Here is a blurb from the blog post "My New Year's Resolution" by Motte Brown:
As you reflect on the goals achieved in 2007 and consider the ones you'll set for 2008, remember God's providence in your life. God has allowed you to see his hand move so that you'll be encouraged in times of trials and humbled in times of plenty.
Here are excerpts from the article Silent Night, Lonely Night by Carolyn McCulley:
Christmas often staggers under the weight of human emotion and expectation — just as it has from the very start.
From a human perspective, the first "Christmas," so to speak, was simultaneously crowded and lonely. Dispirited Jews shuffled around the region, required to be part of a new, universal Roman census for possibly the first time. (Previously Palestine had been excluded from the Roman census because Jews were exempt from serving in the Roman army.) Among those sojourners was a young couple with a whiff of scandal about them.
Despite her advanced pregnancy, Mary and Joseph traversed 70 miles of difficult, mountainous terrain to be counted and most likely taxed. Her questionable pregnancy may have deprived Mary of the friendship of other women back in Nazareth, but there in Bethlehem, it's very likely she gave birth without the usual crowd of womenfolk there to support her and rejoice with her at the birth of a son. And then, because there was no room at the inn, Mary placed her son in a manger.
Lowly shepherds — excluded from society because their work was dirty and it prevented them from participating in the religious activities of the community — and stargazing pagans from the East were the only people who seemed to note the birth of Jesus. Scripture does not record that any other human beings noticed or celebrated.[...]
At that moment, Mary was experiencing a fulfillment of her cousin's blessing: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45). Elizabeth, who bore the reproach of barrenness for so many years, was the one to utter this blessing to her younger cousin with the mysterious pregnancy. As she spoke those words, an elderly widow named Anna who was waiting in the temple in Jerusalem and praying for the redemption of Israel. Three women at different seasons of life but each trusting God for His timetable in the midst of their grief, loneliness, and trials — the weight of human emotion.
The day Jesus was born, many Jews were eagerly expecting a messiah to come one day. Their expectation was for political deliverance, not deliverance from sin. They thought their biggest problem was Rome and thus their solution was an earthly king.
Just like today, expectation and emotion ruled the day. And just like the day Jesus was born, there is a true perspective from heaven that transcends our own parochial outlook. [...]
What I love about this song is that I'm reminded of the one event that can bear up under the weight of human emotion and expectation. [...]
No matter how lonely Christmas feels to any of us this year, we know someone who has endured far more loneliness than we ever will — and He did it to rescue us. [...] in physical misery and torturous pain, Jesus cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" His loneliness we will never know, but His joy we do know in part now and will know even more in the new heavens and new earth.
Wow. "Mystery", on Selah's Christmas album, is amazing (mostly)! I'm currently listening to it on repeat. :) I'd love to listen to a live adaptation sung by a choir singing out from their hearts and with instruments played with power...I'd love to just lay there and listen to a live rendition...anyway, give it a listen!
Here are the lyrics (I know He wasn't necessarily born on Christmas Day, but, His birth is celebrated this season...) :
A child was born on Christmas Day
Born to save the world
But long before the world began
He knew His death was sure
The pain and strife secured
Mystery, how He came
To be a man
But greater still
How His death was in His plan
God predestined that His Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His hands
The Christmas trees
They glow so bright
With presents all around
But Christmas brought
A tree of life
With blood that sacrificed
The greatest gift in life
Chorus
I am just a man and
Can't begin to comprehend
When You look into this traitor's eyes
What do You see that justifies the Lamb
God predestined that His
Son would die
And He still created man
Oh, what love is this
That His death was in His plan
Mystery, mystery
Well, currently my cat is a little on edge and obsessed with the ceiling. A little whimpering on her part. And you know what? There's nothing she needs to fear or be consumed with. She sometimes gets obsessed with it, though.
Life application. We don't need to always need to be bothered about things we don't need to be bothered by :)
Hush, Selah, just relax...
From Piper's "Let the nations be glad!: the supremacy of God in missions":
But worship is also the fuel of missions. Passion for God in worship precedes the offer of God in preaching. You can't commend what you don't cherish. Missionaries will never call out, 'Let the nations be glad!", who cannot say from the heart, "I rejoice in the Lord....I will be glad and exult in thee, I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High" (Psalm 104:34; 9:2). Missions begins and ends in worship.***
Even outsiders feel the disparity between the boldness of our claim upon the nations and the blandness of our engagement with God.
It is possible to be distracted from God in trying to serve God. Martha-like, we neglect the one thing needful [...]
Simply...wow. A sobering reminder of the atrocities many of us know little about. This book details the account of the thoughts and experiences of a child solider, as well as life before and after his experience as a soldier, in Sierra Leone...
Thoughts:
Ishmael's thoughts seemed to be a haunting fear he tried to escape or avoid. Drugs, brainwashing, revengeful anger, and survival seemed to be a motivation for becoming a child soldier. After the war, the process of rehabilitation for the child soliders included violent outbreaks. They would be told that their bad post-war behavior wasn't their fault. They were treated kindly in the rehabilitation process. I am reminded of my dad, even though his situation was of course different. I thought I heard he had a hard time after coming back from Vietnam. Probably there are a lot of people who after coming back from war are traumatized in ways that their loved ones and associates know little to nothing about. When Ishmael went for an interview somewhere, he was unfamiliar with the operation of an elevator. What aspects of daily life might be hard for refugees to adjust to? What sorts of images, memories, and thoughts might haunt their minds?
In the moment of obedience, the fruitful end cannot always be seen. Abram left Haran to follow God out of faith in Him. As God promised Abram blessing, so He promises us blessings. But faithful obedience can be tough. Yet the beauty in trials is that through them faith "may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:7b). If our faith leads to qualities of obedience, we will not be entirely ineffective.
From 2 Peter 1:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Here are some excerpts from Helicopter Seeds, by George Halitzka:
I listened a lot and tried bring God into the discussions.**********************
Even now, those moments of conversation sparkle like a firework in my mind. I went home feeling I'd "made a difference." But they were so brief: a bright flash for 20 minutes on a single day; fizzling like a spent sparkler and even now probably gone from the teens' memories.
[...] I have nothing to show for those moments except bittersweet memories of young wounded souls from Cleveland. Did I accomplish anything on the Saturdays I sacrificed?
Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless, proclaims the Philosopher. A chasing after the wind.
