"Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you." Deuteronomy 5:12
Oh, the sabbath.
I think that we get kind of a negative view of the sabbath from the Old Testament. Hearing about the Pharisees condemning people and such for doing the smallest "work" makes me view the sabbath as legalistic or unnecessary. I also tend to look at the sabbath as one of those Old Testament laws that is not still true today. Just as sacrifices were no longer necessary in the new covenant, the sabbath was no longer necessary. Plus, how many Christians really take the sabbath seriously anyway?
HOWEVER, I believe the Spirit has been revealing to me the importance of the sabbath. Yes, there are many unclear topics in the Bible, but I do not believe that the sabbath is one of them. First off- God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. This is a well-known fact, but it's so often dismissed. Literally God- perfect, Holy, creative, strong, mighty God- chose to rest after doing something so simple for him. Wanting to be like God and follow his example, I view this as an important thing to keep in mind!
Not only that, but keeping the sabbath is literally a commandment in the ten commandments. We don't view any of the other commandments as iffy or something that we are free to disobey. The ten commandments were important laws from God that have stood through time and culture. The sabbath is included in a list of merely ten important laws from God.
Lastly, I think about how much I want to have a day of rest during the week. What a refreshment and day to just focus on God. A Holy day to listen to God and take extra time to get in his word. I want to begin to take the sabbath seriously and pursue God even more than during the week on a day free of work. I view this day as a Holy day where I can grow in my own holiness and fully seek God in his holiness.
God, give me a longing for rest in you.
Refocus me and fill me with your Spirit.
Amen.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Life Verse
Something that my grandma has always asked me is, "What will your verse for the year be?" Many years I have come up with a verse, but forgotten what it was by about half way through the year. To think of a life verse seemed too premature and too big of a deal for me to ever come up with. Both my grandma and my grandpa have life verses, and I had not recognized the huge value of a life verse until now.
Throughout this past year, I have learned a lot about myself, my name meaning, and my calling. Things have fallen together in an awesome way, and I feel that God has given me a great revelation of where I was, where I am, and where I am going. I feel a strong calling to fulfill my name meaning: to be pure and refreshing in God's sight. In considering what this means for me, I decided to memorize Psalm 119:9-16. It says, "How can a man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments. I have stores up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you O Lord; teach me your statutes. With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes. I will not forget your word." These verses are my bookmark in my Bible and in the notes on my phone listed as "A daily prayer."
This summer, God has revealed to me that he is a perfect example of total purity and he fully refreshes us. He's shown me how to strive for purity in everything I do- thoughts, words, and actions. In this, I have realized that these verses lay out some of the huge goals and purposes of my life.
Verse nine says that God's Holy word is a crucial element of my purity. I want to become more and more aquatinted with God and his Holy example through his word. The tenth verse talks about seeking God with my WHOLE heart. This is a struggle for me as I find so many things holding me back from completely seeking God with everything. Throughout my life I want to learn to truly seek God with all that is within me. In seeking God fully, I can really work to follow what he commands me, and I can love and appreciate the commands that he gives me. Verse eleven challenges me to make memorizing scripture a priority so that I can be encouraged and convicted daily through the Holy Spirit's reminder of God's word. Verse twelve reminds me to praise the lord and learn from him. I am encouraged to share what God teaches me in verse thirteen. Verse fourteen tells me to be reminded of what God has done in my life and in others' lives and to be filled with joy because of it. In verse fifteen I am reminded to consider and think about God's ways. And the last verse reminds me to delight in him and his laws, and to forever remember his word.
So what does it mean for this to be my life verse? To me it means that I will keep this verse fresh on my mind throughout the rest of my life. I will make it a frequent prayer for my life, and it will be a good reminder of where I started and where I am going. It will be a way to refocus and focus on God and his goodness above all else.
I praise you for the things you've been teaching me this year and this summer.
I praise you for where I was, where I am, and where I am going.
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee.
Throughout this past year, I have learned a lot about myself, my name meaning, and my calling. Things have fallen together in an awesome way, and I feel that God has given me a great revelation of where I was, where I am, and where I am going. I feel a strong calling to fulfill my name meaning: to be pure and refreshing in God's sight. In considering what this means for me, I decided to memorize Psalm 119:9-16. It says, "How can a man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments. I have stores up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you O Lord; teach me your statutes. With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes. I will not forget your word." These verses are my bookmark in my Bible and in the notes on my phone listed as "A daily prayer."
