I've been reading John Piper's "The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in Future Grace".
And learning a lot. Some things the Lord had already begun to teach me.
On Sin
"Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God. No one sins out of duty. We sin because it holds out some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us until we belive that God is more to be desired than life itself. . . All that God promises to be for us in Jesus stands over against what sin promises to be for us without him."
On Anxiety
". . . the root of anxiety is inadequate faith in our Father's future grace. As unbelief gets the upper hand in our hearts, one of the effects is anxiety. The root cause of anxiety is a failure to trust all that God has promised to be for us in Jesus."
On Grace supplied vs. Grace denied
"We should not be suprised that God gives us wonderful graces in the midst of suffering that we had asked him to spare us. He knows best how to apportion his grace for our good and for his glory. . . So Christ's power, acting to sustain and strengthen believers, is also his grace."
On Pride
"Consider the relationship between boasting and self -pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, 'I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.' Self-pity says, 'I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much.' Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. . . The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride. When pride is not strong it begins to worry about the future. In the heart of the proud, anxiety is to the future what self-pity is to the past. . . Here is another irony. Anxiety does not look like pride. It looks weak. It looks as though you admit you don't control the future. Yes, in a sense the proud admit that. But the admission does not kill pride until the proud heart is willing to look to the one who does control the future and rest in him. Until then, the proud are hanging on to their right of self-sufficiency even as it crumbles on the horizon of the future."
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
A Living Prayer
--Alison Krauss
In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But theres one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
(Take my life and let me be
a living prayer my God to Thee)
In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives
In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But theres one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
(Take my life and let me be
a living prayer my God to Thee)
In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives
He Will Listen to You
- Glen Soderholm
When the weight of this world crashes down on you
God will listen to you
When the sky turns black and your thoughts turn blue
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
When the river of tears cannot be contained
God will listen to you
You’re like a drowning man in the pouring rain
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
When the light explodes in a world gone wrong
God will listen to you
When your heart beats strong with a grateful song
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
When the weight of this world crashes down on you
God will listen to you
When the sky turns black and your thoughts turn blue
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
When the river of tears cannot be contained
God will listen to you
You’re like a drowning man in the pouring rain
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
When the light explodes in a world gone wrong
God will listen to you
When your heart beats strong with a grateful song
God will listen to you
He will listen to you, always listen to you
He understands how his children feel
God will listen to you
made much of
"If you love for men to make much of you, you will feel shame when they don't. But if you love for men to make much of Christ, then you will feel shame if he is belittled on your account."
John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life
John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life
Friday, December 16, 2005
Quote of the Day
"The self was never designed to satisfy itself or rely upon itself. It never can be sufficient. We are but images of God, not the real thing. We are shadows and echoes. So there will always be an emptiness in the soul that struggles to be satisfied with the resources of self."
(Future Grace, pg. 94, John Piper)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
the well that satisfies
In case you are like me, and you didn't learn the first time. . .
. . . for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2.13
Why do I continue to return to the well that runs dry, the well that will not, can not quench my thirst, the well that always leaves me wanting more. . . there's something so much greater out there, a water that leads to life, to joy, if I'll just run to that well. . . and drink deeply.
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her,"Give me a drink." (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
John 4.7-15
. . . for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2.13
Why do I continue to return to the well that runs dry, the well that will not, can not quench my thirst, the well that always leaves me wanting more. . . there's something so much greater out there, a water that leads to life, to joy, if I'll just run to that well. . . and drink deeply.
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her,
John 4.7-15
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Life with a sister. . .
of course there are ups and downs. . .
but it's nice to have a built in best friend!
but it's nice to have a built in best friend!
That's My King. . .
Do you know Him?
My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.
Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s saviour.
He’s the centrepiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s honest.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.
He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. T
hat’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the master of the mighty.
He’s the captain of the conquerors.
He’s the head of the heroes.
He’s the leader of the legislatures.
He’s the overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the governor of governors.
He’s the prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah.
His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes.
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.
My King—Dr. S. M. Lockridge
My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.
Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s saviour.
He’s the centrepiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s honest.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.
He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. T
hat’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the master of the mighty.
He’s the captain of the conquerors.
He’s the head of the heroes.
He’s the leader of the legislatures.
He’s the overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the governor of governors.
He’s the prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah.
His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes.
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.
My King—Dr. S. M. Lockridge
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
it's all pride. . .
and it's all me! I've been reading this article in The Christian Single. Totally random cause I never pick it up and read it, but the Lord knew exactly what I needed today and just spoke to my heart that I needed it. It's all about pride-and totally descriptive of me. The whole thing.
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall".
Proverbs 16:18
The word destruction actually means to fracture or break.
MY PRIDE IS BREAKING THIS RELATIONSHIP!
Even last night I was just praying, "Lord, I haven't really experienced you in a huge way in sooo long. Where are you?" and then He reminded me:
"but He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' James 4:6
He's opposing me right now-that's why He feels so far way.
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall".
Proverbs 16:18
The word destruction actually means to fracture or break.
MY PRIDE IS BREAKING THIS RELATIONSHIP!
Even last night I was just praying, "Lord, I haven't really experienced you in a huge way in sooo long. Where are you?" and then He reminded me:
"but He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' James 4:6
He's opposing me right now-that's why He feels so far way.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Letting go. . .
It's hard, but the Lord requires it. . .
Letting go of my dreams to get out of this town, out of this country and surrendering to His command to stay. Letting go of my desire for a life companion and learning to embrace Him as my closest friend. Letting go of the idea that anything other than Christ alone can complete me and allowing Him to be my sufficiency. Letting go of my rights and grabbing hold of of suffering to make Christ known. Letting go of who I am, my flesh and seeking righteousness. Letting go of trying to work out my life and allowing Him free reign.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3.13,14
Letting go of my dreams to get out of this town, out of this country and surrendering to His command to stay. Letting go of my desire for a life companion and learning to embrace Him as my closest friend. Letting go of the idea that anything other than Christ alone can complete me and allowing Him to be my sufficiency. Letting go of my rights and grabbing hold of of suffering to make Christ known. Letting go of who I am, my flesh and seeking righteousness. Letting go of trying to work out my life and allowing Him free reign.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3.13,14
Monday, November 21, 2005
. . . yet having it all!
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
2 Corinthians 6:2b-10
My prayer. . . that some day this would be said of me. . . that at my homecoming I'll hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
2 Corinthians 6:2b-10
My prayer. . . that some day this would be said of me. . . that at my homecoming I'll hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Monday, November 14, 2005
all my anxiety. . .
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
(1 Pet 5:6,7)
FREEDOM!!!
(1 Pet 5:6,7)
FREEDOM!!!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Only You
Take my heart, I Lay it down
At the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it upto You who’s throned
And I will worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord
Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything
And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now
You should see the view
When it’s only You
David Crowder
At the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it upto You who’s throned
And I will worship You, Lord
Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You
Only You Lord
Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything
And It’s just you and me here now
Only you and me here now
You should see the view
When it’s only You
David Crowder
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Billows
I've been reading the biography of Oswald Chambers for a while now. It is so challenging that I read it for a few days and then have to put it down and think about everything he has said.
