Leg lifts. 15 minutes. Stop when the machine goes off.
It takes a little work to make a muscle stronger. My knee was injured from running, and I've been going to physical therapy for a few weeks now. At the end of each session, I get hooked up to a machine that sends electric shock to my muscles to make them contract (it's not as bad as it sounds- trust me). Each time the pulse begins to contract my muscle, I have to lift and hold my leg for 5 seconds. 15 minutes.
"If you get tired, you can just flex your muscle and then rest, instead of lifting it up and down." Easy way out.
Well, I get there -- tired.
So, naturally, I stop lifting my leg. And about 30 seconds later, the buzzer rings and the shock stops and I sigh.
I could have kept going if I would have known it was only 30 seconds longer.
How many times have I taken that easy way out? I get a little tired, so I don't try as hard.
Isn't that what faith is for? Pushing through when it hurts, embracing the hurt, knowing it will make us stronger. Not knowing when a trial is over, and not asking, but just taking it for what it is- learning and growing in the process. It may be painful in the process, and it may be exhausting, but the muscle is strengthening. It may seem as if it will never end, but God is saying, "Just a few more lifts....come on, you can do it."
The school year's coming to an end. Classes are almost over. Time to move. New schedule. Different crowds. But I can't just quit at the end, as to-do lists get longer and days get shorter and I grow weary. I have to finish, and the Lord would have me finish well.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
May 3, 2011
May 1, 2011
Decisions, Decisions.
My Mom mentioned to me a few weeks ago..."it doesn't matter what decision you make if the options are both good- just make a decision!" Now, this statement can be taken out of context and applied in all sorts of wrong ways, but I think you'll catch my drift.
My problem isn't that I act impulsively or irrationally. It's that I don't act at all. Once she pointed that out, I realized that it is one of the major stressors in my day-to-day life. I face a problem, evaluate the options, and leave the decision for later because choosing just seems too hard. Meanwhile, in the back of my mind, I contantly review my pro and con lists, never reaching a conclusion.
It's because I'm afraid to fail. I will do anything it takes to do it right. I don't want to mess up. Let's be honest. Does anyone? But, I've come to realize these past few weeks, what's worse...moving and messing up, or not moving at all? Doesn't the risk attached to the step of faith pay off in the end?
Roll with me here. I step out on faith and mess up. God redeems it and teaches me in the process, if I'm truly seeking His will. Or, I stay where I am and stress out. Nothing gets accomplished, and I'm an emotional wreck.
I can remember even as a kid, the indecision I faced with something as simple as ordering at a restaurant. When I couldn't make up my mind, I'd just give the server three options and tell her, "Surprise me!"
No one can make the daily decisions I face now. I can't just throw in the towel and say "Surprise me!" (Though God does like to do that sometimes!) The Lord has blessed me- yes, BLESSED me- with the ability to choose. Instead of seeing it as a burden, I am learning to see it as one more opportunity to lean on Him.
My problem isn't that I act impulsively or irrationally. It's that I don't act at all. Once she pointed that out, I realized that it is one of the major stressors in my day-to-day life. I face a problem, evaluate the options, and leave the decision for later because choosing just seems too hard. Meanwhile, in the back of my mind, I contantly review my pro and con lists, never reaching a conclusion.
It's because I'm afraid to fail. I will do anything it takes to do it right. I don't want to mess up. Let's be honest. Does anyone? But, I've come to realize these past few weeks, what's worse...moving and messing up, or not moving at all? Doesn't the risk attached to the step of faith pay off in the end?
Roll with me here. I step out on faith and mess up. God redeems it and teaches me in the process, if I'm truly seeking His will. Or, I stay where I am and stress out. Nothing gets accomplished, and I'm an emotional wreck.
I can remember even as a kid, the indecision I faced with something as simple as ordering at a restaurant. When I couldn't make up my mind, I'd just give the server three options and tell her, "Surprise me!"
No one can make the daily decisions I face now. I can't just throw in the towel and say "Surprise me!" (Though God does like to do that sometimes!) The Lord has blessed me- yes, BLESSED me- with the ability to choose. Instead of seeing it as a burden, I am learning to see it as one more opportunity to lean on Him.
