I am recognizing a need in all of God's children...that is to have kingdom perception of who they are in the Father's eyes. Oh, how desperately I need to be reminded in the word of my role as a woman...
"God, renew my mind that I might understand how you have intended me to live and function in the Body of Christ. Help me to be a woman of truth, integrity and discipline. Expose Satan's schemes and lies in me and those you have placed around me that we might walk in the roles you have intended for us before the fall. Shed light on the bad examples and perceptions that have clouded our vision of the life you meant for us to life. Oh Father, make us more like your Son Jesus. Amen."
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I've Been "Kept"
As the close of the semester ends at the speed of light, there has been a silent meditation in my heart that I cannot shake. It goes something like this:
"Oh how He keeps me."
This year has been somewhat of a blur. Not at all what I expected. Which in essence, should never surprise me, yet it continually does season after season. Honestly, it is early in the morning and I had a few moments to tap at these keys so I thought I would get it out there. I have no formed words to express this meditation as of yet. So for the time being, I will leave you with the words of the apostle Paul to his "true son in the faith," Timothy:
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David,
as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains
as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure
everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain the salvation
that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful--
for he cannot deny himself.
I identify with the close of this passage. His faithfulness is what has kept me, not mine. And THAT is for another blog. Be strong in the Lord today in His might. Seek His face continually...without Him we can do nothing.
"Oh how He keeps me."
This year has been somewhat of a blur. Not at all what I expected. Which in essence, should never surprise me, yet it continually does season after season. Honestly, it is early in the morning and I had a few moments to tap at these keys so I thought I would get it out there. I have no formed words to express this meditation as of yet. So for the time being, I will leave you with the words of the apostle Paul to his "true son in the faith," Timothy:
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David,
as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains
as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure
everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain the salvation
that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful--
for he cannot deny himself.
I identify with the close of this passage. His faithfulness is what has kept me, not mine. And THAT is for another blog. Be strong in the Lord today in His might. Seek His face continually...without Him we can do nothing.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
My Reason For Existence
I realize that the title of this blog is rather intense. Even "epic," if you will. Yet, there is so much significance to it.
I just got off the phone with a dear, dear friend of mine. Ten years ago, he was just my brother's best friend. Now, he is still my brother's best friend, but more importantly he is a brother in Christ. I definitely have taken on the role of "big sister" in his life. He may not tell you that, but I have willingly stepped into this esteemed position.
For the sake of his protection, let's call him "G." G is a rare breed. Ever since I can remember, that kid has been asking my mom, my brother, and me all about faith and Jesus. There has been a stirring desire in him for years in regards to Truth and the Bible. I can recall several times where I have had the privilege to sit with him over a latte or in my living room back in East Longmeadow and discuss the "real meaning" of life.
G is intelligent, inquisitive, and hard headed. I love that about him. When I listen to him battle with the reality of the Gospel message, I recognize the beginning traits and characteristics of a modern day reformer. I feel like if I knew Martin Luther personally, I would be able to liken G to him.
We have not seen one another in over a year. Yes, life just conveniently prevents such things from happening. However, tonight after exchanging a few generic "Happy Easter" text messages, G decided to pick up the phone and call me. What followed after was quite unexpected...
Just a few weeks ago i spoke at dorm devotionals at my school. For the blog reader who has no idea what a dorm devotional is, let me explain. It simply is a night out of each month where the entire dormitory of girls gather together to worship and listen to God's Word. That night, I exposited out of Galatians 1:6-9. Without going in to every detail of the message, I explained to the girl's how we are no different from the Galatians that the apostle Paul was writing to. Just as Paul was bewildered by the way in which the Galatians were "adding" to Christ's finished work on the cross, so do we add to that work.
During my preparation for the message, God had is way with me. He really began to reveal to me how often I am preoccupied with my performances rather than being captivated by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ ultimately displayed at Calvary. Needless to say, I spoke my message from a place of true understanding.
It was so humbling to watch the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of those girls as the Word of God was communicated through a broken sinner such as myself. Why do I recount this night? Simply because that message i spoke lives on and I watched it play out before my very eyes as I talked with G this Easter night.
There is no greater honor than to encourage another believer in the knowledge of God's grace (hmmmm..maybe "My Reason For Existence"?..well, besides glorifying God..which I suppose encouraging someone in the Lord would ultimately do). G is in a battle right now. He is seeing God do awesome things in his life. He recognizes God's hand and genuinely desires to live a righteous life. However, like majority of us, he finds himself bound by his own ability to do right by God. Wait a minute... did I just type that in a blog? YES. Just like the Galatians, just like myself, G has been attempting to add to Christ's finish work on the cross where Christ died for G's sins (as well as the rest of mankind's, might I also add).
