Tonight, I listened to a sermon on Psalm 34. This is one of my favorite Psalms, and tonight I was reminded of why I love it.
Psa. 34:1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
This is a Psalm of David, after he fled from the murderous hand of Saul. David had said goodbye to his best friend, Johnathan and left because he knew he would be killed if he stayed. He then came to the town of Gath, where the king of Gath, Achish, had some servants who recognized David. As they brought him before the king, David pretended to be insane so that the king would discount the servants' observations. The king falls for it, and David flees again to a cave. For the whole story, read 1 Samuel 21.
There is no denying that David is being afflicted as he writes this Psalm. He has been unjustly hated and threatened by Saul, torn away from his best friend, and left alone (for a time). This story does not take place after his sin with Bathsheba. This Psalm was written years before. Up until this point, David had made righteous choices again and again, and had proven himself to be "a man after God's own heart." David was going through some really tough stuff. In our day and age, our response to this would be, "How unfair---David didn't deserve this kind of treatment!" Others of us might blame God if we were suffering this same affliction as David, or be angry at Him.
This was not David's response.
What was his response? "I will extol (praise, glorify, speak of the excellence of, bless) the LORD at all times. His praise will ALWAYS be on my lips."
Okay, lets stop here. I don't often have that response for the little annoyances that happen everyday, much less the times I really feel unjustly treated. Is the praise of God my first response to affliction and trials? Nope. But, wow, I'd really like to get there.
Here is a man who fully trusted God's character and love. Here are the characteristics of God that David whole-heartedly believed:
1) God answers when we seek Him. "I sought the LORD and he answered me."
2) God delivers us (tears us away, snatches us) from our fears/things we dread. "He delivered me from my fears."
3) When we call, he hears and delivers us from our troubles, anguish, and distress.
4) The angel of the LORD encamps (sets up camp, pitches his tent) around those who fear Him.
5) The LORD is good.
6) We are blessed (in a state of happiness and joy) when we take refuge in Him.
7) Those who fear Him lack nothing--he provides exactly what we need.
8) David says of God, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit." So, when His children struggle and are in anguish, he is close to them.
These are just a few attributes of God that David praises and fully trusts.
It would have been so easy for David to question God in this circumstance, and to lose hope. "Lord, didn't you anoint me as king over Israel? Why am I, the anointed one, here in a cave all by myself, fleeing a crazy jealous man??? I'm the righteous one! I've made all of the right decisions and Saul has made all of the wrong ones???
Raise your hand if this would have been your response.
C'mon, raise it up there! I'm typing with my right hand only at this point!
But, David doesn't go down that path. He is CONVINCED of God's love, calling, and provision. He has God and God is more than enough.
There are two verses in this Psalm that have always stuck with me, and I just love to meditate on their meaning:
"Those who look to the LORD are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame."
and
"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and he delivers them."
Lets begin with this verse. In the Hebrew, the word for encamps, literally means to set up camp. Imagine the angel of the LORD setting up a campsite that encircles you. When I picture this image, I think of PROTECTION from the enemy that prowls around like a roaring lion. God protects me from my enemy. I picture CLOSENESS. The angel's camp is set up all around me---close by and within arms reach. I can look around me and see the blazing light from the camp fire and the tall strong tents tied to strong/deep stakes.
But, notice that the angel doesn't encamp around just anyone---he encamps around those who fear God. This Hebrew word for fear is NOT the same one used in verse 4 (which means to dread). This word refers to a holy fear which engenders reverence and worship. So, in other words, when I choose to worship God instead of dreading the people and circumstances that are causing the anguish, I can be guaranteed a divine campsite around me! Not only that, I am guaranteed DELIVERANCE! That deliverance may not happen right away, but it will happen. And, in the meantime, while I suffer, God is close to me and I am protected by his angels. Pretty amazing when you stop and think about it. What a promise!
The other verse hits me at an even deeper level. Can I just say here that as a woman who is a "girly girl" and romantic (in all the Jane Austen sense of the word) that I LOVE it when anyone would say that I am radiant? This word conveys so much more to me than outward beauty. Let me explain.
The other night, after I dressed Caroline up as Cinderella for Halloween, I was really blown away by her beauty. Later that night I looked back at the pictures I had taken of her and she just looked ravishing. I guess I'm probably a little biased, right? :)
Even as beautiful as she was in appearance to me in those moments, there are other moments when she has been in a pair of sweats with a tangled mess of hair and food on her mouth, but has looked absolutely RADIANT! Those are the times when what is inside just overflows into her outward appearance. They are the moments of pure joy and freedom when her face just lights up and those shining blue eyes sparkle with the fire of life! She is free, joyful, and content.
"Those who look to the LORD are beaming with joy and radiant." It is almost as though I am reflecting His beauty as I look to Him--completely undone in His presence and looking on Him with the eyes of a child who fully trusts her Father. I know the emotions I feel when my daughters look at me that way, so I can only imagine what we must look like to God when we come before Him with full trust and joy in His presence. And, not only are we radiant, but we will NEVER be covered in shame.
Radiance and joy in the midst of affliction. Freedom from shame in the midst of what would seem to be a humiliating circumstance. Though we may be tempted to think we aren't so beautiful during those times, in the spiritual world, when we look to Him we are seen as RADIANT. Wow. What a picture.
That, my friends, is the radiance of faith. David had it. As a child of the King, I have it as well. If you are His, so do you. Like David, we can sing a beautiful song of praise and glory to our Father, no matter how ugly the circumstances around us.
The Song of the Beautiful...
The broken, weary and poor
Finding...You are the cure
The weak and dying, glorifying, You in it all...
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me...
The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free,
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
The fallen back on their feet
The fatherless now complete...
The innocent suffering, rising from wounding, to find...You were there all along!
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me...
The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free -
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
Oh how He loves me
The broken, the beautiful....
The prodigal running home...
The widow never alone...
The one who is waiting, rising and singing, “You...Jesus, You Are My All!”
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Saved Me...
The song of the redeemed, the echoes of those made free -
It’s the song of the beautiful, Jesus Loves Me...
Words and Music by Christy Nockels
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Unfailing Love
How different would our lives look if we truly believed that God loves us with an unfailing love?
What kind of choices would we make?
Who would we choose as friends?
If single, would we make the same choices in the kind of person we date?
How would we react in difficult situations?
Would we spend more quality time with God each day?
Would we still watch Glee on TV?
How would we react if we felt we were being rejected or criticized by our peers, teachers, or parents?
How would we react when we looked at ourselves in the mirror?
If our performance didn't go so well, what would our thought life be like?
What would I let go of?
What fears would I release?
Would I still have unforgiveness in my heart toward someone who hurt me?
These are just a FEW questions that come to my mind and cause me to realize that this is a fundamental question that affects nearly every facet of our lives. How different would my life be if I truly believed that God loves me with an unfailing love? How different would my life be if I truly grasped the depth of love Jesus Christ has for me?
Yesterday, I listened to an amazing sermon by John Piper. In it, he goes one step further:
"I have been asking audiences for years: “Do you feel more loved by God because God makes much of you, or because God, at great cost to his Son, frees you to enjoy making much of him forever?” The aim of that question has never been to deny that God makes much of us. He does. (Which we will see shortly.) The aim has been to help people relocate the bottom of their joy—the decisive foundation of their joy—from self to God.
It is so interesting to me how we can so easily make our Christian walk about us and not about Him. Our motives can so easily be skewed-sometimes without even realizing it! I've touted the phrase: "Its not about me" over and over again, but I don't think I truly grasped the concept until I listened to this sermon. Piper's words made me realize how selfish I have been---just pure SELFISHNESS! Allen and I were so convicted after listening to this sermon. We realized that we have not truly grasped the unfailing love of God, because, if we had, our lives would look a lot different. Yes, we would still struggle. Yes, we would still have difficult times, but we would not be in bondage.
I realize just how many hours of my life I have wasted being consumed with self. The sad thing is that many of those hours were spent thinking and worrying about what other people thought of me, rather than focusing on the truth of who I am in Christ. When we realize who we are in Christ, we no longer focus on ourselves. We don't allow our thought life to center on questions like: "I wonder what he/she thought about me? I just don't measure up--why can't I be like her or him? Why do I look this way? How come my students don't sing as well has hers? These kinds of thoughts used to haunt me back in college and for the first few years I taught voice. In fact, they consumed me.
I tried so hard to put on a mask. Some of you know what I am talking about because you do it too. Its the "I'm supposed to have it all together because I'm a Christian and have no chinks in my armor" mask. I may have fooled some of the people around me, but I didn't fool God. He was looking straight into my heart. Some serious sanctification needed to take place.
Even though I am experiencing freedom from that kind of selfishness--it seems a new kind has crept into my life. Now, it is all centered in my children and our family life. I have to watch that I don't put my children above Jesus Christ. It is interesting. When I really understand what Jesus did for me and the grace God has shown me, I worship Him with a heart that is pure. I think about Him more. I talk about Him more with my children--rather than making my children the focal point. Instead of listing out rules for Caroline to follow, I simply point her to the reason for every choice we make: Jesus Christ. His love compels me.
Paul said it perfectly:
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
When I truly grasp the love of God, I am free to love others. I no longer live for myself. Notice that Paul alludes to the fact that he once regarded Christ from a worldly point of view. I must confess that I have been guilty of that. Without realizing it, I minimize his sacrifice. I underestimate the depth of his love. On one hand, I tolerate my sin and on the other, I don't grasp just how much I have been forgiven. It is his love that will compel me to live differently--but I have to accept that love and believe.
For those of you reading this blog, I don't know where you are with all of this. I don't know what your struggle is. The bottom line is, if we are thinking about ourselves--whether good or bad, we are not thinking about Him and worshiping Him. He is not, as Piper put it--the "decisive foundation of our joy."
I am well aware that so far, in this blog, I have mostly been focusing on the "us" end of things. See how easy it is to do? We can even make our Bible studies about us if we are not careful. For the remainder of the blog, I just want to focus our attention on Him.
There is an amazing word in Hebrew that describes God's love for us. It is used throughout the Old Testament and is used to describe God's unfailing love, kindness, and mercy for His covenant people.
The word is hesed and is translated: loving-kindness, mercy, love, and faithfulness. This word is used about 249 times in the OT. Almost all of the uses of this word refer to an aspect of God's character that we often don't truly trust. Yet, it is essential to knowing Him.
Psalm 118 and Psalm 136 are excellent examples of the hesed of the LORD our God. Just take a few moments and read them slowly. His Word is alive and active!
Psa. 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” 5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 136:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights — His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
And brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
To him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
To him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
Who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
And killed mighty kings — His love endures forever.
And gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
To the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
And freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
I love the quote by Charles Spurgeon in his commentary on Psalm 118:
"Because his mercy endureth for ever: Mercy is a great part of his goodness, and one which more concerns us than any other, for we are sinners and have need of his mercy. Angels may say that he is good, but they need not his mercy and cannot therefore take an equal delight in it; inanimate creation declares that he is good, but it cannot feel his mercy, for it has never transgressed; but man, deeply guilty and graciously forgiven, beholds mercy as the very focus and centre of the goodness of the Lord. The endurance of the divine mercy is a special subject for song: notwithstanding our sins, our trials, our fears, his mercy endureth for ever. The best of earthly joys pass away, and even the world itself grows old and hastens to decay, but there is no change in the mercy of God; he was faithful to our forefathers, he is merciful to us, and will be gracious to our children and our children’s children."
Here is the truth about the hesed of God to his covenant people. If you are in Christ, you are in covenant with God.
God is eternally loyal
God is eternally faithful
God is eternally merciful
God is eternally kind
God is love--eternally.
I know you have already spent a lot of time reading this blog entry, but please set aside some time to listen to this sermon by John Piper. It is too crucial and too foundational to miss.
How Much Does God Love This Church?: "How Much Does God Love This Church? on DesiringGod.org"
Eph. 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
What kind of choices would we make?
Who would we choose as friends?
If single, would we make the same choices in the kind of person we date?
How would we react in difficult situations?
Would we spend more quality time with God each day?
Would we still watch Glee on TV?
How would we react if we felt we were being rejected or criticized by our peers, teachers, or parents?
How would we react when we looked at ourselves in the mirror?
If our performance didn't go so well, what would our thought life be like?
What would I let go of?
What fears would I release?
Would I still have unforgiveness in my heart toward someone who hurt me?
These are just a FEW questions that come to my mind and cause me to realize that this is a fundamental question that affects nearly every facet of our lives. How different would my life be if I truly believed that God loves me with an unfailing love? How different would my life be if I truly grasped the depth of love Jesus Christ has for me?
Yesterday, I listened to an amazing sermon by John Piper. In it, he goes one step further:
"I have been asking audiences for years: “Do you feel more loved by God because God makes much of you, or because God, at great cost to his Son, frees you to enjoy making much of him forever?” The aim of that question has never been to deny that God makes much of us. He does. (Which we will see shortly.) The aim has been to help people relocate the bottom of their joy—the decisive foundation of their joy—from self to God.
It is so interesting to me how we can so easily make our Christian walk about us and not about Him. Our motives can so easily be skewed-sometimes without even realizing it! I've touted the phrase: "Its not about me" over and over again, but I don't think I truly grasped the concept until I listened to this sermon. Piper's words made me realize how selfish I have been---just pure SELFISHNESS! Allen and I were so convicted after listening to this sermon. We realized that we have not truly grasped the unfailing love of God, because, if we had, our lives would look a lot different. Yes, we would still struggle. Yes, we would still have difficult times, but we would not be in bondage.
