There are many times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task. Routine is God’s way of saving us between our times of inspiration. Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God.
… We say that we do not expect God to carry us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we did! The tiniest detail in which I obey has all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I do my duty, not for duty’s sake, but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience the whole superb grace of God is mine through the Atonement.
2nd Peter 1:5 – Oswald Chambers
Friday, November 26, 2010
Caffeinated Calling
Espresso shots!
Disgusting.
BLEH!
I am beginning to sense the difference between a good espresso shot and a bad one even though I don’t care for either.
Aerated milk!
Delightful.
YUM!
I can make an up-to-standard “meringue” type foam after a good 3-5 second aeration (usually).
Vanilla Iced Coffees!
Wow!
I could guzzle that one down.
But I will not!
(I have discovered I prefer iced coffee.)
I enjoy making people smile.
I enjoy getting to know people.
I enjoy rushing around.
I enjoy having a long list of tasks to complete.
I enjoy being in a hectic (yet controlled) atmosphere.
(Starbucks DOES use some forms of energy!)
Who knew?!
ALTHOUGH!
I have messed up on SEVERAL occasions already.
For instance, I neglected to brew more coffee…and we ran out of Christmas blend AND Pike Place, at the same time!
(Sorry, Starbucks has no coffee...)
I still have NO idea what a Misto is.
I have asked and read multiple times, but the concept escapes my understanding. Is it just steamed milk in the cup rather than water? Do you put brewed coffee in there? Does it get shots? I canNOT remember.
Major Problem: "Regulars" assume I already know the details of their order and everything about Starbucks.
FALSE!
I know nothing.
I think I enjoy morning shifts.
Rising early is absolutely glorious! Your whole day is left to you; open and unadulterated.
I love getting things ready and running around because there’s a rush!
(Except when I fail and feel quite foolish.)
Hmm…that sounds similar to another job I had before…now what did I do?
Oh yeah!
I taught.
(Momentary side note: the Lord is good. Starbucks is making me pay more attention to details and procedures. The very things I need to work on as a teacher AND He is allowing me to learn these lessons in a fun environment rather than in the confines of a desk job…where I thought my fate would most likely lie.)
Although I doubted and questioned and lamented my choice after making it, at this moment I am thankful that I took the Starbucks job rather than the daycare part-time preschool teacher. I think I would have been bored.
How can a person watching 22 preschoolers get bored??
Because I am not THE teacher and I am not teaching SCHOOL subjects.
I don’t like aimlessly trying to entertain children and/or adults.
Uh-oh.
What if Starbucks becomes “aimlessly trying to entertain children and/or adults”?
It could.
(Tough ….grounds.)
hehehehehe
And yet, you always have something new to find out about the person.
(And, after your customers leave, you have the other baristas to get to know.)
Plus, in these first few months I will be STRENUOUSLY trying to figure out how to make the drinks and then I will try to add SPEED to my ability of remembering how to make the drinks and THEN I will have to perfect my ability to easily converse with the patrons WHILE making drinks with speedy efficiency.
I do like to multi-task.
Although, I am a HORRIBLE multi-tasker when you need me to LISTEN and complete the task.
(Yes, problem! Writing an order on a cup.)
But, SEE?!
THAT is where the Lord is training me and refining me in a different way: my ability to listen and remember.
I absolutely stink at it.
I always have.
If you show me a list of items visually that is most often better.
If you SPEAK a list of items to me, it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
UH-OH!
But the Lord is faithful.
I don’t think He let me get the Starbucks job so that I would fail miserably…every day…for the rest of my Starbucks’ career.
Good thing they give you time to learn.
(Their patience levels truly AMAZE me!!)
Humorous side story:
Customers are already laughing at me. A mother and daughter tried to conceal their laughter as I was rushing about, but I knew and told them it was okay. They lost it.
Another "regular" who I have made stand in line for 5 minutes and messed up on his drink multiple times has told me that my personality would be perfect for a sitcom... because I am so funny. I received it as a complement.
Disgusting.
BLEH!
I am beginning to sense the difference between a good espresso shot and a bad one even though I don’t care for either.
Aerated milk!
Delightful.
YUM!
I can make an up-to-standard “meringue” type foam after a good 3-5 second aeration (usually).
Vanilla Iced Coffees!
Wow!
I could guzzle that one down.
But I will not!
(I have discovered I prefer iced coffee.)
I enjoy making people smile.
I enjoy getting to know people.
I enjoy rushing around.
I enjoy having a long list of tasks to complete.
I enjoy being in a hectic (yet controlled) atmosphere.
(Starbucks DOES use some forms of energy!)
Who knew?!
ALTHOUGH!
I have messed up on SEVERAL occasions already.
For instance, I neglected to brew more coffee…and we ran out of Christmas blend AND Pike Place, at the same time!
(Sorry, Starbucks has no coffee...)
I still have NO idea what a Misto is.
I have asked and read multiple times, but the concept escapes my understanding. Is it just steamed milk in the cup rather than water? Do you put brewed coffee in there? Does it get shots? I canNOT remember.
Major Problem: "Regulars" assume I already know the details of their order and everything about Starbucks.
FALSE!
I know nothing.
I think I enjoy morning shifts.
Rising early is absolutely glorious! Your whole day is left to you; open and unadulterated.
I love getting things ready and running around because there’s a rush!
(Except when I fail and feel quite foolish.)
Hmm…that sounds similar to another job I had before…now what did I do?
Oh yeah!
I taught.
(Momentary side note: the Lord is good. Starbucks is making me pay more attention to details and procedures. The very things I need to work on as a teacher AND He is allowing me to learn these lessons in a fun environment rather than in the confines of a desk job…where I thought my fate would most likely lie.)
Although I doubted and questioned and lamented my choice after making it, at this moment I am thankful that I took the Starbucks job rather than the daycare part-time preschool teacher. I think I would have been bored.
How can a person watching 22 preschoolers get bored??
Because I am not THE teacher and I am not teaching SCHOOL subjects.
I don’t like aimlessly trying to entertain children and/or adults.
