Someone once told me, "If you want to know how a person is doing spiritually, listen to them pray." I never thought much of it until recently, when I really thought about my prayers. I feel like many of my prayers are lacking faith. I pray for things to happen with the expectation that they won't happen. Here's a tangible example: I've been praying that my friend may find her way back to Christ. I've been praying it for so long and have seen so little results that in my heart, I'm praying it just for the sake of praying it. My view of God's sovereignty has greatly diminished and it's been showing in the heart of my prayers.
Gone are also the bold prayer, the ones that I lift up to God because as impossible as they seem, I KNOW that He can answer them because He is God. With a God as powerful as ours, we can pray bold. My prayers have been anything but bold lately. Mundane, typical, cliche...and there's nothing wrong with a "boring" prayer but I feel like my lack of bold prayer is also a reflection of where my faith is at.
Genesis 1:3
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.
Does anyone find that crazy? Everything in existence, the sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, the waters, the plants, the animals, the chemistry and physics behind it all, the mountain ranges...all of those things were merely spoken into existence with a few sentences! Our God is a powerful God. If God can do all of that with a few sentences, imagine what He can do in your life by merely speaking a few words. I first heard this at a summer camp that I was at and it completely revolutionized my faith. I am thankful that I was reminded of this tonight.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving (Spiritual) Break
It's odd. This week more than any other week of the year, we are called to give thanks to the Lord for all that He has given us. Unfortunately, the exact opposite happened. The second I left Purdue, my mentality shifted from doing my all to praise and thank my Lord and Savior to "me" time. I used the time to relax, unwind, and escape the reality of upcoming finals. Through it all, I neglected to spend time with the God that loves me.
While I took a break, God did not. I am grateful for that. If this was not the case, the past week of my life could be summed up by the following word: useless. The Lord sought me in my apathy and ineptitude and continued to make His presence known in my heart. Through the conversations with my friends, it was apparent how much God has been working in their lives. There was an overwhelming theme in many of the conversations: our unworthiness covered by God's grace. He used the least likely of situations, Black Friday shopping.. a time filled with materialism and greed, to remind me that the world seeks and desires foolishness. He used a dear friend of mine who is moving on to the next stage of his life to encourage me, give me words of wisdom, and to remind me to praise God for the little things that we take for granted. Through our conversation, I was also reminded that it's foolish to praise the gift and neglect the giver. I am so ungrateful and yet God is still so faithful.
While I did not desire to eat spiritual food on my own, I was spoon fed. It's time to get back on track and to really focus on what matters: serving the God that I love.
While I took a break, God did not. I am grateful for that. If this was not the case, the past week of my life could be summed up by the following word: useless. The Lord sought me in my apathy and ineptitude and continued to make His presence known in my heart. Through the conversations with my friends, it was apparent how much God has been working in their lives. There was an overwhelming theme in many of the conversations: our unworthiness covered by God's grace. He used the least likely of situations, Black Friday shopping.. a time filled with materialism and greed, to remind me that the world seeks and desires foolishness. He used a dear friend of mine who is moving on to the next stage of his life to encourage me, give me words of wisdom, and to remind me to praise God for the little things that we take for granted. Through our conversation, I was also reminded that it's foolish to praise the gift and neglect the giver. I am so ungrateful and yet God is still so faithful.
While I did not desire to eat spiritual food on my own, I was spoon fed. It's time to get back on track and to really focus on what matters: serving the God that I love.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Redemption
2 Samuel 14
In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon, David's son, rapes Tamar, Absalom's sister. Out of revenge and spite, Absalom kills Amnon and then flees from the wrath of King David. In chapter 14, we read about the road to reconciliation between the two.
After the death of Amnon, David set his sights upon Absalom's death. Joab sent a woman to present the king with a story of which parallels David's current situation and essentially rebukes King David in his actions.
2 Samuel 14:14 "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."
This passage really stuck out to me. In the context of the story, this deals with King David allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. However, it applies to our situation as well. Like water spilled on the ground, we are useless and hopeless. We serve no purpose and cannot be saved. But the Lord is gracious. He saw that and made a way for us when there was no way! That way was at His own expense as God sent Jesus to the cross. Our God loves us, useless things, that much.
As the end of 2 Samuel 14, Absalom asks to see David and says "If I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death." Clearly, Absalom was guilty of murdering his half brother and David's son, Amnon. When David saw him, he responded by kissing Absalom. That is very gracious and loving but I cannot help but be surprised by this. Either David is a saint or extremely foolish.
In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon, David's son, rapes Tamar, Absalom's sister. Out of revenge and spite, Absalom kills Amnon and then flees from the wrath of King David. In chapter 14, we read about the road to reconciliation between the two.
After the death of Amnon, David set his sights upon Absalom's death. Joab sent a woman to present the king with a story of which parallels David's current situation and essentially rebukes King David in his actions.
