Unless you've been living under a rock, you already know that the Twilight sequel, New Moon, was released in theaters Friday. News organizations nationwide reported sell-out crowds at local theaters. Thousands of fans camped out for hours to stake out their seats for the heavily hyped movie premiere. Experts are reporting that New Moon is now the number-one advance ticket seller of all time. In other words, it's a mega-hit! It's more than a blip on the landscape of culture. It's more like a bombshell, and young women are among the series' biggest fans.
Because I care so deeply about pointing young women toward God's truth, I couldn't let this movie premiere go unaddressed. I know it's controversial and I know, because I've blogged about Twilight in the past, that my stand on the series doesn't make me the world's most popular blogger. But I also know what's at stake. These aren't just books. New Moon isn't just another hit movie. We need to talk about it.
Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
What we allow into our hearts and minds will impact us. As I've researched New Moon and heard about it from countless young women in my sphere of influence, it's clear to me that this movie and the rest of the Twilight series are designed to pull at your heart strings.
People magazine released its "Sexiest Men Alive" issue last week. An entire section of the magazine was dedicated to "Vampires to die for." Twilight star Robert Pattinson topped the list. Stars from the hit vampire shows The Vampire Diaries and True Blood were also featured. All three series have this in common—they're centered around male characters who are dark, brooding, and dangerous.
Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder offered this explanation for the phenomenon: "The mythology behind vampires has never really gone away. It was always there. Now you have this market for it because I think they're fun. They're powerful. They're sexy. They're dangerous. They're beautiful. Something draws you to them . . . The girls like the bad boy."
Vampire Diaries co-executive producer Julie Plec offered this spin: "You want to believe there is so much going on behind those eyes. You want to believe that they have epic amounts of knowledge and soul and spirituality and intelligence lurking behind those eyes. And in real men, you don't often get that. So in a vampire, just by definition, you are getting the bad boy with the brain."
Here's where my spiritual antenna starts to perk up. As young women everywhere choose between Team Edward and Team Jacob and as over 5 million viewers tune in weekly to the vampire shows I mentioned above (for comparison, that's equivalent to the population of Scotland), I can't help but wonder if this fascination with the dark, dangerous, bad boys featured in these series is fitting for girls and women who love Jesus.
First Corinthians 13:4–7 says this, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Galatians 5:22–23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
I've always seen these passages as a great barometer for choosing a fella. These are the qualities that I would advise Christian young women to look for in a man—patience, kindness, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. This is what we should be drawn to. We shouldn't link our lives with those who are envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, concerned with keeping score. It isn't wise to form emotional attachments with a guy who delights in evil.
I've seen firsthand, in my own life and in the lives of so many young women, the train wreck that occurs when we're drawn to bad boys. I know the pain that can occur in real life when girls link their lives with guys who are dangerous, brooding, dark, and unpredictable.
That's why I can't help but see New Moon and the rest of the vampire craze for what it is—dangerous! It isn't wise to buy in to the fascination with these characters who are "sexy" because they are dark. Remember the warning in Proverbs, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
As New Moon rises to the applause of our culture, I have to ask, are you guarding your heart above all things?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Parakaleo
"Therefore, I urge (parakaleo) you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—
this is your spirituala]"> act of worship.
Urge.
'Parakaleo'.
-To call to one's side
-To admonish, exhort
-To console, strengthen
-To comfort, teach, and encourage
Urging. Calling. Comforting. The words that Paul is writing here to the church at Corinth are just as applicable to our lives now as they were to the Corinthians then. Paul is encouraging us here (because of the great and abundant mercy of God) to present ourselves as a 'living sacrifice'.
The Corinthians no longer had to make animal sacrifices. The blood had been shed on the cross of Christ to cover all sins...past, present, and future. So what is Paul saying here?
Paul is saying, give it ALL. Sacrifice is no longer a ritualistic ceremony of bloodshed that must be done in order to bring forgiveness of sin. The living sacrifice mentioned here is to give over our lives in obedience to the Lord. It is an act of worship... of submission to the wisdom of the God that we serve.
...do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—
His good, pleasing and perfect will."
~Romans 12:1-2~
As Christians, this is our calling. 'Do not conform', 'be transformed', gain knowledge of Christ to 'test and approve what God's will is— His good, pleasing and perfect will'. We don't blend in with the world... and we shouldn't. We have been called to be non-conformists that will, through studying God's Word, be transformed by these God-breathed words:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness..."
~2 Timothy 3:16~
Lately, I have felt convicted about how I spend my time. You can tell a lot about ones priorities through taking a quick peek into their Day-Planner of Life. Is the day spent in prayer? Studying the word? Wow... imagine what 'training in righteousness' can take place through daily study of God's Word!
On the flip side, is the day spent mindlessly surfing the internet? Planting and harvesting crops on Farmville? Updating a twitter or status to fill in your peers in on your fickle mood? Hmm... I wonder if my status will really effect ones day, or if my attitude towards them will have more of an impact?
I am no Greek scholar, but I am developing a passion to learn more of 'the Greek' or 'the Hebrew' in order to get a fuller understanding of the Word of God. To my fullest knowledge and understanding of this word, I believe I have a sudden sense of God's parakaleo— His urging to come alongside Him, learn from His wisdom, and be empowered by His strength.
I am going to be taking a bit of a sabbatical from a few of the distractions in my life (including facebook). You can still reach me via email, but it may take longer than usual for me to answer.
I restate this here as a bit of a reminder to myself:
"Therefore, I urge (parakaleo) you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—
this is your spiritual act of worship..."
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—
this is your spirituala]"> act of worship.
Urge.
'Parakaleo'.
-To call to one's side
-To admonish, exhort
-To console, strengthen
-To comfort, teach, and encourage
Urging. Calling. Comforting. The words that Paul is writing here to the church at Corinth are just as applicable to our lives now as they were to the Corinthians then. Paul is encouraging us here (because of the great and abundant mercy of God) to present ourselves as a 'living sacrifice'.
The Corinthians no longer had to make animal sacrifices. The blood had been shed on the cross of Christ to cover all sins...past, present, and future. So what is Paul saying here?
Paul is saying, give it ALL. Sacrifice is no longer a ritualistic ceremony of bloodshed that must be done in order to bring forgiveness of sin. The living sacrifice mentioned here is to give over our lives in obedience to the Lord. It is an act of worship... of submission to the wisdom of the God that we serve.
