"The fear of the LORD is the BEGINNING of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding" (Psalm 111:10)...But..."There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18).
As we grow in His love, we realize that we will not have the punishment due to us, because of His glorious sacrifice. So whom and what shall we fear? We will not have to fear. As we become perfected in and by His love, we lose the fear of punishment.
There will still be awe, stunning, beauty that leaves us speechless. Our respect for our glorious father shall increase, our understanding of our depravity will become clearer to us. But we shall not fear in the sense that we expect to be cast away. Do we deserve it? Absolutely. But we have access to the great, free gift of mercy. Thanks be to God!
Lord, You are so good. Why do You love me? I am so lowly and dirty. Yet You love me, You give me Your peace that surpasses understanding, and is everlasting. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I am undeserving of all good and deserving of all punishment, yet, I receive goodness, love, blessings, kindness. You are good. You have given me good gifts. Thank You. You are glorious. You alone are worthy. Thank You for Your love.
With love, to Love,
in Your wonderful glorious name,
Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Repeating Truth, so that my heart will learn to recognize it.
I had a conversation a few weeks ago with a good friend of mine, and here for a few of the ideas/thoughts/things that came out of it:
Relationships, our stupidity in them and sin, can be very frustrating. It is so hard to do things the right way, in the right timing, however it is so beautiful when that is the case. It is so much harder to do things the wrong way. We easily get deceived that giving in is much easier, but if we ever genuinely evaluate a situation, we see this is not truth. God's timing is always best. To trust that means to daily lay our desires in His hands. It means laying down the cross of relationships (romantic and otherwise) in His hands, and saying "Lord I trust You with the most precious things to me". I have to stress, this is a DAILY thing. Sometimes even hourly. "Lord, I give you my day today. I know You are good and I trust and rejoice in that truth". I have to repeat this, so that my heart will learn to recognize the truth.
In addition it is good to recognize that for those who do not know our Lord, Love Himself, they are even more easily deceived that those of us, whom God has blessed to already become His children. Without Him (the source of Life and Love)what you would feel would be nothing...in the sense of there being no point, only confusion, sadness, despair. And the point is every girl who knows not the savior is in that position which is why the run to boys to help them not be scared, to not feel alone. Its something to keep in mind when talking to girls who do not believe, or refuse to, in God. To realize that if we were in their place, our emotions would control us, for without God we can do nothing, but with God we can do all things.
In God is the ability to overcome.
Lord, I thank You for the privileged and blessing it is to know You. To be loved by You, and be able to love You in return (no matter how inadequate love from me may be). That You give me the resources to be able to please You, for in it of myself I can do nothing good. I thank You for the relationships You have put in my life. Help me to continually hand them back to You...to lay them at Your feet. You are love, power, majesty. You alone are worthy of all praise. The alpha and omega. All that is good. I thank You for the gift of Your Son, and the gift to be called Your daughter.
With love, to Love.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Relationships, our stupidity in them and sin, can be very frustrating. It is so hard to do things the right way, in the right timing, however it is so beautiful when that is the case. It is so much harder to do things the wrong way. We easily get deceived that giving in is much easier, but if we ever genuinely evaluate a situation, we see this is not truth. God's timing is always best. To trust that means to daily lay our desires in His hands. It means laying down the cross of relationships (romantic and otherwise) in His hands, and saying "Lord I trust You with the most precious things to me". I have to stress, this is a DAILY thing. Sometimes even hourly. "Lord, I give you my day today. I know You are good and I trust and rejoice in that truth". I have to repeat this, so that my heart will learn to recognize the truth.
In addition it is good to recognize that for those who do not know our Lord, Love Himself, they are even more easily deceived that those of us, whom God has blessed to already become His children. Without Him (the source of Life and Love)what you would feel would be nothing...in the sense of there being no point, only confusion, sadness, despair. And the point is every girl who knows not the savior is in that position which is why the run to boys to help them not be scared, to not feel alone. Its something to keep in mind when talking to girls who do not believe, or refuse to, in God. To realize that if we were in their place, our emotions would control us, for without God we can do nothing, but with God we can do all things.