2 Samuel 14:14 "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."
This passage really stuck out to me. In the context of the story, this deals with King David allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. However, it applies to our situation as well. Like water spilled on the ground, we are useless and hopeless. We serve no purpose and cannot be saved. But the Lord is gracious. He saw that and made a way for us when there was no way! That way was at His own expense as God sent Jesus to the cross. Our God loves us, useless things, that much.
As the end of 2 Samuel 14, Absalom asks to see David and says "If I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death." Clearly, Absalom was guilty of murdering his half brother and David's son, Amnon. When David saw him, he responded by kissing Absalom. That is very gracious and loving but I cannot help but be surprised by this. Either David is a saint or extremely foolish.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
We can plan ahead for the future as much as we want to. All of that is meaningless, however. The Lord is the one that determines where we go, what we do, and who we are. The thought of this can be quite scary. Being denied our desires isn't necessarily a fun thing. However, we ought to remember who God is in times like that. When God leads you in a different direction, have faith! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His love endures forever.
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
We can plan ahead for the future as much as we want to. All of that is meaningless, however. The Lord is the one that determines where we go, what we do, and who we are. The thought of this can be quite scary. Being denied our desires isn't necessarily a fun thing. However, we ought to remember who God is in times like that. When God leads you in a different direction, have faith! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His love endures forever.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Diarrhea of the Heart
Taking a break from 2 Samuel today. I've been reading this book and one of the verses caught my eye today.
Luke 6:43-45
"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
What does this mean for us? All the jokes, sassy sarcasm, inappropriate comments...none of those things are coming from our mouths. They are a reflection of what is in our hearts! Our mouth is merely an extension of our heart, verbalizing its desires and thoughts. Instead of telling our brothers and sisters to watch their mouths, we should be telling them to watch their hearts.
If anything, this reveals a certain level of impurity that is in our hearts that is often overlooked. Inappropriate jokes are passed off as "boys being boys". Gossip is passed off as "girls being girls", neither of which is the behavior that God demands from us. We need to examine our hearts so that words contrary to that which glorifies God do not overflow from our heart out of our mouths.
Part of the problem is the amount of junk that we fill in our hearts. Instead, we ought to fill our hearts with God's word, that we may know it, believe it, and live it. If God is truly on our hearts, shouldn't our words be filled with Him?
We really need to watch what we say. The mouth shows what's on your heart.
James 3:9-12
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Luke 6:43-45
"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
What does this mean for us? All the jokes, sassy sarcasm, inappropriate comments...none of those things are coming from our mouths. They are a reflection of what is in our hearts! Our mouth is merely an extension of our heart, verbalizing its desires and thoughts. Instead of telling our brothers and sisters to watch their mouths, we should be telling them to watch their hearts.
If anything, this reveals a certain level of impurity that is in our hearts that is often overlooked. Inappropriate jokes are passed off as "boys being boys". Gossip is passed off as "girls being girls", neither of which is the behavior that God demands from us. We need to examine our hearts so that words contrary to that which glorifies God do not overflow from our heart out of our mouths.
Part of the problem is the amount of junk that we fill in our hearts. Instead, we ought to fill our hearts with God's word, that we may know it, believe it, and live it. If God is truly on our hearts, shouldn't our words be filled with Him?
We really need to watch what we say. The mouth shows what's on your heart.
James 3:9-12
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
2 Samuel 13
Man, kinda a crazy chapter to read today. 2 Samuel 13...pretty much the type of stuff that you see on a soap opera. Amnon, David's son, falls in love with his half sister Tamar and devises a plan to sleep with her. Long story short, he things he's in love but is actually lusting and ends up raping her. Not a pleasant story. My study bible did an interesting comparison of love vs lust in this given situation...
Love is patient; lust requires immediate attention.
Love is kind; lust is harsh
Love does not demand its own way; lust does
Love can wait; lust cannot
If ever you're in a situation where you think you might be in love with someone, test yourself with what the bible says love is.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Now for the self examination: In what areas of this do I struggle? If a relationship were to come knocking on my door, would I be able to display all of these things? When I interact with people on a daily basis, are these traits evident in my life?
Love is patient; lust requires immediate attention.
Love is kind; lust is harsh
Love does not demand its own way; lust does
Love can wait; lust cannot
If ever you're in a situation where you think you might be in love with someone, test yourself with what the bible says love is.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Now for the self examination: In what areas of this do I struggle? If a relationship were to come knocking on my door, would I be able to display all of these things? When I interact with people on a daily basis, are these traits evident in my life?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Christianity
For those of my friends that read this blog and went to Teen Camp 2007, this will sound very familiar. It is something that the Lord placed on my heart.
