Travis Cottrell posted this video on his blog,
so I thought I would share it here.
It gives you just a glimpse of the amazing weekend... :)
DeeperStill - Atlanta from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.
I will be back to "Lies Young Women Believe" tomorrow!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
3 Lies We Believe About Relationships
"Wishing to be friends is a quick work,
but friendship is a slow ripening fruit."
~Aristotle~
Lie 1: It's okay to be one person at home and a different person in public/online
If you life contradicts what you say you believe...then you are living this lie and are a hypocrite. Before you tell me that hypocrite is a harsh word, let me give you the definition of it: "A person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs." So...if you act one way around certain people and a different way around your parents/home, then you are living the life of a hypocrite.
In Matthew 27, Jesus told the hypocrites, "You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean...on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
God wants you to be of one mind and content in who He made you to be. "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). Genuine, lived-out faith is crucial to your relationship with God. After all, how can you be in a relationship with anyone unless you trust them implicitly? If you are living a double life of hypocrisy, you must leave your old life completely. Confess your sins to God, and pray that He will "Unite (your) heart to fear (His) name" (Ps. 86:11)
Lie 2: If I just had friends, I wouldn't be so lonely
Most of us girls have had a bad 'friend-day', and used it as an excuse to curl up in bed and have a good cry...or down an entire pint of ice cream while we watch the latest chick flick. We miss the fact that our earthly friends should be second to our Best Friend. God created us to know Him and to be His friend, yet we still buy into the lie that God is not enough.
We forget that there is no greater friend than God! God never leaves us (Heb. 13:5), knows everything about us (Matt. 10:30), loves us despite our sin (Jn. 3:16), will never let us be separated from His love (Rom. 8:35), and desires to live with us forever (2 Jn. 2)! That's true friendship. God gives us the model for friendship through His great love for us. Just remember, friendship requires effort from both sides. How well are you getting to know God each day? When was the last time you had a conversation with your Best Friend?
True friendship is not focused on you. Listen to this profound statement, "Ask the Lord to help you be more concerned about who needs you than who likes you." Wow. That's hard. Who wants to be friends with people that don't really like you? Just remember that God calls you to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
Lie 3: I am my own authority
Our submission places us under the protection of God, but rebellion opens us up to satan's attacks. Satan had Eve convinced that following God would be a miserable choice and that she would miss out on life. Satan's lies have not changed. He tries to convince us that choosing God's way will be miserable for us...and that we will miss out on a more exciting life (like Hollywood, pop culture, and distorted self-worth).
Submission does not mean agreement with authority. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Eph. 5:21). No ifs, buts, or exceptions...just submit. I'm not talking about going along with a leader despite their sin. I am talking about presenting your side in a humble, respectful attitude. Your authorities in life will not always be right. This doesn't mean we should brainwash our minds with false beliefs and doctrines, but rather, learn how to respond in a respectful way to the authorities in your life.
The willingness to put ourselves under God's authority shows how big we really believe God is...does your mouth match your heart? Do you believe God can change the hearts of those in authority over you? Proverbs 21:1 tells us that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand if the Lord; He turns it wherever He will." Trust that God is in control...He will never let us down.
but friendship is a slow ripening fruit."
~Aristotle~
Lie 1: It's okay to be one person at home and a different person in public/online
If you life contradicts what you say you believe...then you are living this lie and are a hypocrite. Before you tell me that hypocrite is a harsh word, let me give you the definition of it: "A person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs." So...if you act one way around certain people and a different way around your parents/home, then you are living the life of a hypocrite.
In Matthew 27, Jesus told the hypocrites, "You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean...on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
God wants you to be of one mind and content in who He made you to be. "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). Genuine, lived-out faith is crucial to your relationship with God. After all, how can you be in a relationship with anyone unless you trust them implicitly? If you are living a double life of hypocrisy, you must leave your old life completely. Confess your sins to God, and pray that He will "Unite (your) heart to fear (His) name" (Ps. 86:11)
Lie 2: If I just had friends, I wouldn't be so lonely
Most of us girls have had a bad 'friend-day', and used it as an excuse to curl up in bed and have a good cry...or down an entire pint of ice cream while we watch the latest chick flick. We miss the fact that our earthly friends should be second to our Best Friend. God created us to know Him and to be His friend, yet we still buy into the lie that God is not enough.
We forget that there is no greater friend than God! God never leaves us (Heb. 13:5), knows everything about us (Matt. 10:30), loves us despite our sin (Jn. 3:16), will never let us be separated from His love (Rom. 8:35), and desires to live with us forever (2 Jn. 2)! That's true friendship. God gives us the model for friendship through His great love for us. Just remember, friendship requires effort from both sides. How well are you getting to know God each day? When was the last time you had a conversation with your Best Friend?
