Good morning, dear friends!
Just wanted to post something briefly to start off your week. I've been thinking about how I can try to use this time of "singleness" to the fullest, being challenged to serve and minister to others for two reasons, one: because I love Christ and the Church, two: because I know it is how God intended us to live as a Body, how we grow and are sanctified, and how I learn to turn to the focus on loving God and others more than self.
The passage I was reading this morning focuses on John 15:8 - "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." Ryle says this - "the point is not what a man should do to be saved but what ought a saved man to do."
What is the meaning of bearing fruit? What is the meaning of doing good works?
I'll leave this exercise to you, for your personal study, as we think about and reflect upon how we can and should be "doing" more for the glory of the Lord.
We were created in His image, work is part of God's design, and as Pastor John says, the curse only changed the nature of work, that work was never the punishment, but something given to man to do, something that God did/modeled for us through creation and still does through providence, etc. God works!
I often revisit the lists in Gal. 5:16-24, to see how my life reflects more of the latter than the former. How am I living by the Spirit? Would people describe me as bearing good fruit as the result of what I say I profess?
I pray that you are all fighting the good fight, struggling and battling against the flesh, all for the glory of our Lord.
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Are we too comfortable?
Dear friends,
It's the day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Black Friday. For many years, I would be amongst the crazy holiday shoppers, sifting through the advertisements to plan out the best way to hit all the stores for the best deals, especially in electronics...those days are gone with the advent of internet shopping and my realization that time and rest are becoming higher priorities, scarcer commodities.
As many of you know, I've looked and waited 18 months, for a full-time job and the Lord has been gracious to provide. He is always faithful! However, the routine and things I was used to, waking up, enjoying breakfast, going to the gym, having prolonged time in the Word, are now very much different as I join millions of others in the world of Work. I see how much I like taking in the morning slowly, with ease, and doing the things that make me most happy and calm.
With that, I've stumbled across a theme in my life, am I getting too comfortable with the way things are or how I wish them to be? Being loved, feeling warmth, freedom from pain, noise, obnoxious smells, having financial security, peace/hope and knowledge of a great future including spouse and family.
I was reading a passage in Matt. 4 about not living by bread alone...and I stopped to reflect on how much I hate the feeling of hunger and how much my life can be somewhat dominated by that. I asked the Lord to reveal what other idols had taken hold. I'm still so consumed with "me", tired of waiting, of traffic, of being inconvenienced or annoyed by others...in a way that is both sad and humbling...why is it that this selfishness still lies within?
And yet, it's all quite paradoxical, because this is not our home, and the Lord is faithful to keep us "unsatisfied" in many senses (not to be confused with discontentment), and I pray that He continues to make me uncomfortable because it is for my own good. So ask yourself the hard questions, about when you last assessed your spiritual condition, what you're doing to love the Lord and others more...that it's not about you and what makes you comfortable, but how you're serving in a selfless and sacrificial way because it's Sanctifying for your soul!
I know I have to keep working on it, put off, AND put on. It's like J.C. Ryle says, not moral living but living in the Spirit. I pray that you are all well. I will try to be better at blogging more regularly. :)
Grace and peace to you.
It's the day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Black Friday. For many years, I would be amongst the crazy holiday shoppers, sifting through the advertisements to plan out the best way to hit all the stores for the best deals, especially in electronics...those days are gone with the advent of internet shopping and my realization that time and rest are becoming higher priorities, scarcer commodities.
As many of you know, I've looked and waited 18 months, for a full-time job and the Lord has been gracious to provide. He is always faithful! However, the routine and things I was used to, waking up, enjoying breakfast, going to the gym, having prolonged time in the Word, are now very much different as I join millions of others in the world of Work. I see how much I like taking in the morning slowly, with ease, and doing the things that make me most happy and calm.
With that, I've stumbled across a theme in my life, am I getting too comfortable with the way things are or how I wish them to be? Being loved, feeling warmth, freedom from pain, noise, obnoxious smells, having financial security, peace/hope and knowledge of a great future including spouse and family.
I was reading a passage in Matt. 4 about not living by bread alone...and I stopped to reflect on how much I hate the feeling of hunger and how much my life can be somewhat dominated by that. I asked the Lord to reveal what other idols had taken hold. I'm still so consumed with "me", tired of waiting, of traffic, of being inconvenienced or annoyed by others...in a way that is both sad and humbling...why is it that this selfishness still lies within?
And yet, it's all quite paradoxical, because this is not our home, and the Lord is faithful to keep us "unsatisfied" in many senses (not to be confused with discontentment), and I pray that He continues to make me uncomfortable because it is for my own good. So ask yourself the hard questions, about when you last assessed your spiritual condition, what you're doing to love the Lord and others more...that it's not about you and what makes you comfortable, but how you're serving in a selfless and sacrificial way because it's Sanctifying for your soul!
I know I have to keep working on it, put off, AND put on. It's like J.C. Ryle says, not moral living but living in the Spirit. I pray that you are all well. I will try to be better at blogging more regularly. :)
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Surrender is sweet
Dear friends and family,
I've been spending a lot of time at home lately...well, a lot of time in bed actually, since I've needed a lot of rest to recover from this sinus infection/cold I caught last week.
And it's always in these times of vulnerability, especially through physical and/or emotional brokenness, that I realize how much I must continue to seek God for His grace to sustain me.
