We all find ourselves at this place in our lives over and over again: too weak to go on. So many times we can't find the strength to go on anymore and we tend to give up on ourselves and even on everything that surrounds us. What's worse is that we give up on the faith that once held us together. Why is it so easy to believe in a God during good times but when something takes a turn for the worse, we turn our back on the one thing that remained unchanging in our life?
I'm learning lately that I am a failure. I am a human that cannot control anything going on in my life. I can't even control the grades I get in my classes, let alone the friendships I try and hold together. I'm learning that I am weak and without something holding me together, I am nothing. But there's one thing:
Hope is here.
God said in John 14:18, I will not leave you as orphans but I will come to you. Sometimes this verse is so hard to believe in. At times in my life, I feel like the most unwanted person on the planet. But this verse tells me something different: that even the most unwanted person he will come to. I wonder what it would be like to be an orphan; to not have one person to take care of you, to love you. Jesus said he would come to them.
How comforting.
I have seen what it is like to give up hope. To have no hope. To feel no love. To feel alone. It makes me realize that I do not want to give up the most precious thing in my life: the relationship I have with a redeeming God. Whenever I want to give up, he shows me what it looks like to not have faith or hope in Him. This makes me want to pursue Him even harder because without hope, I can't find my way. It's easy to give up but what will that do? Will it not just leave me in despair and wanting a love that only God can fulfill?
That's precisely what it would do..
My sacrifice, oh God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. When my heart grows faint, hold it in your gentle hands and bring life to it again.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
I Will Come
The past few weeks, I have had a very heavy heart because of the choices I have made. I have lost heart that God can truly heal me. I think over and over again that He will come to my rescue; yet, I never feel like He does. This has left me feeling alone a lot, even when I have loving people surrounding and encouraging me. It amazes me how quickly I forget that the God I love is sovereign, but I do each time my sin separates me from Him. Satan has used this attack on me so many times now that I guess I've just lost hope that it can actually get better.
But it will.
Although the pain is hard and time doesn't seem to be helping, it will. God is sovereign. He knows me better than I know myself. He's there, even when I feel abandoned. It is the truth of God's word that will help me to see. I know I can overcome the darkness, for the lover of my soul taught me of His power in the light. I will admit, it is easier to give up and leave everything behind; yet, isn't it so much more worth fighting for? Fighting for this relationship with the most intimate God there is? I think so, even if my heart doesn't feel that right now. This truth, it can set me free. My heart will wait for Him. Until then, I will keep my lamp burning bright in the hope that He will find me. Waiting.
When it feels like everything is falling apart, that's usually when God is putting it all back together..
Wait for me child, I'm in love with you. It's a solemn vow, I'll come back for you. I promise.
But it will.
Although the pain is hard and time doesn't seem to be helping, it will. God is sovereign. He knows me better than I know myself. He's there, even when I feel abandoned. It is the truth of God's word that will help me to see. I know I can overcome the darkness, for the lover of my soul taught me of His power in the light. I will admit, it is easier to give up and leave everything behind; yet, isn't it so much more worth fighting for? Fighting for this relationship with the most intimate God there is? I think so, even if my heart doesn't feel that right now. This truth, it can set me free. My heart will wait for Him. Until then, I will keep my lamp burning bright in the hope that He will find me. Waiting.
When it feels like everything is falling apart, that's usually when God is putting it all back together..
Wait for me child, I'm in love with you. It's a solemn vow, I'll come back for you. I promise.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Unfailing Love
As a young woman after God's own heart, I don't want anything to stand in the way of my true love and me. This means that I must put off everything that will try to intervene and destroy this love. However, the past few weeks, maybe even months, I have given into the world and what it is telling me: "Give up, you will never know what true love is."
Growing up, I never had a father figure in my life and I am realizing now how much this has affected me, emotionally and spiritually. I desired to know the love of a father who would cheer me on and love me for my failures.
But I never did.
In John 14:18, Jesus says this: "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Even through the battle of a heart who longs for the love of a father, I know I can look to my heavenly father; the only one who has never forsaken me. It is all I can do. When the world tells me to give up on love, the gentle voice of my Father whispers, don't give up, I will love you forever and be with you to the ends of the earth, always.