*******
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Mar 2, 2011
Beyond Feeling
Small group on Monday was so off. I felt like the Lord left our group high and dry- I could see it in the dreary faces of the girls and hear it in the silent emptiness that pervaded the room. It's never like that. It broke my heart to hear one of the girls say..."Normally when I walk in here, I feel this sense of peace flood over me, but today I don't feel that." God- did I do something wrong? Search my heart. That was the cry of my sister, Sarah, and I after everyone left the short study. Was the emptiness because of any sin within us?
God is so, so faithful. Yesterday morning in my devotional (I'm going through Judges now), I read chapter 6, and He opened my eyes to spiritual truth. Here's a quick rundown...
The book of Judges is a cyclical book. The Israelites experience freedom from bondage, use their freedom to sin against God, regret their sin, cry out to God, and He delivers them...then they begin the cycle again by sinning against God. I cannot count on my hand how many times this has already happened in the book so far, but more practically, in my life. Yet, they, and I, still turn to God every time because we know He's the only One that can fix it.
After their rebellion this time, God sends an Angel to visit Gideon while he is gathering food. He says to Gideon, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!" (v. 12) God calls Gideon mighty. Yet, Gideon misses it completely and goes on to say, "O my lord [notice the lowercase], if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?" (v. 13).
It's funny how we have a tendency to blame our circumstances on God when our poor decisions are the reason we got there in the first place. The Israelites were handed over to the Midianites because they "did evil in the sight of the Lord" (v. 1), probably worshipping false gods in the land (v. 10). God lays out the best path, but He also gives us free will to choose. We can't blame God for our poor decisions- we must pray that He will grant us grace and help us organize victory out of our mistakes.
Then God says to Gideon, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel form the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" (v. 14). God still calls Gideon mighty, despite his whiney attitude and unbelief. In fact, He still chooses to use him regardless of his feebleness. Gideon said it himself- "O my, Lord [notice the capital letter], my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house" (v. 15).
Don't miss this. God isn't looking at your mistakes and pointing a finger. He's looking at the mess you're in and offering a hand to help you out. It is not God's will that anyone live a life that is less than the best He offers. He's a good Dad, and He believes in His kids- not because of who we are, but because of whose we are. He can truly "work all things together for the good of those who love God, those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Gideon leaves to prepare an offering for the Lord, begging the Angel not to depart. The Angel commanded Gideon to lay His offering on the rock, drenched in broth, and then it was consumed by fire. Finally, Gideon was able to proclaim, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face" (v. 22). Gideon admitted his unbelief- there was still doubt within him that the Angel was truly of the Lord. God did a miracle to prove Himself, and Gideon believed.
First "lord," then "Lord," then "Lord GOD!" Yet, God never changed. He was the constant. Gideon's feelings and attitude didn't determine the character or presence of God. He was there from the beginning, but Gideon's perspective had to change. I am oh so grateful that God is who He says He is, regardless of how I feel. He's with me forever and always.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
God is so, so faithful. Yesterday morning in my devotional (I'm going through Judges now), I read chapter 6, and He opened my eyes to spiritual truth. Here's a quick rundown...
The book of Judges is a cyclical book. The Israelites experience freedom from bondage, use their freedom to sin against God, regret their sin, cry out to God, and He delivers them...then they begin the cycle again by sinning against God. I cannot count on my hand how many times this has already happened in the book so far, but more practically, in my life. Yet, they, and I, still turn to God every time because we know He's the only One that can fix it.
After their rebellion this time, God sends an Angel to visit Gideon while he is gathering food. He says to Gideon, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!" (v. 12) God calls Gideon mighty. Yet, Gideon misses it completely and goes on to say, "O my lord [notice the lowercase], if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?" (v. 13).
It's funny how we have a tendency to blame our circumstances on God when our poor decisions are the reason we got there in the first place. The Israelites were handed over to the Midianites because they "did evil in the sight of the Lord" (v. 1), probably worshipping false gods in the land (v. 10). God lays out the best path, but He also gives us free will to choose. We can't blame God for our poor decisions- we must pray that He will grant us grace and help us organize victory out of our mistakes.
