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.

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.

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

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.'"

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

Take You Back

The reason why I stand
The answer lies in you
You hung to make me strong
Though my praise was few
When I fall and bring your name down

But I have found in you
A heart that pleads forgiveness
Replacing all these thoughts
Of painful memories
But I knowThat your response will always be

I'll take you back always
And even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back always
And even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I'll take you back

You satisfy this cry
Of what I'm looking for
And I take all I can
And lay it down
Before the throne of endless grace, now
That radiates what's true

I'm in the only place
That erases all these faults
That have overtaken me
But I know
That your response will always be

I'll take you back always
And even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back always
And even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I'll take you back

I can only speak
With a grateful heart
As I'm pierced by this gift
Of your love

I will always bring an offering
I can never thank you enough

You'll take me back always
And even when my fight is over now
Even when my fight is over now
You'll take me back always
And even when my pain is coming through
Even when my pain is coming through
You'll take me back always

Jeremy Camp

Drawn Out, Closed In

A couple months ago, God made me a promise. A promise that He was going to do something great with my life, and it is going to require me to trust Him big time. So, here I am with all this anticipation, and it hasn't happened yet. This morning as I was driving to work and praying, asking Him why it hasn't happened yet, what is He waiting on, He explained something to me. He wanted me to be ready. . . be ready at any time to step out on the water, but now is not the time. If Peter had stepped out on to the water at random, he would have sunk. Instead He waited on Jesus to call Him-and He was able to walk out on to the water with Him. I was talking to my friend Kate last night about how so often life feels like we are just sitting in a waiting room. . . waiting for my name to be called. . . totally abandoned to the will of the name caller, and ready at all times to respond if my name is called. If I'm sitting at the Dr's office waiting, and I pick up a magazine to read, do I ask the "name caller" to wait while I finish the article I am reading-NO-I just get up and go, ready to follow wherever they lead me-it's a mindset. So, waiting is still hard-I think it is one of the harder things we do as Christians, because we are out of control of the situation. But it can be a time of total abandon to God's voice--just waiting for Him to call me to step out on the water with Him--to trust Him with all that I am.
"I no longer feel entitled to hold the answers to the universe. . . "