I realize just how many hours of my life I have wasted being consumed with self. The sad thing is that many of those hours were spent thinking and worrying about what other people thought of me, rather than focusing on the truth of who I am in Christ. When we realize who we are in Christ, we no longer focus on ourselves. We don't allow our thought life to center on questions like: "I wonder what he/she thought about me? I just don't measure up--why can't I be like her or him? Why do I look this way? How come my students don't sing as well has hers? These kinds of thoughts used to haunt me back in college and for the first few years I taught voice. In fact, they consumed me.
I tried so hard to put on a mask. Some of you know what I am talking about because you do it too. Its the "I'm supposed to have it all together because I'm a Christian and have no chinks in my armor" mask. I may have fooled some of the people around me, but I didn't fool God. He was looking straight into my heart. Some serious sanctification needed to take place.
Even though I am experiencing freedom from that kind of selfishness--it seems a new kind has crept into my life. Now, it is all centered in my children and our family life. I have to watch that I don't put my children above Jesus Christ. It is interesting. When I really understand what Jesus did for me and the grace God has shown me, I worship Him with a heart that is pure. I think about Him more. I talk about Him more with my children--rather than making my children the focal point. Instead of listing out rules for Caroline to follow, I simply point her to the reason for every choice we make: Jesus Christ. His love compels me.
Paul said it perfectly:
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
When I truly grasp the love of God, I am free to love others. I no longer live for myself. Notice that Paul alludes to the fact that he once regarded Christ from a worldly point of view. I must confess that I have been guilty of that. Without realizing it, I minimize his sacrifice. I underestimate the depth of his love. On one hand, I tolerate my sin and on the other, I don't grasp just how much I have been forgiven. It is his love that will compel me to live differently--but I have to accept that love and believe.
For those of you reading this blog, I don't know where you are with all of this. I don't know what your struggle is. The bottom line is, if we are thinking about ourselves--whether good or bad, we are not thinking about Him and worshiping Him. He is not, as Piper put it--the "decisive foundation of our joy."
I am well aware that so far, in this blog, I have mostly been focusing on the "us" end of things. See how easy it is to do? We can even make our Bible studies about us if we are not careful. For the remainder of the blog, I just want to focus our attention on Him.
There is an amazing word in Hebrew that describes God's love for us. It is used throughout the Old Testament and is used to describe God's unfailing love, kindness, and mercy for His covenant people.
The word is hesed and is translated: loving-kindness, mercy, love, and faithfulness. This word is used about 249 times in the OT. Almost all of the uses of this word refer to an aspect of God's character that we often don't truly trust. Yet, it is essential to knowing Him.
Psalm 118 and Psalm 136 are excellent examples of the hesed of the LORD our God. Just take a few moments and read them slowly. His Word is alive and active!
Psa. 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” 5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 136:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights — His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
And brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
To him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
To him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
Who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
And killed mighty kings — His love endures forever.
And gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
To the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.
And freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.
And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
I love the quote by Charles Spurgeon in his commentary on Psalm 118:
"Because his mercy endureth for ever: Mercy is a great part of his goodness, and one which more concerns us than any other, for we are sinners and have need of his mercy. Angels may say that he is good, but they need not his mercy and cannot therefore take an equal delight in it; inanimate creation declares that he is good, but it cannot feel his mercy, for it has never transgressed; but man, deeply guilty and graciously forgiven, beholds mercy as the very focus and centre of the goodness of the Lord. The endurance of the divine mercy is a special subject for song: notwithstanding our sins, our trials, our fears, his mercy endureth for ever. The best of earthly joys pass away, and even the world itself grows old and hastens to decay, but there is no change in the mercy of God; he was faithful to our forefathers, he is merciful to us, and will be gracious to our children and our children’s children."
Here is the truth about the hesed of God to his covenant people. If you are in Christ, you are in covenant with God.
God is eternally loyal
God is eternally faithful
God is eternally merciful
God is eternally kind
God is love--eternally.
I know you have already spent a lot of time reading this blog entry, but please set aside some time to listen to this sermon by John Piper. It is too crucial and too foundational to miss.
How Much Does God Love This Church?: "How Much Does God Love This Church? on DesiringGod.org"
Eph. 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Greatest of These
As you all know, the focus of this blog has been faith...
Since we have been here in Decorah--for almost two months now--God has directed me time and time again to passages about love. A couple of nights ago, I was reading in 1 Corinthians 13. I don't know about you, but this is a passage I have read so many times, I can quote it by memory. But, as I read through it again, I was convicted and God really spoke to me anew through His Word. I love it when He does that, by the way. His Word really is alive and active--it penetrates our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). He proved to me again that no matter how well I "know" a verse, I can still be hit over the head by it!
In the final verse of Chapter 13, Paul says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Another verse that came to mind was Galatians 5:6b: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
I am pretty sure that God is challenging me to look at faith a little deeper, and to examine if I have been expressing my faith through love. As Paul states, I may have faith that can move mountains, but if I do not have love, I am NOTHING. In other words, I am no one, not anyone--a nobody. Whoa.
So, really, the saying should be, "It all boils down to faith expressing itself through love."
I have been pondering many different facets of faith and love recently. I've not only thought of my own shortcomings in this area (which are many, by the way), but also where the church as a whole is missing the mark. On one end, you have people who are pretty strong in their faith, but who, at times can be very legalistic, judgemental, and loveless. On the other end, you have people who focus on the "love thy neighbor" aspect of things--all the while negating the basic tenants of Christian faith--so much so that one is left wondering if the church really believes or stands for anything. So where does God desire for us to be?
Our family has just made an enormous step of faith. I have been trusting God as we begin a new life here in Iowa. He really has increased my faith. There is no doubt that, at times, we feel like we are a part of a culture where the truths Allen and I hold dear and stand firm upon are not embraced and taught in many churches. The pervading tide seems to be one of liberal thinking when it comes to the interpretation of scripture. Some of the people we have encountered at Luther do not believe as we do.
That being said, God has brought several couples and individuals into our lives that do believe that God's Word is truth and that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. I guess what God is impressing upon me is that I must see those who don't believe in Christ as God sees them. I guarantee you He sees them differently than I do. Being tolerant of someone is not enough (though society would claim that it is the highest virtue). If I am just tolerating someone, I am putting up with someone that, in reality, I really don't like. Or, if I am tolerating the weather--I am enduring it--but not loving it. The dictionary defines it as "to withstand the unpleasant effects of something." Or, to endure something you really don't want to endure if you had the choice. Tolerating is not what Christ called us to do with regard to others. He called us to love one another as we love ourselves. He called us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Christ didn't tolerate the woman at the well. He loved her enough to reveal her hidden sins. He pointed out her core thirst for love and acceptance and then taught her that her satisfaction could only be found in Him. He made her aware of her need for Him. He wanted her to have living water, welling up to eternal life! This is so much more than tolerance. If he merely tolerated her, then his conversation with her would have been much different! After a little bit of debate about where Jews and Samaritans worship, he would have just left it alone and said, "Well, you can believe what you believe and I will believe what I believe and that's okay." Would that response have made the woman aware of her deep thirst for God? NO! Would that response have resulted in an entire village joyfully discovering that the Messiah had come? No.
On the other end, you don't see Christ condemning the woman either. He asks leading questions that reveal her heart's thirst and how she had been filling it with the wrong things. Without judgement or condemnation, he revealed to her the lies she had been believing and pointed her to the truth. The fact that he stopped at the well at that time of day in a city in Samaria--proved that Jesus loved the Samaritan people--he didn't just tolerate them. Most Jews did everything they could to avoid the Samaritans. They even walked many extra miles around Samaria in order to avoid contact with the people there. I can tell you with all honesty, that this has been me at times. Not anymore, but there was a time when I behaved this way.
True, agape love is neither tolerant nor legalistic. Co-existing does not equal love. True agape love asks questions of others to reveal their heart condition and their need for God. Every human that has ever lived has within them a need for God, whether they realize it or not. If I possess the love of Christ, then I realize that I was no better than that person who denies there is a God. I once was lost too, trying to fill my heart with things that cannot satisfy. My sin deserves death just as much as the person next to me. If I truly love as Christ does, then why wouldn't I talk about what He has done for me and live a life that is totally different from what the world exalts and embraces.
True love is patient: not patient in circumstances but patient with PEOPLE and all their shortcomings. In other words, to delay or with-hold vengeance or retaliation.
True love is kind: the opposite of harsh or cutting. To be useful, kind in disposition and character
True love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud (inflated or arrogant).
True love is not rude and does not act dishonorably or improperly
It is not self seeking: to seek out glory for oneself
True love is not easily angered or irritated
It keeps no record of wrongs
At the same time, though--
True agape love does not delight or find happiness in evil and does not condone sinful behavior or participate in wickedness.
Instead, true love rejoices with the TRUTH, which is God's Word and Christ himself
It always stands with to protect or cover, trusts, HOPES and perseveres.
True love will not give up easily on someone who desperately needs Christ.
The true agape love of Christ, given to believers through His Spirit NEVER FAILS.
All types of worldly love will fail and cannot stand up to all of the above attributes.
So, all of this to say, I believe that those of us who call ourselves Christian need to examine what godly love really is. Myself included. Our own agendas have to be put to the side and we have to take up the purpose and calling Jesus Christ gave to his disciples in the Great Commission. It is Christ's love that should compel us to speak the truth about God and His Word. There is inherent boldness in this approach. But, at the same time our words should be seasoned with salt and the truth should be spoken in love.
Yes, God is Love, but we cannot forget that He is Holy, He is Just and we are to love Him first and foremost--above all else! Remember, God doesn't look at the outside, He is looking at our hearts. It is His love that compels us to leave our lives of sin, to break free from the shackles and addictions that bind us and to run the race marked out for us.
My prayer has become, "Lord increase my faith and help me to love others as you love them."
"Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me.
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for YOUR kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity..."
Since we have been here in Decorah--for almost two months now--God has directed me time and time again to passages about love. A couple of nights ago, I was reading in 1 Corinthians 13. I don't know about you, but this is a passage I have read so many times, I can quote it by memory. But, as I read through it again, I was convicted and God really spoke to me anew through His Word. I love it when He does that, by the way. His Word really is alive and active--it penetrates our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). He proved to me again that no matter how well I "know" a verse, I can still be hit over the head by it!
In the final verse of Chapter 13, Paul says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Another verse that came to mind was Galatians 5:6b: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
I am pretty sure that God is challenging me to look at faith a little deeper, and to examine if I have been expressing my faith through love. As Paul states, I may have faith that can move mountains, but if I do not have love, I am NOTHING. In other words, I am no one, not anyone--a nobody. Whoa.
So, really, the saying should be, "It all boils down to faith expressing itself through love."
I have been pondering many different facets of faith and love recently. I've not only thought of my own shortcomings in this area (which are many, by the way), but also where the church as a whole is missing the mark. On one end, you have people who are pretty strong in their faith, but who, at times can be very legalistic, judgemental, and loveless. On the other end, you have people who focus on the "love thy neighbor" aspect of things--all the while negating the basic tenants of Christian faith--so much so that one is left wondering if the church really believes or stands for anything. So where does God desire for us to be?
Our family has just made an enormous step of faith. I have been trusting God as we begin a new life here in Iowa. He really has increased my faith. There is no doubt that, at times, we feel like we are a part of a culture where the truths Allen and I hold dear and stand firm upon are not embraced and taught in many churches. The pervading tide seems to be one of liberal thinking when it comes to the interpretation of scripture. Some of the people we have encountered at Luther do not believe as we do.
That being said, God has brought several couples and individuals into our lives that do believe that God's Word is truth and that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. I guess what God is impressing upon me is that I must see those who don't believe in Christ as God sees them. I guarantee you He sees them differently than I do. Being tolerant of someone is not enough (though society would claim that it is the highest virtue). If I am just tolerating someone, I am putting up with someone that, in reality, I really don't like. Or, if I am tolerating the weather--I am enduring it--but not loving it. The dictionary defines it as "to withstand the unpleasant effects of something." Or, to endure something you really don't want to endure if you had the choice. Tolerating is not what Christ called us to do with regard to others. He called us to love one another as we love ourselves. He called us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Christ didn't tolerate the woman at the well. He loved her enough to reveal her hidden sins. He pointed out her core thirst for love and acceptance and then taught her that her satisfaction could only be found in Him. He made her aware of her need for Him. He wanted her to have living water, welling up to eternal life! This is so much more than tolerance. If he merely tolerated her, then his conversation with her would have been much different! After a little bit of debate about where Jews and Samaritans worship, he would have just left it alone and said, "Well, you can believe what you believe and I will believe what I believe and that's okay." Would that response have made the woman aware of her deep thirst for God? NO! Would that response have resulted in an entire village joyfully discovering that the Messiah had come? No.
On the other end, you don't see Christ condemning the woman either. He asks leading questions that reveal her heart's thirst and how she had been filling it with the wrong things. Without judgement or condemnation, he revealed to her the lies she had been believing and pointed her to the truth. The fact that he stopped at the well at that time of day in a city in Samaria--proved that Jesus loved the Samaritan people--he didn't just tolerate them. Most Jews did everything they could to avoid the Samaritans. They even walked many extra miles around Samaria in order to avoid contact with the people there. I can tell you with all honesty, that this has been me at times. Not anymore, but there was a time when I behaved this way.
True, agape love is neither tolerant nor legalistic. Co-existing does not equal love. True agape love asks questions of others to reveal their heart condition and their need for God. Every human that has ever lived has within them a need for God, whether they realize it or not. If I possess the love of Christ, then I realize that I was no better than that person who denies there is a God. I once was lost too, trying to fill my heart with things that cannot satisfy. My sin deserves death just as much as the person next to me. If I truly love as Christ does, then why wouldn't I talk about what He has done for me and live a life that is totally different from what the world exalts and embraces.
True love is patient: not patient in circumstances but patient with PEOPLE and all their shortcomings. In other words, to delay or with-hold vengeance or retaliation.