...do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—
His good, pleasing and perfect will."
~Romans 12:1-2~
As Christians, this is our calling. 'Do not conform', 'be transformed', gain knowledge of Christ to 'test and approve what God's will is— His good, pleasing and perfect will'. We don't blend in with the world... and we shouldn't. We have been called to be non-conformists that will, through studying God's Word, be transformed by these God-breathed words:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness..."
~2 Timothy 3:16~
Lately, I have felt convicted about how I spend my time. You can tell a lot about ones priorities through taking a quick peek into their Day-Planner of Life. Is the day spent in prayer? Studying the word? Wow... imagine what 'training in righteousness' can take place through daily study of God's Word!
On the flip side, is the day spent mindlessly surfing the internet? Planting and harvesting crops on Farmville? Updating a twitter or status to fill in your peers in on your fickle mood? Hmm... I wonder if my status will really effect ones day, or if my attitude towards them will have more of an impact?
I am no Greek scholar, but I am developing a passion to learn more of 'the Greek' or 'the Hebrew' in order to get a fuller understanding of the Word of God. To my fullest knowledge and understanding of this word, I believe I have a sudden sense of God's parakaleo— His urging to come alongside Him, learn from His wisdom, and be empowered by His strength.
I am going to be taking a bit of a sabbatical from a few of the distractions in my life (including facebook). You can still reach me via email, but it may take longer than usual for me to answer.
I restate this here as a bit of a reminder to myself:
"Therefore, I urge (parakaleo) you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—
this is your spiritual act of worship..."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Asking the Wrong Question
Tonight, I found myself rather weary as I sat on my couch after a physically and emotionally exhausting day. As I typed up music therapy notes, studied random countries on a map, and tried to comprehend scientific formulas, I began to ask myself this question:
How much of this do I really need to know?
Can't I just kinda... skim it over and be okay?
This question seemed vaguely familiar in my mind, but I couldn't quite place it. As my 92 year old great-grandfather would say, 'then, the light lit'.
It's that age-old relationship question. The 'how far is too far' question that all Christan teens seem to ask as they begin to notice that cooties really aren't so bad.
How far is really too far?
Can't I just kinda... play it by ear and see what happens?
Do you know what I realized?
The two questions have the same answer.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
~1 Corinthians 10:31~
In what stuff?
Whatever we do.
How much of it?
All of it.
How is God glorified?
By our half-hearted attempts at 'skimming by'?
Or by us doing all of whatever we do for His glory?
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
~Galatians 5:16-17~
How much of this do I really need to know?
Can't I just kinda... skim it over and be okay?
This question seemed vaguely familiar in my mind, but I couldn't quite place it. As my 92 year old great-grandfather would say, 'then, the light lit'.
It's that age-old relationship question. The 'how far is too far' question that all Christan teens seem to ask as they begin to notice that cooties really aren't so bad.
How far is really too far?
Can't I just kinda... play it by ear and see what happens?
Do you know what I realized?
The two questions have the same answer.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
~1 Corinthians 10:31~
In what stuff?
Whatever we do.
How much of it?
All of it.
How is God glorified?
By our half-hearted attempts at 'skimming by'?
Or by us doing all of whatever we do for His glory?
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
~Galatians 5:16-17~
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Lesson from a Railroad Spike
I have to remind myself each and every day to give everything over to the Lord. Just like I was reminded this week on my morning run...
I was running down the railroad tracks near my apartment and almost tripped over a large, rusty, railroad spike. As I picked it up and turned it over in my hands, the words of Jesus came to my mind: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
'But Jesus', I cried... 'It is so hard. The cross is so heavy. How can I, who am so very weak, carry such a huge burden? Why would you want me to struggle underneath such a cumbersome load?'
Almost instantly, the Lord brought another Scripture to my mind: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)
Wow.
Jesus does command us to take up our cross each day, but then He tells us to come to Him with our burdens! He also says that we can learn from Him and find rest for our souls. What a blessing that is to my heart.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Soaring
God has been so faithful! I found out this past week through some test results that I have had Mono since early May. I can't believe how much strength God has/is giving me to make it through this sickness. I just returned from a blessed vacation with my family. It was a time of renewal, closeness, and relaxation. It was much needed for my family and it was a blessing for the four of us to be together... it's quite rare these days.
This vacation gave me some time to reflect on some recent happenings in my life. The majority of people I have met at my 'new' college have told me time and time again that I am too idealistic, have the standards of a perfectionist for my future mate, and that I will possibly remain single my entire life.
Here's my honest response to them and to the world:
I do have ridiculously strong ideals, Jesus Christ set/is the perfect standard, and if I remain single my entire life to bring God glory and to further His kingdom, then so be it.
I cannot consent to creep when my heart's impulse is to soar. I want to soar. If this means that my life will be lonely, if I live it for Christ, then I have succeeded.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Your Gift
Since sex is desirable, why not have sex?
God wants you to be a 'Lady of Purity' because He wants to protect you from the consequences that sex before marriage brings. These consequences can be physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual.
Have you ever secretly opened a Christmas gift before Christmas Day, then rewrap it and put it back under the tree? How thrilling and exciting it was when you first saw the surprise! But what about the 'big day' when the gifts were supposed to be opened for the first time? Where was the excitement when you opened your gift? The gift did not seem quite as special because it had already been opened for the first time.
Each woman receives one 'first time'.
One first kiss. One first night.
One first chance. One.
God desires for your precious gift to be given to a committed lover who will cherish, keep, and protect you in the bonds of marriage. God wants you and your gift to this man to be treasured and cherished, not perceived as something to be conquered and trampled upon.
"Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."
~Song of Solomon 8:4~
Chose: Him or What He Can Give?
Many seek God, but only for His hand. They don't want God as much as they want something from God, such as a man, happiness, or a family. This impure search for God is limited to what you can get. It is more of a self-love than a God-love. This seeking will end in misery, not in the union of love you desire. God knows your motives. To grow in your knowledge of God, you must seek God correctly, which means you must seek God with a pure heart.
A woman with a pure heart for God does not focus on what He gives, but delights in who He is! She seeks God's face, not just His hand. Would you want someone to say he loves you just so you would do something for him...? (I know I would never desire this!)
