It has certainly been a long time since I've written on my blog, but sometimes something occurs in a conversation, or is observed during reading, that must be shared. Last night I attended a Hindu temple for a class as part of a cross-cultural religious experience assignment. My roommate Becky came as well as my friend Rachel. We customarily removed our shoes and sat on the floor of the "sanctuary" and observed. We watched people bring offerings, pray and worship to the physical representations of the Hindu gods, and meditate while listening to their scriptures from the Bhagavad-Gita.
Though my heart was grieved to witness people offer up prayers and sacrifices to mere objects--lifeless pieces of stone, I was awed and inspired by their religious devotion. The temple is open every day of the week in the mornings and evenings for hours for people to come and go. I am not going to judge the hearts of these people and whether they just go through the motions of making their offerings, praying to their gods, and attending prayer time to check it off the list, when I myself am so guilty of just going through the motions with my faith in The God of the Universe whose Spirit dwells within me!
When we left, we had amazing conversation about the experience. Even during the service, though we didn't speak the language and our beliefs weren't aligned with that of the Hindu religion, it was a religious experience. Becky said that throughout our time there she just prayed silently, "God, somehow...may You be glorified." That is our purpose on earth; so we prayed for these kind, gentle, devoted people who Christ died for, just as He died for you and me.
This experience strengthened my faith, just as sharing The Gospel at Kaleo this summer did for my spiritual journey. The reason I titled this post "Forgotten God" is also because that is what my small group is reading this semester. Francis Chan is one of my top 5 most admired people in this world, and this book has challenged, convicted, and enlightened me on so many levels.
While we were enjoying a sandwich at Jimmy John's after leaving the temple, Rachel said something that her roommate once discussed with her that just blew my mind (sooo many things opened my eyes in that convo). She was talking with her roommate about wanting to ask Moses what it was like to live with God right there with them, showing Himself as the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, and hearing His audible voice. She thought, how could the Israelites have turned from God when He was right there obviously in front of them?! Her roommate replied how if Moses could ask one thing of us today, it would be what is it like to have God live WITHIN you? BAM. The Holy Spirit lives within us, and I'm not going to attempt to profess any theological knowledge, but He was there from the beginning too, but not in the same way as after Christ's ascension.
All this to say, marvel at the incomprehensible truth that God lives in us when we ask The Holy Spirit to make us His temple. Let's not forget that our God is right here too. Here am I asking how the Isrealites could disobey with God right there, when I do everyday with God living in me! Rest in the beauty of that truth- nothing can separate you from The Spirit because He lives in you. Our God is amazing! Pray that His light would shine throughout the world.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Adventure is calling!
I want to see the world. So many amazing places with millions of people and their stories, as well as the history that has built it all. Home is always calling, but the world is calling too! There is joy to be delivered, hope to be spread, and love to give. Short, sweet, and simple: Give. Discover. Embrace. Love. Look & See. Help. Dive in to the story the world has written...there's so much to learn, to see, and to do! Don't be idle, take whatever adventure comes your way daily. :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A story of faith and courage
I first heard the story of William Borden during a service this summer at Kaleo. I then read about it again in Steve Shadrach's book "Brown Like Coffee." It's a little long, but I just have to share it.
In 1904 young William Borden graduated from a high school in Chicago. As heir to the Borden Dairy fortune, he was already worth millions. As a graduation present, his parents gave the 16-year-old Borden a trip to sail around the world. As he traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he sensed a growing burden to reach the lost in nations cut off from the gospel. Finally, Borden wrote home to his parents, expressing, "I'm going to give my life to prepare for the mission field." One of his friends was completely shocked, letting Borden know he felt he was "throwing himself away as a missionary." When Borden heard that, he wrote two words in the front of his Bible:
"No reserves."
Even though Borden was fabulously wealthy, he arrived at Yale University in 1905, attempting to appear like any other freshman student. But soon, his classmates noticed something unique about Borden. One of them wrote: "He came to college far ahead, spiritually, of any of us. He had already given his heart in full surrender to Christ. We learned to lean on him and find in him a strength that was solid as a rock, just because of this settled purpose and consecration." An entry in Borden's journal explained what the other students were seeing in his life. It simply said:
"Say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus every time."
