“We’re like two big human crutches. There ya go- just keep walking.”
“So, you said she had hip surgery?”
“Yeah. She had hip replacement surgery. Thanks so much for helping. You’re a God-send.”
I saw Brittany when I was pulling into the dorm parking lot. Her friend was trying to stand her up, but she just kept falling over. Her crutches were lying on the ground.
I got out of my car, grabbed my stuff, contemplated what I should do, and heard her friend say, “Hey! Can you help us?”
“Sure, let me put my stuff down. Does she have a key?”
“Yeah, she lives here.”
The stench of her breath alone was enough to tell the story. “I just wanted to be social,” she said.
“Be quiet. And just keep walking,” her friend said.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funny how God works, isn’t it? He knew I would be pulling in the parking lot at that exact time to see those two girls try to maneuver their way into the dorms- one sober, one wasted.
Brittany’s arm wrapped tightly around my neck. “Thank you so much for helping me. I’m so sorry. I just wanted to be social.”
Brittany wasn’t the only one like that tonight. No- there were others, countless others- who stumbled in parking lots and slurred their words until they could no longer speak. They spent time over toilets and sending texts to strangers. They found five minutes of satisfaction followed by a night of misery. They discovered false happiness when all they were searching for was true joy.
And it breaks my heart.
Brittany’s sentence sums it up perfectly. “I just wanted to be social.”
How many more Brittany’s are there? How many more people just want to interact with others and feel something- anything- that makes them feel?
And, I know Brittany will wake up tomorrow with a major headache and a list of regrets. I’ll pass her on campus in a few days, and she’ll have no idea who I am.
Yet, I feel that I know the deepest part of her- the part that’s screaming for an escape, the part of everyone that says, “There’s gotta be something more.”
Being a crutch is hard because your job is to support, not correct. Therapy and doctors correct the damaged hip. The crutches just aid in the process.
My words wouldn’t heal a drunken girl’s heart. My thoughts wouldn’t even make sense. I have to trust the Doctor- that through “prayer and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ,” (Phil. 1:19) Brittany will be delivered.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Eph. 6:12-13
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Jan 29, 2011
Oct 20, 2010
Swept Away
“And Jesus answered, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42).
One thing. That’s all it is. Plop me in the desert. Ship me to Japan. Fly me to Broadway. All I need is the one thing. All I need is Jesus.
To sit at his feet captivated by the very words He speaks. To discover the inflections of His voice and the lessons from His life. To question and ponder and grow. To be broken and to be restored to wholeness again. To be dead and revived to life. To worship with a humble heart and a reverent posture. To hear, really hear the Lord.
“One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord,
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
Apr 16, 2010
All That I Am
The more and more I get into God's Word, the more I realize just how weak I am and how much I need Him. It seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life. I talked about this in one of my posts a few weeks ago. I had been striving to meet the "standards," to be "good enough" for God. What a relief it has been to embrace His unconditional love once again! It is so refreshing and rejuvinating once you realize that God doesn't love you any more or any less if you spend ten minutes in prayer or thirty. That's why I love Psalm 103. Praise, praise, praise. Who else can love like He loves?
Verse 14 has been on my mind since Good Friday, and it has dramatically changed my thinking. "For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust." After reading that Psalm, you're probably thinking....okay, that wouldn't have been my pick, but let me explain.
I'M DUST! I'm a big lump of dust! God knows that. Sometimes I try to puff myself up and act like I'm more than that. I'M DUST! I'm weak, and on my own, absolutely worthless. I'm just a shell here on earth. But, but....when Christ lives in me. Wow. Now that is something worth looking at. When Christ lives in me and in You, people notice. He disciplines me and corrects me and changes me, but "he remembers we are only dust." When I fall short of God's glory, He isn't suprised. He knows that I will. What matters is the motivation of my heart. Is my whole heart seeking after God?
I used to think that in order to seek fully after God, you had to be a devoted Christian who studied the Bible six hours a day and evangelized at least two (okay, maybe these numbers weren't always the same, but you get the idea). The amazing thing about Christ is that He is everywhere- in the car, in my class, at the office. God doesn't speak to me just from the Bible, and He doesn't use me to speak to others only when I set aside two hours. Day in and day out, He purposes each and every move.
Have you ever stopped to think about that? I was walking home from the gym tonight, and I thought to myself....God knew exactly what time I would go to the gym tonight. He knew how long I would run, when I would get tired, and when I would begin gasping for air (haha- just kidding). The crazy thing is He actually knew that not only for me, but for each and every person around me. And He knew that I would be sitting here, on April 16, writing about Him. And He knew that you would be reading this right now. Crazy, isn't it?
Okay- back to the seeking fully after God idea (sorry for my tinge of ADD kicking in ; ). I used to think in order to seek fully after God, you had to be chained to a desk praying and reading the Bible. After your hours of study and prayer, you could then go boldly proclaim to others the Good News. Only people in full time ministry can really serve God, or that's what I thought. Well, God's been using me in ways I never thought possible. Whether it's conversations at work, or with people in line at Chick N' Grill. Every movement He purposes for a reason. And the great thing about it all is that when your heart and mind are fully focused on Christ, you can be doing whatever it is you need to be doing and still glorify Him. There's always what Tozer calls that "secret communion," that goes on between you and God. If you love someone, they're always on your mind. You can't wait to spend time with them and share with them what's been going on in your life, and you look forward to hearing about their life.
I now approach prayer not as a burden, but as a delight. When I miss my morning time alone with God, I normally say, "Man, God, I missed you this morning. Sorry about that." I look forward to telling Him my deepest longings, my heart's desires, and my dreams. Even more so, I love to hear Him. I absolutely love hearing God's voice. He never disappoints, never discourages. His voice is always full of love and compassion. So back to Psalm 103. I can't say it enough. "Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me."
