Check out Colossians 2:5. "For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is."
Paul was excited not only to see how solid their faith was, but to see their orderliness. Now, when I think of orderly, I think of clean rooms, tidy kitchens, organized garages, filing cabinets, and manila folders. Is that what Paul means? Is he planning on doing the "white glove" dust check on their furniture? hmmm...probably not. But, let's look at the same verse in a different translation- "...rejoicing to see your GOOD DISCIPLINE and the stability of your faith in Christ." (NASB) The Christian life if full of disciplines... of Bible study, Scripture memorization, church accountability, prayer, ...but I also believe that disciplines can be specific to individuals. For example, how orderly am I in my music ministry? How disciplined am I to make my home a place where guests can feel free to visit...anytime? How orderly am I with the money God has given me through my job?
Orderliness was on the top of Paul's list...is it on the top of ours?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lessons from Jonah
The other day, a friend at the YMCA mentioned one of her favorite verses to me- Jonah 2:8. Now, I’ve read Jonah several times before, but I have never really camped out on this verse in particular. But, as I read and reread this passage, the Lord opened my eyes to new things in the entire chapter.
I’d like to share the two main things God really impressed upon my heart:
1. Your physical circumstances don’t dictate your spiritual deliverance
The context of Jonah 2 finds Jonah in the belly of a big whale. Not quite the picture of deliverance. However, because Jonah knows in Whom his help is found (2:1, 4, 7), he finds a supernatural peace and freedom. “…But You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God” (2:6b). Notice the past tense verb…Jonah acknowledged that God already rescued him…from his physical circumstances? No. But spiritually? Yes. Our deliverance might not necessarily look the way the world envisions it to take place. God works in mysterious ways!
2. Worshipping worthless idols can cause you to miss out on God’s grace
Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” In disobeying his call to go to Nineveh, Jonah clung to the idol of self-comfort. Because of that choice, he gave up the opportunity to be blessed by God’s grace. How many times do I forfeit His grace? How many times do I cling to the idol of people-pleasing, or self-comfort, or materialism, and in turn, miss out on all of the many blessings the Lord wants to bestow on me? Or how often do I make my life’s circumstances more difficult because of my own choices to worship another god? God freely gives His grace, so let us not choose to forfeit such a wonderful gift.
I’d like to share the two main things God really impressed upon my heart:
1. Your physical circumstances don’t dictate your spiritual deliverance
The context of Jonah 2 finds Jonah in the belly of a big whale. Not quite the picture of deliverance. However, because Jonah knows in Whom his help is found (2:1, 4, 7), he finds a supernatural peace and freedom. “…But You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God” (2:6b). Notice the past tense verb…Jonah acknowledged that God already rescued him…from his physical circumstances? No. But spiritually? Yes. Our deliverance might not necessarily look the way the world envisions it to take place. God works in mysterious ways!
2. Worshipping worthless idols can cause you to miss out on God’s grace
Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” In disobeying his call to go to Nineveh, Jonah clung to the idol of self-comfort. Because of that choice, he gave up the opportunity to be blessed by God’s grace. How many times do I forfeit His grace? How many times do I cling to the idol of people-pleasing, or self-comfort, or materialism, and in turn, miss out on all of the many blessings the Lord wants to bestow on me? Or how often do I make my life’s circumstances more difficult because of my own choices to worship another god? God freely gives His grace, so let us not choose to forfeit such a wonderful gift.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Jumping out of the Boat...Again...
Now, I'm not a fan of canoe trips, white water rafting, or deep sea fishing...(just ask me about my bamboo rafting experience in Thailand)...so, jumping out of a boat doesn't appeal to me. However, if I was in Peter's shoes, I hope that I would dive in and take the plunge! It seemed like Peter made a habit of jumping out of boats...all for the right reasons, though.
You may be familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:25-32). As the disciples in the boat were trying to figure out who or what was walking on the water, Peter boldly said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Then, Jesus said, "Come." So, what did Peter do? He took the plunge! He wanted to join Jesus wherever, whenever, however! In verse 29 it says, "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." He had faith that it was Jesus...he had faith that his Lord would help him.