Today during prayer meeting, Hannah talked about the story of Jesus and the rich young man (Matt. 19:16-30). Jesus asks the young man to sell everything he has to follow him and at that, the man's heart breaks. In worldly terms, he was wealthy and rich. His response to Jesus's request (which is actually more of a demand) shows where his heart is: money. Quite often, we find ourselves in the position of the young man, at a crossroad. Through personal convictions and biblical truths, we are often called to give up things that we treasure. For some, it means indulging in less material goods. For others, it means straying away from the party scene. Or maybe it's something else. Maybe you got into your dream college but you feel that God is calling you to go elsewhere. Regardless of what it is, it is often something that we hold in high regard but are unwilling to give up because our hearts desire is contrary to the will of God.
So now bring in cost-benefit analysis. In economics, we learn that if the benefit of an action outweighs the cost, we should proceed. If the cost is greater than the benefit, we should cease. So then, what does this mean for Christianity? The cost of following Jesus is not a light one. In fact, the cost of following Jesus is EVERYTHING. We give up our rights, desires, and lives. Seems pretty extreme, huh? But what is the benefit? The benefit is everything that Jesus has to offer: a personal relationship with Him and eternal life with Him! The benefit of obeying God (glorifying Him through our actions) is so much greater than the cost!
Lately, this is something that I've been wrestling with. Even before I found myself cracking under the pressure of an intense course load, I was debating changing my major. Don't get me wrong. I love pharmacy and everything that it has to offer. I believe that it is a very rewarding career and is beneficial to the community. Since summer, I've felt a slight tug on my heart to go into education. This whole time, I've been wrestling with the idea. I like pharmacy. I don't like attitude from teenagers. Both require about the same amount of schooling. I've already committed to a pre-pharmacy tract and switching majors would require extra school for a bachelor's degree. The opportunity cost of taking a job in education as opposed to pharmacy is nearly $40,000 for the first year. More than anything, this is what I was caught up on. God's telling me to switch from a major that I like, pays better, and has 6 years of schooling to a job that I may quite possibly hate, pays lower, and also has 6 years of schooling? GET OUTTA HERE! And then today, I was reminded of the actual perspective of the cost benefit formula.
Following my heart
Cost: Disobeying God, living in His disapproval
Benefit: Temporary happiness, self glorification, an extra $40k a year
Following God
Cost: A career in pharmacy, $40,000 a year
Benefit: Glory to God, eternal treasures
So I can keep my $40,000 a year and live in my own little world of gratification or lose the $40,000 and know that I am honoring God through my actions. There is nothing greater than honoring our God. Nothing. The cost of following Jesus is our lives. The benefit is so much greater. With that said, I am still praying about this decision but I feel like it is not only imminent, but nearly decided.
Today during prayer meeting, Hannah talked about the story of Jesus and the rich young man (Matt. 19:16-30). Jesus asks the young man to sell everything he has to follow him and at that, the man's heart breaks. In worldly terms, he was wealthy and rich. His response to Jesus's request (which is actually more of a demand) shows where his heart is: money. Quite often, we find ourselves in the position of the young man, at a crossroad. Through personal convictions and biblical truths, we are often called to give up things that we treasure. For some, it means indulging in less material goods. For others, it means straying away from the party scene. Or maybe it's something else. Maybe you got into your dream college but you feel that God is calling you to go elsewhere. Regardless of what it is, it is often something that we hold in high regard but are unwilling to give up because our hearts desire is contrary to the will of God.
So now bring in cost-benefit analysis. In economics, we learn that if the benefit of an action outweighs the cost, we should proceed. If the cost is greater than the benefit, we should cease. So then, what does this mean for Christianity? The cost of following Jesus is not a light one. In fact, the cost of following Jesus is EVERYTHING. We give up our rights, desires, and lives. Seems pretty extreme, huh? But what is the benefit? The benefit is everything that Jesus has to offer: a personal relationship with Him and eternal life with Him! The benefit of obeying God (glorifying Him through our actions) is so much greater than the cost!
Lately, this is something that I've been wrestling with. Even before I found myself cracking under the pressure of an intense course load, I was debating changing my major. Don't get me wrong. I love pharmacy and everything that it has to offer. I believe that it is a very rewarding career and is beneficial to the community. Since summer, I've felt a slight tug on my heart to go into education. This whole time, I've been wrestling with the idea. I like pharmacy. I don't like attitude from teenagers. Both require about the same amount of schooling. I've already committed to a pre-pharmacy tract and switching majors would require extra school for a bachelor's degree. The opportunity cost of taking a job in education as opposed to pharmacy is nearly $40,000 for the first year. More than anything, this is what I was caught up on. God's telling me to switch from a major that I like, pays better, and has 6 years of schooling to a job that I may quite possibly hate, pays lower, and also has 6 years of schooling? GET OUTTA HERE! And then today, I was reminded of the actual perspective of the cost benefit formula.
