I just had a sweet visit back in Sioux Falls, SD for Thanksgiving break. As I was reflecting on it from 34,000 feet in the air, flying over Colorado or Utah perhaps, God began to reveal to me the beauty of selfless love. I had the privilege over this vacation to go to a wedding. Each wedding I go to, I learn a different lesson. As I thought on the conversations and prayers the bride and I had over the past year about who God had for her, I was able to thank God for answering that those prayers and desires perfectly. I thought of how patient the groom had been to wait for his bride... to endure and to wait. Then I thought of all the pureness of their relationship and the sweet first kiss they shared to seal their vows; what selfless love.
If love is real, if love is true, it will be proven by it's selflessness. Love will save it's kiss. Love will restrain from being so wrapped up in the person that is the object of affection to put it's eyes on Jesus. Love will surrender over to God every desire and promise no matter how hard it is. Love, true, real, authentic love is immersed in selfless humility and it is so beautiful.
Then I pulled out my laptop, wanting to get into the word, but knowing the surplus of accessories (specifically shoes) that I acquired over the trip blocked my bible in at the bottom of my backpack. Praise the Lord for e-sword! I read through the story of Abraham offering up Isaac as an act of worship. Then, as my thoughts started meshing the selfless love of the marriage and sacrificial worship of Abraham together, I realized the two go hand in hand. Both involve humility and ridding of self. Selfless love is worship... obeying the voice of God is worship
I was sweetly reminded on this airline conversation with God that at that wedding, the bride and groom were worshipping. I realized that when I offer up all my desires that I have in this little head of mine and put my selfish wants in the dumpster, I am worshipping God in a sacrificial way. God blesses us beyond what we can imagine when we surrender.
One other thing finally made sense to me: if any relationship in my life is started in selfishness, the selfishness will only continue to grow as the relationship grows and I will only continue to be miserable. But, if I worship, surrender my will, and choose selfless love, oh how God will bless those relationships and how I will be content in Him and with Him alone. Circumstances won't change the love.
So, my flight ended up being a wonderful pre-marital counseling session with my God. God is so gracious to keep teaching me, allowing me to make stupid choices, yet still keeping his perfect in plan for me. God never fails. And God is the ultimate lover, isn't He? What selflessness He shows to us messed up and sinful humans! Oh how He waits and suffers long and endures us! Oh, how He sent such a great sacrifice, out of humility, to tell us He loves us.
All these thoughts are still dancing through my head and it's nice to meditate on them.
Love. Selfless love. What a lesson.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Side By Side
Nearly every week day morning is see an elderly couple walking together along the side walk. They aren’t hand in hand but they are side by side. They faithfully walk together, every day. The husband, though he has longer legs and a longer stride, shortens his steps so that his wife would be in step with him. I haven’t a clue what they chat about as they walk; I’m sure they talk about the weather, the morning fog, the falling leaves, the landscape of the homes, maybe about their children or grandchildren, occasionally scrapping up memories from when they were young and in love. The only difference from when they were young and in love to now is their age, perhaps even the love itself as well; I am sure if you asked either one, they will tell you that their love for each other has increased each day they have been together.
I know I am making a lot of assumptions about this precious couple. But observing them walk together, faithfully, day by day, tells me there is a bond in their life that continues to strengthen.
What if we didn’t need each other? What if God had looked at Adam and said, “Oh, it’s fine that man is alone… it will cause less problems for him later on.” What if that were the case? The more I live, the more I realize life isn’t about the things I do, places I go, accomplishes I make, but it’s about the people around me. An adventure is only as wonderful as my fellow adventurers! I know that times of solitude and getting away are necessary, but they mustn’t be habitual and constant.
My precious brothers and precious sisters, enjoy those around you; they are gifts from God. You can impact the people that you are around every day, just don’t stop being around them. Times will be frustrating, trials will come, circumstances may be uncomfortable, but continue to walk side by side.
Romans 12:3-13
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we hae many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who show mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, contributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
I know I am making a lot of assumptions about this precious couple. But observing them walk together, faithfully, day by day, tells me there is a bond in their life that continues to strengthen.
