I aspire to this:
A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. -Maya Angelou
Just thought I'd share,
-J
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
God Is Greater Than Oversleeping Or Spilled Coffee
That's my mantra for today. God is bigger than the way my day started.
I started a new antihistamine last night. Antihistamines knock the socks off of me every time, so much so that I cannot take them during the day because--no matter what--I WILL fall asleep when I take them. Period. So at 9:00 this morning, there's a kindly knock on my bedroom door: "J, arnth yu suppusd tubby ump?" (Interpreted from the muffled transliteration: Aren't you supposed to be up?) AHHHHHH! Not only am I supposed to be up, I should be walking out the door! I have a class to teach at 9:30 a.m., and it's fifteen minutes away!
This realization is followed by my personal best time for getting presentable, and I am out the door by 9:17 a.m. And I did drive the speed limit. And, I feel, as a personal reward for such restraint at that time*, God turned every light green as I approached. He can be really cool about stuff like this at a moment like that. (Okay, really, this is mercy; just trying to be funny, people!) I pulled into the church parking lot at 9:29 a.m.
But there are still copies of the lesson to be made, and though the levels of adrenaline in my system are REALLY high right now, it would still be good to get a few drops of caffeine in my system. So I start the copier running and dash across the hall, where I try not to trample fellow believers in my attempt to dump into my cup the junk that makes coffee palatable. Then I dash back across the hall, set my cup on the counter and turn to grab my copies. This would be when my bag--also on the counter--decides to shift its center of gravity and redecorate the church, sending the caramel-colored coffee all over the office...oh, and me. AHHHHH!
Off I dash to the restroom to grab feebly insufficient paper towels and return to dab at my mess. Deciding that the coffee was no longer worth the battle, I ask the youth pastor's wife to pray for me and scramble down the hall. Wouldn't you figure that this would be the one week my middle-schoolers decided to turn up on time? But you know, it was still only 9:35 a.m., and they were so relaxed and enjoying themselves, that the class simply began to unfold in a real, communicative way. We slipped straight into prayer time, 'cause one girl already felt comfortable enough to share her request. Usually, this is an environment that I spend 10-15 minutes to creating, but God was way ahead of me this week...and it was wonderful.
And since we saw both grace and mercy in our lesson today, I should point out that the mercy of the green lights mentioned above was counterpointed with this grace: One of the women from my small group apparently got wind of my predicament, and 10 minutes into class, delivered a perfectly souped-up cup of coffee to my class. Now THAT'S grace!
And here's one more little gift given to me today: My entire class drew and decorated a poster with a picture of me, and many kind words. And though I am faceless ("'cause faces are hard, Miss J!"), they painted me in my favorite sweater...the one I was wearing today, ironically. :-) It was kinder and more encouraging than they will ever know. I love those little boogers...
Now in case you missed the lesson this morning, we did a readers' theater of Saul's conversion from two recordings, Acts 9 & 22, followed by an 'ACTION' game, my own personal adaption of Bingo, but of course based on the book we're studying--ACTS. You really should have been there. It was a hoot. And we learned that just as in this story, our class probably includes two kinds of people: those (like Saul) who don't yet know Jesus and are fighting Him; and those (like Ananias) who do know Jesus but don't like what He's calling them to do. And you know what? Neither of them got away with it. When Jesus calls to you, you're gonna respond. Are you listening?
So that was my morning, 9:00 to 10:50 a.m. Whew...I think I'm gonna need a nap.
Blessings,
-J
P.S. Remember a couple of weeks ago when I wasn't prepared for class? Well thankfully, I was already fully prepared for this morning! Could you imagine if I hadn't been? To the praise of His glory!
*This is bad theology and I know it, so don't go getting any ideas or start believing this is true or something silly like that...
(c) 2008
I started a new antihistamine last night. Antihistamines knock the socks off of me every time, so much so that I cannot take them during the day because--no matter what--I WILL fall asleep when I take them. Period. So at 9:00 this morning, there's a kindly knock on my bedroom door: "J, arnth yu suppusd tubby ump?" (Interpreted from the muffled transliteration: Aren't you supposed to be up?) AHHHHHH! Not only am I supposed to be up, I should be walking out the door! I have a class to teach at 9:30 a.m., and it's fifteen minutes away!
This realization is followed by my personal best time for getting presentable, and I am out the door by 9:17 a.m. And I did drive the speed limit. And, I feel, as a personal reward for such restraint at that time*, God turned every light green as I approached. He can be really cool about stuff like this at a moment like that. (Okay, really, this is mercy; just trying to be funny, people!) I pulled into the church parking lot at 9:29 a.m.