So needless to say, I have had more time to read, reflect, and meditate, to pray through things that I've continued to struggle with.
And the lesson is, that God, in His sovereign ways, is teaching me more about surrender.
What does that really mean?
I think it's a complete end to myself. I think it's being humbled...and being stripped of my pride and any thought that I could be self-sufficient. I think it's telling God that my life is in His hands, that He can use me however He pleases, that I cannot and will not complain but will allow whatever circumstances to shape me into how He sees fit. I think it's trusting that everything that's happening, what I'm feeling is what is best for me right now. And I think it's asking the Lord to search my heart more, to reveal ways that I can continue to daily let go of "control" and let Christ reign as King of my life.
And beloved, surrender to the Lord is sweet indeed. :)
Grace and peace to you.
I've been spending a lot of time at home lately...well, a lot of time in bed actually, since I've needed a lot of rest to recover from this sinus infection/cold I caught last week.
And it's always in these times of vulnerability, especially through physical and/or emotional brokenness, that I realize how much I must continue to seek God for His grace to sustain me.
So needless to say, I have had more time to read, reflect, and meditate, to pray through things that I've continued to struggle with.
And the lesson is, that God, in His sovereign ways, is teaching me more about surrender.
What does that really mean?
I think it's a complete end to myself. I think it's being humbled...and being stripped of my pride and any thought that I could be self-sufficient. I think it's telling God that my life is in His hands, that He can use me however He pleases, that I cannot and will not complain but will allow whatever circumstances to shape me into how He sees fit. I think it's trusting that everything that's happening, what I'm feeling is what is best for me right now. And I think it's asking the Lord to search my heart more, to reveal ways that I can continue to daily let go of "control" and let Christ reign as King of my life.
And beloved, surrender to the Lord is sweet indeed. :)
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Lessons from the loving Father
Dear friends and family,
I hope you enjoyed a long and wonderful Labor Day weekend! I've been able to do a lot of reading lately, waiting to hear back about a few job opportunities. And as usual, reading leads to more reflection, more lessons to be learned and applied. Here are the latest:
1. Being a good steward of my time
Ephesians 5:15-16 is a great reminder - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
I need to have a heavenly perspective, thinking often about what God's purpose is for me as revealed through His Word, about how Jesus could return at any given moment and that I need to be making the BEST use of what time He has granted. I need to ask myself what to "invest" in, WHO to invest in and love and serve...because being idle is so easy and natural, Watching tv can be the worst time waster of all if we're not careful...even if it's just something wholesome like Discovery or History or Sports.
2. Being reminded of my ongoing need for sanctification, to cultivate greater humility
1 Thes. 4:3 says "For this is the will of God, your sanctification". Romans 8:29 says "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
In working with my discipler, it's becoming clearer than ever that I have to make a deliberate effort to "work" at dealing with my sins. I know this sounds obvious, but it is hard work. Old habits die hard. I'm so grateful that Kim has lovingly shown me the Truth, and continues to encourage and point out my sin, so that I can become more like Christ. I have to continue to reshape old ways of thinking and behaving by applying and conforming to what the Bible says I should think or do.
As a side note, I was cooking some frozen dumplings, separating some that were stuck together in the pot, noticing how the skin tore as I did so, even if I was careful and doing it slowly. I thought to myself, this is what God, the loving heart-surgeon is doing for us. He has to separate us from the sin that entangles, for our good, and sometimes it leaves scarring...sometimes, revisiting those areas where our sin has caused damage is still really rough, but over time, God brings restoration, healing, and rejoicing!
And, something I have to relearn over and over is that I am responsible for me, to let God deal with others, as He will, and that I cannot be overly concerned or needlessly worried about His care for them, His work in their lives. 1 Cor. 7:17 says "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to Him, and to which God has called him." - which again reminds me that I need to be content where I am, to trust in God's timing.
3. A call to love and be joyful
Pastor John says that love is not jealous (wants what others have) and does not boast (wants others to want what you have). Love is a big challenge for me, especially loving people who may not love me, people that are hard to love, people who offer me very little in return. But we have to learn to imitate Christ and how to really give up our "selfishness" and "comfort", to push ourselves to care, because that's who God loves, because God loved us first.
Also, I'm convicted to practice more joy in my life, to be reminded to be thankful and rejoice (1 Thes. 5:16-18) that I have all that I need in Christ and am doing better than I deserve.
And even when circumstances don't go the way I wanted them to, or expected, that the Lord is doing something above and beyond my ability to understand, and that I need to rejoice anyway. :)
Well, that's all I have for today. God never ceases to amaze me as He patiently works with me, is eager to love and bless and meet with me, and how He always forgives me when I mess up.
Isn't He alone worthy of our whole heart? Isn't He alone worthy of our love and devotion? Isn't He alone worthy of our praise and worship?
Grace and peace to you.
I hope you enjoyed a long and wonderful Labor Day weekend! I've been able to do a lot of reading lately, waiting to hear back about a few job opportunities. And as usual, reading leads to more reflection, more lessons to be learned and applied. Here are the latest:
1. Being a good steward of my time
Ephesians 5:15-16 is a great reminder - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
I need to have a heavenly perspective, thinking often about what God's purpose is for me as revealed through His Word, about how Jesus could return at any given moment and that I need to be making the BEST use of what time He has granted. I need to ask myself what to "invest" in, WHO to invest in and love and serve...because being idle is so easy and natural, Watching tv can be the worst time waster of all if we're not careful...even if it's just something wholesome like Discovery or History or Sports.