What if we didn’t need each other? What if God had looked at Adam and said, “Oh, it’s fine that man is alone… it will cause less problems for him later on.” What if that were the case? The more I live, the more I realize life isn’t about the things I do, places I go, accomplishes I make, but it’s about the people around me. An adventure is only as wonderful as my fellow adventurers! I know that times of solitude and getting away are necessary, but they mustn’t be habitual and constant.
My precious brothers and precious sisters, enjoy those around you; they are gifts from God. You can impact the people that you are around every day, just don’t stop being around them. Times will be frustrating, trials will come, circumstances may be uncomfortable, but continue to walk side by side.
Romans 12:3-13
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we hae many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who show mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, contributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Our God Reigns
The new week is just about to begin. I am expectantly waiting for all the Lord is going to do.
Our God reigns. He is in control. No matter how dire the circumstance, how bleak the future, how depressing the news, our God reigns. We're never out of His sight, off his mind, def to His ears or far from His help. He is all-knowing, all-loving, all-consuming, always. What truth to reflect on.
One thing I know is that we are in warfare. Our minds are the very battle grounds. I was encouraged in the word today to take up my shield of faith and fight off the fiery darts that are being chucked my way. The word doesn't say that we need the shield of faith sometimes or that maybe fiery darts from Satan will come; it's a guarantee that he is trying to defeat you but it's also a guarantee you are fully equipped with protective armour to keep you in the battle and even better, to keep you victorious.
My goal this week is to keep my shield up. When I'm in class, and I can't strum the guitar right or spread my fingers far enough to make a chord, I'm going to hold my shield of faith high so that I'm not discouraged. God can surely teach my fingers to stretch and my hand to strum. When I am feeling homesick and in need of companionship (which was the case of most of my last week) I'm going to hold my shield strong and have faith that God knows all my need and He will supply me with the companionship that will blow my mind and bring real joy.
It's almost ten and I need to practice playing the key family of E..... E, F#m, G#m...... yeah, I need practice.
Remember to hold up your shield this week! And when you are weary, our Daddy has strong arms. If you ask Him for help, He won't refuse :) Our God reigns!
Our God reigns. He is in control. No matter how dire the circumstance, how bleak the future, how depressing the news, our God reigns. We're never out of His sight, off his mind, def to His ears or far from His help. He is all-knowing, all-loving, all-consuming, always. What truth to reflect on.
One thing I know is that we are in warfare. Our minds are the very battle grounds. I was encouraged in the word today to take up my shield of faith and fight off the fiery darts that are being chucked my way. The word doesn't say that we need the shield of faith sometimes or that maybe fiery darts from Satan will come; it's a guarantee that he is trying to defeat you but it's also a guarantee you are fully equipped with protective armour to keep you in the battle and even better, to keep you victorious.
My goal this week is to keep my shield up. When I'm in class, and I can't strum the guitar right or spread my fingers far enough to make a chord, I'm going to hold my shield of faith high so that I'm not discouraged. God can surely teach my fingers to stretch and my hand to strum. When I am feeling homesick and in need of companionship (which was the case of most of my last week) I'm going to hold my shield strong and have faith that God knows all my need and He will supply me with the companionship that will blow my mind and bring real joy.
It's almost ten and I need to practice playing the key family of E..... E, F#m, G#m...... yeah, I need practice.
Remember to hold up your shield this week! And when you are weary, our Daddy has strong arms. If you ask Him for help, He won't refuse :) Our God reigns!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Leprosy of Sin
Leviticus 13: The Law Concerning Leprosy
My leprosy is my sin. As I was reading through this chapter today, I was reminded how my sin can start so small and seem so harmless, but when left unviewed and untreated, it can spread and consume my entire being.
In this Levitical law, any person who had a sore was to go to the priest, Aaron or one of his sons, and have their sore examined. If that sore was deep into the skin, it was diagnosed as leprous and the priest was to declare the person unclean. Now a person has just a spot on the surface of his or her skin, they were to have the spot examined by the priest, be in isolating seven days, and be reexamined on the seventh day. If the sore healed, the priest was to announce him clean and the person was then to wash his clothes and he was clean.
What a picture this is of our sin. When we let sin fester, when we don’t take it to our High Priest, then it consumes us and takes over our health and our life. A person with leprosy was to shave his head, tear his clothes, cover his face, and cry aloud “ UNCLEAN!” What devastation and agony and grief. Can you imagine spending your life as an unclean person? Can you imagine the shame and suffering?
