like something us Christians should be doing as well.

Below is a picture of us witnessing at a Shinto temple:




Yes, that is the Shinto priest! We got into an interesting discussion. The translator was able to help me witness to him! The person with the young face there is actually a 25 year-old-man! It was an interesting discussion. A quote from a Shinto booklet in Japan: “Shinto was originally a natural religion which became into existence in a village community. So, the concept of a sin or of ethics is also formed according to the value system of the community: that is to wish prosperous continuation and development of the community.” Moral relativism is alive and well in Japan!

At the Shinto shrine, people were praying for success of business, praying to have their car protected, etc., and all the while giving money to the Shinto priests to pay for this! It was a great money making endeavor! I know some of the prosperity preachers here in America that would have been very proud of how the Shinto priests were running their organization!

Wouldn’t it be better if one day, instead of being the Land of Rising Sun, Japan would be known as the Land of the Rising Son? How about where you live? Wouldn’t you like where you live to be known for the move of Jesus Christ that is going on in your area? Well, my Bible is very specific. God uses regular people to bring the Son of God to many people. Make sure all the days of your life that you are a regular person that brings Jesus to as many people as you can before you take your last breath!
Until the nets are full,

Mark Cahill



Okay, so I am cheating again and posting someone elses writing on my blog, but I really do think you guys will be blessed with reading this. I met Mark Cahill once and was surprised. In my mind, through reading his books and hearing him speak I thought he would be this super serious guy, whose only mission was to serve and seek "lost" people. Not that those are bad things at all. :-) I was partly right and partly wrong. He does witness a LOT, and he is pretty serious but he is also an extremely kind and considerate guy to the Christians he meets. I watched him while he talked to us "saved" people and he was as concerned with reaching out to the saved as he was to the lost. Great man of God, and therefore I agree with the Japanese ladies, he is a very handsome American! :-)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

In the Valley by Sovereign Grace

Beautiful song! It is a great encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you as well.

The Bible verses that this song reminds me of are:

Romans 8:28-39
Romans 13:11-14
Lam. 3:25
Ps. 34:8

Words and music by Bob Kauflin

When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ

Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley

In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed

Monday, March 22, 2010

Psalm 57

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee: yeah, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
He shall send from heaven, save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof thy are fallen themselves. Selah.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.
Awake up my glory; awake psaltry and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth."

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Gratefulnesse

Here is a poem, or part of a poem, that I borrowed from a book I am reading. :-) It is called: Gratefulnesse (Don't hate on the Old English just 'cause it is cool, ok?)

Thou that has given so much to me,
Give me one thing more
- a grateful heart...

... I cry, and cry again;
and in no quiet canst Thou be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain of Thee.

Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.
-George Herbert (1593-1633)

Thank You, God for these days that "Try our souls" and make us to learn that there is great delight found in resting (believing) in You! :-)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Article by John Piper for the Ladies

This is an excellent article for us ladies. You will LOVE all the ministry ideas, at the end, if you don't already have some in mind.

1.That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.
2.That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.
3.That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.
4.That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on Biblical truth be the source of hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.
5.That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you; and the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you; and your spiritual influence would increase at home and at church and in the world.
6.That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.
7.That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not fritter your time away on soaps or ladies magazines or aimless hobbies, any more than men should fritter theirs away on excessive sports or aimless diddling in the garage. That you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.
8.That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to Christ and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.
9.That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow; that you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that you influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.
10.That, if you have children, you accept responsibility with your husband (or alone if necessary) to raise up children who hope in the triumph of God, sharing with him the teaching and discipline of the children, and giving to the children that special nurturing touch and care that you are uniquely fitted to give.
11.That you not assume that secular employment is a greater challenge or a better use of your life than the countless opportunities of service and witness in the home the neighborhood, the community, the church, and the world. That you not only pose the question: Career vs. full time mom? But that you ask as seriously: Full time career vs. freedom for ministry? That you ask: Which would be greater for the Kingdom— to be in the employ of someone telling you what to do to make his business prosper, or to be God's free agent dreaming your own dream about how your time and your home and your creativity could make God's business prosper? And that in all this you make your choices not on the basis of secular trends or yuppie lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the family and advance the cause of Christ.
12.That you step back and (with your husband, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life's ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment choices, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God's will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else's chapter or whether it has in it what chapter five will have.
13.That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.
14.That in all your relationships with men you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the Biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that does justice to the unique role God has given to man to feel responsible for gracious leadership in relation to women—a leadership which involves elements of protection and care and initiative. That you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as he must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with men.
15.That you see Biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women in relation to each other not as arbitrary constraints on freedom but as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God's ideal of complementarity. That you not measure your potential by the few roles withheld but by the countless roles offered. That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...