Then God says to Gideon, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel form the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" (v. 14). God still calls Gideon mighty, despite his whiney attitude and unbelief. In fact, He still chooses to use him regardless of his feebleness. Gideon said it himself- "O my, Lord [notice the capital letter], my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house" (v. 15).
Don't miss this. God isn't looking at your mistakes and pointing a finger. He's looking at the mess you're in and offering a hand to help you out. It is not God's will that anyone live a life that is less than the best He offers. He's a good Dad, and He believes in His kids- not because of who we are, but because of whose we are. He can truly "work all things together for the good of those who love God, those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Gideon leaves to prepare an offering for the Lord, begging the Angel not to depart. The Angel commanded Gideon to lay His offering on the rock, drenched in broth, and then it was consumed by fire. Finally, Gideon was able to proclaim, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face" (v. 22). Gideon admitted his unbelief- there was still doubt within him that the Angel was truly of the Lord. God did a miracle to prove Himself, and Gideon believed.
First "lord," then "Lord," then "Lord GOD!" Yet, God never changed. He was the constant. Gideon's feelings and attitude didn't determine the character or presence of God. He was there from the beginning, but Gideon's perspective had to change. I am oh so grateful that God is who He says He is, regardless of how I feel. He's with me forever and always.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
Jan 17, 2011
I May Be Weak
The first time I heard this song was at a Christmas concert. I couldn’t get the bridge out of my head…
“I may be weak,
But Your Spirit’s strong in me,
My flesh may fail,
My God, You never will.”
I felt like I could sing that for days and not get tired of it. I still feel like that. Music always brings me to a thinking place. I love that about a good song. The lyrics can be as simple as day, but it makes me stop and ponder what I’m really singing (or attempting to sing, in my case ; ).
If there is anything I’ve realized these past few months, it is the fact that I am so, so weak. I get tired if I have too much to do. My body feels exhausted after a week full speed. If I don’t eat, I get lightheaded. If I don’t sleep, I can’t function. The limitations are…well, limitless. A thousand times over, I could explain my weakness as a human being, but that does you no good.
Sure, you can identify with feeling weak (well, you guys may have a harder time…just kidding!). But, why is it important that you understand? Only when we recognize our frailty can we submit to God for true strength.
To ask God for strength when you believe you can do life on your own is pointless. That’s like a millionaire asking for money. We ask for strength because we know that without Him, we’re bankrupt. Empty. Zero.
So, in my weakness, He is Strength.
And in my failure, He is Victorious.
Isn’t that a crazy thought? I mean, I can fail time and time and time again- even at the same thing- but God NEVER fails. EVER. EVER! Do you hear what I’m saying, people?! We commune with an incredible God, who fights our battles for us. But just like acknowledging we need His strength, we must be willing to give up the battles. We can’t go in with our own plan, explaining to God the tactics that will work best.
You might be laughing, but isn’t it true? How many times do we find ourselves rationalizing what we are doing and explaining to God why our way is better? And each time we do, we fail. Because we serve a God that conquers, because He’s wise. He knows that only by His victory will we ever be satisfied.
It’s almost like we’re fighting against our own team. Imagine a football team that scores a touchdown for the other team. Or, men in war killing their own men. That doesn’t make sense. Can I remind you of something? GOD IS FOR US. He’s the only One there for us 100% of the time with more love and power than we can imagine. So, why- and maybe it’s just me- why, do we squirm and fight against what He’s trying to produce in and through us sometimes?
I know, I know. Pruning is painful. The things He asks us to sacrifice are the things we love. And if they aren’t, they wouldn’t be a sacrifice would they?
Oh, but we miss the second part of the story. We focus so much on what God is calling us to do/say/be/give/give up that we forget the blessing that stems from obedience to His gentle voice.
“I need You to soften my heart,
And break me apart,
I need You to open my eyes,
To see that You’re shaping my life.
All I am, I surrender.
Give me faith to trust what You say,
That You’re good, and Your love is great,
I’m broken inside, I give You my life.”