In God is the ability to overcome.
Lord, I thank You for the privileged and blessing it is to know You. To be loved by You, and be able to love You in return (no matter how inadequate love from me may be). That You give me the resources to be able to please You, for in it of myself I can do nothing good. I thank You for the relationships You have put in my life. Help me to continually hand them back to You...to lay them at Your feet. You are love, power, majesty. You alone are worthy of all praise. The alpha and omega. All that is good. I thank You for the gift of Your Son, and the gift to be called Your daughter.
With love, to Love.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
No complaining? Yep, that is what is says.
"We should not lust after evil things...And do not become idolaters... nor let us commit sexual immorality....nor complain.... No temptation has seized you except what is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10: 6-13
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" James 1: 13-15
"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" 2 Timothy 2:22
The best way that I have learned to flee from temptations, from lusts, from the desire to idolize things, is to set my gaze on my Lord. If I am focused on Him, the things of this world have a much harder time grasping my attention. For who would look at an crack in the side walk when the grand canyon is before them?
1 peter 1 tells me to rest my "mind FULLY upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as OBEDIENT children, not conforming to the former lusts, as in (my) ignorance, but as He who called (me) is holy, (I) also be holy in all (my) conduct".
If I meditate on the things of God and pursue Him above all else, when temptation comes I will know where to turn.
I am called to be diligent in adding to my faith virtue, knowledge, SELF-CONTROL, perseverance, godliness, brotherly-kindness, and love.
This means not complaining. I need to have thanksgiving on my lips, not grumbling. I am called to be holy as my God is holy. I cannot do this... but He can do it in me.
I can only do this through the love and the grace of my Lord and Savior. I turn to Him for all strength. He is worth it all, millions of times over. I can do all things through Him: resist temptation, flee youthful lusts, be obedient and have self-control, mediate on Him and His goodness. For He is stronger than the things of this world, He has overcome them.
Thank You, my Lord, my Rock, my Savior, my Redeemer, the Love of my life, Holy One, that You would help me in every trial, in every temptation. You never leave me nor forsake me. You love me even though I can not even come close to deserving Your love. You care for me though I do nothing to gain approval or favor. You are good and holy, I am not. Yet You love me, You sustain me, You carry me, You guide me. Lord teach me to never wander from You. Help me set my eyes upon You. Be my life. I thank You Lord for Your immeasurable kindness and Love.
With love, to Love
Amen.
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" James 1: 13-15
"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" 2 Timothy 2:22
The best way that I have learned to flee from temptations, from lusts, from the desire to idolize things, is to set my gaze on my Lord. If I am focused on Him, the things of this world have a much harder time grasping my attention. For who would look at an crack in the side walk when the grand canyon is before them?
1 peter 1 tells me to rest my "mind FULLY upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as OBEDIENT children, not conforming to the former lusts, as in (my) ignorance, but as He who called (me) is holy, (I) also be holy in all (my) conduct".
If I meditate on the things of God and pursue Him above all else, when temptation comes I will know where to turn.
I am called to be diligent in adding to my faith virtue, knowledge, SELF-CONTROL, perseverance, godliness, brotherly-kindness, and love.
This means not complaining. I need to have thanksgiving on my lips, not grumbling. I am called to be holy as my God is holy. I cannot do this... but He can do it in me.
I can only do this through the love and the grace of my Lord and Savior. I turn to Him for all strength. He is worth it all, millions of times over. I can do all things through Him: resist temptation, flee youthful lusts, be obedient and have self-control, mediate on Him and His goodness. For He is stronger than the things of this world, He has overcome them.