I know I have a long journey ahead of me to heal from where I never knew the love of an earthly father. But I will always remember that the love of my heavenly father is unfailing, sustaining, mysterious, and stronger than any love I will ever experience. It is the only truth I can hold on to.
Father, continue to show me your healing love, for I long to love you more.
Growing up, I never had a father figure in my life and I am realizing now how much this has affected me, emotionally and spiritually. I desired to know the love of a father who would cheer me on and love me for my failures.
But I never did.
In John 14:18, Jesus says this: "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Even through the battle of a heart who longs for the love of a father, I know I can look to my heavenly father; the only one who has never forsaken me. It is all I can do. When the world tells me to give up on love, the gentle voice of my Father whispers, don't give up, I will love you forever and be with you to the ends of the earth, always.
I know I have a long journey ahead of me to heal from where I never knew the love of an earthly father. But I will always remember that the love of my heavenly father is unfailing, sustaining, mysterious, and stronger than any love I will ever experience. It is the only truth I can hold on to.
Father, continue to show me your healing love, for I long to love you more.
Being Different for a Purpose
Many times I wonder about the concept of "fitting in." To me, I don't understand why a human being only feels complete when they fit into a certain crowd of people. But then I think about the concept of acceptance; everyone wants to be accepted by someone. Since the beginning, all the way in Genesis 3, we have had this empty lonely feeling and we are more than desperate to feel it up with something. That something isn't always a good thing. It could be friendships, romantic relationships, alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. Nevertheless, we pursue anything that seems filling, whether it is or not.
I've come to the realization, however, that none of these things will ever fill my heart's desire. Over the course of the past year, I have come to know the love of a beautiful Savior. In the midst of darkness I was living in, this man came to my rescue and loved me with a deep passionate love that no other could have ever loved me with. This love was so consuming that it redefined how I saw myself because my thoughts were consumed with the lies the devil had led me to believe.
I have learned many things about myself than I thought I could ever know, many of them being negative traits. Through this journey, God has led me to see the truth of who He has made me to be and how he is still transforming me. It has been a hard path but I know that God has changed the heart of one who never knew true, forgiving, transforming love. It is only because of this love that invites me to step out of the world and into His presence. When the world is calling me to be like it, my true love calls me to step out and be different.
I've come to the realization, however, that none of these things will ever fill my heart's desire. Over the course of the past year, I have come to know the love of a beautiful Savior. In the midst of darkness I was living in, this man came to my rescue and loved me with a deep passionate love that no other could have ever loved me with. This love was so consuming that it redefined how I saw myself because my thoughts were consumed with the lies the devil had led me to believe.
I have learned many things about myself than I thought I could ever know, many of them being negative traits. Through this journey, God has led me to see the truth of who He has made me to be and how he is still transforming me. It has been a hard path but I know that God has changed the heart of one who never knew true, forgiving, transforming love. It is only because of this love that invites me to step out of the world and into His presence. When the world is calling me to be like it, my true love calls me to step out and be different.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Are We Called to a Life of Suffering?
In 1 Peter 2:19-21 it says this: "For it is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
If you read the verses before this it is talking about servants submitting themselves to their masters. Yet, aren't we all servants of God? This then brings up the question of: Does that mean we are to suffer as His servants as well? When we look in scripture and at these verses specifically, the answer is clearly Yes. So why is it that many believe that we are not called to this very thing? Bruce Archer believes the reason is this: "The way I see it, most Christians in America have had a watered-down, distorted presentation of the gospel given to them in the first place. This watered-down gospel then produces watered-down living. This is a kind of living that seeks the prosperity and comfort of the new believer. The focus is all on what Jesus can do for me, or how I will benefit in this life by believing in Jesus."
