Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Reminisce
As I lay in bed last night, thinking about everything that happened to me this year, I couldn't help but praise the Lord for the moment by moment grace He constantly pours out. So many changes have happened. So many times seemed bad at the moment, but all turn out for good and hopefully for the lifting up of my Savior.
2010 started with running across the magical, snow-covered Rocky Mountain Lodge yard banging pots and pans.
In 2010, so far, I have:
-Moved two times, living in a total of three states.
-Traveled to just about every state in the west.
-Driven roughly 4,000 miles in my car
-Seen the Grand Canyon
-Been to the E.R. over a dozen times (none for myself)
-Visited more churches than I've ever been to in my life combined
-Now say "Supper" instead of "Dinner"
-Started a whole new job with new culture
-Taken the best vacation ever with my best friend and second family
-Decided to go to college in two hours
-Changed my major
I have RE-discovered:
-God is sovereign
-The theme of my life is surrender
-I never know what's going to happen next
-Family will be there no matter what
-Who my best friend is
-Home is where my heart is
-A best girlfriend does exist
-A piece of my heart will forever be lost somewhere in those Tetons
-People are mean...and that's ok!
My Joys Have Been:
-Talking to random people about God
-Missing a turn so I can see new places
-Watching my bestie girl fall in love
-Seeing the prodigal son return...with joyful tears streaming down my face
The only thing I regret:
-Missing too many opportunities to engage people in conversation about the gospel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."
~~~~~~~~~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2010 started with running across the magical, snow-covered Rocky Mountain Lodge yard banging pots and pans.
In 2010, so far, I have:
-Moved two times, living in a total of three states.
-Traveled to just about every state in the west.
-Driven roughly 4,000 miles in my car
-Seen the Grand Canyon
-Been to the E.R. over a dozen times (none for myself)
-Visited more churches than I've ever been to in my life combined
-Now say "Supper" instead of "Dinner"
-Started a whole new job with new culture
-Taken the best vacation ever with my best friend and second family
-Decided to go to college in two hours
-Changed my major
I have RE-discovered:
-God is sovereign
-The theme of my life is surrender
-I never know what's going to happen next
-Family will be there no matter what
-Who my best friend is
-Home is where my heart is
-A best girlfriend does exist
-A piece of my heart will forever be lost somewhere in those Tetons
-People are mean...and that's ok!
My Joys Have Been:
-Talking to random people about God
-Missing a turn so I can see new places
-Watching my bestie girl fall in love
-Seeing the prodigal son return...with joyful tears streaming down my face
The only thing I regret:
-Missing too many opportunities to engage people in conversation about the gospel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."
~~~~~~~~~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Author & Finisher
i try moving forward.
It feels like i'm tied to a freight train.
Like i can go no farther.
Am i trying hard enough?
i realize i can't do this by myself.
It hurts each attempted step.
The scars scream with pain every time they are revealed.
One step forwards.
Two steps back.
Everything is lost save what i need the most.
Just enough.
Not too much.
Not too little.
Will they vanish too?
Into the air like the others?
Are they here for eternity?
i shall keep pressing on this track before me until its time to go home.
It is apathy, Lord?
Do i not care for the loved pieces left behind?
You do.
And You took them.
i don't need them.
All i need is You.
-------------------------------------
"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 Corinthians 12:8-10~
It feels like i'm tied to a freight train.
Like i can go no farther.
Am i trying hard enough?
i realize i can't do this by myself.
It hurts each attempted step.
The scars scream with pain every time they are revealed.
One step forwards.
Two steps back.
Everything is lost save what i need the most.
Just enough.
Not too much.
Not too little.
Will they vanish too?
Into the air like the others?
Are they here for eternity?
i shall keep pressing on this track before me until its time to go home.
It is apathy, Lord?
Do i not care for the loved pieces left behind?
You do.
And You took them.
i don't need them.
All i need is You.
-------------------------------------
"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 Corinthians 12:8-10~
Monday, October 11, 2010
First 6 Worship Journal Entries
Worship Journal Entry #1
9.8.10
This past weekend I had the opportunity of attending my home church’s family camp. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and growing together in oneness in our Savior. During one session, my pastor talked about being missional in purpose. Being missional in our worship is the key. Why do we worship? So we can spread the Gospel through our proclamation of His glory! The Bible did not create the mission of the Gospel, but through the Gospel’s mission emerged the Bible. The Bible aids us in helping us to know what true worship is like.
