"I'll never forsake you...My love never ends."
Cannot get these words out of my head.
Last night at church Justin spoke on The Purpose of the Gospel. God's wisdom was flowing out of that guy as he humbly spoke on Ephesians 2:4-10. I was literally at the edge of my seat soaking it all in.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
The person who brought us from death to life has done this for His glory - to show the immeasurable riches of His grace.
Justin spoke a lot about how equipped we are. My mind kept going to Numbers where God used a donkey to speak, and make His point. Sometimes I have to tell myself, if a donkey can do it, I can do it.
When Jesus and His disciples fed the 5,000, Jesus handed each disciple food and they took it to a group of people. Jesus handed the disciples exactly what they needed to serve Him in that situation - to do a good work. We aren't saved by good works, but we are saved for good works - to glorify God and make His name known.
Jesus gave the disciples just what they needed to feed 5000 + and He will do the same for me, for you. We will be given exactly what we need for the good works we are called to do because of the Good Work he did for us on the cross.
I am 100% confident that the God who used a cross for salvation will never forsake us, and can use our broken lives for His glory providing all we need to make it possible - because His love and provision never fails.
Humbled.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I'm on a blogging kick...
I really do love the idea of blogging, but I hate the idea of sitting down and blogging. I think I may focus less on extravagant blogs full of what I am learning. Instead, I think I will post shorter, more frequent posts with snippets of things that have been good for my soul.
And even when I fall I'll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup.
Grace.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
A New View of the Cross...
I haven't been here in a while. I have come to the conclusion that I am more of a blog-reader than a blog-writer. That is probably evident by the lack of posts, but my heart is FULL and I have been learning a lot, I can't help but share.
During this Easter season my heart has been GRIPPED with a view of the cross that looks much different to me than it ever has before. It's funny, because even as I write this, reflecting more, I am on the verge of tears because it has been such a revealing season for my heart. I am learning. I am being stretched. I am having to trust. All things I thought I had experience in surplus before, and perhaps I have, but right now it seems to be happening when I turn each corner.
I have been reading through the Scriptures this year. Right now I am knee-deep in the Old Testament. I have spent a lot of time reading through rule after rule after rule on the pages of the Old Testament, and my heart has been stirred.
As I approached the Easter season, I, of course, was filled with a thankful heart as I thought of the unthinkable, selfless act my Savior made for me. Upon further examination of the cross, and after reading through the Old Testament - my view has forever been changed. I've always known the rules the Old Testament presented, but something about reading them during the Easter season really did a number on my view of the cross.
The veil was torn and a New Covenant has become reality for me. Such a sacrifice.
Then tonight, as I continue to read, there have been a few days of the psalms that I am reading. As I read through Psalm 77, I couldn't stop reading over and over verse 4 "You hold my eyelids open"...and while the context isn't one of a super joyful Psalmist, I am finding SO MUCH joy, because I can't help but think about what Jesus does for me - he holds my eyelids open so I can see what He is doing for me yesterday, today, and forever - and that is my view of the cross today. A Savior who suffered so that a veil could be torn, so that freedom would be my reality and that He could open my eyes so that I could try to understand His sacrifice.
Grace.
During this Easter season my heart has been GRIPPED with a view of the cross that looks much different to me than it ever has before. It's funny, because even as I write this, reflecting more, I am on the verge of tears because it has been such a revealing season for my heart. I am learning. I am being stretched. I am having to trust. All things I thought I had experience in surplus before, and perhaps I have, but right now it seems to be happening when I turn each corner.
I have been reading through the Scriptures this year. Right now I am knee-deep in the Old Testament. I have spent a lot of time reading through rule after rule after rule on the pages of the Old Testament, and my heart has been stirred.
As I approached the Easter season, I, of course, was filled with a thankful heart as I thought of the unthinkable, selfless act my Savior made for me. Upon further examination of the cross, and after reading through the Old Testament - my view has forever been changed. I've always known the rules the Old Testament presented, but something about reading them during the Easter season really did a number on my view of the cross.
The veil was torn and a New Covenant has become reality for me. Such a sacrifice.
Then tonight, as I continue to read, there have been a few days of the psalms that I am reading. As I read through Psalm 77, I couldn't stop reading over and over verse 4 "You hold my eyelids open"...and while the context isn't one of a super joyful Psalmist, I am finding SO MUCH joy, because I can't help but think about what Jesus does for me - he holds my eyelids open so I can see what He is doing for me yesterday, today, and forever - and that is my view of the cross today. A Savior who suffered so that a veil could be torn, so that freedom would be my reality and that He could open my eyes so that I could try to understand His sacrifice.
