Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
May His Name
May His Name be great!!
May His Name and His Glory fill the whole earth!!
May all the earth know that He is The Lord!!
May He move in Greatness and Majesty and Power!!
May everything on earth be made low and may He be High and Lifted Up!!!
Let the Name of the Lord be Greatly Exalted!!
May His Name and His Glory fill the whole earth!!
May all the earth know that He is The Lord!!
May He move in Greatness and Majesty and Power!!
May everything on earth be made low and may He be High and Lifted Up!!!
Let the Name of the Lord be Greatly Exalted!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Twenty-Two Questions
These are the twenty-two questions members of John Wesley's/George Whitefield Holy Club asked themselves every day in their private devotions. What excellent questions to ask ourselves every day. I don't really think I could answer in the correct way to very many, but they don't feel condemnatory; rather, they seem purifying, cleansing, and challenging. They almost seem like a protection against spiritual pride and also at the same time, spiritual apathy. May God keep me humbly in balance and on guard against both.
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression than I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what I was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrusting?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression than I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what I was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrusting?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
To Anonymous
To the anonymous poster who responded to my Quotes by Me. I'm sorry! I will work on making my views more open-minded and less arrogant. : (
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Infinitely Worthy of Universal Obedience
Some intense stuff by A.W. Pink. I like reading stuff like this because it 'keeps me on my toes' so to speak in my Christian walk. : )
Martin Luther on Long Sermons & Other Things
On Long Sermons...
Some plague the people with too long sermons; for the faculty of listening is a tender thing, and soon becomes weary and satiated. ~Luther
And Other Things...
Total Depravity: I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self. ~Luther
Worry: Pray, and let God worry. ~Luther
Marriage: There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. ~Luther
Misplaced Affections: Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God. ~Luther
The Law: The law discovers the disease. The gospel gives the remedy. ~Luther
Monday, February 18, 2008
Be Thankful=More Happiness ☺
The following is part of a short message I gave in youth group entitled, Steps* to True & Lasting Happiness (in no particular order). *this list is not exhaustive My four main points were (1) Excercise self control, (2) Enjoy correction, (3) Fear God, & (4) Be thankful. I had a lot of fun speaking this message and I enjoyed the time I spent acting as youth director.
The message was originally entitled something else and was somewhat scattered and unclear. I had all sorts of ideas but couldn't really figure out what I was trying to say. I asked my dad to look over my notes and he said a few simple statements that helped me to direct my thoughts around the simple them of true and lasting happiness. Here is point #4 of the message:
"One of the greatest things I've learned in life is to be thankful in all things. In Romans 1:21 the Bible describes futile and foolish people with darkened hearts as, “neither glorifying God nor giving thanks to Him.” In the Old Testament, God judged the Israelites when they weren't thankful:“Because you have not served the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you”. Deuteronomy 28:47-48 (NLT) God does not like it when we complain.
The definition of complain is: to express grief, pain, or discontent; to make a formal accusation or charge. How bold! When we complain we are saying that God is not good. That somehow He has not done something right for us. We are telling Him that we know a better how He should handle things. Really when I think about it God has given me so much—that he's saved me from eternity in hell should be enough!! I can just stop right there. I don't have to spend eternity in hell. Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty so I don't have to. Amazing. And not only that but He offers me His Word to live a good and happy lives on this earth!!
The definition of thankful is kind of neat, it means, conscious of benefit received; aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful; well pleased. David, the Psalmist, I think sometimes had trouble being joyful. In Psalms 103 he tells his soul to rejoice and then he begins to list all God's benefits. I'm sure he was smiling by the end (and so was God!)!! We have been given so much. Make an effort to be thankful and grateful for all God has given you!! If you have trouble, tell your soul to be happy and then start listing all God's benefits to you.
Further, we are even to rejoice and be thankful in the trials and difficulties. We can take hope in difficult times knowing that God is working for our good. We can even be encouraged in suffering and trials. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. Maturity, completeness, not lacking anything? Sounds like a pretty happy place to me!
The message was originally entitled something else and was somewhat scattered and unclear. I had all sorts of ideas but couldn't really figure out what I was trying to say. I asked my dad to look over my notes and he said a few simple statements that helped me to direct my thoughts around the simple them of true and lasting happiness. Here is point #4 of the message:
"One of the greatest things I've learned in life is to be thankful in all things. In Romans 1:21 the Bible describes futile and foolish people with darkened hearts as, “neither glorifying God nor giving thanks to Him.” In the Old Testament, God judged the Israelites when they weren't thankful:“Because you have not served the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you”. Deuteronomy 28:47-48 (NLT) God does not like it when we complain.