2. Being reminded of my ongoing need for sanctification, to cultivate greater humility
1 Thes. 4:3 says "For this is the will of God, your sanctification". Romans 8:29 says "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
In working with my discipler, it's becoming clearer than ever that I have to make a deliberate effort to "work" at dealing with my sins. I know this sounds obvious, but it is hard work. Old habits die hard. I'm so grateful that Kim has lovingly shown me the Truth, and continues to encourage and point out my sin, so that I can become more like Christ. I have to continue to reshape old ways of thinking and behaving by applying and conforming to what the Bible says I should think or do.
As a side note, I was cooking some frozen dumplings, separating some that were stuck together in the pot, noticing how the skin tore as I did so, even if I was careful and doing it slowly. I thought to myself, this is what God, the loving heart-surgeon is doing for us. He has to separate us from the sin that entangles, for our good, and sometimes it leaves scarring...sometimes, revisiting those areas where our sin has caused damage is still really rough, but over time, God brings restoration, healing, and rejoicing!
And, something I have to relearn over and over is that I am responsible for me, to let God deal with others, as He will, and that I cannot be overly concerned or needlessly worried about His care for them, His work in their lives. 1 Cor. 7:17 says "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to Him, and to which God has called him." - which again reminds me that I need to be content where I am, to trust in God's timing.
3. A call to love and be joyful
Pastor John says that love is not jealous (wants what others have) and does not boast (wants others to want what you have). Love is a big challenge for me, especially loving people who may not love me, people that are hard to love, people who offer me very little in return. But we have to learn to imitate Christ and how to really give up our "selfishness" and "comfort", to push ourselves to care, because that's who God loves, because God loved us first.
Also, I'm convicted to practice more joy in my life, to be reminded to be thankful and rejoice (1 Thes. 5:16-18) that I have all that I need in Christ and am doing better than I deserve.
And even when circumstances don't go the way I wanted them to, or expected, that the Lord is doing something above and beyond my ability to understand, and that I need to rejoice anyway. :)
Well, that's all I have for today. God never ceases to amaze me as He patiently works with me, is eager to love and bless and meet with me, and how He always forgives me when I mess up.
Isn't He alone worthy of our whole heart? Isn't He alone worthy of our love and devotion? Isn't He alone worthy of our praise and worship?
Grace and peace to you.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Our Great God
Dear friends,
It's been another quick two months since I've been able to post. God has again proven to me how faithful He is to provide and care for me, especially returning to "everyday life" and "uncertainties", but being so good and gracious to me, bringing our team safely home, and resolving some "open" issues at home. I promise to return again soon but for now, I wanted to briefly share what the Lord taught me during my trip to Japan from 7/22 - 8/11. Here's the email wrap-up I sent out:
Dear Friends and Family,
It's been another quick two months since I've been able to post. God has again proven to me how faithful He is to provide and care for me, especially returning to "everyday life" and "uncertainties", but being so good and gracious to me, bringing our team safely home, and resolving some "open" issues at home. I promise to return again soon but for now, I wanted to briefly share what the Lord taught me during my trip to Japan from 7/22 - 8/11. Here's the email wrap-up I sent out:
Dear Friends and Family,
It brings me great pleasure and excitement to report to you a safe trip home after nearly 3 weeks of serving in Japan. After hours and hours of recuperating, I think I'm finally back on a semi-normal schedule.
I look forward to an opportunity to share with you each individually, along with photos and video footage but I would simply like to briefly express the major "take-aways", how I've seen God work and change me through this trip.
1) We worship a great God! Thousands of miles away, the same God that we will all be called into account, is involved in the details of my life here, is in control of all that is going on in the lives of those in Japan...and I find myself relating to the same struggles as my friends overseas, that we must learn to trust God and surrender to Him daily.
2) We must persevere and be faithful through our witness, to share the gospel. I was challenged again by the importance of the message we bring and how we choose to live our lives, albeit sometimes "lost" in translation...but it can be through our prayers and conduct, as we LOVE on the kids. People ARE watching.
3) God uses us all to minister in big and small ways where HE has placed us. That my service and ministry to the Lord doesn't end once I get home, and that I must use whatever I do to bring God glory (at work, school, or at home)...in the DAILY decisions I make and how that affects eternity and His kingdom, that it's not for my personal comfort or selfish goals but that God is using me to somehow touch lives and hearts for HIM!
Please continue to pray for Hamadera Bible Church and the hearts of the people of Japan! The faithfulness of the HBC staff and members and their deep burden for the lost encourages me in my everyday encounters, that I not be "ashamed" or shy away from being bold for Jesus! People need a Savior, hope and purpose, true fulfillment, joy and satisfaction in life! Please pray and ask God to remind you of your own salvation experience, that He'll again show you His kindness and goodness in your life, so you'll be desirous to share with others what the Lord has done! :)
Thank you all so much for your support, prayers, and all the encouragement along the way.
Grace and peace to you!
aLice
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
SRVT LDR
Dear friends,
After an AMAZING experience at the Resolved 2010 Conference this weekend, I'm just quietly reflecting through the theme and central character of Jesus, what an example He was and is to us, to me.