This summer, God has revealed to me that he is a perfect example of total purity and he fully refreshes us. He's shown me how to strive for purity in everything I do- thoughts, words, and actions. In this, I have realized that these verses lay out some of the huge goals and purposes of my life.
Verse nine says that God's Holy word is a crucial element of my purity. I want to become more and more aquatinted with God and his Holy example through his word. The tenth verse talks about seeking God with my WHOLE heart. This is a struggle for me as I find so many things holding me back from completely seeking God with everything. Throughout my life I want to learn to truly seek God with all that is within me. In seeking God fully, I can really work to follow what he commands me, and I can love and appreciate the commands that he gives me. Verse eleven challenges me to make memorizing scripture a priority so that I can be encouraged and convicted daily through the Holy Spirit's reminder of God's word. Verse twelve reminds me to praise the lord and learn from him. I am encouraged to share what God teaches me in verse thirteen. Verse fourteen tells me to be reminded of what God has done in my life and in others' lives and to be filled with joy because of it. In verse fifteen I am reminded to consider and think about God's ways. And the last verse reminds me to delight in him and his laws, and to forever remember his word.
So what does it mean for this to be my life verse? To me it means that I will keep this verse fresh on my mind throughout the rest of my life. I will make it a frequent prayer for my life, and it will be a good reminder of where I started and where I am going. It will be a way to refocus and focus on God and his goodness above all else.
I praise you for the things you've been teaching me this year and this summer.
I praise you for where I was, where I am, and where I am going.
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Anger Management
Hello readers. I would like to write today about an issue that I had not experienced until recently and why it doesn't make sense. The issue is being angry at God.
This summer, I have really been trying to seek God out with my whole heart (Psalm 119:10). As soon as I feel like I am back where I want to be (completely in awe of Christ and ready to make changes in my life for him), something bad happens. When I say something bad happens, I don't mean that I got run over by a car or didn't have any meals that day. I mean that I got in a fight with someone or felt misunderstood (pathetic, I know). At that point, I let my feelings take over and I get angry with God. I begin feeling hopeless and depressed because of something so small, and I fail to trust God. Then, I would rather hold a grudge against God, then admit that I am wrong and ask for forgiveness. As I talk through this issue I have, I recognize that I had not even confessed this sin until now. I am in awe of my ridiculousness and God's grace. Thank God for forgiveness and second chances.
There is no reason to be angry at God. He knows so much better than I do, and he has blessed me more than I can imagine. To get upset with him and hold a grudge against me only shows my immaturity and trust issues. As I learn to trust God more and more and to truly seek him with my whole heart, I will learn to choose joy and thankfulness over anger and displeasure.
After several setbacks like these, I am moving forward and working to trust God with the trials and temptations that Satan will send my way.
Lord, teach me to trust.
Teach me to be thankful.
Make me more like you.
This summer, I have really been trying to seek God out with my whole heart (Psalm 119:10). As soon as I feel like I am back where I want to be (completely in awe of Christ and ready to make changes in my life for him), something bad happens. When I say something bad happens, I don't mean that I got run over by a car or didn't have any meals that day. I mean that I got in a fight with someone or felt misunderstood (pathetic, I know). At that point, I let my feelings take over and I get angry with God. I begin feeling hopeless and depressed because of something so small, and I fail to trust God. Then, I would rather hold a grudge against God, then admit that I am wrong and ask for forgiveness. As I talk through this issue I have, I recognize that I had not even confessed this sin until now. I am in awe of my ridiculousness and God's grace. Thank God for forgiveness and second chances.
There is no reason to be angry at God. He knows so much better than I do, and he has blessed me more than I can imagine. To get upset with him and hold a grudge against me only shows my immaturity and trust issues. As I learn to trust God more and more and to truly seek him with my whole heart, I will learn to choose joy and thankfulness over anger and displeasure.
After several setbacks like these, I am moving forward and working to trust God with the trials and temptations that Satan will send my way.
Lord, teach me to trust.
Teach me to be thankful.
Make me more like you.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Self-control
Well, it has been a while since I last blogged, but I feel that I have some important things to think through. Recently, I have recognized a few habits that I have developed. The things that I am doing aren't so bad, but I can't seem to stop. Sure, if someone asked, I might say "I can quit at anytime, I just don't want to." After many years of that excuse, I've decided that I need to. Like I said, drinking diet coke or any of my other habits may not be bad in themselves, but can I control myself enough to not do them?