Over the past year, I have learned that we are not called to live comfortable lives if we desire to be disciples of Christ. But something I've really been learning is that He has called us to suffer as well. If we look at Paul's example in Philippians, we read that he desired to suffer for the gospel: "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead (3:10-11)." If we were to look at the disciples in the book of Acts, we see much suffering, but also rejoicing from the suffering they endured! "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (5:41)." And the most important example is Jesus Christ himself, who suffered and was crucified to redeem our unworthy souls. In this, he set the example for us as it says in 1 Peter 2:21: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." I feel that this is a critical verse in the New Testament because the word "example", or ὑπογραμμὸν (hupogrammon) in Greek, is only used this one time. If it is only used one time throughout the New Testament, wouldn't it obviously be important? Christ not only suffered on the cross for us, but to set an example for us to follow.
It is also crucial for us to know that Christ did not call us to live a lukewarm life, but to deny ourselves and pick up our cross DAILY and follow him (Luke 9:23). It can be seen in Revelation how God truly feels about lukewarm Christians: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see (3:15-18)."
I don't want my life to be comfortable. When God calls us to go, He doesn't mean go only if you feel like it. He means: "Go. Now. Because I called you to go. I'm calling you into the darkness to suffer for my name. If you love me, you will rejoice in this. Rejoice in trials and temptations because I am making you into what I want you to be through perseverance. I am with you to the ends of the earth. You must remember, I am sending you out as sheep into a pack of ferocious wolves. But do not worry, for I am your shield. This way is the only way to me, to love me with a consuming fire. Now go and be my disciples."
If we do not go to all nations, how will they ever know?
If you read the verses before this it is talking about servants submitting themselves to their masters. Yet, aren't we all servants of God? This then brings up the question of: Does that mean we are to suffer as His servants as well? When we look in scripture and at these verses specifically, the answer is clearly Yes. So why is it that many believe that we are not called to this very thing? Bruce Archer believes the reason is this: "The way I see it, most Christians in America have had a watered-down, distorted presentation of the gospel given to them in the first place. This watered-down gospel then produces watered-down living. This is a kind of living that seeks the prosperity and comfort of the new believer. The focus is all on what Jesus can do for me, or how I will benefit in this life by believing in Jesus."
Over the past year, I have learned that we are not called to live comfortable lives if we desire to be disciples of Christ. But something I've really been learning is that He has called us to suffer as well. If we look at Paul's example in Philippians, we read that he desired to suffer for the gospel: "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead (3:10-11)." If we were to look at the disciples in the book of Acts, we see much suffering, but also rejoicing from the suffering they endured! "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (5:41)." And the most important example is Jesus Christ himself, who suffered and was crucified to redeem our unworthy souls. In this, he set the example for us as it says in 1 Peter 2:21: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." I feel that this is a critical verse in the New Testament because the word "example", or ὑπογραμμὸν (hupogrammon) in Greek, is only used this one time. If it is only used one time throughout the New Testament, wouldn't it obviously be important? Christ not only suffered on the cross for us, but to set an example for us to follow.
It is also crucial for us to know that Christ did not call us to live a lukewarm life, but to deny ourselves and pick up our cross DAILY and follow him (Luke 9:23). It can be seen in Revelation how God truly feels about lukewarm Christians: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see (3:15-18)."
I don't want my life to be comfortable. When God calls us to go, He doesn't mean go only if you feel like it. He means: "Go. Now. Because I called you to go. I'm calling you into the darkness to suffer for my name. If you love me, you will rejoice in this. Rejoice in trials and temptations because I am making you into what I want you to be through perseverance. I am with you to the ends of the earth. You must remember, I am sending you out as sheep into a pack of ferocious wolves. But do not worry, for I am your shield. This way is the only way to me, to love me with a consuming fire. Now go and be my disciples."
If we do not go to all nations, how will they ever know?
Tag, You're It
Early this morning as I was spending some time in prayer and just talking to God about life, I heard sirens going off everywhere - firetrucks, ambulances, and possibly even cop cars - downtown. As I was listening to them I started thinking about the love of God. So many times, we ourselves take God out of the picture of our life, whether we mean to or not. We get so wrapped up in busy schedules, people, or just pure laziness; we don't give God the time he desires of us. But listening to all of these sirens made me think about how God chases after us as long as it takes. Like those important vehicles, God doesn't let anything stand in the way of getting to where he needs to go. Whether He needs to move mountains, oceans, or even forests, He will get to His destination - He removes any obstacle that stands in His path. But when it comes to us, His creation, He removed the one obstacle that stood in the way of us and Him - sin.