True friendship is not focused on you. Listen to this profound statement, "Ask the Lord to help you be more concerned about who needs you than who likes you." Wow. That's hard. Who wants to be friends with people that don't really like you? Just remember that God calls you to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
Lie 3: I am my own authority
Our submission places us under the protection of God, but rebellion opens us up to satan's attacks. Satan had Eve convinced that following God would be a miserable choice and that she would miss out on life. Satan's lies have not changed. He tries to convince us that choosing God's way will be miserable for us...and that we will miss out on a more exciting life (like Hollywood, pop culture, and distorted self-worth).
Submission does not mean agreement with authority. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Eph. 5:21). No ifs, buts, or exceptions...just submit. I'm not talking about going along with a leader despite their sin. I am talking about presenting your side in a humble, respectful attitude. Your authorities in life will not always be right. This doesn't mean we should brainwash our minds with false beliefs and doctrines, but rather, learn how to respond in a respectful way to the authorities in your life.
The willingness to put ourselves under God's authority shows how big we really believe God is...does your mouth match your heart? Do you believe God can change the hearts of those in authority over you? Proverbs 21:1 tells us that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand if the Lord; He turns it wherever He will." Trust that God is in control...He will never let us down.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
4 Lies Girls Believe About Guys
"It is a safe thing to trust Him to
fulfill the desire which He creates."
~Amy Carmichael~
Marriage is a earthly picture of Christ and His love for us.
Passion, sacrificial love...this is what God is all about!
Of course satan wants to mess this up...
He wants to destroy this beautiful picture of grace and love,
but we can't let him. We have to knock him down with God's truth.
My advice regarding this chapter is to pray. Pray hard.
A guy that meets/exceeds Christian standards is rare.
I pray for him every day...and I hope that he is praying for me.
Alright, enough of the 'mushy stuff'.
Let's get to the lies...
Lie 1: I need a boyfriend
Let's face it. We like it when guys are nice to us, compliment how we look, etc. We squeal to see movies where couples kiss in the sunset/sunrise. We just eat it up. But we miss one crucial thing...our love for a boyfriend/potential mate doesn't start with the compliments and the kisses. It starts when we get up each morning and have our quiet time with God. God is love, and a satisfying love is impossible without Him. Anything less will leave us wanting more...and always feeling empty.
God did not design marriage to make you happy, but to glorify Himself. Ephesians 2:30-32 says, "For we are members of His body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."
God does not want you to "awaken love" until the time is right (Song of Solomon 2:7). Our desire for love is not wrong, it was created by God! However, we must hold on to this treasure and guard our hearts. This love will be 'stirred up' when that man comes into your life and you are in a position to be married to him (this includes wholehearted approval from your parents). Even though these desires are stirred during that time, they should not be fulfilled until after the marriage ceremony.
Lie 2: It's okay to go out with a non-Christian
Even if a guy professes to be a Christian, sits on the front row every Sunday, or is a pastor's kid, that does not necessarily mean that they are saved. The question is, do you see fruit in their life that is evidence of their belief in God? Most Christian girls will say that they do not want to marry a non-Christian, but they see no problem in dating one. Huh?!? I must confess that makes no sense to me whatsoever! Forget 'missionary dating'...you will never change him! Only God can change a man's heart, and He doesn't need you to compromise your heart to do it.
Not only does God want you to marry a Christian, He wants you to marry someone who will lead you Spiritually. Your relationship with your mate should draw you not only closer to each other, but closer to God.
Lie 3: It's not really sex
If you have to tell yourself this, then it is wrong. Anything that even hints at sexual immorality is just that...sexually immoral according to Ephesians 5:3: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Remember, Jesus told us that "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt 5:28).
Let's be practical...according to God, sexual immorality includes:
Lie 4: I can't handle the loneliness of staying pure
Staying pure isn't about handling loneliness, it's about turning to God instead of someone on earth to let Him fulfill your needs. True joy comes only from Him, and He will fill that void in your heart each day as you wait for your beloved. Yes, it is very lonely! Try living hundreds of miles from your best friends and starting at a new school! I know it is hard, but I also know that it will be worth it. Each day away from the shoulders to cry on is one step further to deepening my relationship with Christ. Let me close with a portion of a letter included in this book (Lies Young Women Believe):
"God had someone saved for me, and in His perfect timing He brought him along. I discovered that the way of purity is far better, even though it requires patience and a willingness to go against the flow. The outcome is worth every sacrifice and makes marriage all the sweeter."
fulfill the desire which He creates."
~Amy Carmichael~
Marriage is a earthly picture of Christ and His love for us.
Passion, sacrificial love...this is what God is all about!
Of course satan wants to mess this up...
He wants to destroy this beautiful picture of grace and love,
but we can't let him. We have to knock him down with God's truth.
My advice regarding this chapter is to pray. Pray hard.
A guy that meets/exceeds Christian standards is rare.
I pray for him every day...and I hope that he is praying for me.
Alright, enough of the 'mushy stuff'.
Let's get to the lies...
Lie 1: I need a boyfriend
Let's face it. We like it when guys are nice to us, compliment how we look, etc. We squeal to see movies where couples kiss in the sunset/sunrise. We just eat it up. But we miss one crucial thing...our love for a boyfriend/potential mate doesn't start with the compliments and the kisses. It starts when we get up each morning and have our quiet time with God. God is love, and a satisfying love is impossible without Him. Anything less will leave us wanting more...and always feeling empty.