Through the mission came the Bible, through the Bible came instruction on how to worship, and through worship, we spread the Gospel which is the mission.
----------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #2
9.17.10
In Worship Studies class the other day, we talked about what is blocking us from seeing what true worship is. One thing my teacher, Mr. Shuholm, pointed out was the term: “assumed intimacy.” When we go to church as worshipers, we automatically assume we will be in a right relationship with our Creator and expect our worship experience to have a spiritual impact. What we so easily forget is our sin. Our own fallen nature is what we forget when we worship such a holy God. Thankfully, Christ is our mediator who has made our relationship right with our God, yet we must not forget a very important Person in our worship: the Holy Spirit. In order to worship our holy Father with our whole hearts, we must start in the Spirit and end in the Spirit. We also must remind ourselves of the truth: what we know to be true about worshiping our God. Therefore, we must start and end in spirit and in truth.
--------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #3
9.25.10
Tonight, two of my roommates didn’t know what to do. Of course, homework is always an option, but they wanted to take a break; it was Friday night, after all! Then one of them suggested something that might have seemed silly at the moment, but truly inspired me. She said: “Why don’t we pray?!” Then I observed and joined in the sweetest prayer: “Dear God, you know that we want to do something, we just don’t know what! Could you please help us to find something to do so we can enjoy our evening? Amen.” What an inspiration.
We all know we can talk to God at any time, but do we really take advantage of this access every chance we get? We should not be afraid of telling God what’s going on in our lives. He already knows, but to verbally admit it shows our love, adoration, and surrender to His will and plan for us.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:16
------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #4
10.1.10
Who may we look to for an example of true worship? Sure, Paul is a good one, but he too was a sinful man like us all. What about Jesus Christ? His life was a literal living example of proclaiming the gospel, for after all, He is the center of the gospel.
When I was reading Tozer this week, I noticed an interesting point he brought up: people are fascinated by Jesus. Even Nietzsche who denied Him could not get over Christ and His persona. But it isn’t His outward appearance that still captures our attention even two thousand years later. The Bible makes it clear that He was a typical man with no particular physical attractiveness. Tozer puts it this way: “We may well say that when the eternal Son had taken on the form of a man, only His soul was beautiful.” He stuns us although we have not seen Him in person. Why? Because of His passion. Because of His mission. Because of His example.
One thing I’ve noticed as I walk through life is the friends I have. People who I truly want to be around aren’t necessarily people who are good-looking on the outside. They are people who desire God most on the inside and that alone makes them appealing. What I long for in my life is to be so dedicated to worshipping my Savior that I am naturally beautiful inside. I want attractiveness that points to Christ; I want a beauty that could only come from heaven and that shows the world where my heart and home is.
---------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #5
10.6.10
I went to visit a Catholic mass this week for an assignment in Worship studies this week. It was an interesting experience and I didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited to see how other people prefer to worship. I was surprised to find that it wasn’t very different from the way my own home church worships. The congregation is corporately involved in reciting scripture, creeds, taking communion, and confessing sins. Although the beliefs and motives behind these practices might be different than my home church, as a congregation, we all participate in these same acts of worship every Sunday. Some tend to blow off the Catholic church and its practices, but if you are willing to take a harder look, you might be able to find the traditions of Roman Catholicism true to the Word of God.
-----------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #6
10.10.10
For an assignment, I was reading chapter 3 in a book titled “Experience God in Worship”. As a follow-up to my previous entry, I found it a fascinating chapter. The main subject was liturgical worship. The author points out that maybe the fad of spontaneity in the modern church is not what is truly desired in the heart of the worshiper. Maybe this spontaneity and “looseness” in modern worship has replaced the awe and reverence that traditional methods present. Traditionally, people left a worship service with a great sense of wonder and mystery for their Creator. In comparison, modern day worship has led to an intellectual experience that causes us to think about our behavior rather than our heart and love for God. Would it be helpful to study and learn from the examples and reasons behind traditional worship?
