A theme that has been in the forefront of my mind lately has been redemption as well as the church's role in the lives of sinners.
There is a problem in many churches. The problem is pride. We are all sinners, however, many times when we come forward with our sin and are upfront about it, we are judged, slandered, and gossiped about. Pride is hated by God. When we are sinful, yet try to cover it up and pretend we are above our sin that is pride. Many people believe their lives are "perfect" because it looks like it on the outside, but the truth is we are all marred with sin and for those who are in denial, they will answer to their pride. Matthew 23 speaks perfectly to God's feelings on pride. Verse 23 spoke specifically to the inability of prideful people to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
One of the imperative roles of the church is also a role that Jesus played as listener's and helpers. We need to be able to admit our own need for God's impact and redemption, seek His face completely, and be there to listen and encourage others.
I pray that those around me would be filled with the Spirit and not worried about what the world around them thinks about anyone's reputation. The Bible is full of many who had what we could consider "bad reputations." The first and foremost in my mind is Mary, mother of Jesus. Either she was truly pregnant with the son of God, or she was a crazy liar. Obviously I believe her son Jesus is the son of God, however many did not. Her husband Joseph was amazing to take her at her word and accept her and love her and to trust God through the road He led them on.
Through the forgiveness of my own sin and becoming vulnerable to confessing to the Lord and others about my own sin I have been convicted to be more accepting of others who sin and are looking for help. God has changed me for the better, squashed any semblance of pride that I've ever had, and molded me into a stronger person for it, who will have to deal with some consequences, but will accept the consequences as well as the grace and redemption that God has extended.
He is so much more than I deserve or could ask for...wait...that makes me think of another verse...
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
12.28.2011
10.16.2011
Cleanse
Somewhere along the line, where and when doesn't matter, I made a wrong choice. I know when that moment was and it effects me still today as I feel God's will was different than what I chose.
I can't go back.
Because of that wrong choice I find it hard to accept God's forgiveness and move forward. I feel like I am standing in quick sand where I find it hard to not only move forward, but even come up for air.
I am going through the motions, work, friends, run, smile, friends, work, smile, etc...but my heart isn't fulfilled. Don't get me wrong. The people in my life are phenomenal. The void is in my walk with the Lord and I have been saying to myself I need time with God, and then I put it off for everything...suddenly Facebook, Words with Friends, Bejeweled Blitz, and a few other random things are the best thing I can be doing between the hours of 10 and bedtime.
Last week I was convicted by a sermon to say no to those things more often in order to say yes to Jesus. Follow through = 0.
This week I was slapped in the face and broken into a million pieces...if I could have curled up in a ball on my Savior's lap and cried forever I think I would have.
Instead the next best thing occurred. There is just something so cleansing to me about being able to pour myself out through singing, and thankfully God provided the perfect songs through the Revolution Band this week...
I will be saying no to some things this week cleansing myself of things as God leads. I will be saying yes to Jesus and filling back up so that God can come down and help me outta this pit I dug for myself...
"Very early, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed." --Mark 1
I can't go back.
Because of that wrong choice I find it hard to accept God's forgiveness and move forward. I feel like I am standing in quick sand where I find it hard to not only move forward, but even come up for air.
I am going through the motions, work, friends, run, smile, friends, work, smile, etc...but my heart isn't fulfilled. Don't get me wrong. The people in my life are phenomenal. The void is in my walk with the Lord and I have been saying to myself I need time with God, and then I put it off for everything...suddenly Facebook, Words with Friends, Bejeweled Blitz, and a few other random things are the best thing I can be doing between the hours of 10 and bedtime.
Last week I was convicted by a sermon to say no to those things more often in order to say yes to Jesus. Follow through = 0.
This week I was slapped in the face and broken into a million pieces...if I could have curled up in a ball on my Savior's lap and cried forever I think I would have.