True love is kind: the opposite of harsh or cutting. To be useful, kind in disposition and character
True love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud (inflated or arrogant).
True love is not rude and does not act dishonorably or improperly
It is not self seeking: to seek out glory for oneself
True love is not easily angered or irritated
It keeps no record of wrongs
At the same time, though--
True agape love does not delight or find happiness in evil and does not condone sinful behavior or participate in wickedness.
Instead, true love rejoices with the TRUTH, which is God's Word and Christ himself
It always stands with to protect or cover, trusts, HOPES and perseveres.
True love will not give up easily on someone who desperately needs Christ.
The true agape love of Christ, given to believers through His Spirit NEVER FAILS.
All types of worldly love will fail and cannot stand up to all of the above attributes.
So, all of this to say, I believe that those of us who call ourselves Christian need to examine what godly love really is. Myself included. Our own agendas have to be put to the side and we have to take up the purpose and calling Jesus Christ gave to his disciples in the Great Commission. It is Christ's love that should compel us to speak the truth about God and His Word. There is inherent boldness in this approach. But, at the same time our words should be seasoned with salt and the truth should be spoken in love.
Yes, God is Love, but we cannot forget that He is Holy, He is Just and we are to love Him first and foremost--above all else! Remember, God doesn't look at the outside, He is looking at our hearts. It is His love that compels us to leave our lives of sin, to break free from the shackles and addictions that bind us and to run the race marked out for us.
My prayer has become, "Lord increase my faith and help me to love others as you love them."
"Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me.
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for YOUR kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity..."
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Faith is the Victory
This morning in Sunday school at Tallowood we studied 1 John 4-5. These two chapters are full of such glorious truth, but the verses that captured my attention were 1 John 5:3-5
Here are the verses in a few different translations:
NASB
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
NIV
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
NLT
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
In other words, it all boils down to faith!
For those of us who struggle with sin (that would be all of us!!) take heart in this scripture! If you are in Christ, have trusted Him as your Savior and Lord, and are still trusting Him YOU HAVE VICTORY. You CAN obey God's commands. His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Have you ever thought or believed that God's commands were burdensome? I think anyone who is in rebellion will view God's commands as a burden. This is especially true when you are a teenager or student in college. Frankly, many people feel this way as adults! In the here and now, it is much easier to succumb to the temptations of this world rather than be set apart and pure.
In a different way, as an adult, I know that trying to walk with God and obey His commands has felt burdensome to me at times Why? Because I had the wrong motivation for obedience. If my obedience comes from anything other than love and fear/reverence of the LORD, then it is legalism. Legalism is lifeless, stark, and depressing. Or, there have been times when the Holy Spirit convicted me of the same old sin, and I felt like I could never have victory! I especially felt this way about the sin of pride. Some sins are just so deep and cherished by Christians that it is very hard to really repent. Why? Because of doubt and unbelief. Sometimes we just don't believe we have the power to completely turn away from the sin in our lives. We don't really believe that Jesus, through his blood, has washed us clean.
In these verses and many others, the Bible is clear that if we are believers in Christ we have victory over the world, over Satan, over our sin! He has taken away our sin, made us completely new, and has given us the Holy Spirit as a seal.
One night this week, Caroline awoke in a foul mood. There is no other word to use but foul! She was just plain mean. Trying to remain calm, and to send a message to her, I quietly and calmly left the room and shut the door behind me. I then began praying fervently for wisdom. I knew I could spank her--which is often what happens when she speaks to me or Allen that way, but as I prayed I felt that I should handle it a different way. So, I went back to bed and Allen and I waited until she calmed down and showed some sign of repentance. We even prayed that God would give her sorrow over her sin.
When I could sense a change of heart I went back into her room. We sat and talked about what had happened, and I asked her questions that probed her heart condition. After she acknowledged her sin, I asked her what the consequence should be for her sinful choice. She responded. I offered two choices for her, and she chose one. After the punishment was given, scripture reviewed, and reconciliation achieved, I asked Caroline to say a prayer to God. My only prompting was to pray what was in her heart and mind. The first words out of her mouth were, "God, take away my sin. I want to obey you and to obey mommy." The truth that I want to ingrain in Caroline and Julianne is the truth that it is love for Jesus that should compel our obedience. The love that God bestows upon us, through Christ should compel us to live for Him. Our obedience should not come from a desire to follow Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, or Lutheran doctrine and platitudes. It should not come from a desire to keep up appearances at church or to please other people, or, can I say, to even please our parents.
I pray for the salvation of my daughters almost every day. I pray for singleness of heart for God, and that they would have a deep love for Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my prayer is that Caroline would obey Allen and me out of a love for and faith in Christ. Then, she can have victory and can live the abundant and free life Jesus promised in the book of John. Every time I discipline Caroline, we have a time of reconciliation. I assure her of my love and that no matter what she does, I will love her and discipline is a part of that love. She will often tell me that she loves me. I often retort, I love you too, but if you love me, you will obey me. Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Love and faith are so inextricably linked in God's economy!!
All of this to say, no matter what your sin--no matter how grievous it is--you can be totally set free from it. The key is faith. It will be hard and it will take perseverance, but it is possible. He promises us freedom! Faith is the victory!
For some of us, our sin IS unbelief. Romans 14:23 says that everything that does not come from faith is sin. ( I am not saying that we will have a carefree life without suffering. We will suffer and we will go through difficult times. There will be times of grief and struggle, but in the midst of all of that, we can have freedom from our sin.) Here are some examples:
1) If I am doubting the truth that God sees me as righteous and pure, and that my identity is in him and not in how I perform, I will make sinful choices.
2) If I am doubting God's love and character, and that He wants only what is best for me I will make sinful choices.
3) If I am doubting the truth of God's Word and the relevancy His truth has in my life, I will make sinful choices.
I can think of several sinful choices that go with each of these points, but I encourage all who read this to stop and think of some yourself. The list can range from sexual sin to pride to fear, to unhealthly relationships...the list goes on and on.
Those who are in Christ must remember that He has overcome the world, Satan, sin and death. If you truly believe that, then you will live a life of victory--a life of freedom! Christ came to set us free and give us victory in any spiritual battle we face.
I couldn't help but recall the words to this old hymn:
Here are the verses in a few different translations:
NASB
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
NIV
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
NLT
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
In other words, it all boils down to faith!
For those of us who struggle with sin (that would be all of us!!) take heart in this scripture! If you are in Christ, have trusted Him as your Savior and Lord, and are still trusting Him YOU HAVE VICTORY. You CAN obey God's commands. His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Have you ever thought or believed that God's commands were burdensome? I think anyone who is in rebellion will view God's commands as a burden. This is especially true when you are a teenager or student in college. Frankly, many people feel this way as adults! In the here and now, it is much easier to succumb to the temptations of this world rather than be set apart and pure.
In a different way, as an adult, I know that trying to walk with God and obey His commands has felt burdensome to me at times Why? Because I had the wrong motivation for obedience. If my obedience comes from anything other than love and fear/reverence of the LORD, then it is legalism. Legalism is lifeless, stark, and depressing. Or, there have been times when the Holy Spirit convicted me of the same old sin, and I felt like I could never have victory! I especially felt this way about the sin of pride. Some sins are just so deep and cherished by Christians that it is very hard to really repent. Why? Because of doubt and unbelief. Sometimes we just don't believe we have the power to completely turn away from the sin in our lives. We don't really believe that Jesus, through his blood, has washed us clean.
In these verses and many others, the Bible is clear that if we are believers in Christ we have victory over the world, over Satan, over our sin! He has taken away our sin, made us completely new, and has given us the Holy Spirit as a seal.
One night this week, Caroline awoke in a foul mood. There is no other word to use but foul! She was just plain mean. Trying to remain calm, and to send a message to her, I quietly and calmly left the room and shut the door behind me. I then began praying fervently for wisdom. I knew I could spank her--which is often what happens when she speaks to me or Allen that way, but as I prayed I felt that I should handle it a different way. So, I went back to bed and Allen and I waited until she calmed down and showed some sign of repentance. We even prayed that God would give her sorrow over her sin.
When I could sense a change of heart I went back into her room. We sat and talked about what had happened, and I asked her questions that probed her heart condition. After she acknowledged her sin, I asked her what the consequence should be for her sinful choice. She responded. I offered two choices for her, and she chose one. After the punishment was given, scripture reviewed, and reconciliation achieved, I asked Caroline to say a prayer to God. My only prompting was to pray what was in her heart and mind. The first words out of her mouth were, "God, take away my sin. I want to obey you and to obey mommy." The truth that I want to ingrain in Caroline and Julianne is the truth that it is love for Jesus that should compel our obedience. The love that God bestows upon us, through Christ should compel us to live for Him. Our obedience should not come from a desire to follow Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, or Lutheran doctrine and platitudes. It should not come from a desire to keep up appearances at church or to please other people, or, can I say, to even please our parents.
I pray for the salvation of my daughters almost every day. I pray for singleness of heart for God, and that they would have a deep love for Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my prayer is that Caroline would obey Allen and me out of a love for and faith in Christ. Then, she can have victory and can live the abundant and free life Jesus promised in the book of John. Every time I discipline Caroline, we have a time of reconciliation. I assure her of my love and that no matter what she does, I will love her and discipline is a part of that love. She will often tell me that she loves me. I often retort, I love you too, but if you love me, you will obey me. Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Love and faith are so inextricably linked in God's economy!!
All of this to say, no matter what your sin--no matter how grievous it is--you can be totally set free from it. The key is faith. It will be hard and it will take perseverance, but it is possible. He promises us freedom! Faith is the victory!
For some of us, our sin IS unbelief. Romans 14:23 says that everything that does not come from faith is sin. ( I am not saying that we will have a carefree life without suffering. We will suffer and we will go through difficult times. There will be times of grief and struggle, but in the midst of all of that, we can have freedom from our sin.) Here are some examples:
1) If I am doubting the truth that God sees me as righteous and pure, and that my identity is in him and not in how I perform, I will make sinful choices.
2) If I am doubting God's love and character, and that He wants only what is best for me I will make sinful choices.
3) If I am doubting the truth of God's Word and the relevancy His truth has in my life, I will make sinful choices.
I can think of several sinful choices that go with each of these points, but I encourage all who read this to stop and think of some yourself. The list can range from sexual sin to pride to fear, to unhealthly relationships...the list goes on and on.
Those who are in Christ must remember that He has overcome the world, Satan, sin and death. If you truly believe that, then you will live a life of victory--a life of freedom! Christ came to set us free and give us victory in any spiritual battle we face.
I couldn't help but recall the words to this old hymn:
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled.
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
Refrain
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
Refrain
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
Refrain
White raiment shall be giv’n.
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in Heav’n.
Then onward from the hill of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O Glorious victory that overcomes the world!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
A little rebellion goes a long way...
When I sat down to read some scripture tonight I opened my Bible to the book of 2 Kings. For many years in my Christian life, I didn't read the Old Testament. I realize now how much I was missing out! After all that God has taught me through the Old Testament scriptures I am now a lover of the Old Testament. In fact, I would say that I've studied it more than the New in the past few years. The truths I've learned about God and His character have transformed my life.
Now, back to 2 Kings. Tonight I read the story of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah for 29 years. It was during Hezekiah's reign that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians and deported. Assyria then set its sights on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and its king.
As I began to read how scripture characterized Hezekiah, here are the attributes that struck me:
2 Kings 18:5 "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses. And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him."
Lets look at these verses in more detail. First of all, it is no accident that the first thing listed about Hezekiah is his faith.
HEZEKIAH TRUSTED IN THE LORD THE GOD OF ISRAEL.
Not only do we see this statement of commendation, but we also see the FRUIT of Hezekiah's faith:
1) He held fast to the LORD
The Hebrew here literally means "to cling to, to be united, to cleave, to be stuck together." Hezekiah hung to the LORD for all he had. Think about what Hezekiah's heart attitude had to have been like in order to desire God in such a way that he clung to Him for dear life. He was stuck on God.
2) He did not cease to follow Him
If you think about it, this to is an amazing fruit of the faith Hezekiah had in God. He followed God wholeheartedly and consistently. As I ponder my own life and choices, I can't honestly say that I've always followed God. I definitely detoured from the path for a period of my life. My detour wasn't what you'd think. I didn't decide to try all of the pleasures the world can offer. Instead, I just began to act as though following Him and clinging to Him wasn't all that important. Doing things my way seemed more comfortable.
3) He kept the commands the LORD had given to Moses
The word here for "kept" really means: "to keep, to observe for oneself, to cling to, be secured"
Did you know that the NEW Testament is full of commands for the believer in Christ? Yes, Christ has set us free from the law, but Jesus Christ gave some pretty clear commands. The first and foremost is found in Mark 12:30-31: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength...and love your neighbor as yourself." Have I kept that command? Paul's epistles are full of commands for the Christian i.e. Follower of Christ. In different letters, God, through Paul, Peter, James and John, tells us that we should: be humble, be patient, be doers of good, live in the light, avoid sexual impurity, be slow to speak and slow to anger, pray continually, be thankful in all circumstances, give to the poor, forgive one another, be gentle, don't use foul language, come together in fellowship regularly, be doers of the word and not hearers only....
Of course, all of these should not be followed with a legalistic attitude. Jesus Christ rebuked the Pharisees for such behavior, because they weren't following the law for the right reasons. LOVE compels us to keep His commands. Love that is fueled by Faith. Faith is the key to keeping God's commands.
4) He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.