It's been such a lesson in patience and trusting the Father. There were so many times in his life that he proceeded not knowing where the Father would take him and not knowing what the next thing would be. He just trusted.
"They had no house, no furniture, and no money. And beyond the month of October, they had no firm plans. Instead of anxiously pacing the deck, Biddy opened a book while Oswald reclined in a wooden chaise lounge and gazed at the rolling sea. God was in charge and tomorrow was in His hands. Oswald's approach to the future was simple, "Trust God and do the next thing." What duty lay nearest at hand? Take a nap. Wrapping a blanket around himself, he closed his eyes and went to sleep."
"I have had a great and blessed time before God in prayer this morn. It came so clearly that in all ventures for God I had to go in fath and now I do the same. I have never far-seeing plans, only confident trust. On the top of those very billows which look as if they would overwhlem us walks the son of God!"
It's been such a lesson in patience and trusting the Father. There were so many times in his life that he proceeded not knowing where the Father would take him and not knowing what the next thing would be. He just trusted.
"They had no house, no furniture, and no money. And beyond the month of October, they had no firm plans. Instead of anxiously pacing the deck, Biddy opened a book while Oswald reclined in a wooden chaise lounge and gazed at the rolling sea. God was in charge and tomorrow was in His hands. Oswald's approach to the future was simple, "Trust God and do the next thing." What duty lay nearest at hand? Take a nap. Wrapping a blanket around himself, he closed his eyes and went to sleep."
"I have had a great and blessed time before God in prayer this morn. It came so clearly that in all ventures for God I had to go in fath and now I do the same. I have never far-seeing plans, only confident trust. On the top of those very billows which look as if they would overwhlem us walks the son of God!"
Friday, October 14, 2005
A Turbulent World
“A man who would live for Christ in a turbulent world, must draw his life from the depths of God Himself, not from the froth and foam of the surface experience.”
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Finding God in the Garden of Pain
The Lord has been speaking to me a lot lately about fasting. He's led me to the book of Joel and I've been reading John Piper's "A Hunger for God." Recently, through a time of fasting, the Lord gave me the clarity I've been seeking since I returned home from Africa. And it's all summed up right here. The Lord gave us Isaiah 58 going into the fast, and now He is giving it on the way out as well. Once again, He is proven faithful!
by John Piper, "A Hunger for God",
what the Lord taught me from chapter 6:
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong;and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." Isaiah 58.6-12
"Fasting is, as much as lies in us, an imitation of the angels, a contemning of things present, a school of prayer, a nourishment of the soul, a bridle of the mouth, an abatement of concupiscence: it mollifies rage, it appeases anger, it calms the tempests of nature, it excites reason, it clears the mind, it dis-burdens the flesh, it chases away night-pollutions, it freas from head-ache. By fasting, a man gets composed behavior, free utterance of his tongue, right apprehensions of his mind." Chrysostom, AD 407
"So God comes to them and says, The fast that I choose is not that you religiosly make yourselves hungry and afflicted, but that you make the poor less hungry and afflicted. If you want to fight sin by taking bread away from your own mouth, then put it in the mouth of the poor. Then we will see if you are really fasting for righteousness' sake. . . Go without bread for the sake of the poor. That's the fast I choose."
"Against this backdrop of the pervasive contemporary American consumerism, the fasting of Isaiah 58 begins to have a sharper point. That a lifestyle of serving the poor rather than consuming another commodity should be called a "fast" is not so strange after all. Most of our life is a gorging of one artifically inflamed appetite after another. Any alteration of this pattern for the sake of ministry is a "fast"--and one that would please God more than a hundred skipped lunches with a view to more pizza at supper."
"God will not allow me to content myself with severe discipline that does not attack the oblivion in which most comfortable middle-class Americans live. He says that fasting is meant to awaken us to the hunger of the world, not just to our own hunger."
"It is one of God's many paradoxes that there is more light in the dark places of the world for those who go there to serve. And there is more darkness in the glitz of great malls for those who go there to escape."
"The guidance of God is not meant for the bright paths of the garden of ease, but for the dark places of pain where we have few answers and paths have never been cut."
by John Piper, "A Hunger for God",
what the Lord taught me from chapter 6:
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong;and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." Isaiah 58.6-12
"Fasting is, as much as lies in us, an imitation of the angels, a contemning of things present, a school of prayer, a nourishment of the soul, a bridle of the mouth, an abatement of concupiscence: it mollifies rage, it appeases anger, it calms the tempests of nature, it excites reason, it clears the mind, it dis-burdens the flesh, it chases away night-pollutions, it freas from head-ache. By fasting, a man gets composed behavior, free utterance of his tongue, right apprehensions of his mind." Chrysostom, AD 407
"So God comes to them and says, The fast that I choose is not that you religiosly make yourselves hungry and afflicted, but that you make the poor less hungry and afflicted. If you want to fight sin by taking bread away from your own mouth, then put it in the mouth of the poor. Then we will see if you are really fasting for righteousness' sake. . . Go without bread for the sake of the poor. That's the fast I choose."
"Against this backdrop of the pervasive contemporary American consumerism, the fasting of Isaiah 58 begins to have a sharper point. That a lifestyle of serving the poor rather than consuming another commodity should be called a "fast" is not so strange after all. Most of our life is a gorging of one artifically inflamed appetite after another. Any alteration of this pattern for the sake of ministry is a "fast"--and one that would please God more than a hundred skipped lunches with a view to more pizza at supper."
"God will not allow me to content myself with severe discipline that does not attack the oblivion in which most comfortable middle-class Americans live. He says that fasting is meant to awaken us to the hunger of the world, not just to our own hunger."
"It is one of God's many paradoxes that there is more light in the dark places of the world for those who go there to serve. And there is more darkness in the glitz of great malls for those who go there to escape."
"The guidance of God is not meant for the bright paths of the garden of ease, but for the dark places of pain where we have few answers and paths have never been cut."
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
The Way I Should Go
It's a question I've been struggling with a lot lately. But, HIS Word has the answer.
He was faithful to the Israelites:
By a pillar of cloud you led thim in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go. . . you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go.
Nehemiah 9.12,19
He willl be faithful to me:
Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will h instruct in the way that he should choose.
Psalm 25.12
I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32.8
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143.8
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go."
Isaiah 48.17
Friday, September 30, 2005
Phos Hilaron
Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest,
The lights of evening round us shine,
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, giver of life, alone:
Therefore in all the world they glories, Lord, they own.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
His STEADFAST LOVE endures forever
I looked it up. . . isn't it intriguing that the first occurance of "steadfast love" is in Genesis 24 where God presents Rebekah to Isaac.
But it occurs so many times. . . like in my favorite verse.
Psalm 63.3
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
But, lately it seems like every time I got to church, read, talk with a friend, or do anything that is scripture related--there it is.
As it turns out, it occurs 202 times. That seems like it's a pretty important concept.
And I obviously don't get it!