Instead the next best thing occurred. There is just something so cleansing to me about being able to pour myself out through singing, and thankfully God provided the perfect songs through the Revolution Band this week...
I will be saying no to some things this week cleansing myself of things as God leads. I will be saying yes to Jesus and filling back up so that God can come down and help me outta this pit I dug for myself...
"Very early, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed." --Mark 1
8.14.2011
Thankful
For a while I was struggling.
I had been struggling with the lack of my ability to do anything but work there for a while.
I was working, running, and that was about it...getting time off was impossible cause everyone had requested every day off.
So, I was frustrated.
My time with God was non-existant because I was choosing other things over Him...
Recently I had been praying that God and I could get back in cahoots to where I could FEEL it...you don't ALWAYS feel Him and I am ok with that most of the time...but I was missing Him and it was my fault. And sometimes you go through the motions of church and worship and forget just what it is you are doing...
I am SO THANKFUL for the past week...
He met me in Nashville and this weekend and it was in ways I didn't expect.
Nashville was a great break from work that was MUCH needed as I hadn't had more than 2 days off in a row since last October.
Then this past week I spent some time with him and last night attended some FABULOUS worship.
Tonight God provided me with tickets to Charlie Daniels and wouldn't ya know...of course...God was there too. We done worshiped at the concert! We sang Amazing Grace with Charlie and it touched me in ways I didn't expect but I SOOO needed.
So...I am thankful.
Thankful for the friends I have around me and thankful for the time He gives me to experience His glory.
I had been struggling with the lack of my ability to do anything but work there for a while.
I was working, running, and that was about it...getting time off was impossible cause everyone had requested every day off.
So, I was frustrated.
My time with God was non-existant because I was choosing other things over Him...
Recently I had been praying that God and I could get back in cahoots to where I could FEEL it...you don't ALWAYS feel Him and I am ok with that most of the time...but I was missing Him and it was my fault. And sometimes you go through the motions of church and worship and forget just what it is you are doing...
I am SO THANKFUL for the past week...
He met me in Nashville and this weekend and it was in ways I didn't expect.
Nashville was a great break from work that was MUCH needed as I hadn't had more than 2 days off in a row since last October.
Then this past week I spent some time with him and last night attended some FABULOUS worship.
Tonight God provided me with tickets to Charlie Daniels and wouldn't ya know...of course...God was there too. We done worshiped at the concert! We sang Amazing Grace with Charlie and it touched me in ways I didn't expect but I SOOO needed.
So...I am thankful.
Thankful for the friends I have around me and thankful for the time He gives me to experience His glory.
8.12.2011
People just suck!
Today was an especially hard day at work. I have been sick and lacked sleep but was in a good mood. For some reason one specific person made it very hard for several of us to work. I could go one about how selfish they were or whatever, but the fact of the matter is, we are ALL imperfect and I am just as guilty for being in a bad mood sometimes.
What made it a little harder by the fact that the person is a Christian sister.
We work among others who are not Christians.
We are called to be different in this world and for crying out loud, I would think we could encourage one another instead of lashing out at one another. I could go on about how terribly I was treated but I refuse to be the victim, and I want to focus on God’s word from here on out...the above is simply an example of how God’s Word applies to my situation today and is relevant to the here and now.
I first opened up to Psalms 27... “The Lord is my light and salvation--whom shall I fear?” It goes on and then says, “Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
It was certainly comforting to read that and receive the comfort that I WILL dwell in the house of the Lord one day.
After that, I was lead to a scripture, that I am sure God put on my heart for a reason...if the door opens, I will share with that person.
John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Next came part of the Beatitudes...and it is funny how something I have read SO many times can come to life so suddenly.
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23
Now, I am sure there are definitely more extreme cases of being persecuted, but I know for a fact that I was talked about today and I know that I am not invited to certain things because of who God is in my life. For the record...I am WAY ok with that. There may have been a time when I wasn’t, and I wanted to be included...but God has provided me with such fabulous friends and community that I cannot even be bothered with such nonsense. This Scripture was just SO reassuring!