But what did that mean: that I entertained him or God worked in his life?**********************
[...] Perhaps it's ultimately not about the lone teenager in the room who might change or the shards of meaning I'm trying to find in life. Perhaps what I do is an offering to the God who made every moment and places me inside the ones He chooses. Perhaps it's wrong to seek "results." But doesn't the Bible say to look for "fruit" from ministry?
Perhaps it's all a chasing after the wind.
[...]in this moment the Helicopter Seeds are so, so beautiful.*************
Perhaps it doesn't matter that so many will never grow. Perhaps it is enough to see them fulfill a divine purpose. Perhaps the beauty is enough to make this breathless moment is its own reward. I even dare to imagine that maybe the seeds fall so I, and the God who made them, can be lost in childlike wonder again.
Or perhaps ... they fall for nothing. But as I reluctantly turn from the edge of beauty and walk towards my car, I try not to believe that.
I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.'
"Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
In regard to the idea of the "us vs. them" mentality in service, I found the following written here:
I believe the best remedy for "us vs. them" is in Jesus' words from John 15 in The Book: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my father I have made known to you".
"Us vs. Them" employs hierarchal boundaries of master/servant, daddy/son, king/subject, etc. These are all necessary relationships in one aspect of society or another. But being friends eliminates hierarchies. If two people are truly friends, than one is not higher than the other. [...]
I have found that friendship (ie: relational model) with the poor is the best means of ministry. It not only brings a greater trust between us and them, but those expected to "minister" can also be "ministered to". We're all sinners and ain't none of us got it all figured out in life.
I have learned far more lessons from my "poor" friends and have received from them far more than anything I have given them.
Traveling is much more than sightseeing; it encompasses interactions, experiences, and life lessons learned. It's life...wherever you happen to be. In January of 2004, when I was about a year and a half into my first two years in Japan, I wrote:
One thing that I am grateful for is receiving the small kindnesses from those around me. For example, working in the small bakery near my apartment is an elderly lady who through the glass acknowledges my passing by with a friendly nod or wave. At the elementary school, the nurse whose desk is next to mine gives me gifts such as おにぎり (onigiri -- rice balls) and small trinkets. A few of the other teachers at the schools where I work have also been kind to me. I have gone out to lunch with some of the teachers before. I am pretty conscious of receiving the gestures of kindness from those around me in Japan. Not everyone around me is the friendliest sort of person, but, I do notice the friendly ones. Throughout my life, I should try to become increasingly aware and appreciative of others' kindness.
Here are some tidbits from the article "Unhappy? Self-Critical? Maybe You’re Just a Perfectionist":
but also suggest that perfectionism is a valuable lens through which to understand a variety of seemingly unrelated mental difficulties, from depression to compulsive behavior to addiction.
Unlike people given psychiatric labels, however, perfectionists neither battle stigma nor consider themselves to be somehow dysfunctional.
Ms. Provost said those in her program at U.C. Davis often displayed symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder — another risk for perfectionists. They couldn’t bear a messy desk. They found it nearly impossible to leave a job half-done, to do the next day. Some put in ludicrously long hours redoing tasks, chasing an ideal only they could see.
The British have a saying that encourages people to show their skills while mocking the universal fear of failure: Do your worst.
If you can’t tolerate your worst, at least once in a while, how true to yourself can you be?
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
Note. It can be noticeable when people take an interest in someone's life. Tonight I gave a ride home to a co-worker, and she asked me about Malaysia (perhaps specifically). Interesting. I told her about how I felt Cameron Highlands was one of the most beautiful places, and about an interaction we had interacting with a random family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I told her about this picture you can see in this blogpost. A picture of diversity. I told her about how a picture was taken of a Muslim woman and I, and that I was supposed to send a copy to her (or was I supposed to write to her?) but never did. I could have told her about how my travelmates and I had followed an Asli man to his home in a jungle.
Most people don't ask me about my past travels. Perhaps they don't all know. It's possible I may be asked about Japan from time to time. It seems to be common for people to not actively take an interest in asking about people's travel stories or in seeing pictures. My co-worker went on to tell me about how she hosted a couple of parties so that she could share about Japan. The attendance was low at one. But she mentioned that someone asked about how her parties went, or something, and then told her that she (my co-worker) had asked to see her pictures when coming back from somewhere. I think something about this experience made her understand the power of words.
Might be a good thing that I'm not often asked to share stories, though, because I don't have a story-teller's heart, as you might be able to tell by my insecure parenthetical insertions and style of writing. I'd do better if I felt free to adlib.
Into Thy Word "The cheat sheet"
-> This article contains tips for studying the Bible inductively
(Well actually I think my mom had said "Service with a capital service," but anyway...technicalities...)
My mom was was telling me about her thoughts about service and love, and how she could notice the difference in the way people serve in preparing food for memorial services. She could clearly see the love one woman felt in even laying out the cheese on a plate - in thoughtfully adding a clump of grapes as a special touch. Even in adding a clump of grapes! Indeed, no deed is too small that we can't do it out of love. Even if we can't feel love for others in doing things such as adding grapes to plates, we can think of doing it for God. He sees even when no one else does. And He's all who matters.
What's the matter with my iPod shuffle? C'mon...don't fail me now....whew...it works. So many people...so far from the start line...what? It's time to go? Why are we still standing here? Are you running? Yeah, they might finish before we start. Finally the pack starts to budge. Little by little. Starting line. Crossed. Okay. Energy levels are high. Weaving time. In-n-out. Okay. Shed clothing on the street. Anyone need a sweatshirt or gloves? ... Anyone ever thought of shopping at a marathon for new clothes? Cool! How often does someone get to run on I-90?! Walkers seem to be on the right-hand side. Full marathoners left. Half marathoners right. Good. No way that could be any more clear. You're on my heart, just like a tattoo... Nice weather. Nice views. Wandering eyes soak in the beauty. When to take water, when to pass. Let it pass this time since they're way over there on the right-hand side. Wipe the nose. Adjust the hat bill. That's okay that my hat doesn't at all match my marigold runner shirt underneath my humongo jacket. Seattle is so beautiful! Upward I look and see Him there, who made an end of all my sin...to look on Him and pardon me... Oh man. Now people are passing me like crazy...they know how to pace themselves. Need to practice hilly runs and pacing. Set aside the cloud of witnesses. Take a little water. Bump. Sorry. Toss the cup. Keep going. Random people cheering at random places. Any familiar faces? No. Always with Liz. Who's Liz? ... her heart still beats inside... Where is the love?...One earphone out to catch the time. Okay, time to push it. GO! Lift those legs! Take it smooth and strong...Wow, gummy worms. Pass. You are yesterday, you will always be... Everything's gonna be alright... Alleluuuuuia....ALLELUUUUIA...Praise the one, risen Son of GOD!! Keep going. Okay, some more water. Keep it up. Last 3 miles? Push it! Up the trail. Various cars waiting. How long do they have to wait? Hopefully they aren't driving anyone to the hospital. Almost there. Space needle in sight. What? Going uphill again? Where's Memorial Stadium? 1/2 mile left. Next, next, next. Song search time. Police cars blocking off a street. Keep going. Anyone I know watching me? No. Okay, time to turn the music off...Fast forward a bit --> Wow, how cool is this? Running into a stadium, spectators all lined up looking for their loved ones. Go, go, go...02:19:34.8. Oh...there are my parents and Anne...I'm done. Certainly not my goal time, but, I'm done. And I exceeded my goal with the fund-raising for World Vision...THANK YOU, if any supporter is reading this...