If you weren't able to make it, audio and video files are available online at http://www.resolved.org/.
The title of this post is familiar to some: my license plate - a reminder that being a leader involves service and deference first.
Christ lived this out. He was revolutionary. His teachings were completely opposite to what we are naturally led and inclined to believe...to be selfless, to serve and meet others needs always before His own.
Recall the scene where Jesus washes the disciples' feet: there's a picture of deep love, service, and humility, where the focus could have been, perhaps should have been on Him, as He would soon be delivered to be crucified.
And yet, He's demonstrating to them that it's not about His own comfort...and I'm so convicted, how often I see things through my self-serving lenses, how things don't fit the way I like them, how I'm irritated by giving up my own comfort to serve others...sad, shameful...sin is deceitful and abounds in the depths of my heart!
I'm reminded about how I need to be constantly sifting through my motives, serving when I most deserve to be served, serving those who least deserve it, with true love, joy, and humility like my great Savior:
"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." - John 13:15
More thoughts to soon follow...
Grace and peace to you.
After an AMAZING experience at the Resolved 2010 Conference this weekend, I'm just quietly reflecting through the theme and central character of Jesus, what an example He was and is to us, to me.
If you weren't able to make it, audio and video files are available online at http://www.resolved.org/.
The title of this post is familiar to some: my license plate - a reminder that being a leader involves service and deference first.
Christ lived this out. He was revolutionary. His teachings were completely opposite to what we are naturally led and inclined to believe...to be selfless, to serve and meet others needs always before His own.
Recall the scene where Jesus washes the disciples' feet: there's a picture of deep love, service, and humility, where the focus could have been, perhaps should have been on Him, as He would soon be delivered to be crucified.
And yet, He's demonstrating to them that it's not about His own comfort...and I'm so convicted, how often I see things through my self-serving lenses, how things don't fit the way I like them, how I'm irritated by giving up my own comfort to serve others...sad, shameful...sin is deceitful and abounds in the depths of my heart!
I'm reminded about how I need to be constantly sifting through my motives, serving when I most deserve to be served, serving those who least deserve it, with true love, joy, and humility like my great Savior:
"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." - John 13:15
More thoughts to soon follow...
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Life lessons
Dear friends,
It's been a while since I've been able to post. So sorry! Lots of things going on, searching for a job...still, and it has been a season of "waiting" on the Lord for answers and wisdom. Here are my latest musings:
As I grow older, I'd like to believe that I'm getting wiser and more mature, and the truth is, only God knows if I am. As believers, we may feel that the more we grow, the more we have yet to learn, the further away we are from where we ought to/want to be. Do you get that?
It's in my pursuit (of course, working with God and the Holy Spirit) of becoming more "sanctified" that I'm MORE aware of my wicked and depraved heart, of my sins, that I do struggle MORE, not in the sense that I'm less equipped than my younger years but that I'm more sensitive, the greater the trials, faster I need to repent...or at least that's the idea.
At any rate, I would like to continue to encourage you in your walk, that Scripture has all the truth and treasure that you need, that God will provide grace that is sufficient...none of it is available for the idle and lazy but those who will seek hard and persist in the pursuit of holiness. So go read and study your Bible! Pastor Rick Holland says "one verse is better than no verse!"
I've been compiling a list of life lessons I wish I had been taught/instructed in my earlier days...but God is good and His timing is perfect, and I'm laying these out for your edificiation. Please ponder each carefully. I pray you'll learn something powerful and praise God as I have for revealing these to me. I'm sure to add more in the future...
1. Life is unfair. It's not about us, but God's glory. Keep that perspective and prepare yourself accordingly.
2. People you love will let you down, but don't stop loving them. Christ died for us while we were his enemies, when we did not deserve it.
3. Things that matter aren't things...so please turn your focus to relationships and ministry, pouring into other people's lives. How we spend our money and time reveals what really matters to us.
4. We don't always get what we want, nor do things always turn out as we expect. Learn to rejoice either way.
5. We can't change or control others...only God can. So pray a lot!
6. People are different than you. Knowing this alone will save you a lot of frustration and pain. Try to repeat this to yourself until you get it.
7. We all need community. The wise walk with the wise, but fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20). God built us this way, so learn how to relate and rely and help one another.
Well, that's all I had for today. I hope you are doing well, finding those treasures in the Word and sharing with others how God's transforming your heart day by day.
May gospel realities lift up your heart whatever you're going through! Because of what Christ has done, I am better off than I deserve!
Grace and peace to you.
It's been a while since I've been able to post. So sorry! Lots of things going on, searching for a job...still, and it has been a season of "waiting" on the Lord for answers and wisdom. Here are my latest musings:
As I grow older, I'd like to believe that I'm getting wiser and more mature, and the truth is, only God knows if I am. As believers, we may feel that the more we grow, the more we have yet to learn, the further away we are from where we ought to/want to be. Do you get that?
It's in my pursuit (of course, working with God and the Holy Spirit) of becoming more "sanctified" that I'm MORE aware of my wicked and depraved heart, of my sins, that I do struggle MORE, not in the sense that I'm less equipped than my younger years but that I'm more sensitive, the greater the trials, faster I need to repent...or at least that's the idea.
At any rate, I would like to continue to encourage you in your walk, that Scripture has all the truth and treasure that you need, that God will provide grace that is sufficient...none of it is available for the idle and lazy but those who will seek hard and persist in the pursuit of holiness. So go read and study your Bible! Pastor Rick Holland says "one verse is better than no verse!"