I am so thankful to God that this world is temporary and not my home. It is not an easy place to be and we are all flawed. I am thankful for the people He puts in my path and for the many qualities He has given them to make them beautiful. I pray that each person I come into contact with could see Him more clearly and learn to glorify HIM with those qualities.
8.06.2011
WATCH OUT!
WATCH OUT!
These words were spoken by minister in a sermon about greed last week. It originally reference Luke 12:15 in his sermon and those words have spoken to me all week long.
I think that Greed is certainly something to watch out for and in my life, it isn't necessarily the material greed that I am needing to be aware of. Lately I have been SUPER greedy about my time. I have wanted time to myself to unwind and relax, be it with friends, in front of the TV, chilling through my iphone apps, etc.
What I have failed to remember is that God desires our FIRST FRUITS...not our LEFTOVERS...
He deserves my time and my energy BEFORE work, relaxation, exercise, etc. He doesn't deserve what I try to save for Him AFTER all of that.
What I have found, is that when I save Him what is left...He doesn't get anything. The ONE who gave me everything is SO MUCH MORE DESERVING.
I am revisiting the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, and I am so glad, the first time I read it I wasn't listening...
He says, "But the fact is nothing should concern us more than our relationship with God; it's about eternity and nothing compares with that. God is not someone who can be tacked onto our lives."
So, as I sit here in Nashville, and we have planned a fun evening out, I am struggling with whether I should go, or remain here, in the quiet with the LORD. It is one of those decisions where I know what decision I SHOULD make...but it is difficult. So...does my relationship with God concern me more than with my friends??? That is the question that I will have to answer through my actions tonight.
The ultimate source for all of this has been God's word as it inspired Francis, and as I sought it out, so the complete list of Scriptural references is: 1 Corinthians 13, Romans 16:17, Luke 12:15, Malachi 1:8, Proverbs 3:8-10.
These words were spoken by minister in a sermon about greed last week. It originally reference Luke 12:15 in his sermon and those words have spoken to me all week long.
I think that Greed is certainly something to watch out for and in my life, it isn't necessarily the material greed that I am needing to be aware of. Lately I have been SUPER greedy about my time. I have wanted time to myself to unwind and relax, be it with friends, in front of the TV, chilling through my iphone apps, etc.
What I have failed to remember is that God desires our FIRST FRUITS...not our LEFTOVERS...
He deserves my time and my energy BEFORE work, relaxation, exercise, etc. He doesn't deserve what I try to save for Him AFTER all of that.
What I have found, is that when I save Him what is left...He doesn't get anything. The ONE who gave me everything is SO MUCH MORE DESERVING.
I am revisiting the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, and I am so glad, the first time I read it I wasn't listening...
He says, "But the fact is nothing should concern us more than our relationship with God; it's about eternity and nothing compares with that. God is not someone who can be tacked onto our lives."
So, as I sit here in Nashville, and we have planned a fun evening out, I am struggling with whether I should go, or remain here, in the quiet with the LORD. It is one of those decisions where I know what decision I SHOULD make...but it is difficult. So...does my relationship with God concern me more than with my friends??? That is the question that I will have to answer through my actions tonight.
The ultimate source for all of this has been God's word as it inspired Francis, and as I sought it out, so the complete list of Scriptural references is: 1 Corinthians 13, Romans 16:17, Luke 12:15, Malachi 1:8, Proverbs 3:8-10.
5.28.2011
HELP NEEDED!!!
OK people...it is official beginning TOMORROW!!!
I am training for the Columbus half marathon! WHAT?!?!?!
Thankfully I am not doing it alone, and though I have faithful training buddies Karen and Lucia by my side, it is not of them I speak when I say I am not alone.