Grace.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Fall!
Today is my favorite kind of fall day. Overcast, cool breeze, and trees adorning the most vibrant fall colors you have ever seen. I'm also quite fond of the faint scent of bon fire you can smell when the breeze blows strong enough.
This season I have been blessed with a lot of time to think, meditate on, and be encouraged by the Lord and where I currently am in life.
I am leading a Community Group through the Single's Ministry at my church (www.fellowshipnwa.org) and could not be more encouraged each week. We have been walking through Joseph's story as told in Genesis. It has been a sweet time as we hash out hard topics, hear each other's hearts and truly seek the Lord in the scriptures while applying them to our own unique circumstances. My heart is full each Wednesday. The theme of reconciliation and restoration is prevalent in the story, and HUGE in our own lives EACH DAY.
This past Wednesday we walked through the part of the story when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers after ALL OF THESE YEARS. For years they have lived with the idea that they have no idea where their younger brother ended up, and also have lived with the guilt of saddening Jacob's heart over losing his favorite son.
The sweetest part of this story, to me, is Joseph's reaction in forgiving. I don't think he diminished what his brother's did in selling him into slavery - BUT he saw God's purpose in it all was greater than the evil of his brothers. God used Joseph's sorrows to use him and his family and provide the conditions for his family to become a nation! God turned it for His glory. There was no loss.
I am so thankful for the message of reconciliation and restoration in this story. In fact, in this season, there is SO much to be thankful for.
Through the busy-ness this season brings, may we not hold on to trivial circumstances, but like Joseph, may we look past, and realize what it truly means to love those who persecute us...AS we love ourselves.
This season I have been blessed with a lot of time to think, meditate on, and be encouraged by the Lord and where I currently am in life.
I am leading a Community Group through the Single's Ministry at my church (www.fellowshipnwa.org) and could not be more encouraged each week. We have been walking through Joseph's story as told in Genesis. It has been a sweet time as we hash out hard topics, hear each other's hearts and truly seek the Lord in the scriptures while applying them to our own unique circumstances. My heart is full each Wednesday. The theme of reconciliation and restoration is prevalent in the story, and HUGE in our own lives EACH DAY.
This past Wednesday we walked through the part of the story when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers after ALL OF THESE YEARS. For years they have lived with the idea that they have no idea where their younger brother ended up, and also have lived with the guilt of saddening Jacob's heart over losing his favorite son.
The sweetest part of this story, to me, is Joseph's reaction in forgiving. I don't think he diminished what his brother's did in selling him into slavery - BUT he saw God's purpose in it all was greater than the evil of his brothers. God used Joseph's sorrows to use him and his family and provide the conditions for his family to become a nation! God turned it for His glory. There was no loss.
I am so thankful for the message of reconciliation and restoration in this story. In fact, in this season, there is SO much to be thankful for.
Through the busy-ness this season brings, may we not hold on to trivial circumstances, but like Joseph, may we look past, and realize what it truly means to love those who persecute us...AS we love ourselves.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Be Still.
The society we live in today isn't a quiet one. In fact, it's quite the opposite. We are fast-paced when we move, and we move a lot. I've been challenged recently with a huge desire to find the quiet in each day and truly be still before the Lord. I want to find myself in a state of mind where this becomes ordinary in my life.
The Lord is teaching me to say no. To put Him first, and my social life second. I spend 98% of my week surrounded by people, and the fast pace of life. I'm finding as the days sprint by that I need the quiet to maintain my sanity, but more importantly so that my mind is quiet enough to hear what the Lord has for me.
I think we lose sight of who God is, because we aren't still enough to notice all that He is to us...all that He does for us.
I am reminded today, with the change in seasons, the stillness of leaf-less trees. No rustle in the wind, and while the branches still sway, there is less movement with the loss of those leaves. I feel the same thing true in my life. If I would let go of some of the things that keep me so busy, and just sit before the Lord, being still just might be a little bit easier.
Peace.
The Lord is teaching me to say no. To put Him first, and my social life second. I spend 98% of my week surrounded by people, and the fast pace of life. I'm finding as the days sprint by that I need the quiet to maintain my sanity, but more importantly so that my mind is quiet enough to hear what the Lord has for me.