For starters, He promises to keep His steadfast love to those who keep His commandments. He can take His steadfast love away, just like He did for King Saul; He keeps His steadfast love for those who walk before Him with all their hearts; I can enter His house because of His steadfast love; All His paths are steadfast love; His steadfast love surrounds those who trust in Him; Steadfast love belongs to Him; It is better than life; I should make it known to all generations; It goes before Him; My steadfast love is with Him; It will satisfy me in the morning; It upholds me; As high as the heavens are above the earth, so is His steadfast love towards those who fear Him; It is from everlasting to everlasting; My enemies will be cut off in His steadfast love; He is my steadfast love; It never ceases; He desires it more than sacrifice; HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42.8
But it occurs so many times. . . like in my favorite verse.
Psalm 63.3
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
But, lately it seems like every time I got to church, read, talk with a friend, or do anything that is scripture related--there it is.
As it turns out, it occurs 202 times. That seems like it's a pretty important concept.
And I obviously don't get it!
For starters, He promises to keep His steadfast love to those who keep His commandments. He can take His steadfast love away, just like He did for King Saul; He keeps His steadfast love for those who walk before Him with all their hearts; I can enter His house because of His steadfast love; All His paths are steadfast love; His steadfast love surrounds those who trust in Him; Steadfast love belongs to Him; It is better than life; I should make it known to all generations; It goes before Him; My steadfast love is with Him; It will satisfy me in the morning; It upholds me; As high as the heavens are above the earth, so is His steadfast love towards those who fear Him; It is from everlasting to everlasting; My enemies will be cut off in His steadfast love; He is my steadfast love; It never ceases; He desires it more than sacrifice; HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42.8
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Third Time Is A Charm?
You know when the Lord takes a verse you have never thought much about, and he puts it in your face several times within a short amount of time. That has happened to me lately, and now I have to ask--Lord am I seeking the water that does not satisfy.
Labor day weekend I went on a beach retreat and the speaker talked a lot about God's purpose for our lives. Not necessarily His purpose in our occupation--but His Grand Design. One of the sessions focused on some verses from Jeremiah chapter 2.
The "ironic" part is, several months ago as I was reading in Jeremiah, the Lord showed me this verse and I highlighted it and drew a big circle around it, but it obviously did not sink in.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
So, I thought a lot about this verse that weekend. And then, exactly a week later, our Pastor was teaching on praying in depressing times and he referenced this same verse.
Then, my friends sent me this exerpt from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening yesterday.
THE LORD IS A JEALOUS AND AVENGING GOD.
NAHUM 1:2
Believer, your Lord is very jealous of your love. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another.
Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think you are your own or that you belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that He would not remain in heaven without you;
He would sooner die than have you perish, and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself.
He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in yourself. He cannot stand the thought of you hewing out broken cisterns and neglecting the overflowing fountain that is always free to you.
When we lean upon Him, He is glad; but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom or the wisdom of a friend-worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own-He is displeased and will chasten us, that He may bring us to Himself.
He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus.
To remain in Him alone, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient satisfaction in our earthly comforts, to even prefer the company of our fellow Christians to secret fellowship with Him, this grieves our jealous Lord.
He longs to have us abide in Him and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials that He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from created things and fixing them more closely on Him who created everything. Let this jealousy that would keep us near to Christ also be a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care about our love, we may be sure that He will allow nothing to harm us and will protect us from all our enemies. May we have grace today to keep our hearts in holy purity for Christ alone,
with sacred jealousy closing our eyes to all the fascinations of the world.
So, what does all this mean? Have I turned my back on the fountain of living water? May it never be! Have I hewn out for myself broken cisterns? I pray it isn't so. But Lord, what are you saying? You have promised that your Word does not return void--it accomplishes the purpose you sent it out for. All scripture is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. . .
Labor day weekend I went on a beach retreat and the speaker talked a lot about God's purpose for our lives. Not necessarily His purpose in our occupation--but His Grand Design. One of the sessions focused on some verses from Jeremiah chapter 2.
The "ironic" part is, several months ago as I was reading in Jeremiah, the Lord showed me this verse and I highlighted it and drew a big circle around it, but it obviously did not sink in.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
So, I thought a lot about this verse that weekend. And then, exactly a week later, our Pastor was teaching on praying in depressing times and he referenced this same verse.
Then, my friends sent me this exerpt from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening yesterday.
THE LORD IS A JEALOUS AND AVENGING GOD.
NAHUM 1:2
Believer, your Lord is very jealous of your love. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another.
Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think you are your own or that you belong to this world.
He loved you with such a love that He would not remain in heaven without you;
He would sooner die than have you perish, and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself.
He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in yourself. He cannot stand the thought of you hewing out broken cisterns and neglecting the overflowing fountain that is always free to you.
When we lean upon Him, He is glad; but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom or the wisdom of a friend-worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own-He is displeased and will chasten us, that He may bring us to Himself.
He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus.
To remain in Him alone, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient satisfaction in our earthly comforts, to even prefer the company of our fellow Christians to secret fellowship with Him, this grieves our jealous Lord.
He longs to have us abide in Him and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials that He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from created things and fixing them more closely on Him who created everything. Let this jealousy that would keep us near to Christ also be a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care about our love, we may be sure that He will allow nothing to harm us and will protect us from all our enemies. May we have grace today to keep our hearts in holy purity for Christ alone,
with sacred jealousy closing our eyes to all the fascinations of the world.
So, what does all this mean? Have I turned my back on the fountain of living water? May it never be! Have I hewn out for myself broken cisterns? I pray it isn't so. But Lord, what are you saying? You have promised that your Word does not return void--it accomplishes the purpose you sent it out for. All scripture is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. . .
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
You Must Increase
I lift you high and bow down low
How high can You be?
How low can I go?
You must increase I must decrease Lord
I'll bow down and You will be adored
Matt Redman
How high can You be?
How low can I go?
You must increase I must decrease Lord
I'll bow down and You will be adored
Matt Redman
Monday, August 15, 2005
SELF-Centered
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2.3-7
Philippians 2.3-7
Monday, August 08, 2005
And I'll Fall FACE DOWN. . .
I was blessed to spend my weekend at the Precept Ministries National Women's Convention. The theme was "Set apart. . . passionate for truth". The Lord spoke to me about so many things that it has been hard to take it all and figure out where to start. But I feel like He wants me to start on my face.
One speaker in particular focused on this and she talked about the clarity that comes when you humble yourself like that. Another mentioned that when we are face down before Him, arms spread wide, what can be seen from above is the cross-what a cool picture.
Our pastor started a sermon series on prayer yesterday. In true Baptist fashion, we had a "special song" during the offering called "Bow the Knee". I tried to find the lyrics to share with you, but no such luck.
I spent a lot of time yesterday trying to process all that I learned and the Lord gave me a couple physical examples that parallel the spiritual state of going face down before Him.
1. In a fire, they tell you to get as close to the floor as possible-the air is clearer there and you can breathe.
2. In bootcamp soldiers devote a large portion of their time crawling on their faces (preparing for battle) to avoid the onslought of the enemy.