The past few weeks, I have tried to stop buying food or drinks. (This would actually be possible since I live with my parents, and they will buy my food for me.) I decided to do this mainly because I have been spending a lot of money that way, and it's not completely healthy for me. Can you guess what? It was hard to stop! I have become so used to simply satisfying those desires that it was very difficult not to give into my craving! My excuses did not stop coming. "It's only a dollar!" "I can get a free drink if I keep buying them!""But it's friday!" "I'm tired! I need caffeine!" I'm not kidding- I used all of those and more. It wasn't then until I started to realize that this isn't just a spending money issue or a potential health issue. This is a character and maturity issue.
If I cannot resist a simple diet coke, then how will I resist the temptations of truly harmful things? How will I resist sin or bad decisions if I allow myself to make excuses like this? The answer is simple- I won't. Now that right there is an issue. The inability to keep myself from buying a simple diet coke shows me that I am lacking in self-control.
After I pin-pointed the issue, I discovered that it was true! I am lacking self-control in more areas than just buying snacks. I will not list all of them but I could list at least 6 areas of my life in which I am unable to exercise self-control. I feel that this issue is partly based on laziness and the longing I have to be comfortable. This needs to change.
Today I am making a list of ways that I can and need to be self-controlled. In a sense, ways that I can be "a living sacrifice" -sacrificing my laziness and comfort in order to grow closer to Christ and his will for me. I will need to make a conscious effort in order to make these changes, and even trying to change them will be a constant reminder of who I'm living for and striving to be more like. (Jesus...if you didn't catch that!)
I could use your prayers as I embark on a journey of living a different life- a life of self-control!
Lord, give me determination and strength to overcome my issue of self-control.
Teach me the importance of self-control, and grow me to become more like you.
The past few weeks, I have tried to stop buying food or drinks. (This would actually be possible since I live with my parents, and they will buy my food for me.) I decided to do this mainly because I have been spending a lot of money that way, and it's not completely healthy for me. Can you guess what? It was hard to stop! I have become so used to simply satisfying those desires that it was very difficult not to give into my craving! My excuses did not stop coming. "It's only a dollar!" "I can get a free drink if I keep buying them!""But it's friday!" "I'm tired! I need caffeine!" I'm not kidding- I used all of those and more. It wasn't then until I started to realize that this isn't just a spending money issue or a potential health issue. This is a character and maturity issue.
If I cannot resist a simple diet coke, then how will I resist the temptations of truly harmful things? How will I resist sin or bad decisions if I allow myself to make excuses like this? The answer is simple- I won't. Now that right there is an issue. The inability to keep myself from buying a simple diet coke shows me that I am lacking in self-control.
After I pin-pointed the issue, I discovered that it was true! I am lacking self-control in more areas than just buying snacks. I will not list all of them but I could list at least 6 areas of my life in which I am unable to exercise self-control. I feel that this issue is partly based on laziness and the longing I have to be comfortable. This needs to change.
Today I am making a list of ways that I can and need to be self-controlled. In a sense, ways that I can be "a living sacrifice" -sacrificing my laziness and comfort in order to grow closer to Christ and his will for me. I will need to make a conscious effort in order to make these changes, and even trying to change them will be a constant reminder of who I'm living for and striving to be more like. (Jesus...if you didn't catch that!)
I could use your prayers as I embark on a journey of living a different life- a life of self-control!
Lord, give me determination and strength to overcome my issue of self-control.
Teach me the importance of self-control, and grow me to become more like you.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Psalm 119:9-16
How can a man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Holy Trinity-- NOT the Holy Duo
I must say, that it's been a while since I've blogged last. I just want you all to know that it has not been because I've not been focused or learning. In fact, this has been the most I've learned in a while. Maybe even the biggest lesson in my life that I have learned. I have neglected to share it with you on my blog because I feel that it is too personal, but I may just let you know from what I've learned that God is great and he is using me in my weakness. Praise Him!
What I write about today, is about something different though. A matter that I've been thinking about and learning about over the past few days. It is this: God lives inside of me. I know, I know. I'm famous for writing cliche statements like this on my blog, but hey! It's true! He has blessed me with the Holy Spirit who is living inside of me.