Then there is the person who comes to the priest when they only view a little suspicious spot on their skin. The priest views it, isolates them, and when they have become clean, they are free to go about life in the way they enjoy it. Free to hug others, to laugh, have people over for feasts, celebrate the Passover and other holidays of remembering how great of a deliverance God gave when He redeemed them out of Egypt, and now, how He healed there skin.
So too, when we come to God with the sin that is scratching the surface of our skin, when we ask for His examination and let Him work on us and heal us, we are washed and cleaned and free up to live an abundant life because of Him.
Just as I was encouraged this morning to not let my sin go un-confessed before God, I encourage you to do the same.
In Matthew 9:12 & 13 Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.; For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
My leprosy is my sin. As I was reading through this chapter today, I was reminded how my sin can start so small and seem so harmless, but when left unviewed and untreated, it can spread and consume my entire being.
In this Levitical law, any person who had a sore was to go to the priest, Aaron or one of his sons, and have their sore examined. If that sore was deep into the skin, it was diagnosed as leprous and the priest was to declare the person unclean. Now a person has just a spot on the surface of his or her skin, they were to have the spot examined by the priest, be in isolating seven days, and be reexamined on the seventh day. If the sore healed, the priest was to announce him clean and the person was then to wash his clothes and he was clean.
What a picture this is of our sin. When we let sin fester, when we don’t take it to our High Priest, then it consumes us and takes over our health and our life. A person with leprosy was to shave his head, tear his clothes, cover his face, and cry aloud “ UNCLEAN!” What devastation and agony and grief. Can you imagine spending your life as an unclean person? Can you imagine the shame and suffering?
Then there is the person who comes to the priest when they only view a little suspicious spot on their skin. The priest views it, isolates them, and when they have become clean, they are free to go about life in the way they enjoy it. Free to hug others, to laugh, have people over for feasts, celebrate the Passover and other holidays of remembering how great of a deliverance God gave when He redeemed them out of Egypt, and now, how He healed there skin.
So too, when we come to God with the sin that is scratching the surface of our skin, when we ask for His examination and let Him work on us and heal us, we are washed and cleaned and free up to live an abundant life because of Him.
Just as I was encouraged this morning to not let my sin go un-confessed before God, I encourage you to do the same.
In Matthew 9:12 & 13 Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.; For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ushering In The 20's
Right now I'm sitting in Starbucks, drinking Passion Tea, celebrating my 20th birthday. I'm getting old... Twenty is a big age! I'm no longer a teen, no longer so dependent on my parents, no longer a little girl, though I feel so little. I don't know if I'm ready to claim this age! I guess this is just what if feels like when one gets older.
"I find shelter in the in the shadow of Your wings, O Lord."
I know that I have my shelter in God. Though I feel small in this giant world, I find shelter in the shadow of God's wings.
Have you ever heard what a mom Eagle does to her eaglette's? When they can't yet fly, she pushes them out of the nest as they fall to the jaggedy terrain below. The eaglette starts flapping it's weak wings in effort to fly, but that effort is proven in vain as they continue on the descent. Then, just when it seems like the eaglette is going to hit the rocks, the mom Eagle swoops below her baby. The eaglette falls on her wings and is saved. That baby eagle finds shelter in it's mom's wings.
In the same way, I find shelter in my Father's wings. Everything around me can be unfamiliar- the people, places, smells, sounds, taste's, but my shelter will never leave.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth- Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
-Isaiah 43:2-7
He's got me and that is so comforting.
So now what do I do as a 20 year old? Well, today, hopefully within the next five minutes after I'm finished proofreading this entry, I'll apply for a job at this Starbucks I'm sitting in. Then, I'll walk to my house. From there, I haven't a clue what God would have me do but I know it's going to be good.
Today is the first day I'm twenty and after reflecting on my Shelter, it's starting to become not so scary. Though I'm a small girl in a big world, I have a giant Daddy :) and He takes good care of me.
Twenties, here I come.
"I find shelter in the in the shadow of Your wings, O Lord."