*Note #1: The results for me ended up to be: 2:15:35.2 (chip time) and 2:19:34.8 (offtime)
*Note #2: In this recreation, while some of this might be truly what I was thinking, feeling, saying, doing, seeing or hearing, some stuff likely does not truly reflect my thoughts at the time and might not be 100% accurate...
edit: 1/27/08
So my guess is that tomorrow's race will be doable, if I don't start out too fast, and if the hills don't kill me. A few months ago I felt that even the 1/2 would be a stretch for me, but as of now I'm feeling that it will probably be doable. Maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow :). I think I can even say that I like running now.
Anyway, life application time :). If there are life tasks that at first seem really daunting & haunting, I suppose it's possible that as I gain confidence and drive to tackle them with training and endurance build-up (through Christ's strength), the dread will lessen. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to the point of enjoying those tasks, but who knows, maybe I'll be able to find some sort of joy in even doing the undesirable, even if not through the task itself...
We'll see how well I enjoy the 'grading/class prep marathon' that I'll be coming home to tomorrow...
Here's a neat videoclip I found of an adoption of an Iraqi orphan by an American in the military:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2007/07/06/cnn.heroes.scott.southworth.cnn
So on Sunday I'll be running my first half-marathon race. My friend will also be running it, and in an e-mail update of hers, she wrote the following (boldness added) about the marathon moments of life:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) Later on in the same chapter, the author says, "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hmmm…sounds like this guy has run a marathon before. Well, perhaps not, but he sure knew that life could feel like a marathon at times. [...] Just when we think we can't go any further, our bodies are tired, our legs are weak, and our mind is about to wander off the edge, our Heavenly Father comes and refreshes us, strengthens us, and even carries us. But it isn't without pushing us a little, encouraging us to keep going despite the pain, despite the difficulty, knowing we still have more in us, knowing our potential, knowing more about us then even we know.
In parts of a response to the post at http://www.boundlessline.org/2007/11/balancing-act.html, someone wrote:
One big attraction of legalism is that it allows people to set aside the complicated and uncomfortable process of examining their own hearts and motivations in order to debate externals, while still maintaining the appearance of caring deeply and intelligently about an issue. It can be easier to put in many hours at complicated scripture exegesis than it is to take just a few minutes to ask yourself, "what are my real motivations for doing what I do?".
it's just good to be aware of one's main motivations. Too often, legalistic debate is mostly about escapism and a need for simplicity.
You just don't always know others' feelings and impressions of you. Seems that even just who we are, what we don't say, and little chunks of what we do say work together in shaping these opinions. One of the things that make me tick are life interactions, and I'm just encouraged by one woman's words today...
Earlier on, when still at work, a co-worker basically expressed some disappointment at my leaving to work at another community college next quarter. My only work experience at my current workplace is in the Summer of 06 and this current work quarter. Later on, I gave her a ride to Seattle, dropping her off at a QFC. She said something like this to me, "It's nice that you don't talk about God being terrible. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one (at work) who's conservative..." I'm not sure if she's of any religous background or 100% conservative. I don't think people at work explicitly say God is terrible. I don't think I've ever brought up my political beliefs at work, but I may have talked about my involvement with a children's thing at church when she was in the room. I think another co-worker (one who goes to church) may have learned I went to church through this co-worker.
I'm not too chatty at work. I often keep quiet. Occasionally a 'faith footprint' might slip out, and it's quite possible she may have heard but one.
Should I be really happy, hopeful and satisfied when situations like this come up, or through them should I be inspired to strive to be more free and intentional with the release of faith footprints...?
So for a journal assignment, my students were to write about one or more of the following topics: superstitions, beliefs, ghosts, the supernatural, cultural “taboos”, etc.
Check out an excerpt from one guy's paper (which he posted on Blackboard):
In my country, there are some stories about ghost, too. Especially in my city, there was a story about the ghost with no head. Every night, it comes out and kidnaps children to eat. No one has power to go against him until a special child was born. His name is Thach. He is the son of the god. He has a super power. He didn’t say any word until he is 3 years old. Then, he grew up very fast and became a strong man. He came out and killed the Ghost. After he killed it, he went to the top of the Hai Son mountain and flew up to the sky.
It's much easier to think eternally or view interactions and life happenings from a perspective of faith when we aren't in the 'heat of the moment'.
It would be wonderful if the eternal perspective could always be present like oxygen rather than reflected upon only at certain times.
Reminds me of the present perfect progressive vs. the present perfect, in a remote sort of way (always thinking eternally vs only thinking eternally at certain times).
(Yeah, so after school a student came into the office and I tried to help her understand the present perfect progressive vs. the present perfect tense. [example of ppp: have been watching; example of pp: have watched]).
A co-worker of mine respectully conveyed the idea that a student walked some distance to open or push the button for a door for someone. He seemed to have gained respect, or a higher degree of respect, for that student.
You never know who might be watching...we do know GOD is always watching...
Cliques aren't limited to the youth. But what comprises a clique anyway? Just people who connect tending to talk to one another more often than others? Isn't it natural to be drawn and feel closer to those with whom you connect and feel comfortable? Still, it would be good if we could find enjoyment in hanging out with acquaintances with whom we might not feel as close a connection. How can we enjoy this more and feel more comfortable partially or fully outside our closer circles? Maybe by taking the feelings of others into consideration, realizing the value of 'practicing' the life skill of graciously discovering and interacting with people of varying personalities, and realizing that God may be working through those interactions...
