I was able to spend the night beside my husband. I'm extremely thankful for that. The word says that when two lay together they will keep each other warm. It's good to know that such a blessing as getting to know another human so intimately is biblical and sanctioned by God! I feel blessed by that and I'm excited as I get into this blog. It's something I've been thinking about in light of the recent presidential election. As someone who lives in a household full of Republicans, and is surrounded by Republicans in general, I knew how much Romney was supported by those with Christian values. To say the least, the selection of Obama for a re-election was less than thrilling, some expressed this in a more optimistic approach while others claimed "fire and brimstone" would be coming down on our country. This isn't a conversation about any other person's reaction, except mine. Forgive me for the focus, but I'm not sure a blog written about someone else would be too successful, or authentic. I'm not interested in the opinions of others, but it was helpful to range what I so strongly felt upon hearing the news.
Obama takes the vote.
Hm.
I wasn't surprised.
I had a feeling that Christians weren't coming together enough (myself included!). It seemed like apathy had overtaken the Republic* nation and confusion had caused most voters to give up on voting entirely. Others still point to "obvious" corruption going on in Philadelphia where out of 29 districts not one vote went to Romney. As he* put it, "There would have been at least one looney who put Romeny down on a ballot. It was rigged." I can't say I disagree.
There was something besides boredom when I heard that Obama had been re-elected. I thought, "Good." Let's see what he can do for this nation. Let's see what the mighty wave of God has in store, that through a man who spouts corruption, see the Petraeus Scandal, God will move in a mighty way in this nation. I know that America needs to make a change. I know that many are against the "Socialist" approach to healthcare, but I'm one who is against selfishness and the independence that is causing so many people to be lost and unsaved. I'm taking my examples from the Bible. Look what the people did when anything needs to be done in their city. They come together. They pull resources. They do jobs they weren't doing before. And at the end, they come together and do their rejoicing.
Ezra 3: 11And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
In 2 Chronicles 31:20-21 Hezekiah goes throughout Judah doing "what was good and right and faithful before his Lord God." And because "he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly...he prospered."
Let's do that. Regardless of the outcome of the election, let's all continue working hard to do the work that God has called us to do and let's continue believing that He has a plan for all things. That no president is going to overcome God's great plan for us. That even the most corrupt kings in the Old Testament had a change of heart. Manasseh reportedly ranked near the top in a list of corrupt kings, but in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13, "he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God." There could be that kind of movement and if not, they were ousted. Nothing is impossible for him who believes, and I can see a great opportunity for God's love and light to shine. For his arm to move in a way that no man can imagine. It's all going to be good and God! Amen. <3
We do need to come together though and work. We can see in Acts, Chapter 11, Verse 29 and 30 that "the disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. They did this sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."
Wow. Really? The disciples (1)came together and (2)decided to help their (3)
brothers and sisters.
1. Can we come together? Can we lay aside our differences and just pull together to give what extra we do have? I have an awesome visual of that. It looks something like a Thanksgiving dinner open to the community on Thursday morning. It looks like people paying what they can to get a larger building built that would house not just our congregation, but any visitors that were able and all in one service so as to not burn out our pastor.
2. They decided. They made a conscious decision to help. That's what it needs to be, after all. We all want the Holy Spirit to guide us, to tell us how much to give precisely. At least, I did. I stopped doing a Holy Spirit "check" each time the offering went around because it was always a number higher than the one I was holding onto in my mind. I'm not the best at giving generously. I'm working on it. But we have to decide to give, something, anything. They gave, meaning they gifted. If it comes from us as a gift, as a generous desire to help another, don't you think it will inevitably be just right? Maybe not. Maybe you think what you have to give is not good enough, but don't look at it that way. Think about what God can do when we give. He can make fish and loaves more than enough, He can make our offerings far exceed the desired amount.
Lastly, third, the disciples helped their "brothers and sisters." I know for sure I haven't been seeing all Americans as my brothers and sisters, but what if we did? Would that change the way we donated? It would for me, I know that for sure.