I know that I have my shelter in God. Though I feel small in this giant world, I find shelter in the shadow of God's wings.
Have you ever heard what a mom Eagle does to her eaglette's? When they can't yet fly, she pushes them out of the nest as they fall to the jaggedy terrain below. The eaglette starts flapping it's weak wings in effort to fly, but that effort is proven in vain as they continue on the descent. Then, just when it seems like the eaglette is going to hit the rocks, the mom Eagle swoops below her baby. The eaglette falls on her wings and is saved. That baby eagle finds shelter in it's mom's wings.
In the same way, I find shelter in my Father's wings. Everything around me can be unfamiliar- the people, places, smells, sounds, taste's, but my shelter will never leave.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, and I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth- Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
-Isaiah 43:2-7
He's got me and that is so comforting.
So now what do I do as a 20 year old? Well, today, hopefully within the next five minutes after I'm finished proofreading this entry, I'll apply for a job at this Starbucks I'm sitting in. Then, I'll walk to my house. From there, I haven't a clue what God would have me do but I know it's going to be good.
Today is the first day I'm twenty and after reflecting on my Shelter, it's starting to become not so scary. Though I'm a small girl in a big world, I have a giant Daddy :) and He takes good care of me.
Twenties, here I come.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Ball Has Started Rolling
School has begun. I went to orientation yesterday and my heart and mind was so filled with joy as almost 50 students listened to our director, Scott Cunningham, welcome us and debrief us about the next nine months of the School of Worship.
For all of you who I have not updated, which there is a lot, I want to share how greatly God provided.
My pastor in Napa, Bill Walden, asked over his facebook status if any of his friends in the O.C. were willing to open up their house for me. Stephanie Dollis responded with a yes. The Dollis family lives in Huntington Beach, CA and they are wonderful. The have a 17 year old son named Hayes who is gifted musically with a bunch of friends who are gifted as well. So I have a feeling a lot of music is going to be filling the Dollis household these next months :)
Isn't is so great how the body of Christ responds when one member is in need? There is such unity in the body of Christ- more unity than human blood relation could ever bring. And what a great Helper the Spirit is! He places burdens upon people's hearts, directs them and guides them; He guided me to the Dollis house, where He has chosen to put His name. I'm very thankful.
I move into the Dollis house today. I may also have a roommate, which would be SA-WEET! Her name is Ashley. She's praying, I'm praying, and God is guiding. :)
I have been job hunting. I picked up a Starbucks application (much to Mario Piambo's dismay I'm sure), learned how to apply online for Old Navy, and sent my resume to a Chiropractor who needs an assistant on Saturdays. I know God will provide for the right job that doesn't just suit me, my personality and likes, but that also encourages those that I'll be working with. I'm anticipating where He will lead for this need.
I also have transportation to and from school! I was planning on riding my bike there and back, which would only be a little over five miles each way, but as I was telling a girl this yesterday at orientation, another girl who was sitting in a row in front of me turned around and said, "I live in Huntington beach off of Garfield st. and Beach Blvd. (which is where I'm living very close to) and I can give you a ride no problem"! Ha! God is so good! Wow... I'm so blessed. So I will just need to find a ride home on Monday's and Friday's or if Ashley does room with me, she also may have a car.
All I have to say is yesterday was just a wonderful day witnessing the providing hand of God. After Orientation, we went to Redondo Beach and ate crab at a Korean restaurant on the pier. I had never had a crab-eating-experience before yesterday, and when something is the first, it's usually the best. We all hammered away, wearing bib and all, eating the luscious crab meet, sipping up the spicy Korean fish stew, and enjoying making memories that will last in the cubbies of my mind forever. I know, whenever I eat crab, I will think of yesterday, August 28th,2009: the first time I ever ate crab. Petey, my brother-in-law, told me that when God is showing me who my husband is and we are dating, I need to take him out to eat crab. Petey did that with Jenn, that's why he suggests it. Jenn, my sister, said, "If you can hammer at a crab, wear a bib, get crab juice sprayed all over you, spray crab juice all over everyone else, smell like fish for the rest of the day, and still have a guy who is in love with you, you'll know it's meant to be". She may have not said that verbatim, but it was close enough. So, future hubby, just know, the crab test will come!