Uh-oh.
What if Starbucks becomes “aimlessly trying to entertain children and/or adults”?
It could.
(Tough ….grounds.)
hehehehehe
And yet, you always have something new to find out about the person.
(And, after your customers leave, you have the other baristas to get to know.)
Plus, in these first few months I will be STRENUOUSLY trying to figure out how to make the drinks and then I will try to add SPEED to my ability of remembering how to make the drinks and THEN I will have to perfect my ability to easily converse with the patrons WHILE making drinks with speedy efficiency.
I do like to multi-task.
Although, I am a HORRIBLE multi-tasker when you need me to LISTEN and complete the task.
(Yes, problem! Writing an order on a cup.)
But, SEE?!
THAT is where the Lord is training me and refining me in a different way: my ability to listen and remember.
I absolutely stink at it.
I always have.
If you show me a list of items visually that is most often better.
If you SPEAK a list of items to me, it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
UH-OH!
But the Lord is faithful.
I don’t think He let me get the Starbucks job so that I would fail miserably…every day…for the rest of my Starbucks’ career.
Good thing they give you time to learn.
(Their patience levels truly AMAZE me!!)
Humorous side story:
Customers are already laughing at me. A mother and daughter tried to conceal their laughter as I was rushing about, but I knew and told them it was okay. They lost it.
Another "regular" who I have made stand in line for 5 minutes and messed up on his drink multiple times has told me that my personality would be perfect for a sitcom... because I am so funny. I received it as a complement.
Ordinary Radical: Point of Application
So, how am I stepping out of my comfort zone?
Inspired by this book and the songs on the soundtrack of "Slumdog Millionaire," (watch the movie,) I am beginning to ask these questions:
Why has the Lord given me so much food I can dedicate a day to eating, while thanking Him?
Why has the Lord given me so much energy?
Why has the Lord given me more money than most households throughout the world?
Why has the Lord burdened my heart for children and mothers?
Why has the Lord allowed me to grow in my sorrow for souls?
Why has the Lord saved my soul?
Why has the Lord kept me single? (This is a stewardship that requires PURPOSEFUL use. I think most singles don’t purpose out how to “invest” this stewardship. How can we earn interest on this investment?!?)
Why has the Lord given me a brain that enjoys reading, researching, and writing?
I know it’s not just so I can use them and die.
What would be a reasonable conclusion then, acknowledging that He requires me to give up all for His name, that true religion is to serve orphans and widows, and knowing that I will be held accountable for how I used what He gave me?
I put forth: ordinary radicalism.
If I could have dinner with anyone in the past -- Biblical or non - I would dine with Stephen. (Although, Ruth IS beginning to climb the charts.)
I would like to be like Stephen. Not just because he was the first martyr, but because he was, ”full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” A man who worked “among the people.” A man whose wisdom and Spirit-led life could not be resisted. He was an ordinary radical.
And, truly, since Ruth is climbing the charts (I am reading Ruth right now,) she was an ordinary radical too. She didn't do what her sister-in-law did. She didn't do what her mother-in-law tried to persuade her to do. She was a virtuous, submissive, God-honoring woman who worked hard and so had a God-glorifying reputation through out the village.
So, how do I actually APPLY this concept?
Before reading the “Irresistable Revolution” book I purposed to make cookies for people at Starbucks and for my apartment neighbors, and to attach a note in hopes that it starts a way to get to know people.
Good thing I read the book because I almost backed out of giving the cookies to my neighbors (and co-workers).
I made the cookies, got them all “cutsie,” and then almost didn’t pass them out because I was afraid of how people would receive them and I didn’t want to intrude on my neighbors’ lives.
HELLO (idiot) – how else do you get to KNOW people? How else do you get to share the Gospel?!
Other Hypothetical Ways to Be an Ordinary Radical:
I am not going home for Christmas this year.
I don’t think Starbucks will be open.
I am thinking about serving in a homeless shelter.
I applied to sub in an urban school…we’ll see what the Lord would provide.
I am trying to get to know and develop relationships with people at church.
I have gone to many strangers’ homes, searching for a Bible study and desiring to get to know people.
(Remember, the Lord has brought me back to my nerdy days: I do NOT prefer socializing, particularly with strangers. Unfortunately, here in Ohio the only non-stranger is my father.)
I am seeking to research more in order to improve my mind.
Purpose:
Start using what the Lord has given me, (time, money, health, energy, love for children, etc.) and see what He does and how He directs.
In conclusion:
Be an ordinary radical right NOW. Right where you are!
How can we all do this in PRACTICAL ways?
Do you know your family? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know your neighbors?! GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you KNOW people in your church? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your co-workers? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your classmates? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know geography? Politics? History? Different cultures? Philosophy? Literature?
GET TO KNOW THEM!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t just ASSUME things about people because they are “liberal” or “dress a certain way” or speak in a girlish manner… GET TO KNOW THEM so you can serve them. So you can glorify God in the marketplace based on your good works and faithfulness to the name and calling of our Lord, (die to yourself and love your enemies).
Live as an ordinary RADICAL.
Be a discipling-evangelist, (i.e. a servant).
Inspired by this book and the songs on the soundtrack of "Slumdog Millionaire," (watch the movie,) I am beginning to ask these questions:
Why has the Lord given me so much food I can dedicate a day to eating, while thanking Him?
Why has the Lord given me so much energy?
Why has the Lord given me more money than most households throughout the world?
Why has the Lord burdened my heart for children and mothers?
Why has the Lord allowed me to grow in my sorrow for souls?
Why has the Lord saved my soul?
Why has the Lord kept me single? (This is a stewardship that requires PURPOSEFUL use. I think most singles don’t purpose out how to “invest” this stewardship. How can we earn interest on this investment?!?)
Why has the Lord given me a brain that enjoys reading, researching, and writing?
I know it’s not just so I can use them and die.
What would be a reasonable conclusion then, acknowledging that He requires me to give up all for His name, that true religion is to serve orphans and widows, and knowing that I will be held accountable for how I used what He gave me?