The awesome significance of motherhood

Complementing a man's life as his wife

Ministries to the handicapped

hearing impaired
blind
lame
retarded

Ministries to the sick:

nursing
physician
hospice care—cancer, AIDS, etc.
community health

Ministries to the socially estranged:

emotionally impaired
recovering alcoholics
recovering drug users
escaping prostitutes
abused children, women
runaways, problem children
orphans

Prison ministries:

women's prisons!
families of prisoners
rehabilitation to society

Ministries to youth:

teaching
sponsoring
open houses and recreation
outings and trips
counseling
academic assistance

Sports ministries:

neighborhood teams
church teams

Therapeutic counseling:

independent
church based
institutional

Audio visual ministries:

composition
design
production
distribution

Writing ministries:

free lance
curriculum development
fiction
non-fiction
editing
institutional communications
journalistic skills for publications

Teaching ministries:

Sunday school: children, youth, students, women
grade school
high school
college

Music ministries:

composition
training
performance
voice
choir
instrumentalist

Evangelistic ministries:

personal witnessing
Inter Varsity
Campus Crusade
Navigators
Home Bible Studies
outreach to children
Visitation teams
Counseling at meetings
Billy Graham phone bank

Radio and TV ministries:

technical assistance
writing
announcing
producing

Theater and drama ministries:

acting
directing
writing
scheduling

Social ministries:

literacy
pro-life
pro-decency
housing
safety
beautification

Pastoral care assistance:
visitation
newcomer welcoming and assistance
hospitality
food and clothing and transportation

Prayer ministries:

praying!!!
mobilizing for major Concerts of Prayer
helping with small groups of prayer
coordinating prayer chains
promoting prayer days and weeks and vigils

Missions:

all of the above across cultures

Support ministries:

countless jobs that undergird major ministries

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Behold the Coming Kingdom!

I just L.O.V.E this chapter in Isaiah. Must post it so that you can L.O.V.E. it too. :-)

Isaiah 35

1.) The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; th desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2.) it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. 3.) Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4.) Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." 5.) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6.) then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For the waters break forth in the wilderness, and the streams in the desert; 7.) the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackels, where they lie down; the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8.) And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9.) No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10.) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

As Spring break is here it is so good for me to remember that first, the day of the LORD is coming (!) and second, that now is the time to be strong in the Lord and to not fear the world. For sure the Lord is coming soon and I must be found both ready and unashamed. And as these last and busy days are here this chapter and also the verses in Colossians 3:15-17 will, by God's grace set the tone for the rest of this semester (and the rest of my life). Basically this is not afraid but working and anticipaiting the day when the Lord will take us from here, by the awesome power of the cleansing blood of Christ. Yay!

(In case you don't have time to look up Colossians 3:15-17 I will just write it for you. :-))
15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

Chorus:
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the victory cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the power of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us
What a love! What a cost!

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Thinking tonight about the great sacrifice that Christ made for me. Seriously I can't remember it enough!! Love like that is impossible!! Forgivness like that is impossible outside of God! It blows my mind... It really does.

So great a sacrifice. So great a gift. Such great mercy has been poured out on us.

Just thought I would pass this song on. What a great day to know and to serve the Lord! Hope that you are blessed today with the joy and refreshment that comes from the presence of the Lord. God bless y'all.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

All good things must come to an end

So I had to get off of facebook recently and I told everyone that it was because I am going to be super busy this summer and the rest of this semester. Here are the reasons in particular. Judge me fairly. LOL. :0)

I did add an eight week course to my course load, so school work is taking my attention every evening, and most mornings. I am doing a lot more Bible study and memory work, because I really really need it. It is essential for my life. :-)(Like you didn't know that):-) I am training for a 10-K and I hope to run it this Fall. There isn't really a good reason for this except for motivation to stay in shape. Because between school and my job I sit or stand around all day! I am going to be getting training for an EMT and a CNA licence this summer. That should be pretty fun. I am working about thirty hours a week now because they have changed the hours around at the bank. Though I don't mind the money ;-) I would prefer to spend my time on other things. Alas, money is forcing its way into my wallet. I just can't stop it. :-) Not a bad problem to have, right? I am studying to take the Nursing Entrance Exam again... because wouldn't you know it, I took the wrong one. Argh. Praying a lot about nursing, and taking it a semester at a time. Hopefully will be able to share the gospel and lead a Bible study with young girls at Juvenile detention center this summer, with either my Church or a group that works specifically with Juvenile detention centers. Also will be going to the nursing home too with my Church. I am pretty excited about that. So my schedule is pretty tight this summer, and for that I am grateful. All these "plans" of course are subject to change, but yeah... this is the plan.