God did not design marriage to make you happy, but to glorify Himself. Ephesians 2:30-32 says, "For we are members of His body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."
God does not want you to "awaken love" until the time is right (Song of Solomon 2:7). Our desire for love is not wrong, it was created by God! However, we must hold on to this treasure and guard our hearts. This love will be 'stirred up' when that man comes into your life and you are in a position to be married to him (this includes wholehearted approval from your parents). Even though these desires are stirred during that time, they should not be fulfilled until after the marriage ceremony.
Lie 2: It's okay to go out with a non-Christian
Even if a guy professes to be a Christian, sits on the front row every Sunday, or is a pastor's kid, that does not necessarily mean that they are saved. The question is, do you see fruit in their life that is evidence of their belief in God? Most Christian girls will say that they do not want to marry a non-Christian, but they see no problem in dating one. Huh?!? I must confess that makes no sense to me whatsoever! Forget 'missionary dating'...you will never change him! Only God can change a man's heart, and He doesn't need you to compromise your heart to do it.
Not only does God want you to marry a Christian, He wants you to marry someone who will lead you Spiritually. Your relationship with your mate should draw you not only closer to each other, but closer to God.
Lie 3: It's not really sex
If you have to tell yourself this, then it is wrong. Anything that even hints at sexual immorality is just that...sexually immoral according to Ephesians 5:3: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Remember, Jesus told us that "anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt 5:28).
Let's be practical...according to God, sexual immorality includes:
- Dressing to draw attention to you...or certain parts of you
- Flirting...and I mean, all flirting
- Looking at sensual images online
- Media that contains sexual humor/language (Eph. 5:4)
- And the list goes on...
Lie 4: I can't handle the loneliness of staying pure
Staying pure isn't about handling loneliness, it's about turning to God instead of someone on earth to let Him fulfill your needs. True joy comes only from Him, and He will fill that void in your heart each day as you wait for your beloved. Yes, it is very lonely! Try living hundreds of miles from your best friends and starting at a new school! I know it is hard, but I also know that it will be worth it. Each day away from the shoulders to cry on is one step further to deepening my relationship with Christ. Let me close with a portion of a letter included in this book (Lies Young Women Believe):
"God had someone saved for me, and in His perfect timing He brought him along. I discovered that the way of purity is far better, even though it requires patience and a willingness to go against the flow. The outcome is worth every sacrifice and makes marriage all the sweeter."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
2 Lies Girls Believe About Themselves...
"The almost impossible thing,
is to hand over your whole self-
all your wishes and precautions-to Christ...
Until you have given up yourself to Him,
you will not have a real self."
~C.S. Lewis~
This chapter of lies opens with a profound statement:
"Our view of ourselves either enables us
to do what God has created us to do
or limits us from becoming all He means for us to be.
It is critical that you dismantle any lies
you may believe about yourself."
Lie 1: Beautiful girls are worth more
Some signs that you believe this lie include:
Self-loathing
Saying nasty things about other girls
Doing anything just to get affirmation from a guy
Dressing in ways to draw attention to yourself
Lying in bed and crying about it
Flirting
Wow. I mean, this list reminds me of the way that most of my girlfriends (and I) can be at times. We have to stop this cycle. Let's start by remembering that physical beauty is temporary... "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30). There is only one kind of beauty that lasts... "Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Pet. 3:3-4).
Inner beauty matter much more to God, but this inner beauty will reflect on the outside as well. If you have a pure and modest heart, then that will come through in the way you dress, act, and speak to others. Have a joy-filled heart, and allow God to fill you with JOY!!!
Finally, what we believe about beauty is determined by where we look. Do we look to 'fashion magazines' that airbrush their models to perfection? While it is impossible to achieve this perfect standard set by the world, it is possible to have inner beauty and confidence through Christ if our focus is on Him.
Lie 2: I have to perform to be loved and accepted
Your value is not determined by what you do, but how God views you. In Ephesians 1:4, it says God "...chose us in Him before the creation of the world..." Psalms 139:14 tells us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", 1 John 4:9 tells us that God showed us His love by sending His Son, and Romans 8:38-39 says nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord". So in a nutshell, we are chosen by Him to be wonderfully made and loved...and nothing can ever change how God feels about us.
We do not earn God's love through works...if it were only by works, then we would boast (Eph. 2:9). God gives us His grace. He has already taken action by sending His Son for us. There is no further action needed on our part. If we have faith, there will be works...for faith without works is dead. However, more or less of these works will not change God's love for us.
Your works are to glorify God, not yourself. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). We do not need to feel a pressure to perform for God... God does want us to do good things, but only as an offering of our love back to Him.
is to hand over your whole self-
all your wishes and precautions-to Christ...
Until you have given up yourself to Him,
you will not have a real self."