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 10, 2010
Secondhand Faith
We have all the self-help books we could possibly read. We have all the collective sermons preached over the years. We have Christian music, Christian concerts, Christian conferences, Christian retreats, Christian coffee shops. We have Christian schools and Christian skate parks. We have it all, as far as Christianity goes. Or so it seems.
The question that has been burdening me-and I mean really bothering me lately- is this: Why do Christians today-with more resources available than ever before- feel so hollow, empty, alone, and unfulfilled...so confused and frustrated with the very faith that's supposed to bring "life abundance"? Let's face it. How many Christian people do you run into in a day that make you feel better by being around them? How often do you see that spark and go, "Wow-there's something different there"? When the world looks at us, do we give them a good reason to want what we have or do we turn them away with actions that contradict our very doctrine?
You would think that with so much knowledge built up, and so many Christians having gone before us, we would have it all figured out by now. But it seems that our generation of Christians is more dependent on the latest anti-depressant or a good day of shopping to pull them out of a slump. We would rather entertain ourselves with trash on television than seek God's word for rest and renewal. Since when did it become so much about us?
When I think about the lives of the twelve disciples, I am amazed at their faith. You might be thinking- well, they had Jesus with them. And you're right- but, only for 33 short years. After that, the Holy Spirit was their helper, and the same Spirit that was in the disciples (yes- those guys who healed the sick, helped the blind see, and essentially revolutionze history) is in US! We are told in the Bible that God never changes. That very same Spirit dwells within us. Would you have guessed by the way we live?
Christians today rely on conferences and books and music to encourage them throughout their day. I'm not saying that any of this is bad, but when it is more satisfying than Christ Himself, we have surely lost our way. I haven't read any stories of Paul attending Promise Keepers or Mary going to Women of Faith. Not to mention, these people only had the Old Testament- they were the ones being inspired to write the New Testament!! Yet, their faith was the most authentic, impactful, Christ-oriented faith you could find. They weren't relying on others to reveal what only Christ can. They weren't looking around, they were looking up.
Do you realize how much of an impact these people had? To think that the letters we read in the Bible today were words that came from the very heart of God- delivered through Paul. These concepts are the framework for our faith. Paul wasn't interpreting Christ from someone else's point of view. He wasn't recording something from the latest song released by the choir. Paul was connected to the very real, very personal and intimate person of Jesus. We've missed that. We can look around all we want. We can pursue every avenue labeled as "Christian" and hope that it will change us for the better, and it might help. But only Jesus can fuel our fire and keep us going. Only Christ can be that Encourager- reminding us of His return as we run with every ounce of energy we have towards Him.
It's time. Time for this generation to step out of other people's faith and into their own. It's time for Christians to stop living in the "idea" of Christianity and start living with faith that can move mountains. The promises in God's word, we have to claim them. We have to stake our lives on them. We have to push for change, not compromise. It's gonna be hard, and the world won't agree, but that means we're doing something right. I don't want to fit in, because according to God's word, that means I'm not doing something right. We are supposed to step up and stand out. Today is the day. It starts now. If not now, when? How many more "tomorrows" will it take for you and me to live, really live as Christ calls us to?
The question that has been burdening me-and I mean really bothering me lately- is this: Why do Christians today-with more resources available than ever before- feel so hollow, empty, alone, and unfulfilled...so confused and frustrated with the very faith that's supposed to bring "life abundance"? Let's face it. How many Christian people do you run into in a day that make you feel better by being around them? How often do you see that spark and go, "Wow-there's something different there"? When the world looks at us, do we give them a good reason to want what we have or do we turn them away with actions that contradict our very doctrine?
You would think that with so much knowledge built up, and so many Christians having gone before us, we would have it all figured out by now. But it seems that our generation of Christians is more dependent on the latest anti-depressant or a good day of shopping to pull them out of a slump. We would rather entertain ourselves with trash on television than seek God's word for rest and renewal. Since when did it become so much about us?
When I think about the lives of the twelve disciples, I am amazed at their faith. You might be thinking- well, they had Jesus with them. And you're right- but, only for 33 short years. After that, the Holy Spirit was their helper, and the same Spirit that was in the disciples (yes- those guys who healed the sick, helped the blind see, and essentially revolutionze history) is in US! We are told in the Bible that God never changes. That very same Spirit dwells within us. Would you have guessed by the way we live?
Christians today rely on conferences and books and music to encourage them throughout their day. I'm not saying that any of this is bad, but when it is more satisfying than Christ Himself, we have surely lost our way. I haven't read any stories of Paul attending Promise Keepers or Mary going to Women of Faith. Not to mention, these people only had the Old Testament- they were the ones being inspired to write the New Testament!! Yet, their faith was the most authentic, impactful, Christ-oriented faith you could find. They weren't relying on others to reveal what only Christ can. They weren't looking around, they were looking up.
Do you realize how much of an impact these people had? To think that the letters we read in the Bible today were words that came from the very heart of God- delivered through Paul. These concepts are the framework for our faith. Paul wasn't interpreting Christ from someone else's point of view. He wasn't recording something from the latest song released by the choir. Paul was connected to the very real, very personal and intimate person of Jesus. We've missed that. We can look around all we want. We can pursue every avenue labeled as "Christian" and hope that it will change us for the better, and it might help. But only Jesus can fuel our fire and keep us going. Only Christ can be that Encourager- reminding us of His return as we run with every ounce of energy we have towards Him.