I put forth: ordinary radicalism.
If I could have dinner with anyone in the past -- Biblical or non - I would dine with Stephen. (Although, Ruth IS beginning to climb the charts.)
I would like to be like Stephen. Not just because he was the first martyr, but because he was, ”full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” A man who worked “among the people.” A man whose wisdom and Spirit-led life could not be resisted. He was an ordinary radical.
And, truly, since Ruth is climbing the charts (I am reading Ruth right now,) she was an ordinary radical too. She didn't do what her sister-in-law did. She didn't do what her mother-in-law tried to persuade her to do. She was a virtuous, submissive, God-honoring woman who worked hard and so had a God-glorifying reputation through out the village.
So, how do I actually APPLY this concept?
Before reading the “Irresistable Revolution” book I purposed to make cookies for people at Starbucks and for my apartment neighbors, and to attach a note in hopes that it starts a way to get to know people.
Good thing I read the book because I almost backed out of giving the cookies to my neighbors (and co-workers).
I made the cookies, got them all “cutsie,” and then almost didn’t pass them out because I was afraid of how people would receive them and I didn’t want to intrude on my neighbors’ lives.
HELLO (idiot) – how else do you get to KNOW people? How else do you get to share the Gospel?!
Other Hypothetical Ways to Be an Ordinary Radical:
I am not going home for Christmas this year.
I don’t think Starbucks will be open.
I am thinking about serving in a homeless shelter.
I applied to sub in an urban school…we’ll see what the Lord would provide.
I am trying to get to know and develop relationships with people at church.
I have gone to many strangers’ homes, searching for a Bible study and desiring to get to know people.
(Remember, the Lord has brought me back to my nerdy days: I do NOT prefer socializing, particularly with strangers. Unfortunately, here in Ohio the only non-stranger is my father.)
I am seeking to research more in order to improve my mind.
Purpose:
Start using what the Lord has given me, (time, money, health, energy, love for children, etc.) and see what He does and how He directs.
In conclusion:
Be an ordinary radical right NOW. Right where you are!
How can we all do this in PRACTICAL ways?
Do you know your family? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know your neighbors?! GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you KNOW people in your church? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your co-workers? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your classmates? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know geography? Politics? History? Different cultures? Philosophy? Literature?
GET TO KNOW THEM!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t just ASSUME things about people because they are “liberal” or “dress a certain way” or speak in a girlish manner… GET TO KNOW THEM so you can serve them. So you can glorify God in the marketplace based on your good works and faithfulness to the name and calling of our Lord, (die to yourself and love your enemies).
Live as an ordinary RADICAL.
Be a discipling-evangelist, (i.e. a servant).
Ordinary Radical: Progressive Thoughts
I have been reading a lot these days, mainly because I have few friends, no leadership in ministry, and I am not teaching.
The Lord seems to be bringing me back to the days of my nerdy youth. I was homeschooled and so, I had few friends, ministry on Sunday, and I wasn’t teaching (or doing schoolwork consistently) back then either.
I have forgotten how much I love learning! My goodness! There Is SO much out there! What are we doing watching stupid movies?!
(heh…I just watched “Plans, Trains, and Automobiles” with my dad the other night. FUNNY and ENJOYABLE stuff!!!)
One of the books I am reading is called, “Irresistible Revolution.” Considering my conservative church heritage, this could be a very dangerous and controversial book to be reading. I just finished chapter four this afternoon. I don’t agree with all he is saying, but he raises a good point.
His point is that Christians need to actually live like Jesus. (I find it humorous: this DOES connect to my “conservative church background,” – it connects to living “on the line.” It’s called being biblical, i.e. living by FAITH. Pretty crazy, and yet it’s just ordinary radicalism.)
A couple Sundays ago my new pastor, Pastor Wayne, preached on Luke 9:23-26. This was the absolute BEST sermon I have heard him preach since I came 5 Sundays ago. He knows his congregation so incredibly well and this AMAZES me. He molds his sermons according to their personality and their needs. He chose to preach on the floor, rather than over the communion because he wanted to acknowledge that he had not reached perfection in this area of picking up his cross and dying to himself. What made his sermon so great (and what gives its appearance a purpose in this post,) is that he bluntly told his congregation to step up and OBEY the Bible. He told them that if they were NOT giving up what they had been working for, or what they thought they deserved, then they should check their souls.
This message seems to be repeated to me.
The Lord seems to repeat themes a lot.
What themes has He been recently communicating?:
--He is God, and I am not. (Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, church, current life experiences)
--He is my Guide and the One who plans my steps. (Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, church, Genesis, Exodus…current life experience(s))
--He is GOOD and FAITHFUL (Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, current life experiences)
--Bottom line: I need to stop desiring control and I need to DIE.
How does this connect to “Irresistable Revolution”?
I just wonder WHAT the Lord is doing.
I have always WANTED to be a radical. (As I have written before,) I have always wanted to start a revolution. For years He has been pounding it in my head that I just need to be faithful where I am at and get used to the idea that I am just a common person.
Two years ago, He worked through my earthly father to bring me back home and to tell me, “You cannot be a career missionary.” Excuse me? What have I been planning my single life for?? This was (and occasionally resurfaces as) a crushing disturbance to my planned existence.
Last year (about this time,) He “gave” me K. P. Yohannan’s book, “Revolution in World Missions,” telling me: YOU MUST STAY HERE, (in your own country, in your own community – not to Uganda, not to the homeless shelters.) I FOUGHT while reading that book. How could He be saying such things?
In this middle of this year, I began to understand and love the ministry in my Jerusalem. I was growing in contentment and was willing to give up my plans/hopes because I saw that His plans are GOOD.
NOW He moved me to Ohio where there is a church that supports more than 30 missionaries, gives missionaries time to give updates during every church service, has short term missions trips throughout the year, looks for other people to send, knows about the persecuted church, has members from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and reads books (not this one) about being radical for Jesus.
What?!
Even my DAD (earthly father) has been telling people in the church that I have always wanted to be a missionary and would love to go on missions trips, etc, etc. Uuuhh…???