Isaiah 59:2 says - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." When I first read this, it broke my heart because for God not to hear me because of my sins is the most terrifying thing to me. God is my everything but sin separates me from Him. But I remember this obstacle that stands in the way and how God removed it (no matter the cost) with the death of His only son - Jesus Christ. And unlike the old way, this was a one time sacrifice that covered all sin for eternity. That is the beauty in God's sacrificial love: to cover us forever in His blood.
Isaiah 59 goes on to say, "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord." The Redeemer being Jesus, came charging after us even in our unrighteousness because His love was too great. We can even see that in the very beginning of Genesis when God makes coverings for Adam and Even right after they had done exactly what He told them not to do.
"Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!" ~ Romans 5:9-11 (MSG)
This love is better than any earthly love we will ever come in contact with.
Isaiah 59:2 says - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." When I first read this, it broke my heart because for God not to hear me because of my sins is the most terrifying thing to me. God is my everything but sin separates me from Him. But I remember this obstacle that stands in the way and how God removed it (no matter the cost) with the death of His only son - Jesus Christ. And unlike the old way, this was a one time sacrifice that covered all sin for eternity. That is the beauty in God's sacrificial love: to cover us forever in His blood.
Isaiah 59 goes on to say, "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord." The Redeemer being Jesus, came charging after us even in our unrighteousness because His love was too great. We can even see that in the very beginning of Genesis when God makes coverings for Adam and Even right after they had done exactly what He told them not to do.
"Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!" ~ Romans 5:9-11 (MSG)
This love is better than any earthly love we will ever come in contact with.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
For Them
All I want to do is go. Go to all the nations and preach the gospel. To tell the world of the love that has transformed the inside of my entire soul; my entire being. My everything. From the inside out has the love of Christ transformed me. Redeemed me. I want the world to know of this love that never fails. Never compromises. Never gives up on you. With the brokenness surrounding, all I can think about is going.
I can not survive without the love of Christ. He tells me that I am beautiful and there is no flaw in me (Song of Songs 4:7); yet, I feel so imperfect. How could a God use someone like me, who is not pure but spotted with sin. But because of the redemption he gives me, I am spotless to Him. It is overwhelming the confidence and trust He has in me. When not one person believed in me, He did. Without doubt.
This brings me back to my first thought. All I want to do is go. I can't think of a better way to show this love than to go to this broken world. I think of all the people in my life that don't know Christ in this way, and I fear for them and hurt for them. To not know of a perfect love such as this is not fair to them. Everyone wants to be loved and only Christ can complete that love that everyone is searching for. If I hold out of telling this world of this ineffable love that fills my soul, then am I acting in love myself?
I have to go for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPwWX8MM3s
I can not survive without the love of Christ. He tells me that I am beautiful and there is no flaw in me (Song of Songs 4:7); yet, I feel so imperfect. How could a God use someone like me, who is not pure but spotted with sin. But because of the redemption he gives me, I am spotless to Him. It is overwhelming the confidence and trust He has in me. When not one person believed in me, He did. Without doubt.
This brings me back to my first thought. All I want to do is go. I can't think of a better way to show this love than to go to this broken world. I think of all the people in my life that don't know Christ in this way, and I fear for them and hurt for them. To not know of a perfect love such as this is not fair to them. Everyone wants to be loved and only Christ can complete that love that everyone is searching for. If I hold out of telling this world of this ineffable love that fills my soul, then am I acting in love myself?
I have to go for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPwWX8MM3s
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I Will Sing Over You Always
Early this morning as I was spending some time in prayer and just talking to God about life, I heard sirens start going off everywhere - firetrucks, ambulances, and possibly even cop cars - downtown. As I was listening to them I started thinking about the love of God. So many times, we ourselves take God out of the picture of our life, whether we mean to or not. We get so wrapped up in busy schedules, people, or just pure laziness; we don't give God the time he desires of us. But listening to all of these sirens made me think about how God chases after us as long as it takes. Like those important vehicles, God doesn't let anything stand in the way of getting to where he needs to go. Whether He needs to move mountains, oceans, or even forests, He will get to His destination - He removes any obstacle that stands in His path. But when it comes to us, His creation, He removed the one obstacle that stood in the way of us and Him - sin.