~C.S. Lewis~
This chapter of lies opens with a profound statement:
"Our view of ourselves either enables us
to do what God has created us to do
or limits us from becoming all He means for us to be.
It is critical that you dismantle any lies
you may believe about yourself."
Lie 1: Beautiful girls are worth more
Some signs that you believe this lie include:
Self-loathing
Saying nasty things about other girls
Doing anything just to get affirmation from a guy
Dressing in ways to draw attention to yourself
Lying in bed and crying about it
Flirting
Wow. I mean, this list reminds me of the way that most of my girlfriends (and I) can be at times. We have to stop this cycle. Let's start by remembering that physical beauty is temporary... "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30). There is only one kind of beauty that lasts... "Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Pet. 3:3-4).
Inner beauty matter much more to God, but this inner beauty will reflect on the outside as well. If you have a pure and modest heart, then that will come through in the way you dress, act, and speak to others. Have a joy-filled heart, and allow God to fill you with JOY!!!
Finally, what we believe about beauty is determined by where we look. Do we look to 'fashion magazines' that airbrush their models to perfection? While it is impossible to achieve this perfect standard set by the world, it is possible to have inner beauty and confidence through Christ if our focus is on Him.
Lie 2: I have to perform to be loved and accepted
Your value is not determined by what you do, but how God views you. In Ephesians 1:4, it says God "...chose us in Him before the creation of the world..." Psalms 139:14 tells us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", 1 John 4:9 tells us that God showed us His love by sending His Son, and Romans 8:38-39 says nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord". So in a nutshell, we are chosen by Him to be wonderfully made and loved...and nothing can ever change how God feels about us.
We do not earn God's love through works...if it were only by works, then we would boast (Eph. 2:9). God gives us His grace. He has already taken action by sending His Son for us. There is no further action needed on our part. If we have faith, there will be works...for faith without works is dead. However, more or less of these works will not change God's love for us.
Your works are to glorify God, not yourself. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). We do not need to feel a pressure to perform for God... God does want us to do good things, but only as an offering of our love back to Him.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
2 Lies We Believe About Satan
"Enemy-occupied territory -
that is what the world is.
Christianity is the story of how
the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part
in a great campaign in sabotage."
~C.S. Lewis~
Who is satan?
Satan was one of the chief angels in heaven. Ezekiel tell us that satan was the model of perfection...full or wisdom...and perfect in beauty. These characteristics changed; satan became filled with violence and corrupted in wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12-17). Satan had intentions of becoming "like the Most High" (Is. 14:14), but this is not possible.
Satan is not everywhere...he cannot hear your thoughts. He had a beginning and will have an end. He will be cast into the lake of fire and tormented for all eternity (Rev. 20:20). Be assured...God has no beginning, and there is no end to His reign.
What can't satan do?
He is not all powerful (omnipotent)...
his power is limited and only from God
(Job 1:12, 2:6, James 4:7...)
He is not all knowing (omniscient)...
he doesn't even know when Christ will return!
(Matt. 4:36)
He is not present everywhere (omnipresent)...
he must rely on the demons who follow him.
(2 Cor. 12:7)
2 Lies We Believe About Satan
Lie 1: Everything bad that happens is 'spiritual welfare'.
We are in a battle between good and evil.
This is made clear in Ephesians 6:12:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places"
Some of the bad things that happen are a direct assault from satan, but bad things can also be a result of our poor decisions. One of the greatest opponents to your Christian growth is you and your flesh. Also, the fallen world in which we live can be a huge factor in this... the world we live in today is filled with sexual images scattered across the internet, billboards, and malls.
We do battle satan, and spiritual welfare is real, but we cannot blame all our sins on them. Even if satan is the source of every single one of your problems, you still have a personal responsibility and will be held accountable for every one of your sins.
Lie 2: I have never been exposed to satanic activities.
If you believe this lie, then I guess you have never read your horoscope, had your palm read, or played video games that deal with witchcraft. But, have you never seen ads on facebook, myspace, or well, gotten on the internet? It doesn't take a long and hard search. It is literally right at our fingertips.
May I just remind you what Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:8?
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things."
Remember, you must feed what you want to live, and starve what you want to die. Your heart and your motive will be exposed in everything you do, for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34)
that is what the world is.
Christianity is the story of how
the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part
in a great campaign in sabotage."
~C.S. Lewis~
Who is satan?
Satan was one of the chief angels in heaven. Ezekiel tell us that satan was the model of perfection...full or wisdom...and perfect in beauty. These characteristics changed; satan became filled with violence and corrupted in wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12-17). Satan had intentions of becoming "like the Most High" (Is. 14:14), but this is not possible.
Satan is not everywhere...he cannot hear your thoughts. He had a beginning and will have an end. He will be cast into the lake of fire and tormented for all eternity (Rev. 20:20). Be assured...God has no beginning, and there is no end to His reign.
What can't satan do?
He is not all powerful (omnipotent)...
his power is limited and only from God
(Job 1:12, 2:6, James 4:7...)
He is not all knowing (omniscient)...
he doesn't even know when Christ will return!