Just as yesterday was a great day, I know today will be as well. I woke up pretty early this morning, mind filled with all the "to do's" but a heart stilled and resting in peace knowing that today is the day that the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. I was struck with the simple reality of the fact that I am God's and He is my master, I am His Handmaiden and my life is not my own. What weight that releases in this big world where everyone tells you that you need to make yourself into someone of worth. My worth is in my God because He is the one who made me and chose me as His.
Maybe today you are struggling with who you are. Maybe today you are questioning your worth. May you know that you were redeemed not with silver or gold which perishes but with the precious blood of the Lamb of God. There was nothing less of perfection in the person of Jesus and He gave Himself for you that you may find your identity and freedom as His child. You are God's prize. Jesus made you perfect in the sight of God; you are perfect without spot in the eyes of God Almighty and He loves you, truly. Maybe you needed to remember that today. Rest your mind on His love for you.
As I close this blog, that list of "to do's" invades my thoughts; Go to Ikea and get a bed, shop for groceries, meet up with Petey's friend, first take a shower, have another cup of coffee, then shop for groceries and q-tips and toothpaste and five lb. weights..... Today is going to be a great day because today is the day that the Lord has made.
For all of you who I have not updated, which there is a lot, I want to share how greatly God provided.
My pastor in Napa, Bill Walden, asked over his facebook status if any of his friends in the O.C. were willing to open up their house for me. Stephanie Dollis responded with a yes. The Dollis family lives in Huntington Beach, CA and they are wonderful. The have a 17 year old son named Hayes who is gifted musically with a bunch of friends who are gifted as well. So I have a feeling a lot of music is going to be filling the Dollis household these next months :)
Isn't is so great how the body of Christ responds when one member is in need? There is such unity in the body of Christ- more unity than human blood relation could ever bring. And what a great Helper the Spirit is! He places burdens upon people's hearts, directs them and guides them; He guided me to the Dollis house, where He has chosen to put His name. I'm very thankful.
I move into the Dollis house today. I may also have a roommate, which would be SA-WEET! Her name is Ashley. She's praying, I'm praying, and God is guiding. :)
I have been job hunting. I picked up a Starbucks application (much to Mario Piambo's dismay I'm sure), learned how to apply online for Old Navy, and sent my resume to a Chiropractor who needs an assistant on Saturdays. I know God will provide for the right job that doesn't just suit me, my personality and likes, but that also encourages those that I'll be working with. I'm anticipating where He will lead for this need.
I also have transportation to and from school! I was planning on riding my bike there and back, which would only be a little over five miles each way, but as I was telling a girl this yesterday at orientation, another girl who was sitting in a row in front of me turned around and said, "I live in Huntington beach off of Garfield st. and Beach Blvd. (which is where I'm living very close to) and I can give you a ride no problem"! Ha! God is so good! Wow... I'm so blessed. So I will just need to find a ride home on Monday's and Friday's or if Ashley does room with me, she also may have a car.
All I have to say is yesterday was just a wonderful day witnessing the providing hand of God. After Orientation, we went to Redondo Beach and ate crab at a Korean restaurant on the pier. I had never had a crab-eating-experience before yesterday, and when something is the first, it's usually the best. We all hammered away, wearing bib and all, eating the luscious crab meet, sipping up the spicy Korean fish stew, and enjoying making memories that will last in the cubbies of my mind forever. I know, whenever I eat crab, I will think of yesterday, August 28th,2009: the first time I ever ate crab. Petey, my brother-in-law, told me that when God is showing me who my husband is and we are dating, I need to take him out to eat crab. Petey did that with Jenn, that's why he suggests it. Jenn, my sister, said, "If you can hammer at a crab, wear a bib, get crab juice sprayed all over you, spray crab juice all over everyone else, smell like fish for the rest of the day, and still have a guy who is in love with you, you'll know it's meant to be". She may have not said that verbatim, but it was close enough. So, future hubby, just know, the crab test will come!
Just as yesterday was a great day, I know today will be as well. I woke up pretty early this morning, mind filled with all the "to do's" but a heart stilled and resting in peace knowing that today is the day that the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. I was struck with the simple reality of the fact that I am God's and He is my master, I am His Handmaiden and my life is not my own. What weight that releases in this big world where everyone tells you that you need to make yourself into someone of worth. My worth is in my God because He is the one who made me and chose me as His.