(Give Me Faith, Elevation Worship)
What an incredible weekend this has been. Not because I did anything super special, but because it was soaked with the presence of God.
There’s nothing and no one like Him.
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
“I may be weak,
But Your Spirit’s strong in me,
My flesh may fail,
My God, You never will.”
I felt like I could sing that for days and not get tired of it. I still feel like that. Music always brings me to a thinking place. I love that about a good song. The lyrics can be as simple as day, but it makes me stop and ponder what I’m really singing (or attempting to sing, in my case ; ).
If there is anything I’ve realized these past few months, it is the fact that I am so, so weak. I get tired if I have too much to do. My body feels exhausted after a week full speed. If I don’t eat, I get lightheaded. If I don’t sleep, I can’t function. The limitations are…well, limitless. A thousand times over, I could explain my weakness as a human being, but that does you no good.
Sure, you can identify with feeling weak (well, you guys may have a harder time…just kidding!). But, why is it important that you understand? Only when we recognize our frailty can we submit to God for true strength.
To ask God for strength when you believe you can do life on your own is pointless. That’s like a millionaire asking for money. We ask for strength because we know that without Him, we’re bankrupt. Empty. Zero.
So, in my weakness, He is Strength.
And in my failure, He is Victorious.
Isn’t that a crazy thought? I mean, I can fail time and time and time again- even at the same thing- but God NEVER fails. EVER. EVER! Do you hear what I’m saying, people?! We commune with an incredible God, who fights our battles for us. But just like acknowledging we need His strength, we must be willing to give up the battles. We can’t go in with our own plan, explaining to God the tactics that will work best.
You might be laughing, but isn’t it true? How many times do we find ourselves rationalizing what we are doing and explaining to God why our way is better? And each time we do, we fail. Because we serve a God that conquers, because He’s wise. He knows that only by His victory will we ever be satisfied.
It’s almost like we’re fighting against our own team. Imagine a football team that scores a touchdown for the other team. Or, men in war killing their own men. That doesn’t make sense. Can I remind you of something? GOD IS FOR US. He’s the only One there for us 100% of the time with more love and power than we can imagine. So, why- and maybe it’s just me- why, do we squirm and fight against what He’s trying to produce in and through us sometimes?
I know, I know. Pruning is painful. The things He asks us to sacrifice are the things we love. And if they aren’t, they wouldn’t be a sacrifice would they?
Oh, but we miss the second part of the story. We focus so much on what God is calling us to do/say/be/give/give up that we forget the blessing that stems from obedience to His gentle voice.
“I need You to soften my heart,
And break me apart,
I need You to open my eyes,
To see that You’re shaping my life.
All I am, I surrender.
Give me faith to trust what You say,
That You’re good, and Your love is great,
I’m broken inside, I give You my life.”
(Give Me Faith, Elevation Worship)
What an incredible weekend this has been. Not because I did anything super special, but because it was soaked with the presence of God.
There’s nothing and no one like Him.
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Aug 12, 2010
Then Who Could Ever Stop Us?
Well, the end is near. In fact, it’s only two days away. I still can’t get over how fast it went by, now that I’m looking back at all that God has done since I’ve been in Brazil. When we first got here, the interns were trying to explain to us how it would all seem like one long week- almost like a dream. At first, I dismissed them as crazy, but now I know exactly what they’re talking about!
This week is our “sending off” week, where we are being prepared and equipped to go out into the world and preach Jesus. How appropriate that we are studying the book of Acts. It is filled with stories of imperfect people, delighting the heart of God, by doing acts of ministry through the power of His Spirit. And, that’s what each of us is called to do. I think we have a tendency to forget that- at least I do. My purpose on earth is to glorify God by doing works through His Spirit. Just doing good works doesn’t cut it.
Pastor Chet said today…so what if you built a house? If you built a house for someone and didn’t preach Jesus along the way and plant seeds, it’s all worthless because they’re still going to hell! Too often, the church gets focused on social work and not on preaching Christ. The social work is to open a door for preaching Christ- we don’t do it just to do it. We do these acts of service to share the love of Christ with others. We get so busy doing that we forget why we do what we do.