Now this radical book is seen by my eyes in the library.
I thought the Lord was trying to change my heart away from radicalism, away from other countries??? (I am beginning to see that perhaps He didn't want to take that away, in fact that IS the personality He gave me. Perhaps He just wanted to chisel and mold me into a USABLE radical.Oooh HO! But am I really a "radical"? I guess my life will tell.)
The book's main idea is NOT: leave the US and serve the poor in other countries.
Its main idea (so far) is: SERVE PEOPLE! Get out of your box (the building you meet in on Sundays,) and get to know the needs of those around you. (I know I have said that before.)
So, there’s the purpose of this post.
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! (in order to serve people.)
**When I finish the book, I will let you know my concluding thoughts: disagreements/agreements.**
One disagreement I see already is his definition of the church and his lack (so far) in serving in his local body in comparison to his activism in the community. What about discipleship/evangelism inside the walls of the church?
The Lord seems to be bringing me back to the days of my nerdy youth. I was homeschooled and so, I had few friends, ministry on Sunday, and I wasn’t teaching (or doing schoolwork consistently) back then either.
I have forgotten how much I love learning! My goodness! There Is SO much out there! What are we doing watching stupid movies?!
(heh…I just watched “Plans, Trains, and Automobiles” with my dad the other night. FUNNY and ENJOYABLE stuff!!!)
One of the books I am reading is called, “Irresistible Revolution.” Considering my conservative church heritage, this could be a very dangerous and controversial book to be reading. I just finished chapter four this afternoon. I don’t agree with all he is saying, but he raises a good point.
His point is that Christians need to actually live like Jesus. (I find it humorous: this DOES connect to my “conservative church background,” – it connects to living “on the line.” It’s called being biblical, i.e. living by FAITH. Pretty crazy, and yet it’s just ordinary radicalism.)
A couple Sundays ago my new pastor, Pastor Wayne, preached on Luke 9:23-26. This was the absolute BEST sermon I have heard him preach since I came 5 Sundays ago. He knows his congregation so incredibly well and this AMAZES me. He molds his sermons according to their personality and their needs. He chose to preach on the floor, rather than over the communion because he wanted to acknowledge that he had not reached perfection in this area of picking up his cross and dying to himself. What made his sermon so great (and what gives its appearance a purpose in this post,) is that he bluntly told his congregation to step up and OBEY the Bible. He told them that if they were NOT giving up what they had been working for, or what they thought they deserved, then they should check their souls.
This message seems to be repeated to me.
The Lord seems to repeat themes a lot.
What themes has He been recently communicating?:
--He is God, and I am not. (Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, church, current life experiences)
--He is my Guide and the One who plans my steps. (Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, church, Genesis, Exodus…current life experience(s))
--He is GOOD and FAITHFUL (Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, current life experiences)
--Bottom line: I need to stop desiring control and I need to DIE.
How does this connect to “Irresistable Revolution”?
I just wonder WHAT the Lord is doing.
I have always WANTED to be a radical. (As I have written before,) I have always wanted to start a revolution. For years He has been pounding it in my head that I just need to be faithful where I am at and get used to the idea that I am just a common person.
Two years ago, He worked through my earthly father to bring me back home and to tell me, “You cannot be a career missionary.” Excuse me? What have I been planning my single life for?? This was (and occasionally resurfaces as) a crushing disturbance to my planned existence.
Last year (about this time,) He “gave” me K. P. Yohannan’s book, “Revolution in World Missions,” telling me: YOU MUST STAY HERE, (in your own country, in your own community – not to Uganda, not to the homeless shelters.) I FOUGHT while reading that book. How could He be saying such things?
In this middle of this year, I began to understand and love the ministry in my Jerusalem. I was growing in contentment and was willing to give up my plans/hopes because I saw that His plans are GOOD.
NOW He moved me to Ohio where there is a church that supports more than 30 missionaries, gives missionaries time to give updates during every church service, has short term missions trips throughout the year, looks for other people to send, knows about the persecuted church, has members from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and reads books (not this one) about being radical for Jesus.
What?!
Even my DAD (earthly father) has been telling people in the church that I have always wanted to be a missionary and would love to go on missions trips, etc, etc. Uuuhh…???
Now this radical book is seen by my eyes in the library.
I thought the Lord was trying to change my heart away from radicalism, away from other countries??? (I am beginning to see that perhaps He didn't want to take that away, in fact that IS the personality He gave me. Perhaps He just wanted to chisel and mold me into a USABLE radical.Oooh HO! But am I really a "radical"? I guess my life will tell.)
The book's main idea is NOT: leave the US and serve the poor in other countries.
Its main idea (so far) is: SERVE PEOPLE! Get out of your box (the building you meet in on Sundays,) and get to know the needs of those around you. (I know I have said that before.)
So, there’s the purpose of this post.
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! (in order to serve people.)
**When I finish the book, I will let you know my concluding thoughts: disagreements/agreements.**
One disagreement I see already is his definition of the church and his lack (so far) in serving in his local body in comparison to his activism in the community. What about discipleship/evangelism inside the walls of the church?
Friday, November 12, 2010
REJOICE! ALL He Gives is GRACE!
How selfish I am!
Ungrateful.
Encased in my own, little, opaque shell.
In these last few days the Lord has allowed more of the "veil" to be removed from my eyes. He has shown me my sin and He is enabling me to repent.
After posting my little ditties the other day, I really did go outside for a jog.
Thinking and writing out those thoughts helped me to identify where I was in sin, where I needed to repent, and the love of the Lord.
PRAISE THE LORD!
(With no sarcasm,) I thank Him for sunshine, water, James Brown, a working body, good theology, scientific understanding, His resurrection, my salvation, and MaryMary.
I started my jog with James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing.” Heading towards the water, I had the beautiful (65*) sun shining down on me, and thoughts of the Lord were flooding my mind.
“Get up offa that thing and shake and you’ll feel better.” (GOOD STUFF!)
Who gave me this ability?!
I was filled with praise for Him.