I want to stop holding on with fear, with hesitation, questioning whether or not my money, or time, is going to the right place and is going to be appreciated. I even think it would have been hard for to send my gift with Barnabas and Saul, for fear they would spend it along the way on their journey. I'm that way. But I don't want to be. I want to give and give graciously. I want to be that kind of person that my brothers and sisters know they can count on, for anything. God please make a mighty work in me, change my heart to desire what you do, to make decisions that you would have me to make, that the disciples made seemingly effortlessly. Amen.
In Hezekiah's word, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged...for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us fight our battles" (vs 7-8a).
"And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said" (vs 8b). May it be so with us. May our great nation be blessed. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us as we join together in community and find strength in numbers. I know I'm stronger after my marriage, and that was just adding one to my little life circle. Imagine what we all can do!
Have a blessed day!
Sincerely,
Me!<---Jenn :)
Jenn
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Christ's Love is a Symphony
Can you believe He died for you and me?
Not backing down, if it means bringing you into eternity.
Saving your soul from an enemy;
whose ways are real, he's constantly attacking me.
But when I've had enough,
when my vision gets cloudy and the rain starts becoming reality,
I realize I need to run to the King
because He saves me consistently.
There's an image He wants us to have,
one of beauty and grace,
in His arms; my resting place.
The world only offers confusion,
a place where you are comfortable losing,
a daily battle or struggle,
and never gaining control,
but when you give your life to the one and only, Christ.
He makes all of it change, He does away with the strife.
We can live for eternity, bow to the savior, get to know Him by name,
put a fire inside you, an instant flame,
that the world will be drawn to,
so instead of me saving you, it will be the people who you
bring to the Cross, giving hope to the lost.
Turn them away from an enemy,
who threatens their perspectives of life and of love and of beauty.
He came down to save me, He came down in His glory,
He came down so that we could live out our lives
to His beautiful symphony.
Not backing down, if it means bringing you into eternity.
Saving your soul from an enemy;
whose ways are real, he's constantly attacking me.
But when I've had enough,
when my vision gets cloudy and the rain starts becoming reality,
I realize I need to run to the King
because He saves me consistently.
There's an image He wants us to have,
one of beauty and grace,
in His arms; my resting place.
The world only offers confusion,
a place where you are comfortable losing,
a daily battle or struggle,
and never gaining control,
but when you give your life to the one and only, Christ.
He makes all of it change, He does away with the strife.
We can live for eternity, bow to the savior, get to know Him by name,
put a fire inside you, an instant flame,
that the world will be drawn to,
so instead of me saving you, it will be the people who you
bring to the Cross, giving hope to the lost.
Turn them away from an enemy,
who threatens their perspectives of life and of love and of beauty.
He came down to save me, He came down in His glory,
He came down so that we could live out our lives
to His beautiful symphony.
Friday, November 2, 2012
November Second
First of all, Happy Birthday to my step-dad! Not sure of his exact age, but I'm pretty sure that's acceptable as we age, isn't it? I'm not really firm on that fact and my conscience is telling me, "Noo..."
The second point comes from the book I'm reading recently, Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado.
His words,
"When you and I crest Mount Zion and hear the applause of saints, we'll realize this: hands pushed us up the mountain too. The pierced hands of Jesus Christ, the greatest servant who ever lived" (page 135).
So, on November second I'm thankful for all of the hands that have pushed me up the mountain. Some have been obvious life-players, such as my mom or friends, but others were those who smiled at me and reminded me to do the same or opened up into an extraordinarily intimate conversation as if we had known each other for years while in reality we sat patiently "next" in line.
This life is so beautiful, when we have the time to sit and look around at it. Whether it is a moment of reflection while you are driving home in traffic or the silent moments between wrings as you wash out your latest "special wash" t-shirt.