God might be opening my eyes to see that His hand may be working through some interactions. Like today after my last class, a couple of the students lingered for a chat...and it was such an interesting conversation! One of today's chat topics touched upon beliefs -- one guy was trying to express a belief -- maybe his belief -- that after people die there is like a new garden of Eden on earth -- or something. I wonder if he was trying to express an idea related to the Jehovah Witness or Mormon religion. But my guess is that he might not consciously belong to either of the two religions. And also the number "666" came up in our discussion... I guess real, sincere discussions of depth grab my heart. Today in groups the students were to talk about superstitions or/and related topics that kind-of relate to the supernatural. I want the students to talk about these types of topics again tomorrow. Oh...I hope God works in their hearts! God, please work in the hearts of my students, get them to perhaps examine their beliefs, guide the conversations, and please, somehow work in them to draw them to or closer to You....thank you!
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -- James 1:2-4
So, God, please teach me to 'count it all joy'...please grow in me steadfastness, please mature me through them...
"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy," -- Colossians 1:11
God please strengthen me with your power, for joyous endurance and patience...
Perhaps challenging times are good quizzes for bigger trials -- loved ones' deaths, possible nursing home residence -- we might encounter in the future.
Col. 1:16b -- "...all things were created through him and for him." So that must include me. I must have been created FOR Him. Interesting. So it would be good if I could try to do my best to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Col. 3:23b). And if I do my best, hopefully I wouldn't get discouraged with my life circumstances, even if I don't find them completely fulfilling. Just my existence is for HIM. The concept is not a license to sin. But even if we are disappointed in our seeming unfruitfulness, life activities, or/and relationships, perhaps if we could remember that even our mere existence is for Him, it could serve as an encouragement? Our very breath is for Him, and given by Him.
I googled a certain idea to see if it was said by someone before (perhaps I'd come across the quote/idea at some earlier point in time), and found that "be the change you want to see in the world" is attributed to Gandhi.
Perhaps it would be beneficial if I consciously put that idea into practice.
Gandhi isn't the only one who thought along these lines. St. Francis also appears to have thought along these lines. Here is much of his prayer, which I found in the bulletin of the church I tried today:
"Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, [...], and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
And there are "The Paradoxical Commandments" written by Kent Keith. A version which may be based on that, and which might be credited to Mother Teresa is:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. [...]If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. [...] The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.And then there's Matthew 5:44: "[...] Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
I found these words in the following blog entry: http://www.boundlessline.org/2007/10/doing-boring-st.html , in which the author comments on information found on Lifehacker.com . Here's another blurb from this entry:
"Everybody always wants to do the fun stuff, but it's the menial stuff that defines you, especially Christians. It's sort of like that saying about what you do when nobody's looking. Anyway, Lifehacker has some tips on how to do it and like it.
1. Look at the long-term benefit
2. Find what you can learn from it
3. Think of doing it for someone you love
4. Enjoy the interaction with the people
5. Think and say something positive
6. Gather with passionate people
It seems that number three fits perfectly with Paul's command in Colossians to work 'as working for the Lord.' All the others could become a natural outflow from it if you get that one right."
Obviously. But really, encountering a wide spectrum of personalities is one of the fascinating aspects of teaching!
Two examples from today --
1) Honesty -- One student approached me because he thought he should have received one point less. I used to be like about points when I was a student, too!! Wow!
-- After school today, I helped and chatted with another student. One question she asked me was about a sentence she wrote for another class. She was supposed to have written a compound sentence, so she was supposed to rewrite the sentence she wrote. I think her concern was not knowing what else to write about to expand the sentence because she'd already written about all the pets in her home in America, I think.
2) Passionate Frustration -- So today in class a student was frustrated about a question on the quiz. He was also frustrated about a particular section (he only underlined the part he thought was the mistake; he didn't change the mistakes like he was supposed to). I addressed his question for awhile before moving on, and after the class it seemed as if his passionate frustration had subsided or disappeared.
3) Concern -- As I mentioned in #1, I met with a student after school today. She seems sweet and bubbly, but also she seems to have her share of difficulties with her life here (ie. transportation, not speaking English at lunchtime). I am glad she shared those concerns with me.
I like the relational aspect of teaching! And even #2 had a benefit -- seeing how wait time can truly seem to heal or subdue 'trauma' (even if it's seemingly very minor to most people).
How do people feel who are given the number of days or months they are expected to live? I bet for many their whole life perspective changes - how they view life, their interactions, etc. When they walk down the street (if they're able), do they think "nobody knows"...? Is life often put into perspective...an eternal perspective (for believers)? Is it scary? Do they worry about the unknown, about those they'll leave behind?
Life...it's so short. I wonder, though if being told you have a terminal illness can be a blessing in some ways. If the person has a loving family, it might lead to the strengthening of family ties. It might cause the person to reflect more upon God and things eternal, on what matters...
(deleted a bit on 10/15)
Just a few words on a few topics...
1) Politics (at work) -- Not really into them, but, at the same time, it's interesting to listen to discussion of them.
2) Politics (ie. president) -- Not really into people's president-bashing, but if they are going to criticize the president, why don't they talk rationally and objectively about the actual politics vs. the intelligence/verbal abilities of the president. I can be clumsy at communicating; perhaps people who bash the intellectual capacity of the president internally judge me as well.
3) It's all in the name -- politics vs. selfishness, passionate vs. obsessed, busy-minded vs. procrastinator, too busy/stressed vs. uncaring
4) Confession -- I wonder if the confession of one's own personal sins among Christian friends/relatives is simply not often done. And if people were to do that more often, there is the risk of being gossiped about.
5) Setting the mind on things above -- Would be neat if I could more often focus on the deeper aspects of life and interactions that if extended might become more meaningful. Should think more about things that matter.
6) Life is life -- Mon. - Thursdays of this quarter, I've been trying not to do work at home. But if one is single, and there are no commitments on particular nights, is the ideal life necessarily getting all work done in a timely manner and saving the evenings for oneself? There is no mandate. Even if one were to work from morning to late night at the same place, God could still bring joy in that case. Who says that work has to finish by early evening, and pleasure must be had at home (again, on commitment-free nights)? Life is...life. "Wherever I go, there I am."
Well, it would be nice if someone I knew were simultaneously reading the same book, so I could have an actual conversation(s) about some of the topics in the book, but, hey, ... anyway...
Okay so for now I want to talk about the idea of the 'romance' or sensationalistic element of missions or helping those in need. I will begin with a couple of quotes from the book -
Were the Scraps accomplishing anything? Amy wondered. 'Do not say, 'Oh, they interest us.' I do not care about 'interesting' you.