Thank You, my Lord, my Rock, my Savior, my Redeemer, the Love of my life, Holy One, that You would help me in every trial, in every temptation. You never leave me nor forsake me. You love me even though I can not even come close to deserving Your love. You care for me though I do nothing to gain approval or favor. You are good and holy, I am not. Yet You love me, You sustain me, You carry me, You guide me. Lord teach me to never wander from You. Help me set my eyes upon You. Be my life. I thank You Lord for Your immeasurable kindness and Love.
With love, to Love
Amen.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Why are there temptation and trials?
If there was never temptation, where would obedience be?
If there were only things in which our physical bodies needed, we would readily do them for there it would only make sense to do so.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was so that Adam and Eve would obey God for the sake of obedience. God could have made it to where there was no forbidden tree, but then how would their obedience (or disobedience) ever be shown? If they had no way to disobey, would they actually be obeying or simply just doing?
These are some questions I have been thinking about a lot lately.
In James it says to consider ever trial a pure joy, because in it we grow and become mature. We learn how to obey through trials (either that or the consequences for disobedience). For this reason we are to consider it joy! For in obeying we love God. It is through obedience that we learn more about God, how to truly love and receive love.
Obedience starts in the little things of life. Daily interactions. Typical conversations. Thoughts. Any small things God is convicting you (me) about. To learn how to obey in the seemingly "unimportant" things, we train ourselves to be obedient in the bigger decision this life throws at us.
Practicing obedience is an exercise of the will. Just like a muscle you cannot expect to never lift weights and then be able to lift 200 lbs. It takes time, patience, and practice to be able to work up to that point/skill level. It is the same with obedience. We must give over all the little things in this life to God, that we will be ready to give over the larger things when they come to us.
Dear Lord, help me to give over all of the things in this life to You. To be obedient to Your calling in every aspect of my life. In sorrows. Burdens. Joys. Blessings. In everything. In You alone can joy be found. In You alone is life.
Help me to be obedient and steadfast to the calling I have receive. To love You. To love others. To bring glory to You name in both the "small" and vastly important things of this life. To look on trials with joy, seeing them as a chance to obey You and show my love. To look on blessings as the great and wonderful treasure they are. To make You my treasure, my goal, my life, my all. For where my treasure is there my heart is. Be my treasure.
With love, to Love. Amen
If there were only things in which our physical bodies needed, we would readily do them for there it would only make sense to do so.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was so that Adam and Eve would obey God for the sake of obedience. God could have made it to where there was no forbidden tree, but then how would their obedience (or disobedience) ever be shown? If they had no way to disobey, would they actually be obeying or simply just doing?
These are some questions I have been thinking about a lot lately.
In James it says to consider ever trial a pure joy, because in it we grow and become mature. We learn how to obey through trials (either that or the consequences for disobedience). For this reason we are to consider it joy! For in obeying we love God. It is through obedience that we learn more about God, how to truly love and receive love.
Obedience starts in the little things of life. Daily interactions. Typical conversations. Thoughts. Any small things God is convicting you (me) about. To learn how to obey in the seemingly "unimportant" things, we train ourselves to be obedient in the bigger decision this life throws at us.
Practicing obedience is an exercise of the will. Just like a muscle you cannot expect to never lift weights and then be able to lift 200 lbs. It takes time, patience, and practice to be able to work up to that point/skill level. It is the same with obedience. We must give over all the little things in this life to God, that we will be ready to give over the larger things when they come to us.
Dear Lord, help me to give over all of the things in this life to You. To be obedient to Your calling in every aspect of my life. In sorrows. Burdens. Joys. Blessings. In everything. In You alone can joy be found. In You alone is life.
Help me to be obedient and steadfast to the calling I have receive. To love You. To love others. To bring glory to You name in both the "small" and vastly important things of this life. To look on trials with joy, seeing them as a chance to obey You and show my love. To look on blessings as the great and wonderful treasure they are. To make You my treasure, my goal, my life, my all. For where my treasure is there my heart is. Be my treasure.
With love, to Love. Amen
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bible study numero uno
So, we had our first bible study tonight. It is called Essentials. And it is simply that, exploring the essentials of the Christian faith.