It's time. Time for this generation to step out of other people's faith and into their own. It's time for Christians to stop living in the "idea" of Christianity and start living with faith that can move mountains. The promises in God's word, we have to claim them. We have to stake our lives on them. We have to push for change, not compromise. It's gonna be hard, and the world won't agree, but that means we're doing something right. I don't want to fit in, because according to God's word, that means I'm not doing something right. We are supposed to step up and stand out. Today is the day. It starts now. If not now, when? How many more "tomorrows" will it take for you and me to live, really live as Christ calls us to?
Mar 5, 2010
All or Nothing
I'm gonna love Him with everything I've got. With every breath, every word. Every thought, every dream. Every moment of time spent on this earth. I'm gonna love Him with everything I've got. That's when I'll know Him. Because God is love. And love is good.
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
You Never Let Go
I always do this. When I have exams, or a lot of schoolwork all at once, I get super stressed out. No fail. Every single time. And I hate it when I do that. Not only is it ridiculous because I've been through it before and have learned that God is more than capable of providing the motivation and strength to get through it, but I also feel like I'm setting a bad example. I think about how both Christians and non-Christians are looking at my life to see how I react to things. The very thing I'm "preaching" one day could make no sense the next when I don't live it out. I hate being hypocritical.
I say that Christ will provide and that He is enough, and that He gives ultimate peace. And I believe it- with all my heart, I do. I really do. But, when things get overwhelming, it's like I just throw that whole concept to the wind and think, "Poor me. How will I ever get through? This is next to impossible." Unbelievers who know me and know what I'm about have to be thinking...if she knows God, why is she so worried? If she knows God, why is she so impatient today? Ouch.
Well, right in the midst of my worries and right in the midst of my not-so-Christlike attitude, God decided that He would restore me with His words. As I've said before, Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Scripture passages, maybe my most favorite, though it's kind of hard to narrow that down- don't ya think? Anyway, I read through that Scripture with entirely new eyes. I don't know what it was, but it became fresh all over again.
Have you looked in the mirror lately? Have you really looked? No- not at your imperfections, but your "wonderfully complex" self. I was brushing my teeth after I read this passage, and I looked at my eyes and thought...wow, those are incredible. Okay- you probably think I'm a psycho right now, so I want you to a. Find a mirror and b. Check out your eyes. Seriously. Go do it. This blog isn't going anywhere : ) Really look at them and think about how they work. Think about the way they process information and how light reflects on them so you can see. I don't know the whole scientific aspect, but I do know that our eyes are just one breathtaking part of our "wonderfully complex" bodies that Christ gave us.
If it was up to me, we would all be 2-D stick figures walking around looking somewhat similar. How grateful I am that God took the time to think about what we would look like and how our bodies would function. Seriously- our brains. They are insane. They tell us to breathe without us even consciously thinking about it. Now that, I'm very grateful for : ).
So, I was reading this passage and thinking that not only did God take great care in "knitting me" together in my mother's womb, but He also did it for every other person that has ever lived. Each unique in their own way. God knit me and you and everyone in the world together!
I checked out the word "knit" in the dictionary...."to tie or link together; join closely and firmly; to form or create from diverse sources or elements; become closely and intimately united; bind, link, unite." I never thought of it this way before, but when God was knitting me together, was He also knitting my heart to His? Were we becoming "closely and intimately united" even in the moments of my creation? I love to think so. Don't you just eat up that visual?!
Then I read Isaiah 46:3-4, "Listen to me, descendents of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime-until you hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you."
Don't know if you got the memo- but God cared, cares, and will care for us. He carried and will carry us. Oh, and not to mention, He's busy saving us, too.
I am so thankful for a God who never lets go. I love that worship song "You Never Let Go." I let go of His promises at times when I need them the most. I let go of the words that I proclaimed the day before. I let go of my Christ-like attitude at times. But, I know that no matter how far I run or how bad I mess up, He never lets go. Never lets go of me. Tough times, easy times. Dark times, light times. Never lets go of the plans He made for me. He sees me and He holds me and He saves me.
Feb 25, 2010
Alert the Media, People!
Well, who would have guessed that the very questions about "purpose" and God's will came up at Eikon last night and have been coming up in my Bible studies ever since I recorded my thoughts a few days ago. God has a funny sense of humor.
But, no lie, I wasn't joking when I titled this post alert the media. I finally got it, directly from the heart of God. I got it. Let me guess, you're asking, "What is it?" (Or maybe I like to pretend that you're just that interested that you're on the edge of your chair as you're reading this blog- hmmm....well, it's an entertaining thought anyway- lol).
Here it goes, IT: This whole life purpose thing isn't about me discovering what I'm supposed to do, but more who I'm supposed to be. It's the shaping and molding in the process that make a clay pot beautiful in the end. You can't just skip the middle and go from clay to a pot! DUH! Sometimes, I think God must be cracking up when He watches me wander around the earth, crying out, "God, show me what to do with my life! I'm so confused. Life is just so hard. How do I do what you call me to do?"
I can just picture Him saying, "If you just do what I say, you wouldn't have to worry so much. I even wrote it all down for you...anything else you need from me?" Haha.
The world isn't happy with God's definition of purpose, because purpose in the world's eyes leads to a desired end. You have "reached your calling" or "discovered your purpose" in life. With God, there is no end to our journey, and we never stop developing. That's why our purpose is constantly evolving. Ultimately, our purpose is to glorify God. So, however He chooses to use us each day fulfills that purpose.
That's right. I have no clue where I will be five years from now or what I will be doing. For the first time, admitting that doesn't make me nervous. I can say it with complete confidence, knowing that Christ has it all figured out and taken care of. Whew- what a load off my shoulders!