9.8.10
This past weekend I had the opportunity of attending my home church’s family camp. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and growing together in oneness in our Savior. During one session, my pastor talked about being missional in purpose. Being missional in our worship is the key. Why do we worship? So we can spread the Gospel through our proclamation of His glory! The Bible did not create the mission of the Gospel, but through the Gospel’s mission emerged the Bible. The Bible aids us in helping us to know what true worship is like.
Through the mission came the Bible, through the Bible came instruction on how to worship, and through worship, we spread the Gospel which is the mission.
----------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #2
9.17.10
In Worship Studies class the other day, we talked about what is blocking us from seeing what true worship is. One thing my teacher, Mr. Shuholm, pointed out was the term: “assumed intimacy.” When we go to church as worshipers, we automatically assume we will be in a right relationship with our Creator and expect our worship experience to have a spiritual impact. What we so easily forget is our sin. Our own fallen nature is what we forget when we worship such a holy God. Thankfully, Christ is our mediator who has made our relationship right with our God, yet we must not forget a very important Person in our worship: the Holy Spirit. In order to worship our holy Father with our whole hearts, we must start in the Spirit and end in the Spirit. We also must remind ourselves of the truth: what we know to be true about worshiping our God. Therefore, we must start and end in spirit and in truth.
--------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #3
9.25.10
Tonight, two of my roommates didn’t know what to do. Of course, homework is always an option, but they wanted to take a break; it was Friday night, after all! Then one of them suggested something that might have seemed silly at the moment, but truly inspired me. She said: “Why don’t we pray?!” Then I observed and joined in the sweetest prayer: “Dear God, you know that we want to do something, we just don’t know what! Could you please help us to find something to do so we can enjoy our evening? Amen.” What an inspiration.
We all know we can talk to God at any time, but do we really take advantage of this access every chance we get? We should not be afraid of telling God what’s going on in our lives. He already knows, but to verbally admit it shows our love, adoration, and surrender to His will and plan for us.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:16
------------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #4
10.1.10
Who may we look to for an example of true worship? Sure, Paul is a good one, but he too was a sinful man like us all. What about Jesus Christ? His life was a literal living example of proclaiming the gospel, for after all, He is the center of the gospel.
When I was reading Tozer this week, I noticed an interesting point he brought up: people are fascinated by Jesus. Even Nietzsche who denied Him could not get over Christ and His persona. But it isn’t His outward appearance that still captures our attention even two thousand years later. The Bible makes it clear that He was a typical man with no particular physical attractiveness. Tozer puts it this way: “We may well say that when the eternal Son had taken on the form of a man, only His soul was beautiful.” He stuns us although we have not seen Him in person. Why? Because of His passion. Because of His mission. Because of His example.
One thing I’ve noticed as I walk through life is the friends I have. People who I truly want to be around aren’t necessarily people who are good-looking on the outside. They are people who desire God most on the inside and that alone makes them appealing. What I long for in my life is to be so dedicated to worshipping my Savior that I am naturally beautiful inside. I want attractiveness that points to Christ; I want a beauty that could only come from heaven and that shows the world where my heart and home is.
---------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #5
10.6.10
I went to visit a Catholic mass this week for an assignment in Worship studies this week. It was an interesting experience and I didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited to see how other people prefer to worship. I was surprised to find that it wasn’t very different from the way my own home church worships. The congregation is corporately involved in reciting scripture, creeds, taking communion, and confessing sins. Although the beliefs and motives behind these practices might be different than my home church, as a congregation, we all participate in these same acts of worship every Sunday. Some tend to blow off the Catholic church and its practices, but if you are willing to take a harder look, you might be able to find the traditions of Roman Catholicism true to the Word of God.
-----------------------------
Worship Journal Entry #6
10.10.10
For an assignment, I was reading chapter 3 in a book titled “Experience God in Worship”. As a follow-up to my previous entry, I found it a fascinating chapter. The main subject was liturgical worship. The author points out that maybe the fad of spontaneity in the modern church is not what is truly desired in the heart of the worshiper. Maybe this spontaneity and “looseness” in modern worship has replaced the awe and reverence that traditional methods present. Traditionally, people left a worship service with a great sense of wonder and mystery for their Creator. In comparison, modern day worship has led to an intellectual experience that causes us to think about our behavior rather than our heart and love for God. Would it be helpful to study and learn from the examples and reasons behind traditional worship?