So those are the reasons I am "too busy" for facebook. My other reasons for getting off of facebook are these: You know I thought and thought about it and though I don't watch TV or movies (very rarely) it is pointless if I am spending that same time on facebook. So yes, I was an addict. Regrettably so. I don't think facebook is bad in anyway, I think it is a great way to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ, and challenge those who don't know the Lord. I also think it is super fun to keep up with hundreds of your friends from all over and share your pictures with them. So don't get me wrong on this. I condemn no one for using facebook often, it is just that I know I could get a lot more done without it this semester and I needed to get my priorities straight. Besides all those debates discussing Christian Liberty and Holiness were way too attractive. I wanted to write pages on those, but that would keep me from actually living what I was writing about, hence the "No more, Grace".

Do I miss it. Yup. Because I miss seeing your pictures and hearing how you are doing. But I will say in not knowing how you are, I pray for you a lot more. So that is good. I really do also more particularly appreciate and enjoy your blogs. And the answer is no, it doesn't take more time to read the blogs(or write blogs for that matter) than I spent on facebook. :-) So that is it in a nut shell. Embarrassing? Yes. True. Yes... :-)

Hope that you have a day full of the joy of the Lord!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

State of the Heart Address

Wow! I just heard Ken Ham's State of the Nation address, and it was life changing. He spoke about the state of the church's heart and mind and how that it has affected or rather stopped affecting the state of our nation and our culture. He spoke about how we have removed reminders that would have reminded us of God's faithfulness, holiness, justice and mercy. He spoke about how we as a church have forgotten the Lord and compromised His Word by adding to it things that are more acceptable by the culture. We have not esteemed His Word as the ultimate authority. It is not the "end all". We rather treat it as a "good suggestion" or one of the many ways that one might come to the right conclusion. Kenn Ham spoke about how that we as Christians have lost the debate against evolution, abortion, and all other cultural abominations because we have accepted a neutral position on these subjects. We are being called to repentance and a complete reformation of our way of thinking.

Compromising and forgetting GOD's Word:

Matthew 12:30 "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. "

Basically that means that if we are Christians who are "riding the fence" so to speak, in cultural and spiritual issues we are decieving ourselves. The fence is on the side of God's enemies, and so are we. We try so hard to relate to the world in order to explain our position. But the only way we can possibly relate is by laying down Christ and His Holy Word... which we do. And by doing this we are siding with the world who are doing all they can to forget God or pretend that there isn't a God. We cannot be nuetral. To be nuetral is to side with the world, beacause nuetrality is a rejection of God's authority. Rejection of God's supreme authority is rebellion.

NOT KNOWING THE WORD:

Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Another way we lose the debate is by not knowing the Word of God. Generally speaking most of us can't explain to others why we do or don't do what we do. We, and I totally must include myself in this (ahhh!) do not know how to answer those who ask us about what we know is truth. Yes, I know that abortion is wrong and sodomy is wrong. I know that it is not right or pleasing to God that I should commit fornication or speak or think of men in a lustful way. How do I know? Bible verses. When I am tempted,those verses come to mind and the Holy Spirit strengthens me to resist these temptations. But when the girls at work ask why I don't flirt or "go after" guys I don't answer "Oh well the God says in 1Cor 6:18 to flee fornication, because it is an offense to Him. He says that He delights in steadfast love, not lust, in Jeremiah 9:24." But that is why I don't, so SAY it for crying out loud! When we don't know where God stands on current and relavent issues, when we say "Oh the Bible doesn't really say anything about this and so", what we are really saying is that we don't know what God says about it. God says that He has provided for us "all things that pertain unto LIFE and GODLINESS, through the KNOWLEDGE of HIM" (1 Peter 1:3). So we can't say that God doesn't have an opinion on this or that subject. We must KNOW what His opinion is through the study and submission to the authority of His Word.

Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

Amos 5:21 " I hate, and despise your feast days and I will not smell your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the nose of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment and run downas waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream."

Pretty rough stuff. But praise God for the grace to repent! Praise God for the revealing of sins and for The Way (Christ Jesus) to restore our relationship with God! Praise God for forgiveness, and this sanctification.