During his first year at Yale, Borden started something that impacted the entire campus for Christ. He challenged a friend to pray with him before breakfast each day, and soon a second joined them, and a third, and a fourth, and others. One of the participants explained, "William would read to us from the Bible, show us something that God had promised, and then proceed to claim the promise with assurance." By the end of his first year, 150 freshmen were meeting for prayer and Bible study each week in small groups. By the time Borden was a senior, 1000 of Yale's 1,300 students were gathering every week for this purpose. He had divided the classes up into smaller groups and assigned key student leaders to reach out and witness to a certain number, with a goal of extending salvation to every student. Borden and his leaders would go over every name and ask, "Who will take this student?" When the name of a hardened or "incorrigible" student came up and no one wanted to take them on, Borden would chime in by saying, "Put him down to me." Young Borden's ministry extended beyond Yale, as he sought to help widows, orphans, cripples, and drunks in the area, forming the Yale Hope Mission.
Borden felt the missionary call to reach out to one of the hardest to reach people groups of all, the Muslim Kansu in China. Once that goal was in sight, Borden never questioned his destiny and consistently challenged his classmates to consider missionary service, even hosting a huge student missionary conference at Yale. Even thought Borden was very involved on campus and served as President of Phi Beta Kappa there at Yale, he chose not to join a fraternity. One student said, "Although he was a millionaire, William seemed to realize always that he must be about his Father's business, and not wasting time in the pursuit of amusement." He never even owned an automobile, and when others asked why, he would casually respond, "Because I can't afford one." But during his undergraduate years at Yale he gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to Christian ministries. Once he graduated, Borden turned down several lucrative career opportunities. After one especially tempting job offer, he went home and wrote two more words in his Bible:
"No retreats."
Borden instead went on to complete a masters degree at Princeton Seminary, and then newspapers across the nation published articles about this young millionaire who raised his own support to go to China as a missionary. It was 1913 and the entire country was fascinated by this wealthy and gifted young man who turned his back on affluence and comfort in America to risk everything and go to China. On his way there, he stopped first in Cairo, Egypt to study Arabic because he was going to be reaching out to Muslims in China. While there, he contracted spinal meningitis and died a few weeks later in a hospital room--all alone.
When news was cabled back to America that 25-year-old William Whiting Borden was dead, "a wave of sorrow went round the world." His biographer later wrote, "Borden not only gave away his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that is seemed a privilege rather than a sacrifice." Many people, though, thought that Borden had thrown his life away. He could have had everything, but instead met an untimely death, they thought, of his own doing. As his associates were packing up his belongings to ship them back to the states for his burial, they found his Bible next to his hospital bed. In the front cover, underneath the words "No reserves" and "No retreats," they were astonished to see the dying Borden has also scrawled two final words: "No regrets."
No reserves
No retreats
No regrets
Although William Borden's life appeared to end prematurely, he had accomplished everything God had planned for him. In his heart of hearts the young 25-year-old millionaire missionary must have reconciled his destiny there on his death bed, making peace with God--and himself. How about you and me? There are a hundred things we could do with our lives, a hundred pursuits for which we could exchange it. But how many of them will enable you to say at the end of your life, "No reserves, no retreats, no regrets?"
Epilogue: The story of his life and early death became a rallying cry for hundreds of college students who ended up spending their lives on the mission field because of Borden of Yale.
Amazing story right? Makes me definitely think twice about how I choose to live today, and what I choose to live for.
In 1904 young William Borden graduated from a high school in Chicago. As heir to the Borden Dairy fortune, he was already worth millions. As a graduation present, his parents gave the 16-year-old Borden a trip to sail around the world. As he traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he sensed a growing burden to reach the lost in nations cut off from the gospel. Finally, Borden wrote home to his parents, expressing, "I'm going to give my life to prepare for the mission field." One of his friends was completely shocked, letting Borden know he felt he was "throwing himself away as a missionary." When Borden heard that, he wrote two words in the front of his Bible:
"No reserves."