Well, so God is amazing. He continually goes above and beyond my expectations. Why do I try to limit Him? Its such a silly thing.
So many people came that there was not even enough room for chairs (one person ended up sitting on the floor).
The discussion was good. No it was great! People were so open and willing to discuss, wanting to talk about God. To hear what others had to say. To dive into what it means when we say God and realize that though we can never fully comprehend all of God, we can get to know Him better by exploring some of His characteristics. His goodness, justice, righteousness, that He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and soo very much more.
And then we sang worship songs afterwords til about 11 o'clock, when it became a just singing time.
It was really good, I am excited for what God has in store for us in the future. He has blessed me with my wonderful sister, who basically lead the study for us (since I am still trying to figure it out. I couldn't be more thankful!)
I even learned two cords on the guitar. I truly hope that I will be able to learn how to play at least a little bit this summer. And the piano!
I feel like there is so much I want to do this summer, and its simply too short. But its ok, I'll get done what I need to get done (after all God is the controller of time, if I don't get something done either I didn't need to do it, or I need to learn to use my time more wisely).
I have wonderful friends. Thank Lord for them! Thank You! Thank You! That they desire to talk about You, and push me to do the same.
Ah so many questions to someone that I cannot ask. You are merciful in that as well. Thank You for giving me guidance and self control. There is no way I could refrain simply on my own. And in due time I will know what I need to and won't what would not be helpful for me to know. You, Lord Jesus, are in control of that. You have time, knowledge, power, and love in Your hands. As long as I cling to You, follow You, worship and desire You above all else, the things of this world will work out the way You designed.
Lord, help me to realize Your plan is best, Your timing is best, You have a great plan for me. I will follow You Lord. I will trust You Lord. You alone are worthy of all glory! From You come blessing, honor, strength and power. Thank You creator for the blessings in my life.
You are good my dear savior and friend, all the time You are good.
With love, to Love. Amen.
Well, so God is amazing. He continually goes above and beyond my expectations. Why do I try to limit Him? Its such a silly thing.
So many people came that there was not even enough room for chairs (one person ended up sitting on the floor).
The discussion was good. No it was great! People were so open and willing to discuss, wanting to talk about God. To hear what others had to say. To dive into what it means when we say God and realize that though we can never fully comprehend all of God, we can get to know Him better by exploring some of His characteristics. His goodness, justice, righteousness, that He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and soo very much more.
And then we sang worship songs afterwords til about 11 o'clock, when it became a just singing time.
It was really good, I am excited for what God has in store for us in the future. He has blessed me with my wonderful sister, who basically lead the study for us (since I am still trying to figure it out. I couldn't be more thankful!)
I even learned two cords on the guitar. I truly hope that I will be able to learn how to play at least a little bit this summer. And the piano!
I feel like there is so much I want to do this summer, and its simply too short. But its ok, I'll get done what I need to get done (after all God is the controller of time, if I don't get something done either I didn't need to do it, or I need to learn to use my time more wisely).
I have wonderful friends. Thank Lord for them! Thank You! Thank You! That they desire to talk about You, and push me to do the same.
Ah so many questions to someone that I cannot ask. You are merciful in that as well. Thank You for giving me guidance and self control. There is no way I could refrain simply on my own. And in due time I will know what I need to and won't what would not be helpful for me to know. You, Lord Jesus, are in control of that. You have time, knowledge, power, and love in Your hands. As long as I cling to You, follow You, worship and desire You above all else, the things of this world will work out the way You designed.
Lord, help me to realize Your plan is best, Your timing is best, You have a great plan for me. I will follow You Lord. I will trust You Lord. You alone are worthy of all glory! From You come blessing, honor, strength and power. Thank You creator for the blessings in my life.
You are good my dear savior and friend, all the time You are good.
With love, to Love. Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Honestly.
I've felt like I should write this, but haven't wanted to. Its something I have been struggling a lot with, this last year, but especially this last week.