I've been compiling a list of life lessons I wish I had been taught/instructed in my earlier days...but God is good and His timing is perfect, and I'm laying these out for your edificiation. Please ponder each carefully. I pray you'll learn something powerful and praise God as I have for revealing these to me. I'm sure to add more in the future...
1. Life is unfair. It's not about us, but God's glory. Keep that perspective and prepare yourself accordingly.
2. People you love will let you down, but don't stop loving them. Christ died for us while we were his enemies, when we did not deserve it.
3. Things that matter aren't things...so please turn your focus to relationships and ministry, pouring into other people's lives. How we spend our money and time reveals what really matters to us.
4. We don't always get what we want, nor do things always turn out as we expect. Learn to rejoice either way.
5. We can't change or control others...only God can. So pray a lot!
6. People are different than you. Knowing this alone will save you a lot of frustration and pain. Try to repeat this to yourself until you get it.
7. We all need community. The wise walk with the wise, but fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20). God built us this way, so learn how to relate and rely and help one another.
Well, that's all I had for today. I hope you are doing well, finding those treasures in the Word and sharing with others how God's transforming your heart day by day.
May gospel realities lift up your heart whatever you're going through! Because of what Christ has done, I am better off than I deserve!
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
My Testimony
Grace Community Church sends out several STM (Short Term Ministries) teams every year. I'm going to Japan for 2 1/2 weeks this summer. We had to submit our testimonies to post on the team blog - http://japanstm2010.wordpress.com. I wanted to share it mine here in case you didn't know what it was. Enjoy!
I was raised in a Christian home and attended church since I was a child. As long as I could remember, I always believed God existed, but my understanding was limited and incomplete, and I knew nothing other than to do what I pleased and to live selfishly.
I can’t recall the exact date, but I think I made my decision to officially “accept” Christ as my Savior when I was 12, in response to an altar call during one of our church revival meetings. At that point, I was a young believer, ignorant and impressionable, and without much guidance, I fell into the trap of trying to “be Christian” without a clear understanding of what pursuing a relationship with Christ, pursuing Christlikeness, and knowing God really was supposed to be like.
I did what I thought good Christians do: attended church weekly, read my Bible, prayed before meals and bedtime and became active in serving in the church. Unfortunately, my relationship with the Lord was shallow at best. I was ill-equipped and didn’t have the resources I needed to grow. From the outside, I seemed healthy, but my ongoing struggles with sin were not exposed, confronted, or dealt with.
Without realizing the need for change and growth, my life as a believer continued like this for over a decade - serving to meet a need or request but not because I was motivated out of true love for the Body, for Christ; behaving morally, conforming to ways to act and behave, while my heart was actually far from embracing gospel truths and their impact in my daily life, fully surrendering control of life over to the Lord.
But God, in His great providence, used my time away from home in 2005 to powerfully break me, to force me to fully rely on Him. He revealed my pride and the idols in my heart. God opened my eyes to what it really meant to be in Christ, to sorrow and grieve over sin and repent, the need to be sanctified and continually growing. It wasn’t until I was in the Word regularly, daily, when I began to attend Bible Study Fellowship and a Bible teaching church that my desire to learn more and to love the Lord became real, became sincere and passionate.
Through a series of events and the loving invitations of close friends, I visited Grace Community Church in 2008. Not long after, I began to attend the Foundry. I saw their love for the Word, love for Christ, and how that motivated them to love others, through selfless care and service that simply compelled me, challenged me. I thought to myself “this is how it’s supposed to be.”
God’s timing is perfect. The Lord knew that I needed to change, and when my heart was ready, the Shepherd called me. He brought me good books, faithful friends, and solid teaching to draw me, to grow me. I am sad over the loss of those years, being blind, but I know God had a purpose and reason - to bring more glory to Himself.
I believe that God brings us each on different journeys. For me, I’ve had some really difficult years adjusting, having all that I once knew shaken at its core, but I’ve grown and benefitted tremendously through it and would never trade it for anything else.
I know what it means to have a high view of God, a high view of Scripture, a low view of man, and a proper view of self. I know what it means to experience grace, amazing grace! I know why I must hate sin as God hates it, to love and forgive others even when it feels impossible. I know the value of cultivating godly relationships, both to give and receive love, admonition, and encouragement. I delight in being committed to and serving in a church body, obeying Christ and His commands because I love the Lord. I treasure God’s precious gift of the Word to me, and how I can study it to know Him better, love Him better through it. I find power through prayer and privilege knowing that He is anxious to listen. And I seek to bring the Good News to a world that is lost and dying, those who do not yet know Jesus and what it means to walk with Him.
All that I once counted gain, I now regard as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. My life is IN Christ and I surrender all because He paid it all. Praise God for we serve an awesome and returning King!
Grace and peace to you.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
On Conformity
I just recently watched "Alice in Wonderland" in the theatres, not because of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, or the hype, but because it was free.
So I went in with low expectations, and guess what? I was pleasantly surprised. The story may or may not be closely adapted to Lewis Carroll's books, but I can't remember enough to compare.
What struck me was Alice's personality...and how she was cast as this "Independent Thinker, Independent Woman". And to be honest, part of that struck a cord in me...