It is very clear that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, did not serve God. In fact, he despised God and openly rebukes God to the Hebrew people. So, if he didn't serve God, then who did he serve? Okay everybody, now is the time for a Sunday School answer. Everybody, all together now---Satan. The Bible makes it clear that we cannot serve two masters. We either serve God by trusting and obeying Him, or we serve Satan by doubting God and walking in our own path. As I read the rest of Chapters 18-19 in 2 Kings, I became so aware that ultimately this was a spiritual battle. The King of Assyria was out to put doubt in the minds of the Hebrew people. Over and over again he taunts them and says that their God cannot deliver them from the armies of Assyria and the king's power. Hezekiah refuses to listen.
Did you know that we actually get the green light to rebel against someone? Alright all you teenagers out there, put your rebelling to good use! We can REBEL against Satan and REFUSE to serve him.
If you look back in the chapter toward the beginning, you see that Hezekiah tore down ALL of the idols and "high places" where idol worship took place. Many kings before Hezekiah obeyed God and did good, but they never tore down or destroyed these places of idol worship. If you look at the preceding kings, those who "did right in the eyes of the LORD" did not cleanse their kingdom but instead: "The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there." Not Hezekiah. He rebelled against Satan and would not serve him.
Wow! If that isn't faith in action I don't know what is!
So, these are the questions that come to my mind as I consider these verses and have prayed to God about what he taught me:
1) Would I describe myself as a person who clings to God and never ceases to follow Him? What actions or false beliefs are hindering me from being described this way?
For example, if I am believing the lie that God really doesn't love me, my actions will reflect what I believe. I will choose other ways to "earn" love from others and I won't follow Christ.
2) Am I keeping Christ's commands? Do I want to keep His commands?? If I am keeping them, what is my motivation for following them? Is it love or legalism?
(As I ponder the actions that come from legalism, I think that many of us have to be very careful that the sin of pride doesn't rear its ugly head. If you keep reading Hezekiah's story, you will see that pride is his downfall. It is not only his downfall, but ultimately the downfall of the entire southern kingdom. If we are haughty and holier-than-thou, we are not rebelling against Satan. Instead, we are cooperating with him. Be on guard for a prideful, legalistic attitude.)
3) Is there an area of my life where I am believing the lies and doubts that the enemy is shouting out at me daily? (Read 2 Kings 18:17-36 for more insight.) One of the verses I absolutely love from this passage is 2 Kings 19:14. Sennacherib sends a second message to Hezekiah saying: "Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, 'Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.' Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered?" Can you believe such insolence toward our God?? (Actually, it happens everyday on our television!) When Hezekiah receives this message this is what he does: "Hezekiah received the letter..and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD."
I love the description that Hezekiah spread out the lies and insults of the enemy before the LORD. How many of us go before God and just spread it all out before him and hold no secret back! How many of us tell him about our struggles with areas of sin and oppression from our enemy (Satan)?
We need to follow Hezekiah's example here. God knows about all of our stuff anyway, we might as well confess it to Him out loud and ask for help!
Hezekiah ends his prayer with these words, "It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, FOR THEY WERE NOT GODS but only wood and stone, fashioned by mens' hands. Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God."
There you have it. A fine example of a prayer of faith. Does God answer his prayer of faith? If you want to know the end to this story, just read the rest of chapter 19!
4) Is there sin in my own life and in the lives of others that I condone? In what areas have I let society and the reasoning mind of humans dictate what I should believe? Lets all think about that one long and hard. Think about what it truly means to follow Christ and cling to Him. Jesus made it clear that we are not of the world, and the world will hate us, because it hates God. The Hebrew people in this story did not cave in and believe the insults and lies Sennacherib was throwing out at them about Hezekiah and their God. Hezekiah refused to believe his lies.
Fellow Christian. You have an enemy. He is real. His purpose is not only to make you doubt God. He seeks to "kill, steal, and destroy." He wants to destroy your effectiveness for God. He wants to destroy your reputation, your family, your godly friendships, your walk with God. If he can get you to doubt anything about God (his character, his provision, his love, his holiness), then you are cooperating with him instead of rebelling against him. I know, I've been there.
If you are reading this and haven't accepted Christ: you have an enemy. He is real. His purpose is to keep you from coming to know Christ through faith. He will put every doubt possible in your mind so that you don't come to Christ. Faith is the key to salvation. Satan does not want you saved. Doubt is his primary tool.
My prayer is that we will stop believing the lies, stop doubting God and begin to trust in the LORD the God of Israel. Like Hezekiah, let our faith in God be our most defining attribute. I REALLY want it to be said of me: "KRISTIN TRUSTED IN THE LORD THE GOD OF ISRAEL. She held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him. She kept all the commands the LORD has given. She rebelled against Satan and did not serve him."
It all boils down to faith.
Now, back to 2 Kings. Tonight I read the story of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah for 29 years. It was during Hezekiah's reign that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians and deported. Assyria then set its sights on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and its king.
As I began to read how scripture characterized Hezekiah, here are the attributes that struck me:
2 Kings 18:5 "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses. And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him."
Lets look at these verses in more detail. First of all, it is no accident that the first thing listed about Hezekiah is his faith.
HEZEKIAH TRUSTED IN THE LORD THE GOD OF ISRAEL.
Not only do we see this statement of commendation, but we also see the FRUIT of Hezekiah's faith:
1) He held fast to the LORD
The Hebrew here literally means "to cling to, to be united, to cleave, to be stuck together." Hezekiah hung to the LORD for all he had. Think about what Hezekiah's heart attitude had to have been like in order to desire God in such a way that he clung to Him for dear life. He was stuck on God.
2) He did not cease to follow Him
If you think about it, this to is an amazing fruit of the faith Hezekiah had in God. He followed God wholeheartedly and consistently. As I ponder my own life and choices, I can't honestly say that I've always followed God. I definitely detoured from the path for a period of my life. My detour wasn't what you'd think. I didn't decide to try all of the pleasures the world can offer. Instead, I just began to act as though following Him and clinging to Him wasn't all that important. Doing things my way seemed more comfortable.
3) He kept the commands the LORD had given to Moses
The word here for "kept" really means: "to keep, to observe for oneself, to cling to, be secured"
Did you know that the NEW Testament is full of commands for the believer in Christ? Yes, Christ has set us free from the law, but Jesus Christ gave some pretty clear commands. The first and foremost is found in Mark 12:30-31: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength...and love your neighbor as yourself." Have I kept that command? Paul's epistles are full of commands for the Christian i.e. Follower of Christ. In different letters, God, through Paul, Peter, James and John, tells us that we should: be humble, be patient, be doers of good, live in the light, avoid sexual impurity, be slow to speak and slow to anger, pray continually, be thankful in all circumstances, give to the poor, forgive one another, be gentle, don't use foul language, come together in fellowship regularly, be doers of the word and not hearers only....
Of course, all of these should not be followed with a legalistic attitude. Jesus Christ rebuked the Pharisees for such behavior, because they weren't following the law for the right reasons. LOVE compels us to keep His commands. Love that is fueled by Faith. Faith is the key to keeping God's commands.
4) He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.
It is very clear that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, did not serve God. In fact, he despised God and openly rebukes God to the Hebrew people. So, if he didn't serve God, then who did he serve? Okay everybody, now is the time for a Sunday School answer. Everybody, all together now---Satan. The Bible makes it clear that we cannot serve two masters. We either serve God by trusting and obeying Him, or we serve Satan by doubting God and walking in our own path. As I read the rest of Chapters 18-19 in 2 Kings, I became so aware that ultimately this was a spiritual battle. The King of Assyria was out to put doubt in the minds of the Hebrew people. Over and over again he taunts them and says that their God cannot deliver them from the armies of Assyria and the king's power. Hezekiah refuses to listen.
Did you know that we actually get the green light to rebel against someone? Alright all you teenagers out there, put your rebelling to good use! We can REBEL against Satan and REFUSE to serve him.
If you look back in the chapter toward the beginning, you see that Hezekiah tore down ALL of the idols and "high places" where idol worship took place. Many kings before Hezekiah obeyed God and did good, but they never tore down or destroyed these places of idol worship. If you look at the preceding kings, those who "did right in the eyes of the LORD" did not cleanse their kingdom but instead: "The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there." Not Hezekiah. He rebelled against Satan and would not serve him.
Wow! If that isn't faith in action I don't know what is!
So, these are the questions that come to my mind as I consider these verses and have prayed to God about what he taught me:
1) Would I describe myself as a person who clings to God and never ceases to follow Him? What actions or false beliefs are hindering me from being described this way?
For example, if I am believing the lie that God really doesn't love me, my actions will reflect what I believe. I will choose other ways to "earn" love from others and I won't follow Christ.
2) Am I keeping Christ's commands? Do I want to keep His commands?? If I am keeping them, what is my motivation for following them? Is it love or legalism?
(As I ponder the actions that come from legalism, I think that many of us have to be very careful that the sin of pride doesn't rear its ugly head. If you keep reading Hezekiah's story, you will see that pride is his downfall. It is not only his downfall, but ultimately the downfall of the entire southern kingdom. If we are haughty and holier-than-thou, we are not rebelling against Satan. Instead, we are cooperating with him. Be on guard for a prideful, legalistic attitude.)
3) Is there an area of my life where I am believing the lies and doubts that the enemy is shouting out at me daily? (Read 2 Kings 18:17-36 for more insight.) One of the verses I absolutely love from this passage is 2 Kings 19:14. Sennacherib sends a second message to Hezekiah saying: "Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, 'Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.' Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered?" Can you believe such insolence toward our God?? (Actually, it happens everyday on our television!) When Hezekiah receives this message this is what he does: "Hezekiah received the letter..and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD."
I love the description that Hezekiah spread out the lies and insults of the enemy before the LORD. How many of us go before God and just spread it all out before him and hold no secret back! How many of us tell him about our struggles with areas of sin and oppression from our enemy (Satan)?
We need to follow Hezekiah's example here. God knows about all of our stuff anyway, we might as well confess it to Him out loud and ask for help!
Hezekiah ends his prayer with these words, "It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, FOR THEY WERE NOT GODS but only wood and stone, fashioned by mens' hands. Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God."
There you have it. A fine example of a prayer of faith. Does God answer his prayer of faith? If you want to know the end to this story, just read the rest of chapter 19!
4) Is there sin in my own life and in the lives of others that I condone? In what areas have I let society and the reasoning mind of humans dictate what I should believe? Lets all think about that one long and hard. Think about what it truly means to follow Christ and cling to Him. Jesus made it clear that we are not of the world, and the world will hate us, because it hates God. The Hebrew people in this story did not cave in and believe the insults and lies Sennacherib was throwing out at them about Hezekiah and their God. Hezekiah refused to believe his lies.
Fellow Christian. You have an enemy. He is real. His purpose is not only to make you doubt God. He seeks to "kill, steal, and destroy." He wants to destroy your effectiveness for God. He wants to destroy your reputation, your family, your godly friendships, your walk with God. If he can get you to doubt anything about God (his character, his provision, his love, his holiness), then you are cooperating with him instead of rebelling against him. I know, I've been there.
If you are reading this and haven't accepted Christ: you have an enemy. He is real. His purpose is to keep you from coming to know Christ through faith. He will put every doubt possible in your mind so that you don't come to Christ. Faith is the key to salvation. Satan does not want you saved. Doubt is his primary tool.
My prayer is that we will stop believing the lies, stop doubting God and begin to trust in the LORD the God of Israel. Like Hezekiah, let our faith in God be our most defining attribute. I REALLY want it to be said of me: "KRISTIN TRUSTED IN THE LORD THE GOD OF ISRAEL. She held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him. She kept all the commands the LORD has given. She rebelled against Satan and did not serve him."
It all boils down to faith.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Our God is Faithful
If anyone reading this blog is in a period of doubt about the faithfulness of our God and how much he loves us, I hope this posting will encourage you. Our God is a God of details. He is interested in every aspect of our lives and loves us deeply. He blesses obedience that comes from faith. I'm not saying that there are not challenges and difficulties that come even when we do step out in faith. A life lived by faith is not an easy one. But after this week, I am convinced even more of His faithfulness. My faith has been deepened and I am convinced of His love and grace.
For those who have followed this blog from the beginning, you will remember how I wrote about Spiritual markers--times on your life when you can look back and see a move of God in your life that was a faith builder. Well, the events of this week have been a marker. Yet again, God has, in His grace, demonstrated his faithfulness to me.
Last Saturday, Allen and I went up to Decorah, Iowa to find a place to live, a preschool for Caroline, and to get a feel for the town that we will soon call home. There is absolutely no doubt that the decision to move our family to Iowa has been a huge leap of faith. (See the last couple of blogs for details!) We essentially had 4 days to accomplish these tasks, along with some meetings with various Luther faculty.
Up until this point, we were fairly sure that God had called us to Decorah. But, there is always this small part of you that wonders, "Are we really making the right decision?" I had not been to Decorah, yet, so I was really anxious to see the town, and Allen was anxious for me to see it. He wanted so much for me to like it.
We opted to drive in from Minneapolis/ St. Paul, and once we were about an hour outside of Decorah, the landscape became absolutely beautiful. It was like the gorgeous valleys of the English countryside.
The town itself is absolutely beautiful. It will be a place where we can often just sit and marvel at God's creation. I'm really looking forward to that!
So, on Sunday after we attended church at First Lutheran, we began our house search. We met with our realtor for the first time. He is a guy about my age with a lovely young family. As we began talking with him, we discovered that he and his wife had gone through much the same thing a few years back. They had moved to Decorah from Chicago. Allen and I had a very positive experience with him and I believed that God had specifically led us to Mark. That being said, Sunday was not fun. We looked at several houses all over the town and even 10 miles outside of town. We knew the housing market would be different than Texas, but we were a bit discouraged. Surprisingly, you can get more house for your money here in Texas than there in Iowa. Any house that we looked at in our price range just wasn't going to work for us in terms of space and layout. But, even in the midst of a hard day, I had a strong sense of peace. When doubt began to flood my mind, I chose to trust God.