Isaiah 59:2 says - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." When I first read this, it broke my heart because for God not to hear me because of my sins is the most terrifying thing to me. God is my everything but sin separates me from Him. But I remember this obstacle that stands in the way and how God removed it (no matter the cost) with the death of His only son - Jesus Christ. Jeremiah even prophesied about this new covenant between God and man - "The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Jer. 31:31).
I can find peace in this, that although my sin once separated me from my true love, He removed the obstacle that stood in the way of this love blossoming. To say that God does not care is an understatement; He cared so much that He moved a mountain to stand in the valley - the valley of our hearts.
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
~ I can't think of anything more beautiful than a Mighty Warrior singing over His beloved child.
Isaiah 59:2 says - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." When I first read this, it broke my heart because for God not to hear me because of my sins is the most terrifying thing to me. God is my everything but sin separates me from Him. But I remember this obstacle that stands in the way and how God removed it (no matter the cost) with the death of His only son - Jesus Christ. Jeremiah even prophesied about this new covenant between God and man - "The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Jer. 31:31).
I can find peace in this, that although my sin once separated me from my true love, He removed the obstacle that stood in the way of this love blossoming. To say that God does not care is an understatement; He cared so much that He moved a mountain to stand in the valley - the valley of our hearts.
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
~ I can't think of anything more beautiful than a Mighty Warrior singing over His beloved child.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Most Beautiful Story
I was reading in 1 Timothy today and I became so overwhelmed with what I was reading. I came to chapter 1 verse 8-10 which says:
"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers. And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine."
At first I didn't really understand what this passage was saying because it was talking of the lawbreakers, which I feel is all of us. At this point, my mind was going crazy because I was just so overwhelmed and read it possibly 10 times to try and understand. I didn't understand what it meant when it was talking about the law in this sense. But as I started to look in other books throughout the new testament, I slowly began to realize what it was saying. I resorted mainly to Galatians and began to see a beautiful story unfold of the love God truly has for us. Here are some of the verses I read:
"The law is not based of faith; on the contrary, it says 'Whoever does these things will live by them.' Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit." Galatians 3:12-14
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:23-25
"So my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were controlled by our sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." Romans 7:4-6
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
"By calling this covenant 'new', he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear." Hebrews 8:13
After reading in Galatians and Romans, I was overwhelmed with the love of a mighty God. Because God sent his own son to become the curse for us, we are set free from the law that once bound us. We are not judged by the law but by our faith in Jesus Christ, and that is more than beautiful; that God would have more love than we could ever imagine for us. How can we not tell of this love? It is imperative that we tell this good news to the world; if not, they are still judged by the old law and they are hopeless without the saving power of a savior. We can't just sit around waiting for someone else to go and preach to the world, we must go ourselves. We need to share the love and freedom that Christ has given us with all nations because it is what he has called of us. But why wouldn't we want to share this to everyone anyway, especially if we know that they are condemned to the old law without the one who has saved us?
The love of Christ is the most beautiful love you could ever experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et00UNFDjVM
"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers. And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine."
At first I didn't really understand what this passage was saying because it was talking of the lawbreakers, which I feel is all of us. At this point, my mind was going crazy because I was just so overwhelmed and read it possibly 10 times to try and understand. I didn't understand what it meant when it was talking about the law in this sense. But as I started to look in other books throughout the new testament, I slowly began to realize what it was saying. I resorted mainly to Galatians and began to see a beautiful story unfold of the love God truly has for us. Here are some of the verses I read:
"The law is not based of faith; on the contrary, it says 'Whoever does these things will live by them.' Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Holy Spirit." Galatians 3:12-14
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:23-25
"So my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were controlled by our sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." Romans 7:4-6
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
"By calling this covenant 'new', he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear." Hebrews 8:13
After reading in Galatians and Romans, I was overwhelmed with the love of a mighty God. Because God sent his own son to become the curse for us, we are set free from the law that once bound us. We are not judged by the law but by our faith in Jesus Christ, and that is more than beautiful; that God would have more love than we could ever imagine for us. How can we not tell of this love? It is imperative that we tell this good news to the world; if not, they are still judged by the old law and they are hopeless without the saving power of a savior. We can't just sit around waiting for someone else to go and preach to the world, we must go ourselves. We need to share the love and freedom that Christ has given us with all nations because it is what he has called of us. But why wouldn't we want to share this to everyone anyway, especially if we know that they are condemned to the old law without the one who has saved us?