Monday, October 4, 2010
Self
At this point in time, I have only told three people about this "blog".
My best friend, my brother, and a dear sister in Christ.
Why? It is more for myself. Honestly, who wants to read about me and what I'm going through? Although I try to make my posts point to my glorious Savior, it is still about me. What I am going through at the moment, as selfish as that is, it is true.
I somewhat regret not taking a record of my last year in school. It was a year I have referred to as "The Best, Worst Year of my Life." Why? Too hard to explain in a few short sentences. But God is good all the time, and all the time, God is SO good! Amen!
This semester, I have some classes that ask me to write.
I have already written a speech giving my testimony, and a handful of journal entries for a study of worship class. I will also be asked to write a definition of worship and a few other projects that will stretch my understanding of God.
Once I edit them up, I'd like to put them on here so maybe later in my life I can look back (for my selfish self) and see how God has given me grace sufficient enough for every breath I take.
If anyone finds themselves reading this right now, I apologize. I'm sure it makes no sense whatsoever ;) Again, this is something I'm doing for myself with selfish motives...yet my prayer and earnest desire is, that if anyone else by chance stumbles across this and wants to read, these words would not be my own. I hope somehow they would point to Yahweh, the only One worthy of honor and glory.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love towards those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
-Psalm 103:8-14
My best friend, my brother, and a dear sister in Christ.
Why? It is more for myself. Honestly, who wants to read about me and what I'm going through? Although I try to make my posts point to my glorious Savior, it is still about me. What I am going through at the moment, as selfish as that is, it is true.
I somewhat regret not taking a record of my last year in school. It was a year I have referred to as "The Best, Worst Year of my Life." Why? Too hard to explain in a few short sentences. But God is good all the time, and all the time, God is SO good! Amen!
This semester, I have some classes that ask me to write.
I have already written a speech giving my testimony, and a handful of journal entries for a study of worship class. I will also be asked to write a definition of worship and a few other projects that will stretch my understanding of God.
Once I edit them up, I'd like to put them on here so maybe later in my life I can look back (for my selfish self) and see how God has given me grace sufficient enough for every breath I take.
If anyone finds themselves reading this right now, I apologize. I'm sure it makes no sense whatsoever ;) Again, this is something I'm doing for myself with selfish motives...yet my prayer and earnest desire is, that if anyone else by chance stumbles across this and wants to read, these words would not be my own. I hope somehow they would point to Yahweh, the only One worthy of honor and glory.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love towards those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
-Psalm 103:8-14
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
How Often
How often do we say "I love you" to friends and family in a day?
How often do we tell our Lord that He is our everything?
How many times in a week do we make plans to hang out with people?
Do we have a set time in our daily life to spend time with our Abba Father?
How frequently do we say "thank you" to one another?
When, in the day, do we express our gratitude to our Savior?
When we observe great art, we compliment the artist...
How habitually do we praise The Artist when we look outside?
We might get excited when someone has texted, left a voicemail, or sent an e-mail to us...
Do we jump for joy at the possession of a love letter written to us that has 66 books and 1189 chapters?
What do we look forward to at the end of a work day or week?
Are we constantly waiting for our blessed hope in the appearing of Jesus Christ?
How often do we tell our Lord that He is our everything?
How many times in a week do we make plans to hang out with people?
Do we have a set time in our daily life to spend time with our Abba Father?
How frequently do we say "thank you" to one another?
When, in the day, do we express our gratitude to our Savior?
When we observe great art, we compliment the artist...
How habitually do we praise The Artist when we look outside?
We might get excited when someone has texted, left a voicemail, or sent an e-mail to us...
Do we jump for joy at the possession of a love letter written to us that has 66 books and 1189 chapters?
What do we look forward to at the end of a work day or week?