The reason that I am blogging today is to remind myself and my readers that God is THREE in one, not just two in one. When I am praying and even when others are praying, I notice that the names of God mentioned are normally God, Jesus, and Lord. It is very infrequently that I ever hear someone pray to the Holy Spirit. But why don't we? And why did I feel almost uncomfortable recently when I began praying to the Holy Spirit? Why is it so unfamiliar? The Holy Spirit is as much God as Jesus is. He is a part of the three in one, the trinity.
Not only did I realize that I rarely pray to the Holy Spirit, but I neglect him in my thoughts. I do not often feel strong convictions, and sometimes I do not have an awareness of God's presence. This seems like a lack of recognition of the Holy Spirit. I have numbed myself to his convictions, and I have closed my ears to his guidance. I have not allowed him to use me fully, because I have blocked him out.
Over these past couple of days, I have been praying that I would hear the Holy Spirit. I have been praying that he would convict me and make me aware of his guidance. Praying that I would follow his guidance. It has been awesome to see how he has made himself known to me and shown me himself through others. I can see in some of my close friends how the Holy Spirit is leading them to say certain things and convicting them of certain things. What an encouragement that is to me and my walk with Christ.
The Holy Spirit is so necessary in our walk with Christ. We cannot forget him.
Holy Spirit, convict me.
Make me more like God.
Guide me and let me feel you move.
Amen.
Monday, February 27, 2012
A Word to the Wise
"You won't persuade people by making them angry. You'll only make them stick to their positions more stubbornly. Think of an argument not as a battle, but a dialogue...both sides exchange ideas as they search for a solution." -Neva Schwartz
"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land." - Psalm 37:8-9
"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land." - Psalm 37:8-9
Where the Spirit of the Lord is There is Liberty
There is a song that I have really grown to like this year. It is Where the Spirit of the Lord is by Chris Tomlin. Just the idea of finding freedom through the Spirit of the Lord gives me joy, but I feel like I didn't quite understand the type of freedom that the song is talking about.
What am I freed of through the Spirit of the Lord? I am free from the bondage of sin. What a bold statement that is (that was a pun). But seriously. Some may think of Christianity as a lack of freedom- a list of rules and restrictions. Praise God that that's not what it is at all! Rather, the Holy Father gives us freedom. We are no longer held to sin, but we are forgiven by the Lord and called to bring him glory. This is not something that holds us down, rather it is something that we are free to do and are excited to do. What a beautiful and perfect freedom that is.
So, if we are free from sin- free to bring God glory in the way that we live- than why would we still be living in sin?? WE ARE FREE! Let's live like it!
God, thank you for the freedom that you provide.
Thank you that I am free to live for you.
Thank you that I am encouraged and protected by your law,
rather than restricted by it.
Thank you that through your help I can say no to sin,
because of the freedom that you have given me.
Thank you for this Monday and a great start to my week.
What am I freed of through the Spirit of the Lord? I am free from the bondage of sin. What a bold statement that is (that was a pun). But seriously. Some may think of Christianity as a lack of freedom- a list of rules and restrictions. Praise God that that's not what it is at all! Rather, the Holy Father gives us freedom. We are no longer held to sin, but we are forgiven by the Lord and called to bring him glory. This is not something that holds us down, rather it is something that we are free to do and are excited to do. What a beautiful and perfect freedom that is.
So, if we are free from sin- free to bring God glory in the way that we live- than why would we still be living in sin?? WE ARE FREE! Let's live like it!
God, thank you for the freedom that you provide.
Thank you that I am free to live for you.
Thank you that I am encouraged and protected by your law,
rather than restricted by it.
Thank you that through your help I can say no to sin,
because of the freedom that you have given me.
Thank you for this Monday and a great start to my week.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Beginning Lent
Today is the beginning of lent. I can't help but see this time as an opportunity to draw near to God and seek his face. This year I am giving up my straightener and watching tv shows.
I thought that blogging would help me to really consider the goals I have for this season of lent. Recently, I would say that I have been on a roller coaster ride with my faith and pursuit of God. During church, BASSYCS, and chapels, I have been excited by God, overwhelmed by conviction, and motivated to change. But in the distractions and disruptions of my life, I find myself losing sight of prayer and God's word.
My goal during lent is to be focused on why God put me here: for His glory. I want to eliminate tv shows from my daily schedule so that I can choose to give that time to God. I want to recognize the impact that these shows have on the way that I act and think, and I want to realize the person that I will be without them. My goal in giving up my straightener is to be more comfortable with how God created me, and be less obsessed what I feel others may think about me. My goal is to use this time to be more secure in him.