Following my heart
Cost: Disobeying God, living in His disapproval
Benefit: Temporary happiness, self glorification, an extra $40k a year
Following God
Cost: A career in pharmacy, $40,000 a year
Benefit: Glory to God, eternal treasures
So I can keep my $40,000 a year and live in my own little world of gratification or lose the $40,000 and know that I am honoring God through my actions. There is nothing greater than honoring our God. Nothing. The cost of following Jesus is our lives. The benefit is so much greater. With that said, I am still praying about this decision but I feel like it is not only imminent, but nearly decided.
2 Samuel 12
This passage goes hand in hand with my last blog from 2 Samuel 11 and my blog from yesterday regarding Psalm 51. Psalm 51 was written in response to the events of 2 Samuel 12.
More than anything in this passage, I think it is crystal clear that God HATES sin. The Lord sends Nathan to talk to David and rebukes him for what he did with Bathsheba. What stuck out to me was verses 13 and 14...
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
God sends a pretty clear message here.
1) He loves David and is willing to forgive him of his sin.
2) Although the Lord offers forgiveness, there is still a consequence for sinning.
I feel like this is where a lot of Christians get caught up. We grow up hearing about Jesus's sacrifice and God's forgiveness. While as are forgiven, that doesn't mean that we can go and do whatever we want! So often we say "If this is wrong, I can always ask God for forgiveness." First things first, such an attitude isn't true repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin and towards God. What we fail to see is that God hates sin and forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean no consequences. By law, an adulterer was condemned to death. God forgave David and spared his life despite his actions. However, as loving as God is, He is also just which is why we see David still get punished for his actions.
More than anything in this passage, I think it is crystal clear that God HATES sin. The Lord sends Nathan to talk to David and rebukes him for what he did with Bathsheba. What stuck out to me was verses 13 and 14...
Then David said to Nathan, " I have sinned against the Lord."
Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
God sends a pretty clear message here.
1) He loves David and is willing to forgive him of his sin.
2) Although the Lord offers forgiveness, there is still a consequence for sinning.
I feel like this is where a lot of Christians get caught up. We grow up hearing about Jesus's sacrifice and God's forgiveness. While as are forgiven, that doesn't mean that we can go and do whatever we want! So often we say "If this is wrong, I can always ask God for forgiveness." First things first, such an attitude isn't true repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin and towards God. What we fail to see is that God hates sin and forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean no consequences. By law, an adulterer was condemned to death. God forgave David and spared his life despite his actions. However, as loving as God is, He is also just which is why we see David still get punished for his actions.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This Sinner's Prayer
Psalm 51
It's scary and humbling how much baggage can creep into our lives in such a short amount of time. Just a week ago, I was finding great joy in walking with the Lord. Fast forward to now and well, I feel spiritually dead. The weight of school, homework, pharmacy...all of it is just crashing down upon my shoulders. In that time, I have subconsciously placed all of these things before God. I've gone through the motions of reading God's word each day. I did it out of duty rather than delight. It seems fitting that I ready Psalm 51 today. The last time that I read 2nd Samuel, David committed adultery and slept with Bathsheba. Psalm 51 is David's response when confronted about his actions.
So I haven't committed adultery. I haven't lied to save myself from my actions. I haven't killed a man trying to cover up my sin. But all of that aside, I am no different than King David. I have sinned against the Lord and placed my heart's desires above God's commands. I have forsaken the Lord by having idols before Him. I have strayed off of the narrow path of truth and righteousness and onto the path of destruction.
Dear God,
I feel so unworthy calling upon your name. I have sinned against you, knowing full well of what has been going on. I have let the weight of the world and trials before me get a hold on my heart. I am in need of your forgiveness. As David said, Sure I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. So create in me a pure heart. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. May I take great delight in your presence and may I cling to the rock that I know to be true. Each day, may I find my strength and hope in You. I pray that my heart will remain humble, hungry, and active knowing full well that without, I am nothing. May I seek your face and may you reveal yourself to me each day. Lord, in all things, I praise you for you alone are God and you alone are good. Thank you for this time. Thank you for hearing my cry. Amen.
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
It's scary and humbling how much baggage can creep into our lives in such a short amount of time. Just a week ago, I was finding great joy in walking with the Lord. Fast forward to now and well, I feel spiritually dead. The weight of school, homework, pharmacy...all of it is just crashing down upon my shoulders. In that time, I have subconsciously placed all of these things before God. I've gone through the motions of reading God's word each day. I did it out of duty rather than delight. It seems fitting that I ready Psalm 51 today. The last time that I read 2nd Samuel, David committed adultery and slept with Bathsheba. Psalm 51 is David's response when confronted about his actions.
So I haven't committed adultery. I haven't lied to save myself from my actions. I haven't killed a man trying to cover up my sin. But all of that aside, I am no different than King David. I have sinned against the Lord and placed my heart's desires above God's commands. I have forsaken the Lord by having idols before Him. I have strayed off of the narrow path of truth and righteousness and onto the path of destruction.