Are we constantly waiting for our blessed hope in the appearing of Jesus Christ?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Again
It seems like yesterday I was saying goodbye to my friends and family as I headed off on a new adventure to a new school in a new state where I knew no one. It was hard being the first to leave. The first to initiate goodbye when the time came.
I didn't cry because I was scared and I didn't cry because none of my friends would be joining me.
I cried because I was worried.
I was worried for what I might miss.
What if something terrible happened to the ones I was leaving? I would not be right by their side.
Needless to say, God is so gracious and allowed me to adjust well to my new life. The things I was fearful would take place either didn't or were not as bad as I expected. In fact, I began to be OK with the idea of not returning.
But God had a different plan in mind...
Here I am today in the same situation as one year ago. Thankful for the opportunity to go to yet another school, alone, in another state. Yes, I am so sad about leaving my family and friends, but this time I have a peace.
Many things have changed since one year ago. I am so grateful that I now know more than ever who will be there for me through thick and thin no matter what the distance. God has graciously provided a way for all my worries I had last year to fall away. Amen!
But that doesn't mean this year will be a piece of cake.
Not by a long shot.
This year will bring different lessons. A whole new season that I am eagerly anticipating to see unfold. In every joyous and grievous situation, the Lord never ceases to show me His undying love for such a sinner as I.
~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 9:1-4, 9-12
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before Your presence. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment...
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name put their trust in you, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples His deeds! For He who avenges blood is mindful of them; He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
I didn't cry because I was scared and I didn't cry because none of my friends would be joining me.
I cried because I was worried.
I was worried for what I might miss.
What if something terrible happened to the ones I was leaving? I would not be right by their side.
Needless to say, God is so gracious and allowed me to adjust well to my new life. The things I was fearful would take place either didn't or were not as bad as I expected. In fact, I began to be OK with the idea of not returning.
But God had a different plan in mind...
Here I am today in the same situation as one year ago. Thankful for the opportunity to go to yet another school, alone, in another state. Yes, I am so sad about leaving my family and friends, but this time I have a peace.
Many things have changed since one year ago. I am so grateful that I now know more than ever who will be there for me through thick and thin no matter what the distance. God has graciously provided a way for all my worries I had last year to fall away. Amen!
But that doesn't mean this year will be a piece of cake.
Not by a long shot.
This year will bring different lessons. A whole new season that I am eagerly anticipating to see unfold. In every joyous and grievous situation, the Lord never ceases to show me His undying love for such a sinner as I.
~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 9:1-4, 9-12
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before Your presence. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment...
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name put their trust in you, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples His deeds! For He who avenges blood is mindful of them; He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
So Blessed
"A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer
than a brother."
~Proverbs 18:24~
Yes, I am so blessed to have many friends and family and wonderful people in my life. Every single one brings sunshine to my day in their own special way and I am so extremely grateful for them.
Out of all the friends and acquaintances of mine, there is one particular fellow who stands out. Some people don't understand our friendship because quite frankly, it is truly odd! In ways we are complete opposites. He is tall, listens to KOHO, and is going to school to study really smart things like medical terms I don't understand! I am short, listen to country tunes, and at school studying music. Yet we are much the same. In what ways? Besides some similar interests in outdoor things and the like, I have no clue!
I never could describe our friendship until I read Proverbs 18:24. He is my big brother, yet keeps me in line when I need a correcting hand. When I'm troubled or confused about something, all he has to do is say: "It's not rocket science", "You're over analyzing this", or "You're going to be just fine." He's encouraging too. He reminds me all the time that it's not about what other people think, but about what God thinks and how important it is to seek and shine His light and no other. It's a true blessing when you have someone in your life who reminds you to "just do everything in love." I'm so thankful to have him in my life. No one could ever ask to have such an amazing big brother and friend in the Lord!
but there is a friend who sticks closer
than a brother."
~Proverbs 18:24~
Yes, I am so blessed to have many friends and family and wonderful people in my life. Every single one brings sunshine to my day in their own special way and I am so extremely grateful for them.
Out of all the friends and acquaintances of mine, there is one particular fellow who stands out. Some people don't understand our friendship because quite frankly, it is truly odd! In ways we are complete opposites. He is tall, listens to KOHO, and is going to school to study really smart things like medical terms I don't understand! I am short, listen to country tunes, and at school studying music. Yet we are much the same. In what ways? Besides some similar interests in outdoor things and the like, I have no clue!
