"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you."
-1 Peter 5:6-7
Hu-mil-i-ty: a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness
This needs to be our attitude as children of God. I've been realizing my evermore need for patience and trust, in order to let God work. We can let God's almighty love soak in or we can question his authority by not accepting his care for us. If patience leads to being exalted, I'm in. Thank you Lord for this promise!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBfVzxHmB0
[This is my prayer]
Let's empty ourselves, so that he may fill us up.
"If we died with him, we will also live with him." -2 Timothy 2:11
Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
God-box
"A God-box is created when we have an overinflated view of who we are and an underinflated view of who God is. It is created when we do not adequately trust God to be God and to work out His will in His way and in His time. Complete trust is a difficult thing. It requires us to let go! That often overused phrase, Let go and let God, is all about trust. I know most of us would say that we do trust God. I believe we all want to trust God. Oftentimes, however, that's when our God-box comes into play. We trust God as long as the outcome is what we want it to be. I believe that our ability to trust God completely is dependent on our view of who God is...
Trust does not come naturally to most of us. It is true that some temperaments have greater difficulty than others in learning to put their absolute trust in Almighty God. God often deals with us differently as individuals because we each have our own combination of temperaments." -Beverly LaHaye
So many times I limit God to what I expect or desire a certain outcome to be: He is SO much more than that!! Whoa buddy have I been rocked by this concept in the past month. Reminder: God deals with each one of us differently and uniquely as we need (and he knows we need) to be dealt with. Thank him for this special process he creates for us individually.
Continuing to ask and dig into my view of who God is...
[Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. -James 4:10]
Powerful worship:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niSvrfRVvPc
"You can have all my fears God, you can have all my sins, you can have all my weakness, I know you're with me...to the very end. You know me and I know you: you're the God that calms all my storms, you're the voice inside my heard, don't give up. Don't let go. Don't lose trust. Don't lose hope."
Trust does not come naturally to most of us. It is true that some temperaments have greater difficulty than others in learning to put their absolute trust in Almighty God. God often deals with us differently as individuals because we each have our own combination of temperaments." -Beverly LaHaye
So many times I limit God to what I expect or desire a certain outcome to be: He is SO much more than that!! Whoa buddy have I been rocked by this concept in the past month. Reminder: God deals with each one of us differently and uniquely as we need (and he knows we need) to be dealt with. Thank him for this special process he creates for us individually.
Continuing to ask and dig into my view of who God is...
[Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. -James 4:10]
Powerful worship:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niSvrfRVvPc
"You can have all my fears God, you can have all my sins, you can have all my weakness, I know you're with me...to the very end. You know me and I know you: you're the God that calms all my storms, you're the voice inside my heard, don't give up. Don't let go. Don't lose trust. Don't lose hope."
Monday, April 9, 2012
Heart Questions.
Questions on my heart:
Lord...
How is my relationship with you unique to us?
How do we communicate?
How do I glorify and serve you best?
Am I accepting my full identity in you?
Who am I in your eyes? What do you call me?
How are we growing closer?
What have you taught me today?
How do I learn best?
How do we spend time together most intimately?
What is my purpose in your holy kingdom?
What are my desires? Dreams? ...are they for you?
What are my goals for ministry? Future?
How do I share your love and spread your name?
How can I please you more?
Who are you to me?
What lies should be destroyed?
What else can I give you?
What am I holding onto still?
<3
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:12-14
When you open your eyes in the morning, ask the Lord what he has in store for your day. Key: BE willing to accept his answer.
Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 11:9
Who or what do you give the most of your time to? [For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21] Be encouraged!!! Our most high Father wants to spend time with us... Draw near!
Lord...
How is my relationship with you unique to us?
How do we communicate?
How do I glorify and serve you best?
Am I accepting my full identity in you?
Who am I in your eyes? What do you call me?
How are we growing closer?
What have you taught me today?
How do I learn best?
How do we spend time together most intimately?