I was talking to a good friend afterwards and we both just were overwhelmed with conviction and the desire to repent and to be changed by the Holy Spirit. Yet we knew that in our own strength we were powerless. But both she and I know that it is "God that worketh in you both to WILL and to DO of His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13) And we got pretty excited because we know that the Lord will change us as we commit ourselves completely to Him. (Ephesians 3:20)

You know, there are rough times in a Christians life. A lot of them. And it is easy to get discouraged these days, by persecutors, by the culture in general, by the oppression of authorities, or even by other Christians. God continuously allows extreme difficulties that reveal to us our sin or try our patience and build our faith. But being a child of God is amazingly wonderful. And I wouldn't/couldn't trade even one of my difficulties for knowing the Lord and being loved by Him. Not one. He truly is the best part of my existance and the crown and glory of my life.

One of my favorite chapters in Scripture is Isaiah 12. I can't write it all in here, because it is late and I have a midterm for which I have to finish studying. But read it, because it is like first aid cream to a repentant heart. His anger has been turned away from us, His children, through the appeasement that Christ supplied at the cross. Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Just. Saying.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A poem based off of Psalm 91

Hail gracious source of every good,
Our Savior and defense,
Thou art our glory and our shield,
Our help and confidence.

When anxious cares disturb the breast,
When threatening foes are night,
To Thee we pour our deep complaint,
To Thee for succor fly.

Blest tower of strength, exalted rock,
Whence living waters flow,
Jesus our Lord, the only hope
Of fallen man below.

To Thee we heavy laden come,
To Thee our sorrows bring;
Oh hear! And save us from the storm,
Beneath Thy sheltering wing.

Written by Harriett Auber in 1829, Our Own Hymn Book

Absolutely beautiful poem. Don't you think? :-)

Thursday, March 4, 2010

"Looking to Jesus until glory doth shine"

My piano teacher is teaching me to play hymns and one of the ones she is teaching me is called "Moment by Moment". If you haven't heard this song you should listen because it is really something else. :-)

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share;
Moment by moment, I'm under His care.

Moment by moment I'm kept in His love
Moment by moment I've life from above
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

For those of you who don't have an instrument to practice, you should pick one! The times I get to practice piano have been some of the best times of worship. On that poor tired piano I have banged out more confessions of sin and thanksgiving and pounded in more truth of the Word than you would expect if you heard me play. :-)There are so many beautiful songs with beautiful words that help you to "look to Jesus" and worship Him in TRUTH.

This particular song helps me to remember to thank God that He does know my circumstances and He does care. I have forgotten that a lot lately. This song reminds me that my life is in Him now, and that my own way is not what I am supposed to want anymore. It reminds me that I have a new life from God and it is surrendered to Gods way, timing. His will and pleasure is where I will now find the joy of living. I will not find joy in pleasant circumstances. I will not find joy in pleasing myself.

Side note: I am sure you will not be sorry if you learn to play or even just set aside some time to sing or listen to good sound worship music. Steer clear of the junky stuff! ;-) Remember that worship isn't about you, it is about God. :-) Some people learn to play an instrument and just use it when they are by themselves to worship the Lord, but it is also really good to learn to play good songs before others and with others. This will both encourage them in Truth and also to encourage them to focus intently on Christ until we are called to be with Him in heaven.

In these last days with all of the intense distractions, it is a great thing to encourage our brothers and sisters in looking intently on the Lord. So if we can help by sharing music, testimonies, and above all the gospel and God's Word, that will be time well spent. And that is why I say you will not be sorry. End of Side Note. :-)

"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." -Psalm 40:3

"Oh God, my exceeding joy, singing thy praises uplifts my heart, for thou are the fountain of delight, and dost bless the soul that joys in thee. But because of my hearts rebellion I cannot always praise thee as I ought; Yet I will at all times rest myself in thy excellences, goodness, and loving kindness. Thou are in Jesus the object of inexpressible joy, and I take exceeding pleasure in the thought of thee." -Valley of Vision *That is what I wanted to say only someone else said it better. :-)

Saturday, February 27, 2010

My dear, dear professor.

So I will admit that I think my professor, who is an athiest, is pretty funny. But the more I think about what he says and the way he thinks I realize that there are still athieistic views and beliefs in my heart. So when God shows me this, my laughing stops right then and there. As I am sure you can imagine... :-)

My Professor was talking about Martin Luther and praising him (I know! I so surprised that he would speak favorably of Martin Luther)for encouraging everyone to read the Bible themselves. I was thinking, "Are you serious? You like the fact that he did that?" But as I listened further I realized what the Professor was actually saying. I no longer felt sorry for the Professor, I felt sorry for Martin Luther. If he had heard my Professor he would have rolled over in his grave. The longer I thought on this subject the more I realized that Martin Luther might roll over in his grave at the way I read the Bible too. Eeek, not exactly a pleasant thought.