I never could describe our friendship until I read Proverbs 18:24. He is my big brother, yet keeps me in line when I need a correcting hand. When I'm troubled or confused about something, all he has to do is say: "It's not rocket science", "You're over analyzing this", or "You're going to be just fine." He's encouraging too. He reminds me all the time that it's not about what other people think, but about what God thinks and how important it is to seek and shine His light and no other. It's a true blessing when you have someone in your life who reminds you to "just do everything in love." I'm so thankful to have him in my life. No one could ever ask to have such an amazing big brother and friend in the Lord!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Forgiven
The title of this blog might be a word you have never heard before. It is a transliterated Hebrew word pronounced "Say-lakh" (With lots of throat thrown into the "kh"). Why this word?
It is a word in the Bible used for "Forgiven" or "Pardoned."
It reminds Christ followers we are just like everybody else, yet unlike anybody else. We are like everybody else because we are traitors to our Maker, the One who "created [our] inmost being; [Who] knit [us] together in [our] mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). But why do we do commit such an offense against our Lord? Because our hearts are "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah17:9).
But we are unlike anybody else because we are forgiven. We have acknowledged our sin and need for a Savior and have transferred our trust to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This means we have the assurance of salvation and hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He puts all our mistakes and flaws behinds and remembers them no more. He forgives.
Although Christians are saved through faith by grace alone in Christ (Ephesians 2:8), we still struggle with our fallen bodies on a daily basis. As we fight this battle against the Enemy every day, we must not forget what our position and hope in Christ is: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).
What inspired the title of this blog? What caused me to think and dig a little deeper about this wonderful word "forgiven"?
It was the lyrics to a song performed by Skillet:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgive me now because I have been unfaithful
Don’t ask me why because I don’t know
So many times I’ve tried, but was unable
This heart belongs to You alone
Now I’m in our secret place, alone in your embrace
Where all my wrongs have been erased
You have forgiven
All the promises and lies
All the times I compromise
All the times You were denied
You have forgiven
Forgive me I’m ashamed
I’ve loved another
I can’t explain because I don’t know
No one can take Your place
And there is no other
Forever Yours and Yours alone
Take me to our secret place
(We’ll leave the world away)
I get down on my knees
Feel Your love wash over me
There will never be another
You’re the only One forever
And You know I’m Yours alone
~~~~~~~~~~
"I Praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
~Psalm 139:14
It is a word in the Bible used for "Forgiven" or "Pardoned."
It reminds Christ followers we are just like everybody else, yet unlike anybody else. We are like everybody else because we are traitors to our Maker, the One who "created [our] inmost being; [Who] knit [us] together in [our] mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). But why do we do commit such an offense against our Lord? Because our hearts are "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah17:9).
But we are unlike anybody else because we are forgiven. We have acknowledged our sin and need for a Savior and have transferred our trust to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This means we have the assurance of salvation and hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He puts all our mistakes and flaws behinds and remembers them no more. He forgives.
Although Christians are saved through faith by grace alone in Christ (Ephesians 2:8), we still struggle with our fallen bodies on a daily basis. As we fight this battle against the Enemy every day, we must not forget what our position and hope in Christ is: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).
What inspired the title of this blog? What caused me to think and dig a little deeper about this wonderful word "forgiven"?
It was the lyrics to a song performed by Skillet:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgive me now because I have been unfaithful
Don’t ask me why because I don’t know
So many times I’ve tried, but was unable
This heart belongs to You alone
Now I’m in our secret place, alone in your embrace
Where all my wrongs have been erased
You have forgiven
All the promises and lies
All the times I compromise
All the times You were denied
You have forgiven
Forgive me I’m ashamed
I’ve loved another
I can’t explain because I don’t know
No one can take Your place
And there is no other
Forever Yours and Yours alone
Take me to our secret place
(We’ll leave the world away)
I get down on my knees
Feel Your love wash over me
There will never be another
You’re the only One forever
And You know I’m Yours alone
~~~~~~~~~~
"I Praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
~Psalm 139:14
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