I don't want to sound self-pitying, yet I am afraid that will be the way it comes across. I am not saying this hoping someone will refute it, but because it is what is on my heart.
I have felt inadequate lately.
How ironic after reading my sister's latest blog about this very issue.
And I truly do know He is enough, more than enough.
So loving, kind, generous, healing is my heavenly father!
And so I am trying to understand where these feelings are coming from.
To figure out how to rejoice in the gifts He has given to others, without becoming envious of them.
It is not that I wish they did not have those gifts, I am so glad they have them! And they use them for the glory of the father.
It just saddens me that I do not know how to participate in that way.
So many of my wonderful, loving, God-fearing, God-honoring friends are so musically talented. They either have amazing instrumental skills, great voices, or both. And I simply do not fit that category at all. Although my voice is not terrible, it also, in all honesty, is not very good.
I so desire to join in when they start to play, but find myself on the sidelines.
Please if any of you are reading this, continue to play around me! I enjoy your music immensely and don't want you to feel awkward around me for having written this.
I desire to have a gift that I can share. Join in with other people and do.
I know I have heard people say I am good with kids and babies, and I know that helps people other than just me, but its not really something you can do in a group.
I'm not really sure how to put into words what I have been struggling with.
I guess its realizing that I don't really have a place where I fit in.
At school, I do not fit in with the Corps guys that my former roommate hangs out with all the time. I do not understand the military. I don't feel like I fit in here either, since I have no real musical abilities.
People have said, well you are athletic and you like sports so you fit in that way. But as I get older, it honestly gets more difficult to find people to play with. Most guys want to play with other guys, and girls, there are fewer who really want to play (I think some of my guy friends who still include me, you have no idea how much it means to me!).
This is rambling and really has no direction. I just feel really crummy lately and am trying to figure out why.
I have such great friends, yet I feel like I have nothing to contribute to them. Like when they start playing, I don't know the words and make it awkward. I'm the dud.
I want to give back, to them, to God.
Yet I am left with nothing, I don't know how!
Lord I know You accept me empty handed. How gracious You are! And You have given me friend who love me regardless of what I can give, thank You. Yet I so desperately want to give to You. To find a way to love You, glorify You, alone but also with a group. To be creative LOrd!
Yet not my will, but Your will be done.
Help me to accept what You have given me, but also what You have not.
I know You are good. Your plans are good.
Help me to see that Lord!
I need Your eyes to see that.
Help me.
With love, to Love. Amen
I don't want to sound self-pitying, yet I am afraid that will be the way it comes across. I am not saying this hoping someone will refute it, but because it is what is on my heart.
I have felt inadequate lately.
How ironic after reading my sister's latest blog about this very issue.
And I truly do know He is enough, more than enough.
So loving, kind, generous, healing is my heavenly father!
And so I am trying to understand where these feelings are coming from.
To figure out how to rejoice in the gifts He has given to others, without becoming envious of them.
It is not that I wish they did not have those gifts, I am so glad they have them! And they use them for the glory of the father.
It just saddens me that I do not know how to participate in that way.
So many of my wonderful, loving, God-fearing, God-honoring friends are so musically talented. They either have amazing instrumental skills, great voices, or both. And I simply do not fit that category at all. Although my voice is not terrible, it also, in all honesty, is not very good.
I so desire to join in when they start to play, but find myself on the sidelines.
Please if any of you are reading this, continue to play around me! I enjoy your music immensely and don't want you to feel awkward around me for having written this.
I desire to have a gift that I can share. Join in with other people and do.
I know I have heard people say I am good with kids and babies, and I know that helps people other than just me, but its not really something you can do in a group.
I'm not really sure how to put into words what I have been struggling with.
I guess its realizing that I don't really have a place where I fit in.
At school, I do not fit in with the Corps guys that my former roommate hangs out with all the time. I do not understand the military. I don't feel like I fit in here either, since I have no real musical abilities.