The one thing we came away with on Sunday was a surety about the neighborhood in which we wanted to live. The problem is, houses in this area are more expensive.
Monday morning, we looked at two additional homes and became really excited about one in particular. It was a little small, and at the very top of our price range, but it seemed to be the only choice. So, at the end of the day, we decided that we would go back on Tuesday, look it over, and make an offer. In order to buy this house, I was probably going to have to work, and we would have to sacrifice a lot in terms of space (no guest bedroom, only one bathroom, etc.). It also wasn't really in the neighborhood we had hoped for, and some painting would be required.
Tuesday morning came and we were ready to move forward. Mark picked us up and told us that another house had just come on the market that very day within his own firm. Every week, all the realtors at his firm meet to talk about listings. One of his colleagues talked about this new listing and Mark said that he reached for the paper with urgency. It was a house that was in our price range, with more square footage, fully updated, AND in our desired neighborhood. He drove us by on the way to the other house we were planning to buy and we agreed to see it later that day. Let me just clarify that if we had been with any other realtor outside of that particular firm, we very likely wouldn't have seen the house in time. Its possible, but unlikely. The house had not been publicly announced to other real estate companies in town.
Well, needless to say, as we walked through the house, we knew it was the one. Let me just list how God provided: (If you want to see pictures, look on my Facebook Profile page)
1) It has 4 bedrooms and all are big enough for our current furniture
2) It even has a play room for the girls
3) All of the walls were painted exactly like I would want in my own house and the colors the current owners have chosen match our PERFECTLY. We will not have to paint inside the house at all.
4) It is move in ready. No updating needed. All new appliances. New electric.
5) It has new centrail air and heat! (This is actually kind of rare up there!!!) The other house we looked at had radiators in all the rooms
6) It is right in the middle of the neighborhood we desired the most and just a 4 minute walk from a magnificent park for the girls.
7) We are getting it for a fabulous price that we can afford. I can still stay home with the girls.
At this point, we had looked at many homes in Decorah--none of which met all of these. We had resigned ourselves to making some sacrifices and then God amazingly provides us with more than we could have asked or imagined. We don't deserve such a perfect house--but out of his lovingkindness, He has provided it. As I look back at the timing, the realtor, and the ordering of events--God's fingerprints are all over it!
I see it as a "confirming" of His call.
I can now say without a doubt--WITHOUT A DOUBT---that God has called us to Decorah, Iowa.
The visit this week has taught us many things about our future in this little town. We will be challenged. We will have to be bold and speak the truth in love. There will be challenges. But, God has confirmed His call. He is our provider--Jehovah Jireh.
So, all this to say: If you are facing a choice that requires a great amount of faith and sacrifice, take the leap of faith. It is so worth it. You will see God work in ways you never dreamed possible. Trust Him. He loves his children so much.
For those who have followed this blog from the beginning, you will remember how I wrote about Spiritual markers--times on your life when you can look back and see a move of God in your life that was a faith builder. Well, the events of this week have been a marker. Yet again, God has, in His grace, demonstrated his faithfulness to me.
Last Saturday, Allen and I went up to Decorah, Iowa to find a place to live, a preschool for Caroline, and to get a feel for the town that we will soon call home. There is absolutely no doubt that the decision to move our family to Iowa has been a huge leap of faith. (See the last couple of blogs for details!) We essentially had 4 days to accomplish these tasks, along with some meetings with various Luther faculty.
Up until this point, we were fairly sure that God had called us to Decorah. But, there is always this small part of you that wonders, "Are we really making the right decision?" I had not been to Decorah, yet, so I was really anxious to see the town, and Allen was anxious for me to see it. He wanted so much for me to like it.
We opted to drive in from Minneapolis/ St. Paul, and once we were about an hour outside of Decorah, the landscape became absolutely beautiful. It was like the gorgeous valleys of the English countryside.
The town itself is absolutely beautiful. It will be a place where we can often just sit and marvel at God's creation. I'm really looking forward to that!
So, on Sunday after we attended church at First Lutheran, we began our house search. We met with our realtor for the first time. He is a guy about my age with a lovely young family. As we began talking with him, we discovered that he and his wife had gone through much the same thing a few years back. They had moved to Decorah from Chicago. Allen and I had a very positive experience with him and I believed that God had specifically led us to Mark. That being said, Sunday was not fun. We looked at several houses all over the town and even 10 miles outside of town. We knew the housing market would be different than Texas, but we were a bit discouraged. Surprisingly, you can get more house for your money here in Texas than there in Iowa. Any house that we looked at in our price range just wasn't going to work for us in terms of space and layout. But, even in the midst of a hard day, I had a strong sense of peace. When doubt began to flood my mind, I chose to trust God.
The one thing we came away with on Sunday was a surety about the neighborhood in which we wanted to live. The problem is, houses in this area are more expensive.
Monday morning, we looked at two additional homes and became really excited about one in particular. It was a little small, and at the very top of our price range, but it seemed to be the only choice. So, at the end of the day, we decided that we would go back on Tuesday, look it over, and make an offer. In order to buy this house, I was probably going to have to work, and we would have to sacrifice a lot in terms of space (no guest bedroom, only one bathroom, etc.). It also wasn't really in the neighborhood we had hoped for, and some painting would be required.
Tuesday morning came and we were ready to move forward. Mark picked us up and told us that another house had just come on the market that very day within his own firm. Every week, all the realtors at his firm meet to talk about listings. One of his colleagues talked about this new listing and Mark said that he reached for the paper with urgency. It was a house that was in our price range, with more square footage, fully updated, AND in our desired neighborhood. He drove us by on the way to the other house we were planning to buy and we agreed to see it later that day. Let me just clarify that if we had been with any other realtor outside of that particular firm, we very likely wouldn't have seen the house in time. Its possible, but unlikely. The house had not been publicly announced to other real estate companies in town.
Well, needless to say, as we walked through the house, we knew it was the one. Let me just list how God provided: (If you want to see pictures, look on my Facebook Profile page)
1) It has 4 bedrooms and all are big enough for our current furniture
2) It even has a play room for the girls
3) All of the walls were painted exactly like I would want in my own house and the colors the current owners have chosen match our PERFECTLY. We will not have to paint inside the house at all.
4) It is move in ready. No updating needed. All new appliances. New electric.
5) It has new centrail air and heat! (This is actually kind of rare up there!!!) The other house we looked at had radiators in all the rooms
6) It is right in the middle of the neighborhood we desired the most and just a 4 minute walk from a magnificent park for the girls.
7) We are getting it for a fabulous price that we can afford. I can still stay home with the girls.
At this point, we had looked at many homes in Decorah--none of which met all of these. We had resigned ourselves to making some sacrifices and then God amazingly provides us with more than we could have asked or imagined. We don't deserve such a perfect house--but out of his lovingkindness, He has provided it. As I look back at the timing, the realtor, and the ordering of events--God's fingerprints are all over it!
I see it as a "confirming" of His call.
I can now say without a doubt--WITHOUT A DOUBT---that God has called us to Decorah, Iowa.
The visit this week has taught us many things about our future in this little town. We will be challenged. We will have to be bold and speak the truth in love. There will be challenges. But, God has confirmed His call. He is our provider--Jehovah Jireh.
So, all this to say: If you are facing a choice that requires a great amount of faith and sacrifice, take the leap of faith. It is so worth it. You will see God work in ways you never dreamed possible. Trust Him. He loves his children so much.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The link between Faith and Peace
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
One of my favorite little devotionals is a book entitled Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. If you haven't ever heard of it, it is a daily devotional written from the perspective of Jesus. Based in scripture, each day presents a couple of Bible verses written as if Jesus were calling you into His presence. Sarah has done an excellent job with this devotional. Every time I read it I think about Him, I pray to Him, and I praise Him. It has given me such a better understanding of how much He loves me. Often, I read it at night before I go to sleep.
I read the entries just about every day this week. God used one in particular to really speak to me. When I really consider all that is involved in our upcoming move, my heart and mind can easily be filled with anxiety. I am a planner. I want things fixed, planned, and set in stone way before the actual date of their occurrance. I don't like unknowns. When I am choosing to live in my own strength and understanding, worry can easily set in. I also don't like change too much. I am a person who likes to settle somewhere. Frankly, I like Texas and the thought of leaving all that is home can sometimes be overwhelming. I have even found myself blaming God and others for all the recent changes in my life. But all of this doesn't last for long, because I know that worrying does me NO good whatsoever, and I am denying God the chance to really bless me with His presence and peace. And usually, when He brings change or a different season in our life, He is wanting to use us in a deeper and different way. He is wanting to grow us and deepen our trust in Him. He is wanting to reveal to us that He is EVERYWHERE and is working in the lives of people outside our comfort zone. God is into taking us out of our comfort zones! AND, we can have peace in the process--if we trust Him. So, the entry from May 26th really spoke to me.
"In a world of unrelenting changes, I am the One who never changes. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Find in Me the stability for which you have yearned.
I created a beautifully ordered world: one that reflected My perfection. Now, however, the world is under the bondage of sin and evil. Every person on the planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is drawing closer to Me. In My Presence you can face uncertainty with perfect Peace."
When I read the last two words of the entry, "perfect Peace," I immediately thought of Isaiah 26:3-4.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal."
I also thought about the scripture "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
So, no matter what changes come our way, whether it be moving to a different state, or a change in relationships, job, church...whatever it may be--JESUS CHRIST is the same! He never changes! He is our Rock Eternal--not our "sand for a few days here and there."
The Isaiah scripture reminded me yet again that when I am focusing on circumstances rather than God, I WILL NOT HAVE PEACE! If my thoughts are focused on blaming others--or even God--then I will not have peace. If my thoughts are focused on the "what if's" I definitely will NOT have peace.
I have been so guilty of all of these things in the past, and to a small degree recently. But, amazingly through this particular change, for the most part, my mind has been steadfast and I have chosen to trust God. He has proven Himself faithful so many times. I cannot deny this and choose to worry and doubt.
This is hard for us as humans. We tend to think about everybody and everything but God when we are facing a crisis. Sure, we GO to God in prayer and beg him to change the situation, but do we just stop and think on HIM and Him alone? I have to admit, I don't do that enough. In other words, we need to clear our minds of what we are worrying about and just focus on Jesus!
He is the Alpha and Omega! Our lives are made up of many beginnings and endings. In fact, this week began what I call, "The first of the lasts." In other words, the first of the "goodbyes" to our way of life here in Texas. Caroline had her last week of school at Holy Spirit Episcopal in Houston. She had made many friends this year, and we became very fond of her teachers through the months. As one of her teachers brought her to the car, she (Mrs. Daniel) began to tear up. This, of course, immediately made me tear up! I realized how much I loved that school. It was such a safe place for Caroline, and at one time, I had hoped she'd be there all the way through her middle school years. I began to remember this and my stomach clinched a little and my eyes filled with tears as I realized we wouldn't be coming back.
But, just as soon as I started to allow those negative thoughts in...God reminded me of what I had read the day before. He never changes. "Cling to me, Kristin. I never change. My presence is always here and available to you, no matter what school Caroline attends. Think on Me."
I know there are many "lasts" ahead for us. Next month, we will say goodbye to the wonderful people and friends we have made at Tallowood. This was a church that I had at one time hoped our children would grow up. It was the perfect place---according to the Kristin Hightower plan. But you know what, God has other plans. He has plans that will, in the end, be better than I could have dreamed--if I trust Him and obey. Also in the coming weeks, we will say goodbye to many of the students at SHSU. We are planning to have them in our home for a time of sharing and parting. This will be tough. We love them so much. They are our life's calling, and they have been such a blessing to us. We will also have to say goodbye to our very best friends--who live just a few miles from us now. Ugh. I don't look forward to that. Then, in July, there will come a time when we have to say goodbye to our families. Oh my...it just gets harder and harder! I don't even want to think about it!
But really, in the coming weeks, I know that God has called me to think on Him. When I have chosen to think on Him, I have had peace. I have even had peace when I haven't placed my focus on Him. What grace. I know that I will need reminding of these verses once we move. As we end this season of our lives in Texas and begin a new one in Iowa, I have to remember that He never changes. I can depend on Him, no matter what. If I call out to Him, He is there. Even if I can't "feel" His presence, He is there, and He will be there in Iowa, helping us each step of the way. And, he will be here in Texas, helping our friends and family as we are apart from them for the time being.
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
I'll close with the entry from May 29.
"I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Emmanuel (God with you); My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me....I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation."
Wow. Jesus is our Peace. Jesus has experienced every temptation we have, but was without sin. Jesus knows our pain and suffering. He knows our joys and sorrows. Every change in life that He brings--even difficult changes, can be gifts from Him. We must cast all our cares upon Him--because He cares for us.
One thing Allen and I are confident of in this new place is that God is going to use us. We have a strong conviction and confidence that he has prepared us for this next step. All of the events, circumstances, and people he brought into our lives leading up to this move have prepared us for what He is about to do. We feel a divine calling to the students at Luther College. This doesn't mean things will be easy. We will have to trust God every step of the way.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
Trust Him, don't trust your own feelings or understanding of a situation. In everything you do, acknowledge Him. Talk to Him. Praise Him. Cry out to Him. He will direct your paths.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!....Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Tell God everything you are feeling. Be honest about your anxiety. Ask Him and request of Him. In the midst of all that, offer Him praise for who He is and what He is doing in your life. When we lay it all at His feet and trust Him, He will give us peace. He gives us a peace that we cannot understand--but it is there. This peace guards us against the negative thoughts and flaming arrows that Satan wants to fill our mind with. When our mind is stayed on Christ, worry and anxiety flee, because His peace guards us.
What wonderful promises!