What is my purpose in your holy kingdom?
What are my desires? Dreams? ...are they for you?
What are my goals for ministry? Future?
How do I share your love and spread your name?
How can I please you more?
Who are you to me?
What lies should be destroyed?
What else can I give you?
What am I holding onto still?
<3
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:12-14
When you open your eyes in the morning, ask the Lord what he has in store for your day. Key: BE willing to accept his answer.
Jeremiah 29:13, Luke 11:9
Who or what do you give the most of your time to? [For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21] Be encouraged!!! Our most high Father wants to spend time with us... Draw near!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Jack + Rose
I am 100% aware that this is a bit of a stretch but I couldn't help but notice some symbolism last night while I was watching Titanic in 3D (ha)...It put realness on my perspective of God's love for us...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfnoSBLXkw
In this scene, Rose (logically) makes a huge mistake by jumping off of the lifeboat onto the sinking ship...Now, ignoring the fact that in this particular story it was a marvelous act of love...we will take the realist approach, meaning=not smart, Rose. The incredible part comes when they are reunited and Jack tells Rose "You are so stupid! Why did you do that!" ...if this were all than it wouldn't portray much, but Jack is overwhelmingly loving Rose by kissing her throughout those comments of distress...
If we consider God's love for us, many times we get tricked into thinking it is conditional or circumstantial, however-no circumstance changes that love. Just as Rose makes a silly decision, we could compare to us making a decision to sin, Jack welcomes her back with beautiful love, just as God welcomes us back with open arms. Because God gave us free will, we tend to stray from him from time to time, but even though we run away from him-when we make a choice to return, he welcomes us back with heavenly kisses and rejoices in our newfound presence with him.
Taking another perspective on this scene, you can also see the symbolism between the sinking ship and our walk with God. It is obviously not going to be easy-and sometimes may even feel like a sinking ship when going through trials or hardships. However, where my father is, I belong too. [Just as Jack and Rose are drawn back to each other on this sinking ship, we will always be drawn back to our precious Lord-in the midst of any trial.] In the Titanic, Rose belongs with Jack, just as we belong to our Father, in this life and eternally. Let's serve him and love him. Draw near.
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. -John 15:4
I've really been into hymns lately-listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk-52Ci68CU&feature=related [How Deep a Father's Love for Us]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwLl5nY5WPI [Nearer, My God to Thee]
PRAY.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfnoSBLXkw
In this scene, Rose (logically) makes a huge mistake by jumping off of the lifeboat onto the sinking ship...Now, ignoring the fact that in this particular story it was a marvelous act of love...we will take the realist approach, meaning=not smart, Rose. The incredible part comes when they are reunited and Jack tells Rose "You are so stupid! Why did you do that!" ...if this were all than it wouldn't portray much, but Jack is overwhelmingly loving Rose by kissing her throughout those comments of distress...
If we consider God's love for us, many times we get tricked into thinking it is conditional or circumstantial, however-no circumstance changes that love. Just as Rose makes a silly decision, we could compare to us making a decision to sin, Jack welcomes her back with beautiful love, just as God welcomes us back with open arms. Because God gave us free will, we tend to stray from him from time to time, but even though we run away from him-when we make a choice to return, he welcomes us back with heavenly kisses and rejoices in our newfound presence with him.
Taking another perspective on this scene, you can also see the symbolism between the sinking ship and our walk with God. It is obviously not going to be easy-and sometimes may even feel like a sinking ship when going through trials or hardships. However, where my father is, I belong too. [Just as Jack and Rose are drawn back to each other on this sinking ship, we will always be drawn back to our precious Lord-in the midst of any trial.] In the Titanic, Rose belongs with Jack, just as we belong to our Father, in this life and eternally. Let's serve him and love him. Draw near.
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. -John 15:4
I've really been into hymns lately-listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk-52Ci68CU&feature=related [How Deep a Father's Love for Us]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwLl5nY5WPI [Nearer, My God to Thee]
PRAY.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
More!!!!
"Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to the cross I cling." -sweet hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YXygCLso9U
The more I seek you, the more I find you
This love is so deep,
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...
-Kari Jobe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YXygCLso9U
The more I seek you, the more I find you
The more I find you, the more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
The more I seek you,
the more I find you.
The more I find you,
the more I love you.
This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...
-Kari Jobe
Ask for more of HIM. Our life here on earth is so weird and foreign--asking for more of him will give us that purpose we long for, but much sweeter, in his holy name: purpose in the kingdom!! Break through my stubbornness Lord! Renewal. Restoration. Healing. Your power is endless.
More please Father!
Monday, April 2, 2012
TRUTH: He is good [through all circumstances]
GIVE THANKS:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
-Psalm 100:4-5
REST IN HIS PROTECTION:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He ALONE is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
-Psalm 91:1-4
TRUST HIS STRENGTH:
O Lord God of Heaven's Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful. You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves...Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
-Psalm 89:8-13
FEAR HIS AUTHORITY:
Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that you may grow in wisdom.
-Psalm 90:11-12
HONOR HIS GREATNESS:
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I Will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.
-Psalm 86:11-13
Praying through the Psalms is such an intimate coping skill with our Lord. Choose him and his promises. He alone is good, through all circumstances. LOVE.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
-Psalm 100:4-5
REST IN HIS PROTECTION:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He ALONE is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
-Psalm 91:1-4
TRUST HIS STRENGTH:
O Lord God of Heaven's Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful. You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves...Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
-Psalm 89:8-13
FEAR HIS AUTHORITY:
Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that you may grow in wisdom.
-Psalm 90:11-12
HONOR HIS GREATNESS:
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I Will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.
-Psalm 86:11-13
Praying through the Psalms is such an intimate coping skill with our Lord. Choose him and his promises. He alone is good, through all circumstances. LOVE.
Beautiful romance in the midst of trials.
http://www.jaypatelphotography.com/gallery [These photos capture a glimpse of the beauty that God aches for in our relationship with HIM.]
In awe of the romance God is drawing us to daily to be nearer to him. This is the true romance: not even close to the romantic images found in my favorite chick flicks. This love is so great that he sacrificed his only son to die in our place--not based on feelings or physical desires. A book I'm reading now makes it very clear that it is based on a choice. A commitment that says, "I will seek your highest good above my own. I will lay down my life for you." And that is what I will do, Father.
If the powerful death of Jesus is not enough to convince, Here is a story which shows a beautiful example of 'a love that lasts through the storms':
Karen & Scott had been happily married for about ten years when something happened that changed their lives forever. Scott, a respected businessman, was driving to work when he collided with a large truck pulling a two-ton trailer. In the accident the trailed landed on top of his car, pinning him underneath. He suffered a severe blow to the head. He had extensive brain damage and couldn't think or communicate as an adult any longer. He didn't even remember Karen at first.
Over the following months, Karen had to adjust to seeing her husband confined to a wheelchair and speaking/acting like a child. He had to be fed, washed, dressed...he was no longer the capable man she had married. Most of us wouldn't blame Karen if she had simply put Scott into a nursing home & gotten on with her life. After all, he could no longer meet any of her needs, and it was a huge burden upon her to care for him when he was like this. But, as Karen puts it, "I remembered that on our wedding day I had made a commitment to Scott...and a commitment isn't meant to be broken!" [Similar to our commitment to trust Christ!]
For years, she faithfully served Scott, loving him even when he didn't remember her or love her back. Today, Scott has made tremendous progress in his condition, yet he still remains physically impaired. He is always in need of Karen's faithful love, help, and support, and she is faithful to give it. How incredible beautiful! This is heroic Christ-like love in action. -Eric & Leslie Ludy
This story captures my heart for so many reasons, but here are just a few:
1) the beautiful image of unconditional love portrayed here in this marriage, just as we are to portray unconditional love in our marriage to Christ...