After jogging through a couple other songs I came to MaryMary’s song. Not that it's a theologically STRONG song, but the main jist is that while you have the ability -- move and praise the Lord! The song says, "'Don't you know you'" (others reply,) "'Got the victory!'" And they go back and forth calling these phrases to each other.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
HE IS ALIVE! He has given me salvation! He has given me this day!! Whoohoo!! [I began to jog/walk/groove. Perhaps a bit too energetically for these mid-westerners, but I was filled with the praises of Jesus! (Don’t worry…I wasn’t really cra-ZY.)]
But it suddenly dawned upon me, the Son evaporates the fog.
I might feel as if my existence is currently surrounded by a thick blanket of fog, but WHO CARES?!
What am I WHINING about?!
People are dying of cancer, hunger, various other diseases, abuse, are being persecuted, are despairing of life...and I am whining because I want to KNOW IT ALL?!
Who is my Guide?!
Psalm 48
“GREAT is the Lord and GREATLY to be PRAISED…As we have heard, so we have seen…According to Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is FULL of righteousness. […] For THIS is GOD, OUR God forever and ever; HE will be OUR guide EVEN to DEATH.”
What has my Guide given to me?
2nd Peter 1:3, “as His divine power has given to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness.”
Philippians 4:19, “and my God shall SUPPLY all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
(Along with: Ephesians 1, 1st Thessalonians 4,2nd Corinthians 5 AND 15, Romans 8, Hebrews 10-12, et. al.)
When I question and worry I am saying that’s not good enough. I am saying He hasn’t given enough. I am saying His plans aren’t wise enough.
Atrocious, despicable, disgusting, rebellious, SIN.
Indeed, He has given me TODAY.
TODAY He has given me His breath, His grace, His Son, the hope of heaven, a body that can walk/jog/skip/jump/dance around the lake, He has allowed me to live next to a LAKE!!!!
He has provided rain when my soul needed refreshing. He has provided friends when I felt alone. He has provided laughter so I can release joy.
He is RISEN.
Wow.
He IS risen.
Hallelujah.
HE is risen.
Amazing.
The Great God of the Universe chose to die. This same God rose from the dead on the third day after being buried. This SAME One who created LIFE and then subjected Himself to DEATH has chosen me as a vessel for His glory!!!!! (When He could have used me as a vessel for His wrath.)
This humbled me.
What a miniscule and un-mattering creature I am.
Do I protest against the great God?
Do I want to know what tomorrow will bring so I can plan my days?
Haughty arrogance.
Oh praise the Lord that would allow Himself to be KNOWN by His creatures!
Praise the Lord who disciplines His children!
Praise the Lord who cannot be discovered unless He reveals Himself.
Praise God who cannot be destroyed by man.
Praise the Lord whose voices is so powerful it brings the mountains and trees to destruction!
Praise the Lord who has chosen to reveal His grace, patience, mercy, longsuffering to us.
Praise the Lord who is just, who is holy, who does execute wrath on His enemies.
His ways are above our ways and past our finding out.
Praise Him for allowing me to go out on that jog and realize some of these things. (May I now attack my sin with more vigor as I CAPTURE those sinful thoughts and make them obedient to Jesus.)
James 4
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a VAPOR that appears for a little time and then VANISHES AWAY."
Come sinners! REJOICE - setting our eyes on JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him, ENDURED the cross, despising the shame, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God.
Can I get an AMEN?!
Hallelujah!
Ungrateful.
Encased in my own, little, opaque shell.
In these last few days the Lord has allowed more of the "veil" to be removed from my eyes. He has shown me my sin and He is enabling me to repent.
After posting my little ditties the other day, I really did go outside for a jog.
Thinking and writing out those thoughts helped me to identify where I was in sin, where I needed to repent, and the love of the Lord.
PRAISE THE LORD!
(With no sarcasm,) I thank Him for sunshine, water, James Brown, a working body, good theology, scientific understanding, His resurrection, my salvation, and MaryMary.
I started my jog with James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing.” Heading towards the water, I had the beautiful (65*) sun shining down on me, and thoughts of the Lord were flooding my mind.
“Get up offa that thing and shake and you’ll feel better.” (GOOD STUFF!)
Who gave me this ability?!
I was filled with praise for Him.
After jogging through a couple other songs I came to MaryMary’s song. Not that it's a theologically STRONG song, but the main jist is that while you have the ability -- move and praise the Lord! The song says, "'Don't you know you'" (others reply,) "'Got the victory!'" And they go back and forth calling these phrases to each other.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
HE IS ALIVE! He has given me salvation! He has given me this day!! Whoohoo!! [I began to jog/walk/groove. Perhaps a bit too energetically for these mid-westerners, but I was filled with the praises of Jesus! (Don’t worry…I wasn’t really cra-ZY.)]
But it suddenly dawned upon me, the Son evaporates the fog.
I might feel as if my existence is currently surrounded by a thick blanket of fog, but WHO CARES?!
What am I WHINING about?!
People are dying of cancer, hunger, various other diseases, abuse, are being persecuted, are despairing of life...and I am whining because I want to KNOW IT ALL?!
Who is my Guide?!
Psalm 48
“GREAT is the Lord and GREATLY to be PRAISED…As we have heard, so we have seen…According to Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is FULL of righteousness. […] For THIS is GOD, OUR God forever and ever; HE will be OUR guide EVEN to DEATH.”
What has my Guide given to me?
2nd Peter 1:3, “as His divine power has given to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness.”
Philippians 4:19, “and my God shall SUPPLY all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
(Along with: Ephesians 1, 1st Thessalonians 4,2nd Corinthians 5 AND 15, Romans 8, Hebrews 10-12, et. al.)
When I question and worry I am saying that’s not good enough. I am saying He hasn’t given enough. I am saying His plans aren’t wise enough.
Atrocious, despicable, disgusting, rebellious, SIN.
Indeed, He has given me TODAY.
TODAY He has given me His breath, His grace, His Son, the hope of heaven, a body that can walk/jog/skip/jump/dance around the lake, He has allowed me to live next to a LAKE!!!!