The definition of complain is: to express grief, pain, or discontent; to make a formal accusation or charge. How bold! When we complain we are saying that God is not good. That somehow He has not done something right for us. We are telling Him that we know a better how He should handle things. Really when I think about it God has given me so much—that he's saved me from eternity in hell should be enough!! I can just stop right there. I don't have to spend eternity in hell. Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty so I don't have to. Amazing. And not only that but He offers me His Word to live a good and happy lives on this earth!!
The definition of thankful is kind of neat, it means, conscious of benefit received; aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful; well pleased. David, the Psalmist, I think sometimes had trouble being joyful. In Psalms 103 he tells his soul to rejoice and then he begins to list all God's benefits. I'm sure he was smiling by the end (and so was God!)!! We have been given so much. Make an effort to be thankful and grateful for all God has given you!! If you have trouble, tell your soul to be happy and then start listing all God's benefits to you.
Further, we are even to rejoice and be thankful in the trials and difficulties. We can take hope in difficult times knowing that God is working for our good. We can even be encouraged in suffering and trials. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. Maturity, completeness, not lacking anything? Sounds like a pretty happy place to me!
“Happy indeed are those whose God is the Lord”. Psalm 144:15b (KJV)
Fear God=Happiness
The following is part of a short message I gave in youth group entitled, Steps* to True & Lasting Happiness (in no particular order). *this list is not exhaustive My four main points were (1) Excercise self control, (2) Enjoy correction, (3) Fear God, & (4) Be thankful. I had a lot of fun speaking this message and I enjoyed the time I spent acting as youth director.
The message was originally entitled something else and was somewhat scattered and unclear. I had all sorts of ideas but couldn't really figure out what I was trying to say. I asked my dad to look over my notes and he said a few simple statements that helped me to direct my thoughts around the simple them of true and lasting happiness. Here is point #3 of the message:
"Fear means: respect, reverence, awe. Another definition is the following: “The fear of God is that awesome reverence of the LORD deriving from being sensitive to His glorious, holy and majestic Person resulting in respect and obedience”.
There is a tendency to emphasize the love of God, and how He was humble and became like one of us, and that He gives second chances because that is the most comfortable, but Romans 11:22 (NLT) says, “Notice how God is both kind and severe”. In addition to being loving and forgiving, He is also holy, just, a consuming fire, and righteous judge.
We must respect that God makes requirements of us. Over and over throughout scripture God promised blessings and friendship for those who obeying his Word and curses and trouble for those who disobeyed His Word (see Deuteronomy 28). In our studies in 1 John we learned that “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands”. 1 John 2:3 (NIV) We must have a respect for God and His commandments. We must try to learn them and hide them in our hearts like Psalm 119:11 (NIV) says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Sin makes God very angry. Though it's difficult to comprehend, people will go to hell for their sins if they do not repent and believe.
Jesus himself said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Mat 10:28 (NIV) It's scary to think that God has the power to throw me into hell! The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6, “We are all infected and impure with sin. And all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” We can never do anything good enough that will save us. Aren't you thankful that “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 5:8 (NIV) Thinking of where I should be going and what Christ has saved me from makes me very happy!!
Philippians 2:12 (NIV) urges us to “work out [y]our own salvation with fear and trembling”. The fear of the Lord is also described as “the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:1 (NIV). And in speaking of people who fear God the Bible says in Psalm 25:12-14 (NLT) “Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the Promised Land. Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant.” Friendship with the Lord sounds pretty good to me!"
The message was originally entitled something else and was somewhat scattered and unclear. I had all sorts of ideas but couldn't really figure out what I was trying to say. I asked my dad to look over my notes and he said a few simple statements that helped me to direct my thoughts around the simple them of true and lasting happiness. Here is point #3 of the message:
"Fear means: respect, reverence, awe. Another definition is the following: “The fear of God is that awesome reverence of the LORD deriving from being sensitive to His glorious, holy and majestic Person resulting in respect and obedience”.
There is a tendency to emphasize the love of God, and how He was humble and became like one of us, and that He gives second chances because that is the most comfortable, but Romans 11:22 (NLT) says, “Notice how God is both kind and severe”. In addition to being loving and forgiving, He is also holy, just, a consuming fire, and righteous judge.
We must respect that God makes requirements of us. Over and over throughout scripture God promised blessings and friendship for those who obeying his Word and curses and trouble for those who disobeyed His Word (see Deuteronomy 28). In our studies in 1 John we learned that “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands”. 1 John 2:3 (NIV) We must have a respect for God and His commandments. We must try to learn them and hide them in our hearts like Psalm 119:11 (NIV) says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Sin makes God very angry. Though it's difficult to comprehend, people will go to hell for their sins if they do not repent and believe.
