Last night, I was flipping around in my Bible. God showed me a few things that really encouraged me, so I wrote them down in my notebook. Tonight, I thought I'd share them with you. I really need to read my Bible more often; I easily release the habit and forget how it blesses me when I return to it.
Ephesians 2:8-10
"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so he can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
So neither can our mistakes take salvation from us. God doesn't give up on me as easily as I sometimes give up on myself, and my ability to make a difference.
Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
So He's using my daily struggles to make me stronger. He's using every hard thing that comes to shape me and bless me. He has a plan to use my life for His glory, and will use all these things to bring it into action. I am never abandoned; never forsaken.
Romans 9:26
"... Then, at the place where they were told, "You are not my people,' there they will be called 'children of the living God.'" (referring to the Gentiles, if you'd like the context).
Right there, where it was the worst. Where they were furthest from God's love, wholly desolate and abandoned; that is where He chose to restore them. To heal them and to offer something better - much, much better - than all the empty pain and deception they had known. Don't cover up and turn away from the broken, traumatized places. For those are the ones He wants to touch and use to bring forth His glory. Light out of the darkness, as it were.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
So all we have to do is let Him in. He'll use everything to bring these about in beautiful ways. Even if you doubt your own ability to birth such good fruit, don't doubt Him. "The Holy Spirit produces" is not a question. He is fully capable if you will open your heart to His work in your life. Just do your best, and give Him the rest.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
All I Need
My thoughts will bounce around a bit here, so bare with me. Copy/paste the link to a new tab or window to listen as you read.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkLh-D-esxQ
This song alternately speaks to and flows from my heart. It's what my life boils down to. There's this and that, worries and concerns, confusion and grief (Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"). There are hopes and doubts, moments of both peace and fear. We can only control these things so much; can only predict whether the bright light at the end of the tunnel is daylight or a train to a certain extent. Beyond that, it's all about how we react.
With each new experience, we have a choice to waste it or learn from it. To conceal the fresh wounds and old scars, undermine the beauty and life, or let each happening change us to become a little more ourselves; a little more like the people who God originally crafted you and me to be. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can learn and grow to meet new challenges. If you're playing a video game, you know that each new level will be harder, more intense. But you gain new skills with each new victory, just as you need them. You're prepared. It's the same with everyday life. If you don't learn as you go, you won't be ready for the next set and you will be expected to repeat the lesson until you're ready. I don't know about you, but there are some things I'd really rather not repeat.
But at the end of the day, we need to rest. Our day's choices behind us, we need Someone unchanging to hold us steady. Someone who is steadfast, unfailing, and good through-and-through. Who cares for us more than the people we interacted with and dealt with today can even begin to. Someone who can see the bigger picture, look into our worst-case scenarios, and find the key to getting us through. A familiar verse, Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Another familiar, yet repeatedly encouraging verse? Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Which means that He has my life in His capable hands and He's well aware of my circumstance. He'll work through my life if I keep coming back to my Jesus.
"All I need is You, Lord
Is You, Lord."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkLh-D-esxQ
This song alternately speaks to and flows from my heart. It's what my life boils down to. There's this and that, worries and concerns, confusion and grief (Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"). There are hopes and doubts, moments of both peace and fear. We can only control these things so much; can only predict whether the bright light at the end of the tunnel is daylight or a train to a certain extent. Beyond that, it's all about how we react.
With each new experience, we have a choice to waste it or learn from it. To conceal the fresh wounds and old scars, undermine the beauty and life, or let each happening change us to become a little more ourselves; a little more like the people who God originally crafted you and me to be. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can learn and grow to meet new challenges. If you're playing a video game, you know that each new level will be harder, more intense. But you gain new skills with each new victory, just as you need them. You're prepared. It's the same with everyday life. If you don't learn as you go, you won't be ready for the next set and you will be expected to repeat the lesson until you're ready. I don't know about you, but there are some things I'd really rather not repeat.
But at the end of the day, we need to rest. Our day's choices behind us, we need Someone unchanging to hold us steady. Someone who is steadfast, unfailing, and good through-and-through. Who cares for us more than the people we interacted with and dealt with today can even begin to. Someone who can see the bigger picture, look into our worst-case scenarios, and find the key to getting us through. A familiar verse, Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Another familiar, yet repeatedly encouraging verse? Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Which means that He has my life in His capable hands and He's well aware of my circumstance. He'll work through my life if I keep coming back to my Jesus.
"All I need is You, Lord
Is You, Lord."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
In This Moment
Sometimes, all that's left for me is to rest in God. To play some music, God-enthused lyrics coming through the headphones, and rest. Let Him calm my heart when it cannot calm itself. He truly is there for me when none other is, or can be. When an impossibly treacherous journey lies before me, and I must stay strong despite the rain. When it all falls apart, and I'm left to the dark of this world. Its pain, confusion, and deepest heartache. When I miss someone desperately, or need to find new hope. Stabbed in the back, maybe. When I let Him, He'll restore my peace and bring me through. He always has. Oh, Lord... I am so thankful.
I'm soaking in His peace as I write this. This quiet love is healing my heart. I'll still trip and stumble, and there are many walls left to scale, bridges left to cross, and valleys that I must endure to reach the mountaintop, my eureka. But that mountain will be beautiful, and so much more than worth it. I know this, because I trust Him. I trust that He wouldn't let something so bad happen if He wasn't going to birth and multiply good from within the mess. In every situation where I have dealt with intense emotional pain, there's been a choice: keep striving after Him, or give up to my Enemy. To Satan.
My answer's clear, and I will keep pressing on with my God by my side. He gets me through.