Even though Borden was fabulously wealthy, he arrived at Yale University in 1905, attempting to appear like any other freshman student. But soon, his classmates noticed something unique about Borden. One of them wrote: "He came to college far ahead, spiritually, of any of us. He had already given his heart in full surrender to Christ. We learned to lean on him and find in him a strength that was solid as a rock, just because of this settled purpose and consecration." An entry in Borden's journal explained what the other students were seeing in his life. It simply said:
"Say 'no' to self and 'yes' to Jesus every time."
During his first year at Yale, Borden started something that impacted the entire campus for Christ. He challenged a friend to pray with him before breakfast each day, and soon a second joined them, and a third, and a fourth, and others. One of the participants explained, "William would read to us from the Bible, show us something that God had promised, and then proceed to claim the promise with assurance." By the end of his first year, 150 freshmen were meeting for prayer and Bible study each week in small groups. By the time Borden was a senior, 1000 of Yale's 1,300 students were gathering every week for this purpose. He had divided the classes up into smaller groups and assigned key student leaders to reach out and witness to a certain number, with a goal of extending salvation to every student. Borden and his leaders would go over every name and ask, "Who will take this student?" When the name of a hardened or "incorrigible" student came up and no one wanted to take them on, Borden would chime in by saying, "Put him down to me." Young Borden's ministry extended beyond Yale, as he sought to help widows, orphans, cripples, and drunks in the area, forming the Yale Hope Mission.
Borden felt the missionary call to reach out to one of the hardest to reach people groups of all, the Muslim Kansu in China. Once that goal was in sight, Borden never questioned his destiny and consistently challenged his classmates to consider missionary service, even hosting a huge student missionary conference at Yale. Even thought Borden was very involved on campus and served as President of Phi Beta Kappa there at Yale, he chose not to join a fraternity. One student said, "Although he was a millionaire, William seemed to realize always that he must be about his Father's business, and not wasting time in the pursuit of amusement." He never even owned an automobile, and when others asked why, he would casually respond, "Because I can't afford one." But during his undergraduate years at Yale he gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to Christian ministries. Once he graduated, Borden turned down several lucrative career opportunities. After one especially tempting job offer, he went home and wrote two more words in his Bible:
"No retreats."
Borden instead went on to complete a masters degree at Princeton Seminary, and then newspapers across the nation published articles about this young millionaire who raised his own support to go to China as a missionary. It was 1913 and the entire country was fascinated by this wealthy and gifted young man who turned his back on affluence and comfort in America to risk everything and go to China. On his way there, he stopped first in Cairo, Egypt to study Arabic because he was going to be reaching out to Muslims in China. While there, he contracted spinal meningitis and died a few weeks later in a hospital room--all alone.
When news was cabled back to America that 25-year-old William Whiting Borden was dead, "a wave of sorrow went round the world." His biographer later wrote, "Borden not only gave away his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that is seemed a privilege rather than a sacrifice." Many people, though, thought that Borden had thrown his life away. He could have had everything, but instead met an untimely death, they thought, of his own doing. As his associates were packing up his belongings to ship them back to the states for his burial, they found his Bible next to his hospital bed. In the front cover, underneath the words "No reserves" and "No retreats," they were astonished to see the dying Borden has also scrawled two final words: "No regrets."
No reserves
No retreats
No regrets
Although William Borden's life appeared to end prematurely, he had accomplished everything God had planned for him. In his heart of hearts the young 25-year-old millionaire missionary must have reconciled his destiny there on his death bed, making peace with God--and himself. How about you and me? There are a hundred things we could do with our lives, a hundred pursuits for which we could exchange it. But how many of them will enable you to say at the end of your life, "No reserves, no retreats, no regrets?"
Epilogue: The story of his life and early death became a rallying cry for hundreds of college students who ended up spending their lives on the mission field because of Borden of Yale.
Amazing story right? Makes me definitely think twice about how I choose to live today, and what I choose to live for.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Beautiful.