My biggest goal, however, is to be consumed by Christ. I want my actions to be an overflowing of the Holy Spirit within me. I want my choices to reflect the God who saved me. I want to have a self-less faith.
Gah! Pretty ambitious I am eh? It's gonna take a prayer warrior to follow through with these goals! Because I can only do these things through Christ's strength. It's time to pray for God to watch over these 40 days, and really open my heart for what he's going to do.
God, give me strength and give me passion.
Help me to focus my heart and mind on you.
May my thoughts, actions, and words reflect you.
Teach me something amazing in these 40 days
and consume me with your burning fire.
I thought that blogging would help me to really consider the goals I have for this season of lent. Recently, I would say that I have been on a roller coaster ride with my faith and pursuit of God. During church, BASSYCS, and chapels, I have been excited by God, overwhelmed by conviction, and motivated to change. But in the distractions and disruptions of my life, I find myself losing sight of prayer and God's word.
My goal during lent is to be focused on why God put me here: for His glory. I want to eliminate tv shows from my daily schedule so that I can choose to give that time to God. I want to recognize the impact that these shows have on the way that I act and think, and I want to realize the person that I will be without them. My goal in giving up my straightener is to be more comfortable with how God created me, and be less obsessed what I feel others may think about me. My goal is to use this time to be more secure in him.
My biggest goal, however, is to be consumed by Christ. I want my actions to be an overflowing of the Holy Spirit within me. I want my choices to reflect the God who saved me. I want to have a self-less faith.
Gah! Pretty ambitious I am eh? It's gonna take a prayer warrior to follow through with these goals! Because I can only do these things through Christ's strength. It's time to pray for God to watch over these 40 days, and really open my heart for what he's going to do.
God, give me strength and give me passion.
Help me to focus my heart and mind on you.
May my thoughts, actions, and words reflect you.
Teach me something amazing in these 40 days
and consume me with your burning fire.
Friday, February 17, 2012
You Hold My World in Your Hands
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won't get mad
... ... ... ..
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one
of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed):Okay
God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children
Even Jesus looked for a different way when he asked God in the garden of Gethsemane if this cup could be taken from him, but God had a plan (Luke 22:39-46). There was not another way for Jesus to overcome our sin and death itself. So Jesus died for us. He endured the pain of a horrible and hateful death, because God was in control and God loved us.
Is God not trustworthy? I think he's proved not only through Christ's death, but also through the many situations in the Bible, and through my own experiences. Because God clearly is trustworthy and in control, I am called to trust him, no matter what trials he chooses to allow me to have. I can rest and find peace in God's perfect plan. "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Although the cartoon above is full of small things that are maybe insignificant, I think that this is a perfect example of the fact that we often just blame these things on God, when he really is working in some way that we are not aware of.
God, teach me to trust.
Allow me to see how you're working in my life.
Give me peace, joy, and rest in your word.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Idolatry: Where is My Heart?
Tonight at BASSYCS we talked a little bit about idolatry. The girls couldn't stop laughing at the fact that people would worship a golden cow. One girl went on a rant, "All the cow does is just sit there! It can't hear you or do anything!" They couldn't wrap their minds around the fact that humans would put their hope in something so unsatisfying and insignificant.
In reality, we do this all the time. Now, the things that we may put our trust and hope in may be significant, but nothing should be of more importance than Christ. We should not look to anything above God our Father, and we shouldn't spend more time focused on ourselves and the things we want than we do with God. To put hope in things that are not God is ridiculous, because nothing else is worthy of our complete focus. Nothing else can satisfy and grow us like God can.
As I look into my own life, I see that it is full of idols. And by idols I really just mean idol. My idol is myself. What can I do for me, me, me?? I don't want to go into the full thought process, because frankly, it's embarrassing and I'm ashamed of it. The point is: I want God to have my full and complete attention, and I want to value him above all else.
Lord God, show me your majesty.
Make You and only You my biggest concern.
May my first thought every morning be of You.
May I aim to please You and impress You over anything or anyone else.
Be my everything, Lord.
In reality, we do this all the time. Now, the things that we may put our trust and hope in may be significant, but nothing should be of more importance than Christ. We should not look to anything above God our Father, and we shouldn't spend more time focused on ourselves and the things we want than we do with God. To put hope in things that are not God is ridiculous, because nothing else is worthy of our complete focus. Nothing else can satisfy and grow us like God can.