All of this brought to mind song:
Too Tender by Caedmon's Call
Water water everywhere
And I complain about my thirst
The prescription's in my hand
While the pain I curse
I know the longer
I know the harder
The walk will be
With my calloused feet
And my too tender knees
Stumbled upon the truth
Wished it'd get out of my way
When I see the light
I pull down the shade
If I were as smart as Christopher
I'd find a closet
If I were as weak as Samson was
I'd make a prophet
And a last great word from Beth Moore, "if you don't humble yourself, the Lord will humble your behind!"
One speaker in particular focused on this and she talked about the clarity that comes when you humble yourself like that. Another mentioned that when we are face down before Him, arms spread wide, what can be seen from above is the cross-what a cool picture.
Our pastor started a sermon series on prayer yesterday. In true Baptist fashion, we had a "special song" during the offering called "Bow the Knee". I tried to find the lyrics to share with you, but no such luck.
I spent a lot of time yesterday trying to process all that I learned and the Lord gave me a couple physical examples that parallel the spiritual state of going face down before Him.
1. In a fire, they tell you to get as close to the floor as possible-the air is clearer there and you can breathe.
2. In bootcamp soldiers devote a large portion of their time crawling on their faces (preparing for battle) to avoid the onslought of the enemy.
All of this brought to mind song:
Too Tender by Caedmon's Call
Water water everywhere
And I complain about my thirst
The prescription's in my hand
While the pain I curse
I know the longer
I know the harder
The walk will be
With my calloused feet
And my too tender knees
Stumbled upon the truth
Wished it'd get out of my way
When I see the light
I pull down the shade
If I were as smart as Christopher
I'd find a closet
If I were as weak as Samson was
I'd make a prophet
And a last great word from Beth Moore, "if you don't humble yourself, the Lord will humble your behind!"
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
An Alabama Blessing
A friend sent this to me today. It's a perfect discription of what it is like to live in the south.
Note: If you are not a resident of ALABAMA or never have lived in the hot, humid Southeast, you may not understand the weight of this blessing!
Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry.
Please keep it cool in mid-July.
Bless the walls where termites dine,
While ants and roaches march in time.
Bless our yard where spiders pass
Fire ant castles in the grass.
Bless the garage, a home to please
Carpenter beetles, ticks and fleas.
Bless the love bugs, two by two,
the gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you.
Bless the towns of which we speak
Millions of creatures that fly or crawl,
in ALABAMA, Lord, you've put them all!!
But this is home, and here we'll stay,
So thank you Lord, for insect spray.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN ALABAMA IN JULY WHEN. . . . .
The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out andend up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out andadd butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from layingboiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Ah, what a place to call home.
God Bless Our State of ALABAMA !!
Note: If you are not a resident of ALABAMA or never have lived in the hot, humid Southeast, you may not understand the weight of this blessing!
Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry.
Please keep it cool in mid-July.
Bless the walls where termites dine,
While ants and roaches march in time.
Bless our yard where spiders pass
Fire ant castles in the grass.
Bless the garage, a home to please
Carpenter beetles, ticks and fleas.
Bless the love bugs, two by two,
the gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you.
Bless the towns of which we speak
Millions of creatures that fly or crawl,
in ALABAMA, Lord, you've put them all!!
But this is home, and here we'll stay,
So thank you Lord, for insect spray.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN ALABAMA IN JULY WHEN. . . . .
The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out andend up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out andadd butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from layingboiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Ah, what a place to call home.
God Bless Our State of ALABAMA !!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Lord Reign In Me!
Over all the earth,
You reign on high,
Every mountain stream,
Every Sunset Sky,
But my one request,
Lord my only aim,
Is that you'd reign in me again,
Lord Reign in me,
Reign in your power,
Over all my dreams,
In my darkest hour,
You are the Lord,
Of all I am,
So won't you reign in me again
Over every thought,
Over every word,
May my life reflect,
The beauty of my Lord,
Cause you mean more to me,
than any earthly thing,
So won't you reign in me again
You reign on high,
Every mountain stream,
Every Sunset Sky,
But my one request,
Lord my only aim,
Is that you'd reign in me again,
Lord Reign in me,
Reign in your power,
Over all my dreams,
In my darkest hour,
You are the Lord,
Of all I am,
So won't you reign in me again
Over every thought,
Over every word,
May my life reflect,
The beauty of my Lord,
Cause you mean more to me,
than any earthly thing,
So won't you reign in me again
Friday, July 29, 2005
Undignified
I will dance
I will sing
To be mad
For my King
Nothing Lord
Is hindering
This passion in my soul
And I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Some may say
It's foolishness
But I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Leave my pride
By my side
And I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Some may say
It's foolishness
But I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Than this
It's all for You my Lord!
David Crowder
I will sing
To be mad
For my King
Nothing Lord
Is hindering
This passion in my soul
And I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Some may say
It's foolishness
But I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Leave my pride
By my side
And I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Some may say
It's foolishness
But I'll become
Even more undignified than this
Than this
It's all for You my Lord!
David Crowder
Monday, July 25, 2005
A Call To Die
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16.24
The Lord put fasting on my heart a few months ago. I'm not quite sure where He is going with the whole thing, but I know He is going to ask me to give up something for a season. I'm learning a lot about how fasting expresses my complete dependance on Him and His word. But I know whatever it is, in the end it will be worth it--the reward will far outweigh the cost. He has already given me more of Himself than I could ever ask for.
"The rewards are great, but so is the cost. It costs us everything. Like the hymn says, "I surrender all," not "I surrender 10%." No one will tell you that it's and easy road. Jesus himself faced hardship on the cross. He wept. He sweat. He asked his friends to pray. The result of his obedience was that God is exalted above all and Crhist became the way for you and I to be forgiven. Man, I'm glad he didn't bail! You and I will face excruciating moments, too, when it seems God is asking too much and nobody is there for us. Those are the most painful, and the most important, times in our journey. We will feel alone, but we aren't. God is with us, and he has not forsaken us, especially in those times of need. Our obedience is worth it."
A Call to Die by David Nasser
Matthew 16.24
The Lord put fasting on my heart a few months ago. I'm not quite sure where He is going with the whole thing, but I know He is going to ask me to give up something for a season. I'm learning a lot about how fasting expresses my complete dependance on Him and His word. But I know whatever it is, in the end it will be worth it--the reward will far outweigh the cost. He has already given me more of Himself than I could ever ask for.
"The rewards are great, but so is the cost. It costs us everything. Like the hymn says, "I surrender all," not "I surrender 10%." No one will tell you that it's and easy road. Jesus himself faced hardship on the cross. He wept. He sweat. He asked his friends to pray. The result of his obedience was that God is exalted above all and Crhist became the way for you and I to be forgiven. Man, I'm glad he didn't bail! You and I will face excruciating moments, too, when it seems God is asking too much and nobody is there for us. Those are the most painful, and the most important, times in our journey. We will feel alone, but we aren't. God is with us, and he has not forsaken us, especially in those times of need. Our obedience is worth it."