I'm not saying we should stop and ponder all the miracles of life in every moment we have to ourselves, but enjoy them when they come. They are frequent, sometimes far between. I can't explain the variance. God gives them to us in seasons, so as we approach the holidays, lets all be thankful for what we do have instead of focusing on what we don't. I want to be thankful for the love and joy I get to glean from others. I'm thankful for my health and my time together on this Earth with all of you. I'm thankful for my life and the endless chances I've been given to relive it. I'm thankful for love and it's endless possibilities. I'm thankful for friendships that continue to take me by storm and I'm thankful for the book that someone I love placed in my hands that has brought me to this very moment when I am able to write down the words as they come into my mind. I'm thankful for all of that and now I'm wondering what I'll be able to come up with tomorrow since I was planning to list my list only day by day :)
Good night everybody. I hope you had a blessed day and that God continues blessing you and revealing how extremely special and valued you are in His eyes and how deeply He cares for each and every one of us.
Love,
Jennifer Lynn Cotham.
The second point comes from the book I'm reading recently, Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado.
His words,
"When you and I crest Mount Zion and hear the applause of saints, we'll realize this: hands pushed us up the mountain too. The pierced hands of Jesus Christ, the greatest servant who ever lived" (page 135).
So, on November second I'm thankful for all of the hands that have pushed me up the mountain. Some have been obvious life-players, such as my mom or friends, but others were those who smiled at me and reminded me to do the same or opened up into an extraordinarily intimate conversation as if we had known each other for years while in reality we sat patiently "next" in line.
This life is so beautiful, when we have the time to sit and look around at it. Whether it is a moment of reflection while you are driving home in traffic or the silent moments between wrings as you wash out your latest "special wash" t-shirt.
I'm not saying we should stop and ponder all the miracles of life in every moment we have to ourselves, but enjoy them when they come. They are frequent, sometimes far between. I can't explain the variance. God gives them to us in seasons, so as we approach the holidays, lets all be thankful for what we do have instead of focusing on what we don't. I want to be thankful for the love and joy I get to glean from others. I'm thankful for my health and my time together on this Earth with all of you. I'm thankful for my life and the endless chances I've been given to relive it. I'm thankful for love and it's endless possibilities. I'm thankful for friendships that continue to take me by storm and I'm thankful for the book that someone I love placed in my hands that has brought me to this very moment when I am able to write down the words as they come into my mind. I'm thankful for all of that and now I'm wondering what I'll be able to come up with tomorrow since I was planning to list my list only day by day :)
Good night everybody. I hope you had a blessed day and that God continues blessing you and revealing how extremely special and valued you are in His eyes and how deeply He cares for each and every one of us.
Love,
Jennifer Lynn Cotham.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Truth
8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8.
Wow. This is Jesus speaking to His disciples. I love how it came true and imagine, the prophets must have thought Jesus was a dreamer. An idealist, if you will. How could men get out to the "uttermost part of the earth" with language barriers and traveling difficulties? Yet again, maybe they didn't question it for one moment. Either way, imagine how much truer that statement came with the invention of technology and, even earlier, the printing press. I've said this before, even if the Bible is a self-fulfilling prophesy, it's still true. References like that one make me so thrilled because sometimes I wonder who would look at my life and be able to see the tangible effects and truth that God has made a great change in me, therefore He must live? Maybe both examples are needed for someone out there, maybe that someone is myself. I thank God He knows me better than I know myself; that He floods in like a tidal wave and washes out any doubt and replaces it completely with joy and hope. To believe in God is manifold. To go out, to witness, but also to simply live a life that reflects His glory. That comes from being loved. Being loved by God means that without question you can love others. It's amazing and right now, impossible for me to describe more fully, but I promise, it's worth every moment of dedication.
Acts 1:8.
Wow. This is Jesus speaking to His disciples. I love how it came true and imagine, the prophets must have thought Jesus was a dreamer. An idealist, if you will. How could men get out to the "uttermost part of the earth" with language barriers and traveling difficulties? Yet again, maybe they didn't question it for one moment. Either way, imagine how much truer that statement came with the invention of technology and, even earlier, the printing press. I've said this before, even if the Bible is a self-fulfilling prophesy, it's still true. References like that one make me so thrilled because sometimes I wonder who would look at my life and be able to see the tangible effects and truth that God has made a great change in me, therefore He must live? Maybe both examples are needed for someone out there, maybe that someone is myself. I thank God He knows me better than I know myself; that He floods in like a tidal wave and washes out any doubt and replaces it completely with joy and hope. To believe in God is manifold. To go out, to witness, but also to simply live a life that reflects His glory. That comes from being loved. Being loved by God means that without question you can love others. It's amazing and right now, impossible for me to describe more fully, but I promise, it's worth every moment of dedication.