I think we lose sight of who God is, because we aren't still enough to notice all that He is to us...all that He does for us.
I am reminded today, with the change in seasons, the stillness of leaf-less trees. No rustle in the wind, and while the branches still sway, there is less movement with the loss of those leaves. I feel the same thing true in my life. If I would let go of some of the things that keep me so busy, and just sit before the Lord, being still just might be a little bit easier.
"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
Peace.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Update.
I owe you an apology. I was reminded this past weekend while spending it with my dearest friends from college, that I haven't updated in quite some time. I'm not going to vow to be a better blogger because I know how that will go....
My first year of teaching is over, and my second year is in full swing. I have 11 students -- 7 boys and 4 girls. Can you believe it? It's quite nice and quite productive. All because "...He who promised is faithful."
I love my class. I love my time here. The Lord is providing for my needs. I am leading a community group and staying really busy. After a wonderful summer of community I knew I wouldn't survive in a situation where community wasn't a big part of it. I am part of a wonderful community because "...He who promised is faithful."
Each morning I am reminded of Hebrews 10:23 -- "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
I love the end..."he who promised is faithful."
Faithful to:
My first year of teaching is over, and my second year is in full swing. I have 11 students -- 7 boys and 4 girls. Can you believe it? It's quite nice and quite productive. All because "...He who promised is faithful."
I love my class. I love my time here. The Lord is providing for my needs. I am leading a community group and staying really busy. After a wonderful summer of community I knew I wouldn't survive in a situation where community wasn't a big part of it. I am part of a wonderful community because "...He who promised is faithful."
Each morning I am reminded of Hebrews 10:23 -- "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
I love the end..."he who promised is faithful."
Faithful to:
- place me in wonderful community
- bless me with a new house and roommate
- answer my prayers
- bring me to my knees
- pick me up from my knees
- send people to my house to fix my car so I can drive to Bolivar
He is faithful, I am thankful.
My community group is going through the life of Joseph. I am really enjoying this journey we are on, as we take a deeper look at the path Joseph went down. To this point in the semester we have gone through Genesis 37 and 39.
The conversation has been fruitful, and I have learned so much from my new friends. This is all because"...He who promised is faithful."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
heart of JOY
In 1.5 school days I lose the title first year teacher.
In 100+ days my 15 kids have taught me a lot about life. I am forever grateful for the year I have experienced with these kids. I am thrilled even to say that I made it this far. In the days leading up to this last week of school, I never thought I would be emotional. BUT I think I wouldn't be giving glory where glory is due if I didn't look back on this year and praise the Lord for being my success.
I remember going into this year full of fear and wonder. Questioning my adequacy in front of 15 kids...but the beauty of the 15 kids that the Lord placed in my classroom is they love me for me. These kids have taught me what it means to love. Not that I loved them perfectly, or even very well some days, but they truly loved me each day and showed me what that really looks like.
Each teacher at Life Way assigns each of their kids a "character trait" that they lived up to throughout the year. This was definitely the hardest part of my job. I had to think back on this year and figure out what trait they exemplified through the year. Now that I have assigned them, I just have to present them and try to maintain my composure. So we'll see how that goes.
The Lord did SUCH great things this year. My heart is so full. So much joy fills me when I look back on this year. I have been blessed by this bunch.
In 100+ days my 15 kids have taught me a lot about life. I am forever grateful for the year I have experienced with these kids. I am thrilled even to say that I made it this far. In the days leading up to this last week of school, I never thought I would be emotional. BUT I think I wouldn't be giving glory where glory is due if I didn't look back on this year and praise the Lord for being my success.
I remember going into this year full of fear and wonder. Questioning my adequacy in front of 15 kids...but the beauty of the 15 kids that the Lord placed in my classroom is they love me for me. These kids have taught me what it means to love. Not that I loved them perfectly, or even very well some days, but they truly loved me each day and showed me what that really looks like.
Each teacher at Life Way assigns each of their kids a "character trait" that they lived up to throughout the year. This was definitely the hardest part of my job. I had to think back on this year and figure out what trait they exemplified through the year. Now that I have assigned them, I just have to present them and try to maintain my composure. So we'll see how that goes.
The Lord did SUCH great things this year. My heart is so full. So much joy fills me when I look back on this year. I have been blessed by this bunch.
Grace and Peace.
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