2) the importance of a commitment and how it is not meant to be broken, even in rough times
3) in the midst of a GINORMOUS trial: Karen's life changed...her relationship with Scott definitely changed...and I'm sure her relationship with Christ changed as well during this huge life change...and yet she still pursued this great love <3
When we go through trials, our relationship with God will obviously have some differences from when we are 'smooth-sailin'...However, the thing that remains is [unconditional] love and trust. We don't have to worry and freak out if we are going through a different season in life, which causes some differences in our relationship with Christ. After all, he brings us through many seasons. As long as we are seeking him wholeheartedly. [You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13...SO good!]
We can recognize with a peace that we are still being romanced and accepting it even through trials and changes coming about. He doesn't want us to give up or feel rejected if our feelings aren't the same about our relationship with him. It's a choice, remember. Seek comfort in this truth that no matter what we are feeling, we have a beautiful romancer at our door, ready to show us the most true love.
There is a beautiful romance in the midst of trials. We just have to open our eyes and be willing to see it.
In awe of the romance God is drawing us to daily to be nearer to him. This is the true romance: not even close to the romantic images found in my favorite chick flicks. This love is so great that he sacrificed his only son to die in our place--not based on feelings or physical desires. A book I'm reading now makes it very clear that it is based on a choice. A commitment that says, "I will seek your highest good above my own. I will lay down my life for you." And that is what I will do, Father.
If the powerful death of Jesus is not enough to convince, Here is a story which shows a beautiful example of 'a love that lasts through the storms':
Karen & Scott had been happily married for about ten years when something happened that changed their lives forever. Scott, a respected businessman, was driving to work when he collided with a large truck pulling a two-ton trailer. In the accident the trailed landed on top of his car, pinning him underneath. He suffered a severe blow to the head. He had extensive brain damage and couldn't think or communicate as an adult any longer. He didn't even remember Karen at first.
Over the following months, Karen had to adjust to seeing her husband confined to a wheelchair and speaking/acting like a child. He had to be fed, washed, dressed...he was no longer the capable man she had married. Most of us wouldn't blame Karen if she had simply put Scott into a nursing home & gotten on with her life. After all, he could no longer meet any of her needs, and it was a huge burden upon her to care for him when he was like this. But, as Karen puts it, "I remembered that on our wedding day I had made a commitment to Scott...and a commitment isn't meant to be broken!" [Similar to our commitment to trust Christ!]
For years, she faithfully served Scott, loving him even when he didn't remember her or love her back. Today, Scott has made tremendous progress in his condition, yet he still remains physically impaired. He is always in need of Karen's faithful love, help, and support, and she is faithful to give it. How incredible beautiful! This is heroic Christ-like love in action. -Eric & Leslie Ludy
This story captures my heart for so many reasons, but here are just a few:
1) the beautiful image of unconditional love portrayed here in this marriage, just as we are to portray unconditional love in our marriage to Christ...
2) the importance of a commitment and how it is not meant to be broken, even in rough times
3) in the midst of a GINORMOUS trial: Karen's life changed...her relationship with Scott definitely changed...and I'm sure her relationship with Christ changed as well during this huge life change...and yet she still pursued this great love <3
When we go through trials, our relationship with God will obviously have some differences from when we are 'smooth-sailin'...However, the thing that remains is [unconditional] love and trust. We don't have to worry and freak out if we are going through a different season in life, which causes some differences in our relationship with Christ. After all, he brings us through many seasons. As long as we are seeking him wholeheartedly. [You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13...SO good!]
We can recognize with a peace that we are still being romanced and accepting it even through trials and changes coming about. He doesn't want us to give up or feel rejected if our feelings aren't the same about our relationship with him. It's a choice, remember. Seek comfort in this truth that no matter what we are feeling, we have a beautiful romancer at our door, ready to show us the most true love.
There is a beautiful romance in the midst of trials. We just have to open our eyes and be willing to see it.
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