Now, I'm back to writing papers and studying for midterms. And I'm gonna give Him the glory for it the whole time and be thankful, because that's what I was created to do. On purpose.
But, no lie, I wasn't joking when I titled this post alert the media. I finally got it, directly from the heart of God. I got it. Let me guess, you're asking, "What is it?" (Or maybe I like to pretend that you're just that interested that you're on the edge of your chair as you're reading this blog- hmmm....well, it's an entertaining thought anyway- lol).
Here it goes, IT: This whole life purpose thing isn't about me discovering what I'm supposed to do, but more who I'm supposed to be. It's the shaping and molding in the process that make a clay pot beautiful in the end. You can't just skip the middle and go from clay to a pot! DUH! Sometimes, I think God must be cracking up when He watches me wander around the earth, crying out, "God, show me what to do with my life! I'm so confused. Life is just so hard. How do I do what you call me to do?"
I can just picture Him saying, "If you just do what I say, you wouldn't have to worry so much. I even wrote it all down for you...anything else you need from me?" Haha.
The world isn't happy with God's definition of purpose, because purpose in the world's eyes leads to a desired end. You have "reached your calling" or "discovered your purpose" in life. With God, there is no end to our journey, and we never stop developing. That's why our purpose is constantly evolving. Ultimately, our purpose is to glorify God. So, however He chooses to use us each day fulfills that purpose.
That's right. I have no clue where I will be five years from now or what I will be doing. For the first time, admitting that doesn't make me nervous. I can say it with complete confidence, knowing that Christ has it all figured out and taken care of. Whew- what a load off my shoulders!
Now, I'm back to writing papers and studying for midterms. And I'm gonna give Him the glory for it the whole time and be thankful, because that's what I was created to do. On purpose.
Feb 22, 2010
What in the World Am I Doing?
When I read in the Bible how God ordains all of our days and has them all numbered, it is fascinating. Yet, when I try to discover what I will do next year, after I graduate- even, this summer...my mind just goes a million different directions and nowhere all at once (hence the confusion part). Is this making any sense? Probably not.
I have all these ideas about what God might be calling me to do in my life, but then I get overwhelmed at the thought of making sure that each step I take is in His will. I hear messages about the will of God, read books about the will of God, and try to learn from the Bible. And I just keep coming up short. There are very few times in my life that I can distinctly remember hearing God direct me exactly where to go, and me following in suit.
For the most part, I feel like it's me saying, "Well, this is something that will glorify God, and it looks like that's what I'm supposed to do, so I'll just go with that."
My problem stems from a lack in listening. Seems like whenever I question purpose in life lately, this verse pops into my mind:
"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life." -John 5:39
It's like I keep trying to find that "perfect Bible verse" that gives me an AHA moment, where I instantly know what Christ is calling me to do. But, I don't think there is one. Please, correct me if I'm wrong- I'm trying to figure this all out. But, I feel like instead of searching the Scriptures and asking person after person, I should just go to Jesus. If I am filled up with His Spirit, then His will eventually becomes my will....right?
It sounds so much easier in writing. When people say, "What are you going to do after college?" or "How did you decide where to go to college?," I explain and immediately realize that I never asked Christ about any of it. What a dangerous position.
Then (oh my- this post just keeps going on and on- feel free to check out if you get bored of this rambling!), I was talking to someone the other day who said, "Either God has you at Nova for a very specific purpose, or you're just there." Hmmm...of course that got me thinking- why am I here? What am I doing? How is Christ using me? Am I still supposed to be here? Am I supposed to be here next year?
And the cycle continues. A cycle of question and worry and doubt and confusion. I know the Bible says, "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything." It's just so stinkin' hard sometimes!
Additionally, Jesus reminds us, "Don't worry about tomorrow." I don't even know if I'll be here tomorrow. But there has to be balance. I have to have some idea about what the future holds and be content with my present.
Balance is one of those words that I struggle with in a major way. Life gets off kilter so easily, yet balance is what we all seek and what Christ desires in our lives. Anyone have any suggestions? : )
One more thought, and then I'll leave you alone- haha. Our "calling" in life is based on our unique gifts and talents. Christ also wants us to enjoy our job and use it to glorify Him. So if we find our gifts and talents, then pursue a career that is headed in that direction, are we in God's will?
Feb 19, 2010
No Holding Back
It feels so good to be caught up in God's presence again! Every day He continues to refresh my spirit with sweet promises of forgiveness and grace (probably the two most overused and misunderstood terms in Christianity). I've truly been able to breathe in His goodness and unfailing love.
I've been learning so much lately that I feel led to share. Maybe it's something that God needs to remind us every once in a while. I find that the simplest truths are the ones that hit home the most when we really get them. We're just so used to hearing some of these things that we don't take the time to really sit and think about it.
What about the mind of Christ? Yes, if you are a Christian, you have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:11-16). That's craziness! Have you ever thought about that? Think about all that Christ did in his few years on earth. And to think that we have His mind....it's unreal. I just couldn't get over that the other day. All day, I just kept saying to myself, "I have the mind of Christ? I have the mind of Christ!" I think it's ironic how much we rely on the advice and approval of others when we have the God of the heavens living inside of us, ready to guide us and direct our paths if we simply ask (1 John 5:14-15, John 5:39-40).
The other thing that's been heavy on my heart is human approval. It's so easy to get caught up in making other people happy, or even avoiding discussing certain topics so it won't be "awkward." Yes, I'll admit it. Sometimes I don't even bring up my faith in my conversations because I'm afraid or because I think from then on, our relationship will be uncomfortable. But does it matter? God has placed in me a new heart that is driven by His love, how could I possibly hold that back from someone? It would be a cruel punishment, to tell you the truth. To think that I have the answer that they've been searching for their whole life, but I choose to keep it to myself. What is that? (2 Timothy 2:15) Why am I so concerned with being socially correct over spiritually obedient?