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Friday, October 19, 2012
I love this!
Solomon, the son of David.
In 2 Chronicles, Verse 1.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
The interesting part of this is that he was already committed to building the house of God. God told David that his son was going to build the house of God, not David because he had shed too much blood. In 1 Chronicles, we read over and over again that Solomon is to complete the house of the Lord in David's stead. We hear all of that from first God, but ultimately from David. Can you imagine the pressure? It is like being told you are taking over your father's business. And who knows Solomon's heart while all of this is going on? We don't, that's for sure, but can you imagine? "No, Dad, I want to be an artist, not an architect." Or, "I'm inheriting and entire kingdom, you expect me to do what now?" I can picture this because I know what my heart was feeling. That is, of course, not the reaction of the honorable Solomon. He deals with his calling in a way I would love, and hope, to glean from.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
It is not until this opening of 2 Chronicles that we hear Solomon's heart on the subject. He is telling God, "Challenge accepted." We might have prophesy after prophesy laid on our lives, but it will mean nothing until we purpose to complete it. It is not until he claims his destiny that he, Solomon, begins to ask God for the materials and insight he will need to build a great enough house for the Lord. Now, how can we accept a task that seems greater than our strength and ability? Don't believe that you can do it alone, for starters. Not for a moment did Solomon begin collecting rocks and pebbles on his own and straining his back muscles, telling able-bodied men along the way, "No, no, I've got this. God said for me to build the house." Stubborn and prideful as I might be, Solomon was surely not. It is up to us, however, to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, and to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?" He starts there. He asks to be a great leader, knowing full well that the tak on hand will be challenging, he asks for help. Stop myself there! I am a twenty-four year old woman with no big plans on my life except for the promise that one day I will become a preacher, and for now I am committing myself to a man and we are getting married in a little over a week. Do I dare ask for help? Is it an easy thing to do? Absolutely not! It scares the daylight out of me! Ask for help, for what? I hardly know where to begin. Instead of being bogged down by the idea that I need to say the right things, I want to express my heart to the Lord and surely He will know what needs to happen next. As we will find, if we continue looking to Solomon's life for advice. Do you ever wonder, "Who am I to the Lord and does He really love me?" The answer is "Yes!" He does, but it is up to us to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. When we do this, when we take the time to show God our imperfections, the weaknesses we are trying to hide, He will rush in like a tidal wave to comfort all of our pain. It is in 2 Chronicles 1:11 that we see how much God loves and values Solomon for his individual sake, rather than as a pawn in the scheme of completing the project begun by his father.
"But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him" (2 Chronicles 2:6)?