If you had the ability to pray one prayer with 100% certainty that you knew God would answer "Yes" to, what would it be? For Jacob it was to be blessed, for Solomon it was to have wisdom, for the thief on the cross it was for Jesus to remember him. Often our prayers are focused on the maintenance of our comfort, convenience and well-being.
David's answer to this question is found in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." I confess this is probably not what I would have said in response to this question. My request would have most likely been a selfish one. David's one request is to dwell in the presence of God and gaze upon His beauty!
This was the kick-off question in a sermon podcast I listened to the other day driving home. This sermon is entitled "Beauty." It is one part in a series about the characteristics of God. Beauty isn't one of the obvious things we think about God. We think of God's love, mercy, wrath, faithfulness, and sovereignty, but how often do we marvel at God's beauty? Not just the beauty of His creation and the beauty reflected in His other characteristics, but His pure, absolute beauty.
Beauty can be deceptive. Just think of Eve and the apple. Beauty is subjective. The speaker of this sermon talked about how she believes in absolute truth, so is there absolute beauty? If beauty can be deceptive, subjective, and sometimes meaningless, how can we approach it when it comes to God? God is absolute beauty. God's beauty is meant to be enjoyed and delighted in. God is innately generous; we see this in Creation. God's beauty is not subject to our filters. Like his wrath, his jealousy, we can't put Him on trial and decide. His beauty stands on its own regardless of our perceptions of it.
God makes beautiful things. But it's more than just the aesthetics. Here is a piece of contemporary modern art. Modern art is more than what you see. We have to fill in the spaces.
First looking at this piece of art I think that anyone could make that, but there is a story behind it that gives it beauty and meaning. This piece of art is called "Synecdoche" which means things fitting together. It doesn't seem that interesting, but when you find out that each one of those tiles represents the skin tones of people the artist has encountered, it takes on a whole new meaning. It causes us to marvel at the beauty of diversity and our individual uniqueness. It's 422 portraits of people and says far more about each individual than an ordinary portrait ever could. In order to see the beauty of God we have to see beyond the surface. When you see a piece of art like this you have to go beyond the surface.
God takes the mess and works it into something beautiful. That's the Bible's story. That's our story. God writes a story of hope and redemption in the midst of the mess. Hope is beautiful. Redemption is beautiful. God is faithful to his story and to His people. Goodness emerges from the mess we make only because God is beauty.
It's important to recognize we do not own God's beauty. We cannot draw boundaries on what is beauty for everyone else. We don't define God's beauty, we are simply called to reflect it. Because we were created in God's image, we were created to create! Now sadly I'm no artist, but I have come to recognize there are many ways for the unartistic people like me to still reflect God's beauty, and The Word tells us how. Love, compassion, gentleness, humility, selflessness, joy, patience, etc. When we allow the character of Christ to be formed in us we reflect God's beauty.
When did we twist beauty? And more importantly, why? Beauty was created to glorify God, but like almost everything else I think that at some point we got it wrong. What does God find beautiful? Feet that bring the Good News. Breaking our alabaster box with reckless abandon like the woman who did this for Jesus.
Seek and find God's beauty in the mess. Trust that God makes all things new and beautiful. My favorite verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." You are beautiful, and the plan God has for you is a beautiful one, even if zoomed in it appears a mess. Look around you...pure splendor from a generous, beautiful God. God's beauty isn't from what He has done or what He has made, but it is who He is.
Check out podcasts from National Community Church!
David's answer to this question is found in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." I confess this is probably not what I would have said in response to this question. My request would have most likely been a selfish one. David's one request is to dwell in the presence of God and gaze upon His beauty!
This was the kick-off question in a sermon podcast I listened to the other day driving home. This sermon is entitled "Beauty." It is one part in a series about the characteristics of God. Beauty isn't one of the obvious things we think about God. We think of God's love, mercy, wrath, faithfulness, and sovereignty, but how often do we marvel at God's beauty? Not just the beauty of His creation and the beauty reflected in His other characteristics, but His pure, absolute beauty.