Imagine one of your friends wandering with you in the desert. One day, you decide to take a walk and discover a pond of life-giving water. And (let's make this magical), if you swim under the water, you can go to a distant land that sustains you forever. Once you make this discovery, you never go back to tell your friend. You leave him or her parched and thristy, dying and gasping for a chance to truly live. But it doesn't matter, because you're happy and you're living the life. Sounds pretty selfish, right?
I can't continue to hold back. God has a purpose for me each day. Each day, there's someone who needs that smile, or that word of encouragement. And there's someone who needs to hear the Gospel. If it's my guess, there's multiple people in a day that need those things. To hold that back from them is not what I was created for. What about you?
I've been learning so much lately that I feel led to share. Maybe it's something that God needs to remind us every once in a while. I find that the simplest truths are the ones that hit home the most when we really get them. We're just so used to hearing some of these things that we don't take the time to really sit and think about it.
What about the mind of Christ? Yes, if you are a Christian, you have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:11-16). That's craziness! Have you ever thought about that? Think about all that Christ did in his few years on earth. And to think that we have His mind....it's unreal. I just couldn't get over that the other day. All day, I just kept saying to myself, "I have the mind of Christ? I have the mind of Christ!" I think it's ironic how much we rely on the advice and approval of others when we have the God of the heavens living inside of us, ready to guide us and direct our paths if we simply ask (1 John 5:14-15, John 5:39-40).
The other thing that's been heavy on my heart is human approval. It's so easy to get caught up in making other people happy, or even avoiding discussing certain topics so it won't be "awkward." Yes, I'll admit it. Sometimes I don't even bring up my faith in my conversations because I'm afraid or because I think from then on, our relationship will be uncomfortable. But does it matter? God has placed in me a new heart that is driven by His love, how could I possibly hold that back from someone? It would be a cruel punishment, to tell you the truth. To think that I have the answer that they've been searching for their whole life, but I choose to keep it to myself. What is that? (2 Timothy 2:15) Why am I so concerned with being socially correct over spiritually obedient?
Imagine one of your friends wandering with you in the desert. One day, you decide to take a walk and discover a pond of life-giving water. And (let's make this magical), if you swim under the water, you can go to a distant land that sustains you forever. Once you make this discovery, you never go back to tell your friend. You leave him or her parched and thristy, dying and gasping for a chance to truly live. But it doesn't matter, because you're happy and you're living the life. Sounds pretty selfish, right?
I can't continue to hold back. God has a purpose for me each day. Each day, there's someone who needs that smile, or that word of encouragement. And there's someone who needs to hear the Gospel. If it's my guess, there's multiple people in a day that need those things. To hold that back from them is not what I was created for. What about you?
Feb 10, 2010
Brain Dump
Right now, I'm struggling with a tough decision (well I'm done struggling, I've already made the choice). I know Christ led me to do the right thing, but dealing with the repercussions of my decision might entail lonely and painful nights.
That's because I put a relationship in place of where only Christ is supposed to reside. My security and trust was resting in someone else who made me happy and gave me company. It was a sin that I was blind to until it was brought to my attention by my parents.
I'm not sure how it will all work out, and I know there will be more tears shed. I shouldn't do what God calls me to do because of legality's sake. I should do it out of a humble heart of surrender, knowing that He wants even more for me than I want for myself.
I tend to forget that. It's not about the act of "doing," but my heart's condition while doing what I am called to do. Grudgingly giving up things or relationships or anything else to God doesn't really make a difference. In fact, He would rather not have it at all.
Here's a good example. You know when you ask someone if they want to go see a certain movie, but they really don't want to see it (and they hint at the fact that they don't). But you really want to see this movie- I mean, this is the best movie out there right now. After a long struggle, they say, "Ugh. I guess I'll go see it. I mean, if it's really what you want. If you really want me to be temporarily bored and minutely upset with you, then fine. Let's go see it." Hmmmm....do you still want to go see the movie? Probably not, because you know their heart, and it's not going to give you any joy to force them to join in with you. It won't benefit them at all if they go in with that kind of attitude.
It's the same with our life. Christ calls us to surrender EVERYTHING, but we shouldn't do it out of the feeling that we have to, but rather that we want to. We want to please Him. If it makes Him happy, we know we will be on a better track.
There's a lot of other things that have been racing through this brain of mine lately, and should I find the time to remember them all, I'll be sure to share with you. This journey is a whole lot better if we do it together.
Jan 31, 2010
What Did You Worship Today?
I worshipped....
my job.
school/homework.
food.
Not God.
He wasn't first.
He was on a shelf and He belongs on a throne.
I know that in my heart, but it doesn't translate in my life.
I blame myself.
I feel guilty, I feel human.
I feel guilty that I'm human.
I can't do it on my own. I can't will it on my own.
I can't do it on my own.
How long will it take for surrender?
Why is it so hard for me to understand?
I want it. I do.
But I don't get it.
What did you worship today?
my job.
school/homework.
food.
Not God.
He wasn't first.
He was on a shelf and He belongs on a throne.
I know that in my heart, but it doesn't translate in my life.
I blame myself.
I feel guilty, I feel human.
I feel guilty that I'm human.
I can't do it on my own. I can't will it on my own.
I can't do it on my own.
How long will it take for surrender?
Why is it so hard for me to understand?
I want it. I do.
But I don't get it.
What did you worship today?
Jan 29, 2010
Come, my wayward daughter.