My Professor went on to say that religion is what each person wants it to be, and that Martin Luther wanted all people to read the Bible for themselves and interpret it as they saw fit. First off, this is entirely consistent with an athiests view of God... or the lack of God. If God isn't a person, "His" Words don't have any meaning and therefore can be interpreted in any way by anyone. But on the other hand since God is a person is it not ridiculous to think that He would write down words but have no exact meaning. Of course it is! Neither you nor I would ever speak like that. We only speak words to convey to another what we are thinking.

I only mention this because I myself have been tempted to take (and have taken) the athiestic approach to the Scriptures as the Professor was encouraging. Ah, renewing of the mind and repentance are just a constant need with me. Anyway, does anyone ever talk and not have a point or a meaning to what they are saying? The truth is that we MEANT something by the words we spoke, and it is the persons job, to whom we are speaking, to interpret us correctly. (I also have to say that this analogy breaks down where people do, in that we cannot so beautifully, and brilliantly write our ideas, nor preserve them as God does. Neither are our words so worthy of diligent study as to the intent.) But I have to say that in my own heart I have approached the Scriptures as my Professor, as an athiest. I have gone to it with my own ideas of what I want it to hear God say. I have not always approached it "God, what do YOU mean by this. These are your words, what is Your meaning?" Why not? Because if God is God and I do understand His meaning then I will have to do it, right? Yes, there is rebellion. Most often I don't "understand" passages that I don't really want to understand. Lastly there is a scripture that testifies against me and against my Professor. For this I know Martin Luther must praise God. :-) 2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." In other words, "God is a real being. His Word has a specific meaning."

But I can't understand it? Well there are a lot of us who struggle with the word of God, but it isn't because it isn't clear in it's meaning, nor is it true that there are things about our life and godliness that God doesn't address or let us know His opinion on (boy, I have heard that a lot.). There are several reasons we "don't understand" the Scripture. It could be that we, as I mentioned before the sin of rebellion in our heart, and that makes it impossible for us to accept what He is saying. Another big reason I have found that I misinterpret Scripture is because of apathy, in that I don't take it in context. I just pull out verses here and there, hoping that it will line up with the way I am thinking. This is why it is imperitive that we study thoroughly the whole Word of God and continue to study it. Another reason that we might not understand some Scripture could be that the Lord does not want to show us His meaning at this time. If the whole Bible were revealed to me at once, I am convinced I would explode. So God is merciful in His revelation of His meaning. But also it is good for me to remember that it is God who reveals His Word to me and has promised that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth (John 16:13).

So all that long post to say this:

His Words do have meaning, and He means for me to know it His meaning.

Dueteronomy 5:24 "And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth." *Beautiful Chapter about the glory of God and the power of His person, and words.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

"Take My Life"

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, for Thee;
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love,
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee;

Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King,
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee;
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold,
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose.

Here am I, all of me
Take my life it's all for thee.

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour at Your feet it's treasure store
Take myself and I shall be, only, all for Thee.

-Chris Tomlin's "Take my life (Here am I)"

Isn't this a great song? I will tell you what, it is such a delight to surrender all to such a God as our God! His mercy and grace are great!

May you surrender all your time, body, words, possessions, mind, will, loves and whole self to the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ! God bless you guys!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Patience and Suffering again :-)

God is so good! Wouldn't you know it but the pastor preached on James 5:7-11. As I read through the passage, my heart was just yelling "no. no. not that!". :-) But God did most definitely mean what He said in that passage and after repentance, there was so much peace. Ahh. Really these are the worst and best of times! :-)

" Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." -James 5:7-11

When we were reading through the passage as a congregation I couldn't even read it, it was so convicting. I had just been praying this morning that the Lord would come. Not that that is a bad prayer, and not that I shouldn't look forward to His coming, but rather that my heart wasn't right in my reasons for asking. :-) I just wanted the trouble to be over, but Jesus said, (another verse the Pastor reminded me of) "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation' but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (Matthew 16:33) In this world I have had tribulation, but I endure it cheerfully because Christ has already endured the most pain and trouble possible and He was victorious through it! I don't have to count on my own ability to endure but through His strength and grace He will cause me to endure to the end. That indeed is a relief!