Singleness does not have to be a 'curse'. Singleness puts you in an advantageous position because, more than likely, you will have much more time to seek the Lord than you will ever have if you marry. Just remember, to find God, you must seek Him with pure motives. Seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for you.
A woman with a pure heart for God does not focus on what He gives, but delights in who He is! She seeks God's face, not just His hand. Would you want someone to say he loves you just so you would do something for him...? (I know I would never desire this!)
Singleness does not have to be a 'curse'. Singleness puts you in an advantageous position because, more than likely, you will have much more time to seek the Lord than you will ever have if you marry. Just remember, to find God, you must seek Him with pure motives. Seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for you.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
True Love
Seeking God is very similar to developing a friendship. You talk a lot, you listen, you write each other letters, you think about each other, you find out what the other like and does not like, and you try to do things that please that person. The more time you spend together, the more intimately you know your friend. And the more intimately you know your friend, the greater your love will be. It works the same way in your relationship with God.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 promises that those who diligently seeks God with all her heart will find Him. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Your heart is the key to devotion to God. A halfhearted search is not sufficient. This means you cannot seek God while you do your own thing.
Is God demanding too much to require that you seek Him with all your heart? No way!
Giving Christ your heart means you are not free to give it away to other things or people that come into your life (in idolatry). Devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ is giving everything or nothing at all. Your devotion to Christ must be a serious commitment.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 promises that those who diligently seeks God with all her heart will find Him. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Your heart is the key to devotion to God. A halfhearted search is not sufficient. This means you cannot seek God while you do your own thing.
Is God demanding too much to require that you seek Him with all your heart? No way!
Giving Christ your heart means you are not free to give it away to other things or people that come into your life (in idolatry). Devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ is giving everything or nothing at all. Your devotion to Christ must be a serious commitment.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Love, Divided Love
Jesus, who so often says 'whoever loves Me...' and asks 'do you love Me?' is concerned about our LOVE! He is concerned about a special kind of love. It is the love which is showed in the relationship between a bride and her bridegroom; that is, it is an exclusive love, a love which places the beloved, the bridegroom, above all other loves, in the first place.
As a Bridegroom, Jesus has a claim to 'first love'. He who has loved us so much wants to possess us completely with everything we are and have. Jesus gave Himself wholly and completely for us. Now His love is yearning for us to surrender ourselves and everything that we are to Him, so that He can really be our 'first love'.
So long as our love for His is a divided love, so long as our heart is bound to family, possessions, or the like, He will not count our love to be genuine. Divided love is of so little value to Him that He will not enter into a bond of love with such a soul, for this bond presupposes a full mutual love.
Because our love is so precious to Jesus, because He yearns for our love, He waits for our uncompromising commitment.
As a Bridegroom, Jesus has a claim to 'first love'. He who has loved us so much wants to possess us completely with everything we are and have. Jesus gave Himself wholly and completely for us. Now His love is yearning for us to surrender ourselves and everything that we are to Him, so that He can really be our 'first love'.
So long as our love for His is a divided love, so long as our heart is bound to family, possessions, or the like, He will not count our love to be genuine. Divided love is of so little value to Him that He will not enter into a bond of love with such a soul, for this bond presupposes a full mutual love.
Because our love is so precious to Jesus, because He yearns for our love, He waits for our uncompromising commitment.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A Need, A Right, A Completion
Every single woman must at some point come to grips with the fact that not all women will marry. Marriage is not a need, though God chooses to let marriage meet some needs a woman may have. Marriage is not a right, though God chooses to plan marriage for the majority of women. Marriage does not complete a person, though women who properly marry find that marriage rounds out some of their weaknesses.
If marriage were a need, right, or completion for women, then all godly women would marry. There are many examples of true, God-honoring women who had no earthly mate but were still 'Ladies of Patience'.
Don't let your impatient longings rob you of the life God wants to bless you with as a single woman. Realize you do not need a marriage as a right, relinquish this right so it will not keep you from God's fullest blessings. God knows what is best for you. His timing is perfect and He will take care of His 'Lady of Patience'.
If marriage were a need, right, or completion for women, then all godly women would marry. There are many examples of true, God-honoring women who had no earthly mate but were still 'Ladies of Patience'.
Don't let your impatient longings rob you of the life God wants to bless you with as a single woman. Realize you do not need a marriage as a right, relinquish this right so it will not keep you from God's fullest blessings. God knows what is best for you. His timing is perfect and He will take care of His 'Lady of Patience'.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Back to the Basics
May we go back to the basics for just a moment? What is a conviction and how does one develop biblical convictions? A conviction is a standard that serves as a springboard for your choices. Consider where your standards in the area of relating and dating originated. Are your standards based more on Hollywood's terms of love and romance, or have you allowed God's Holy Word to shape your perspective?
The 'Lady of Conviction' gives the Lord permission to renew her mind on a daily basis. She spends time searching the Word of God for standards that will guide her safely to God's best. She has surrendered her mind to a new persuasion: God's perspective on love and romance. The convictions that she establishes (based on the Word) allow her to resist being squeezed into the mold of this world.
She is a non-conformist in the Biblical sense. As stated so clearly in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will".
These standards and convictions are something that you should be willing to share with others despite what they may believe or say against you. When your mind is surrendered to God, you don't have to worry about what others think of you or your standards.
The 'Lady of Conviction' gives the Lord permission to renew her mind on a daily basis. She spends time searching the Word of God for standards that will guide her safely to God's best. She has surrendered her mind to a new persuasion: God's perspective on love and romance. The convictions that she establishes (based on the Word) allow her to resist being squeezed into the mold of this world.
She is a non-conformist in the Biblical sense. As stated so clearly in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will".
These standards and convictions are something that you should be willing to share with others despite what they may believe or say against you. When your mind is surrendered to God, you don't have to worry about what others think of you or your standards.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Your Destiny
Do you think your ideals and standards are too high? Do you feel the pressure to compromise and settle for the generic version of life? Ruth lived in an era that was exactly like the modern America. Judges 21:25 describes the era in which she lived: 'In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes'. We too live in a culture where it seems that no one fears God and people just 'do their own thing'.