Why did I write about this? In hopes that the one who is reading this blog would be able to identify with G and lift him up in prayer. Pray for his perseverance in the faith. Pray that the eyes of his heart would be enlightened to the knowledge of the hope that he has been called to, as well his inheritance. Pray that the guilt and condemnation that Satan has been attempting to bring on him would be removed. Pray that someday, G himself will be communicating and encouraging someone else in the knowledge of God's grace.
Why else did I write about this? In hopes that the reader will be encouraged in this same knowledge as well. May each of us like Paul declare, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
I just got off the phone with a dear, dear friend of mine. Ten years ago, he was just my brother's best friend. Now, he is still my brother's best friend, but more importantly he is a brother in Christ. I definitely have taken on the role of "big sister" in his life. He may not tell you that, but I have willingly stepped into this esteemed position.
For the sake of his protection, let's call him "G." G is a rare breed. Ever since I can remember, that kid has been asking my mom, my brother, and me all about faith and Jesus. There has been a stirring desire in him for years in regards to Truth and the Bible. I can recall several times where I have had the privilege to sit with him over a latte or in my living room back in East Longmeadow and discuss the "real meaning" of life.
G is intelligent, inquisitive, and hard headed. I love that about him. When I listen to him battle with the reality of the Gospel message, I recognize the beginning traits and characteristics of a modern day reformer. I feel like if I knew Martin Luther personally, I would be able to liken G to him.
We have not seen one another in over a year. Yes, life just conveniently prevents such things from happening. However, tonight after exchanging a few generic "Happy Easter" text messages, G decided to pick up the phone and call me. What followed after was quite unexpected...
Just a few weeks ago i spoke at dorm devotionals at my school. For the blog reader who has no idea what a dorm devotional is, let me explain. It simply is a night out of each month where the entire dormitory of girls gather together to worship and listen to God's Word. That night, I exposited out of Galatians 1:6-9. Without going in to every detail of the message, I explained to the girl's how we are no different from the Galatians that the apostle Paul was writing to. Just as Paul was bewildered by the way in which the Galatians were "adding" to Christ's finished work on the cross, so do we add to that work.
During my preparation for the message, God had is way with me. He really began to reveal to me how often I am preoccupied with my performances rather than being captivated by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ ultimately displayed at Calvary. Needless to say, I spoke my message from a place of true understanding.
It was so humbling to watch the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of those girls as the Word of God was communicated through a broken sinner such as myself. Why do I recount this night? Simply because that message i spoke lives on and I watched it play out before my very eyes as I talked with G this Easter night.
There is no greater honor than to encourage another believer in the knowledge of God's grace (hmmmm..maybe "My Reason For Existence"?..well, besides glorifying God..which I suppose encouraging someone in the Lord would ultimately do). G is in a battle right now. He is seeing God do awesome things in his life. He recognizes God's hand and genuinely desires to live a righteous life. However, like majority of us, he finds himself bound by his own ability to do right by God. Wait a minute... did I just type that in a blog? YES. Just like the Galatians, just like myself, G has been attempting to add to Christ's finish work on the cross where Christ died for G's sins (as well as the rest of mankind's, might I also add).
Why did I write about this? In hopes that the one who is reading this blog would be able to identify with G and lift him up in prayer. Pray for his perseverance in the faith. Pray that the eyes of his heart would be enlightened to the knowledge of the hope that he has been called to, as well his inheritance. Pray that the guilt and condemnation that Satan has been attempting to bring on him would be removed. Pray that someday, G himself will be communicating and encouraging someone else in the knowledge of God's grace.
Why else did I write about this? In hopes that the reader will be encouraged in this same knowledge as well. May each of us like Paul declare, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
...I'm overwhelmed by His goodness...
After a beautiful, warm April night I find myself sitting alone in my room. Outside, I can still hear the sound of cars whistling by. New England is attempting to steal every minute of this "summerish" evening, I'm sure. Meanwhile, the crisp night air is seeping through the open window, softly whispering to me, "stay awake." My body is telling me to go to sleep... if you saw my face, you would tell me to get some rest as well. Yet, I cannot help but express the joy I am experiencing in yet another..."moment."