A Call to Die by David Nasser
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Champions on Ice
We suffered long enough and decided to take a break from the heat. So, ice skating was the perfect escape. And it was a blast. Let's just say. . . well, some of us are more skilled than others. But everyone gave it their best try--sore feet and all.
Proof that TJ was on the ice. . .
Champions indeed. . .
And some of us needed one on one lessons. . .
Uh oh--more champions. . .
Proof that TJ was on the ice. . .
Champions indeed. . .
And some of us needed one on one lessons. . .
Uh oh--more champions. . .
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Celebrate Freedom
This 4th of July was different for me. Last year was too early, I didn't quite feel American. . . or patriotic.
But this year I was ready to celebrate the country I call home. So we did what all red-blooded Americans do for the 4th of July--we cooked out. And it was amazing.
Jay went all out and fed us all like kings. And all the rest of the guys helped grill--what all real men do at a cookout, right?
I get to spend time with new friends. . .
and catch up with the old. . .
I also got to see Stephanie get married the Saturday before. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell Rice. I pray the Lord blesses your marriage. I am so thanful to be part of your lives.
The wedding was also a great opportunity to catch up with several of the families I served with in West Africa. It didn't seem like it had been so long, but it was kinda strange to see everyone all dressed up in American clothes.
But this year I was ready to celebrate the country I call home. So we did what all red-blooded Americans do for the 4th of July--we cooked out. And it was amazing.
Jay went all out and fed us all like kings. And all the rest of the guys helped grill--what all real men do at a cookout, right?
I get to spend time with new friends. . .
and catch up with the old. . .
I also got to see Stephanie get married the Saturday before. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell Rice. I pray the Lord blesses your marriage. I am so thanful to be part of your lives.
The wedding was also a great opportunity to catch up with several of the families I served with in West Africa. It didn't seem like it had been so long, but it was kinda strange to see everyone all dressed up in American clothes.
Friday, July 01, 2005
I'll Tell You Why I Left
"You wonder why people choose fields away from the States when young people at home are drifting because no one wants to take time to listen to their problems. I'll tell you why I left. Because those Stateside young people have every opportunity to study, hear, and understand the Word of God in their own language, and these Indians have no opportunity whatsoever. I have had to make a cross of two logs, and lie down on it, to show the Indians what it means to crucify a man. When there is that much ignorance over here and so much knowledge and opportunity over there, I have no question in my mind why God sent me here. Those whimpering Stateside young people will wake up on the Day of Judgment condemned to worse fates than these demon-fearing Indians, because, having a Bible, they were bored with it---while these never heard of such a thing as writing."
Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Bowl-O-Rama
Last Friday night we all decided to get together for a fun night of bowling. It turned in to quite an event though--guys on girls with a bet involved.
Me with Andrea (the all around tournament champion)
So, the girls did some serious damage, but we still came out on the losing end and had to buy icecream for the boys.
Me and Amy
But, we had so much fun we decided to start a league--every Thursday you can find us at OakMountain Lanes.
Me and Brooke
Stop by and see us!!
Me with Andrea (the all around tournament champion)
So, the girls did some serious damage, but we still came out on the losing end and had to buy icecream for the boys.
Me and Amy
But, we had so much fun we decided to start a league--every Thursday you can find us at OakMountain Lanes.
Me and Brooke
Stop by and see us!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
You Foolish Galatians
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a new gospel. . . For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. . . If you being a Jew live like the Gentiles and not like the Jew, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like the Jews?. . . You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?. . . However, at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?. . . It was for freedom that Christ set us free. . . You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?. . . For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. . . But if you bite and devour one anohter, take care that you are not consumed by one another. . . If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. . . For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Send Me
A couple of weeks, I felt the Lord telling me, "Amber, it's time to get ready to go again." But it didn't make so much sense. I mean, I just started my job-a job that is perfectly suited for me (atleast while I am in America) and I am finally getting settled in. And, I don't feel ready to go back. I knew the Lord was speaking, urging me on, but still I doubted. I heard someone mention that "Jeremiah was suicidal"! Kinda random, but I wanted to know more. To read the book not just for the sake of saying I have read it, but to read it to know Jeremiah. So I opened it up--
Chapter 1
The Call of Jeremiah
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow,to build and to plant."
It is the almighty love of God that constrains me, and in the midst of a keen consciousness of complete unworthiness, my soul cries out within me--Here am I, send me. By the grace of God, when the way is clear, I will go, obstruct who may, laugh who will, scoff who can. It is Christ Who was crucified and Who rose again and it is God who suffered so inconceivably to redeem man, Who bids me go.
Oswald Chambers
Chapter 1
The Call of Jeremiah
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow,to build and to plant."
It is the almighty love of God that constrains me, and in the midst of a keen consciousness of complete unworthiness, my soul cries out within me--Here am I, send me. By the grace of God, when the way is clear, I will go, obstruct who may, laugh who will, scoff who can. It is Christ Who was crucified and Who rose again and it is God who suffered so inconceivably to redeem man, Who bids me go.
Oswald Chambers
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Sweet Home Alabama
Most of you have heard the song, and maybe even seen the movie. But for those of you wondering, is it really all they make it out to be. Is it really all small towns? Well, the short answer is "NO". But we do have our fair share. Take Hueytown for example. Although I wasn't raised there, my parents live there so I guess it is what I call "home" now. It's not exactly a thriving metropolis, but there are some fine points.
117 Dabbs Ave
And Grandma's house (if you like to the right you'll notice "our house"-it makes visiting Grandma nice and easy!)
And now for a few neighborhood sights:
117 Dabbs Ave
And Grandma's house (if you like to the right you'll notice "our house"-it makes visiting Grandma nice and easy!)
And now for a few neighborhood sights:
Friday, May 27, 2005
Weddings and African Moments
I spent this weekend with someone near and dear to my heart- Miss Stephanie Tisdale. Soon to be Mrs. Hartwell Rice.
It was a great time of catching up with her, giving small gifts to start off their marriage. . .
and meeting her fiancé!
This is totally fitting for their African Wedding Portrait!
It was a great time of catching up with her, giving small gifts to start off their marriage. . .
and meeting her fiancé!
This is totally fitting for their African Wedding Portrait!
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Standing Alone
edit
- - - - - - - - - -
Herein is solid comfort. Human nature cannot be relied upon; but God can! However unstable I may be, however fickle my friends may prove, God changes not. If He varied as we do, if He willed one thing today and another tomorrow, if He were controlled by caprice, who could confide in Him? But, all is praise to His glorious name, He is ever the same. His purpose is fixed, His will is stable, His word is sure. Here then is a rock on which we may fix our feet, while the mighty torrent is sweeping away everything around us. The permanence of God's character guarantees the fulfillment of His promises: "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee" (Isa. 54.10).
A.W. Pink
A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, ". . . no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . . But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . ." ( 2 Timothy 4:16-17 ). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When "important" individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.
Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"
- - - - - - - - - -
Herein is solid comfort. Human nature cannot be relied upon; but God can! However unstable I may be, however fickle my friends may prove, God changes not. If He varied as we do, if He willed one thing today and another tomorrow, if He were controlled by caprice, who could confide in Him? But, all is praise to His glorious name, He is ever the same. His purpose is fixed, His will is stable, His word is sure. Here then is a rock on which we may fix our feet, while the mighty torrent is sweeping away everything around us. The permanence of God's character guarantees the fulfillment of His promises: "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee" (Isa. 54.10).
A.W. Pink
A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, ". . . no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . . But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . ." ( 2 Timothy 4:16-17 ). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When "important" individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.
Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Barbarian Way
edit
- - - - - -
I heard last night that this auther is part of the "Emerging Church Movement". I don't understand what this fully means, but the way it was said means it's not good. So read this book at your own risk!
"To belong to God is to belong to His heart. If we respond to the call of Jesus to leave everything and follow Him, then there is a voice within us crying out. 'Fight for the heart of your King!'"
Yet Christianity over the past two thousand years has moved from a tribe of renegades to a religion of conformists. Those who choose to follow Jesus become participants in an insurrection. To claim we believe is simply not enough. The call of Jesus is one that demands action"
(Erwin Raphael McManus, The Barbarian Way).
- - - - - -
I heard last night that this auther is part of the "Emerging Church Movement". I don't understand what this fully means, but the way it was said means it's not good. So read this book at your own risk!
"To belong to God is to belong to His heart. If we respond to the call of Jesus to leave everything and follow Him, then there is a voice within us crying out. 'Fight for the heart of your King!'"
Yet Christianity over the past two thousand years has moved from a tribe of renegades to a religion of conformists. Those who choose to follow Jesus become participants in an insurrection. To claim we believe is simply not enough. The call of Jesus is one that demands action"
(Erwin Raphael McManus, The Barbarian Way).
Tears of Grief
Psalm 6.6,7
I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
Psalm 31.2,3,9
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.
Psalm 42
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night,while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?" These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of Godwith glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember youfrom the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls;all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me?Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me,while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
Psalm 31.2,3,9
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.
Psalm 42
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night,while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?" These things I remember, as I pour out my soul:how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of Godwith glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember youfrom the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls;all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: "Why have you forgotten me?Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me,while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Considered Worthy
Sunday, May 15th is the International Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Evangelization. I hope we will all set aside some time that day to pray for the Lost World.
This year's focus is the people of INDIA.
There are some great resources out there to help you know how to pray. Check out the IMB's site specifically for this day--http://ime.imb.org/dayofprayer/ . They have an awesome video that you can download or just watch while you're online.
But the reason I am sharing all this is, the other day as I was checking out the website looking at all the info, I came across this story--
I am Paul!
"Two South Asian believers were put in jail for sharing their faith with Muslims. While in prison they shared the gospel even more. When they were released after 11 days, the younger Christian man came out pumping his fist in the air, shouting happily, “I am Paul! I am Paul!” because he had been given the privilege of being imprisoned for Christ."
. . . and it reminded me of these verses:
". . . they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. " Acts 5.40-42
Would I respond in the same way? My heart's cry is that I would be faithful to Him, through imprisonment, torture, beating, even to death.
". . . and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy). . . " Hebrews 11:35b-38a
This year's focus is the people of INDIA.
There are some great resources out there to help you know how to pray. Check out the IMB's site specifically for this day--http://ime.imb.org/dayofprayer/ . They have an awesome video that you can download or just watch while you're online.
But the reason I am sharing all this is, the other day as I was checking out the website looking at all the info, I came across this story--
I am Paul!
"Two South Asian believers were put in jail for sharing their faith with Muslims. While in prison they shared the gospel even more. When they were released after 11 days, the younger Christian man came out pumping his fist in the air, shouting happily, “I am Paul! I am Paul!” because he had been given the privilege of being imprisoned for Christ."
. . . and it reminded me of these verses:
". . . they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. " Acts 5.40-42
Would I respond in the same way? My heart's cry is that I would be faithful to Him, through imprisonment, torture, beating, even to death.
". . . and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy). . . " Hebrews 11:35b-38a
Thursday, May 05, 2005
27 YEARS-
OLD!
Well, it's official--my late 20's are here. I'm not so happy about it either.
I mean, today has been a great day-everyone has been great. So other than the fact that I have an "African stomach" today, I'd say it's been a great day. (Thanks to everyone who called or sent a card or email.) I guess I just never figured I'd be this old!
Well, it's official--my late 20's are here. I'm not so happy about it either.
I mean, today has been a great day-everyone has been great. So other than the fact that I have an "African stomach" today, I'd say it's been a great day. (Thanks to everyone who called or sent a card or email.) I guess I just never figured I'd be this old!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Fresh Starts and Bad Haircuts
So, this week has been full of FRESH STARTS. First, Monday I had my first day at the church! So far, so good. You know, of course with every new job there are new computer programs to learn and all. And of course new names and faces-and this is I think the biggest company I have ever worked for, so there are alot of them.
Then, Tuesday night I had my first "day" at my part time job at Express. It may not work out cause of all the stuff going on this summer with wedding and events at the church, but I'd like to stay there for a while and try to make a little extra money.
In other news--I got a terrible haircut last week. Now, it's one thing to go in for a haircut and not get what you asked for. It's a whole other thing to get something that will destroy your social life! Now, those of you who know me well know I'll basically let anybody cut at my hair, and with no fear (thanks Kari for being my own personal stylist , and doing such a great job, en Afrique). But this was ridiculous. I mean, it was like the guy didn't pass cutting class in kindergarten! Who put a pair of scissors in this guy's hands?
Then, Tuesday night I had my first "day" at my part time job at Express. It may not work out cause of all the stuff going on this summer with wedding and events at the church, but I'd like to stay there for a while and try to make a little extra money.
In other news--I got a terrible haircut last week. Now, it's one thing to go in for a haircut and not get what you asked for. It's a whole other thing to get something that will destroy your social life! Now, those of you who know me well know I'll basically let anybody cut at my hair, and with no fear (thanks Kari for being my own personal stylist , and doing such a great job, en Afrique). But this was ridiculous. I mean, it was like the guy didn't pass cutting class in kindergarten! Who put a pair of scissors in this guy's hands?
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Answered Prayer
. . . for He who promised is FAITHFUL!
Thanks to all of you who have been so faithfully praying for me. The last two weeks have been some of the most stressful of my life, but the Lord has worked in mighty ways.
On Tuesday I had another meeting at my church--and they offered me the job. Starting Monday I am officially the Missions Secretary at Hunter Street Baptist Church. So Excited! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in and through me.
Thanks to all of you who have been so faithfully praying for me. The last two weeks have been some of the most stressful of my life, but the Lord has worked in mighty ways.