Well, this was not the only time Peter jumped out...in John 21, we can read of another instance where he took the plunge again. However, this time the story takes place in a completely different context. It was after Jesus' resurrection...which also means that Peter had already denied Jesus three times. I don't know about you, but at that point, I would be feeling extremely guilty, remorseful, and ashamed. It might be hard to even face the Lord after I denied him multiple times. But, check out Peter's response... some of the disciples were out fishing when Jesus came walking on the shore. At first, they didn't recognize Him, but once their eyes were opened, Peter took the plunge! He immediately jumped into the water after His Lord. Peter, again, displayed his faith in the Lord Jesus- he knew of His forgiveness, His cleansing power, and the restoration that could only come through Him. Peter jumped out of the boat...again...to be with Jesus. (BTW- check out the rest of John 21 to see how Christ reinstated and restored Peter)
What about us? Do we trust Christ enough that we would step out onto scary territory- even out of our comfort zones? Do we trust in His cleansing power- that despite what we have done in our pasts, Christ welcomes us with open, loving arms? Do we approach Him boldly in our prayers when we need grace and mercy? (Hebrews 4:16)
You ready to jump? He is there...waiting on us to take the plunge!
You may be familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:25-32). As the disciples in the boat were trying to figure out who or what was walking on the water, Peter boldly said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Then, Jesus said, "Come." So, what did Peter do? He took the plunge! He wanted to join Jesus wherever, whenever, however! In verse 29 it says, "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." He had faith that it was Jesus...he had faith that his Lord would help him.
Well, this was not the only time Peter jumped out...in John 21, we can read of another instance where he took the plunge again. However, this time the story takes place in a completely different context. It was after Jesus' resurrection...which also means that Peter had already denied Jesus three times. I don't know about you, but at that point, I would be feeling extremely guilty, remorseful, and ashamed. It might be hard to even face the Lord after I denied him multiple times. But, check out Peter's response... some of the disciples were out fishing when Jesus came walking on the shore. At first, they didn't recognize Him, but once their eyes were opened, Peter took the plunge! He immediately jumped into the water after His Lord. Peter, again, displayed his faith in the Lord Jesus- he knew of His forgiveness, His cleansing power, and the restoration that could only come through Him. Peter jumped out of the boat...again...to be with Jesus. (BTW- check out the rest of John 21 to see how Christ reinstated and restored Peter)
What about us? Do we trust Christ enough that we would step out onto scary territory- even out of our comfort zones? Do we trust in His cleansing power- that despite what we have done in our pasts, Christ welcomes us with open, loving arms? Do we approach Him boldly in our prayers when we need grace and mercy? (Hebrews 4:16)
You ready to jump? He is there...waiting on us to take the plunge!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A 21st century P31 woman
"A wife of noble character who can find?...Her husband has full confidence in her...she brings him good, not harm...she works with eager hands...she gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family...she sets about her work vigorously...her arms are strong for her tasks...she extends her hands to the needy...she is clothed with strength and dignity...she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue...she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness...give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (excerpts from Proverbs 31:10-31)
This past weekend, I had the blessing of spending time with some of my relatives. I truly enjoyed the chance to be with them and spend time with my dear cousin. While I was there and even after I left, God has challenged me through the life of my aunt. I love my aunt- she is an amazing woman! I don't think I can truly nail down all of my thoughts in a blog entry, but I am going to try to give you a little piece of the challenge that's in my heart as a young woman.
When I was thinking of my aunt, Proverbs 31 immediately popped into my head. As I opened the text and began to read, her name jumped off the pages. After I left their house on Saturday night, one word continually stayed in my mind about my aunt- "selfless". Her life has not been absent of trials. She has been through extremely difficult times...circumstances to which I really don't know how I would respond. But, she ALWAYS has a positive outlook and a smile for those in need. It's not fake- or a mask she wears to hide her true feelings- no...she's real. Her joy comes from the Lord- her peace- her selflessness- her kindness- it's hard to describe in words such a beautiful woman. My aunt is always looking out for others...but not grudgingly or in expectance of something in return. No, she serves others because she truly loves people. And, she sees each individual for who he or she is- a wonderful creation of a GREAT GOD! (Psalm 139) In the midst of hardships, struggles, and arrows, my aunt rises above because she knows Who holds her in the palm of His Hands. Oh, thank You, Lord, for giving me such a beautiful example to follow. In following Proverbs 31:31, I want to praise my aunt at the city gate! Well, I don't really have a city gate- but, I can shout it from a blog! Thank you, Annie- I love you forever.
This past weekend, I had the blessing of spending time with some of my relatives. I truly enjoyed the chance to be with them and spend time with my dear cousin. While I was there and even after I left, God has challenged me through the life of my aunt. I love my aunt- she is an amazing woman! I don't think I can truly nail down all of my thoughts in a blog entry, but I am going to try to give you a little piece of the challenge that's in my heart as a young woman.