You, like Ruth, will be greatly affected by your choices. Ruth's wise choices allowed her to break a godless family cycle and begin a new cycle that the Word of God triumphantly records. God has not changed- and neither have men. The high standards in God's Word are not irrelevant, but completely applicable to finding God's best for Your life.
You, like Ruth, will be greatly affected by your choices. Ruth's wise choices allowed her to break a godless family cycle and begin a new cycle that the Word of God triumphantly records. God has not changed- and neither have men. The high standards in God's Word are not irrelevant, but completely applicable to finding God's best for Your life.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Become a Princess
When you picture the perfect man for you, what is your prince like? Do you see a man devoted to God? A man of character- teachable, loyal, faithful, gentle, and kind? What kind of woman do you think this godly man desires to marry- a shallow woman or a woman full of charm who knows how to dress and capture other men's attention? Is this the one he imagines he will one day want to spend the rest of his life with- the mother of his heirs? No way!
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Diana, the Princess of Wales, had to go through a period of 'waiting and preparing' before marrying Prince Charles. She had to learn how to properly act, dress, and speak so she would honor the royal family.
Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Christ will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Diana, the Princess of Wales, had to go through a period of 'waiting and preparing' before marrying Prince Charles. She had to learn how to properly act, dress, and speak so she would honor the royal family.
Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Christ will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
Friday, May 15, 2009
His Script
God providentially directed Ruth to the field of Boaz. You find this divine encounter in the second chapter of Ruth, verse 3: '...and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz...' The verb happened in Hebrew means 'chanced upon'. This leaves no room for manipulation. She has a chance and her chance transported her into the center of God's will and right into Boaz's field.
If God wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. You have nothing to fear except getting in His way and trying to 'write the script' rather than following His. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Sometimes what you perceive as the best is nothing more than a generic version. Consider His wisdom and love in comparison to your own wisdom and self-love. In whom are you going to trust- all Wisdom and Everlasting Love or little ol' finite you?
Ever since the Garden of Eden, women have often felt they could and should know as much as God. Much pain in our world has resulted from dependence on our wisdom rather than on our Father's.
If God wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. You have nothing to fear except getting in His way and trying to 'write the script' rather than following His. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Sometimes what you perceive as the best is nothing more than a generic version. Consider His wisdom and love in comparison to your own wisdom and self-love. In whom are you going to trust- all Wisdom and Everlasting Love or little ol' finite you?
Ever since the Garden of Eden, women have often felt they could and should know as much as God. Much pain in our world has resulted from dependence on our wisdom rather than on our Father's.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Adjust Your Vision
It is doubtful that there could ever be a better time to serve Jesus than this 'moment' of singleness. Rather than wasting precious moments fantasizing about an earthly lover, take advantage of your free hours each day to serve the Lord of Heaven. If you are frustrated and distracted, rather than fruitfully serving Jesus, then ask Him right now to adjust your vision.
...Don't worry about that certain guy that you have had your eye on for a while. If he is God's best for you, he will be there when you return...
Is there an opportunity of service that you have avoided because you can't give up your 'post on the castle wall' looking for your knight in shining armor?... As you get older, you assume more obligations and responsibilities that demand your time and attention. Such distractions will make serving Jesus even more difficult. Have you given Jesus full reign of your time?
Limitless ministry opportunities exist for the Lady of Diligence. These ministries are available right at this moment. They do not demand a Bible college education. The only requirement is a single woman who desires to use her time wisely in ministry.
...Don't worry about that certain guy that you have had your eye on for a while. If he is God's best for you, he will be there when you return...
Is there an opportunity of service that you have avoided because you can't give up your 'post on the castle wall' looking for your knight in shining armor?... As you get older, you assume more obligations and responsibilities that demand your time and attention. Such distractions will make serving Jesus even more difficult. Have you given Jesus full reign of your time?
Limitless ministry opportunities exist for the Lady of Diligence. These ministries are available right at this moment. They do not demand a Bible college education. The only requirement is a single woman who desires to use her time wisely in ministry.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Life on Hold
Some singles see the lack of a mate as God denying them something for a more 'noble purpose'- a cross to bear! Our selfish nature tends to focus on what we do not have rather than on what we do have-free time- that can be used for other and ourselves. Is your life on hold until you have someone to hold?
...Have you experienced...a crushing emotional blow?... Psalm 34:18 says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit'. [A] brokenhearted woman had put her life on hold after her her husband divorced her. Such a response is understandable, but...this now single woman decided to take her broken heart, her empty arms, and her loneliness and give them to Jesus.
In exchange, Jesus taught her how to resist feeling sorry for herself and how to stop living in the arena of bitterness. After she made the choice of recklessly abandoning herself to Jesus as Lord, she was free to serve Him. This once brokenhearted single woman has been transformed into a fearless servant of the Lord...
Have you also put your life on hold?
Do you have an excuse for not serving Jesus?
...Have you experienced...a crushing emotional blow?... Psalm 34:18 says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit'. [A] brokenhearted woman had put her life on hold after her her husband divorced her. Such a response is understandable, but...this now single woman decided to take her broken heart, her empty arms, and her loneliness and give them to Jesus.
In exchange, Jesus taught her how to resist feeling sorry for herself and how to stop living in the arena of bitterness. After she made the choice of recklessly abandoning herself to Jesus as Lord, she was free to serve Him. This once brokenhearted single woman has been transformed into a fearless servant of the Lord...
Have you also put your life on hold?
Do you have an excuse for not serving Jesus?
Friday, May 8, 2009
My True Community
"Keep giving Jesus to your people not by words, but by your example, by your being in love with Jesus, by radiating His holiness and spreading His fragrance of love everywhere you go. Just keep the joy of Jesus as your strength. Be happy and at peace. Accept whatever He gives and give whatever He takes with a big smile. Know that you belong to Him.
My true community is the poor- their security is my security, their health is my health. My home is among the poor, and not only the poor, the poorest of them; the people no one will go near because they are filthy and suffering from contagious diseases, full of germs and vermin- infested; the people who can't go to church because they can't go out naked; the people who can no longer eat because they haven't the strength; the people who lie down in the street, knowing they are going to die, while others look away and pass them by; the people who no longer cry because their tears have run dry!
The Lord wants me exactly where I am- He will provide the answers."