(p.164)
Because missionary reports generally included more about successes than about failures, Amy tried to shift the weight to the other side. 'It is more important that you should know about the reverses than about the successes of the war. We shall have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but we have only the few hours before sunset in which to win them. We are not winning them as we should, because the fact of the reverses is so little realized, and the needed reinforcements are not forthcoming, as they would be if the position were thoroughly understood. . . . So we have tried to tell you the truth - the uninteresting, unromantic truth.'
(p.161-162)
From the book, though, I do get the sense that Amy did long for adventure and thrill in the missionary life, where she could see God work. I think that's cool that Amy wanted to focus more on the truth of what actually happens, rather than romanticizing her work.
I wonder if for me part of my interest in missions (even if it is a somewhat distant interest) and helping those in need is sensationalistic. I'm attracted to photography and videos and ministry fairs and learning about the stories and plight of those in need. But then...I think even when I was a child I was attracted to missions, so, probably the seed of interest was planted by God. Yet still I wonder if part of my interest is fueled in part by external factors...
"The girl from the Irish village on the North Sea, standing in the pouring rain beside her pile of luggage on the shore of Japan, laughing. 'All this was part of the going forth unto a land I knew not, and everything was just right, and if things went wrong it was so much the more fun. I knew they would come right in the end. And they always did.' So with the charming lightheartedness of faith she only wondered, What next?" (p. 68)
"During the few days' wait for the lady who was to meet her Amy walked one day along the seashore, talking with one of the Shimonoseki missionaries. A casual remark was dropped which elicited an astonished question from Amy. 'You don't mean to say,' the missionary replied, 'you think all missionaries love one another?' Precisely what she had thought. How coiuld it be otherwise? 'No faintest foreshadowing of the purposes of God was mine that morning,' she wrote, 'but I remember the thoughts that rushed through me then. What of 'See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently'? Was such a life of love lived nowhere?' It was a gray day, with a gray sea, a gray drizzle, and gray thoughts. But it spurred her to prayer, to an earnest beseeching that the Lord would enable her to love as He commanded us to love." (p.68-69)
14. "We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future."
15. We don't always know when people have busy minds.
16. "Stress is overrated."
17. Trials can act as opportunities for faith tests.
Recent quote finds:
"It's not about 'us' going and saving 'them,' but it is very much neighbors extending hands to neighbors, helping to bear one another's burdens." ~ Darrah (an Invisible Children 'roadie')
"Be of good cheer, brother, for God will either assuage the fury of the flame, or else strengthen us to abide it." ~ Ridley's (I think a martyr) last words
1. Step by step. Start small.
2. Work on it for 30 minutes.
3. Blossom where you're planted.
4. Don't marry someone you can live with - marry someone you can't live without.
5. Life is short.
6. Everyone has their own little world. Maybe their mom just died. Life doesn't revolve around you.
7. Here lived a street sweeper who did his job well.
8. In whatso'ever estate, there are relationships to cultivate.
9. Character is who you are when no one but God is watching.
10. Love your enemy.
11. Not teacher-centered or student-centered, but subject-centered.
12. Ecclesiastes is excellent.
13. Care about those who are caring for others. (Practical translation --> in a ministry, care about the leaders' spiritual being/fellowship as well as those being reached out to.)
Today I met with a student outside class, and I feel like she is in an 'aha' period of her writing skill development. I think she used a couple of handouts (not created by me) to influence her latest writing. ******Anyway*yay*******
Piper refers to repentance as being an internal change of mind and heart. Can this internal change be the acknowledgement of one's sin, and realization that Jesus needs to be the one to do the changing? How does one change internally and undergo true repentance if s/he is still attached to the sin? Prayer? Change eternally first? Simply look to God? A mixture of some of that? Maybe a change of desire could be one method to encouraging/leading to heart change. James 1:14 says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." So if those desires are transformed, perhaps the temptations will decrease as well. On another note, I wonder what exactly 'temptation' is...can it be possible to be tempted without any evil desire? Hebrews 4:15 talks about Jesus being "one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." So he was tempted...and even suffered. Hebrews 2:18 says, "he himself has suffered when tempted"... but does that word have a different meaning than it does in James 1:13, when it says, "...God cannot be tempted with evil..."? Maybe in the latter case it means there is no way God would give into the temptation...or maybe it means that He is finished with personally experiencing temptation?
Basically, I guess love should override things such as perceived narrow mindedness. Like, today, I think an enthusiastic reaction popped out of me when I found out that someone was involved with something. While that 'something' might be interesting for me to watch, and it's interesting that she's involved with it, I don't think I'd like to get too involved for religious reasons. She invited me to come on Thurs. or Fri. Even if I was free (doesn't look like I will be, but I didn't tell her it doesn't look like I'll be free), I guess it's possible I might not have to directly get involved. But if I was invited to participate, I don't think I'd feel comfortable. Basically I think it's a Japanese dance - maybe a practice - at a Buddhist church or something. While I find going to temples and watching cultural performances interesting, I don't think I'd feel comfortable participating in a dance that may have religious roots. That being said, I think there are customs here in America that may be rooted in pagan or other non-Christian beliefs that I may not feel uncomfortable with.
In general (not only in reference to this situation), perhaps I should not feel the need to have to have certain reactions or mask certain beliefs. That doesn't mean I necessarily need to proclaim all my beliefs and feelings, though. But I guess if there's ever a time when I share an opinion that differs from the mainstream, I should feel that even if I'm perceived to be narrow minded, if my comments or reactions are respectful, loving, or not cold or disrespectful, then things should be okay...
Something I wrote last month (on 6/21) ~
"So, this time my thought is about something I read last night in Romans 4, when Abraham "did not weaken in faith" when he thought about his old body or "the barrennness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promiseof God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.'"
His circumstances could have easily made him waver in his trust. But, despite them, he GREW, gave GLORY to God, and TRUSTED. Ideally, we too, in spite of unstable-appearing circumstances, will hopefully GROW, give GLORY, and TRUST."
Quotes I found online:
When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart. ~John Bunyan
Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?-- Corrie Ten Boom
Accustom yourself gradually to carry Prayer into all your daily occupation -- speak, act, work in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be. --François Fénelon
My Sacrifice, A Prayer:
Laid on thine altar, O my Lord divine,
Accept this gift today, for Jesus’ sake.
I have no jewels to adorn thy shrine,
Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make;
But here I bring, within my trembling hand,
This will of mine – a thing that seemeth small;
And thou alone, O Lord, canst understand
How, when I yield this thee, I yield mine all.