Dear God,
I feel so unworthy calling upon your name. I have sinned against you, knowing full well of what has been going on. I have let the weight of the world and trials before me get a hold on my heart. I am in need of your forgiveness. As David said, Sure I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. So create in me a pure heart. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. May I take great delight in your presence and may I cling to the rock that I know to be true. Each day, may I find my strength and hope in You. I pray that my heart will remain humble, hungry, and active knowing full well that without, I am nothing. May I seek your face and may you reveal yourself to me each day. Lord, in all things, I praise you for you alone are God and you alone are good. Thank you for this time. Thank you for hearing my cry. Amen.
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Monday, November 16, 2009
What can i do with my obsession
With the things i cannot see
Is there madness in my being
Is it the wind that moves the trees?
Sometimes You're further than the moon
Sometimes You're closer than my skin
And You surround me like a winter fog
You've come and burned me with a kiss
And my heart burns for You
And my heart burns...for You
And i'm so filthy with my sin
i carry pride like a disease
You know i'm stubborn, Lord, and i'm longing to be close
You burn me deeper than i know
And i feel lonely without hope
And i feel desperate without vision
You wrap around me like a winter coat
You come and free me like a bird
my love burns for You
and my heart feels for You
my life good for You
all i have burns for you you
burns, burns, oh la la la la la la
my love burns for You
and my heart burns for You
you for you for you
and my heart burns for You
my love burns
my heart feel
my life good
all i have for you
my love burns
my heart feel
my life good
all i have for you
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thanksgiving
Had our SG Thanksgiving dinner today. I must say, I really love Thanksgiving. In itself, it's an awesome holiday. My entire extended family gets together and we have a massive 80+ person Thanksgiving dinner. I'm so thankful for that opportunity, not only to have a family that large, but to also experience the closeness and unity among such a large group. I have been truly blessed.
Here's the unfortunate part, however. I understand the historical origins behind Thanksgiving but I feel like we blow Thanksgiving out of proportion sometimes. Thanksgiving should be a regular part of our lives. Reflecting upon a week, and even a day, there is so much to be thankful for.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We are to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. I feel like I have so much to be thankful for, and I really am thankful for. And even though God knows my heart inside and out, I don't take the time to lift it up to him enough. In that, I find that I am quite the ungrateful person.
Here's the unfortunate part, however. I understand the historical origins behind Thanksgiving but I feel like we blow Thanksgiving out of proportion sometimes. Thanksgiving should be a regular part of our lives. Reflecting upon a week, and even a day, there is so much to be thankful for.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We are to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. I feel like I have so much to be thankful for, and I really am thankful for. And even though God knows my heart inside and out, I don't take the time to lift it up to him enough. In that, I find that I am quite the ungrateful person.
Friday, November 13, 2009
John 21: 15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Without directly thinking of this passage, this is something that has been on my heart lately. As a small group leader, I have the opportunity to interact with God's sheep almost on a daily basis (note that I myself am a sheep as well). How well am I meeting their spiritual needs? The plain and honest answer is almost not at all. I am not the one to judge but I just don't get the sense that people are being challenged to grow in their faith.
C.S. Lewis Song lyrics
If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared
Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me
Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
'Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become
For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Without directly thinking of this passage, this is something that has been on my heart lately. As a small group leader, I have the opportunity to interact with God's sheep almost on a daily basis (note that I myself am a sheep as well). How well am I meeting their spiritual needs? The plain and honest answer is almost not at all. I am not the one to judge but I just don't get the sense that people are being challenged to grow in their faith.
C.S. Lewis Song lyrics
If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared
Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me
Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
'Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become
For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Psalm 25
1[a] To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Shane and Shane - Everything is Different
Gotta say, I love Shane and Shane. They always have thought provoking lyrics!
Monday, November 9, 2009
2 Samuel 11
Those that have grown up in the church are probably very familiar with this passage. There are a few things that really stuck out to me as I was reading this. The first has to deal with temptation. In verse 2, it talks about how David walked around the roof the palace and spotted a beautiful woman. Based upon his reaction in later verses, it was clear that King David lusted at first sight. Instead of leaving the roof top, not only did he continue to look at her but he sent servants to find out about the woman. Rather than running desperately from sin, he walked into the hands of it. Many times, we do the same thing. We see how close we can get to sinning without actually sinning and it usually bites us in the butt. Our response should be the opposite of what King David did. When the temptation arises, flee from it. If I know that I might have the temptation to get pissed off while playing basketball, it'd be better to not play basketball than to walk into the temptation and possibly even sin.
The second thing that I found interesting is how David tries to recover after he sins. At any point, He could have turned to God in repentance. I'm sure there would have been implications of being found guilty as an adulterer but the God honoring thing would have been to come clean about the whole thing. Instead, King David goes through endless amounts of work trying to cover up the fact that he slept with someone elses wife and got her pregnant. Covering up sin is not an easy thing, so don't do it. God offers repentance for those who ask.