He has provided rain when my soul needed refreshing. He has provided friends when I felt alone. He has provided laughter so I can release joy.
He is RISEN.
Wow.
He IS risen.
Hallelujah.
HE is risen.
Amazing.
The Great God of the Universe chose to die. This same God rose from the dead on the third day after being buried. This SAME One who created LIFE and then subjected Himself to DEATH has chosen me as a vessel for His glory!!!!! (When He could have used me as a vessel for His wrath.)
This humbled me.
What a miniscule and un-mattering creature I am.
Do I protest against the great God?
Do I want to know what tomorrow will bring so I can plan my days?
Haughty arrogance.
Oh praise the Lord that would allow Himself to be KNOWN by His creatures!
Praise the Lord who disciplines His children!
Praise the Lord who cannot be discovered unless He reveals Himself.
Praise God who cannot be destroyed by man.
Praise the Lord whose voices is so powerful it brings the mountains and trees to destruction!
Praise the Lord who has chosen to reveal His grace, patience, mercy, longsuffering to us.
Praise the Lord who is just, who is holy, who does execute wrath on His enemies.
His ways are above our ways and past our finding out.
Praise Him for allowing me to go out on that jog and realize some of these things. (May I now attack my sin with more vigor as I CAPTURE those sinful thoughts and make them obedient to Jesus.)
James 4
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a VAPOR that appears for a little time and then VANISHES AWAY."
Come sinners! REJOICE - setting our eyes on JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him, ENDURED the cross, despising the shame, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God.
Can I get an AMEN?!
Hallelujah!
God's Gracious Gift
One of my FAVORITE places is Edmonds Beach,WA. I love the sound of the waves slapping against the rocks, I love the ferries floating towards the opposite shore, green trees on the hills, blue mountains in the background, and the gorgeous oranges and reds of the setting sun.
Washington rain is not always welcomed, but you can sing in it. And it makes things grow and it gives us our various shades of lively greens and blues.
While living in California I was not separate from the water. How, you ask? For several reasons:
First, the sun is WONDERFUL.
Second, the Pacific Ocean WITH the sun is just minutes away.
Third, California has a (though brief) rainy season. (My Western Washington friends and I would always have a “first rain dance” to celebrate its coming.)
Fourth, my parents’ homeland was stationed in Washington, thereby giving me PLENTY of access to water on each homecoming.
Now that the Lord has stationed me in Ohio…I am away from the water. Without realizing it, I had been pining for the water.
My first few days here the clouds were out, but they held no rain. I began to be frustrated with them. I had no idea why I was frustrated. Everything around me just looked dry and dusty. The red and orange leaves were nice, but they weren’t VIBRANT. That is when I realized the truth of the Proverb, "Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain." (25:14) No good.
When the pounding rains and thunderings of the tornado blew through I was delighted! (I suppose I could liken my reaction to the “first rain” dances in California.) With the coming of that rain exploded shades of green and blue. The rain made the reds POP out and made the oranges seem wonderfully lively.
Today, it looks like a wonderful California sky. The sun is out, it’s 69*, and there's not a cloud in the sky.
When I went for a walk around the lake after the storm, I was puzzled as to why I was so intrigued by the lake. I just wanted to stand by it, look in it, touch it, and listen to the “waves” lap up onto the rocks.
After running and leaping around the lake for a bit, and snapping pictures as I could, I realized why I have such a love for this lake: I need water.
And GUESS WHAT GUYS?!?!!
The Lord knew it!
Before I knew my need, the Lord had already planned to meet it. He met it through the lake, through the heavy rain of the tornado, and through the beautifully cloudless days He has given.
How delightful.
Romans 5:8, "BUT GOD demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."
[Before we knew our need -- He met it. Praise Him for His mighty acts! Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!!! Let everything that has breath PRAISE THE LORD!! (Psalm 150)]
Washington rain is not always welcomed, but you can sing in it. And it makes things grow and it gives us our various shades of lively greens and blues.
While living in California I was not separate from the water. How, you ask? For several reasons:
First, the sun is WONDERFUL.
Second, the Pacific Ocean WITH the sun is just minutes away.
Third, California has a (though brief) rainy season. (My Western Washington friends and I would always have a “first rain dance” to celebrate its coming.)
Fourth, my parents’ homeland was stationed in Washington, thereby giving me PLENTY of access to water on each homecoming.
Now that the Lord has stationed me in Ohio…I am away from the water. Without realizing it, I had been pining for the water.
My first few days here the clouds were out, but they held no rain. I began to be frustrated with them. I had no idea why I was frustrated. Everything around me just looked dry and dusty. The red and orange leaves were nice, but they weren’t VIBRANT. That is when I realized the truth of the Proverb, "Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain." (25:14) No good.
When the pounding rains and thunderings of the tornado blew through I was delighted! (I suppose I could liken my reaction to the “first rain” dances in California.) With the coming of that rain exploded shades of green and blue. The rain made the reds POP out and made the oranges seem wonderfully lively.
Today, it looks like a wonderful California sky. The sun is out, it’s 69*, and there's not a cloud in the sky.
When I went for a walk around the lake after the storm, I was puzzled as to why I was so intrigued by the lake. I just wanted to stand by it, look in it, touch it, and listen to the “waves” lap up onto the rocks.
After running and leaping around the lake for a bit, and snapping pictures as I could, I realized why I have such a love for this lake: I need water.
And GUESS WHAT GUYS?!?!!
The Lord knew it!
Before I knew my need, the Lord had already planned to meet it. He met it through the lake, through the heavy rain of the tornado, and through the beautifully cloudless days He has given.
How delightful.
Romans 5:8, "BUT GOD demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."
[Before we knew our need -- He met it. Praise Him for His mighty acts! Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!!! Let everything that has breath PRAISE THE LORD!! (Psalm 150)]
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
I Take Content...What He has Sent(?)
Guys, the Lord IS good, but I am so confused.
Last year, about this time, Andy Bowers was saying that as he looked into the future he didn’t know what to expect and he didn’t know how the Lord was going to provide and so he was getting worried, but knew that he just needed to choose to trust the Lord (ie “live on unseen things”).