Taken from: Suffering Into Joy- A book written about Mother Theresa
My true community is the poor- their security is my security, their health is my health. My home is among the poor, and not only the poor, the poorest of them; the people no one will go near because they are filthy and suffering from contagious diseases, full of germs and vermin- infested; the people who can't go to church because they can't go out naked; the people who can no longer eat because they haven't the strength; the people who lie down in the street, knowing they are going to die, while others look away and pass them by; the people who no longer cry because their tears have run dry!
The Lord wants me exactly where I am- He will provide the answers."
Taken from: Suffering Into Joy- A book written about Mother Theresa
Sunday, May 3, 2009
We Interrupt your Lady in Waiting Broadcast...
...for a special message inspired by Sense & Sensibility, a riveting sermon, and well... just my being a girl.
Why do some girls complain when 'true gentlemen' are scarce? Honestly, we have no right. Our generation of women asked to be considered equal, then scoffed that no man would open a door for us. We asked to be in the military, then balked that no one would care for us and tend to our emotions.
Now we sit in little circles or other dissatisfied young women and ask, "What has happened to the world?" Part of the answer is, the women. We have lowered our standards and expectations for ourselves and allowed ourselves to date whatever guy comes along along and asks us on that mysterious and wonderful phrase, 'a date'.
When we finish messing with these poor guys' minds (the guys that we would never actually marry), we begin our search for *drumroll* 'The Perfect Man'. Now, if we stopped for a second and actually used the common sense that the Good Lord gave us, we would realize that 'The Perfect Man' with high standards will be searching for 'The Perfect Woman' with her own set of high standards.
Now we should not live our lives in an effort to please men. If we do, will surely fail. However, we should be living our lives in such a way as to bring God glory and therefore, with His highest standard. We are called to be set apart in this life. Why do we so often settle for the mediocre ways of this world? Do we not realize that satan is tempting us?
When this temptation comes, will God be able to say the same of us as He did of His servant, Job? "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity..." (Job 2:3)
Ladies, in your so called 'search' for a future mate, you should search for God and desire His best for your life. In your search for someone to love, you should seek the face of the One who is love. In your search for open arms to comfort you, you should run to the ever-open arms of Jesus.
Trust in men will provide failure, Trust in God will provide freedom.
"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."
~Psalm 13:5-6~
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'...Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you..."
~Psalm 31:14,19~
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.~
~Romans 15:13~
Why do some girls complain when 'true gentlemen' are scarce? Honestly, we have no right. Our generation of women asked to be considered equal, then scoffed that no man would open a door for us. We asked to be in the military, then balked that no one would care for us and tend to our emotions.
Now we sit in little circles or other dissatisfied young women and ask, "What has happened to the world?" Part of the answer is, the women. We have lowered our standards and expectations for ourselves and allowed ourselves to date whatever guy comes along along and asks us on that mysterious and wonderful phrase, 'a date'.
When we finish messing with these poor guys' minds (the guys that we would never actually marry), we begin our search for *drumroll* 'The Perfect Man'. Now, if we stopped for a second and actually used the common sense that the Good Lord gave us, we would realize that 'The Perfect Man' with high standards will be searching for 'The Perfect Woman' with her own set of high standards.
Now we should not live our lives in an effort to please men. If we do, will surely fail. However, we should be living our lives in such a way as to bring God glory and therefore, with His highest standard. We are called to be set apart in this life. Why do we so often settle for the mediocre ways of this world? Do we not realize that satan is tempting us?
When this temptation comes, will God be able to say the same of us as He did of His servant, Job? "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity..." (Job 2:3)
Ladies, in your so called 'search' for a future mate, you should search for God and desire His best for your life. In your search for someone to love, you should seek the face of the One who is love. In your search for open arms to comfort you, you should run to the ever-open arms of Jesus.
Trust in men will provide failure, Trust in God will provide freedom.
"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."
~Psalm 13:5-6~
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'...Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you..."
~Psalm 31:14,19~
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.~
~Romans 15:13~
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tightly Bound
Ruth came to the God of Israel after years of living in darkness, but He gladly received her service even though she was a Moabite foreigner. She bound herself to the service of the Lord, interweaving her service with Him like the braiding of a heavy rope. Isaiah 56:6-7 refers to a foreigner binding himself (or herself) to the Lord and His willingly receiving their 'diligent' service: 'And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him... these I will bring to My holy mountain...'.
Are you tightly bound to the Lord, serving Him diligently, or has your relationship and service been unraveling over the years as you continue to be single and not married? Has resentment and self-pity unraveled what used to be a tightly woven labor for the Lord? You must be sensitive to the things and situations that distract you from redeeming your free time. 'Whatever might blur the vision God had given [Elizabeth Elliot] of His work, whatever could distract or deceive or tempt others to seek anything but the Lord Jesus Himself she tried to eliminate'.
Are you tightly bound to the Lord, serving Him diligently, or has your relationship and service been unraveling over the years as you continue to be single and not married? Has resentment and self-pity unraveled what used to be a tightly woven labor for the Lord? You must be sensitive to the things and situations that distract you from redeeming your free time. 'Whatever might blur the vision God had given [Elizabeth Elliot] of His work, whatever could distract or deceive or tempt others to seek anything but the Lord Jesus Himself she tried to eliminate'.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
His Blueprints
Another costly aspect of Ruth's choice was the time frame in Israel's history. It was the age of the judges, a period of time described as 'do your own thing'; 'Everyone did what was right in his own eyes' (Judges 21:25b). Ruth chose not only to break her family cycle, but also to challenge the lifestyle that many in Israel embraced. She wanted God's will, not hers; His blueprints, not her elementary scribbling; God's assignment, not her foolish plans.
Whenever a single woman decides to abandon herself completely to Jesus, as Ruth did, she will find herself out of step with society and sometimes, even with friends. A single woman today needs the boldness to challenges and break the cycle of the 'American way' that exalts a relationship with a man as an answer to life. This 'American way' blurs the reality of the ultimate answer to life found in a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. A modern-day Ruth wrote: 'My deep satisfaction from my commitment to Jesus is constantly challenged by other believers. The treat me like some kind of Neanderthal, definitely out of step with the 90s woman'.