The other night I opened my Bible to Jeremiah 29:11. I was praying about purpose and God’s will and getting back on track, so I thought that was the perfect place to turn. I read the verse and just kept reading through the book, discovering little nuggets of encouragement.
My absolute favorite discovery of the night was Jeremiah 31:18-22.
NLT:
18 I have heard Israel saying,
‘You disciplined me severely,
like a calf that needs training for the yoke.
Turn me again to you and restore me,
for you alone are the LORD my God.
19 I turned away from God,
but then I was sorry.
I kicked myself for my stupidity!
I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’
20 “Is not Israel still my son,
my darling child?” says the LORD.
“I often have to punish him,
but I still love him.
That’s why I long for him
and surely will have mercy on him.
21 Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Mark well the path
by which you came.
Come back again, my virgin Israel;
return to your towns here.
22 How long will you wander,
my wayward daughter?
For the LORD will cause something new to happen—
Israel will embrace her God.[b]”
My heart couldn’t contain my joy. It described perfectly my recent journey back to my Father’s heart. I had turned from God and was discouraged when I saw how far I’d departed. I asked for restoration and reminded myself that He should be my only God.
And then God…and then God shows up in a big way and reminds me that He still loves me. He still longs for me. He will have mercy on me. He asks me to “come back” and return to what I know is the only way. I love how He says, “Come back, my virgin Israel.” I think virgin was there on purpose. Israel had been wondering and pursuing other gods, yet He still identifies the nation as “virgin,” or pure. How awesome that God sees us like that even when we’ve totally screwed up.
But this has got to be the best part, “How long will you wander, my wayward daughter? I will cause something new to happen- Israel will embrace her God.”
OH MY GOODNESS! I don’t know why this verse has spoken to me so much. I guess it’s cause I just got stuck in a rut and I felt like the same things were happening over and over and no matter how hard I tried I just kept going the wrong direction. YET, God offers promise for my future, well promise for my now. “I will cause something new to happen- [Chelsea] will embrace her God.”
I think the thing is that HE will cause something new to happen. I can’t force something to happen that God doesn’t will. I’ve been trying to do it on my own, and you just can’t have a relationship with someone when it’s one-sided.
“[Chelsea] will embrace her God.” I felt a little bold replacing Israel with my own name, but God was speaking right at me, saying, “Yeah, you messed up. You left me for other gods. You abandoned the very faith that used to be your stronghold. But, there is hope, Chelsea. There is hope, my daughter. Things are going to start happening. I’m gonna change your heart. And soon enough, you’re gonna embrace me instead of run from me.”
And ever since that night a few days ago, I’ve struggled, as everyone does with keeping God first, above everything else. And every time I hear that voice in my head when I contemplate and wonder why I would even bother trying so hard… “Come, my wayward daughter. It’s time, time to embrace your God.”
Isn’t He the best?
My absolute favorite discovery of the night was Jeremiah 31:18-22.
NLT:
18 I have heard Israel saying,
‘You disciplined me severely,
like a calf that needs training for the yoke.
Turn me again to you and restore me,
for you alone are the LORD my God.
19 I turned away from God,
but then I was sorry.
I kicked myself for my stupidity!
I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’
20 “Is not Israel still my son,
my darling child?” says the LORD.
“I often have to punish him,
but I still love him.
That’s why I long for him
and surely will have mercy on him.
21 Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Mark well the path
by which you came.
Come back again, my virgin Israel;
return to your towns here.
22 How long will you wander,
my wayward daughter?
For the LORD will cause something new to happen—
Israel will embrace her God.[b]”
My heart couldn’t contain my joy. It described perfectly my recent journey back to my Father’s heart. I had turned from God and was discouraged when I saw how far I’d departed. I asked for restoration and reminded myself that He should be my only God.
And then God…and then God shows up in a big way and reminds me that He still loves me. He still longs for me. He will have mercy on me. He asks me to “come back” and return to what I know is the only way. I love how He says, “Come back, my virgin Israel.” I think virgin was there on purpose. Israel had been wondering and pursuing other gods, yet He still identifies the nation as “virgin,” or pure. How awesome that God sees us like that even when we’ve totally screwed up.
But this has got to be the best part, “How long will you wander, my wayward daughter? I will cause something new to happen- Israel will embrace her God.”
OH MY GOODNESS! I don’t know why this verse has spoken to me so much. I guess it’s cause I just got stuck in a rut and I felt like the same things were happening over and over and no matter how hard I tried I just kept going the wrong direction. YET, God offers promise for my future, well promise for my now. “I will cause something new to happen- [Chelsea] will embrace her God.”
I think the thing is that HE will cause something new to happen. I can’t force something to happen that God doesn’t will. I’ve been trying to do it on my own, and you just can’t have a relationship with someone when it’s one-sided.
“[Chelsea] will embrace her God.” I felt a little bold replacing Israel with my own name, but God was speaking right at me, saying, “Yeah, you messed up. You left me for other gods. You abandoned the very faith that used to be your stronghold. But, there is hope, Chelsea. There is hope, my daughter. Things are going to start happening. I’m gonna change your heart. And soon enough, you’re gonna embrace me instead of run from me.”
And ever since that night a few days ago, I’ve struggled, as everyone does with keeping God first, above everything else. And every time I hear that voice in my head when I contemplate and wonder why I would even bother trying so hard… “Come, my wayward daughter. It’s time, time to embrace your God.”
Isn’t He the best?
Jan 24, 2010
I used to think the sun was evil...
A lot of things have been happening lately. Besides the start of the new semester and adjusting to a schedule change, I’ve also come out of the dark so to speak.