Those that have grown up in the church are probably very familiar with this passage. There are a few things that really stuck out to me as I was reading this. The first has to deal with temptation. In verse 2, it talks about how David walked around the roof the palace and spotted a beautiful woman. Based upon his reaction in later verses, it was clear that King David lusted at first sight. Instead of leaving the roof top, not only did he continue to look at her but he sent servants to find out about the woman. Rather than running desperately from sin, he walked into the hands of it. Many times, we do the same thing. We see how close we can get to sinning without actually sinning and it usually bites us in the butt. Our response should be the opposite of what King David did. When the temptation arises, flee from it. If I know that I might have the temptation to get pissed off while playing basketball, it'd be better to not play basketball than to walk into the temptation and possibly even sin.
The second thing that I found interesting is how David tries to recover after he sins. At any point, He could have turned to God in repentance. I'm sure there would have been implications of being found guilty as an adulterer but the God honoring thing would have been to come clean about the whole thing. Instead, King David goes through endless amounts of work trying to cover up the fact that he slept with someone elses wife and got her pregnant. Covering up sin is not an easy thing, so don't do it. God offers repentance for those who ask.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Seeing God Through the Smoke of It All
Man, I must be taking stupid pills or something. This story might actually come off as quite comical as I'm having a good laugh looking back. I had a hard time sleeping last night so I googled my symptoms...
Fatigue
Coughing
Mucus
Abdominal Pain
Pretty common symptoms that shouldn't really give anyone a big scare. It was 4 AM and I couldn't sleep so I kept looking. I stumbled upon an unpleasant sight. Cancer had all of those symptoms. Stupid me ignored the fact that I don't have the major symptoms like a tumor and a expulsion of blood. I pretty much scared myself to sleep.
All the time, I realized that if I I did have cancer, I'd have to tell my parents. My heart immediately broke. My biggest fear in life is hurting those that I love. I don't think that I'd have the heart to be the bearer of bad news in a situation like this. I know my parents would grieve over it. Fortunately, I just have acute bronchitis which also has the exact same symptoms. (Accessibility to online resources is a useful tool but can be a dangerous thing when put in the hands of a fool...like me)
While I was pondering this, it hit me. How did God feel when Jesus was put to the cross? I know that my parents would grieve endlessly if something happened to me. I would venture to say that God grieved as nails were driven though His son's hands. He probably wept as His son was mocked, beaten, and tortured. Being God, He could have stopped this at anytime but He didn't. That's how much He loves us! He went through all of that pain...just for you and me. To think, someone so powerful and so mighty would willingly endure such great agony because of His love for us. Such a great and undeserved love that is!
I've been praying that God would restore the joy of salvation upon my heart. I think my prayers have been answered.
Fatigue
Coughing
Mucus
Abdominal Pain
Pretty common symptoms that shouldn't really give anyone a big scare. It was 4 AM and I couldn't sleep so I kept looking. I stumbled upon an unpleasant sight. Cancer had all of those symptoms. Stupid me ignored the fact that I don't have the major symptoms like a tumor and a expulsion of blood. I pretty much scared myself to sleep.
All the time, I realized that if I I did have cancer, I'd have to tell my parents. My heart immediately broke. My biggest fear in life is hurting those that I love. I don't think that I'd have the heart to be the bearer of bad news in a situation like this. I know my parents would grieve over it. Fortunately, I just have acute bronchitis which also has the exact same symptoms. (Accessibility to online resources is a useful tool but can be a dangerous thing when put in the hands of a fool...like me)
While I was pondering this, it hit me. How did God feel when Jesus was put to the cross? I know that my parents would grieve endlessly if something happened to me. I would venture to say that God grieved as nails were driven though His son's hands. He probably wept as His son was mocked, beaten, and tortured. Being God, He could have stopped this at anytime but He didn't. That's how much He loves us! He went through all of that pain...just for you and me. To think, someone so powerful and so mighty would willingly endure such great agony because of His love for us. Such a great and undeserved love that is!
I've been praying that God would restore the joy of salvation upon my heart. I think my prayers have been answered.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Credibility
While I'm all sick and focused on medical issues, I'll stick with medical analogies. Suppose you were waiting for a heart transplant. You're extremely nervous and you express this to the doctor. The doctor replies "Hey man, don't worry! This is actually my first one so I'm really nervous too!" I think it's pretty safe to say that you would freak out and probably pass out at the thought of this guy 'practicing' on you. He may be a surgeon and has already made it through medical school but he lacks the one thing that you can't teach, inexperience.
Now suppose you were receiving a heart transplant and your surgeon was one of the most renowned in the nation. Now assume that this guy told you not to worry. Those words mean a lot more coming from a guy that knows what He's doing.