Mmm... and not only that, but He loves me and teaches me as we go. I'll learn new things for next time, it won't be a waste. I'll have a new understanding of His heart when I need more of His heart; when I have to dig and hunt. He sweeps me into His arms when something's just too much, and He carries me. It looks like one set of footprints, because it is - His prints, left by One who loves enough to take the burden upon Himself. The love of my sweet Jesus is far beyond comprehension, or even reason. I cannot reason enough to figure out why it's worth it to save me over and over again. But my Knight hasn't left me. He promised that He won't, and He's reminding me of His presence yet again. In this moment, I have serenity. In this moment, I will press on.
I'm soaking in His peace as I write this. This quiet love is healing my heart. I'll still trip and stumble, and there are many walls left to scale, bridges left to cross, and valleys that I must endure to reach the mountaintop, my eureka. But that mountain will be beautiful, and so much more than worth it. I know this, because I trust Him. I trust that He wouldn't let something so bad happen if He wasn't going to birth and multiply good from within the mess. In every situation where I have dealt with intense emotional pain, there's been a choice: keep striving after Him, or give up to my Enemy. To Satan.
My answer's clear, and I will keep pressing on with my God by my side. He gets me through.
Mmm... and not only that, but He loves me and teaches me as we go. I'll learn new things for next time, it won't be a waste. I'll have a new understanding of His heart when I need more of His heart; when I have to dig and hunt. He sweeps me into His arms when something's just too much, and He carries me. It looks like one set of footprints, because it is - His prints, left by One who loves enough to take the burden upon Himself. The love of my sweet Jesus is far beyond comprehension, or even reason. I cannot reason enough to figure out why it's worth it to save me over and over again. But my Knight hasn't left me. He promised that He won't, and He's reminding me of His presence yet again. In this moment, I have serenity. In this moment, I will press on.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Candles and Bonfires
The tender flicker of a candle, so melancholy within this dark room. It's all right, it'll make it. Just don't let the drafts in, be careful going by. If it goes out, you may not find the match to relight it. Small candle, don't be afraid to shine. This scenario calls for too much caution when this life is yet short. And your flame, it'll stand strong if you'll become part of God's bonfire.
See, it's like this: I was at a Christian youth conference a few summers ago, and one of the speakers was talking about the song "This Little Light of Mine". He objected, telling us that it's more like a "FREAKING HUGE BONFIRE".
I think I like his way of seeing things better. You? I mean, I personally rather be a bonfire for God than a candle. And it's wholly possible, considering Who's inside of us.
Another perspective: Would you call Jesus a candle? "Aw, be careful going by him, he might just blow out!" Um, no, dear. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and suffered the cross for us. And then he said we'd do greater things than these. Now, if Jesus isn't a candle, and we're going to do greater things, we can't possibly be classified as candles. It doesn't work out. And if you get a lot of bonfires, really close together...
WILDFIRE
I don't think I'd want to put it out. Let God burn in us for a while, and maybe He'd do more than hand someone a tract. Maybe we'd see Him move like never before, and maybe He'd touch some hearts for real. Love on people. Actually, I believe He would. If His people, their hearts full of His love, start burning like bonfires instead of candles, He's going to do something with that fire. I mean, it can't really be there without Him, and if He stirs something up, then He'll take it somewhere beyond our imagination. All we have to do is say, "Yes, bring on the oxygen, feed this fire!" Passion for His name. Be a bonfire, and spread some pure, true love to a hurting soul today. Whether it's a Christian or non-Christian friend who's down, needs encouragement, or maybe even a stranger He points out to you, you have a responsibility.
Luke 12:48 (NLT)
"But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."
You've been given much, dear heart. Entrusted with God's love. Even if you're still receiving (as we all are), or healing from something, you have a start. The love that we know from Jesus is precious and priceless, and qualifies as "much" in every language. There are those who need it desperately, and haven't been shown the way. Whether they're completely empty, or have had a taste, maybe they need what you have. Maybe it looks like they're okay, but... could you check again? Many broken people look happy at church and in social settings. Are they a candle about to go out?
See, it's like this: I was at a Christian youth conference a few summers ago, and one of the speakers was talking about the song "This Little Light of Mine". He objected, telling us that it's more like a "FREAKING HUGE BONFIRE".
I think I like his way of seeing things better. You? I mean, I personally rather be a bonfire for God than a candle. And it's wholly possible, considering Who's inside of us.
Another perspective: Would you call Jesus a candle? "Aw, be careful going by him, he might just blow out!" Um, no, dear. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and suffered the cross for us. And then he said we'd do greater things than these. Now, if Jesus isn't a candle, and we're going to do greater things, we can't possibly be classified as candles. It doesn't work out. And if you get a lot of bonfires, really close together...
WILDFIRE
I don't think I'd want to put it out. Let God burn in us for a while, and maybe He'd do more than hand someone a tract. Maybe we'd see Him move like never before, and maybe He'd touch some hearts for real. Love on people. Actually, I believe He would. If His people, their hearts full of His love, start burning like bonfires instead of candles, He's going to do something with that fire. I mean, it can't really be there without Him, and if He stirs something up, then He'll take it somewhere beyond our imagination. All we have to do is say, "Yes, bring on the oxygen, feed this fire!" Passion for His name. Be a bonfire, and spread some pure, true love to a hurting soul today. Whether it's a Christian or non-Christian friend who's down, needs encouragement, or maybe even a stranger He points out to you, you have a responsibility.
Luke 12:48 (NLT)
"But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."
You've been given much, dear heart. Entrusted with God's love. Even if you're still receiving (as we all are), or healing from something, you have a start. The love that we know from Jesus is precious and priceless, and qualifies as "much" in every language. There are those who need it desperately, and haven't been shown the way. Whether they're completely empty, or have had a taste, maybe they need what you have. Maybe it looks like they're okay, but... could you check again? Many broken people look happy at church and in social settings. Are they a candle about to go out?
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