I’m gonna go off on a tangent (I know what you’re thinking- already? lol), but it will all make sense in the end, so bear with me. Hopefully you’ve seen the movie Benchwarmers because you will understand where I’m coming from with this. An awkward yet hilarious character by the name of Howie is depicted throughout the entire movie as being 1.) afraid of the sun (natural light) and 2.) afraid of most people.
Now, I can relate to the first one, but not so much the second. These past few months I’ve been afraid of the Light. It was like I enjoyed not caring about my relationship with Christ, even though I knew that’s what was making me miserable. I searched, yet I rejected truth that I found. I read, but felt no need to take heart or apply what I was reading. It was a constant battle. I knew what I should be doing, but for some reason, I didn’t want to do it. I was happy being unhappy, which was REALLY weird for me, because I’m not normally like that…I’m sure most of you know that.
Anyway, I was afraid to go back to the Light. I guess I was more ashamed or embarrassed that if I did, He wouldn’t want me. It was like if I did run to Him, I would be “giving up” or “giving in” because I wasn’t strong enough on my own.
Gradually, as I began to realize that I obviously couldn’t live this life on my own, I began seeking His face once again in little ways. Maybe a Christian book here. A prayer there. Some scripture if I felt like it. Nothing hard core, to say the least. And, I’m still not back to where I want to be, where I used to be. You know that old saying, “If you’re not moving forward, you’re sliding backwards.”? I figured (in this period of darkness) that if I wasn’t moving forward, I would just stay in my place. WRONG.
Praise God for mercy and grace, for everlasting love that sees past my stupidity and embraces my potential. I am forever indebted to my wonderful Savior who took my life and once again reminded me of redemption, a gift so sweet that each time it really sinks in, I can hardly believe it myself.
In Howie’s words, “I used to think the sun was evil, but now I know it’s not.” : )
I’m gonna go off on a tangent (I know what you’re thinking- already? lol), but it will all make sense in the end, so bear with me. Hopefully you’ve seen the movie Benchwarmers because you will understand where I’m coming from with this. An awkward yet hilarious character by the name of Howie is depicted throughout the entire movie as being 1.) afraid of the sun (natural light) and 2.) afraid of most people.
Now, I can relate to the first one, but not so much the second. These past few months I’ve been afraid of the Light. It was like I enjoyed not caring about my relationship with Christ, even though I knew that’s what was making me miserable. I searched, yet I rejected truth that I found. I read, but felt no need to take heart or apply what I was reading. It was a constant battle. I knew what I should be doing, but for some reason, I didn’t want to do it. I was happy being unhappy, which was REALLY weird for me, because I’m not normally like that…I’m sure most of you know that.
Anyway, I was afraid to go back to the Light. I guess I was more ashamed or embarrassed that if I did, He wouldn’t want me. It was like if I did run to Him, I would be “giving up” or “giving in” because I wasn’t strong enough on my own.
Gradually, as I began to realize that I obviously couldn’t live this life on my own, I began seeking His face once again in little ways. Maybe a Christian book here. A prayer there. Some scripture if I felt like it. Nothing hard core, to say the least. And, I’m still not back to where I want to be, where I used to be. You know that old saying, “If you’re not moving forward, you’re sliding backwards.”? I figured (in this period of darkness) that if I wasn’t moving forward, I would just stay in my place. WRONG.
Praise God for mercy and grace, for everlasting love that sees past my stupidity and embraces my potential. I am forever indebted to my wonderful Savior who took my life and once again reminded me of redemption, a gift so sweet that each time it really sinks in, I can hardly believe it myself.
In Howie’s words, “I used to think the sun was evil, but now I know it’s not.” : )
Dec 7, 2009
I'm Back
So I think this will turn into a tradition…me posting while I’m supposed to be studying for my exams. Seems like I did this the last two semesters, too. It has nothing to do with procrastinating or not wanting to look for one more minute at my ginormous study guide…no, it is just THAT important that I have to post it NOW!I have been reading Brennan Manning’s book The Furious Longing of God. Well, I just started it this weekend. Anyways, so far, so good. I found that this passage struck a chord today:
“If you took the love of all the best mother and fathers who have lived in the course of human history, all their goodness, kindness, patience, fidelity, wisdom, tenderness, strength, and love and united all those qualities in a single person, that person’s love would only be a faint shadow of the furious love and mercy in the heart of God the Father addressed to you and me at this moment.”
I always hear that you never know the love of a parent until you become one. Considering that is QUITE a ways down the road for me, this illustration sure helps me to understand. I do have to say that I am blessed with
I don’t know why I was running in the first place. Was it because He asked me to do something that was uncomfortable? Was it because I got bored? Maybe it was because I got tired? Whatever it was, I’m glad that looming cloud of darkness has passed, and I’m beginning to see the Light again. His love is so good.
Dec 5, 2009
Be Like a Duck
It was the weirdest thing, but yesterday I saw so many ducks. I ran into the first one in the CVS parking lot before class. He was hanging out near my car and reluctantly moved from his puddle to allow me to enter the driver side. Then, when I was studying in the UC, I saw two more just waddling around the pond. I felt like they were everywhere. And the greatest thing was that they made me laugh. The way they shake their little tail feathers whenever they get water on them. Or right after they close their wings after a short flight….there they go again, doing the shake.
I don’t know why that was so funny to me, but it’s refreshing to find joy in the simple things. When I saw them nibbling on the grass, it reminded me that even when we can’t supply ourselves, God already has it figured out. Wish trusting Him was as easy as the ducks make it seem.
Oct 3, 2009
Can you come back tomorrow?
I got my car washed today. Well, supposedly. It looked great, except for the massive amount of bug residue left on the front bumper and windshield. The gentleman that waxed it asked me to come take a look and make sure everything was how I wanted it. I explained to him about the bug residue, and he asked me to come back tomorrow to fix the problem.