In 2 Chronicles, Verse 1.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
The interesting part of this is that he was already committed to building the house of God. God told David that his son was going to build the house of God, not David because he had shed too much blood. In 1 Chronicles, we read over and over again that Solomon is to complete the house of the Lord in David's stead. We hear all of that from first God, but ultimately from David. Can you imagine the pressure? It is like being told you are taking over your father's business. And who knows Solomon's heart while all of this is going on? We don't, that's for sure, but can you imagine? "No, Dad, I want to be an artist, not an architect." Or, "I'm inheriting and entire kingdom, you expect me to do what now?" I can picture this because I know what my heart was feeling. That is, of course, not the reaction of the honorable Solomon. He deals with his calling in a way I would love, and hope, to glean from.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
It is not until this opening of 2 Chronicles that we hear Solomon's heart on the subject. He is telling God, "Challenge accepted." We might have prophesy after prophesy laid on our lives, but it will mean nothing until we purpose to complete it. It is not until he claims his destiny that he, Solomon, begins to ask God for the materials and insight he will need to build a great enough house for the Lord. Now, how can we accept a task that seems greater than our strength and ability? Don't believe that you can do it alone, for starters. Not for a moment did Solomon begin collecting rocks and pebbles on his own and straining his back muscles, telling able-bodied men along the way, "No, no, I've got this. God said for me to build the house." Stubborn and prideful as I might be, Solomon was surely not. It is up to us, however, to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, and to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?" He starts there. He asks to be a great leader, knowing full well that the tak on hand will be challenging, he asks for help. Stop myself there! I am a twenty-four year old woman with no big plans on my life except for the promise that one day I will become a preacher, and for now I am committing myself to a man and we are getting married in a little over a week. Do I dare ask for help? Is it an easy thing to do? Absolutely not! It scares the daylight out of me! Ask for help, for what? I hardly know where to begin. Instead of being bogged down by the idea that I need to say the right things, I want to express my heart to the Lord and surely He will know what needs to happen next. As we will find, if we continue looking to Solomon's life for advice. Do you ever wonder, "Who am I to the Lord and does He really love me?" The answer is "Yes!" He does, but it is up to us to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. When we do this, when we take the time to show God our imperfections, the weaknesses we are trying to hide, He will rush in like a tidal wave to comfort all of our pain. It is in 2 Chronicles 1:11 that we see how much God loves and values Solomon for his individual sake, rather than as a pawn in the scheme of completing the project begun by his father.
"11And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
Wow. It makes me feel like the kid who asked for heaps and heaps of presents on Christmas, only to realize that there are children around the world who simply ask for a measly bite to eat and would be completely satisfied. I realize how blessed I am.
"But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him" (2 Chronicles 2:6)?
See, Solomon recognized his weakness. He asks of the Lord because he is unsure of himself. In the same chapter, Solomon proceeds to ask God to send him what he needs. He asks for a builder of gold. He asks for the timber to come to him. He literally asks for everything he needs in order to build the house of the Lord. How much more would you ask for if you knew your work was going to be pleasing and honorable for the heavenly father?
"18And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work."
Now, throughout Chapter 2 many strangers come and offer their help to Solomon. All that he prays for is answered. I love the last verse of this chapter, verse 18. Never fool yourself into thinking that any job oyu have will be accomplished on your own. It took 3,600 overseers. Can you imagine? That is some kind of delegation that I surely need to become more comfortable in.
Lord, please allow me to relinquish the reigns as I prepare for our wedding date. Lord, please allow me to let helpers in and to see a vision clearly from you, so that the task at hand is made that much easier. Lord, please send me those I need to make it a beautiful and fun-filled day. Please send the finances to us to order all of the food we need, and the flowers and the decorations. Please give me a dance floor of wood and lighting across the floor to brighten the yard from overhead. Please send someone with knowledge to run that process. God, thank you for giving me strength and for allowing me to express every single need to you with the faith that you are generous to complete it and faithful to answer our prayers. Amen.
I realize this is not the house of God I'm building. However, it is a representation of how blessed my life has been since I've been able to let my fiance in and express our lives through the love of God. he has blessed us so much already with our family and friends, it is incredible! We needed tables. Got them for free from our church. We needed help preparing the tables. My mom suggested an idea and we ran with it, now each table will be decorated by other individuals and they will prepare the decorations and the place settings. We only ever got the idea to accept so much help from our Pastor who has seen a number of weddings and knew what she was talking about! It's all coming together so nicely and I am extremely grateful and honored. I can't wait to see the final product next Saturday! Or to see my groom waiting at the other end of the aisle! :)
Amen God, and thank you, for all that you do and for all that you are.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Bible Questions...
Hebrews 3:12, 18-19 "See to it brothers that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God."
"And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who had unbelief? 19)So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief."
So any of us who believe, then we do not become disqualified for disobeying?
If I know without a doubt that the living God is present and that "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight" and "everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account,"does it not erase my fear of being inappropriate or wrong since I know He will eventually see it (Hebrews 4:13)? I will never act with disbelief because I know that He exists. The fact that I need to constantly remind myself of all the good He has done in my life in the last eight months alone is a whole different issue (I am apparently full of these).