The love of Christ is the most beautiful love you could ever experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et00UNFDjVM
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The "Gospel" Life
Earlier tonight, I was studying Galatians Chapter 1 with a good friend of mine. This chapter talks about how we have strayed from the true gospel and about Paul's conversion. As we were studying, it really hit us hard how we are not living the life of the gospel. How can we say we believe in something, but not live it out? If we believe something shouldn't we be proving it? When we look at the scripture, it says:
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let that person be under God's curse!" (vs. 6-8)
When I read these verses it makes me cringe because we have strayed so far from what the gospel is really saying. Instead of seeking what the bible says, we have allowed the world to preach a fake gospel. We have become confused ourselves, which makes me cringe even more because without the counsel of God himself, we are teaching a gospel that is not only throwing ourselves, but others into confusion. I think we have made the gospel way too comfortable and painted this pretty picture of what following Jesus looks like. But when we search the scriptures, we see Jesus and his disciples being persecuted, beaten, and even killed. Looking at Luke 9:57-62 it sounds as if Jesus is talking people out of following him because he knows that following him is a hard road. But he also promises that whoever loses their life for his sake will save it (Luke 9:24).
I guess what I'm trying to say is are we preaching a watered down version of the gospel so that we can please people, or are we more focused on what God thinks? We have become a people who is more about pleasing someone than pleasing the King himself. We have a tendency to fear what man thinks over what God thinks. We may not think that, but our actions say otherwise. Why would we, or anyone, change what the Bible says to accomadate what people want to hear? To please people. Paul directly faces this issue in verse 10: " Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
What gospel are we preaching to those who don't know the gospel at all? Are we telling them the entire truth, or are we covering some of the truth up, leaving them blinded when they discover the real truth...
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let that person be under God's curse!" (vs. 6-8)
When I read these verses it makes me cringe because we have strayed so far from what the gospel is really saying. Instead of seeking what the bible says, we have allowed the world to preach a fake gospel. We have become confused ourselves, which makes me cringe even more because without the counsel of God himself, we are teaching a gospel that is not only throwing ourselves, but others into confusion. I think we have made the gospel way too comfortable and painted this pretty picture of what following Jesus looks like. But when we search the scriptures, we see Jesus and his disciples being persecuted, beaten, and even killed. Looking at Luke 9:57-62 it sounds as if Jesus is talking people out of following him because he knows that following him is a hard road. But he also promises that whoever loses their life for his sake will save it (Luke 9:24).
I guess what I'm trying to say is are we preaching a watered down version of the gospel so that we can please people, or are we more focused on what God thinks? We have become a people who is more about pleasing someone than pleasing the King himself. We have a tendency to fear what man thinks over what God thinks. We may not think that, but our actions say otherwise. Why would we, or anyone, change what the Bible says to accomadate what people want to hear? To please people. Paul directly faces this issue in verse 10: " Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
What gospel are we preaching to those who don't know the gospel at all? Are we telling them the entire truth, or are we covering some of the truth up, leaving them blinded when they discover the real truth...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Cost of Discipleship
The past few weeks, I have been hit extremely hard by the passage Luke 14:25-35:
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
So many people ignore this passage or just skim over it and never devote their lives to this "concept." But isn't this what Jesus commanded us to do? To give up everything to follow him? My mind has been consumed with what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are we really living that life - the life that Jesus has commanded us to live if we are to follow him. Are we giving up everything to go and preach the gospel to those who are unreached, who have no freedom in Christ? How is it that we just sit and wait for others to do the "dirty" work, yet call ourselves disciples? How is it, with so many unreached peoples, that so few Christians are going?