Please partner in prayer with us. Pray that, through this transition and start of a new season in our lives, we will keep our minds steadfast and trust Him. We will be praying that for all our friends and family as well.
May the Peace of Christ be with you all,
Kristin
One of my favorite little devotionals is a book entitled Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. If you haven't ever heard of it, it is a daily devotional written from the perspective of Jesus. Based in scripture, each day presents a couple of Bible verses written as if Jesus were calling you into His presence. Sarah has done an excellent job with this devotional. Every time I read it I think about Him, I pray to Him, and I praise Him. It has given me such a better understanding of how much He loves me. Often, I read it at night before I go to sleep.
I read the entries just about every day this week. God used one in particular to really speak to me. When I really consider all that is involved in our upcoming move, my heart and mind can easily be filled with anxiety. I am a planner. I want things fixed, planned, and set in stone way before the actual date of their occurrance. I don't like unknowns. When I am choosing to live in my own strength and understanding, worry can easily set in. I also don't like change too much. I am a person who likes to settle somewhere. Frankly, I like Texas and the thought of leaving all that is home can sometimes be overwhelming. I have even found myself blaming God and others for all the recent changes in my life. But all of this doesn't last for long, because I know that worrying does me NO good whatsoever, and I am denying God the chance to really bless me with His presence and peace. And usually, when He brings change or a different season in our life, He is wanting to use us in a deeper and different way. He is wanting to grow us and deepen our trust in Him. He is wanting to reveal to us that He is EVERYWHERE and is working in the lives of people outside our comfort zone. God is into taking us out of our comfort zones! AND, we can have peace in the process--if we trust Him. So, the entry from May 26th really spoke to me.
"In a world of unrelenting changes, I am the One who never changes. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Find in Me the stability for which you have yearned.
I created a beautifully ordered world: one that reflected My perfection. Now, however, the world is under the bondage of sin and evil. Every person on the planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is drawing closer to Me. In My Presence you can face uncertainty with perfect Peace."
When I read the last two words of the entry, "perfect Peace," I immediately thought of Isaiah 26:3-4.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal."
I also thought about the scripture "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
So, no matter what changes come our way, whether it be moving to a different state, or a change in relationships, job, church...whatever it may be--JESUS CHRIST is the same! He never changes! He is our Rock Eternal--not our "sand for a few days here and there."
The Isaiah scripture reminded me yet again that when I am focusing on circumstances rather than God, I WILL NOT HAVE PEACE! If my thoughts are focused on blaming others--or even God--then I will not have peace. If my thoughts are focused on the "what if's" I definitely will NOT have peace.
I have been so guilty of all of these things in the past, and to a small degree recently. But, amazingly through this particular change, for the most part, my mind has been steadfast and I have chosen to trust God. He has proven Himself faithful so many times. I cannot deny this and choose to worry and doubt.
This is hard for us as humans. We tend to think about everybody and everything but God when we are facing a crisis. Sure, we GO to God in prayer and beg him to change the situation, but do we just stop and think on HIM and Him alone? I have to admit, I don't do that enough. In other words, we need to clear our minds of what we are worrying about and just focus on Jesus!
He is the Alpha and Omega! Our lives are made up of many beginnings and endings. In fact, this week began what I call, "The first of the lasts." In other words, the first of the "goodbyes" to our way of life here in Texas. Caroline had her last week of school at Holy Spirit Episcopal in Houston. She had made many friends this year, and we became very fond of her teachers through the months. As one of her teachers brought her to the car, she (Mrs. Daniel) began to tear up. This, of course, immediately made me tear up! I realized how much I loved that school. It was such a safe place for Caroline, and at one time, I had hoped she'd be there all the way through her middle school years. I began to remember this and my stomach clinched a little and my eyes filled with tears as I realized we wouldn't be coming back.
But, just as soon as I started to allow those negative thoughts in...God reminded me of what I had read the day before. He never changes. "Cling to me, Kristin. I never change. My presence is always here and available to you, no matter what school Caroline attends. Think on Me."
I know there are many "lasts" ahead for us. Next month, we will say goodbye to the wonderful people and friends we have made at Tallowood. This was a church that I had at one time hoped our children would grow up. It was the perfect place---according to the Kristin Hightower plan. But you know what, God has other plans. He has plans that will, in the end, be better than I could have dreamed--if I trust Him and obey. Also in the coming weeks, we will say goodbye to many of the students at SHSU. We are planning to have them in our home for a time of sharing and parting. This will be tough. We love them so much. They are our life's calling, and they have been such a blessing to us. We will also have to say goodbye to our very best friends--who live just a few miles from us now. Ugh. I don't look forward to that. Then, in July, there will come a time when we have to say goodbye to our families. Oh my...it just gets harder and harder! I don't even want to think about it!
But really, in the coming weeks, I know that God has called me to think on Him. When I have chosen to think on Him, I have had peace. I have even had peace when I haven't placed my focus on Him. What grace. I know that I will need reminding of these verses once we move. As we end this season of our lives in Texas and begin a new one in Iowa, I have to remember that He never changes. I can depend on Him, no matter what. If I call out to Him, He is there. Even if I can't "feel" His presence, He is there, and He will be there in Iowa, helping us each step of the way. And, he will be here in Texas, helping our friends and family as we are apart from them for the time being.
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
I'll close with the entry from May 29.
"I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Emmanuel (God with you); My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials, can separate you from Me....I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation."
Wow. Jesus is our Peace. Jesus has experienced every temptation we have, but was without sin. Jesus knows our pain and suffering. He knows our joys and sorrows. Every change in life that He brings--even difficult changes, can be gifts from Him. We must cast all our cares upon Him--because He cares for us.
One thing Allen and I are confident of in this new place is that God is going to use us. We have a strong conviction and confidence that he has prepared us for this next step. All of the events, circumstances, and people he brought into our lives leading up to this move have prepared us for what He is about to do. We feel a divine calling to the students at Luther College. This doesn't mean things will be easy. We will have to trust God every step of the way.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
Trust Him, don't trust your own feelings or understanding of a situation. In everything you do, acknowledge Him. Talk to Him. Praise Him. Cry out to Him. He will direct your paths.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!....Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Tell God everything you are feeling. Be honest about your anxiety. Ask Him and request of Him. In the midst of all that, offer Him praise for who He is and what He is doing in your life. When we lay it all at His feet and trust Him, He will give us peace. He gives us a peace that we cannot understand--but it is there. This peace guards us against the negative thoughts and flaming arrows that Satan wants to fill our mind with. When our mind is stayed on Christ, worry and anxiety flee, because His peace guards us.
What wonderful promises!
Please partner in prayer with us. Pray that, through this transition and start of a new season in our lives, we will keep our minds steadfast and trust Him. We will be praying that for all our friends and family as well.
May the Peace of Christ be with you all,
Kristin
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Faith to Place your Life in His Hands
I love it when the Spirit moves me to listen to music that glorifies God. Anybody ever have an empty tank and feel the need to fill it with worship of our Creator God? I have so needed His presence these past few days. I listened to a song that I have heard many times, but for the first time, God spoke to me through the words. More on this in a minute.
The past week has been quite amazing and full of many different emotions. In the middle of our wonderful family vacation to Disney World, Allen and I were faced with a life changing decision that required the biggest leap of faith we have ever taken. Many reading this blog have heard of our upcoming move to Decorah, Iowa, where Allen will begin the post as Director of Choral Activities at Luther College.
This UNEXPECTED adventure began just a couple of months ago when Luther contacted Allen and asked him to apply for the position. We were both surprised, but also very flattered. Luther College has one of the finest choirs in the nation and has a long and wonderful choral tradition. Allen sent his materials, and they contacted him for a phone interview. When Allen hung up the phone from the interview, he said, "I was so honest and blunt that I'm sure they won't call back." Well, guess what??
Not only did they call back but they invited him to campus for an interview. This interview took place the first week of May. All of this was happening so quickly, we almost didn't know what to think!
A week ago Sunday, we received the call---"Allen Luther wants you!" We prayed and sought God--not knowing for certain what His will was. That being said, as we talked about what to do, I remembered two separate occasions where the thought entered my mind, "We are going to Luther." Both times, when this thought came to my mind, I was spending time with God and listening for his voice. Its interesting, I wasn't even listening for an answer about Luther. I was just reading my Bible and listening to a sermon. The first time this feeling came was before Luther asked Allen in for the interview. It was really early on--so out of place. I remember thinking--"What? Where did that come from?"
As it came down to the wire, there in our hotel at Disney World, I asked Allen a few poignant questions. He was really struggling with the decision. Neither of us really knew for certain what God wanted, but I wanted to hear Allen's heart. I asked him, "What do you feel, deep down in your gut?"
He said, "Its the right thing, but I don't want to do it. I'm scared." To me, that was the clear answer that God was calling us to Luther. We both knew it was the right thing--deep down. But, we were afraid of what we were going to have to give up:
1) the awesome choir program and students at SHSU. This was our comfort zone.
2) living in Texas where ALL our family lives. Leaving my extended family is going to be REALLY hard.
3) Going to a totally different culture, and a town of only 8,000 people. I'm a city girl, and a town of 8,000 people is scary to me.
4) Starting completely over.
5) Cutting our salary in half! Whoa.
So--as you can see--this choice requires a lot of sacrifice on our part. This was another clue to me that God was calling us to Luther. We kind of feel like Abraham--leaving our home, comfort zone, etc. and going to a foreign place.
We were praying for God to give us a clear sign. We never received a really clear sign. I've learned through this process that sometimes God just whispers softly and gives wisdom instead of a clear sign. That is what He has done. He also points us to His Word, and reminds us that we walk by faith and not by sight. He says that perfect love drives out fear, and that His Spirit is NOT a Spirit of fear.
In my life, when I have obeyed God and stepped out in faith, He has ALWAYS confirmed His blessing.
He may not have done it right away, but at some point, He has always shown me that He was in the choice that was made--and I was in His will. Sometimes He does it more than once.
Well, today, He began to confirm that we have made the right choice. I have to say, after the decision was made, I was relieved, but also a bit sad. I have had a mixture of emotions: excitement, and grief.
Starting over is never a fun prospect for me. I always tend to ask questions, "What will I do?"
Then, today as I was longing for His presence...NOT an answer, just HIM...he began to speak to my heart.
I put on the most recent album of Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark), and began to listen as I took care of Caroline and Julianne. The second song on the album, "Life Light Up" began to play. I've listened to the song several times, and honestly, it wasn't one of my favorites...that is....until today.
God used these words to speak to my heart and to confirm His plan for us in Decorah, Iowa. You see, no matter where we go, He is with us. And, when He calls us to the next place, things may be hard, but His blessing and peace will flow.
With You, I can go anywhere
I can do anything
You are the song I bring...
With You, You are the air I breathe
'Cause You are my everything
And I am Your offering...
I may live and I may die
Either way You're glorified
Bless the day I give my life away!
Let my life light up like the city lights
And let it burn for You in the darkest night
In You, I can begin again
I'm part of a bigger plan
'Cause You are the Great I Am!
In You, Your life is in my veins
And You've broken all my chains
'Cause You are the God Who reigns!
My light will shine on earth
And my Father will be praised!!
Sure, I'm a city girl--used to the city lights---going to a small, quaint town in Northeast Iowa.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and he lives in me. His light will shine bright through me
for His glory.
So, if you are struggling with a decision and haven't had a clear direction from God, start to think about what it is you are fearing. Any decision made out of fear (other than the fear of God) is the wrong decision. You can know you are in His Will, when you trust Him and obey His word and walk in His light.
This should be our motto:
Here's my life, I give it to You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
Here's my heart, You're dwelling inside
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands, in your hands, Lord…in your hands…
Here's my thoughts, I want to think of You
and place them in Your hands
I place them in Your hands
Here's my time, take it as You will
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands
Here's my life, I give it You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands...
The past week has been quite amazing and full of many different emotions. In the middle of our wonderful family vacation to Disney World, Allen and I were faced with a life changing decision that required the biggest leap of faith we have ever taken. Many reading this blog have heard of our upcoming move to Decorah, Iowa, where Allen will begin the post as Director of Choral Activities at Luther College.
This UNEXPECTED adventure began just a couple of months ago when Luther contacted Allen and asked him to apply for the position. We were both surprised, but also very flattered. Luther College has one of the finest choirs in the nation and has a long and wonderful choral tradition. Allen sent his materials, and they contacted him for a phone interview. When Allen hung up the phone from the interview, he said, "I was so honest and blunt that I'm sure they won't call back." Well, guess what??
Not only did they call back but they invited him to campus for an interview. This interview took place the first week of May. All of this was happening so quickly, we almost didn't know what to think!
A week ago Sunday, we received the call---"Allen Luther wants you!" We prayed and sought God--not knowing for certain what His will was. That being said, as we talked about what to do, I remembered two separate occasions where the thought entered my mind, "We are going to Luther." Both times, when this thought came to my mind, I was spending time with God and listening for his voice. Its interesting, I wasn't even listening for an answer about Luther. I was just reading my Bible and listening to a sermon. The first time this feeling came was before Luther asked Allen in for the interview. It was really early on--so out of place. I remember thinking--"What? Where did that come from?"
As it came down to the wire, there in our hotel at Disney World, I asked Allen a few poignant questions. He was really struggling with the decision. Neither of us really knew for certain what God wanted, but I wanted to hear Allen's heart. I asked him, "What do you feel, deep down in your gut?"
He said, "Its the right thing, but I don't want to do it. I'm scared." To me, that was the clear answer that God was calling us to Luther. We both knew it was the right thing--deep down. But, we were afraid of what we were going to have to give up:
1) the awesome choir program and students at SHSU. This was our comfort zone.
2) living in Texas where ALL our family lives. Leaving my extended family is going to be REALLY hard.
