Now around every corner, up every mountain, I'm not looking for crowns or water from fountains. I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing that the sight of Your face is all that I'm needing.
It's gonna be worth it, It's gonna be worth it all, I believe this.
(Rita Springer)
3.02.2012
Perseverance
For the last month, my desire to spend time with the Lord has decreased a bit, although I knew that was temporary, or hoped at least. I asked some friends to pray that God put a strong desire to seek Him in my heart, and I've been asking for that as well. I know in my heart of hearts that nothing is more important than seeking His face.
Last night, I started listening to some of my Christian music and felt like I was connecting with God again. A person can't rely on his or her feelings. Christians connect with their Father even when they don't feel it. We are lead by our Spirits, not our souls or bodies. So, I feel like God's maturing me so that even when I don't feel like spending time with Him, I should do it anyways. But I did realize last night that I had been feeling more numb towards God because I hadn't processed the most recent events and my corresponding emotions with Him. The circumstances of my life are still painful. I have to rely on the Father for each step. His word truly is a "lamp to my path," and He widens my path "so that my ankles do not turn." I uncovered my heart to Him, and cried on His shoulder. I know Jesus is there. He is my great Comforter.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8)
When I opened my Bible tonight, God spoke directly to me, immediately. I love when that happens. The more time I spend with Him and in His word, the more I am aware of this. (My listening skills are still in development, so I do hear incorrectly at times I'm sure.) He gave me Psalm 27:
Last night, I started listening to some of my Christian music and felt like I was connecting with God again. A person can't rely on his or her feelings. Christians connect with their Father even when they don't feel it. We are lead by our Spirits, not our souls or bodies. So, I feel like God's maturing me so that even when I don't feel like spending time with Him, I should do it anyways. But I did realize last night that I had been feeling more numb towards God because I hadn't processed the most recent events and my corresponding emotions with Him. The circumstances of my life are still painful. I have to rely on the Father for each step. His word truly is a "lamp to my path," and He widens my path "so that my ankles do not turn." I uncovered my heart to Him, and cried on His shoulder. I know Jesus is there. He is my great Comforter.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8)
When I opened my Bible tonight, God spoke directly to me, immediately. I love when that happens. The more time I spend with Him and in His word, the more I am aware of this. (My listening skills are still in development, so I do hear incorrectly at times I'm sure.) He gave me Psalm 27:
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. (Invisible enemies) Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek...Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors...
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
2.04.2012
He's Everything
"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me." (Rev. 3:20)
I want to dine with my Father. I want to sit at His table, with Jesus at His right hand. I want intimacy with Him. He is my Provider, Comforter, Sustainer, Refuge, Savior, Best Friend, Shepherd, Father, Protector, Lover, King, Everything. There is no one greater. He is so worthy of praise and worship.
"I have nothing than all You offer me. There is nothing else that's of worth to me. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You're that all I want. You're all I need." (Hillsong)
Lord, I know you will never leave me nor forsake me. Be everything to me. Let my life be all about You. I want to be consumed by Your love and glory.
I've been in a season of difficulty and pain. Pain is serving a purpose though, and I tell God that I am willing to go through the fire for as long as He wants in order to be changed and be prepared for His tremendous blessings. Pain has brought me close to Him, and for that I am very thankful.
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)
"Pain removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul." (CS Lewis)
I want to dine with my Father. I want to sit at His table, with Jesus at His right hand. I want intimacy with Him. He is my Provider, Comforter, Sustainer, Refuge, Savior, Best Friend, Shepherd, Father, Protector, Lover, King, Everything. There is no one greater. He is so worthy of praise and worship.
"I have nothing than all You offer me. There is nothing else that's of worth to me. I love you, Lord. You rescued me. You're that all I want. You're all I need." (Hillsong)
Lord, I know you will never leave me nor forsake me. Be everything to me. Let my life be all about You. I want to be consumed by Your love and glory.
I've been in a season of difficulty and pain. Pain is serving a purpose though, and I tell God that I am willing to go through the fire for as long as He wants in order to be changed and be prepared for His tremendous blessings. Pain has brought me close to Him, and for that I am very thankful.