People have said, well you are athletic and you like sports so you fit in that way. But as I get older, it honestly gets more difficult to find people to play with. Most guys want to play with other guys, and girls, there are fewer who really want to play (I think some of my guy friends who still include me, you have no idea how much it means to me!).
This is rambling and really has no direction. I just feel really crummy lately and am trying to figure out why.
I have such great friends, yet I feel like I have nothing to contribute to them. Like when they start playing, I don't know the words and make it awkward. I'm the dud.
I want to give back, to them, to God.
Yet I am left with nothing, I don't know how!
Lord I know You accept me empty handed. How gracious You are! And You have given me friend who love me regardless of what I can give, thank You. Yet I so desperately want to give to You. To find a way to love You, glorify You, alone but also with a group. To be creative LOrd!
Yet not my will, but Your will be done.
Help me to accept what You have given me, but also what You have not.
I know You are good. Your plans are good.
Help me to see that Lord!
I need Your eyes to see that.
Help me.
With love, to Love. Amen
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Home again
Well here I am, home again.
And very glad to be...and yet, its not the same.
I love being with my family, and actually do not miss college station much at all (if at all). I think its that here its harder for me to go places. I can not just walk across campus and visit people. And since I don't have a car, I can't drive anywhere. Not that I mind so much, its just very different.
I enjoy getting to talk to my family, be around children again, have my own room, attend my home church. And yet there is an ache that comes with being home.
Not an ache for somewhere else, but for what used to be and is no longer.
I feel no different than how I was a year ago, which saddens me, because I think I should.
In less than a month I will be 21, a legal adult in all ways in the eyes of the law. Yet I still feel like such a child.
I do not know what I am supposed to do.
I feel lost, like I am going in circles, and these emotions, memories, feelings and attachments, that I so desperately want to be rid of, continue to cycle all the more.
How do I get him out of my head and away from my heart? I do not desire that he is there. I want God there, to fill every space of it, to clean it out. I desperately call out and pray to You, Lord, heal, fix, mend, remove, burn away, restore me!
Why will they not pass or fade? I think they are gone only for another wave to sweep over me. I feel like I am drowning sometimes.
Yet, the Lord is merciful. He gives me life lines, family, good friends, and most importantly Himself.
Lord,
Help me please, to every day focus on You and what You would have of me.
Take away what needs to be taken, and fill me with You instead.
Thank You for Your mercy and love.
I need You and love You, though I am often bad at showing it.
With love, to true Love.
Amen
And very glad to be...and yet, its not the same.
I love being with my family, and actually do not miss college station much at all (if at all). I think its that here its harder for me to go places. I can not just walk across campus and visit people. And since I don't have a car, I can't drive anywhere. Not that I mind so much, its just very different.
I enjoy getting to talk to my family, be around children again, have my own room, attend my home church. And yet there is an ache that comes with being home.
Not an ache for somewhere else, but for what used to be and is no longer.
I feel no different than how I was a year ago, which saddens me, because I think I should.
In less than a month I will be 21, a legal adult in all ways in the eyes of the law. Yet I still feel like such a child.
I do not know what I am supposed to do.
I feel lost, like I am going in circles, and these emotions, memories, feelings and attachments, that I so desperately want to be rid of, continue to cycle all the more.
How do I get him out of my head and away from my heart? I do not desire that he is there. I want God there, to fill every space of it, to clean it out. I desperately call out and pray to You, Lord, heal, fix, mend, remove, burn away, restore me!
Why will they not pass or fade? I think they are gone only for another wave to sweep over me. I feel like I am drowning sometimes.
Yet, the Lord is merciful. He gives me life lines, family, good friends, and most importantly Himself.
Lord,
Help me please, to every day focus on You and what You would have of me.
Take away what needs to be taken, and fill me with You instead.
Thank You for Your mercy and love.
I need You and love You, though I am often bad at showing it.
With love, to true Love.
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