When I heard him say those words I laughed within myself and said, “Well, that’s not MY ‘unseen thing.’ I know what’s happening in MY next year. I can see my whole life stretching out before me: Marysville, elementary school teacher, living with my parents.”
Foolish.
It seems that the Lord would have me think that thought in order to humble me.
To remind me that HE is God, not me.
To remind me that I have NO idea what will happen in the next minute, let alone all the way to the end of my days.
(James 4:13-16) I boasted in my arrogance and, “all such boasting is evil.”
Acknowledging this, I PRAISE the LORD that He is the good Father who chastens His children because He loves them and wants/plans/will conform them to the image of His Son.
These moving days are tougher than I expected them to be. I decided to come early because this was a way to live “on the line.” I wanted to choose to do the hard things. (I have been tuning in to the Genesis sermons. I am feeling more akin to Abraham nowadays. I am thankful to be able to read of his choices to TRUST as well as his times of failure.)
Right now I have absolutely NO idea what the future holds.
Last year I thought I could see my life-road stretching out in front of me.
Now it would seem that all I can see is…fog.
When I have driven in the fog I tend to want to get out of it as quickly as possible, especially when I am driving in an unknown place. I prefer to see what’s coming up ahead of me. I want to be able to plan and react in plenty of time.
I don’t like this fog either and I would like to speed up these processes.
Last week I listened to Sean's sermon from two Sundays ago, (I paraphrase):
“When you are discouraged, when it seems like you have been trusting God, but you aren’t seeing anything, and now it has been…three days…”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
I had a good chuckle on that one. (Wish I could have been present to laugh.) Because that is My reaction! I have only been here for 20 days! (Abraham had to wait 25 YEARS to see his promised son and then he never even SAW the nations or the land come into their possession with the promise.)
And, weak one that I am, I have already asked the Lord to just end it all and take me to heaven. (hahaha I was being slightly humorous with the Lord. He knows me.)
He reminds me: this is called life.
It stinks that it is turning out to be so hard for me to be content in this easy situation because that means: I STINK! (sin, sin, sinner)
APPARENTLY, my “trust bucket” is thimble-sized. (Don’t worry; He’s pulling on it…banging on it, pounding [me] it.) He will COMPLETE the work He has started! (In HIS time.)
I am reminded of Elisabeth Elliot’s words in her book, “Keep a Quiet Heart,”
“A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. ALL is grace. My lot entails my willing acceptance of my portion.” (19)
“[Jesus] taught us to work and watch but never to worry, to do gladly whatever we are given to do, and to leave all else with God.” (18)
“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” (20)
Last year, about this time, Andy Bowers was saying that as he looked into the future he didn’t know what to expect and he didn’t know how the Lord was going to provide and so he was getting worried, but knew that he just needed to choose to trust the Lord (ie “live on unseen things”).
When I heard him say those words I laughed within myself and said, “Well, that’s not MY ‘unseen thing.’ I know what’s happening in MY next year. I can see my whole life stretching out before me: Marysville, elementary school teacher, living with my parents.”
Foolish.
It seems that the Lord would have me think that thought in order to humble me.
To remind me that HE is God, not me.
To remind me that I have NO idea what will happen in the next minute, let alone all the way to the end of my days.
(James 4:13-16) I boasted in my arrogance and, “all such boasting is evil.”
Acknowledging this, I PRAISE the LORD that He is the good Father who chastens His children because He loves them and wants/plans/will conform them to the image of His Son.
These moving days are tougher than I expected them to be. I decided to come early because this was a way to live “on the line.” I wanted to choose to do the hard things. (I have been tuning in to the Genesis sermons. I am feeling more akin to Abraham nowadays. I am thankful to be able to read of his choices to TRUST as well as his times of failure.)
Right now I have absolutely NO idea what the future holds.
Last year I thought I could see my life-road stretching out in front of me.
Now it would seem that all I can see is…fog.
When I have driven in the fog I tend to want to get out of it as quickly as possible, especially when I am driving in an unknown place. I prefer to see what’s coming up ahead of me. I want to be able to plan and react in plenty of time.
I don’t like this fog either and I would like to speed up these processes.
Last week I listened to Sean's sermon from two Sundays ago, (I paraphrase):
“When you are discouraged, when it seems like you have been trusting God, but you aren’t seeing anything, and now it has been…three days…”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
I had a good chuckle on that one. (Wish I could have been present to laugh.) Because that is My reaction! I have only been here for 20 days! (Abraham had to wait 25 YEARS to see his promised son and then he never even SAW the nations or the land come into their possession with the promise.)
And, weak one that I am, I have already asked the Lord to just end it all and take me to heaven. (hahaha I was being slightly humorous with the Lord. He knows me.)
He reminds me: this is called life.
It stinks that it is turning out to be so hard for me to be content in this easy situation because that means: I STINK! (sin, sin, sinner)
APPARENTLY, my “trust bucket” is thimble-sized. (Don’t worry; He’s pulling on it…banging on it, pounding [me] it.) He will COMPLETE the work He has started! (In HIS time.)
I am reminded of Elisabeth Elliot’s words in her book, “Keep a Quiet Heart,”
“A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. ALL is grace. My lot entails my willing acceptance of my portion.” (19)
“[Jesus] taught us to work and watch but never to worry, to do gladly whatever we are given to do, and to leave all else with God.” (18)
“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” (20)
WAITING - because He is worthy, faithful, and true
As I have been reading the Scriptures the Lord has been POPPING the word “wait” out at me. WAIT on the Lord and He will renew your strength. (Isaiah 40) WAIT on the Lord for He is good and will act. (Psalm 27:14) WAIT and HOPE in the Lord. (Psalms in general, Genesis, Corinthians, 1st Peter…)
Peeps, I don’t like to wait.
This week I have been feeling a SURGE of restlessness well within me. Yesterday I tried to dance it out and I couldn’t groove fast enough.
Today I will go out for a jog to see if I can run it out, but I don’t know that that will be good enough.