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)
"Pain removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul." (CS Lewis)
2.03.2012
Jesus
I admitted the other day that I felt like I wasn't as close to Jesus as I should be. I usually direct my prayers to the Father (Papa) or the Holy Spirit, but not to Jesus as much. Understanding the roles of each of the Trinity is confusing to me sometimes. (When I express gratitude, I usually thank the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to cover my bases.) Of course, a great way to know Jesus better is to read the Gospels. But, last Sunday at church, Jesus was made very clear to me. During worship, we all read the scripture below, and it was very moving and powerful. I'm greatly moved by His humility, which reflects His deep love for people.
It overwhelms me to think that our Creator, who has all power and knowledge, chose to become His creation, endure endless ridicule from them, and willingly die the most humiliating and excruciating death. And He did this all while His creation denied Him and lived a life of sin (we all fall short). Why did Jesus come and die this way? I believe it reflects His character, God's character. God's love for us is immeasurable. I also believe that to endure so much pain and ridicule, there must be something so horrible from which God meant to save us - hell.
Christ Jesus...
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:6-11
It overwhelms me to think that our Creator, who has all power and knowledge, chose to become His creation, endure endless ridicule from them, and willingly die the most humiliating and excruciating death. And He did this all while His creation denied Him and lived a life of sin (we all fall short). Why did Jesus come and die this way? I believe it reflects His character, God's character. God's love for us is immeasurable. I also believe that to endure so much pain and ridicule, there must be something so horrible from which God meant to save us - hell.
Christ Jesus...
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:6-11
1.29.2012
Power
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may KNOW the HOPE that He has called you to, the riches of his glorious INHERITANCE in the saints, and His incomparably great POWER for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but in the age to come." (Ephesians 1:18)
1.23.2012
New Creation
Before God rescued me, I thought the measure of a Christian was the possession of fruits of the Spirit - patience, love, kindness, peace, faith, gentleness, self control.
I didn't possess any of these qualities (isn't this a quote from Gladiator?) and knew I could never live up to God's standards, so I gave up. Christianity was too hard.
But then after a difficult year and in a moment of great anguish (it was quite dramatic), I begged God for help. He didn't say, "I'm sorry, but you have not followed my ways and so I will not help" or "I am mad, fix yourself first." For years, I did what the Bible said not to do. Oops. And what was God's response to me?
He said "I love you." Then a miracle happened. I started a new job, saw a girl there doing a Bible study, and left that job shortly after. That girl emailed me. I emailed back asking about her Bible study. She said she never does those but she thought God told her to. From this, we became friends and she helped lead me into a new relationship with God.
For several weeks, I cried out to God in repentance. My chest would feel physically lighter. Once at nighttime, I was feeling strongly depressed. I asked Jesus to take it away. Immediately, I felt light and calm.
This was the beginning of really knowing God. It's been over a year since then and He keeps telling me and showing me how much He loves me. When you know you are greatly loved by your Creator, what else matters?
I didn't possess any of these qualities (isn't this a quote from Gladiator?) and knew I could never live up to God's standards, so I gave up. Christianity was too hard.
But then after a difficult year and in a moment of great anguish (it was quite dramatic), I begged God for help. He didn't say, "I'm sorry, but you have not followed my ways and so I will not help" or "I am mad, fix yourself first." For years, I did what the Bible said not to do. Oops. And what was God's response to me?
He said "I love you." Then a miracle happened. I started a new job, saw a girl there doing a Bible study, and left that job shortly after. That girl emailed me. I emailed back asking about her Bible study. She said she never does those but she thought God told her to. From this, we became friends and she helped lead me into a new relationship with God.
For several weeks, I cried out to God in repentance. My chest would feel physically lighter. Once at nighttime, I was feeling strongly depressed. I asked Jesus to take it away. Immediately, I felt light and calm.
This was the beginning of really knowing God. It's been over a year since then and He keeps telling me and showing me how much He loves me. When you know you are greatly loved by your Creator, what else matters?
Rescue Mission
I'm posting again. Hello audience.
Here's some Bible verses that describe what God did for me about a year ago:
"In my distress I called to the Lord, I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. My cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook. They trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils. Consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down. Dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew. He soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven. The voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place. He rescued me because he delighted in me." Psalm 18
How much differently would we think and act if we knew that God delighted in us?
Here's some Bible verses that describe what God did for me about a year ago:
"In my distress I called to the Lord, I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. My cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook. They trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils. Consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down. Dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew. He soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven. The voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place. He rescued me because he delighted in me." Psalm 18
How much differently would we think and act if we knew that God delighted in us?
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