Whenever a single woman decides to abandon herself completely to Jesus, as Ruth did, she will find herself out of step with society and sometimes, even with friends. A single woman today needs the boldness to challenges and break the cycle of the 'American way' that exalts a relationship with a man as an answer to life. This 'American way' blurs the reality of the ultimate answer to life found in a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. A modern-day Ruth wrote: 'My deep satisfaction from my commitment to Jesus is constantly challenged by other believers. The treat me like some kind of Neanderthal, definitely out of step with the 90s woman'.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Journey Away from Rituals
Ruth moved from a false religion into the only true and eternal relationship. Too many women have been involved in a form of religious worship, but have never had a vital, growing relationship with Jesus... Has your faith been a lifeless ritual rather than a vital love relationship with Jesus? Why not spend some of your free hours as a single woman beginning a journey away from rituals into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ?
One single woman expressed this vital relationship with Jesus Christ in the following way: 'I desired that my relationship with the Lord be an adventure. One where I would find out what pleased Him and then do it, devoting as much energy to Jesus as I would in a relationship with a boyfriend. I am falling more in love with Jesus every day.'
Do you know more about pleasing a boyfriend than you do about pleasing the Lord Jesus?
One single woman expressed this vital relationship with Jesus Christ in the following way: 'I desired that my relationship with the Lord be an adventure. One where I would find out what pleased Him and then do it, devoting as much energy to Jesus as I would in a relationship with a boyfriend. I am falling more in love with Jesus every day.'
Do you know more about pleasing a boyfriend than you do about pleasing the Lord Jesus?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Fulfillment
Have you ever assumed your ultimate fulfillment will be found in marriage? Have you privately entertained the notion that the only satisfied women are married women? Have you been expecting your career to satisfy you until you are married? If you answered 'yes' to any of those questions, then you have a prospect of disillusionment looming in the future.
'...A woman becomes a woman when she becomes what God wants her to be...' This priceless truth can help keep your perspective clear in relation to true fulfillment in life. Too many Christian women things that the inner longings of their heart relate only to love, marriage, and motherhood. Look a little closer and see if that longing isn't ultimately for Jesus.
Gary Chapman once remarked, 'I feel very strongly that marriage is not a higher calling than a single state. Happy indeed are those people, married or single, who have discovered true happiness is not found in marriage but in a right relationship with God.'
Fulfillment for a Christian woman begins with the Lordship of Christ in every area of her life.
'...A woman becomes a woman when she becomes what God wants her to be...' This priceless truth can help keep your perspective clear in relation to true fulfillment in life. Too many Christian women things that the inner longings of their heart relate only to love, marriage, and motherhood. Look a little closer and see if that longing isn't ultimately for Jesus.
Gary Chapman once remarked, 'I feel very strongly that marriage is not a higher calling than a single state. Happy indeed are those people, married or single, who have discovered true happiness is not found in marriage but in a right relationship with God.'
Fulfillment for a Christian woman begins with the Lordship of Christ in every area of her life.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Lady in Waiting
I have decided to go back through the Lady in Waiting Bible study and journal. I will be posting the reading for each day as I do them... I hope you are blessed.
Prologue
Have you ever noticed the funny way a pigeon walks? His head moves forward, he stops, then he takes a step. I have read that a pigeon's eyes do not focus unless his head is still...therefore, he focuses - then steps. We could learn a lot from this 'pigeon walk'.
Sometimes our lives seem to get out of control and our hearts are injured and our steps unsure. We lose focus and life comes apart at the seams...
Proverbs 3:5-6 are keys words to live by with regard to our steps:
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart...'
How much misdirection and pain could we avoid if we trusted in and were daily assured of God's awesome love for us?
'And do not lean on your own understanding...'
What trouble could we avoid if we went to the all-knowing God for daily direction and wisdom instead of fretting, planning, and worrying?
'In all your ways acknowledge Him...'
This is our focus for each step.
And the promise?
'He will make your paths straight'
It really doesn't matter how much we 'know' - it matters how much we 'live'.
Joy,
Elise
Prologue
Have you ever noticed the funny way a pigeon walks? His head moves forward, he stops, then he takes a step. I have read that a pigeon's eyes do not focus unless his head is still...therefore, he focuses - then steps. We could learn a lot from this 'pigeon walk'.
Sometimes our lives seem to get out of control and our hearts are injured and our steps unsure. We lose focus and life comes apart at the seams...
Proverbs 3:5-6 are keys words to live by with regard to our steps:
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart...'
How much misdirection and pain could we avoid if we trusted in and were daily assured of God's awesome love for us?
'And do not lean on your own understanding...'
What trouble could we avoid if we went to the all-knowing God for daily direction and wisdom instead of fretting, planning, and worrying?
'In all your ways acknowledge Him...'
This is our focus for each step.
And the promise?
'He will make your paths straight'
It really doesn't matter how much we 'know' - it matters how much we 'live'.
Joy,
Elise
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Mrs. Good Friday
It was late afternoon on Good Friday. The grocery store was bustling with customers buying sweet treats for Sunday morning’s Easter baskets. As I left the store and headed to my car, I saw her. She wore a flowered shirt and pushed a full cart of groceries. She was probably in her late sixties and smiled at me when I walked by. Her smile was contagious and I soon sensed a smile on my own face.
As I backed out my car, I noticed that she was still walking, but now had a confused look on her face. She seemed to be searching for something in the parking lot. I immediately thought of my great-grandfather. He will be 92 this year and frequently forgets where he has parked his car.
I pulled into a nearby parking space and walked up to her to see if I could help. Sure enough, she had forgotten where she had parked her car. “It’s an old Buick.” she drawled in a thick accent that told me she had spent a lot of her life in the small town of Milledgeville. I asked her the color and she said, “It’s like, well, you know that car color… kinda tanish, light brown. Those car people call it… “ “Champagne?” I offered. “Why yes, that’s what they call it… champagne…”
“Do you remember which side of the store you went in?” I asked. “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t remember things very well anymore. I just have a hard time in this parking lot” she replied with a frustrated crease on her brow. “I understand,” I said, trying to reassure her. “I lose my car all the time over at Wal-Mart.” “No…” she replied stubbornly, “this parking lot is worse.”
She offered me the keyless entry remote to her husband’s Toyata thinking that it might work to make her car (without keyless entry) beep if we pressed the right buttons. I humored her and tried it, but to no avail.