I am tired of waiting!!
I want to go out and DO.
I want to go out and SERVE.
Where? Who? How? When? What?
Why not NOW?!
In the earlier half of this year the Lord brought a story to my mind that is continuing to ring true. At the time I wanted to GO OUT to another country and be a missionary. The Lord was convicting me with the idea that I needed to stay and be faithful here and be a discipling-evangelist in Washington.
During these conversations with the Lord I realized that I am just like one of my first grade students. In my mind I could see an illustration of how the Lord must see me.
Taking from Isaiah 6 and that our prayers come before His holy throne, I saw myself just bouncing in front of Him. Jumping here, dashing there, all the while I am asking Him, “where do you want me to go?! Where? Where? Should I go here? Should I go there? Oh tell me!! Please! Please! I am ready! I am ready to go! Where? Where?!” (bounce, bounce, bounce)
While I am running and jumping and talking the Lord (sitting on His throne, of course,) is calling out softly to me, “Alicia! Alicia!” But, I am so busy asking Him what to do; I don’t hear His gentle voice.
Suddenly He shouts, “ALICIA!” This I hear and turn to face Him, while I continue to bounce.
“Yes, Lord?”
“Stop bouncing.”
I plant my feet on the ground, but my arms have difficulty remaining at my side. He looks at me and I press my arms to my side.
“Alicia, you need to sit down.”
“What?” I am crushed. I thought He wanted us all to GO OUT.
“Alicia, you need to sit down and wait.”
I begin to sit down, “But, Lord, how long? When can I go?”
“Sit and wait. I will tell you.”
I sit down and remain still for a length of time, but then I feel the need to move. My foot flies out and my arms twitch. The Lord looks at me again. I regain my self-control.
A length of time passes and finally I hear my name, “Alicia?!”
I spring up, ready for action, “Yes Lord!! I am here! I am ready! Where do you want me to go? Where?” Once again, I am filled with excitement.
“Alicia!”
No response.
“ALICIA!!”
I turn to face Him and contain myself.
“You need to go over there and take a seat.”
My shoulders droop. I can’t believe what He is telling me. I have to go sit on a line AGAIN? He knows that I am sad, but He also knows why He is telling me to sit.
As I walk to take my place I ask, “But, Lord, I sat still. Why can’t I go OUT yet?”
“You need to learn to wait and be still. You need to learn that I AM GOD and you are NOT. Be still and know that I AM GOD.”
So, here I sit. Waiting, waiting. Hoping that I will respond correctly and learn quickly.
Be still. He is God.
“I will be still whatever He does, and follow where He guideth. He is my God, though dark my road. He holds me that I shall not fall, wherefore to Him I leave it all. Whatever God ordains is right, He never will deceive me. I know He will not leave me. My Father’s care is round me there, and so to Him I leave it all.”
Psalm 31:14-24, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand. Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men. You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from Your eyes’; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. Oh love the Lord all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Peeps, I don’t like to wait.
This week I have been feeling a SURGE of restlessness well within me. Yesterday I tried to dance it out and I couldn’t groove fast enough.
Today I will go out for a jog to see if I can run it out, but I don’t know that that will be good enough.
I am tired of waiting!!
I want to go out and DO.
I want to go out and SERVE.
Where? Who? How? When? What?
Why not NOW?!
In the earlier half of this year the Lord brought a story to my mind that is continuing to ring true. At the time I wanted to GO OUT to another country and be a missionary. The Lord was convicting me with the idea that I needed to stay and be faithful here and be a discipling-evangelist in Washington.
During these conversations with the Lord I realized that I am just like one of my first grade students. In my mind I could see an illustration of how the Lord must see me.
Taking from Isaiah 6 and that our prayers come before His holy throne, I saw myself just bouncing in front of Him. Jumping here, dashing there, all the while I am asking Him, “where do you want me to go?! Where? Where? Should I go here? Should I go there? Oh tell me!! Please! Please! I am ready! I am ready to go! Where? Where?!” (bounce, bounce, bounce)
While I am running and jumping and talking the Lord (sitting on His throne, of course,) is calling out softly to me, “Alicia! Alicia!” But, I am so busy asking Him what to do; I don’t hear His gentle voice.
Suddenly He shouts, “ALICIA!” This I hear and turn to face Him, while I continue to bounce.
“Yes, Lord?”
“Stop bouncing.”
I plant my feet on the ground, but my arms have difficulty remaining at my side. He looks at me and I press my arms to my side.
“Alicia, you need to sit down.”
“What?” I am crushed. I thought He wanted us all to GO OUT.
“Alicia, you need to sit down and wait.”
I begin to sit down, “But, Lord, how long? When can I go?”
“Sit and wait. I will tell you.”
I sit down and remain still for a length of time, but then I feel the need to move. My foot flies out and my arms twitch. The Lord looks at me again. I regain my self-control.
A length of time passes and finally I hear my name, “Alicia?!”
I spring up, ready for action, “Yes Lord!! I am here! I am ready! Where do you want me to go? Where?” Once again, I am filled with excitement.
“Alicia!”
No response.
“ALICIA!!”
I turn to face Him and contain myself.
“You need to go over there and take a seat.”
My shoulders droop. I can’t believe what He is telling me. I have to go sit on a line AGAIN? He knows that I am sad, but He also knows why He is telling me to sit.
As I walk to take my place I ask, “But, Lord, I sat still. Why can’t I go OUT yet?”
“You need to learn to wait and be still. You need to learn that I AM GOD and you are NOT. Be still and know that I AM GOD.”
So, here I sit. Waiting, waiting. Hoping that I will respond correctly and learn quickly.
Be still. He is God.
“I will be still whatever He does, and follow where He guideth. He is my God, though dark my road. He holds me that I shall not fall, wherefore to Him I leave it all. Whatever God ordains is right, He never will deceive me. I know He will not leave me. My Father’s care is round me there, and so to Him I leave it all.”
Psalm 31:14-24, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand. Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men. You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from Your eyes’; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. Oh love the Lord all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
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