Jesus calls us to abandon our comforts and all that is familiar to us and natural to us. I mean look at Mark 10:17-31. A young man wants to follow Jesus but he cannot give up the things that hold him back and distract him in life, such as all the possessions that he values so highly. Jesus ends up telling this man to "Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." (vs. 21) I don't think Jesus meant this literally, to sell everything, but he did want the young rich man to give up what was holding him back from following the Son of God. Jesus wasn't trying to strip this man of all his pleasure but offering him eternal treasure. He was saying that "This is better, not just for the poor, but for you as well, when you abandon the stuff you are holding on to."
I guess what consumes my mind is do we really believe that Jesus Christ is worth abandoning everything for? Our wants, desires, and even our lives? What does being a disciple really mean to us these days? Does it mean anything...or everything? Have we found something worth losing everything else for? Being a disciple of the one who calls us means believing in him enough to obey and follow him where he leads, even when the crowds turn the other way...
"But I want to know him. I want to experience him. I want to be part of a people who delight in him like the brothers and sisters in underground Asia who have nothing but him. And I want to be part of a people who are risking it all for him."
~ Radical by David Platt
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
So many people ignore this passage or just skim over it and never devote their lives to this "concept." But isn't this what Jesus commanded us to do? To give up everything to follow him? My mind has been consumed with what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are we really living that life - the life that Jesus has commanded us to live if we are to follow him. Are we giving up everything to go and preach the gospel to those who are unreached, who have no freedom in Christ? How is it that we just sit and wait for others to do the "dirty" work, yet call ourselves disciples? How is it, with so many unreached peoples, that so few Christians are going?
Jesus calls us to abandon our comforts and all that is familiar to us and natural to us. I mean look at Mark 10:17-31. A young man wants to follow Jesus but he cannot give up the things that hold him back and distract him in life, such as all the possessions that he values so highly. Jesus ends up telling this man to "Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." (vs. 21) I don't think Jesus meant this literally, to sell everything, but he did want the young rich man to give up what was holding him back from following the Son of God. Jesus wasn't trying to strip this man of all his pleasure but offering him eternal treasure. He was saying that "This is better, not just for the poor, but for you as well, when you abandon the stuff you are holding on to."
I guess what consumes my mind is do we really believe that Jesus Christ is worth abandoning everything for? Our wants, desires, and even our lives? What does being a disciple really mean to us these days? Does it mean anything...or everything? Have we found something worth losing everything else for? Being a disciple of the one who calls us means believing in him enough to obey and follow him where he leads, even when the crowds turn the other way...
"But I want to know him. I want to experience him. I want to be part of a people who delight in him like the brothers and sisters in underground Asia who have nothing but him. And I want to be part of a people who are risking it all for him."
~ Radical by David Platt
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Can I be Your Disciple Jesus?
What does it mean to truly loose your life? To give up everything for the sake of the Kingdom? To hand over everything you've ever wanted in life for something greater than you can imagine? To be a disciple. When we say we are "Christians" are we really saying.. I hate life itself; that I'm going to give up everything to follow Jesus Christ? I'm slowly beginning to realize just how deep these questions really are. In Luke 14:26-27, Jesus states "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children brothers and sisters - yes even life itself- such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Wow. To hate even life itself? Don't get me wrong, this world and life can be fun at times, but underneath it all we are just searching for something real - the living water: Jesus Christ. "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." (John 4:13-14) Jesus clearly states that this living water is so much more fulfilling than what the world can offer us. Yet, and so many times this part is left out, when we come to this place of need at the well of living water that Jesus offers us, why are we surprised that God asks something of us also? He clearly tells us that we must carry our cross daily, not just on Sundays (and I speak to myself also). He goes on in Luke 13:33 that "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything cannot be my disciples." This almost pains me to even read: that if we aren't willing to give up what we want, when He gave up life for us, we absolutely cannot follow Him. Is it really our heart's desire to follow Him, or follow ourselves into an unfulfillable life?