How precious a gift to know the Lord and to be known by Him! What a gift His word is to us! In Him, through the Words He has spoken and what He has done we have peace. Not only peace with God but also peace through trouble.

Through this passage God rebuked me of my impatience with hard times, my slack in strengthening my heart in His Word, my grudging others who I think have caused the trouble, and my forgetfulness of the Lord's faithfulness. I absolutely love these verses! Praise God for seeing my sin and addressing it. It is such a loving, merciful and PATIENT thing for Him to do. Wow, He is very pitiful and tender in mercy! :-)

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the LORD.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Patience through Suffering

Question: How does faith work patience?

Answer: Faith argues the soul into patience. Faith is like that town clerk in Ephesus who allayed the contention of the multitude and argued them soberly into peace (Acts 19:35, 36). So when impatience begins to clamour and make a hubbub in the soul, faith appeases the tumult and argues the soul into holy patience. Faith says, ‘Why art thou disquieted, O my soul?’ (Psa. 42:5). ‘Are you afflicted? Is it not your Father who has done it? He is carving and polishing you and making you fit for glory. He smites that he may save. What is your trial? Is it sickness? God shakes the tree of your body so that some fruit may fall, even the “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). Are you driven from your home? God has prepared a city for you (Heb. 11:16). Do you suffer reproach for Christ’s sake? “The spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Pet. 4:14).’ Thus faith argues and disputes the soul into patience.

*Question and answer written by Thomas Watson. Heard this on a radio program called Wretched radio: www.wretchedradio.com. Super encouraging! For those of you who don't listen to Wretched, check it out (*ahem, Courtney and Justin, cough, cough). :-)

Patience through suffering is good, but H-A-R-D, and it only comes, I am finding, by the grace and mercy of Almighty God. There are so many different kinds of suffering and at this moment I think I am going through all of the kinds. :-) BUT I just wanted to say: 1. Ouch! 2. Although I really want it to stop pretty soon, I also know that God has been GREATLY merciful in sending it, and that in some ways it has been such a blessing I don't want it to stop (cannot believe I just wrote that, but it is true... ahhh!).

Great is THY FAITHFULNESS, O God, my Father!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Psalm 19

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of them and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also then honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." -Psalm 19

This one is one of my favorite chapters in Psalm. There is nothing like a Microbiology class and the beautiful Law and Word of God to make a person absolutely delighted with this chapter.

God is magnificent and worthy of all!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Joy: a little word that is also very... big.

Psalm 71:23 "My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praise to You."

"Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life."

It is such a beautiful day and a great day to be alive and well in Christ! I just wanted to share this hymn with you all because it is such a reminder to be joyful in the Lord our God. While I was practicing piano today, I was frustrated with the songs that my teacher asked me to play, because they are always so HAPPY! I like the slow songs because they are easier to make pretty and easier to play. Also, it is easier to play a sad song when you are happy than it is to play a happy song when you don't feel that chipper. :-) Anyway, I was frustrated and whining about this to someone and they just laughed and said "It's good for you!". You know what? They are right!

I am studying the book of John and one thing God showed me through this book is where (oh where!) joy comes from. I used to think I could handle obedience just not the joyful part. But those two go hand in hand. In other words you can't have one without the other. So How LORD?! HOW?!

In John 13 I found Christs answer to this question:
"... when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end... Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,rose from supper."

Knowing that the victory over sin has been won, knowing that it is God who has called me and will make me holy, and knowing that in the end I am going to Him, gives me the joy that is essential (cannot be separate from) for obedience. I have every reason to be joyful and every reason to obey such a good God who works out, by His grace and mercy, in me both to will and to do (with a joyful heart) of His good pleasure. Indeed Christ's burden is EASY and LIGHT!

Joyful, Joyful, I adore Thee God of Glory, Lord of LOVE! Wellspring of the JOY of living, Ocean Depth of happy rest!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Evangelism

Ummm, FUN. So the single most exciting thing I have done in this world is share the Gospel of Jesus. Seriously it is as scary as I imagine sky diving would be, it is more terrifying than the Superman (a great big roller coaster)at Six Flags, and more exciting than I hope snowboarding will be. Jesus Christ is an incredibly touchy subject. In fact it is downright dangerous in most parts of the world. Here in America we are pretty protected from physical harm and most verbal, but somehow that doesn't seem to make it much easier.