Hidden therein thy searching gaze canst see
Struggles of passions, visions of delight,
All that I have, or am, or fain would be –
Deep loves, fond hopes and longings infinite.
It hath been wet with tears, dimmed with sighs,
Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath it none.
Now, from thy footstool, where it vanquished lies,
The prayer ascendeth – “May thy will be done!”
Take it, O Father, ere my courage fail;
And merge it so in Thine own will that I
May never have a wish to take it back;
When heart and courage fail, to thee I’ll fly.
So change, so purify, so like thine own,
Make thou my will so graced by love divine
I may not know or feel it as mine own,
But recognize my will as one with Thine.
C.T. Russell
Luke 12:34 -- "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
I was reorganizing a photo album today -- yeah, not the most productive thing I could've been doing :)
Anyway.
So I've had a ton of experiences!!! In Japan, and in other countries (I was dealing w/ Japan pictures, though...)
But...what is it that I remember? Yeah, I love rice fields, and I love the appearances of street scenes with cute buildings/shops all around, spectacular nature views, and random close-ups...In part, the scenery of particular places will remain in my heart -- the beauty of Shirokawa-go (in Japan), and Cameron Highlands (in Malaysia), etc.
However, is the beauty enough to make life ultimately meaningful...? Not 100%.
I guess what I remember when I look back on life (not only my Japan experience) would tend to be the people, experiences, struggles, & spiritual concepts.
A glimpse at my apartment decorations and belongings might on the surface place me in the "Miss International" category.
Yes, the international world is definitely a part of my core.
What's the heart of my core, though?
I guess what excites me is people coming to Christ, thinking/talking about deep matters, and when they're really knowledgeable about the Bible.
However, is that my core, or just what excites me when I see these things in others?
Maybe I should be more proactive in personally taking on characteristics that seem to be wedged into my heart core.
I did send out an e-mail asking if people would be interested in getting a group together to engage in deep conversation. Maybe I should just schedule something and hope people come and 'engage'...
:)
First be content with doing the 'small and mundane', because even if you do the 'big', once you do that, life may still seem 'small & mundane'? And then once people get semi-established, I wonder if it's hard to pursue the 'big'...like now that I'm now I'm moved out (well, I still need to go through a bunch of junk back home), how would I ever even consider doing the 'big', unless I strive for the 'big' in the middle of the seemingly mundane life...and yeah, so maybe I'm on my way to being 'established', but, whatever that means, ... 'established' as a single individual who has possibly lived 1/3 + of her life, and possibly who will have a new kitten next month? Will that be my 'establishment'? What happened to my big 'dreams' of the past? Now here I am - all grown up, and in a time of transition. Now what...
Colossians 3:17 -- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Mark 12:29-31 -- 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.'
If you have other good 'purpose of life' type verses, please feel free to leave them in a comment...
My pastor again preached from Prov. 16. Today's sermon covered vs. 16-33. There sure are some nuggets in there!
vs. 20: "He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
vs. 32: "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city." The corresponding sentence in the fill-in-the-blank outline is "INNER MASTERY IS FAR BETTER THAN OUTWARD MACHO."
vs. 33: "The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD."
Alrighties...
"So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -- 2 Cor. 12:7-10
Lord teach me to be content with adversity for the sake of Christ. In my weakness please be my strength...
"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, [...]" -- 1 John 2:1b-2a
He is the Advocate...
(boldness added)
So today's sermon was entitled "The Truth about Planning," covering Proverbs 16:1-15.
Here are some of the points from today's 'fill-in-the-blank' outline that came in the bulletin:
"HUMAN PATHS:
Are ultimately determined by God.
In your planning: Be guided by, and consistent with God's clear work.
In your planning: Transparently roll out each decision before the Lord.
In your planning: Bear in mind, you answer To God.
HUMAN PATHS:
That delight God defuse hatreds."
Some of the verses and some of my sermon notes:
Thoughts & Questions:
Yes, everything is ultimately under God's control. But decisions can be made that run contrary with what the Bible says. So, can big decisions about jobs, etc. be made contrary to what God hopes? Does God's desires = His will = His plan = ultimately what will happen? Is His "Plan" what will ultimately happen, and is His "plan" stuff he desires to happen but may not always happen? Is that possible? He is ultimately in control, but how does our decision-making play into that? Yes, it is ultimately God who "establishes his steps" (vs. 9b) & "the answer of the tongue is from the LORD" (vs. 1), but how does it all pan out? Basically is the solution in vs. 3 (committing to God)?
Feel free to skim this article called, "Why Mission Trips are a Waste of Time (And how to make sure yours isn't)," which can be found here:
http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=1579&srcid=1580
While even if people think certain missions trips might not be the most worthwhile use of time, of course God can still work. But it might be good for people to question their motives/purposes/intentions of missions trips, to some extent. But maybe they don't need to overquestion things to an extreme extent, because we aren't perfect, and God can still work in spite of our imperfections...
an Adie Camp song on http://adiecamp.com/music.htm:
"Lazy day
Just room enough for me to think and
pray about each new day
Draw me from my drowning apathetic
state
Stormy day
Just watch the rain melt all my doubt
away
Fire away the heated arrows to my
lukewarm state
Don't wait
Don't wish away
Today is going to be the day He made
Don't waste
One day is all that we've got to give and
take
Bend and break my mind and heart to
feel the urgent need
To take all I see and pour my life into
eternity
And take it all today and give
everything
And take it all today
Lazy day
You're in everything that comes my
way"
Exodus 13:21 (New International Version)
"By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night."
If only mind-cloudiness would more often be replaced by the One in the cloud who once guided his people, who can lead now as He did then.
a sampling from a couple of hymns...
"Crown Him the Son of man;
who ev'ry grief hath known
That wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own,
That all in him may rest."
**************************************
" 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved"
"'Thru many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought my safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home."
"Rock of Ages,
cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
[...]
make me pure.
Could my tears forever flow,
Could my zeal no langour know,
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee."
"But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (in vs. 39, it says Mary "was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.")
-Luke 10:40-42
I shouldn't take a lot of time to dwell on this concept right now, but, I think manipulation happens a lot, perhaps in both good ways and bad.
Through tones, attitudes, words.
Perhaps when it happens for the good, perhaps it's 'positive influence' rather than 'manipulation'...
Hmm.
And then why are people sometimes so easily manipulated or influenced?
Hmm.