Honestly, I was kind of shocked. Here I was paying not a cheap amount of money to have my car detailed, and the guy said to come back tomorrow, and waste my time and my gas money to fix a problem that they were supposed to take care of in the first place?! Ugh.
Well, the purpose of that story is not just to complain about poor customer service, though that would be an excellent example of such. Christ later laid it on my heart and said, “You’re that guy.” I was thinking, “Whoa, whoa, whoa there…not so fast. What do you mean?”
What He said definitely caught me off guard. “You know how I ask you to come to Me and get cleaned up. I ask you to do great things in my name, live for my glory instead of your own. Yet, you dismiss the Holy Spirit, saying ‘Can you come back tomorrow?’ or ‘We’ll handle this another time.’ You wallow in the mess and wonder why you are so unhappy. You accept the junk and then complain that life isn’t how it’s supposed to be. Do you have time today for Me? Or am I supposed to wait until ‘tomorrow’?”
If that doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will. I was so convicted. God graciously grants us mercy and grace, new each morning; yet, I have the audacity to simply dismiss His commandments, insisting that they just aren’t important enough for today, that I have too many other things to do. It’s gotta change. I have to start living each day for Him, not just on the days I “feel” like it.
Honestly, I was kind of shocked. Here I was paying not a cheap amount of money to have my car detailed, and the guy said to come back tomorrow, and waste my time and my gas money to fix a problem that they were supposed to take care of in the first place?! Ugh.
Well, the purpose of that story is not just to complain about poor customer service, though that would be an excellent example of such. Christ later laid it on my heart and said, “You’re that guy.” I was thinking, “Whoa, whoa, whoa there…not so fast. What do you mean?”
What He said definitely caught me off guard. “You know how I ask you to come to Me and get cleaned up. I ask you to do great things in my name, live for my glory instead of your own. Yet, you dismiss the Holy Spirit, saying ‘Can you come back tomorrow?’ or ‘We’ll handle this another time.’ You wallow in the mess and wonder why you are so unhappy. You accept the junk and then complain that life isn’t how it’s supposed to be. Do you have time today for Me? Or am I supposed to wait until ‘tomorrow’?”
If that doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will. I was so convicted. God graciously grants us mercy and grace, new each morning; yet, I have the audacity to simply dismiss His commandments, insisting that they just aren’t important enough for today, that I have too many other things to do. It’s gotta change. I have to start living each day for Him, not just on the days I “feel” like it.
Sep 19, 2009
Accepted and Loved
WOW…the Charlie Hall concert was amazing! His musical style is so refreshing and different. His message of the night focused on coming to God, just as we are- broken, sinful, burnt out, disheveled, whatever it is- and resting in Him. Charlie said that the great thing about God is that we can let our guard down and take off our masks…we can just be us, accepted and loved by the Almighty One. He reminded me that even when the world around me is shifting and things feel like they aren't how they should be, if we sing or say the truths God has spoken to us, everything kind of lines up again. It's so true. When life gets crazy or a certain situation doesn't go our way, we have two options: sit around and throw a pity party or lean on Christ, knowing that "He works all things together for the good of those that love Him." "Whatever your goals, whatever your dreams are- that is Christ moving through you. He's helping you." What he said reminded me of my last post. The goals I'm striving towards, the dreams that have been planted in my heart- if they are God's will for my life, then I should pursue them with excellence, knowing that He will do whatever He needs to do in me and through me. I must keep Him first, nonetheless, but it's not bad to strive towards career or college goals.
So, it was a great night. I worshipped and adored. Learned and listened. Sang truth and received it. Not to mention, the night was topped off with dinner and dessert downtown at Mango's with my Dad and Mr. Steve. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard around 3:00 that they were headed down for the concert, and to see me, of course!
It's a beautiful thing when God realigns my heart with His. The road becomes a little clearer, and my heart a whole lot lighter. Knowing that I am loved and accepted by my God…that never gets old!
Aug 27, 2009
Unexpected Revelations
Do you ever find God where you least expect Him to be? It's often humorous to discover the many places He chooses to reveal Himself to us. For me, it was in my Communication Theory textbook last night. Odd? Absolutely. Refreshing? Beyond belief. It's called unconditional positive regard. I had heard of it before, but pretty much cast it aside as one of the million theories that simply was unimportant in my personal life, prior to last night. Em Griffin writes, "Unconditional positive regard is the attitude of acceptance that isn't contingent on performance." He relates this concept to a better communication environment. If individuals feel safe and accepted by the other person, they are more likely to communicate in an authentic and transparent manner. The only thing I could think of when I kept reading about this theory was God's love and communication with us. How amazing is His love that no matter what we do, no matter how we "perform," He has an unconditional positive regard towards us. Then I thought about my Granny, who was known for her love- for finding something good in every person she met, even if that person wasn't easy to get along with or generally well-accepted. I've longed to be that type of person for years...to look beyond the attitudes, the expectations, the performance of a person- into their heart, into their being. I want so bad to lavish God's love on others, but often find that my human nature gets in the way. By relying on Christ though, I believe it's possible.
Who would have thought that little "revelation" would come from a school-based textbook? So, today- expect the unexpected. God will show up just when you need Him the most...whether it's reading for a theory-based class, or catching up on laundry or logging in hours at your job. That's what's so good about Him- He will do whatever it takes to allow us to see Him.
Who would have thought that little "revelation" would come from a school-based textbook? So, today- expect the unexpected. God will show up just when you need Him the most...whether it's reading for a theory-based class, or catching up on laundry or logging in hours at your job. That's what's so good about Him- He will do whatever it takes to allow us to see Him.
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