What is it about "free will" and the ability to make choices "ourselves" that is so desirous? I think it goes back to pride...we want to believe we are the makers of our own destiny, that we can control not only our own lives, but also the lives of others...or at least try to know enough to then be able to "plan" it out...
But in reality, our lives are not our own, and to think otherwise is foolishness and to believe Satan's lies. As believers, we have died to self, and Christ now controls.
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I would live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
On a related note, I just finished Joshua Harris' latest "Dug Down Deep" and wanted to share the most interesting part. He writes:
"When I use the word conviction, I'm talking about a heart-level, settled belief before God that doesn't change with our environment. Conviction is something we believe, not because someone is making us, not because we have to, but because we are convinced it's what God would have us believe.
Compliance isn't conviction. Conformity to other people's standards isn't conviction. Adapting to a church culture isn't conviction. Biblical conviction is the result of the study of Scripture, careful thought, discussion, and the search for wisdom. It requires work. It requires the humility to test the results of our choices and change our actions when necessary. Most important it requires laser focus on God.
The solution here isn't to throw out all the rules. It's to embrace God's rules and obey them out of a desire to honor him. If there's a rule in your life that you obey solely because of someone else and that person's opinion, take the time to study Scripture yourself. See if your rule is really biblical. Sometimes you'll find that it is - either because Scripture directly commands it or because biblical principles convince you of its wisdom. But other times you might find that it's man-made and you could leave it behind."
He goes on to say how we need to make our relationship with God more about the good we're called to pursue than the avoidance of sin. Becoming like Jesus isn't just about not doing wrong, but pursuing obedience and "doing" righteousness.
I don't have any problem with Alice wanting to break free of the constraints or "expectations" placed upon her by her family and the pressures of society.
To me, it's really a matter of the heart...we have to be able to know what we believe, because we've sought after and asked for wisdom, that we've studied Scripture and prayed to the Lord for guidance...and that even if it seems "outside the box", that it is completely ok to be different, to do things less traditionally, so long as we're pursuing Christlikeness, convinced that it honors God, and comes from a pure heart.
I hate it when people just do what they do because that's what everyone else is doing, or what we're supposed to do, without understanding why. When they don't go out and try to figure it out for themselves or have a strong sense of conviction, it's really sad. So please don't just conform...do what you need to do to find out what you need to find out, and the Lord is faithful to show you when you seek Him with all your heart.
Grace and peace to you.
So I went in with low expectations, and guess what? I was pleasantly surprised. The story may or may not be closely adapted to Lewis Carroll's books, but I can't remember enough to compare.
What struck me was Alice's personality...and how she was cast as this "Independent Thinker, Independent Woman". And to be honest, part of that struck a cord in me...
What is it about "free will" and the ability to make choices "ourselves" that is so desirous? I think it goes back to pride...we want to believe we are the makers of our own destiny, that we can control not only our own lives, but also the lives of others...or at least try to know enough to then be able to "plan" it out...
But in reality, our lives are not our own, and to think otherwise is foolishness and to believe Satan's lies. As believers, we have died to self, and Christ now controls.
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I would live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
On a related note, I just finished Joshua Harris' latest "Dug Down Deep" and wanted to share the most interesting part. He writes:
"When I use the word conviction, I'm talking about a heart-level, settled belief before God that doesn't change with our environment. Conviction is something we believe, not because someone is making us, not because we have to, but because we are convinced it's what God would have us believe.
Compliance isn't conviction. Conformity to other people's standards isn't conviction. Adapting to a church culture isn't conviction. Biblical conviction is the result of the study of Scripture, careful thought, discussion, and the search for wisdom. It requires work. It requires the humility to test the results of our choices and change our actions when necessary. Most important it requires laser focus on God.
The solution here isn't to throw out all the rules. It's to embrace God's rules and obey them out of a desire to honor him. If there's a rule in your life that you obey solely because of someone else and that person's opinion, take the time to study Scripture yourself. See if your rule is really biblical. Sometimes you'll find that it is - either because Scripture directly commands it or because biblical principles convince you of its wisdom. But other times you might find that it's man-made and you could leave it behind."
He goes on to say how we need to make our relationship with God more about the good we're called to pursue than the avoidance of sin. Becoming like Jesus isn't just about not doing wrong, but pursuing obedience and "doing" righteousness.
I don't have any problem with Alice wanting to break free of the constraints or "expectations" placed upon her by her family and the pressures of society.
To me, it's really a matter of the heart...we have to be able to know what we believe, because we've sought after and asked for wisdom, that we've studied Scripture and prayed to the Lord for guidance...and that even if it seems "outside the box", that it is completely ok to be different, to do things less traditionally, so long as we're pursuing Christlikeness, convinced that it honors God, and comes from a pure heart.
I hate it when people just do what they do because that's what everyone else is doing, or what we're supposed to do, without understanding why. When they don't go out and try to figure it out for themselves or have a strong sense of conviction, it's really sad. So please don't just conform...do what you need to do to find out what you need to find out, and the Lord is faithful to show you when you seek Him with all your heart.
Grace and peace to you.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Resolve to STUDY the word
I found a nugget today. An example for us to look to and follow in an often missed place - Ezra 7:10: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances to Israel."
We all know that we should read the Bible. But how many of us deliberately take time to really study and apply it?