(Matt. 4:36)
He is not present everywhere (omnipresent)...
he must rely on the demons who follow him.
(2 Cor. 12:7)
2 Lies We Believe About Satan
Lie 1: Everything bad that happens is 'spiritual welfare'.
We are in a battle between good and evil.
This is made clear in Ephesians 6:12:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places"
Some of the bad things that happen are a direct assault from satan, but bad things can also be a result of our poor decisions. One of the greatest opponents to your Christian growth is you and your flesh. Also, the fallen world in which we live can be a huge factor in this... the world we live in today is filled with sexual images scattered across the internet, billboards, and malls.
We do battle satan, and spiritual welfare is real, but we cannot blame all our sins on them. Even if satan is the source of every single one of your problems, you still have a personal responsibility and will be held accountable for every one of your sins.
Lie 2: I have never been exposed to satanic activities.
If you believe this lie, then I guess you have never read your horoscope, had your palm read, or played video games that deal with witchcraft. But, have you never seen ads on facebook, myspace, or well, gotten on the internet? It doesn't take a long and hard search. It is literally right at our fingertips.
May I just remind you what Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:8?
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things."
Remember, you must feed what you want to live, and starve what you want to die. Your heart and your motive will be exposed in everything you do, for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
4 Lies We Believe About God
"What comes to our minds when we think about God
is the most important thing about us."
~A.W. Tozer~
The most common lies that we believe are about God. If our relationship with God is not right, then how can we expect our other relationships in life to be right? Let's investigate these four lies today and free ourselves from their bondage...
1. God is not enough
Many times, friends are God's rival in our lives. Think about it, when something huge happens in your life and you need to talk to someone about it, where do you turn? If the answer is anything but God, then your actions show that you believe this lie.
Nothing can fill the part of your heart created for God. There is no me and my friends...and God. He must be first and foremost in everything. What happens when those idolized friends drop out of the picture...when you are hours away from them...or when they decide to have new friends? Who will you turn to then? You will never be satisfied unless you turn to God first.
"Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You."
~Psalm 73:25~
2. God is not really involved in my life
Do you think God is too busy for the 'small stuff' that weighs on your heart? If you do, then you probably buy into this lie. You think, well, God is so busy with so many other things...I don't want to bother Him. You can never bother God. Just like He will never leave you, He will never stop loving you.
Even His very name, "Immanuel", means God with us. The question is not "Why did God leave me? but, "Why are you not pursuing God?" The Scriptures tell us to "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8). You are so valuable to Him, but He longs for you to show Him your love by drawing near.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
And not one of them is forgotten before God.
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not; you are of more value than sparrows."
~Luke 12:6-7~
3. God should fix my problems
When do you pray? What do you pray? The answer to those two questions will probably reveal your belief (or disbelief) in this lie. Do I only pray when I need something? Are my prayers more like a to-do list for God? Nancy Demoss spoke about this lie and said, "God is more concerned with changing you to be a reflection of Jesus Christ than with solving all your problems".
Yes, God longs to show us mercy and grace...and He is an ever present help in time or trouble, but God wants us to be more like His Son who "learned obedience through what He suffered..." (Hebrews 5:8). The book of James tells us to be joyful in trials, because God will strengthen us through the testing of our faith (1:2-4). Let's refocus our prayer lives. No more egocentric prayers of "This is what I want", but a God-centered prayer of "Whatever You will, Lord."
4. God is just like my father
God is our Father, but He is unlike any earthly man that you will ever meet. He is perfect and unchanging, loves us unconditionally, and will never let us down. God does tell us to honor our father... The Bible doesn't say "Honor your father if he is a good dad" or "Honor your father until you are 18 and move out". No, it simply says "Honor your father". Period. No questions.
Even if you are blessed with an incredible father, you should relate him to God...and not God to him. Study God to get to know Him better. The Bible says that Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being". In other words, study the original so you can know the Truth.
is the most important thing about us."
~A.W. Tozer~
The most common lies that we believe are about God. If our relationship with God is not right, then how can we expect our other relationships in life to be right? Let's investigate these four lies today and free ourselves from their bondage...
1. God is not enough
Many times, friends are God's rival in our lives. Think about it, when something huge happens in your life and you need to talk to someone about it, where do you turn? If the answer is anything but God, then your actions show that you believe this lie.
Nothing can fill the part of your heart created for God. There is no me and my friends...and God. He must be first and foremost in everything. What happens when those idolized friends drop out of the picture...when you are hours away from them...or when they decide to have new friends? Who will you turn to then? You will never be satisfied unless you turn to God first.
"Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You."
~Psalm 73:25~
2. God is not really involved in my life
Do you think God is too busy for the 'small stuff' that weighs on your heart? If you do, then you probably buy into this lie. You think, well, God is so busy with so many other things...I don't want to bother Him. You can never bother God. Just like He will never leave you, He will never stop loving you.
Even His very name, "Immanuel", means God with us. The question is not "Why did God leave me? but, "Why are you not pursuing God?" The Scriptures tell us to "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8). You are so valuable to Him, but He longs for you to show Him your love by drawing near.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
And not one of them is forgotten before God.