I used to dread sharing the gospel and when my friends would encourage me to do it I would just copy whatever they said, or I would take the other approach and softly (ever so softly) share something that resembled the gospel but still palatable to most people (i.e the gospel minus real sin, real Jesus, real repentance and real faith). However the more I "shared the gospel" the more the Lord convicted my heart that I wasn't sharing the gospel nor did I personally understand the Gospel. Sad huh?




Well it is true. Now since the Lord changed my heart, I absolutely love to share the gospel. Now that doesn't mean that I am not scared. I have gotten so nervous before that I stuttered like it was a serious birth defect. I have shaken so hard that I couldn't write out a simple e-mail address. I still get scared. But there is nothing that is more wonderful than sharing the real state of man before a holy God, and the real grace that has been made available to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a delight to share the change that God has made in my life. It is amazing how He has changed my desires, my loves, my motivations, my thoughts. What is more I know Him personally and He is CONTINUING to cleanse me from all my filth and sin! He is (according to Titus 2) "purifying unto Himself" a peculiar woman (I am sure you agree :-)), who is "zealous of good works." Yay!




Now there are several things that scare me initially from sharing. But the main reason I am scared is because I fear they will reject me and what I have to say. I fear they don't care and will not be changed. Sadly this is often the case. But one thing that God has taught me through two years now of sharing the gospel is this: Sharing the gospel isn't about the people that you are sharing with. Of course we should have compassion and love (without this the Scriptures say that we don't know God), and that is one reason to share, but it isn't the main reason. The main reason to share and the reason that will make every gospel sharing opportunity a joy whether the people hear you or scorn you is this: We should share the Truth of the Gospel out of obedience to Christ, and we should do it because it is our honor to be able to speak of what He has done for us.

The Lamb of God is indeed worthy of His reward, and He will receive that reward for all He has suffered. Through "preaching the gospel" God has allowed me to be a part (though the foolish part) of the redemption story of others. That is good and precious news!

There is another part to this that is kinda icky, sounds harsh and is overall distasteful to most of us. It is this: God is not only glorified by those with we share that repent but He is also glorified in those with whom we share that don't repent. *violent reaction here* :-)

I was struck with this fact when I was meditating on:

Isaiah 6:3 "...Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory."

I really struggled with the last part of this verse because I thought, "God we Christians hardly bring You glory, except in that which You do in us, let alone those in this world who reject You completely. So how can the earth be FULL of Your glory?". But as I thought about the verse, "the earth IS full of His glory", I knew that of course that had to be true. Everything had to glorify God in one way or another, at one time or another. Even when a person rejects the Lord, He is still glorified.

Jesus prayed "Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." -John 12:28

God's name is glorified whether people like it or not. Of course God is glorified in the obedience of His children. In fact God is glorified in the fact that any of us can even be called His children. But God is glorified in the disobedience of sinners too. He is glorified either way, because the world doesn't run God, nor does it benevolently give Him things He desires (like glory). The world is under God's control. He was not surprised or perplexed by sin.

Isaiah 42:8 says, "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."

So through this I have learned not to be concerned with the reaction of people when I share the gospel, because God is glorified either way they respond to the Truth of His Word. This took a huge weight off of my shoulders and helped me to see how BIG (and that is unfortunately the best word I can think of now) God really is. His glory does not depend on me or on the people with whom I am sharing. Wow!

So I hope you get a chance to share the Gospel this week, and I hope that you don't worry about the response you get. I hope you will not worry about whether you can make that person glorify God as He should be glorified. After all His Word says:

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11

One day, all men will glorify Him whether they are His children or no, because He is worthy.




I hope you can enjoy just obeying the Lord in sharing the Truth, and enjoy the fact that you have a story of redemption to share. Hope everyone has a great week!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

1 Corinthians 13; Charity

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the figt of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseamly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things... "
-1 Corinthians 13:1-7


Today is Charity's (Tee) birthday. And for me it is such a joyful day, because God granted me SUCH a blessing on this day. Charity's middle name is Ruth and I think she was SO well named. Her name means Loving Friend... Chambers (not sure what that last name means. lol).




Charity suffereth Long and is Kind: Haha! I love this one! Charity has been long suffering and kind in our relationship. She has borne with me through thick and really really thin. Just sayin'. Through all my inconsistencies, hypocrisies, selfishness, pride, bossiness, and I am sure she could name others (so could I, but I will not), she has been a steadfast loving friend. While she is a good listener I have can always count on her telling me how things really are (truth). Right, Babe? (PS THANK YOU!) There are very few who could boast of such a friend, and fewer still who could be such a friend.