This is MOST DEFINITELY a Spiritual matter and God is here with me. I know for a fact it wasn't an accident when God included a comparison to a race in Scripture. There are many references to racing and I am sure I will NEED to revisit these over the next weeks and months (race day=OCTOBER 16th 2011) however, there is one particular verse I would like to visit today.
You are probably thinking, "this isn't the verse I thought she would pick..."
Me too!
I think that running is great when I get the runner "high" known as endorphins however those don't start my workouts...it takes motivation beyond endorphins to BEGIN.
I want to know that I have a purpose and a reason for running a race...not to "run my race in vain."
I am not running it to be healthy, though that isn't a bad reason to run...and I hope it is a side effect!
I am running for kids in Romania. For the kids that will one day live in the house that is being finished in a village named Ghioric.
It is my goal to raise funds for the purpose of raising them in a place where they can learn and know God's love and that they haven't been abandoned by the FATHER that matters.
Please be in prayer that my training is not in vain and that I continue to be motivated and spurred on by His love and glory. Pray how you can be involved, whether by praying, donating, or attending the race to cheer me on at any point throughout the course...cause I will need it!
I am training for the Columbus half marathon! WHAT?!?!?!
Thankfully I am not doing it alone, and though I have faithful training buddies Karen and Lucia by my side, it is not of them I speak when I say I am not alone.
This is MOST DEFINITELY a Spiritual matter and God is here with me. I know for a fact it wasn't an accident when God included a comparison to a race in Scripture. There are many references to racing and I am sure I will NEED to revisit these over the next weeks and months (race day=OCTOBER 16th 2011) however, there is one particular verse I would like to visit today.
"I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain." Galatians 2:2
You are probably thinking, "this isn't the verse I thought she would pick..."
Me too!
I think that running is great when I get the runner "high" known as endorphins however those don't start my workouts...it takes motivation beyond endorphins to BEGIN.
I want to know that I have a purpose and a reason for running a race...not to "run my race in vain."
I am not running it to be healthy, though that isn't a bad reason to run...and I hope it is a side effect!
I am running for kids in Romania. For the kids that will one day live in the house that is being finished in a village named Ghioric.
It is my goal to raise funds for the purpose of raising them in a place where they can learn and know God's love and that they haven't been abandoned by the FATHER that matters.
Please be in prayer that my training is not in vain and that I continue to be motivated and spurred on by His love and glory. Pray how you can be involved, whether by praying, donating, or attending the race to cheer me on at any point throughout the course...cause I will need it!
5.22.2011
A friend who sticks closer than a brother...
So hey...
I haven't had a ton to say honestly. I have been super busy and enjoying the people that God has placed around me for sure. I am simply amazed at the people blessing my life that have popped up at God's prompting and I just love it. Don't get me wrong...by quoting the above Scripture I am not discounting my family time and relationships at all...but sometimes friends become like family.
Two friends I want to mention specifically are Karen and Lucia. Karen and I met several years ago, when she was pregnant with her youngest son, Tyler. I love her smile, laugh and joy! She is also so dedicated to her family and an inspiration for me personally when it comes to my NEW love of running!
Lucia and I...well it is a super cool story and I honestly am in awe at how much I love the girl in such a short time since it usually takes me a little time to be so sold out to a friendship. I am not a shy person by any means, but I feel like I could tell Lucia anything or call her for anything and not feel like I am burdening her...and likewise, I would DO anything within my power to help her out!
Our story is quite fun. We were supposed to be roommates on a mission trip to Ukraine. My brother and sister in law planned their wedding like a day or two before the trip returned so I had to cancel the trip. On went life without much more thought about the matter, except I prayed for the group and later found out that Lucia and her husband JJ had decided to move to Ukraine as a result of that trip...Pretty cool!
Fast forward to about 2008 or so...I was working here at Starbucks and I also had friends who were friends with Lucia...so we saw each other and knew who each other were. She came into Starbucks a few times...she was a face I knew.