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not; you are of more value than sparrows."
~Luke 12:6-7~
3. God should fix my problems
When do you pray? What do you pray? The answer to those two questions will probably reveal your belief (or disbelief) in this lie. Do I only pray when I need something? Are my prayers more like a to-do list for God? Nancy Demoss spoke about this lie and said, "God is more concerned with changing you to be a reflection of Jesus Christ than with solving all your problems".
Yes, God longs to show us mercy and grace...and He is an ever present help in time or trouble, but God wants us to be more like His Son who "learned obedience through what He suffered..." (Hebrews 5:8). The book of James tells us to be joyful in trials, because God will strengthen us through the testing of our faith (1:2-4). Let's refocus our prayer lives. No more egocentric prayers of "This is what I want", but a God-centered prayer of "Whatever You will, Lord."
4. God is just like my father
God is our Father, but He is unlike any earthly man that you will ever meet. He is perfect and unchanging, loves us unconditionally, and will never let us down. God does tell us to honor our father... The Bible doesn't say "Honor your father if he is a good dad" or "Honor your father until you are 18 and move out". No, it simply says "Honor your father". Period. No questions.
Even if you are blessed with an incredible father, you should relate him to God...and not God to him. Study God to get to know Him better. The Bible says that Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being". In other words, study the original so you can know the Truth.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What is a Lie? What is Truth?
After my journey 'out of the pit' with Beth Moore's book, I have begun a new devotional study. This book is entitled "Lies Young Women Believe...and the Truth that Sets Them Free" by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresham. Young ladies, this book is incredible. I wish I could give every girl a copy of it. Guys, even though this book is directed to girls, the many truths found within its pages apply to you as well.
Origin of Lies
Lie = false statement with deliberate intent to deceive;
an inaccurate or false statement;
an impostor of the Truth
The Scriptures tell us that satan "has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him...he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) There is no truth in him...that reminds me of the many times the Bible tells us that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. We have control of what comes out of our mouths because we control what goes in. A friend of mine told me to "Feed what you want to live...starve what you want to die."
The Progression of Eve's Lie
The Origin of Truth
Truth = agreement with a standard or original;
Jesus Christ
Jesus defines truth for us in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the Truth, and the life. Not only is He truth, but the Word of God is as well (John 1:14). We have to be so familiar with the truth of Jesus and His Word that when lies appear, we recognize them. Like those people on the Antique Roadshow...they know if something is real or fake. How? Because they have studied the real deal. How much time do we spend studying Jesus...The Truth?
Set Free
You will be in the minority. You will be laughed at for your beliefs.
You will have to make a conscious choice to stand firm.
But know that "The truth will set you free..." (John 8:32)
"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
(Joshua 24:15)
Origin of Lies
Lie = false statement with deliberate intent to deceive;
an inaccurate or false statement;
an impostor of the Truth
The Scriptures tell us that satan "has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him...he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) There is no truth in him...that reminds me of the many times the Bible tells us that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. We have control of what comes out of our mouths because we control what goes in. A friend of mine told me to "Feed what you want to live...starve what you want to die."
The Progression of Eve's Lie
- Eve listened to a lie
- She got close to the serpent and thought about his words
- Even dwelled on the lie
- She talked to the serpent and considered his ideas
- Eve believed the lie
- She believed the serpent's words more than God's words
- Eve acted on the lie
- She ate the fruit
The Origin of Truth
Truth = agreement with a standard or original;
Jesus Christ
Jesus defines truth for us in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the Truth, and the life. Not only is He truth, but the Word of God is as well (John 1:14). We have to be so familiar with the truth of Jesus and His Word that when lies appear, we recognize them. Like those people on the Antique Roadshow...they know if something is real or fake. How? Because they have studied the real deal. How much time do we spend studying Jesus...The Truth?
Set Free
You will be in the minority. You will be laughed at for your beliefs.
You will have to make a conscious choice to stand firm.
But know that "The truth will set you free..." (John 8:32)
"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
(Joshua 24:15)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Worship
- The Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us the orgin of the word 'worship' comes from the Middle English worshipe, which means worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being. It goes on to give these definitions:
- reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; an act of expressing such reverence
- a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
- extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
I think Webster missed something here!
Where are the drums, plasma screens, microphones, and guitars?
What about the praise team (or should I say 'performance team')?
You can't worship without them, right?
Don't get me wrong...I am not completely opposed to instruments accompanying the singing...or singers standing up front during the worship. What I am opposed to is forgetting why we are playing and singing in the first place.
The word 'worship' is found in the Bible over 250 times! In almost every book of the Bible, God calls us to worship Him...
- Genesis 24:26
Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, - Judges 7:15
When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God... - Psalm 29:2
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. - Psalm 86:9
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. - Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; - Psalm 100:2
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. - Luke 4:8
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "
That is what the church 'Soul Survivor' in Watford, England did. They stopped the drums, plasma screens, microphones, and guitars...they even silenced the 'performance team'. The congregation would spend hours in prayer and unaccompanied singing as they sought the Lord together.