On Tuesday I had another meeting at my church--and they offered me the job. Starting Monday I am officially the Missions Secretary at Hunter Street Baptist Church. So Excited! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in and through me.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Choices
So, only a week ago I was totally stressed because I had no job and no prospects. And now I'm totally stressed because I still don't have a job, but the Lord has given me so many options. I've had several interviews and have more setup. Some of them are just for the sake of interviewing and continuing to search for a job, but there are two options that are both things that I would LOVE to do, maybe even for the rest of my life. But it's scary-what if I make the wrong decision. I don't want to be like Lot and make a decision based on what the land looks like-how prosperous and beautiful it is, but instead on where the Lord wants me and what He wants me doing.
Genesis 13.8-13
Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.
Genesis 13.8-13
Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Friend of God
Still studying the life of Abraham-
He spent his life as a nomad living in a tent (he never had a "home"), but he built and altar and worshipped everywhere he went.
He spent his life as a nomad living in a tent (he never had a "home"), but he built and altar and worshipped everywhere he went.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Held
WHO TOLD US WE'D BE RESCUED
WHAT HAS CHANGED AND
WHY SHOULD WE BE SAVED FROM NIGHTMARES
WE'RE ASKING WHY THIS HAPPENS TO US
WHO HAVE DIED TO LIVE, IT'S UNFAIR
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HOW IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHING FELL
WE'D BE HELD
THIS HAND IS BITTERNESS
WE WANT TO TASTE IT AND
LET THE HATRED NUMB OUR SORROWS
THE WISE HAND OPENS SLOWLY
TO LILIES OF THE VALLEY AND TOMORROW
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HWO IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHING FELL
WE'D BE HELD
IF HOPE IS BORN OF SUFFERING
IF THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
CAN WE NOT WAIT, FOR ONE HOUR
WATCHIGN FOR OUR SAVIOR
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HOW IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHIGN FELL
WE'D BE HELD
Held by Natalie Grant
WHAT HAS CHANGED AND
WHY SHOULD WE BE SAVED FROM NIGHTMARES
WE'RE ASKING WHY THIS HAPPENS TO US
WHO HAVE DIED TO LIVE, IT'S UNFAIR
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HOW IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHING FELL
WE'D BE HELD
THIS HAND IS BITTERNESS
WE WANT TO TASTE IT AND
LET THE HATRED NUMB OUR SORROWS
THE WISE HAND OPENS SLOWLY
TO LILIES OF THE VALLEY AND TOMORROW
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HWO IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHING FELL
WE'D BE HELD
IF HOPE IS BORN OF SUFFERING
IF THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
CAN WE NOT WAIT, FOR ONE HOUR
WATCHIGN FOR OUR SAVIOR
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HELD
HOW IT FEELS, WHEN THE SACRED IS TORN FROM YOUR LIFE
AND YOU SURVIVE
THIS IS WHAT IT IS TO BE LOVED AND TO KNOW
THAT THE PROMISE WAS THAT WHEN EVERYTHIGN FELL
WE'D BE HELD
Held by Natalie Grant
Monday, April 11, 2005
Leaving Egypt
and on to the Promised Land!
Exodus 6.6-9
Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.'"
But it won't be easy--
Exodus 13.17
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."
I'm thankful that He'll be with me.
Exodus 33.15,16
And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?"
And that He'll destroy the land in His justice.
Ezekiel 32.15
When I make the land of Egypt desolate, and when the land is desolate of all that fills it,when I strike down all who dwell in it, then they will know that I am the LORD.
I pray I'll never go back.
Isaiah 31.1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses,who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!
Exodus 6.6-9
Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.'"
But it won't be easy--
Exodus 13.17
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."
I'm thankful that He'll be with me.
Exodus 33.15,16
And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?"
And that He'll destroy the land in His justice.
Ezekiel 32.15
When I make the land of Egypt desolate, and when the land is desolate of all that fills it,when I strike down all who dwell in it, then they will know that I am the LORD.
I pray I'll never go back.
Isaiah 31.1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses,who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
UNEMPLOYMENT
the involuntary kind.
Hosea 6.1-3
"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn;he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
So, not that I like loved my job or anything. But it was a job. Atleast until 3:00 pm yesterday.
My boss called me in to let me know that they had decided to make some changes in the company-and that change was me. Apparently sales are down and the company is losing money and they had to get rid of one full time person. Since I am the last person they hired, that person had to be me. And it was immediate.
Now, of course, I am wondering what is next. I know the Lord has not deserted me, but I sure would like to know what in the world He is going to do with me next.
Psalm 121
My Help Comes from the LORD
A Song of Ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Hosea 6.1-3
"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn;he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."
So, not that I like loved my job or anything. But it was a job. Atleast until 3:00 pm yesterday.
My boss called me in to let me know that they had decided to make some changes in the company-and that change was me. Apparently sales are down and the company is losing money and they had to get rid of one full time person. Since I am the last person they hired, that person had to be me. And it was immediate.
Now, of course, I am wondering what is next. I know the Lord has not deserted me, but I sure would like to know what in the world He is going to do with me next.
Psalm 121
My Help Comes from the LORD
A Song of Ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
MY RIGHTS
. . . are IRRELEVANT
if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. 1 Tim 2.13
I said something I shouldn't have said at work today. I called my friend a butthole. Granted, he is like a brother to me and we were joking around, but I shouldnt' have said it--it didn't reflect Christ to the people I work with. And my "boss" got really upset. She made me apologize, which I did while laughing because it was such a joke she would even think I was serious. And then I got upset. If I could only tattle on her--tell you all the things she does everyday that don't reflect Christ. But that's not important. What is important is that she called me down.
God used her to humble me.
He used someone who does not serve Him to humble me. Because that is what I needed. Honestly, at first I was so angry. Angry that someone who lives their life so contrary to what is morally right would correct me, me someone who "loves the Lord and desires to serve Him". But then He rose above a whisper--"When you are faithless, I am faithful--I cannot deny myself". And I was faithless today. Not only did I say something I shouldn't have said, I judged someone and assumed they were wrong because they don't love the Lord--and I DO.
"There is beauty in the breakdown"
if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. 1 Tim 2.13
I said something I shouldn't have said at work today. I called my friend a butthole. Granted, he is like a brother to me and we were joking around, but I shouldnt' have said it--it didn't reflect Christ to the people I work with. And my "boss" got really upset. She made me apologize, which I did while laughing because it was such a joke she would even think I was serious. And then I got upset. If I could only tattle on her--tell you all the things she does everyday that don't reflect Christ. But that's not important. What is important is that she called me down.
So Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go." And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.
Gen 12.18-20God used her to humble me.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Daniel 4.37
He used someone who does not serve Him to humble me. Because that is what I needed. Honestly, at first I was so angry. Angry that someone who lives their life so contrary to what is morally right would correct me, me someone who "loves the Lord and desires to serve Him". But then He rose above a whisper--"When you are faithless, I am faithful--I cannot deny myself". And I was faithless today. Not only did I say something I shouldn't have said, I judged someone and assumed they were wrong because they don't love the Lord--and I DO.
"There is beauty in the breakdown"
Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
Psalm 119.5,6,9-11,18,34,54,67-72,92,93
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
The Hope We Profess
Hebrews 10.23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 6.13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 6.13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
By Faith, Abraham. . .