Beauty can be deceptive. Just think of Eve and the apple. Beauty is subjective. The speaker of this sermon talked about how she believes in absolute truth, so is there absolute beauty? If beauty can be deceptive, subjective, and sometimes meaningless, how can we approach it when it comes to God? God is absolute beauty. God's beauty is meant to be enjoyed and delighted in. God is innately generous; we see this in Creation. God's beauty is not subject to our filters. Like his wrath, his jealousy, we can't put Him on trial and decide. His beauty stands on its own regardless of our perceptions of it.
God makes beautiful things. But it's more than just the aesthetics. Here is a piece of contemporary modern art. Modern art is more than what you see. We have to fill in the spaces.
First looking at this piece of art I think that anyone could make that, but there is a story behind it that gives it beauty and meaning. This piece of art is called "Synecdoche" which means things fitting together. It doesn't seem that interesting, but when you find out that each one of those tiles represents the skin tones of people the artist has encountered, it takes on a whole new meaning. It causes us to marvel at the beauty of diversity and our individual uniqueness. It's 422 portraits of people and says far more about each individual than an ordinary portrait ever could. In order to see the beauty of God we have to see beyond the surface. When you see a piece of art like this you have to go beyond the surface.
God takes the mess and works it into something beautiful. That's the Bible's story. That's our story. God writes a story of hope and redemption in the midst of the mess. Hope is beautiful. Redemption is beautiful. God is faithful to his story and to His people. Goodness emerges from the mess we make only because God is beauty.
It's important to recognize we do not own God's beauty. We cannot draw boundaries on what is beauty for everyone else. We don't define God's beauty, we are simply called to reflect it. Because we were created in God's image, we were created to create! Now sadly I'm no artist, but I have come to recognize there are many ways for the unartistic people like me to still reflect God's beauty, and The Word tells us how. Love, compassion, gentleness, humility, selflessness, joy, patience, etc. When we allow the character of Christ to be formed in us we reflect God's beauty.
When did we twist beauty? And more importantly, why? Beauty was created to glorify God, but like almost everything else I think that at some point we got it wrong. What does God find beautiful? Feet that bring the Good News. Breaking our alabaster box with reckless abandon like the woman who did this for Jesus.
Seek and find God's beauty in the mess. Trust that God makes all things new and beautiful. My favorite verse is Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." You are beautiful, and the plan God has for you is a beautiful one, even if zoomed in it appears a mess. Look around you...pure splendor from a generous, beautiful God. God's beauty isn't from what He has done or what He has made, but it is who He is.
Check out podcasts from National Community Church!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Take THAT Fear!
This summer our Kaleo program studied the book of 2 Timothy. To sum it up, it is Paul commanding Timothy to preach the gospel, not be ashamed of it, be prepared in season and out of season, and to recognize the opposition he will face because of it. It is about recognizing the mission God has charged him with, and casting out the fear that creates so many obstacles in life. I imagine Paul writing this last letter to Timothy and all that he wanted to say to his beloved disciple. Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel. He was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” My greatest hope is that at the end of my life we all can say that. Where is Paul’s fear? I’ve always convinced myself that I must just not be close enough to God or trusting in Him enough because I am still afraid of so many things. This must mean I’m not a good Christian like Paul, right? Wrong. I’m sure Paul had fears, too. He was human after all. But Paul abandoned his fear to be completely filled with the love of Christ so that the more the Holy Spirit poured into him, the more he poured out his love to others. The love of Christ and for preaching the Gospel to save the lost completely demolished the fear in Paul’s life.
Romans 8:15 says “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” In Jesus Lives, author Sarah Young gives words straight from Jesus’ mouth so when you read it feels like he is speaking right to you—“You have a perfectly loving, infinitely strong Father, so bring your fears freely to Him…Open your heart to receive vast quantities of His Love. The more of this Love you hold in your heart, the less room there is for fear.”
Fear will never completely disappear from our lives, but with Christ we don’t have to be in bondage to it anymore. We are called to not be ashamed of what Christ has done for us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). What did the LORD say to Isaac? “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Genesis 26: 24). What did Jesus tell the synagogue ruler? “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5: 36). After Jesus calmed the storm he said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). God wants to take our fear, and we want to be rid of it, yet we still cling to it…Why?