As I look into my own life, I see that it is full of idols. And by idols I really just mean idol. My idol is myself. What can I do for me, me, me?? I don't want to go into the full thought process, because frankly, it's embarrassing and I'm ashamed of it. The point is: I want God to have my full and complete attention, and I want to value him above all else.
Lord God, show me your majesty.
Make You and only You my biggest concern.
May my first thought every morning be of You.
May I aim to please You and impress You over anything or anyone else.
Be my everything, Lord.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! What a wonderful day to just give thanks for the ones we love.
I know that I sure am thankful for today. I get to celebrate a relationship of nearly 9 months with my boyfriend, Joshua Bate.
Our relationship has grown so much within the time that we've been together. We've had awesome times of laughter and fun, and we've also had some times of serious growth. Through it all, God has had his hand on us. He helped us understand each other and taught us how to encourage each other. Something that has had a big impact on our relationship are the 10 ways to love:
- Listen without interrupting 2. Speak without accusing 3. Give without sparing 4. Pray without ceasing 5. Answer without arguing 6. Share without pretending 7. Enjoy without complaint 8. Trust without wavering 9. Forgive without punishing 10. Promise without forgetting
God has used this list to show us our selfishness and one way thinking. Through the reality of selflessness and care for each other, Josh and I have really enjoyed our time together.
On this Valentine's Day, I'm so thankful for Joshua. I'm thankful for the time, love, effort, money, energy and so much more that he has poured into me. I'm thankful for the patience and grace that he's given me. I'm thankful for all of the wonderful memories that we've created. I'm thankful for the tough things that God has helped us overcome.
Thank you God for all you've given me. Thank you for the gifts that keep on giving. Thank you for Joshua Bate.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Into Marvelous Light
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
I once was fatherless
A stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me
Awakened me, from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply
A call to come and die
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take Your life
Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
My dead heart now is beating
My deepest stains now clean
Your breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm free, now I'm free
Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Sin has lost it's power
And death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light, marvelous light
Marvelous Light
Songwriters: Hall, Charles Eugene
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
I once was fatherless
A stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me
Awakened me, from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply
A call to come and die
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take Your life
Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
My dead heart now is beating
My deepest stains now clean
Your breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm free, now I'm free
Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light
Sin has lost it's power
And death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way
Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light, marvelous light
Marvelous Light
Songwriters: Hall, Charles Eugene
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Feeling Thankful
Today, I couldn't help feeling thankful. The longer I'm alive, the more I find that God has given me to be thankful for.
Looking back on BASSYCS this week and past sins, I have been thankful for the forgiveness that God gives. We do not deserve it at all. Jesus --on his way to the cross; being spit upon, mocked, and beaten-- chose to forgive us. We can still live our lives for him and have eternal life, because God forgave us.
Not only that, but God gave us the strength and determination that we need to overcome sin. He gives it continuously and does not ever give up on us. His word is there to support us and encourage us in doing right. I am so thankful for that.
I'm thankful that God places a fire in our hearts and a longing for him. He fulfills us like no one else can, he gives us a joy that is found no where else, and he will never leave us.
I'm thankful for a wonderful college, a phenomenal boyfriend, an awesome wing, an incredible roommate, and a crazy great wing retreat!
God, I have so many other things to thank you for. These are the things that have been the most prevalent in the past week or so. Continue to show me blessing upon blessing, and do not let me ever forget to thank you.
Looking back on BASSYCS this week and past sins, I have been thankful for the forgiveness that God gives. We do not deserve it at all. Jesus --on his way to the cross; being spit upon, mocked, and beaten-- chose to forgive us. We can still live our lives for him and have eternal life, because God forgave us.
Not only that, but God gave us the strength and determination that we need to overcome sin. He gives it continuously and does not ever give up on us. His word is there to support us and encourage us in doing right. I am so thankful for that.
I'm thankful that God places a fire in our hearts and a longing for him. He fulfills us like no one else can, he gives us a joy that is found no where else, and he will never leave us.
I'm thankful for a wonderful college, a phenomenal boyfriend, an awesome wing, an incredible roommate, and a crazy great wing retreat!