Charity envieth not: The opposite of envy seems to be encouragement. Desiring good for another person and helping them achieve that goal vs. wanting what they have for yourself. Charity is the opposite of envy. Not only does she encourage, but she supports others with her whole heart. I have never known anyone who can anticipate and meet the needs of others so well. Nor have I met a woman so thoughtful in supporting her friends and family. It is truly amazing.



Charity is not puffed up: Wow! This is true of her! She accepts and even expects correction. She takes it like a champ, and even seeks it out! She doesn't think her ideas are the best. She goes to the Word of God to check her ideas and her way of thinking. I so admire this about Charity, and I just thank the Lord for sending me such an example...


Charity doth not behave herself unseamly: She has worked diligently to make the most of the talents the Lord has given her, and to develop the talents/abilities that she needs, in order to be a more faithful servant of God. She has certainly behaved herself in a way that honors not just her family and friends but most importantly her God. Which brings me to the next point. Side note: I LOVE her writings, and speaches. Absolutely life changing stuff!


Charity seeketh not her own: I know Charity pretty well (at least I think I do) and I have known a lot of her personal dreams. Some have changed over the years but some haven't. There is one thing that has changed over the years though and for it I praise God for His work in her. Charity has laid down her own goals that seem like they would bring her both comfort and happiness and has instead chosen the true happiness that is found in obedience to God. She has chosen the difficult and uncertain road, she has decided to put her trust in Christ and live and work for Him. She used to like to speak because she was good at it and because she knew her ideas were very intelligent and well thought out. But I have seen that change. She now speaks to challenge her hearers to serve the Lord, to convict them of God's law, she speaks that God may be lifted up, and man might know his rightful place as the servants of the most high God. Her ideas now are not her own but she goes to the Scripture for their foundation. Truth is now her focus, not her own way, or ideas.




Charity is not easily provoked: Here is another thing that I have seen change in Charity. She no longer picks fights just to fight. She does not seek a fight, nor does she back down when one is brought to her. This is a beautiful balance I think. She has also become better at communicating in an argument. She doesn't get shrill; there is a beautiful peacefulness that comes from her ideas and positions being grounded in THE TRUTH.


Thinketh no evil: I was amazed when after she found out who stole her phone she began praying for the girl and for God's mercy on her. That wasn't what I was thinking of doing at that moment, I'll confess. :-/


Rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth: Oh if I could tell you all the times that I have enjoyed amazing fellowship with Charity over the Word of God! Thank you, thank you, thank you God for this! She is gets so cute while she explains a verse! Sometimes she can't get all the words out and so she taps the table and smiles ear to ear. She truly delights in the Lord, and it is SO FUN!! I love hearing her tell about what God showed her. "Ohhhhh! It was so good! Oh. Oh. Oh. It was just ammmmmazing!"


Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, believeth all things... So she is pretty amazing isn't she? PRAISE God He is going to continue purifying her heart and mind until He calls her to heaven. Ahh, the greatest thing in this life is salvation, and the fact that this woman will one day be presented before Gods throne purified! Sanctification and the fact that God will continue His amazing work in her life is perhaps the most exciting thing about her birthday. I know she will be victoriously growing closer and closer to the Lord every day she lives, whether she live one more year or sixty more, because Christ is victorious. Praise God for this life! This life is good because God is good!



Hope and I love to joke about the last part of this chapter but we change a couple of the words for it to work right: And now abides grace, hope and charity, but the greatest of these is Charity (until its Hopes Birthday anyway). Thanks be to God for our Loving Friend!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Ownership

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3

From verse and some others from John 10 and Titus 2 God is teaching me about ownership. I always knew that when I finally did give my life to Him I gave it all to Him, but since that time there are different areas that I have begun again to reserve for myself. Which actually is a funny thought considering...

" To him (talking about Christ) the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth HIS OWN sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth HIS OWN sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him for they know his voice." John 10: 3-4 (emphasis mine :-))

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify UNTO HIMSELF a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2: 13-14

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are NOT YOUR OWN? " - 1 Corinthians 6:19

So to make a long post really short... I belong to God. Lock, stock and barrel. Plans, things, time, money, mind, heart and soul, there is nothing that is mine. But I have to remember this everyday and recognize His Lordship over me. It is so easy for me to forget! I think this is what Paul was talking about when he was saying that he had to die daily. And death in this sense is actually a really happy thing! Because our corrected relationship with God Almighty, "the great God, and our Savior Jesus Christ" is worth our life and all that we possess, however great or small it is.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. "
Matthew 13:44

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
Matthew 13: 44-45

"It will be worth it all! When we see Jesus!"