Jesus himself said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Mat 10:28 (NIV) It's scary to think that God has the power to throw me into hell! The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6, “We are all infected and impure with sin. And all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” We can never do anything good enough that will save us. Aren't you thankful that “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 5:8 (NIV) Thinking of where I should be going and what Christ has saved me from makes me very happy!!
Philippians 2:12 (NIV) urges us to “work out [y]our own salvation with fear and trembling”. The fear of the Lord is also described as “the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:1 (NIV). And in speaking of people who fear God the Bible says in Psalm 25:12-14 (NLT) “Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the Promised Land. Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant.” Friendship with the Lord sounds pretty good to me!"
Paideuo & Mastigoo
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Hebrews 12:5-6
The Greek word for discipline in this verse is paideuo (pahee-dyoo'-o). It means: to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) -- chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach. The Greek word for punish in this verse is even more harsh! It is mastigoo (mas-tig-o'-o) and it means, to flog (literally or figuratively) -- scourge. Sounds pretty intense. Guess that's why the Scripture says not to lose heart.
So if the presence of discipline & punishment is evidence that you are God's child, I think it is safe to say that a lack of the Lord's discipline in your life could only mean one thing and that is, that you are not His son or daughter. I hope to always have the Lord's paideuo and mastigoo in my life!
"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." (Hebrews 12:11)
The Greek word for discipline in this verse is paideuo (pahee-dyoo'-o). It means: to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) -- chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach. The Greek word for punish in this verse is even more harsh! It is mastigoo (mas-tig-o'-o) and it means, to flog (literally or figuratively) -- scourge. Sounds pretty intense. Guess that's why the Scripture says not to lose heart.
So if the presence of discipline & punishment is evidence that you are God's child, I think it is safe to say that a lack of the Lord's discipline in your life could only mean one thing and that is, that you are not His son or daughter. I hope to always have the Lord's paideuo and mastigoo in my life!
"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." (Hebrews 12:11)
Skipping
There's all kind of songs and verses talking about how thinking about God makes you want to clap, shout, dance, and sing. Well, when I think about God it makes me want to skip! : )
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Longing
Sometimes I am just overwhelmed with desire for God. I get so jealous when I think about the disciples and Mary and Martha. How wonderful to walk with Jesus and to eat with Him!! How wonderful to be close to Him physically! I want to be close to Him!! I want to hear Him speak and to walk and talk to Him. I can't wait for heaven when I can!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Planning to Read
I haven't read a book through in a while (the last one I read was Living the Cross-Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney) but I've heard this is a really good book. I plan to read when I get my hands on a copy. I'll write a review when I'd done!
3/11/08-Just ordered it from Amazon.
The Perfect Dress
Love
I had one of the best Valentine's Day ever! It was so wonderful to contemplate the love God has for me and even more so to actually feel a true love, desire and affection for Him. I know my love is nothing compared to God's love, but it's just amazing that silly, selfish me can love God and be satisfied in that alone! I also spent the day, not just thinking about God's love and my love for Him, but I also spent it thinking about how much I love my family and friends. I'm so blessed!! And just thinking about love--I don't think there's anything greater!! I nominate everyday to be Valentine's Day!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Glory
I want to do and be the thing that will bring God the most glory. If God would get more glory by me being single then so be it! I never, ever thought I would be at that place where I could say that with a smiling, joyful heart! I am at God's service, may He use me in whatever way He chooses. By the way, I hate to harp on the fact that I'm single (it seems like all my thoughts sort of revolve around that) but it took me SO long to have any victory over my feelings in that area! God has been SO good to teach and help me in that I just can't stop talking and thinking about it!!
So Hidden
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man has to seek Him first to find her." ~ Maya Angelou
What a beautiful quote! May I be that woman who's heart is so hidden in Christ that a man can only find me when He is first seeking God.
What a beautiful quote! May I be that woman who's heart is so hidden in Christ that a man can only find me when He is first seeking God.
Fastness
"If everything seems under control, you're not moving fast enough" - Mario Andretti 1940
I love this quote! Life moves pretty fast for me a lot of the time and I spend most of it wishing that it would slow down. I feel burdened with busyness and activity. I love the idea that busyness and 'fastness' are good! How fun to find God STILL there in the busyness! God isn't hindered from moving and speaking in the busyness and I think that is SO cool. Of course there is moderation and there is a busyness that leads to exhaustion, but I feel like a great burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Rather than feeling hindered by the busyness, I can embrace it!!
I love this quote! Life moves pretty fast for me a lot of the time and I spend most of it wishing that it would slow down. I feel burdened with busyness and activity. I love the idea that busyness and 'fastness' are good! How fun to find God STILL there in the busyness! God isn't hindered from moving and speaking in the busyness and I think that is SO cool. Of course there is moderation and there is a busyness that leads to exhaustion, but I feel like a great burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Rather than feeling hindered by the busyness, I can embrace it!!
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