In Steve Shadrach’s book Brown Like Coffee, one chapter is dedicated to “Four Exit Ramps You Don’t Want to Take!” These are what we face in the real world. Shadrach says “Getting on and staying on God’s road is one of the greatest challenges we face as followers of Jesus Christ. Allowing Satan, the world, or our own flesh to get us off track might just be a temporary detour, but it could mean…total destruction!” The first exit ramp is fear. We live our lives based on fear by doing the things that are safe and comfortable for us, and running from things that frighten or intimidate us. Shadrach says “I once thought courage was the absence of fear. Not so. In fact, someone interviewed the still-living congressional medal of honor winners and asked them what their definition of courage was. All of them, in one form or another, said that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing what you’re afraid to do. Whether it’s WWII facing the Nazis at Normandy beach or trusting God with our future, we must walk toward our fears. Easy to say, hard to do, but letting the fear of what others think of us, the fear of the lordship of Christ, or the fear of earthly dangers control us can be exit ramps we don’t want to take.” The real issue is not how to escape our fears, but how to handle them.
So I encourage all of you (and myself) to not be afraid. Whether it’s fear of today, tomorrow, or even a painful past that you can’t seem to escape, trust that God is in control and because of that we are safe. He wants to fight our battles for us, he wants to give us courage to do what we’re afraid of, but we have to let Him. It’s a daily process, but the perfect love of Christ drives out our fears. There will be a day when there is no more fear, but until then Jesus tells us, “ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9) Give fear a big ol’ karate chop to the jugular! ☺
Romans 8:15 says “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” In Jesus Lives, author Sarah Young gives words straight from Jesus’ mouth so when you read it feels like he is speaking right to you—“You have a perfectly loving, infinitely strong Father, so bring your fears freely to Him…Open your heart to receive vast quantities of His Love. The more of this Love you hold in your heart, the less room there is for fear.”
Fear will never completely disappear from our lives, but with Christ we don’t have to be in bondage to it anymore. We are called to not be ashamed of what Christ has done for us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). What did the LORD say to Isaac? “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Genesis 26: 24). What did Jesus tell the synagogue ruler? “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5: 36). After Jesus calmed the storm he said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). God wants to take our fear, and we want to be rid of it, yet we still cling to it…Why?
In Steve Shadrach’s book Brown Like Coffee, one chapter is dedicated to “Four Exit Ramps You Don’t Want to Take!” These are what we face in the real world. Shadrach says “Getting on and staying on God’s road is one of the greatest challenges we face as followers of Jesus Christ. Allowing Satan, the world, or our own flesh to get us off track might just be a temporary detour, but it could mean…total destruction!” The first exit ramp is fear. We live our lives based on fear by doing the things that are safe and comfortable for us, and running from things that frighten or intimidate us. Shadrach says “I once thought courage was the absence of fear. Not so. In fact, someone interviewed the still-living congressional medal of honor winners and asked them what their definition of courage was. All of them, in one form or another, said that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing what you’re afraid to do. Whether it’s WWII facing the Nazis at Normandy beach or trusting God with our future, we must walk toward our fears. Easy to say, hard to do, but letting the fear of what others think of us, the fear of the lordship of Christ, or the fear of earthly dangers control us can be exit ramps we don’t want to take.” The real issue is not how to escape our fears, but how to handle them.
So I encourage all of you (and myself) to not be afraid. Whether it’s fear of today, tomorrow, or even a painful past that you can’t seem to escape, trust that God is in control and because of that we are safe. He wants to fight our battles for us, he wants to give us courage to do what we’re afraid of, but we have to let Him. It’s a daily process, but the perfect love of Christ drives out our fears. There will be a day when there is no more fear, but until then Jesus tells us, “ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9) Give fear a big ol’ karate chop to the jugular! ☺
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Trust.
"Though the fig tree should not blossom,
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail,
And the field produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold,
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places."
Habakkuk 3:17-19, NASB
Confess your doubts to God.
Trust Him in the darkness.
Rejoice in the waiting.