The following selections are from an article entitled "Grunge Christianity? Counter culture's Death-Spiral and the Vulgarization of the Gospel" by John MacArthur. My comments follow in italics. http://www.gty.org/resources.php?section=articles&aid=231576
"It’s possible to be overexposed to our culture’s dark side. I don’t think anyone can survive full immersion in today’s entertainments and remain spiritually healthy."
"It’s like a radioactive toxicity, so while those who immerse themselves in it might not notice its effects instantly, they nevertheless cannot escape the inevitable, soul-destroying contamination."
"Even when you marry such worldliness with good systematic theology and a vigorous defense of substitutionary atonement, the soundness of the theoretical doctrine doesn’t sanctify the wickedness of the practical lifestyle. The opposite happens. Solid biblical doctrine is trivialized and mocked if we’re not doers of the Word as well as teachers of it."
"When Paul spoke to that culture, he didn’t adopt Greek scatology to show off how hip he could be. He simply declared the truth of God’s Word to them in plain language. And not all of his pagan listeners were happy with that (v. 18). That’s to be expected. "
"Whenever Jesus spoke of believers’ being in the world, He stated that if we are faithful, the world will be a place of hostility and persecution, not a zone of comfort. He also invariably followed that theme with a plea for our sanctification (cf. John 17:17-19)."
Perhaps we should be careful about how much culture we embrace. While it might seem attractive, and while the use of particular cultural elements may indeed serve as valuable evangelistic tools, it might be good to stay guarded and maintain our uncomfortability to some extent. As we slowly let down our guard, it's possible our 'moral filters' or convictions may subtly change to allow more junk to infiltrate our minds.
If I could have a motto-hope #2, (I think motto-hope #1 SHOULD BE something like: in everything, may God be glorified), I think it would be something like a mixture of this verse:
Luke 10:27: "...'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.' "
and part of the prayer of Anna Waring's, which I posted in 2004:
"Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate."
Unfortunately, I'm not often not good at doing this, but, growing friendships and acquaintanceships are special...
So, next week in one of my classes we will be discussing an article – which gets me thinking of the power struggle between the more advantaged and the marginalized. In the article, an author quotes someone in regard to the issue of power between the researcher and the subject – when “the inquiry implies ‘that the participant needs fixing in some way’ … and hence becomes ‘confused with a mission to ‘save’ the participants’” … also in the article, one of the authors mentioned that “a critical researcher’s desire to promote social justice is understandably an admirable goal. However, we run the risk of romanticizing the narratives of people of color and inscribing them as helpless victims if data segments highlighting participants’ proactive roles in changing their situations are not included in the study”…I’d like to expand upon the notion of the power struggle that may occur when people feel they have something to offer those in need.
I think it could be a beneficial strategy for missions organizations, non-profit agencies and the like to first recognize the efforts that the marginalized community is already putting forth toward evangelism, physical/financial assistance, etc. The agencies could then work together with the locals as well as build upon the work already begun in the local community, if that community is approaching outreach in a way uncompromising of Biblical truth. (Perhaps this strategy is already often employed.) All the while, it is important to remember that it’s not simply the outsiders DOING the good works, (or even the locals for that matter), but that it is God’s sovereign plan that ultimately rules. The organizations should be mindful to look to HIM for the power, strength, and wisdom for how to best serve him.
While recognizing the efforts that the community of the marginalized, or those in need of some sort of spiritual or physical help, may be putting forth, of course sometimes/often people will see the desperate need of others – for physical, economical, or spiritual help (salvation). And, the advantaged may have something to offer – be it the saving Gospel of Christ, financial or medical assistance, or whatever. Of course, just because they are advantaged does NOT mean they should look down on the needy as lesser people. Not at all! I think rather than approaching the situation as a an issue of power, the advantaged should be more concerned with their attitudes as a whole – helping out through the power of God’s love, sharing God’s love with others – the stem being the love of God which stirs in them the love of others. So I think love and a desire to glorify God should take precedence over worrying about whether or not outreach is an issue of power. Hopefully God will give all parties a great sense of humility and love through which they honor and serve Him.
On this link, http://www.spiritualdisciplines.org/pgospelq.html, you can find "Ten Questions to Ask to Turn a Conversation Toward the Gospel"...among them are (with my comments in italics):
"If you were to die tonight, where do you think you would spend eternity? Why? ..."
An alternative might be 'Do you believe in life after death? Why?'
"Do you think much about spiritual things?" I like this one! But...am I brave enough to ask it?
"Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs? If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it? . . . . ", Interesting.
"...how can I pray for you?" This is nice...
Genesis 9:12-16: "And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."
And just as God remembers this covenant he made in Noah's day, so He remembers all of His other covenants (promises)...perhaps we can think of the fulfillment of promises when we see the bow in the cloud.
(Following the brief description of "a likeness with a human appearance" [Ez. 1:26]....)
Ezekiel 1:28 - "Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, ..."
Just as the bow indicates God's covenant, so it demonstrates God's bright glory and creativity. How great He is!
A beautiful, beautiful song.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
(lyrics from: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/beforetg.htm)
Deut. 6:6-7: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
"...make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins."
2 Peter 1:5-9
(boldness added)
Ephesians 6:5-7:
"...obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man."
Exodus 2:23-25 – “During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew.”
Yes, God SEES, and, God KNOWS.
Exodus 3:11, 4:10-12: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’
“… ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent…’ Then the LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’”
More than who are we, let’s ask, WHO IS HE?
Exodus 14:14: “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’”
Nice.
My sister was talking about focusing on the heart rather than the actions, and she made mention of someone thinking about actions (like pumping gas on Sundays) , and (perhaps that that person had been) church-taught certain stuff - like how to dress at church.
And, if I remember right, in the past, she had told me that I was focusing on how I want to be - the actions - rather than the change of heart.
Yes, indeed, we should focus on the heart rather than on the actions. The change of heart will result in the change of actions...
Thanks, sis, for the reminder.
...are wonderful!!
Like today, my friend called me and asked me if I had read my Bible yesterday. Other than the Bible study I went to, it's possible that I may not have. When she came to class, she gave me a cookie(s), wrapped up in foil - as an incentive.
How thoughtful!!!!!
Thank you, friend, if you read this :)
It's interesting to think that perhaps the reason for life/heart trials could be God trying to make us stronger through them, to bring us closer to Him through it. To think He cares enough about us and may be using those trials to glorify Him & develop our character & to bring us contentment though Him...
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
God, please teach me to count my struggles as joy - please make me complete & content in Your will...
from the Doris Day song on http://www.lyriczz.com/lyriczz.php?songid=12960:
When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich
Here's what she said to me.