Obeyed
It was that simple. The Lord called him, so he went. No questions. No, but where are you taking me, why must I leave, what will I do when I get there, how can I know everything will be okay. Just simple obedience.
Genesis 12.1-9
The Call of Abram
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.
Hebrews 11.8-10
By Faith
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
It was that simple. The Lord called him, so he went. No questions. No, but where are you taking me, why must I leave, what will I do when I get there, how can I know everything will be okay. Just simple obedience.
Genesis 12.1-9
The Call of Abram
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.
Hebrews 11.8-10
By Faith
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Taking a Chance
So, I did something really risky today. Only I didn't realize how risky it was until I got home and told my mom about it.
At work today I had to work on a project for an abortion clinic. I have worked on stuff for them before and it really bothered me, but I guess I had just been hoping that it wouldn't come up again. But today it did. And it was too much for me. I finished the project. And then I wrote a letter to my owners explaining to them how I feel about it. I explained to them that I know that abortion is sin and that working on these projects I feel like I am not only supporting the sin but also a part of it. I told them that out of respect for them I wanted to share my heart and not just tell them that I refuse to work on projects for the clinic. And that, out of respect for me, I hoped that whenever possible they would not ask me to be a part of any future projects.
When I told my mother about it she said, "You know they will probably fire you". I said I didn't think they could fire me over religious beliefs, but apparently small businesses have different regulations. For about half a second I was scared-what would I do if I lost my job. But then before I could even complete the thought the Lord whispered to me-"It's better to lose your job doing what I asked you to do than to keep your job by support the sin of others."
Romans 12.1,2
A Living Sacrifice
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
At work today I had to work on a project for an abortion clinic. I have worked on stuff for them before and it really bothered me, but I guess I had just been hoping that it wouldn't come up again. But today it did. And it was too much for me. I finished the project. And then I wrote a letter to my owners explaining to them how I feel about it. I explained to them that I know that abortion is sin and that working on these projects I feel like I am not only supporting the sin but also a part of it. I told them that out of respect for them I wanted to share my heart and not just tell them that I refuse to work on projects for the clinic. And that, out of respect for me, I hoped that whenever possible they would not ask me to be a part of any future projects.
When I told my mother about it she said, "You know they will probably fire you". I said I didn't think they could fire me over religious beliefs, but apparently small businesses have different regulations. For about half a second I was scared-what would I do if I lost my job. But then before I could even complete the thought the Lord whispered to me-"It's better to lose your job doing what I asked you to do than to keep your job by support the sin of others."
Romans 12.1,2
A Living Sacrifice
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
HE is Risen Indeed
Today was an awesome Easter Sunday. In church we learned about the LOVE of Christ--the whole reason we celebrate Easter. "While we were still helpless, at the proper time, Christ died for us. . . "
We had an unusually big family dinner after.
Our family is continuing to expand. . .
Crystal and our cousin's new baby-Elise
And I got to spend a ton of time with my Pa.
Can you tell he is one of my favorite people in the world?
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19.30
We had an unusually big family dinner after.
Our family is continuing to expand. . .
Crystal and our cousin's new baby-Elise
And I got to spend a ton of time with my Pa.
Can you tell he is one of my favorite people in the world?
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19.30
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Prodigal Daughter
I know without a doubt that the Lord allowed my prodigal years for a reason. He shaped me in that time. Looking back I can see that no matter how far away from Him I got, His hand was still on me. Protecting me. And He was always looking off in the distance waiting for me to come back. And when I did, He ran to me and lavished me with gifts. I know I wouldn't be the person I am now without those years. I wouldn't be able to minister uniquely to the people I am able to minister to without those years. But. . . what if? What if I never wandered away? Would I be angry as I watched the Father take prodigals back?
Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"
Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
"But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"
Monday, March 21, 2005
Wrathful
My pastor is doing a sermon series on the attributes of God. Yesterday he talked about God's wrath. Something we don't like to talk about. My sister and I were discussing how every other week we have sung songs that have to do with that attribute directly--His grace, His omnipotence, His holiness--but this week it was different. This week we sang about His mercy, and the cross. But I guess that is really the only way we can sing, or even speak, about His wrath. After all, the cross is God's wrath poured out on Christ. And Christ withstood the cross, having mercy on us!
Friday, March 18, 2005
Seasons
Today I met somebody that I think if things were a little different we could have been friends. It happens to me all the time. I meet someone in line somewhere, I meet them at a wedding, at a friends house, in a store. It happens all the time. You meet somebody and you really click. But you know that you will never see them again. You know that if you never had to walk away from them you could just keep talking, but that can't happen. They leave your life just as quickly and unexpectedly as they entered it. But they have left a mark on your heart. . . you love them as if you had known them forever. In those few moments, they have brought you closer to Jesus, closer to knowing Him, loving His Word, and seeking His will. But you wonder, if they can have such a profound impact in just a moment of time, why doesn't the Lord allow them to stay longer? And the answer is, it's just His plan. He tells us His ways and His thoughts are high above ours. Many times I have wanted to chase after the person, beg them not to leave my life. But I trust Him! I trust Him that that moment was a glimpse of His glory and that He will continue to bless me with moments just like those. For all of you have have been a part of my life for only a season, whether it was moments or years, Thank You! Thank you for drawing me closer to the heart of the Father. May He bless you in return.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3.1
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3.1
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
India Calling
A couple of months ago I heard that my church is taking a trip to India. I don't think I've ever really thought about going to India, but it really caught my attention. I think alot of it is the idea that the work there is just being started-all the research still has to be done. And I really love that kind of stuff. And of course, only the Lord has any idea where He will take me in my life, so far He has continued to suprise me. Anyways, I'm praying about taking this trip. I'm kinda of in between alot of stuff so I am worried that it won't be the right time to go. But I know that none of that really matters cause whatever the Lord has planned is gonna happen as long as I am searching for His will. But I know He has promised to continue to use me in overseas missions stuff, so this could be the next big thing.Here's a link to a tourism site about the city we will be working in.Please continue to pray for me as I seek His will.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Sufficient
The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately about how SUFFICIENT He is. How sufficient His grace is. It's not just enough. It's not just adequate. It is SUFFICIENT--it covers all the need. Not just to keep us floating, but to rescue us all together. In fact--HIS GRACE is perfected in my weakness. So when I am in the greatest need, His grace is most clearly and powerfully displayed. I found out last night that the brother of a good friend committed suicide this weekend. He was a Christian, even a deacon at his church. But the world got to be too much for him. I'm having trouble reconciling these two things.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Unique
Isn't it amazing how over and over in the Word we are reminded that there is only One God. Only One God, and One Mediator between God and men. Only One God, a jealous God who does not want His praise going to any other. One God, who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE. One God who judges. One God who works in us and through us.And yet, He is unique. Each one of us know Him in a different way. Each one of us will say something different when asked who God is to us. . . Father. . . Creator. . . Savior. . . Friend. . . Faithful. . . Redeemer. . . King of Kings. . . Healer. . . I Am. . . Prince of Peace. . . Provider. . . Holy One. . . Almighty God. . . Emmanuel. . . Daddy!
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