THEN...I move away to Ohio live for a year and a half and move back. My friend Karen and I had remained close through my distance in Ohio and so when I moved back it was natural to hang with her and through her, I began hanging out with Lucia...and their 4 AWESOME boys! :)
We run together, eat and drink together, and there is always laughter! LOVE them! Through their friendships pushing me, I ran my first 10k and am actually planning to train for my first half marathon! What the heck?!?!?! The other thing I love love love is that many friends will think that because they are married and or have kids and I am not married and have no kids that we have to limit our interaction. NOT TRUE WITH LOOSH AND GEORGIA PEACH (Karen is from Georgia)...I love to be invited to their kids birthday parties and playing Wii and dinosaurs with them...and even doing the potty dance after a successful potty time. I have lots to learn from them...and believe me...they have lots to learn from me...hahaha! Just kidding.
Anyhow...I am so stinking blessed by them and wanted to share.I was gonna post some photos...and frankly, I don't have many, I had some on my old phone of us trying on fun hats and accessories at Charming Charlies and Wal-Mart and that phone is now dead...and the others I take are usually of their kids...what the HECK??? The few I will share include a couple of their kiddos at their birthday parties and some sombreros...have I mentioned they are GREAT moms???
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." --Proverbs 18:24
I haven't had a ton to say honestly. I have been super busy and enjoying the people that God has placed around me for sure. I am simply amazed at the people blessing my life that have popped up at God's prompting and I just love it. Don't get me wrong...by quoting the above Scripture I am not discounting my family time and relationships at all...but sometimes friends become like family.
Two friends I want to mention specifically are Karen and Lucia. Karen and I met several years ago, when she was pregnant with her youngest son, Tyler. I love her smile, laugh and joy! She is also so dedicated to her family and an inspiration for me personally when it comes to my NEW love of running!
Lucia and I...well it is a super cool story and I honestly am in awe at how much I love the girl in such a short time since it usually takes me a little time to be so sold out to a friendship. I am not a shy person by any means, but I feel like I could tell Lucia anything or call her for anything and not feel like I am burdening her...and likewise, I would DO anything within my power to help her out!
Our story is quite fun. We were supposed to be roommates on a mission trip to Ukraine. My brother and sister in law planned their wedding like a day or two before the trip returned so I had to cancel the trip. On went life without much more thought about the matter, except I prayed for the group and later found out that Lucia and her husband JJ had decided to move to Ukraine as a result of that trip...Pretty cool!
Fast forward to about 2008 or so...I was working here at Starbucks and I also had friends who were friends with Lucia...so we saw each other and knew who each other were. She came into Starbucks a few times...she was a face I knew.
THEN...I move away to Ohio live for a year and a half and move back. My friend Karen and I had remained close through my distance in Ohio and so when I moved back it was natural to hang with her and through her, I began hanging out with Lucia...and their 4 AWESOME boys! :)
We run together, eat and drink together, and there is always laughter! LOVE them! Through their friendships pushing me, I ran my first 10k and am actually planning to train for my first half marathon! What the heck?!?!?! The other thing I love love love is that many friends will think that because they are married and or have kids and I am not married and have no kids that we have to limit our interaction. NOT TRUE WITH LOOSH AND GEORGIA PEACH (Karen is from Georgia)...I love to be invited to their kids birthday parties and playing Wii and dinosaurs with them...and even doing the potty dance after a successful potty time. I have lots to learn from them...and believe me...they have lots to learn from me...hahaha! Just kidding.
Anyhow...I am so stinking blessed by them and wanted to share.I was gonna post some photos...and frankly, I don't have many, I had some on my old phone of us trying on fun hats and accessories at Charming Charlies and Wal-Mart and that phone is now dead...and the others I take are usually of their kids...what the HECK??? The few I will share include a couple of their kiddos at their birthday parties and some sombreros...have I mentioned they are GREAT moms???
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