After a few weeks, the leader of this congregation penned a song to capture this experience. This is the prayer of my heart...may I put myself aside and focus on the The One who is worthy of my praise!
When the music fades and all is stripped away, and I simply come longing just to bring something that's of worth that will bless Your heart. I'll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required. You search much deeper within through the ways things appear. You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You...all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it...when it's all about You...it's all about You, Jesus.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Our Pit-Less Future
"Our hearts and minds still need considerable healing as long as somewhere deep inside we still associate fun with sin. No matter what somebody led you to believe, sin is not where all the fun is..."
~Beth Moore~
Today, I finished my journey through the book,
"Get Out of That Pit".
Today is the first day of my pit-less future.
God promises us in the 23rd Psalm that we "shall not want" and that He "restores my soul". So why are we so filled with fear? Is the Lord not the final victor?
Quite the contrary. Revelations 20:1-3 talks about this end battle:
"He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old,
who is the devil and satan,
and bound him for a thousand years;
and He cast him into the bottomless pit,
and shut him up, and set a seal on him.
Wait a minute...this says that God is throwing satan into a pit!
The Scriptures tell us in Psalms 57:6 that:
"They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves."
Wow...how INCREDIBLE!
I don't know if my favorite part is where God "shut him up" or where He heaps all that trouble satan every gave us on top of satan's head! Just think...every shovelful that satan throws on us will be thrown on his head.
God writes the perfect ending.
He doesn't have to 'work at it' or think 'long and hard'.
He just knows...He is sovereign and omniscient.
Satan won't know what hit him...
One minute, he will be looking down at us in our miserable pit...
The next thing he knows, God has set our feet on a rock
and a placed a new song in our hearts...
And satan...well, he will still be falling into that "bottomless pit".
"Right there while I was waist deep in the pit for what seemed like the thousandth time, Christ stretched out His mighty arm, reached into the depths, and said in a way that I could finally hear, 'Need a hand?'"
~Beth Moore~
"Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away."
~Song of Songs 2:10~
~Beth Moore~
Today, I finished my journey through the book,
"Get Out of That Pit".
Today is the first day of my pit-less future.
God promises us in the 23rd Psalm that we "shall not want" and that He "restores my soul". So why are we so filled with fear? Is the Lord not the final victor?
Quite the contrary. Revelations 20:1-3 talks about this end battle:
"He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old,
who is the devil and satan,
and bound him for a thousand years;
and He cast him into the bottomless pit,
and shut him up, and set a seal on him.
Wait a minute...this says that God is throwing satan into a pit!
The Scriptures tell us in Psalms 57:6 that:
"They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves."
Wow...how INCREDIBLE!
I don't know if my favorite part is where God "shut him up" or where He heaps all that trouble satan every gave us on top of satan's head! Just think...every shovelful that satan throws on us will be thrown on his head.
God writes the perfect ending.
He doesn't have to 'work at it' or think 'long and hard'.
He just knows...He is sovereign and omniscient.
Satan won't know what hit him...
One minute, he will be looking down at us in our miserable pit...
The next thing he knows, God has set our feet on a rock
and a placed a new song in our hearts...
And satan...well, he will still be falling into that "bottomless pit".
"Right there while I was waist deep in the pit for what seemed like the thousandth time, Christ stretched out His mighty arm, reached into the depths, and said in a way that I could finally hear, 'Need a hand?'"
~Beth Moore~
"Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away."
~Song of Songs 2:10~
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Lesson from Socrates
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about your friend?" "Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."
The first filter is Truth.
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" "No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..." "All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter...
The second filter is Goodness.
Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?" "No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left...
The third filter is Usefulness.
Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?" "No, not really." "Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
Wow. What a valid point Socrates has made here! Since the days of Socrates, other scholars have reworded the triple filter to ask if our words are true, ind, and necessary. James 3 speaks to us about several matters concerning what we say with our tongue. I found a different translation (Weymouth) that shone a new light on these verses:
So what lives in our hearts and pours out with the opening of our mouths? Is it our egocentric feelings about what we desire, or is it an abundant joy and love for our Lord? Whatever it is, those around us will know once we open our mouth.
The first filter is Truth.
Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" "No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..." "All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter...
The second filter is Goodness.
Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?" "No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left...
The third filter is Usefulness.
Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?" "No, not really." "Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
Wow. What a valid point Socrates has made here! Since the days of Socrates, other scholars have reworded the triple filter to ask if our words are true, ind, and necessary. James 3 speaks to us about several matters concerning what we say with our tongue. I found a different translation (Weymouth) that shone a new light on these verses:
- 3:5- In the same way the tongue is an insignificant part of the body, but it is immensely boastful. Remember how a mere spark may set a vast forest in flames.
- 3:8- But the tongue no man or woman is able to tame. It is an ever-busy mischief, and is full of deadly poison.