3) Going to a totally different culture, and a town of only 8,000 people. I'm a city girl, and a town of 8,000 people is scary to me.
4) Starting completely over.
5) Cutting our salary in half! Whoa.
So--as you can see--this choice requires a lot of sacrifice on our part. This was another clue to me that God was calling us to Luther. We kind of feel like Abraham--leaving our home, comfort zone, etc. and going to a foreign place.
We were praying for God to give us a clear sign. We never received a really clear sign. I've learned through this process that sometimes God just whispers softly and gives wisdom instead of a clear sign. That is what He has done. He also points us to His Word, and reminds us that we walk by faith and not by sight. He says that perfect love drives out fear, and that His Spirit is NOT a Spirit of fear.
In my life, when I have obeyed God and stepped out in faith, He has ALWAYS confirmed His blessing.
He may not have done it right away, but at some point, He has always shown me that He was in the choice that was made--and I was in His will. Sometimes He does it more than once.
Well, today, He began to confirm that we have made the right choice. I have to say, after the decision was made, I was relieved, but also a bit sad. I have had a mixture of emotions: excitement, and grief.
Starting over is never a fun prospect for me. I always tend to ask questions, "What will I do?"
Then, today as I was longing for His presence...NOT an answer, just HIM...he began to speak to my heart.
I put on the most recent album of Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark), and began to listen as I took care of Caroline and Julianne. The second song on the album, "Life Light Up" began to play. I've listened to the song several times, and honestly, it wasn't one of my favorites...that is....until today.
God used these words to speak to my heart and to confirm His plan for us in Decorah, Iowa. You see, no matter where we go, He is with us. And, when He calls us to the next place, things may be hard, but His blessing and peace will flow.
With You, I can go anywhere
I can do anything
You are the song I bring...
With You, You are the air I breathe
'Cause You are my everything
And I am Your offering...
I may live and I may die
Either way You're glorified
Bless the day I give my life away!
Let my life light up like the city lights
And let it burn for You in the darkest night
In You, I can begin again
I'm part of a bigger plan
'Cause You are the Great I Am!
In You, Your life is in my veins
And You've broken all my chains
'Cause You are the God Who reigns!
My light will shine on earth
And my Father will be praised!!
Sure, I'm a city girl--used to the city lights---going to a small, quaint town in Northeast Iowa.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and he lives in me. His light will shine bright through me
for His glory.
So, if you are struggling with a decision and haven't had a clear direction from God, start to think about what it is you are fearing. Any decision made out of fear (other than the fear of God) is the wrong decision. You can know you are in His Will, when you trust Him and obey His word and walk in His light.
This should be our motto:
Here's my life, I give it to You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
Here's my heart, You're dwelling inside
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands, in your hands, Lord…in your hands…
Here's my thoughts, I want to think of You
and place them in Your hands
I place them in Your hands
Here's my time, take it as You will
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands
For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands
Here's my life, I give it You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Back at Home
Hello everyone! Just wanted you to know that we are back home from our family vacation and the blogs will resume very soon! I definitely have some personal faith stories to relate--so I will be writing soon. I want some intense time with God in His Word before I write....so....more to come later!
In Him,
Kristin
In Him,
Kristin
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Mother's Faith
This morning in church, our pastor read from 2 Timothy. It is a perfect passage for mother's day, and also fits in so well with this blog.
2Tim. 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2Tim. 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
These scriptures and the message from my pastor this morning, inspired me anew to live out my faith before my children. Paul attributed Timothy's sincere faith to the influence of his mother and grandmother. What an awesome statement Paul made. It is such a strong desire of my heart that my children will be guided to Christ by my faith and example. I would love for someone to say of my grandchildren---you have the faith your grandmother had!
I have been so blessed to have a godly mother and grandmother! But, even for those who haven't, you can start a new "heritage of faith." You can break the cycle and begin a new spiritual heritage for future generations!
Here are some things I have noticed about mothers who have lived out their faith before their children:
1) They talk about Jesus ALL the TIME. The name of God fills every sentence they utter. Their faith is so sincere--as Paul describes it in 2 Timothy 1. When all someone can talk about is Jesus--you know their faith is sincere. I want to do this more. Sure, I do it some--even everyday, but not enough. In fact, there have been moments when I haven't given praise or credit to God when talking with someone for fear of being labeled a "Jesus freak." But, you know what? What an awesome thing to be called! I want my children to speak His name with boldness, and, at the same time, to speak it with such gentleness and love.
2) These moms are calm in the midst of storms. I have had opportunities to visit with some mothers during times of grief, pain, loss, and suffering. It completely floors me when I leave a hospital room feeling blessed by the person I went to visit. When I walk out of a room feeling blessed, motivated, challenged, and humbled---that really says something about a person's faith. This happened to me very recently. I went to offer comfort and prayer, and left there feeling like I'd been in the presence of a woman who was godly, wise, and full of joy--despite her circumstances. Wow. I want to be like that. A woman of faith is like that.
3) They speak with such wisdom and discernment. Mothers (and grandmothers!) who live by faith consistently utter words of wisdom to all around them. They do it so gently and so humbly at the same time. It is really amazing.
4) They KNOW the Word. They can speak scriptures like nobody's business. The truth is constantly being spoken to their children and to those around them. Timothy's parents did this as well! He knew the Holy Scriptures! These things were taught to him by his family. If you are a parent, it is so important that you teach your children scripture memory--and teach them the truth about the power of God's word! It teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains in righteousness! I am amazed at how fast Caroline has memorized scripture. After reading this passage this morning, I was convinced that I should be teaching her more scriptures more often. And, not only that, but applying them in my own life when different situations arise.
5) Their children follow after them. I have seen this time and time again. And, Paul obviously saw it in Timothy. Timothy was convinced! His gave his life to the preaching and teaching of the gospel!
So, all you moms out there---lets be like Lois and Eunice. Let's pray for sincere faith, teach our children the Holy Scriptures from infancy, and live out our faith before them.
And, thank you mom for being such a godly influence in my life--from infancy to now! I am praying that Caroline and Julianne will "continue in what they have learned and have become convinced of, because they know those from whom they have learned it..." and I pray that those around my daughters will be able to say, like Paul, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Judy and in your mother Kristin and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
I know that is your desire too.
Love you and happy Mother's day,
Kristin
2Tim. 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2Tim. 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
These scriptures and the message from my pastor this morning, inspired me anew to live out my faith before my children. Paul attributed Timothy's sincere faith to the influence of his mother and grandmother. What an awesome statement Paul made. It is such a strong desire of my heart that my children will be guided to Christ by my faith and example. I would love for someone to say of my grandchildren---you have the faith your grandmother had!
I have been so blessed to have a godly mother and grandmother! But, even for those who haven't, you can start a new "heritage of faith." You can break the cycle and begin a new spiritual heritage for future generations!
Here are some things I have noticed about mothers who have lived out their faith before their children:
1) They talk about Jesus ALL the TIME. The name of God fills every sentence they utter. Their faith is so sincere--as Paul describes it in 2 Timothy 1. When all someone can talk about is Jesus--you know their faith is sincere. I want to do this more. Sure, I do it some--even everyday, but not enough. In fact, there have been moments when I haven't given praise or credit to God when talking with someone for fear of being labeled a "Jesus freak." But, you know what? What an awesome thing to be called! I want my children to speak His name with boldness, and, at the same time, to speak it with such gentleness and love.
2) These moms are calm in the midst of storms. I have had opportunities to visit with some mothers during times of grief, pain, loss, and suffering. It completely floors me when I leave a hospital room feeling blessed by the person I went to visit. When I walk out of a room feeling blessed, motivated, challenged, and humbled---that really says something about a person's faith. This happened to me very recently. I went to offer comfort and prayer, and left there feeling like I'd been in the presence of a woman who was godly, wise, and full of joy--despite her circumstances. Wow. I want to be like that. A woman of faith is like that.
3) They speak with such wisdom and discernment. Mothers (and grandmothers!) who live by faith consistently utter words of wisdom to all around them. They do it so gently and so humbly at the same time. It is really amazing.
4) They KNOW the Word. They can speak scriptures like nobody's business. The truth is constantly being spoken to their children and to those around them. Timothy's parents did this as well! He knew the Holy Scriptures! These things were taught to him by his family. If you are a parent, it is so important that you teach your children scripture memory--and teach them the truth about the power of God's word! It teaches, corrects, rebukes, and trains in righteousness! I am amazed at how fast Caroline has memorized scripture. After reading this passage this morning, I was convinced that I should be teaching her more scriptures more often. And, not only that, but applying them in my own life when different situations arise.
5) Their children follow after them. I have seen this time and time again. And, Paul obviously saw it in Timothy. Timothy was convinced! His gave his life to the preaching and teaching of the gospel!
So, all you moms out there---lets be like Lois and Eunice. Let's pray for sincere faith, teach our children the Holy Scriptures from infancy, and live out our faith before them.
And, thank you mom for being such a godly influence in my life--from infancy to now! I am praying that Caroline and Julianne will "continue in what they have learned and have become convinced of, because they know those from whom they have learned it..." and I pray that those around my daughters will be able to say, like Paul, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Judy and in your mother Kristin and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
I know that is your desire too.
Love you and happy Mother's day,
Kristin
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
How Deep the Father's Love
I was reminded tonight, as I comforted and held my 4 year old Caroline, that God's love is so deep and so amazing. Caroline had a bad dream of some sort tonight and ended up calling out, "I want my mommy!" I was already headed up the stairs, so the moment she spoke that phrase, I was in the room and she was in my arms. The whole time I was in there, I don't think she ever really woke up. In fact, it took me rocking her and saying several times, "Mommy's here...its okay....I'm here, don't worry!" before she finally calmed and returned to a peaceful sleep.
As I rocked her, my mind went to several things that I needed to accomplish before my own bedtime, but those thoughts were quickly squelched as I realized that this was a precious moment that I needed to hold on to for as long as possible. For one thing, I was reminded of just how much I love that precious girl. I cannot count the number of times Caroline said to me today, "I love you mommy." Nothing melts my heart like those four words! These days with my little ones are SO precious and are quickly moving on. I found myself wanting to freeze time. I was astounded that I felt such a deep and pure love for her, but that God loves her even more than I! And, in the middle of experiencing those deep emotions, was reminded of just how much God loves me.
The tears flowed. Why do I so easily doubt His love?
One of the gifts God gives us on this earth is the blessing of parenthood. Sure, sometimes "blessing" is not the word that comes to mind! But more often than not, my cup runneth over. I believe that it is the closest thing we will ever experience on this earth to how he feels about us. Some grandparents reading this may disagree! :)
Those 15 minutes were filled with many emotions: joy, anxiety, comfort, peace, love....and then came faith. It is so hard for me not to worry about my daughters and the future ahead. There is such evil in this world. But, in those moments, my faith was built. I prayed to God, "Lord, I don't know what the future holds, but I know you love Caroline more than I do, and you love me. Right now, in this moment, I believe You."
I firmly believe that tonight happened for a reason and that God was comforting me as I comforted Caroline. We have the assurance that no matter how much our faith is tested, God is faithful and loves us with an unfailing love.
I guess I just want to remind everyone reading this that you are loved....deeply.
His love endures forever...
As I rocked her, my mind went to several things that I needed to accomplish before my own bedtime, but those thoughts were quickly squelched as I realized that this was a precious moment that I needed to hold on to for as long as possible. For one thing, I was reminded of just how much I love that precious girl. I cannot count the number of times Caroline said to me today, "I love you mommy." Nothing melts my heart like those four words! These days with my little ones are SO precious and are quickly moving on. I found myself wanting to freeze time. I was astounded that I felt such a deep and pure love for her, but that God loves her even more than I! And, in the middle of experiencing those deep emotions, was reminded of just how much God loves me.
The tears flowed. Why do I so easily doubt His love?
One of the gifts God gives us on this earth is the blessing of parenthood. Sure, sometimes "blessing" is not the word that comes to mind! But more often than not, my cup runneth over. I believe that it is the closest thing we will ever experience on this earth to how he feels about us. Some grandparents reading this may disagree! :)
Those 15 minutes were filled with many emotions: joy, anxiety, comfort, peace, love....and then came faith. It is so hard for me not to worry about my daughters and the future ahead. There is such evil in this world. But, in those moments, my faith was built. I prayed to God, "Lord, I don't know what the future holds, but I know you love Caroline more than I do, and you love me. Right now, in this moment, I believe You."
I firmly believe that tonight happened for a reason and that God was comforting me as I comforted Caroline. We have the assurance that no matter how much our faith is tested, God is faithful and loves us with an unfailing love.
I guess I just want to remind everyone reading this that you are loved....deeply.
His love endures forever...
Saturday, May 1, 2010
No ordinary child
Tonight I sat down again to read Hebrews 11, and discovered many new things! I love it when I read a familiar passage and learn something new from God.
Heb. 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
Growing up, I'm pretty sure I was told that Moses' parents hid him because they were afraid of Pharoah's edict: "Then Pharoah gave this order to all his people: 'Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live." Exodus 1:22. But, in this passage in Hebrews, it is clear that Moses' parents hid him because they believed God and did not fear Pharoah. In fact, Hebrewss 11 and Acts 7 suggest that they hid him because "he was no ordinary child." In the Greek, the word "no ordinary" can also translate "beautiful." So, Moses was a beautiful child. In Exodus, the text says that "he was a fine child." Here the Hebrew translates "good, pleasing, desirable." These parents, both from the Levitical (would soon be-priestly) line saw in Moses something beautiful and desirable. Now, I can definitely say that I felt that about my own two girls when they were born, but I think the text implies something more here.