God, I have so many other things to thank you for. These are the things that have been the most prevalent in the past week or so. Continue to show me blessing upon blessing, and do not let me ever forget to thank you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
No One Said it Would Be Easy
This week was Spiritual Renewal at Taylor, and Rodney VanSolkema preached through the story of Joseph and his brothers. I learned a lot about conquering pride and temptation.
As you might know (if you have kept up with my blogging), I struggle a great deal with pride. I was so thrilled to hear new ways to conquer my pride. His example came from Genesis 37, where Joseph is proud of his coat and dreams. Rodney shared that Joseph could not overcome pride without being in the pit. Joseph could not have overcome his pride unless he had been thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. This is too true. It is easy for me when I undergo stressful situations or what I feel to be hopeless situations to feel like I don't deserve it. What an example of my pride! I don't deserve the pit? Yeah right! God has given me pits, so that I can find humility. I need to recognize that I deserve the pit and nothing else!
As for temptation, Rodney gave the example in Genesis 39 of Joseph running from Potiphar's wife. She threw herself at him day after day, yet he still refused her. It was not easy, but he had to say no. He knew what was right, and he chose to follow Christ over his own desires. Psalm 119 talks about loving the Lord's commands, rather than just grudgingly following them. I want to choose to say no to temptation, no matter how difficult it is. I want to love the Lord's commands and long to follow them always. Temptation, bring it on! God's on my side, and he can transform me.
God, only through you can I overcome my pride.
Only you can help me flee from temptation.
Give me confidence and security in you.
Help me to fall in love with your commands.
As you might know (if you have kept up with my blogging), I struggle a great deal with pride. I was so thrilled to hear new ways to conquer my pride. His example came from Genesis 37, where Joseph is proud of his coat and dreams. Rodney shared that Joseph could not overcome pride without being in the pit. Joseph could not have overcome his pride unless he had been thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. This is too true. It is easy for me when I undergo stressful situations or what I feel to be hopeless situations to feel like I don't deserve it. What an example of my pride! I don't deserve the pit? Yeah right! God has given me pits, so that I can find humility. I need to recognize that I deserve the pit and nothing else!
As for temptation, Rodney gave the example in Genesis 39 of Joseph running from Potiphar's wife. She threw herself at him day after day, yet he still refused her. It was not easy, but he had to say no. He knew what was right, and he chose to follow Christ over his own desires. Psalm 119 talks about loving the Lord's commands, rather than just grudgingly following them. I want to choose to say no to temptation, no matter how difficult it is. I want to love the Lord's commands and long to follow them always. Temptation, bring it on! God's on my side, and he can transform me.
God, only through you can I overcome my pride.
Only you can help me flee from temptation.
Give me confidence and security in you.
Help me to fall in love with your commands.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Life is Bigger than Me
Yesterday, I came to a realization that was not in any way new, but it struck me as something I don't think about much. My life and how I live is completely to please myself. I know what I want, and I live for what I want- what's comfortable, cute, and fun. Sure, that's all great for a little while, but living like that just leaves me feeling empty. It leaves me wanting something more and constantly striving to make myself a more likable person and to satisfy my wants.
But when I can get my mind off of myself and my wants, I realize that there is something so much bigger going on here. I live in a world created by God, and without him, I would be dead. When I think about it, my wants really do not make me alive. Christ and living for him is what makes me alive; in fact, it is what I was created for. So if I'm just sitting around, looking to fulfill myself by things other than Christ, I am completely shutting out God's purpose for me, and I will never find satisfaction. It is only through living my life for God that I can feel fully satisfied and fulfilled.
In BASSYCS last night, we recited Mark 16:15, "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" This is what we were created for- to bring glory to God and share our faith with others. My group talked about how this might not necessarily always mean going up to friends or strangers and asking, "Do you know Jesus?" We can be a witness to others in the way that we act, we can pray for others, and we can love others the way that Jesus loves us.
Am I doing that? Is my goal to live like Jesus did and bring him glory? When I look at how my life is right now, I will honestly say no. I've become so caught up with making my life perfect and doing the things that I want that I lose sight of why I'm really here on this earth.
The time is now to turn my focus to my creator. The time is now to live for God and not myself. The time is now to satisfy myself in prayer and worship with Jesus.
Praise God for loving us no matter what. Praise God for using us in his great mission. Praise God for changing our hearts.
Make me a living sacrifice for you, Lord.