We continued searching for her car for another fifteen minutes or so when she recognized a friend of hers. “Have you lost your car again?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied. “and you know how I hate this parking lot”. He gave her a sympathetic look and said, “Yes, I know.”
All this time, I kept praying that we would find her car. I also was quite curious as to why she hated this parking lot with such holy passion. Suddenly, the man said, “Oh, there is your car right yonder!” She seemed relieved as she saw it.
He and I helped load all the groceries into her trunk. She looked at me with a sad smile and said, “You know, the reason I don’t like this parking lot is because this is where my husband died.” I stood there for what seemed like a minute before she continued. “He dropped me off so I could get something, and when I came out, he was gone. It was three years ago this week.” Then her eyes lit up with a smile and she said, “I sure do love him still.”
She grabbed me and gave me a hug that only a grandmother could give as she thanked me for my help. I turned to her and said, “No, thank you… God used you to make my day.” I made my way to my car, tears filling my eyes.
I had thought that God was going to use me to help her that day, but He used her to help me as He reminded me of His love through the hug of that woman on Good Friday.
As I backed out my car, I noticed that she was still walking, but now had a confused look on her face. She seemed to be searching for something in the parking lot. I immediately thought of my great-grandfather. He will be 92 this year and frequently forgets where he has parked his car.
I pulled into a nearby parking space and walked up to her to see if I could help. Sure enough, she had forgotten where she had parked her car. “It’s an old Buick.” she drawled in a thick accent that told me she had spent a lot of her life in the small town of Milledgeville. I asked her the color and she said, “It’s like, well, you know that car color… kinda tanish, light brown. Those car people call it… “ “Champagne?” I offered. “Why yes, that’s what they call it… champagne…”
“Do you remember which side of the store you went in?” I asked. “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t remember things very well anymore. I just have a hard time in this parking lot” she replied with a frustrated crease on her brow. “I understand,” I said, trying to reassure her. “I lose my car all the time over at Wal-Mart.” “No…” she replied stubbornly, “this parking lot is worse.”
She offered me the keyless entry remote to her husband’s Toyata thinking that it might work to make her car (without keyless entry) beep if we pressed the right buttons. I humored her and tried it, but to no avail.
We continued searching for her car for another fifteen minutes or so when she recognized a friend of hers. “Have you lost your car again?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied. “and you know how I hate this parking lot”. He gave her a sympathetic look and said, “Yes, I know.”
All this time, I kept praying that we would find her car. I also was quite curious as to why she hated this parking lot with such holy passion. Suddenly, the man said, “Oh, there is your car right yonder!” She seemed relieved as she saw it.
He and I helped load all the groceries into her trunk. She looked at me with a sad smile and said, “You know, the reason I don’t like this parking lot is because this is where my husband died.” I stood there for what seemed like a minute before she continued. “He dropped me off so I could get something, and when I came out, he was gone. It was three years ago this week.” Then her eyes lit up with a smile and she said, “I sure do love him still.”
She grabbed me and gave me a hug that only a grandmother could give as she thanked me for my help. I turned to her and said, “No, thank you… God used you to make my day.” I made my way to my car, tears filling my eyes.
I had thought that God was going to use me to help her that day, but He used her to help me as He reminded me of His love through the hug of that woman on Good Friday.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Stewardship
Stewardship is defined as "a responsibility to take care of something one does not own."
So...what do we own?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Not money.
Not time.
Not possessions.
Not the words we speak.
Not our own bodies.
Nothing.
God has given us the opportunity to be stewards of all these things; to manage them for His glory. We too often think of this as just money, but that is such a small part (especially if you are a student!).
- Time -
Have you ever thought about tithing your time to God? If we gave Him 10% of our time, we would spend 2.4 hours reading our Bibles, praying, and listening to Him. Imagine how much growth could happen if you gave that time to God. I mean, I am sure you spend at least two hours talking to your best friend... doesn't God deserve even more of your time? Not only should more of our time go to God, but more of our time should go to encouraging others around us in their relationships with God. I should take all that time I spend complaining and use it for God's glory instead of for my own benefit.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
~Malachi 3:10~
- Possessions -
Who owns the computer on which you are viewing this blog? I found out the hard way... getting my laptop stolen and not having it for seven months. It belongs to God. That iPod you listen to (more than 2.4 hours a day, I bet) belongs to God too. Is your music glorifying Him? Is what you look at on your computer honoring Him? Your instrument that you use in orchestra or band or choir...do you practice it enough to be able to give Him the praise He deserves when you perform?
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
~Luke 12:33~
- Words -
I fail in this area... big time. It is so easy for most girls to turn 'prayer request time' into a juicy gossip circle. Do we even realize how many hurtful things we say about others behind their backs? And another thing... why do we cuss? It typically is your way to relieve your own anger, but in the process, it hurts someone.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
~Psalm 19:14~
- Bodies -
Yes, I know that I am currently on the Chick-fil-A waffle fries and Dr Pepper diet, but it really is important to take care of your temple. Go on a run outside, go to Zumba, or get up a few minutes early and actually walk to class... that's a novel idea. Oh, and smoking and drinking are killing your lungs and your liver. Last time I checked, they are inside the body that belongs to God. Oh and ladies, did you know that if you are sexually active, most forms of birth control are actually aborting your baby after it has begun to form.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
~1 Corinthians 6:19-20~
My purpose for writing this blog was to remind myself of how I need to live my life and of my short-comings that I face each day. I don't mean to attack anyone; I am just writing out what God is revealing to me in my life right now.
I love you all... if I can pray for you or help you in any way, just let me know. We will go before the throne of God together.
Joy in Him,
Elise <><
So...what do we own?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Not money.
Not time.
Not possessions.
Not the words we speak.
Not our own bodies.
Nothing.
God has given us the opportunity to be stewards of all these things; to manage them for His glory. We too often think of this as just money, but that is such a small part (especially if you are a student!).