Now how does this change the way I should behave throughout my days? Knowing every action is viewed and judged by my maker. I am almost scared to view my day through that lens, even though I know it is not for me to judge, but for Him. That is a relief!
If I dare to, since I do, what do I see? I see me behaving like a scared puppy. Afraid to straighten up for fear of being knocked back down. And who is knocking me down? Myself. Myself and my fear of the world. Is that the same as disbelief? Disbelief in the Word perhaps, that I am more than a conqueror since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I see my belief in that same Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit as my strength and the vanquisher of any other harmful disbelief.
The me who wonders, the me who questions and the me who worries is quite ugly. Like the witch from Terry Pratchett's Witches Abroad I'm wondering if I'm the sister trapped in the mirror or the one who is free to roam around and cause mischief? I wake up some mornings knowing full well that my thoughts are not aligning with the love and joy of the Most High, yet I am too weak to change it. I don't hit my knees when maybe I ought. I don't seek the comfort and the strength of those who follow Christ. It clearly calls all of us to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of [us] may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13). I love my God more than anything. My desire is to share His light and His word. Why is it at times I am afraid to speak my mind or to share my heart? Am I afraid I do not align with the word of God or have not, perhaps, positioned myself just so He can use me? There's no positioning I can do, be it hiding under a rock or sitting in the very front pew, that will get my God to take notice or hide myself from His view. He sees us, me and you, and He's using us to do all that we can do. That is such a relief to me, I can hardly wait to really start living for Him! God Almighty :)
I may be weak, I may be wrong, but my position is not one of disbelief and never will be. I pray there has been enough of that. That God's word may overtake me and use me to glorify Him and to encourage my neighbors. Amen.
"And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who had unbelief? 19)So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief."
So any of us who believe, then we do not become disqualified for disobeying?
If I know without a doubt that the living God is present and that "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight" and "everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account,"does it not erase my fear of being inappropriate or wrong since I know He will eventually see it (Hebrews 4:13)? I will never act with disbelief because I know that He exists. The fact that I need to constantly remind myself of all the good He has done in my life in the last eight months alone is a whole different issue (I am apparently full of these).
Now how does this change the way I should behave throughout my days? Knowing every action is viewed and judged by my maker. I am almost scared to view my day through that lens, even though I know it is not for me to judge, but for Him. That is a relief!
If I dare to, since I do, what do I see? I see me behaving like a scared puppy. Afraid to straighten up for fear of being knocked back down. And who is knocking me down? Myself. Myself and my fear of the world. Is that the same as disbelief? Disbelief in the Word perhaps, that I am more than a conqueror since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I see my belief in that same Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit as my strength and the vanquisher of any other harmful disbelief.
The me who wonders, the me who questions and the me who worries is quite ugly. Like the witch from Terry Pratchett's Witches Abroad I'm wondering if I'm the sister trapped in the mirror or the one who is free to roam around and cause mischief? I wake up some mornings knowing full well that my thoughts are not aligning with the love and joy of the Most High, yet I am too weak to change it. I don't hit my knees when maybe I ought. I don't seek the comfort and the strength of those who follow Christ. It clearly calls all of us to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of [us] may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13). I love my God more than anything. My desire is to share His light and His word. Why is it at times I am afraid to speak my mind or to share my heart? Am I afraid I do not align with the word of God or have not, perhaps, positioned myself just so He can use me? There's no positioning I can do, be it hiding under a rock or sitting in the very front pew, that will get my God to take notice or hide myself from His view. He sees us, me and you, and He's using us to do all that we can do. That is such a relief to me, I can hardly wait to really start living for Him! God Almighty :)
I may be weak, I may be wrong, but my position is not one of disbelief and never will be. I pray there has been enough of that. That God's word may overtake me and use me to glorify Him and to encourage my neighbors. Amen.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Cure for the Common Life
Wake up: 6 am
Brush teeth: 2 minutes
Eat Breakfast. (brush teeth again).