But when I can get my mind off of myself and my wants, I realize that there is something so much bigger going on here. I live in a world created by God, and without him, I would be dead. When I think about it, my wants really do not make me alive. Christ and living for him is what makes me alive; in fact, it is what I was created for. So if I'm just sitting around, looking to fulfill myself by things other than Christ, I am completely shutting out God's purpose for me, and I will never find satisfaction. It is only through living my life for God that I can feel fully satisfied and fulfilled.
In BASSYCS last night, we recited Mark 16:15, "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" This is what we were created for- to bring glory to God and share our faith with others. My group talked about how this might not necessarily always mean going up to friends or strangers and asking, "Do you know Jesus?" We can be a witness to others in the way that we act, we can pray for others, and we can love others the way that Jesus loves us.
Am I doing that? Is my goal to live like Jesus did and bring him glory? When I look at how my life is right now, I will honestly say no. I've become so caught up with making my life perfect and doing the things that I want that I lose sight of why I'm really here on this earth.
The time is now to turn my focus to my creator. The time is now to live for God and not myself. The time is now to satisfy myself in prayer and worship with Jesus.
Praise God for loving us no matter what. Praise God for using us in his great mission. Praise God for changing our hearts.
Make me a living sacrifice for you, Lord.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friends
Tonight was just a wonderful reminder of how blessed I have been to have been given the friends that I have. I got the chance to sit down and talk with my best girl friends at college. We shared our testimonies of what God has done in our lives up until now. We ended in a Spirit-filled prayer that fueled us for the upcoming week and all that God will use us for. What a magnificent way to praise God. I left feeling so refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world (with God's help of course)!
There was one thing that really struck me most about our time. I realized a recurring theme throughout all of our testimonies. Friends played one of the biggest roles in being far from God or near to him. I thought about how blessed I have been to have good friends and how lonely I have felt when I haven't had good friends. It made me think, what difference could I make by being a friend to the friendless? Rather, what could God do through me if I let him? What if I let him use me to be a refreshment and encouragement to others?
I need to overcome my pride and become a servant to others. My concern needs to shift from the comfort of myself to the needs of others. If I am willing to do this, I am confident that I will see much more clearly the kingdom of God constantly at work.
Thank you God for the friends that you have blessed me with at college and at home. Thank you for how they have spurred me on toward your kingdom. Help me to put away my pride, take on humility, and become a servant and friend to everyone that I come into contact with.
"Heavenly Father, You always amaze me. Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life. Give me the food I need to live through today, and forgive me as I forgive the people who wrong me. Lead me far from temptation. Deliver me from the evil one." - Your Love is Strong
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Refocus
It does not take much to get distracted from the things that are most important in life. Something traumatic might happen. A few annoyances might pile up. Or you might just get caught up in your own daily routine.
It is not difficult to pinpoint when you have lost the main focus of your life, or deviated from the purpose you are working toward. It is difficult to figure out how to change.
As I sit back and look at my life, I feel like I know who I want to be. I want to be a pretty, stylish sort of girl. I want to be interesting and intriguing. I want to be encouraging and loving. I want to be creative and crafty. I want to be a people person. I want to be slightly athletic. I want to be a thoughtful learner and reader. But above all else, I want to be a woman defined by Christ.
Would you just look at that description of who I want be? Maybe its becoming more obvious why I am getting so distracted. I just create this image of who I want to be, and how I want to change, so much that I choose not to focus on where God wants me and where I need to change most.
I want to be a woman of God. I want to be amazed and encouraged by the his word. I want to be so focused on prayer that God is always on my mind. I want to be so overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit that I am fully convicted of sin and compelled to say no to it. I want to be full of joy in the Lord and joy in myself so that I can focus my energy on loving and encouraging others.
Let's be real. It's pretty hard to know where to start. I mean, when I've fallen so behind. How can I fully refocus and find my fulfillment in the King of Kings? Do I start by focusing on prayer or spending time in the word? Do I try to shift my focus to others or do I change my attitude to one of joy in the Lord? I feel like I need to pick on place to start, but I just don't know where. What I do know is that I will get no where by bantering about where to start! So I'm just going to have to pick something!
Starting now, I am going to begin refocusing on prayer. Prayer that God would motivate me. Prayer that God would change my heart to be more concerned with him than anyone else. Prayer that God would fill me and satisfy me more than anything in the world. Prayer that my faith would be real and genuine.
God, seriously change me.
Keep me in prayer and remind me of you every hour.
Refocus me and satisfy me.
You are a good, good God.
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