Moses' parents saw that God was at work in this extraordinary child. They hid him because they believed that Moses had a purpose. This is clearly seen by what Moses' mother does three months later. She purposely puts Moses in the Nile (remember the edict?) right in the spot where Pharoah's daughter goes to bathe. This was no random thought on the part of Moses' mom. She had a plan and her plan worked!! Timing was everything! She didn't want just anyone to find him, she wanted Pharoah's daughter to find him. That takes extraordinary action and amazing faith.
Bottom line, they feared God more than Pharoah. They feared God more than man and anything man could do. Guess what? Their son followed in their footsteps. When Moses is "grown up" he refuses to be known as Pharoah's daughter. He willingly denounces his royalty, his position, and his authority in the Egyptian empire and associates himself with the slaves.
Lets stop and think about that for a moment. Would I do that? Would I renounce any position I had earned, money I had made, authority I had gained to be known as a slave of Christ? I think that if we have any real hesitation in this matter, we have some serious soul searching to do. I have some serious soul searching to do.
It seems that everything we humans do is to attain some kind of notoriety, popularity, acceptance, and praise. If we feel we aren't attaining it, we change jobs, change friends, change churches, get divorced, etc. etc. etc. Let me be frank, God is not interested in our glory--He is interested in HIS glory and HIS renown. So, when I am feverishly trying to hold on to some kind of pedestal of my own making, I am not believing God. Anytime I am siding with the world, I am trying to cover up my true identity as a slave of Christ! I can think back on many times in my life when I wanted to cover things up--and even lie in order to not be looked down upon by my peers or students. I still catch myself (or more rightly--am convicted by the Holy Spirit) trying to make myself look better than I am. No chinks.
The fact of the matter is, those of us in Christ really are royalty--we are daughters and sons of the King! But, we are also referred to as slaves to Christ rather than slaves to sin.
Moses chose the mistreatment of the Egyptians rather than "the pleasures of sin for a short time." He regarded the disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater than any treasure in Egypt. When will I get it through my thick skull that anything I do out of a lack of faith only has temporary satisfaction. It will not last. I could be tapping into eternal things here on earth, but I choose to grasp at straws instead. The times when God speaks to my soul and refreshes me cannot be measured by earthly standards. The most happy moments in my life can't compare to the joy He gives when I trust Him and spend time with Him. But, I am so easily distracted and so easily lured by Satan to neglect my time with God.
How many of us can honestly say that we would give up everything for the sake of Christ? This is exactly what Moses did. Why? "Because he was looking ahead to his reward." Meanwhile, I usually keep my eyes thoroughly fixed on what is going to happen in three months rather than on what my eternity will be. I'm reminded of the first verses in Hebrews 11: "Now faith is being SURE of what we hope for, and CERTAIN of what we do not see." Moses persevered because he "saw him who is invisible." Well, guess what, we have "him who is invisible" inside US when we accept Christ. He is present with us ALL THE TIME. We don't have to go to a Tent in the desert to meet with God. We are His temple! We don't have to pass through a veil into the Holy of Holies. Christ, as the great high priest and through His death on the cross made that veil obsolete. God ripped it from top to bottom and now we have access to Him. Oh, Hallelujah, what love and grace!
God please change my heart. Please reveal to me just how temporary and unsatisfactory the "pleasures of sin" really are.
Let me just qualify here that I don't believe the pleasures of sin are limited to sex, drugs, alcohol, lust, etc. etc. I think any time we choose entertainment over God, we are indulging in the pleasures of this life. Another great point that Chris Osborne made in his sermons on Psalm 19 (see the previous blog), is that entertainment (TV, music, magazines, books, internet, Facebook) will NEVER satisfy and it will NEVER make us feel more relaxed and unstressed. I'm not saying its wrong to do those things. But, when those things monopolize our day (after we get home from work or put the kids to bed) then something is wrong. I am preaching to myself! I am so guilty of this! I so easily choose to skip my quiet time with God for reading a book, planning our next vacation, watching TV, spending hours on Facebook, cleaning house, etc. etc. I admit that I don't usually "unwind" by reading my Bible.
The reason I haven't written a blog in a week is because I haven't been spending time with God! Yes, I read my Bible a few times, but I wasn't reading, meditating, and waiting for God to speak to my soul. I was checking it off of a list. I was spending all of my time preparing a birthday party, planning our forthcoming vacation, learning the ins-and-outs of my new fancy camera---everything but spending time with Him.
But, to make the kind of stand Moses made, things have got to change for me. Things have got to change for Christians everywhere, and it all starts by believing God--not by DOING more for Him.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him..." 2 Peter 1:3
"Lord, I want to know you more. Deep inside my heart I want to know you more."
I pray that this will be my heart cry and yours too!
Heb. 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
Growing up, I'm pretty sure I was told that Moses' parents hid him because they were afraid of Pharoah's edict: "Then Pharoah gave this order to all his people: 'Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live." Exodus 1:22. But, in this passage in Hebrews, it is clear that Moses' parents hid him because they believed God and did not fear Pharoah. In fact, Hebrewss 11 and Acts 7 suggest that they hid him because "he was no ordinary child." In the Greek, the word "no ordinary" can also translate "beautiful." So, Moses was a beautiful child. In Exodus, the text says that "he was a fine child." Here the Hebrew translates "good, pleasing, desirable." These parents, both from the Levitical (would soon be-priestly) line saw in Moses something beautiful and desirable. Now, I can definitely say that I felt that about my own two girls when they were born, but I think the text implies something more here.
Moses' parents saw that God was at work in this extraordinary child. They hid him because they believed that Moses had a purpose. This is clearly seen by what Moses' mother does three months later. She purposely puts Moses in the Nile (remember the edict?) right in the spot where Pharoah's daughter goes to bathe. This was no random thought on the part of Moses' mom. She had a plan and her plan worked!! Timing was everything! She didn't want just anyone to find him, she wanted Pharoah's daughter to find him. That takes extraordinary action and amazing faith.
Bottom line, they feared God more than Pharoah. They feared God more than man and anything man could do. Guess what? Their son followed in their footsteps. When Moses is "grown up" he refuses to be known as Pharoah's daughter. He willingly denounces his royalty, his position, and his authority in the Egyptian empire and associates himself with the slaves.
Lets stop and think about that for a moment. Would I do that? Would I renounce any position I had earned, money I had made, authority I had gained to be known as a slave of Christ? I think that if we have any real hesitation in this matter, we have some serious soul searching to do. I have some serious soul searching to do.
It seems that everything we humans do is to attain some kind of notoriety, popularity, acceptance, and praise. If we feel we aren't attaining it, we change jobs, change friends, change churches, get divorced, etc. etc. etc. Let me be frank, God is not interested in our glory--He is interested in HIS glory and HIS renown. So, when I am feverishly trying to hold on to some kind of pedestal of my own making, I am not believing God. Anytime I am siding with the world, I am trying to cover up my true identity as a slave of Christ! I can think back on many times in my life when I wanted to cover things up--and even lie in order to not be looked down upon by my peers or students. I still catch myself (or more rightly--am convicted by the Holy Spirit) trying to make myself look better than I am. No chinks.
The fact of the matter is, those of us in Christ really are royalty--we are daughters and sons of the King! But, we are also referred to as slaves to Christ rather than slaves to sin.
Moses chose the mistreatment of the Egyptians rather than "the pleasures of sin for a short time." He regarded the disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater than any treasure in Egypt. When will I get it through my thick skull that anything I do out of a lack of faith only has temporary satisfaction. It will not last. I could be tapping into eternal things here on earth, but I choose to grasp at straws instead. The times when God speaks to my soul and refreshes me cannot be measured by earthly standards. The most happy moments in my life can't compare to the joy He gives when I trust Him and spend time with Him. But, I am so easily distracted and so easily lured by Satan to neglect my time with God.
How many of us can honestly say that we would give up everything for the sake of Christ? This is exactly what Moses did. Why? "Because he was looking ahead to his reward." Meanwhile, I usually keep my eyes thoroughly fixed on what is going to happen in three months rather than on what my eternity will be. I'm reminded of the first verses in Hebrews 11: "Now faith is being SURE of what we hope for, and CERTAIN of what we do not see." Moses persevered because he "saw him who is invisible." Well, guess what, we have "him who is invisible" inside US when we accept Christ. He is present with us ALL THE TIME. We don't have to go to a Tent in the desert to meet with God. We are His temple! We don't have to pass through a veil into the Holy of Holies. Christ, as the great high priest and through His death on the cross made that veil obsolete. God ripped it from top to bottom and now we have access to Him. Oh, Hallelujah, what love and grace!
God please change my heart. Please reveal to me just how temporary and unsatisfactory the "pleasures of sin" really are.
Let me just qualify here that I don't believe the pleasures of sin are limited to sex, drugs, alcohol, lust, etc. etc. I think any time we choose entertainment over God, we are indulging in the pleasures of this life. Another great point that Chris Osborne made in his sermons on Psalm 19 (see the previous blog), is that entertainment (TV, music, magazines, books, internet, Facebook) will NEVER satisfy and it will NEVER make us feel more relaxed and unstressed. I'm not saying its wrong to do those things. But, when those things monopolize our day (after we get home from work or put the kids to bed) then something is wrong. I am preaching to myself! I am so guilty of this! I so easily choose to skip my quiet time with God for reading a book, planning our next vacation, watching TV, spending hours on Facebook, cleaning house, etc. etc. I admit that I don't usually "unwind" by reading my Bible.
The reason I haven't written a blog in a week is because I haven't been spending time with God! Yes, I read my Bible a few times, but I wasn't reading, meditating, and waiting for God to speak to my soul. I was checking it off of a list. I was spending all of my time preparing a birthday party, planning our forthcoming vacation, learning the ins-and-outs of my new fancy camera---everything but spending time with Him.
But, to make the kind of stand Moses made, things have got to change for me. Things have got to change for Christians everywhere, and it all starts by believing God--not by DOING more for Him.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him..." 2 Peter 1:3
"Lord, I want to know you more. Deep inside my heart I want to know you more."
I pray that this will be my heart cry and yours too!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
“God is not just a Truth to be believed, but a person to spend time with.”
I just want to start today’s blog by saying that God is truly amazing and wants to do amazing things in our lives. He wants to speak to us and speak through us. He loves us so much and wants an abundant and joyful life for us as we walk here on earth. When God speaks to me and is at work in me, there is nothing that compares. The joy that overflows is truly satisfying and amazing.
Today, just within the last few moments, HE has brought together in my mind what I am supposed to write about, and NOT coincidentally, it fits with the next verse in Hebrews 11.
Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
Heb. 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Today, I woke up in such a mood that I knew I needed more of God’s Spirit to get me through the day with joy. As I dropped Caroline off at school this morning I spoke a rather forceful prayer, “Lord I need you badly today. Please help me—please speak to me.” When you pray this kind of prayer, He always answers. It may not be right away, but if you keep yielding your heart to Him, he will speak.
I took my car to be thoroughly cleaned inside and out—this takes about an hour to do. So, I thought I’d pass the time by listening to a sermon or two. It is by no mistake that I had two sermons on Psalm 19 on my ipod. The sermons were given by one of my family’s dearest friends Chris Osborne. Chris pastors a church in Bryan Texas. He married Allen and me, and I have always respected him for his love of God and His Word. His insights are amazing and I am always challenged when I hear him speak God’s truth. Today was no exception.
First, before I talk about the sermon and give you the links to go and listen yourself, I want to talk a little about the verses in Hebrews. Both refer to a father, or grandfather speaking blessing or praying for their children and grandchildren. For those who are reading this and have children and grandchildren, I’m sure you can relate, in that your prayer life increased when they came into this world.
I pray daily for the salvation of my children, and not only that, but that they follow Christ with their whole hearts and have a singleness of heart for him.
I definitely go through seasons in parenting where I am desperate for God’s wisdom. My M-O is to go find a Christian book of some sort for insight. Though these books are wonderful and give great methods for raising kids, I was struck again by the sermon today on Psalm 19. The first move I should make isn’t to a place or a book, but to a person. In this Psalm, David experiences God through His creation—then he goes to the written word of God. Chris Osborne’s words penetrated my heart and reminded me again: “God is not just a Truth to be believed, but a person to spend time with.” God and His word will give me everything I need to bless my children and parent them in the ways of His truth.
I just have to come to God in faith and trust—and seek HIM with all my heart. I think sometimes we need to stop seeking answers and just seek Him.
I doubt that Isaac and Jacob had self-help books on how to bless their children. They had SOMEONE better—Jehovah Jireh himself. They trusted God with their children’s future—they prayed boldly with faith. I love how the writer of Hebrews describes Jacob as he was dying. Jacob prayed for each of his grandchildren (Ephraim and Manasseh) and worshipped God. In fact, he didn’t just bless them, he spoke prophetic words over them. His words were Spirit empowered. In the same passage in Genesis 48, we see Jacob praising God and giving Him all glory and honor. He calls God his helper and his shepherd. This means that God and Jacob were in a relationship. God wasn’t Jacob’s religion, He was his everything.
I don’t know what answers you may be seeking right now, but this passage and the sermon I heard today reminded me that God should be my everything. He can’t be our everything if we are busying ourselves and not taking the time to just sit and admire His creation and allow Him the time to speak to us. I will get all the answers I need if I just seek Him first. For one thing, when I spend time with Him, my children see more of Christ in me. When I seek Him and only Him, my countenance changes, I gain wisdom, and all of a sudden I know the will of God.
If you want to hear this great sermon, just go to the website for Central Baptist Church, Bryan. http://www.cbcbryan.org/article209323.htm and click on Psalm 19, then after you listen to that message, listen to part II. Or, if you have iTunes, go to podcasts and you will find the podcast to download. These two sermons are really amazing and life changing!
“God is not just a Truth to be believed, but a person to spend time with.”
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