Most of us know why as well - to find guidance, to help fight sin, to grow, to learn more about God and how He desires us to live. But how is this motivating us to do so consistently, with excitement, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit?
And for myself, I've found that I have been in school for many years, 20 years spent learning and studying...but how much of my life can I say have I spent really "studying" the Word? Admittedly, ashamedly, not much at all.
Perhaps it was ignorance, or not feeling like I knew how.
But the truth is, we don't need to be seminarians, because we do have the tools before us...and as I've sat under the teaching at Grace Community Church and have been reminded by the recent movie (The Book of Eli), I have realized the privilege and honor it is to have a Bible, to cultivate a HIGH view of Scripture and to desire to study it.
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
Here's another way I see it - we spend time shopping for good deals, finally find something worth purchasing, and then when it rings up, it sometimes ends up being a better deal than we initially realized - and there's a sense of satisfaction AND pleasure.
Studying the Word for me has ALWAYS yielded benefit and pleasant surprises, great treasure/joy, and is similar in the sense that as I read and set my heart upon studying the Word:
I find power to battle sin and the flesh...
and I find joy in my trials and circumstances...
and I find myself falling deeper in love with my Lord, amazed again by His grace to me.
So, let's resolve to STUDY the Word, so that we can then LIVE it out, and then TEACH it to others, like Ezra...for His glory!
Grace and peace to you.
We all know that we should read the Bible. But how many of us deliberately take time to really study and apply it?
Most of us know why as well - to find guidance, to help fight sin, to grow, to learn more about God and how He desires us to live. But how is this motivating us to do so consistently, with excitement, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit?
And for myself, I've found that I have been in school for many years, 20 years spent learning and studying...but how much of my life can I say have I spent really "studying" the Word? Admittedly, ashamedly, not much at all.
Perhaps it was ignorance, or not feeling like I knew how.
But the truth is, we don't need to be seminarians, because we do have the tools before us...and as I've sat under the teaching at Grace Community Church and have been reminded by the recent movie (The Book of Eli), I have realized the privilege and honor it is to have a Bible, to cultivate a HIGH view of Scripture and to desire to study it.
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
Here's another way I see it - we spend time shopping for good deals, finally find something worth purchasing, and then when it rings up, it sometimes ends up being a better deal than we initially realized - and there's a sense of satisfaction AND pleasure.
Studying the Word for me has ALWAYS yielded benefit and pleasant surprises, great treasure/joy, and is similar in the sense that as I read and set my heart upon studying the Word:
I find power to battle sin and the flesh...
and I find joy in my trials and circumstances...
and I find myself falling deeper in love with my Lord, amazed again by His grace to me.
So, let's resolve to STUDY the Word, so that we can then LIVE it out, and then TEACH it to others, like Ezra...for His glory!
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Ask the right questions
Dear friends,
I apologize for the long periods between posts, will try harder to blog more regularly as my seasonal stint with BarBri has subsided. Thank you for your faithful following and patience. :)
So I've been thinking, and reading more, and seeing how no matter what place or state of life you're currently in, there are always areas of growth, of introspection that should occur, as we strive earnestly to obey God's Word and long for His return, continually seeking to be satisfied by Him and Him alone.
It appears to me like the most common obstacles to this careful reflection are ignorance or complacency. Some do not know to think about or ask questions of themselves, of others. Some are not asking the right questions or not asking them often enough.
Please allow me to quickly address each "lifestage" and what I have generally observed -
For the high school student, the focus is often on what college to attend, what to "be", and to get there...
For the college student, it's getting through these courses, landing the dream job, or finding "meaning" and purpose in that career...
For post-grad, career singles, it's when you'll meet that "special" someone, or when you'll know it's ok to move on or change paths...
For those who are dating and planning for marriage, it's how you discern or correct conflicts or areas of concerns, communicate through, or work on ways to "prevent" divorce/beat the statistics/make it for the long haul...
For the married couples waiting on kids, and or learning how to parent, it's focusing on the preparation and discipline and avoiding your parents' mistakes...
But aren't we all just missing the point if it's just "practical" steps...relying on ourselves and conventional wisdom??
I believe that although these things should be thought about and discussed, what is so often missed...especially by the weaker, less informed, individuals living outside a vibrant church community.
What really should be shaping our thoughts, behaviors, actions, and decisions?
Most of our attention and resources are unfortunately not spent on the "right" things, asking the "right" questions.
What are the right questions then? I think they're similar for each chapter/season in our life. The Bible doesn't outline "practical" step-by-step advice most of the time. We're dealing with general principles to live by.
So be asking yourself this:
1) What are my heart's motivations? Is this to serve/please self or God?
2) How does this bring God more glory?
3) How am I becoming more like Christ and blessing/edifying others through this?
4) Am I giving proper and enough priority and attention to what God views as important?
5) Have I sincerely prayed about, sought wise counsel and affirmation in the matter?
6) Where am I placing my trust here, in God or myself or other people/things?
7) How am I doing with resting in God's sovereignty, loving Him first and with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength?
I'm not even close to being an expert, but I do believe that these are questions that can help put you on the right path. Ask your pastor, mentor, wise friends if what you're doing seems Biblically right to them.
Now that you have been made aware, you can and do have the ability to change and make wiser decisions with God's help. Pray for God to lead you, pray for greater surrender and reliance on Him, pray for good friends that will ask you and keep you accountable with these sort of questions.