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
I've read this verse and I took it as "Relax, I'm God. You have no reason to worry." A few days ago, I began to connect this with who God is. How comforting a thought! There's so much credibility behind this statement due to the character of God. God, the one who is sovereign over all things, the one that created all things and knows all this, is telling you not to worry! Knowing about God's character makes trusting Him that much easier.
As I learn more about who God is, my eyes are being opened to new truths. I need to continue to seek who He is and His heart. I've been a Christian my entire life but the more God reveals to me about His character, the more I begin to see things in a new light.
Now suppose you were receiving a heart transplant and your surgeon was one of the most renowned in the nation. Now assume that this guy told you not to worry. Those words mean a lot more coming from a guy that knows what He's doing.
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
I've read this verse and I took it as "Relax, I'm God. You have no reason to worry." A few days ago, I began to connect this with who God is. How comforting a thought! There's so much credibility behind this statement due to the character of God. God, the one who is sovereign over all things, the one that created all things and knows all this, is telling you not to worry! Knowing about God's character makes trusting Him that much easier.
As I learn more about who God is, my eyes are being opened to new truths. I need to continue to seek who He is and His heart. I've been a Christian my entire life but the more God reveals to me about His character, the more I begin to see things in a new light.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
In my physical sickness, I have been blinded. Lately, a couple things have been on my mind.
1) What's wrong with me and why am I always so stinking tired?
2) What can I do that will make me get better?
I've been so focused on these questions and have been searching for answers. I've tried google, taking general medications, and finally calling PUSH today. In my time of need, I've been seeking all of these things of man. Now, there's nothing wrong with going to a doctor for help when you're sick because God has blessed us with modern science and medicine. However, my biggest problem is that my physical weakness has caused a great deal of apathy in my spiritual life as well. What a poor attitude to have, that my sickness is more important than spending time with my Lord and Savior.
I opened my Bible to Psalm 146 today and it walked about finding help in God vs finding help in people. People may be able to help us in the here and now but eternally, our help comes from God. Nothing should overshadow this. It is our God that delivers, our God that saves. It is our God that cares about our well-being and watches over us. In all things, we should turn to Him and look to Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance.
1) What's wrong with me and why am I always so stinking tired?
2) What can I do that will make me get better?
I've been so focused on these questions and have been searching for answers. I've tried google, taking general medications, and finally calling PUSH today. In my time of need, I've been seeking all of these things of man. Now, there's nothing wrong with going to a doctor for help when you're sick because God has blessed us with modern science and medicine. However, my biggest problem is that my physical weakness has caused a great deal of apathy in my spiritual life as well. What a poor attitude to have, that my sickness is more important than spending time with my Lord and Savior.
I opened my Bible to Psalm 146 today and it walked about finding help in God vs finding help in people. People may be able to help us in the here and now but eternally, our help comes from God. Nothing should overshadow this. It is our God that delivers, our God that saves. It is our God that cares about our well-being and watches over us. In all things, we should turn to Him and look to Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Fatigued
My physical and mental fatigue are both beginning to catch up to me. Before last week, I didn't miss any of my classes. These last two weeks, I've missed six total. There seem to be permanent bags under my eyes that won't go away no matter how much I sleep. Each morning, I wake up feeling nearly as exhausted as when I went to sleep the night before. Through it all, although my flesh and my mind are failing, God has not failed.
Even today, I woke up at 1 PM exhausted. I went to the library and felt like passing out the entire time but continued to study for physics exam. As I got to the exam room, I felt like I was about to drop, and yet I didn't. God provided much needed strength and I praise and thank Him for doing so.
Spiritually, it's been a rocky few weeks. By God's grace, I am clinging to the Rock that I know to be tried and true. I feel like there are storms all around me but above the storms and thunderous clouds, there is hope. No matter what I'm going through, God is still good and continually provides even though I don't deserve it. In my unfaithfulness, God is still faithful!
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Even today, I woke up at 1 PM exhausted. I went to the library and felt like passing out the entire time but continued to study for physics exam. As I got to the exam room, I felt like I was about to drop, and yet I didn't. God provided much needed strength and I praise and thank Him for doing so.
Spiritually, it's been a rocky few weeks. By God's grace, I am clinging to the Rock that I know to be tried and true. I feel like there are storms all around me but above the storms and thunderous clouds, there is hope. No matter what I'm going through, God is still good and continually provides even though I don't deserve it. In my unfaithfulness, God is still faithful!
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Discombobulated Symphony of Thoughts
I wouldn't call myself an emo person but lately, it's seemed like that. Pre-pharmacy is kicking my butt and it just won't stop. As soon as I can catch my breath, there's another wave of exams, lab reports, and projects right in my face again. I finally thought I had the hang of everything and then I got sick. I'm behind in pretty much all of my classes and I have an exam tomorrow night. Mental and physical exhaustion do not make a good combination.