Maybe today you are struggling with who you are. Maybe today you are questioning your worth. May you know that you were redeemed not with silver or gold which perishes but with the precious blood of the Lamb of God. There was nothing less of perfection in the person of Jesus and He gave Himself for you that you may find your identity and freedom as His child. You are God's prize. Jesus made you perfect in the sight of God; you are perfect without spot in the eyes of God Almighty and He loves you, truly. Maybe you needed to remember that today. Rest your mind on His love for you.
As I close this blog, that list of "to do's" invades my thoughts; Go to Ikea and get a bed, shop for groceries, meet up with Petey's friend, first take a shower, have another cup of coffee, then shop for groceries and q-tips and toothpaste and five lb. weights..... Today is going to be a great day because today is the day that the Lord has made.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Practice
As I was cleaning today, my sister Jenn said something to her oldest son, Josiah, and the words sunk in deep. She said, "If you want to get better at something, then you need to practice." Words I'm sure we've all heard from parents and teachers and coaches, but today, the Lord used those words to change my thoughts.
Jeremiah 33:3 says this: "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. "
A couple more verses came to mind as I begun dusting off the self in this quiet consolation with God: "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7) and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12b).
Call, exercise, work out... all those words involve you our participation and action. So many times I think about my desires. Oh, how my thoughts can be filled to overflowing with fantasies of all I long to be! I have prayed, "Lord, I want to do great things for you. No matter the risk, use me. I want to go where you say go, and stay where you say stay, and do what you want me to do. I want to do big things for you." I know God answers those prayers but often, when He opens the opportunity, I find myself inhibiting my ability by listing the reasons why I am ill-equipped.
Practice.
Practice means to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually; to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient. (thank you merriam-webster.com! :)
So, I have a question for you: What do you want to be? What do you desire to do? Are there things you want to do for God that require risk?
I know what I desire to do. I have asked of God, and He has faithfully answered. He's shown me things in which I did not know. What a faithful God!
Today I was challenged, along with my nephew Josiah, to practice what I want to do. Can I challenge you too? You are God's precious workmanship; you are His poem and He'll put down the pen when your last breath is taken, but for now, He desires to write a beautiful story. Let's not inhibit Him! Practice what you desire; I'm going to practice too. Let's be children of faith that take our Daddy at His word. As you climb upon His lap, hear him say "tell me, what do you want to be?" know that He is fully equipped to hear you and show you His plans. If you first mess up or fall short, H'll be there encouraging you, lifting you up and helping you.
Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."
"If you want to be good at something, then you need to practice." What a good lesson.
Jeremiah 33:3 says this: "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. "
A couple more verses came to mind as I begun dusting off the self in this quiet consolation with God: "But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7) and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12b).
Call, exercise, work out... all those words involve you our participation and action. So many times I think about my desires. Oh, how my thoughts can be filled to overflowing with fantasies of all I long to be! I have prayed, "Lord, I want to do great things for you. No matter the risk, use me. I want to go where you say go, and stay where you say stay, and do what you want me to do. I want to do big things for you." I know God answers those prayers but often, when He opens the opportunity, I find myself inhibiting my ability by listing the reasons why I am ill-equipped.
Practice.
Practice means to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually; to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient. (thank you merriam-webster.com! :)
So, I have a question for you: What do you want to be? What do you desire to do? Are there things you want to do for God that require risk?
I know what I desire to do. I have asked of God, and He has faithfully answered. He's shown me things in which I did not know. What a faithful God!
Today I was challenged, along with my nephew Josiah, to practice what I want to do. Can I challenge you too? You are God's precious workmanship; you are His poem and He'll put down the pen when your last breath is taken, but for now, He desires to write a beautiful story. Let's not inhibit Him! Practice what you desire; I'm going to practice too. Let's be children of faith that take our Daddy at His word. As you climb upon His lap, hear him say "tell me, what do you want to be?" know that He is fully equipped to hear you and show you His plans. If you first mess up or fall short, H'll be there encouraging you, lifting you up and helping you.
Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."
"If you want to be good at something, then you need to practice." What a good lesson.
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