~ "Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
~ "Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Monday, April 25, 2011
To the Love of My Life
My beloved,
You are more than beautiful. Words could never describe how much you mean to me. You are worth more than life itself. I want to give you my everything without holding nothing back. You are the most precious thing to me and I would literally die for you. When you see ugly, I see beauty. When you see imperfection, I see perfection. When you see brokeness, I see radiance. How beautiful you are my darling, there is no flaw in you. You are the bride and I am the bridegroom. My love for you ascends over any earthly love and it is all for you my love. You have stolen my heart. Let me hold you when the tears cease to flow from your eyes. When you can't sing songs to me because your heart is too weak, let me sing to you. When the weight of the world is sitting on your shoulders, let me lift you from under it and carry the weight for you. I am merciful and would never abandon you; I will always come running after you. Never worry about anything because I will prove myself worthy of your trust, just give me the chance. Let me love you like no other could ever love you. But even when you can't find the strength to prove your love for me, I will lay down my life just so you will know that you are a treasured jewel in my hands.
I love you more than life itself,
Jesus
You are more than beautiful. Words could never describe how much you mean to me. You are worth more than life itself. I want to give you my everything without holding nothing back. You are the most precious thing to me and I would literally die for you. When you see ugly, I see beauty. When you see imperfection, I see perfection. When you see brokeness, I see radiance. How beautiful you are my darling, there is no flaw in you. You are the bride and I am the bridegroom. My love for you ascends over any earthly love and it is all for you my love. You have stolen my heart. Let me hold you when the tears cease to flow from your eyes. When you can't sing songs to me because your heart is too weak, let me sing to you. When the weight of the world is sitting on your shoulders, let me lift you from under it and carry the weight for you. I am merciful and would never abandon you; I will always come running after you. Never worry about anything because I will prove myself worthy of your trust, just give me the chance. Let me love you like no other could ever love you. But even when you can't find the strength to prove your love for me, I will lay down my life just so you will know that you are a treasured jewel in my hands.
I love you more than life itself,
Jesus
Monday, April 11, 2011
New Life ♥
This morning as I was reading in Romans 6, I was so amazed by what it was saying.
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." (4-7)
Because Christ died for us, we have new life. It completely blows my mind that we can be made new and changed into something beautiful through this redemption. We were once in slavery of sin but because Jesus Christ gave His one and only life, we are dead to the sin that once controlled us. That is mind blowing! I guess the one thing that gets to me is how Jesus saw us worth His life - that we were more important than life itself. That His love is better than living. Even though we mess up so horribly sometimes, God wants us to have new life. We, myself included, have to remember that we are dead to sin since we have been raised up into new life with Christ.
~ "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." (4-7)
Because Christ died for us, we have new life. It completely blows my mind that we can be made new and changed into something beautiful through this redemption. We were once in slavery of sin but because Jesus Christ gave His one and only life, we are dead to the sin that once controlled us. That is mind blowing! I guess the one thing that gets to me is how Jesus saw us worth His life - that we were more important than life itself. That His love is better than living. Even though we mess up so horribly sometimes, God wants us to have new life. We, myself included, have to remember that we are dead to sin since we have been raised up into new life with Christ.
~ "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Have You Ever Wanted?
Have you ever wanted to just the hand of Jesus on your shoulder whispering in your ear "It's ok, I love you."? Sometimes we feel that noone really cares about what we're going through yet the Father of love cares so deeply for us and we forget that so many times. I know I've forgotten that these past few weeks. At our weakest, God is His strongest. We look for something more in this world but with the sweet love of Jesus, what else do we really need? In His sight, we are the most beautiful thing and He sees perfection in us when we so miserably fail at everything it seems. I mean who else can we say would give up their lives for us and actually do it? God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. He never gives up on us because He wants us back. Beloved, let the fact of what our Lord suffered for you grip you, and you will never again be the same ♥
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion, therfore I will wait for Him.'" ~ Lamentations 3:22-24
"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Beautiful: Shawn Mcdonald"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIS1O02t_cU
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion, therfore I will wait for Him.'" ~ Lamentations 3:22-24
"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Beautiful: Shawn Mcdonald"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIS1O02t_cU
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