I was thinking about a friend of mine tonight...so I prayed for this special person. I got to pondering on how amazing that is. That somehow, God has allowed me to be a part of intercession for this individual. So I can't get this grin off my face. My boast and joy are in Jesus-- as they always should be. His pursuit of us is indescribable. How marvelous are His ways! That I can simply meditate and communicate to Him and know that He hears me. Much more than that, His will is unfolding in my very midst and He beckons me to come away with Him and be a part of the masterpiece in the making. How often I don't take the time to ponder these truths. It's startling.
Reflecting on my day, I realize how many moments I missed... moments where I didn't recognize His presence.
I have been reading a book about the resolve of Jonathan Edwards and have been immensely challenged by his life. At the age of eighteen and nineteen, as a recent believer, Edwards recorded his personal resolutions in order that he might live his life to the fullest in Christ. Just thinking about the desire and passion he had for God's glory startles me. "Startle" because I know I must come up "higher," if you will. So, in my minuscule attempt to learn and benefit from his life, I have recently begun my own list of "resolves."
I promise that I have been intentional about mentioning the resolve of Jonathan Edwards in this seemingly insignificant blog. In fact, this very day a resolve was birthed within me. "Resolved: to make it my aim and goal to be conscious of HIs presence at all times, regardless of the apparent circumstances taking place in my midst."
I suppose I could add to this resolve, a resolve to be conscious of the cross and what it represents-- not only at Easter, but always. May each of us seek by faith, to remain hidden behind Christ's "sure" work on the cross as we live and move and have our being in the midst of an ever-changing generation. The grace that we stand in--those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, the living Son of God--is secure. May we never forget this crucial truth.
...but now I must go and take care of the mundane bed-time tasks. Washing and exfoliating my face; brushing and flossing my teeth (well, flossing only when I'm not completely overwhelmed with exhaustion)... Yet, may each of us not lose sight of the One who goes before us always and upholds us in the midst of every chore, joy, and sorrow. To Him be all the glory and honor and power...forever. Amen.
After a beautiful, warm April night I find myself sitting alone in my room. Outside, I can still hear the sound of cars whistling by. New England is attempting to steal every minute of this "summerish" evening, I'm sure. Meanwhile, the crisp night air is seeping through the open window, softly whispering to me, "stay awake." My body is telling me to go to sleep... if you saw my face, you would tell me to get some rest as well. Yet, I cannot help but express the joy I am experiencing in yet another..."moment."
I was thinking about a friend of mine tonight...so I prayed for this special person. I got to pondering on how amazing that is. That somehow, God has allowed me to be a part of intercession for this individual. So I can't get this grin off my face. My boast and joy are in Jesus-- as they always should be. His pursuit of us is indescribable. How marvelous are His ways! That I can simply meditate and communicate to Him and know that He hears me. Much more than that, His will is unfolding in my very midst and He beckons me to come away with Him and be a part of the masterpiece in the making. How often I don't take the time to ponder these truths. It's startling.
Reflecting on my day, I realize how many moments I missed... moments where I didn't recognize His presence.
I have been reading a book about the resolve of Jonathan Edwards and have been immensely challenged by his life. At the age of eighteen and nineteen, as a recent believer, Edwards recorded his personal resolutions in order that he might live his life to the fullest in Christ. Just thinking about the desire and passion he had for God's glory startles me. "Startle" because I know I must come up "higher," if you will. So, in my minuscule attempt to learn and benefit from his life, I have recently begun my own list of "resolves."
I promise that I have been intentional about mentioning the resolve of Jonathan Edwards in this seemingly insignificant blog. In fact, this very day a resolve was birthed within me. "Resolved: to make it my aim and goal to be conscious of HIs presence at all times, regardless of the apparent circumstances taking place in my midst."
I suppose I could add to this resolve, a resolve to be conscious of the cross and what it represents-- not only at Easter, but always. May each of us seek by faith, to remain hidden behind Christ's "sure" work on the cross as we live and move and have our being in the midst of an ever-changing generation. The grace that we stand in--those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, the living Son of God--is secure. May we never forget this crucial truth.
...but now I must go and take care of the mundane bed-time tasks. Washing and exfoliating my face; brushing and flossing my teeth (well, flossing only when I'm not completely overwhelmed with exhaustion)... Yet, may each of us not lose sight of the One who goes before us always and upholds us in the midst of every chore, joy, and sorrow. To Him be all the glory and honor and power...forever. Amen.
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