When I was thinking of my aunt, Proverbs 31 immediately popped into my head. As I opened the text and began to read, her name jumped off the pages. After I left their house on Saturday night, one word continually stayed in my mind about my aunt- "selfless". Her life has not been absent of trials. She has been through extremely difficult times...circumstances to which I really don't know how I would respond. But, she ALWAYS has a positive outlook and a smile for those in need. It's not fake- or a mask she wears to hide her true feelings- no...she's real. Her joy comes from the Lord- her peace- her selflessness- her kindness- it's hard to describe in words such a beautiful woman. My aunt is always looking out for others...but not grudgingly or in expectance of something in return. No, she serves others because she truly loves people. And, she sees each individual for who he or she is- a wonderful creation of a GREAT GOD! (Psalm 139) In the midst of hardships, struggles, and arrows, my aunt rises above because she knows Who holds her in the palm of His Hands. Oh, thank You, Lord, for giving me such a beautiful example to follow. In following Proverbs 31:31, I want to praise my aunt at the city gate! Well, I don't really have a city gate- but, I can shout it from a blog! Thank you, Annie- I love you forever.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Memorizing Memories
Just the other day, I was listening to the song, "Your Love is Deep"- a song that is based on Romans 8:38-39, "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."
A beautiful passage...one that I have committed to memory. Then, I started thinking back of when I memorized it. Now, my memory is definitely not in the "stellar" category- so, what are the chances that I would remember the time and place this Scripture memorization actually occurred? But, surprisingly, I did. As I sat in my car, I started thinking back on the day that I put Romans 8:38-39 in my heart. I could see it clearly in my head...
We were in the backyard of our little ranch house in Ohio...it was a sunny, spring afternoon...we created motions to help us learn the verses...I was in the middle of my high school career...he was a youth leader in our church...wait...he? You may be asking, "Who is 'he'?" That "he" is very significant to this story. I believe he is a big reason why this memorization memory is so embedded in my mind. That "he" is my dad. My dad didn't just tell me to learn Scripture, he didn't just encourage me, he memorized it WITH me. I smile thinking of the quizzes we gave each other, the hand motions we made up to correspond with each word, and his "high 5" after I quoted it perfectly. My dad not only helped me learn a passage about God's unconditional love, he helped me see a glimpse of it.
I want to make more of those memorization memories...who can I encourage? Who can I "high 5"? We all have opportunities to invest in people...let's step out and make a memory...for eternity.
A beautiful passage...one that I have committed to memory. Then, I started thinking back of when I memorized it. Now, my memory is definitely not in the "stellar" category- so, what are the chances that I would remember the time and place this Scripture memorization actually occurred? But, surprisingly, I did. As I sat in my car, I started thinking back on the day that I put Romans 8:38-39 in my heart. I could see it clearly in my head...
We were in the backyard of our little ranch house in Ohio...it was a sunny, spring afternoon...we created motions to help us learn the verses...I was in the middle of my high school career...he was a youth leader in our church...wait...he? You may be asking, "Who is 'he'?" That "he" is very significant to this story. I believe he is a big reason why this memorization memory is so embedded in my mind. That "he" is my dad. My dad didn't just tell me to learn Scripture, he didn't just encourage me, he memorized it WITH me. I smile thinking of the quizzes we gave each other, the hand motions we made up to correspond with each word, and his "high 5" after I quoted it perfectly. My dad not only helped me learn a passage about God's unconditional love, he helped me see a glimpse of it.
I want to make more of those memorization memories...who can I encourage? Who can I "high 5"? We all have opportunities to invest in people...let's step out and make a memory...for eternity.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Name calling
Good looking. Popular. Loser. Rich girl. Snob. Sweet. Shy. Moody (not to be confused with Mr. D.L. Moody). Mean. Smart. The world calls people all sorts of different names. Some good...others not so good. But, our God also calls us names...GOOD names. His words are forever...they give us eternal worth. In Isaiah 62, God calls His children by various names. One of them, in particular, intrigued me..."Hephzibah" (vs. 4). It means, "My delight is in her". Wow! Our Creator God delights in us!!! Check out the other names in this passage (vs. 12):
-Holy People
-Redeemed of the Lord
-Sought After
-City No Longer Deserted
As a woman, I think my favorite name is "Sought After". Let's be honest, every woman wants to be sought after. She wants to feel that she is valued and loved. God knows that about us- He is well aware of our feelings, our emotions, and our needs. Because of that He assures us, "Daughter, you are sought after by Me- no one else can possibly care for you and love you the way I do. You are mine."