It all goes on and on and it can do so with very little purpose. Or, with a purpose we don't recognise and many won't care to see.
I found myself in a similar cycle. I might not have known it, I was going along my life "just fine." But then, every once and awhile, I'd have these episodes when I would just break down and cry. No reason I could think of. Everything was "good." So why did I have an elephant sitting on my chest and an interpretation of Shakespeare's great tragedy frolicking through my mind as I thought of the events of my own life? Well, I was reading this book, Cure for the Common Life, written by Max Lucado and he explains that we all have a bag of assets waiting for us to use. We are born with them, after all God created us in our mothers' wombs and specifically designed us to fulfill a purpose. If we are not fulfilling a specific role, I know precisely how we might feel....like an elephant is sitting on our chests and that we are living out an interpretation of.. you get the point. The point is, I want to be happy. I want to be fulfilled, but most importantly I must fulfill God's calling on my life in order to achieve either of those.
How do I do that?
Not sure yet, plus out of time, but I'll keep posting because more than ever I desire to find the answer...the cure :)
Through prayer I will believe that God will reveal His plan and purpose for me and for all those who find themselves, like me, desperately seeking their callings.
What I do know is that God is good and faithful to reveal all things in due time. I never would have guessed feeling this revived and this refreshed given the journey I know I must embark on, but come one, trips are always exciting and fresh starts are even more refreshing than that. I'm excited to see what God has planned for me and to try to peace (piece) the pieces together.
Clue One: Prophecy. Has God every placed a person in your life to prophesy the the things to come. That's a good place to start!
Skill set: What makes you tick and thrive? Go there. Which jobs include not one or two or only three of those sets, but a majority of them? There will be a job or a duty in which God can use us all!
I have to go for now, but I can guarantee I'll be thinking about this as much as I'm able. I'm praying against anxiety during this time of reflection because I know God is ultimately in control. I also pray for guidance and direction. "The Lord is a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path." Amen! and God bless you!
Love, Jenn
Brush teeth: 2 minutes
Eat Breakfast. (brush teeth again).
It all goes on and on and it can do so with very little purpose. Or, with a purpose we don't recognise and many won't care to see.
I found myself in a similar cycle. I might not have known it, I was going along my life "just fine." But then, every once and awhile, I'd have these episodes when I would just break down and cry. No reason I could think of. Everything was "good." So why did I have an elephant sitting on my chest and an interpretation of Shakespeare's great tragedy frolicking through my mind as I thought of the events of my own life? Well, I was reading this book, Cure for the Common Life, written by Max Lucado and he explains that we all have a bag of assets waiting for us to use. We are born with them, after all God created us in our mothers' wombs and specifically designed us to fulfill a purpose. If we are not fulfilling a specific role, I know precisely how we might feel....like an elephant is sitting on our chests and that we are living out an interpretation of.. you get the point. The point is, I want to be happy. I want to be fulfilled, but most importantly I must fulfill God's calling on my life in order to achieve either of those.
How do I do that?
Not sure yet, plus out of time, but I'll keep posting because more than ever I desire to find the answer...the cure :)
Through prayer I will believe that God will reveal His plan and purpose for me and for all those who find themselves, like me, desperately seeking their callings.
What I do know is that God is good and faithful to reveal all things in due time. I never would have guessed feeling this revived and this refreshed given the journey I know I must embark on, but come one, trips are always exciting and fresh starts are even more refreshing than that. I'm excited to see what God has planned for me and to try to peace (piece) the pieces together.
Clue One: Prophecy. Has God every placed a person in your life to prophesy the the things to come. That's a good place to start!
Skill set: What makes you tick and thrive? Go there. Which jobs include not one or two or only three of those sets, but a majority of them? There will be a job or a duty in which God can use us all!
I have to go for now, but I can guarantee I'll be thinking about this as much as I'm able. I'm praying against anxiety during this time of reflection because I know God is ultimately in control. I also pray for guidance and direction. "The Lord is a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path." Amen! and God bless you!
Love, Jenn
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