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Birthday musings
It's been a long time...some 30 years now. As I think and reflect on the things that matter...priorities have changed, and the Lord has changed me, my heart.
My favorite song right now is "Hosanna" by Hillsong. The bridge is written and performed beautiful, strikes a chord with my soul's cry:
My favorite song right now is "Hosanna" by Hillsong. The bridge is written and performed beautiful, strikes a chord with my soul's cry:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the thing unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity.
I'd like to believe that getting older makes me wiser...but I'm realizing more and more each day, how foolish I can be, how easy I can fall back to old ways, have a critical and complaining spirit, and those daily failings remind how much more I'm in need of a Savior.
Jesus, "save us". Hosanna!
No matter how many more days I'm granted here on this earth, may I live them well, righteously, for His glory, that I truly appreciate and "love on" the friends and family God has blessed me with. I do not deserve any of this grace and kindness. I stand amazed, humbled, and rejoice...love much!
Grace and peace to you.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year's Lesson
Out with the old, in with the new. As the entire world sits and reflects on the year past and the year to come, there are good memories, bad memories, and some in between.
What do we take from 2009? What do we allow into 2010? Will it be better or worse?
Our choices define who we're becoming and where we're going. Pastor Rick Holland says faithfulness is in every little decision, living moment by moment, because life is a vapor. Who we worship colors everything we think about, everything we do and say. If our motivations are unhealthy, not Christ-centered, our hearts will naturally follow its sinful desires and stray. How wretched are we! What to do?
I find that it always helps to preach the gospel to myself, in moments of uncertainty, of weakness, of lack of faith and trust. Salvation and what Christ has done should influence how I choose to live my life today, into the new year, and the remaining days I am granted here on earth.
Ps. 116:12 says this - "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?"
If we would just remind ourselves of the constant state of need and dependency on the Lord which is required to function, we would already be better off.
We deserve wrath, and that that has been removed and placed upon the holy, lamb of God in our stead. Anything else, any single ounce of kindness or blessing bestowed upon me should cause me immediate and passionate, unceasing praise, undivided attention, love and devotion, and gratefulness that overflows for the grace of God shown to me.
Our only response should then be service. Whatever talents the Lord has given to me, I wholly devote to His use. Whatever suffering I must endure for Christ's sake, I rejoice in. Whatever blessing He pours out, I'll turn back to praise.
I pray that you are thinking rightly upon all the great things that the Lord has done. And the holidays can be hard on some if our perspectives are incorrect...so look ahead, and praise God for His grace, His strength, and His promise to carry you through...and appreciate the simple everyday things.
It's in the cool breeze as the sun blazes even on a winter January morn...it's in His word as He reminds our souls that He is our Rock and Deliverer...it's in text from an old friend reminding you that you're remembered...it's in the warmth of a hug from a family member...it's in the sudden rush of your dog when he dashes towards you, excited to love and adore you, to please you...it's in the familiar sights and smells of good times you've shared with those who love you most...it's in the knowing that your safe and secure in the arms of God, that Jesus knows, and cares for you...so just trust, and love Him with all your heart, and push forward.
Cling to the good, pure, holy, and right. Flee from sin and praise God for forgiveness when you fail. Happy New Year!
Grace and peace to you.
What do we take from 2009? What do we allow into 2010? Will it be better or worse?
Our choices define who we're becoming and where we're going. Pastor Rick Holland says faithfulness is in every little decision, living moment by moment, because life is a vapor. Who we worship colors everything we think about, everything we do and say. If our motivations are unhealthy, not Christ-centered, our hearts will naturally follow its sinful desires and stray. How wretched are we! What to do?
I find that it always helps to preach the gospel to myself, in moments of uncertainty, of weakness, of lack of faith and trust. Salvation and what Christ has done should influence how I choose to live my life today, into the new year, and the remaining days I am granted here on earth.
Ps. 116:12 says this - "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?"
If we would just remind ourselves of the constant state of need and dependency on the Lord which is required to function, we would already be better off.
We deserve wrath, and that that has been removed and placed upon the holy, lamb of God in our stead. Anything else, any single ounce of kindness or blessing bestowed upon me should cause me immediate and passionate, unceasing praise, undivided attention, love and devotion, and gratefulness that overflows for the grace of God shown to me.
Our only response should then be service. Whatever talents the Lord has given to me, I wholly devote to His use. Whatever suffering I must endure for Christ's sake, I rejoice in. Whatever blessing He pours out, I'll turn back to praise.
I pray that you are thinking rightly upon all the great things that the Lord has done. And the holidays can be hard on some if our perspectives are incorrect...so look ahead, and praise God for His grace, His strength, and His promise to carry you through...and appreciate the simple everyday things.
It's in the cool breeze as the sun blazes even on a winter January morn...it's in His word as He reminds our souls that He is our Rock and Deliverer...it's in text from an old friend reminding you that you're remembered...it's in the warmth of a hug from a family member...it's in the sudden rush of your dog when he dashes towards you, excited to love and adore you, to please you...it's in the familiar sights and smells of good times you've shared with those who love you most...it's in the knowing that your safe and secure in the arms of God, that Jesus knows, and cares for you...so just trust, and love Him with all your heart, and push forward.
Cling to the good, pure, holy, and right. Flee from sin and praise God for forgiveness when you fail. Happy New Year!
Grace and peace to you.
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