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.
When I was young, I fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, day after day
Here's what my sweetheart said.
[...]
Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, what will I be
Will I be handsome, will I be rich
I tell them tenderly.
[...]
from a Relient K song from http://www.azlyrics.us/209163:
Am I at the point of no improvement?
What are the deaths I still dwell in?
I try to excel but I feel no movement
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin
[...]
CHORUS:
Never underestimate my Jesus
your tellin me that there's no hope
I’m tellin you your wrong
Never underestimate my Jesus
when the world around you crumbles
He will be strong [...]
I throw up my hands
oh the impossibilities
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I’m searchin' for
The confidence I lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles
Is overcoming my fears
[...]
CHORUS
[...]
I think I can't
but I think you can
I think you can gather my insufficiencies and
place them in your hands
[...]
"Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Psalm 143:8b)
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" (Psalm 143:10)
Matthew 25:37-40:
"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
from http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/brave-saint-saturn/under-bridges.html:
Yesterday while walking,
Beneath an overpass,
I saw the figure of Jesus,
Standing barefoot on broken glass.
His beard was graying,
The smell of urine filled the air,
Asking if I had some change,
Anything that I could spare.
Emaciated,
His shaking fists balled up,
Influenza and pneumonia,
Begging God to take his cup.
So different from his pictures,
Breathing air through yellowed tubes,
Jesus Christ, [...]
Can look right through you.
And all have hated,
Crucified and walked away,
The Savior of the prostitutes,
Drunkards, rapists, [...]
Under bridges,
With hands raised,
From the ghettos they praise his name.
Broke and crippled in the dark of night,
Raise your voices to Jesus Christ,
Hallelujah.
He provided for Hagar and her son, He provided for Abraham, He can provide for you & I...
Hagar had been sent away, and, in the wilderness with Abraham's child, they ran out of water...She was upset and didn't want to see her child die. The angel of God tells Hagar He will make her son into a great nation (in Gen. 21:18). And when Hagar's eyes were opened, she saw a well of water (in vs. 19). And vs. 20 says that God was with her son. Hagar may've felt desperate, rejected, lonely, and scared...and yet, God provided...
Yes, indeed, God provides...
In Gen. 22, God tested Abraham, and told him to offer up his son Isaac as an offering...So Abraham headed out, and must have been mulling this over for 3 days as he was heading to Moriah where he was to make this sacrifice. Imagine the thoughts in his head...did he really think he'd actually sacrifice his son, and that he'd come back to life, or did he think God would provide a lamb before that point? Whatever the case, he knew God would provide. Was he nervous as he told his son that "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering" (in vs. 8)? Yet, again, God provided. And the angel of the LORD recognized that didn't withold his son from Him (vs. 12). And Abraham didn't have to sacrifice Isaac, in the end. Instead there was a ram that he was able to sacrifice. In vs. 14 it says that "Abraham called the name of that place, 'The LORD will provide'"...('provide' or 'will see'). And the angel of the LORD tells Abraham that because he did not withold his son, God would bless him (vs. 16-17).
God please help/make me to trust You will provide, and make me willing to sacrifice and not hold onto that which I should not hoard or dwell upon - be it thoughts, things, time, desires, or whatever... You will provide.
As the soft piano notes of Chris Rice's "Untitled Hymn" fall upon my ears, a vision floats in front of my eyes. A face full of joy, a gentle smile plays across her face as her tiny figure gracefully twirls on stage. She is wearing a long white gown that catches her moves with a suprising amount of dignity. She seems to be drinking in every word, feeling it with every beat of her heart.
Her name was Lauren Castanza. She went to my college. Two summers ago, she fell from a waterfall to her death. She was going to be a doctor, if I remember correctly. She was smart and incredibly outgoing. It seemed as though the whole campus knew her. Coming back to college after that summer was so strange. It felt like a light had gone out, and nobody could bring it back.
That last semester, she was in my suite a lot. She was really close with one of my suitemates, yet how many times did I notice her there in that next door room and not even stop to say hello?
I heard later that her faith was the most powerful and genuine faith that many had ever seen. I heard that she had commented to a friend how she never felt so close to God as she did that last semester, right before God took her home.
Was God preparing her to meet with him in just a few short weeks? It makes me shudder. In a good way, perhaps?
It's strange. All of her hopes and dreams. God knew from before that moment when she took her first breath...He knew that her last breath would be before those hopes and dreams would ever be realized. Lauren would never be a doctor. She applied to Grove City College. He knew she'd never graduate. But He did know that she would be an amazing witness for Him. He planned something infintely better than any of us could ever imagine.
And that song. When she danced, did she know how those words would come true for her?
...fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus...and live.
Yes, she fell. But she fell on Jesus, and she now lives with Him.
...with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye, go in peace and laugh on glory's side... and fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus...and live.
I still remember her clutching her chest, bending over, and lightly tiptoeing backwards to capture the mood of that final verse. She danced this verse beautifully, causing tears to spring into everyone's eyes at her memorial service.
I didn't know Lauren well, though I wish I had. In fact, I don't even know if she knew my name. But I know I will never forget her. Christ was the One who made her shine. If only the same could be true of all of us...
"Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory’s side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!"
(post written by Kristin)
Tonight my Bible study group started going through 1 Peter. Here is a snippet from the Scripture we studied:
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:6-9)
One person pointed out the part that said "Though you have not seen him, you love him," and talked about the desire to call someone or something, when going through hard times. It is, indeed, likely oft the case when people automatically desire to draw close to humans in time of need, rather than instinctively pour out their hearts to a more seemingly intangible or more seemingly distant God. Of course God is near, but we can't see him, and these days at least most people don't audibly hear God's voice.
There IS something special about having faith in our God who we've not physically seen. In Jesus' conversation with Thomas in John 20:29b, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
And, another thought. 1 Peter 1:6 says "...though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials" ~
I like how it gives the time reference "for a little while" -- Really this "life is but a breath" (Ps. 39:5b). And only God knows when it is our last breath will be.
My sister mentioned a girl who danced in (and choreographed, I think) the song "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" ...part of the song goes like this:
"And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!"
Anyway... that girl died. However, my sister had mentioned that she had been/felt really close to God in the time leading up to her death.
We just never know when it is our time to go. Even if we don't end up accomplishing anything big, even our faith can be a testament to others. Our faith is, indeed, "more precious than gold." In life, in death. And as believers we have "an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for" us (1 Peter 1:4). How precious is that.