And, I try it all on my own. What Christ calls us to do, the way He calls us to live, is impossible in my own strength. I struggle and strive until I finally rely on Him to do what He said He would do from the beginning.
Instead, I want to be known for a reputation of faith. You see, in Acts 9:30, Saul is sent to Tarsus after his conversion. He is sent away for a time of spiritual growth and building. He had a reputation of cruelty for Christians, but it would become a reputation of love for Christ. This short season of time, Paul was invested into, and he was set apart to pursue God and prepare for ministry. In the same way, God “exiled me” to the “island of Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).
I was too puffed up with me, too full of myself, and God had no room. I could ask God to fill me all I want, but if there isn’t any room, He won’t come in. These three months have broken me and shown me just how far off the radar I am when it comes to my faith in Christ. Praise God for His grace and mercy! He didn’t give up on me, instead, He called me to Patmos to rebuild on a firm foundation. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 says, “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But, whoever loves God, this one is known by Him.” I thought I knew it all. In reality, I knew nothing, because I didn’t build upon love.
No matter what I do, it must be rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. My motivations were off, my heart was prideful, and I thought it was okay. It definitely wasn’t. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). I don’t know about you, but the words “abhor” and “cling” sound like strong action words to me. Whatever is not of God, I must hate. I must cast it as far away from me as possible. And whatever is of God, that, I must cling to with every last ounce of energy that I have in my body. Those are two polar opposites, and one cannot be done with the other.
There’s no more riding the fence. Paul knew the Scriptures, but he didn’t live them. His conversion and time in Tarsus built him up so that in Acts 11, Barnabus (“the son of encouragement”) sought Paul “that for a whole year they assembled with the church AND TAUGHT a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). After Paul learned, he spread the knowledge and the Word. He taught others the revelations that God spoke to Him in His time of seclusion. That’s what God has also called me to do.
I have been built up, not for my own edification, but for the edification of the body. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my team here at Patmos, it’s that we need each other to survive. It’s the same with the body of Christ. We all have to show up, and we all have to contribute our gifts and talents.
“4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8)
In this way, we fulfill what Christ calls us to do at the beginning of Romans, chapter 12: “present your bodies a living sacrifice” (v. 1). “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If we aren’t ours in the first place, why do we still live as if we are?
The tide has changed, and I pray that God will continue to keep my heart set steadfastly on pursuing Him and Him alone. It’s not that He will fail in His promises, it’s that I might fail in my responsibility. If I seek Him, He will be there. But, I must purpose to seek Him above all, regardless of the circumstances and situations that surround me. I must “set my face like a flint, and know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies me; who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near me.” (Isaiah 50:7-8).
“And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against?”
This week is our “sending off” week, where we are being prepared and equipped to go out into the world and preach Jesus. How appropriate that we are studying the book of Acts. It is filled with stories of imperfect people, delighting the heart of God, by doing acts of ministry through the power of His Spirit. And, that’s what each of us is called to do. I think we have a tendency to forget that- at least I do. My purpose on earth is to glorify God by doing works through His Spirit. Just doing good works doesn’t cut it.
Pastor Chet said today…so what if you built a house? If you built a house for someone and didn’t preach Jesus along the way and plant seeds, it’s all worthless because they’re still going to hell! Too often, the church gets focused on social work and not on preaching Christ. The social work is to open a door for preaching Christ- we don’t do it just to do it. We do these acts of service to share the love of Christ with others. We get so busy doing that we forget why we do what we do.
And, I try it all on my own. What Christ calls us to do, the way He calls us to live, is impossible in my own strength. I struggle and strive until I finally rely on Him to do what He said He would do from the beginning.
Instead, I want to be known for a reputation of faith. You see, in Acts 9:30, Saul is sent to Tarsus after his conversion. He is sent away for a time of spiritual growth and building. He had a reputation of cruelty for Christians, but it would become a reputation of love for Christ. This short season of time, Paul was invested into, and he was set apart to pursue God and prepare for ministry. In the same way, God “exiled me” to the “island of Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).