I studied most of the day for my physics exam but that was the extend of my studying. Instead of studying and working hard trying to catch up in my other classes, I decided to sit in my room in front of my computer and just take it all in. After sitting and thinking, I found that I wanted to quit this pre-pharmacy stuff, change my major, and get out of Purdue as soon as possible. Pretty extreme, isn't it? That was my Sunday night...until about thirty minutes ago.
A friend of mine (of whom probably got sick of hearing me babble and sounding all "woe is me") shared a story with me. She shared a story about how a girl from our church and a handful of other individuals were in a car crash last night. She proceeded to make the story very dramatic, detailing the events. In my head, I was thinking "Man, I'm already in a bad mood, why are you telling me this?" And then she got to the punch like: A car accident in which the car rolled over 5 times and landed in a swamp...and everyone was okay. A sense of relief swept over my body. Praise God for his protection in this situation. Our momentary troubles are so small relative to what other people are going through. The sum of all of our troubles are nothing when compared to the glory of our God. We have an AWESOME God. When we lose sight of this, we often find ourselves stumbling, gasping for life.
In the short time of one day, I've managed to change my focus from God to my own problems. Instead of living for God's kingdom and what's eternal, I fixed my eyes upon what is temporary, tangible, and right in my face at the moment. I lost sight of all that God is and everything that He desires for me. I sat here looking at my problems and letting them completely overcome my desire to do anything. But the Lord used everything, my situation, my conversation with my friend, and the strange timing of a the lyrics in a few songs to really speak to my heart. What seemed to be a lost night became such a blessing.
Praise the Lord for He is good!
I studied most of the day for my physics exam but that was the extend of my studying. Instead of studying and working hard trying to catch up in my other classes, I decided to sit in my room in front of my computer and just take it all in. After sitting and thinking, I found that I wanted to quit this pre-pharmacy stuff, change my major, and get out of Purdue as soon as possible. Pretty extreme, isn't it? That was my Sunday night...until about thirty minutes ago.
A friend of mine (of whom probably got sick of hearing me babble and sounding all "woe is me") shared a story with me. She shared a story about how a girl from our church and a handful of other individuals were in a car crash last night. She proceeded to make the story very dramatic, detailing the events. In my head, I was thinking "Man, I'm already in a bad mood, why are you telling me this?" And then she got to the punch like: A car accident in which the car rolled over 5 times and landed in a swamp...and everyone was okay. A sense of relief swept over my body. Praise God for his protection in this situation. Our momentary troubles are so small relative to what other people are going through. The sum of all of our troubles are nothing when compared to the glory of our God. We have an AWESOME God. When we lose sight of this, we often find ourselves stumbling, gasping for life.
In the short time of one day, I've managed to change my focus from God to my own problems. Instead of living for God's kingdom and what's eternal, I fixed my eyes upon what is temporary, tangible, and right in my face at the moment. I lost sight of all that God is and everything that He desires for me. I sat here looking at my problems and letting them completely overcome my desire to do anything. But the Lord used everything, my situation, my conversation with my friend, and the strange timing of a the lyrics in a few songs to really speak to my heart. What seemed to be a lost night became such a blessing.
Praise the Lord for He is good!
2 Samuel 6:1-21
A few things stood out to my in this section, both quite common stories within the church. The first of which was the Lord's wrath against Uzzah, the man that touched the Ark with his bare hands. As the Ark was falling, Uzzah reached out to save the Ark but disobeyed God's command by touching it. The Lord sent his wrath and killed Uzzah for his disobedience. Is that fair? The man only wanted to do something good. I think the message is very clear in this situation, however. A lot of the time, we have good intentions and may think that we are doing good things. God doesn't care about intent. He cares about our obedience and observance to His word.
Once the Ark finally returned to Israel, King David celebrated by dancing. His own wife saw this as foolishness: he king of Israel leaping and dancing over some Ark. When confronted with the idea, David did not care. His joy and relationship with the Lord could not be squelched, even by his own wife. He didn't care about her approval or her thoughts because his heart was with God. We ought to live as David did, not for the approval of others but for the Lord's approval. Live for an audience of one.
A few things stood out to my in this section, both quite common stories within the church. The first of which was the Lord's wrath against Uzzah, the man that touched the Ark with his bare hands. As the Ark was falling, Uzzah reached out to save the Ark but disobeyed God's command by touching it. The Lord sent his wrath and killed Uzzah for his disobedience. Is that fair? The man only wanted to do something good. I think the message is very clear in this situation, however. A lot of the time, we have good intentions and may think that we are doing good things. God doesn't care about intent. He cares about our obedience and observance to His word.
Once the Ark finally returned to Israel, King David celebrated by dancing. His own wife saw this as foolishness: he king of Israel leaping and dancing over some Ark. When confronted with the idea, David did not care. His joy and relationship with the Lord could not be squelched, even by his own wife. He didn't care about her approval or her thoughts because his heart was with God. We ought to live as David did, not for the approval of others but for the Lord's approval. Live for an audience of one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