So, the next time someone asks you, "What's your name?" or "What do they call you?" Go ahead- tell them you are "Redeemed of the Lord" and "Sought after"...by an eternal God!
Thank You, Lord!
-Holy People
-Redeemed of the Lord
-Sought After
-City No Longer Deserted
As a woman, I think my favorite name is "Sought After". Let's be honest, every woman wants to be sought after. She wants to feel that she is valued and loved. God knows that about us- He is well aware of our feelings, our emotions, and our needs. Because of that He assures us, "Daughter, you are sought after by Me- no one else can possibly care for you and love you the way I do. You are mine."
So, the next time someone asks you, "What's your name?" or "What do they call you?" Go ahead- tell them you are "Redeemed of the Lord" and "Sought after"...by an eternal God!
Thank You, Lord!
Friday, April 18, 2008
"Worth the Struggle"
"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally." (Colossians 2:1)
I know in college I was a professional at speed-reading...you know, when you have 3 books to read in one night (slight exaggeration) you gotta fasten your seatbelt and put on the speed! But, in our Bible study, I believe that each sentence, in fact, each WORD is important. God's Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)- every single word! So, don't skim the surface...dig deep! I camped out on Colossians 2:1 yesterday and stayed there for quite a while. There are many truths crammed in those 26 words...let's dig in...
*Struggling for YOU
Paul tells the Colossians that he is struggling to get rich and popular...right? Uh...no. Paul testifies that he is struggling for PEOPLE, so that he might present to them the Word of God in its fullness (Colossians 2:25). He invested in others...eternal souls. Even though it was a struggle at times (btw- ministry can be hard), he knew it was worth the struggle.
*Struggling for those at Laodicea
Remember reading about the Laodiceans in Revelation? This is what was said about these folks: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are luke-warm- 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." (Revelation 4:15-17) So, why did Paul struggle for these people? After all, their priorities seemed out of whack, and they didn't even realize their need for a Savior. He struggled for them because it was worth it...they were people/eternal souls, and he knew his mission. It's hard to minister to folks who don't care about what you are saying, to those that care more about the things of this world than the message in Scripture, to people who don't grasp the big picture yet...sometimes it feels like it would be easier to give up...but, don't! God has called you to share His Word with them- not to save them...GOD is the Savior.
*Struggling "for all who have not met me personally"
Paul invested in people...even if he he didn't know them personally...he still struggled for them. Now, in our minds, it makes sense to struggle for someone you know deeply- for a close friend, a relative, or someone you respect. But for someone you haven't even met? Wow...that's love...God's love.
So...what or WHO are we struggling for? Our struggles may not be identical to Paul's, but we can have the same purpose...to invest in PEOPLE for the glory of God.
I know in college I was a professional at speed-reading...you know, when you have 3 books to read in one night (slight exaggeration) you gotta fasten your seatbelt and put on the speed! But, in our Bible study, I believe that each sentence, in fact, each WORD is important. God's Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)- every single word! So, don't skim the surface...dig deep! I camped out on Colossians 2:1 yesterday and stayed there for quite a while. There are many truths crammed in those 26 words...let's dig in...
*Struggling for YOU
Paul tells the Colossians that he is struggling to get rich and popular...right? Uh...no. Paul testifies that he is struggling for PEOPLE, so that he might present to them the Word of God in its fullness (Colossians 2:25). He invested in others...eternal souls. Even though it was a struggle at times (btw- ministry can be hard), he knew it was worth the struggle.
*Struggling for those at Laodicea
Remember reading about the Laodiceans in Revelation? This is what was said about these folks: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are luke-warm- 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." (Revelation 4:15-17) So, why did Paul struggle for these people? After all, their priorities seemed out of whack, and they didn't even realize their need for a Savior. He struggled for them because it was worth it...they were people/eternal souls, and he knew his mission. It's hard to minister to folks who don't care about what you are saying, to those that care more about the things of this world than the message in Scripture, to people who don't grasp the big picture yet...sometimes it feels like it would be easier to give up...but, don't! God has called you to share His Word with them- not to save them...GOD is the Savior.
*Struggling "for all who have not met me personally"
Paul invested in people...even if he he didn't know them personally...he still struggled for them. Now, in our minds, it makes sense to struggle for someone you know deeply- for a close friend, a relative, or someone you respect. But for someone you haven't even met? Wow...that's love...God's love.
So...what or WHO are we struggling for? Our struggles may not be identical to Paul's, but we can have the same purpose...to invest in PEOPLE for the glory of God.
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