I was too puffed up with me, too full of myself, and God had no room. I could ask God to fill me all I want, but if there isn’t any room, He won’t come in. These three months have broken me and shown me just how far off the radar I am when it comes to my faith in Christ. Praise God for His grace and mercy! He didn’t give up on me, instead, He called me to Patmos to rebuild on a firm foundation. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 says, “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But, whoever loves God, this one is known by Him.” I thought I knew it all. In reality, I knew nothing, because I didn’t build upon love.
No matter what I do, it must be rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. My motivations were off, my heart was prideful, and I thought it was okay. It definitely wasn’t. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). I don’t know about you, but the words “abhor” and “cling” sound like strong action words to me. Whatever is not of God, I must hate. I must cast it as far away from me as possible. And whatever is of God, that, I must cling to with every last ounce of energy that I have in my body. Those are two polar opposites, and one cannot be done with the other.
There’s no more riding the fence. Paul knew the Scriptures, but he didn’t live them. His conversion and time in Tarsus built him up so that in Acts 11, Barnabus (“the son of encouragement”) sought Paul “that for a whole year they assembled with the church AND TAUGHT a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). After Paul learned, he spread the knowledge and the Word. He taught others the revelations that God spoke to Him in His time of seclusion. That’s what God has also called me to do.
I have been built up, not for my own edification, but for the edification of the body. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my team here at Patmos, it’s that we need each other to survive. It’s the same with the body of Christ. We all have to show up, and we all have to contribute our gifts and talents.
“4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8)
In this way, we fulfill what Christ calls us to do at the beginning of Romans, chapter 12: “present your bodies a living sacrifice” (v. 1). “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If we aren’t ours in the first place, why do we still live as if we are?
The tide has changed, and I pray that God will continue to keep my heart set steadfastly on pursuing Him and Him alone. It’s not that He will fail in His promises, it’s that I might fail in my responsibility. If I seek Him, He will be there. But, I must purpose to seek Him above all, regardless of the circumstances and situations that surround me. I must “set my face like a flint, and know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies me; who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near me.” (Isaiah 50:7-8).
“And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against?”
Apr 18, 2010
Inquiring Mind
Have you ever felt that God was telling you something, but in your mind, you questioned if it was really Him? Or...have you ever felt God leading you to do something, but it seems crazy and scary and impossible in a short amount of time?
That's where I'm at.
I want to trust and have faith, but my inquiring mind never rests. I analyze too much without just taking the step of faith He is calling me to (or I think He is calling me to). What happens when you have to make a decision and all options are areas where He can be glorified? Does He have a specific answer as to which avenue to take, or is it up to us?
Talking with many Christian brothers and sisters has reminded me that He will open and close doors as He sees fit. He has opened a door, and I'm going to take it. I'm not sure if this avenue will be a short trip and simple test of faith or it will turn into something bigger. Please keep me in your prayers for clarity and understanding as I journey down this unexpected avenue. I don't want to get into details, but I know God will direct you to pray for me as needed.
That's where I'm at.
I want to trust and have faith, but my inquiring mind never rests. I analyze too much without just taking the step of faith He is calling me to (or I think He is calling me to). What happens when you have to make a decision and all options are areas where He can be glorified? Does He have a specific answer as to which avenue to take, or is it up to us?
Talking with many Christian brothers and sisters has reminded me that He will open and close doors as He sees fit. He has opened a door, and I'm going to take it. I'm not sure if this avenue will be a short trip and simple test of faith or it will turn into something bigger. Please keep me in your prayers for clarity and understanding as I journey down this unexpected avenue. I don't want to get into details, but I know God will direct you to pray for me as needed.
Apr 8, 2010
It Can't Be Me.
Honestly, Chelsea, you’ve just gotta believe.
And you’ve gotta stop trying so hard. You have to believe that God will do what He says He will do. Stop trying to do it on your own.
Words right out of my friend’s mouth. Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve been struggling lately. I don’t think that’s something I should say as if it isn’t an everyday occurrence. As Christians, we must expect struggle. We have an enemy who works when we least expect, who steals our hearts and motivations when we don’t keep guard. To say the Christian life is a struggle is an understatement. It’s a battle- an everyday battle where we must choose who to serve. It’s not a once in a lifetime choice- it’s a day to day decision. We choose whether to follow the flesh or follow the Spirit. I digress.