- Time -
Have you ever thought about tithing your time to God? If we gave Him 10% of our time, we would spend 2.4 hours reading our Bibles, praying, and listening to Him. Imagine how much growth could happen if you gave that time to God. I mean, I am sure you spend at least two hours talking to your best friend... doesn't God deserve even more of your time? Not only should more of our time go to God, but more of our time should go to encouraging others around us in their relationships with God. I should take all that time I spend complaining and use it for God's glory instead of for my own benefit.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
~Malachi 3:10~
- Possessions -
Who owns the computer on which you are viewing this blog? I found out the hard way... getting my laptop stolen and not having it for seven months. It belongs to God. That iPod you listen to (more than 2.4 hours a day, I bet) belongs to God too. Is your music glorifying Him? Is what you look at on your computer honoring Him? Your instrument that you use in orchestra or band or choir...do you practice it enough to be able to give Him the praise He deserves when you perform?
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
~Luke 12:33~
- Words -
I fail in this area... big time. It is so easy for most girls to turn 'prayer request time' into a juicy gossip circle. Do we even realize how many hurtful things we say about others behind their backs? And another thing... why do we cuss? It typically is your way to relieve your own anger, but in the process, it hurts someone.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
~Psalm 19:14~
- Bodies -
Yes, I know that I am currently on the Chick-fil-A waffle fries and Dr Pepper diet, but it really is important to take care of your temple. Go on a run outside, go to Zumba, or get up a few minutes early and actually walk to class... that's a novel idea. Oh, and smoking and drinking are killing your lungs and your liver. Last time I checked, they are inside the body that belongs to God. Oh and ladies, did you know that if you are sexually active, most forms of birth control are actually aborting your baby after it has begun to form.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
~1 Corinthians 6:19-20~
My purpose for writing this blog was to remind myself of how I need to live my life and of my short-comings that I face each day. I don't mean to attack anyone; I am just writing out what God is revealing to me in my life right now.
I love you all... if I can pray for you or help you in any way, just let me know. We will go before the throne of God together.
Joy in Him,
Elise <><
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Joy
The following is a portion from my Sunday School lesson that I felt compelled to share...and am trying to live out...
Joy – a deep sense of well being. Does not depend on what happens. An attitude.
Happiness – a feeling. Depends on what happens. A position.
This Bible is a picture of your life. Sure there are some setbacks. Some of them pretty rough.
Jesus had them.
•No home.
•No place to lay his head.
•Closest friends deserted him.
•Then there was the beating.
•The cross.
I’d say there were some setbacks for Him.
So you think that in the midst of everything, He ever lost His joy? No! He never lost that deep sense of well being. Why do you think that is? Because He knew the end of the story and what awaited him. He was ready to be with His heavenly Father again!
The same thing awaits us!!! How bad do things have to get for us to lose our joy?
"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God". Leon Henri marie Bloy. 1846-1917.
Why? Picture it this way; Jesus had unbroken communion with God the Father. Jesus only did what the Father told him. He only knew what the Father revealed. He wants us to have the same kind of intimacy with Him. He wants US to only do what the Father tells us. That kind of intimacy gives us a “deep sense of well being.”
How about this statement by Lacado: “Those who share the joy of Jesus have a stubborn, unshakeable peace.”
Do you have a joy that holds its ground against pain?
Does it matter to us or to God about our setbacks? Of course it does. Jesus cried when His friends were grieving the death of Lazarus. Do you think that Jesus knew he was about to resurrect Lazarus? Yes. He knew the outcome, but still hurt for his friends.
Another definition that has been used for joy is SACRED DELIGHT.
What is sacred is not of the earth, it is God’s. Joy is God’s. It is delight because it can both satisfy and surprise. Sacred delight is good news coming through the back door of your heart. It is what you’d always dreamed but never expected. It’s the too-good-to-be-true coming true. It is having God as your
•Pinch-hitter
•Your lawyer
•Your dad
•Your biggest fan
•Your best friend
God is on your side, in your heart, out in front, and protecting your back. It is hope where you least expected it.
Think about God’s joy. What can cloud it? Is God ever in a bad mood because of bad weather? Does He get ruffled over long lines or traffic jams? Does God ever refuse to rotate the earth because his feelings are hurt?
No. His is a joy which circumstances cannot steal.
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven.
Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
You can know a lot about God without really knowing God. In fact unless we experience Him and know what it is like to be in His presence, it is likely that we will never really know Him.
Joy – a deep sense of well being. Does not depend on what happens. An attitude.
Happiness – a feeling. Depends on what happens. A position.
This Bible is a picture of your life. Sure there are some setbacks. Some of them pretty rough.
Jesus had them.
•No home.
•No place to lay his head.
•Closest friends deserted him.
•Then there was the beating.
•The cross.
I’d say there were some setbacks for Him.
So you think that in the midst of everything, He ever lost His joy? No! He never lost that deep sense of well being. Why do you think that is? Because He knew the end of the story and what awaited him. He was ready to be with His heavenly Father again!
The same thing awaits us!!! How bad do things have to get for us to lose our joy?
"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God". Leon Henri marie Bloy. 1846-1917.
Why? Picture it this way; Jesus had unbroken communion with God the Father. Jesus only did what the Father told him. He only knew what the Father revealed. He wants us to have the same kind of intimacy with Him. He wants US to only do what the Father tells us. That kind of intimacy gives us a “deep sense of well being.”
How about this statement by Lacado: “Those who share the joy of Jesus have a stubborn, unshakeable peace.”
Do you have a joy that holds its ground against pain?
Does it matter to us or to God about our setbacks? Of course it does. Jesus cried when His friends were grieving the death of Lazarus. Do you think that Jesus knew he was about to resurrect Lazarus? Yes. He knew the outcome, but still hurt for his friends.
Another definition that has been used for joy is SACRED DELIGHT.
What is sacred is not of the earth, it is God’s. Joy is God’s. It is delight because it can both satisfy and surprise. Sacred delight is good news coming through the back door of your heart. It is what you’d always dreamed but never expected. It’s the too-good-to-be-true coming true. It is having God as your
•Pinch-hitter
•Your lawyer
•Your dad
•Your biggest fan
•Your best friend
God is on your side, in your heart, out in front, and protecting your back. It is hope where you least expected it.
Think about God’s joy. What can cloud it? Is God ever in a bad mood because of bad weather? Does He get ruffled over long lines or traffic jams? Does God ever refuse to rotate the earth because his feelings are hurt?
No. His is a joy which circumstances cannot steal.
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven.
Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
You can know a lot about God without really knowing God. In fact unless we experience Him and know what it is like to be in His presence, it is likely that we will never really know Him.
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