So what lives in our hearts and pours out with the opening of our mouths? Is it our egocentric feelings about what we desire, or is it an abundant joy and love for our Lord? Whatever it is, those around us will know once we open our mouth.
I Fell In Love.
God is so amazing...I am astounded by His glory.
I have fallen in love...and it's incredible.
Girls spend their whole life waiting for 'THE ONE' to come into their lives. They dream of 'THE ONE' night and day and sometimes plan their lives with 'THE ONE' before they even know his name!
Imagine you, a young girl, meeting the most wonderful man you have ever seen. A Christian leader, fully devoted to God, like-minded in thought and belief...he might even be 'tall, dark, and handsome...'! You meet this 'Perfect Man' (umm...can we say 'oxymoron'!) and are completely swept off of your feet, fall head over heels in love, the works. Him walking into a room makes you so giddy with joy that you may even swoon...and he, being the 'Perfect Man', would catch you!
So...when was the last time you felt like that about Jesus?
Have you ever become so overwhelmed with love and joy
that you felt excited and giddy about His love for you?
He is the Perfect Savior...and this is no dream. Jesus came and gave up His life for us in order that we might live our little, pitiful, sinful lives on this earth. He came and died for us to give us the choice to trade this sinful life for one of purity and holiness. Why do we sit and wait for the 'Perfect Man' when we have already been blessed with a Perfect, Loving Savior? He was sent here to this earth to rescue us...his church in distress. You Hopeless Romantics like myself should be eating this stuff up. I mean, maidens in distress, the knight coming to her rescue...how romantic is that?
Imagine living in the perfect "Adventures in Odyssey" neighborhood. You know what I mean...the ones where everyone lives in a cute little house with a picket fence, can always go talk to Whit and get a perfect word of encouragement, and never has an acne problem. Imagine leaving that perfect world to go live in the slums. The people are dirty, their homes are dirtier, and their language, well let's just say that they swim in the gutter.
That is what Jesus did for us. He left the beautiful heavens where He had perfect fellowship with His Father...and could always talk to His Father. Jesus came down here to this earth and lived in our slums. He healed our dirty bodies. He ate in our dirty homes. Why? To rescue us. To pull us out of that gutter.
Do you want to be rescued? He is waiting on you.
Have you been rescued? Praise the Lord!
If you have been rescued, have you fallen in love?
Lord, my lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed (Psalm 71:23). When worry overwhelms me, you bring joy to my soul (Psalm 94:19). Joy. I am filled with joy. You have redeemed me from my life in the pits of the slums and rescued me from the gutter. I have fallen in love with You...and YOUR love will never fail (1 Corinthians 13:8).
I am utterly overwhelmed. Thank You, Lord...
I have fallen in love...and it's incredible.
Girls spend their whole life waiting for 'THE ONE' to come into their lives. They dream of 'THE ONE' night and day and sometimes plan their lives with 'THE ONE' before they even know his name!
Imagine you, a young girl, meeting the most wonderful man you have ever seen. A Christian leader, fully devoted to God, like-minded in thought and belief...he might even be 'tall, dark, and handsome...'! You meet this 'Perfect Man' (umm...can we say 'oxymoron'!) and are completely swept off of your feet, fall head over heels in love, the works. Him walking into a room makes you so giddy with joy that you may even swoon...and he, being the 'Perfect Man', would catch you!
So...when was the last time you felt like that about Jesus?
Have you ever become so overwhelmed with love and joy
that you felt excited and giddy about His love for you?
He is the Perfect Savior...and this is no dream. Jesus came and gave up His life for us in order that we might live our little, pitiful, sinful lives on this earth. He came and died for us to give us the choice to trade this sinful life for one of purity and holiness. Why do we sit and wait for the 'Perfect Man' when we have already been blessed with a Perfect, Loving Savior? He was sent here to this earth to rescue us...his church in distress. You Hopeless Romantics like myself should be eating this stuff up. I mean, maidens in distress, the knight coming to her rescue...how romantic is that?
Imagine living in the perfect "Adventures in Odyssey" neighborhood. You know what I mean...the ones where everyone lives in a cute little house with a picket fence, can always go talk to Whit and get a perfect word of encouragement, and never has an acne problem. Imagine leaving that perfect world to go live in the slums. The people are dirty, their homes are dirtier, and their language, well let's just say that they swim in the gutter.
That is what Jesus did for us. He left the beautiful heavens where He had perfect fellowship with His Father...and could always talk to His Father. Jesus came down here to this earth and lived in our slums. He healed our dirty bodies. He ate in our dirty homes. Why? To rescue us. To pull us out of that gutter.
Do you want to be rescued? He is waiting on you.
Have you been rescued? Praise the Lord!
If you have been rescued, have you fallen in love?
Lord, my lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed (Psalm 71:23). When worry overwhelms me, you bring joy to my soul (Psalm 94:19). Joy. I am filled with joy. You have redeemed me from my life in the pits of the slums and rescued me from the gutter. I have fallen in love with You...and YOUR love will never fail (1 Corinthians 13:8).
I am utterly overwhelmed. Thank You, Lord...
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