Anyway, I’ve been trying it on my own again. Essentially I’ve been trying to be a Christian without Christ for about two days. I go through the routine of devotion, pray with some passion, and read Scripture. I feel dead compared to my devotional life just a few days before, but what happened? Why do I make such a simple thing so complicated?
Jesus says to have the faith of a child, so why do I worry about the fine details? Why do I question things when I should just have faith and believe? Part of me says that pursuing God should be easy, for the Scriptures say, “If you seek me with all your heart, you will find Me.” But the bigger part of me says it’s harder than that. Having a relationship with the King of the Universe has to be more elaborate, more difficult, more governed by rules. More. Just more.
It’s this constant argument within me. I think I have it right and I’ve got it figured out, but the truth is I will never have it figured out. And the moment I think that I do is the moment I’ve surrendered to the flesh in believing that I in myself am sufficient.
I try to seek as hard as I can on my own strength, but it is the Holy Spirit within me that I must maintain as my guide. I can read as many books, as many Scripture passages as I want, but without discernment and conviction from the Holy Spirit, I might as well not have read them at all.
Pastor Chet said tonight that in the first century, if 95% of the Spirit left the church, the church would fall apart. But if 95% of the Spirit left the church today, we would still press on. We would continue with our meaningless programs, our ridiculous list of events that are absolutely hollow without Jesus in them.
I have lost what it means to be lead by the Spirit. I have slipped into a lapse of reason instead of pure passion fired by Jesus. I have let my head get too wrapped up in matters of the Spirit. Sometimes, okay, most times, my head won’t comprehend what God has to say. I wasn’t built with the capacity to understand how God was there before there was anything. I can’t understand that He holds time and isn’t bound by time. I don’t get how He can stay the same day after day after day without changing. And I don’t get how Someone so perfect and holy in and of Himself would choose to even spend time concerned with the details of my life. My mind doesn’t get it. But I must have faith that it’s true. Matters of the Spirit aren’t always matters of the mind.
I can’t box God up. I can’t discover God based upon the experiences of others. I can’t simply accept society’s view of God. I have to make this journey my own. He desires for me to know Him as intimately as He knows me. I was made to worship and I was made to bring Him the glory.
Honestly, Chelsea, you just gotta believe.
And you’ve gotta stop trying so hard. You have to believe that God will do what He says He will do. Stop trying to do it on your own.
Words right out of my friend’s mouth. Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve been struggling lately. I don’t think that’s something I should say as if it isn’t an everyday occurrence. As Christians, we must expect struggle. We have an enemy who works when we least expect, who steals our hearts and motivations when we don’t keep guard. To say the Christian life is a struggle is an understatement. It’s a battle- an everyday battle where we must choose who to serve. It’s not a once in a lifetime choice- it’s a day to day decision. We choose whether to follow the flesh or follow the Spirit. I digress.
Anyway, I’ve been trying it on my own again. Essentially I’ve been trying to be a Christian without Christ for about two days. I go through the routine of devotion, pray with some passion, and read Scripture. I feel dead compared to my devotional life just a few days before, but what happened? Why do I make such a simple thing so complicated?
Jesus says to have the faith of a child, so why do I worry about the fine details? Why do I question things when I should just have faith and believe? Part of me says that pursuing God should be easy, for the Scriptures say, “If you seek me with all your heart, you will find Me.” But the bigger part of me says it’s harder than that. Having a relationship with the King of the Universe has to be more elaborate, more difficult, more governed by rules. More. Just more.
It’s this constant argument within me. I think I have it right and I’ve got it figured out, but the truth is I will never have it figured out. And the moment I think that I do is the moment I’ve surrendered to the flesh in believing that I in myself am sufficient.
I try to seek as hard as I can on my own strength, but it is the Holy Spirit within me that I must maintain as my guide. I can read as many books, as many Scripture passages as I want, but without discernment and conviction from the Holy Spirit, I might as well not have read them at all.
Pastor Chet said tonight that in the first century, if 95% of the Spirit left the church, the church would fall apart. But if 95% of the Spirit left the church today, we would still press on. We would continue with our meaningless programs, our ridiculous list of events that are absolutely hollow without Jesus in them.