Be joyful.
This is a beautiful proclamation of faith from Habakkuk. All I can do really is meditate on it. There isn't much else left for me to say! Hope is lifts you up and gives you an example of how we can trust in God and rejoice in Him even when the harvest comes up empty, the world around us appears desolate, and when we feel all we have is nothing.
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail,
And the field produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold,
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places."
Habakkuk 3:17-19, NASB
Confess your doubts to God.
Trust Him in the darkness.
Rejoice in the waiting.
Be joyful.
This is a beautiful proclamation of faith from Habakkuk. All I can do really is meditate on it. There isn't much else left for me to say! Hope is lifts you up and gives you an example of how we can trust in God and rejoice in Him even when the harvest comes up empty, the world around us appears desolate, and when we feel all we have is nothing.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Times
Shakespeare said "Time is the justice that examines all offenders." Every human being lives within time, and we have no control over it. Isn't is incredible to then recognize that only God is outside of time and not only in control of time itself, but in control of everything?
One of my favorite authors, Henry David Thoreau said "Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in." Time can be scary, yes, and can feel defeating. It is also an incredible gift that allows us to cherish this life God has given us. Time is never guaranteed even though we all function under its rules. Time is a beautiful thing because without it there would be no seasons. No growth, rebirth, restoration, redemption, HOPE. What is behind us is already gone, but there is great hope in knowing that each second is a new one that has never happened before. Still, time is hard. With this growth there is also decline. With life there is also death. With joy there is also sorrow. There will be hard times. There have been hard times. God never said there wouldn't be hard times. But He does promise us that He will be there with us through them, deliver us from pain, and Has endured the greatest sorrow beyond all human understanding in giving His Son to suffer rejection, death, and abandonment from his father. There is no hard time that we can go through that God doesn't understand.
Here's an incredible promise from Paul:
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Job 36:15 says "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction."
Psalm 119:50 says "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."
One of my favorite songs is by Tenth Avenue North called "Times." Listen to this song, read the lyrics, and remember that if you are in a season of life of hardship and suffering, God is there. He knows. He weeps with you. He loves you, and He will deliver you from all your pain. We can never see past where we are in time, but God does and He has PROMISED that He "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRN0QPXrdR8
I know I need You
I need to love You
I love to see You, but it's been so long
I long to feel You
I feel this need for You
And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Now You pull me near You
When we're close, I fear You
Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done
Are You done forgiving?
Oh can You look past my pretending?
Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become
What have I become?
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
I hear You say,
"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."
One of my favorite authors, Henry David Thoreau said "Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in." Time can be scary, yes, and can feel defeating. It is also an incredible gift that allows us to cherish this life God has given us. Time is never guaranteed even though we all function under its rules. Time is a beautiful thing because without it there would be no seasons. No growth, rebirth, restoration, redemption, HOPE. What is behind us is already gone, but there is great hope in knowing that each second is a new one that has never happened before. Still, time is hard. With this growth there is also decline. With life there is also death. With joy there is also sorrow. There will be hard times. There have been hard times. God never said there wouldn't be hard times. But He does promise us that He will be there with us through them, deliver us from pain, and Has endured the greatest sorrow beyond all human understanding in giving His Son to suffer rejection, death, and abandonment from his father. There is no hard time that we can go through that God doesn't understand.
Here's an incredible promise from Paul:
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Job 36:15 says "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction."
Psalm 119:50 says "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."
One of my favorite songs is by Tenth Avenue North called "Times." Listen to this song, read the lyrics, and remember that if you are in a season of life of hardship and suffering, God is there. He knows. He weeps with you. He loves you, and He will deliver you from all your pain. We can never see past where we are in time, but God does and He has PROMISED that He "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRN0QPXrdR8
I know I need You
I need to love You
I love to see You, but it's been so long
I long to feel You
I feel this need for You
And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Now You pull me near You
When we're close, I fear You
Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done
Are You done forgiving?
Oh can You look past my pretending?
Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become
What have I become?
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
Oh, oh. Oh, oh. Oh, oh.
I hear You say,
"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."
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