I have lost what it means to be lead by the Spirit. I have slipped into a lapse of reason instead of pure passion fired by Jesus. I have let my head get too wrapped up in matters of the Spirit. Sometimes, okay, most times, my head won’t comprehend what God has to say. I wasn’t built with the capacity to understand how God was there before there was anything. I can’t understand that He holds time and isn’t bound by time. I don’t get how He can stay the same day after day after day without changing. And I don’t get how Someone so perfect and holy in and of Himself would choose to even spend time concerned with the details of my life. My mind doesn’t get it. But I must have faith that it’s true. Matters of the Spirit aren’t always matters of the mind.
I can’t box God up. I can’t discover God based upon the experiences of others. I can’t simply accept society’s view of God. I have to make this journey my own. He desires for me to know Him as intimately as He knows me. I was made to worship and I was made to bring Him the glory.
Honestly, Chelsea, you just gotta believe.
Mar 3, 2010
Don't Believe In, Believe
Eikon was AWESOME tonight! I don't even know how to describe how pumped I feel right now. A 22-year-old guy, Ben, spoke on *drumroll please*..................................................purpose. I know- you wouldn't have guessed, right? Seems to be the topic of many of our "conversations" lately.
First thing out of his mouth- What are you doing with your life? When we are asked that question, we would much rather avoid it at all costs, but it's a question that needs to be answered. He made an excellent point in saying that life isn't made up of yesterdays or made up of tomorrows, but of todays. We can't go back, and we can't go forward (nor do we know how much longer we even have here), but we do have today- we have each day that we can live for and really make it count. But, are we doing it? He said that his goal this year was to milk every moment out of every day, and at the end of each day be able to say "I made the most. I did amazing things for God today."
I hate to just regurgitate what he said, but I also hate to just not share...so, here it goes.
P.S. "It's not my ability, but my response to God's ability that counts." -Corrie Ten Boom
First thing out of his mouth- What are you doing with your life? When we are asked that question, we would much rather avoid it at all costs, but it's a question that needs to be answered. He made an excellent point in saying that life isn't made up of yesterdays or made up of tomorrows, but of todays. We can't go back, and we can't go forward (nor do we know how much longer we even have here), but we do have today- we have each day that we can live for and really make it count. But, are we doing it? He said that his goal this year was to milk every moment out of every day, and at the end of each day be able to say "I made the most. I did amazing things for God today."
I hate to just regurgitate what he said, but I also hate to just not share...so, here it goes.
- God's promises aren't for window shoppers. We can believe in God's promises all we want. We can take a piece of Scripture in the morning and think, "Well that's a pretty promise! Look how pretty that is." It's not going to do us any good. Yeah, maybe as nice house decorations or good FB statuses, but those pretty promises don't mean a thing. We can't just believe in them, we have to believe them- own them. When God says He will provide, we have to trust that promise and not worry. When God says He will restore us, we have to trust that promise and wait for restoration. The promise is pointless if we don't own up to it.
- You may have sunk, but at least you walked on water. This is when he started talking about Matthew 14:22-33, where Peter walks out to Jesus on the water. I'm sure you know the drill- Peter takes his eyes off of Christ, and he sinks. But he walked on water. He walked on water! We can be living in God's dreams for us, and mess up. But at least we're living out His dreams. We can fail a thousand times over, but at least we're getting back up and trying. It's when we give up on His dreams that we have to be concerned.
- Don't focus on the size of your waves, but on the size of your God. Dream big. It's not about us. If we could do it on our own, we wouldn't need Jesus. If we could do it on our own, we would be basking in all our glory, instead of giving Christ the glory He deserves. Instead of looking around and comparing yourself to others, look to Christ. When that thought comes in your mind that says, "You'll never be good enough to do that," or "Is that even possible?" remember who you serve. If you look everywhere but to Christ, you'll sink. But if you really keep Him as your focus, you'll be doing things that will blow you away!
P.S. "It's not my ability, but my response to God's ability that counts." -Corrie Ten Boom
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