But there are still copies of the lesson to be made, and though the levels of adrenaline in my system are REALLY high right now, it would still be good to get a few drops of caffeine in my system. So I start the copier running and dash across the hall, where I try not to trample fellow believers in my attempt to dump into my cup the junk that makes coffee palatable. Then I dash back across the hall, set my cup on the counter and turn to grab my copies. This would be when my bag--also on the counter--decides to shift its center of gravity and redecorate the church, sending the caramel-colored coffee all over the office...oh, and me. AHHHHH!
Off I dash to the restroom to grab feebly insufficient paper towels and return to dab at my mess. Deciding that the coffee was no longer worth the battle, I ask the youth pastor's wife to pray for me and scramble down the hall. Wouldn't you figure that this would be the one week my middle-schoolers decided to turn up on time? But you know, it was still only 9:35 a.m., and they were so relaxed and enjoying themselves, that the class simply began to unfold in a real, communicative way. We slipped straight into prayer time, 'cause one girl already felt comfortable enough to share her request. Usually, this is an environment that I spend 10-15 minutes to creating, but God was way ahead of me this week...and it was wonderful.
And since we saw both grace and mercy in our lesson today, I should point out that the mercy of the green lights mentioned above was counterpointed with this grace: One of the women from my small group apparently got wind of my predicament, and 10 minutes into class, delivered a perfectly souped-up cup of coffee to my class. Now THAT'S grace!
And here's one more little gift given to me today: My entire class drew and decorated a poster with a picture of me, and many kind words. And though I am faceless ("'cause faces are hard, Miss J!"), they painted me in my favorite sweater...the one I was wearing today, ironically. :-) It was kinder and more encouraging than they will ever know. I love those little boogers...
Now in case you missed the lesson this morning, we did a readers' theater of Saul's conversion from two recordings, Acts 9 & 22, followed by an 'ACTION' game, my own personal adaption of Bingo, but of course based on the book we're studying--ACTS. You really should have been there. It was a hoot. And we learned that just as in this story, our class probably includes two kinds of people: those (like Saul) who don't yet know Jesus and are fighting Him; and those (like Ananias) who do know Jesus but don't like what He's calling them to do. And you know what? Neither of them got away with it. When Jesus calls to you, you're gonna respond. Are you listening?
So that was my morning, 9:00 to 10:50 a.m. Whew...I think I'm gonna need a nap.
Blessings,
-J
P.S. Remember a couple of weeks ago when I wasn't prepared for class? Well thankfully, I was already fully prepared for this morning! Could you imagine if I hadn't been? To the praise of His glory!
*This is bad theology and I know it, so don't go getting any ideas or start believing this is true or something silly like that...
(c) 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Lost & Found
Sometimes along life's journey, we realize that we've lost somethings. Sometimes we find other things. This is one of those stories...
LOST:
* All kinds of insecurities
* Hindrances of every sort
* Many physical pains
* Guilt
* Feelings of being out of control
* Many hesitations
* Rolls, and not the yummy kind
* What I affectionately refer to as 'chubby-girl clothes'
* A double chin and extra cheeks
* THIS:
FOUND:
* Confidence
* Unveiled strength
* Joy
* Healing
* Self-control
* All kinds of bones: cheekbones, hip bones, shoulder bones, clavicles, ankle bones...you get the idea :-D
* Clothes from the way-more-options area
* Peace
* A better example
* Healthier eating patterns
* Relief
* THIS:
If lost items are located, please do not notify. I tend to like the found ones. :-)
By His grace thus far, and farther,
-J
(c) 2008
LOST:
* All kinds of insecurities
* Hindrances of every sort
* Many physical pains
* Guilt
* Feelings of being out of control
* Many hesitations
* Rolls, and not the yummy kind
* What I affectionately refer to as 'chubby-girl clothes'
* A double chin and extra cheeks
* THIS:
FOUND:
* Confidence
* Unveiled strength
* Joy
* Healing
* Self-control
* All kinds of bones: cheekbones, hip bones, shoulder bones, clavicles, ankle bones...you get the idea :-D
* Clothes from the way-more-options area
* Peace
* A better example
* Healthier eating patterns
* Relief
* THIS:
If lost items are located, please do not notify. I tend to like the found ones. :-)
By His grace thus far, and farther,
-J
(c) 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Reflections on Resurrection Week
Here are ideas, quotes, and events from last week as we remembered and celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
QUOTES:
** On the Passover Lamb: The lamb had value, but its value couldn't be applied to the Israelites until it was slain. Only those who applied the blood were passed-over.
** The gospel in a nutshell: I love you; I forgive you; Supper's ready! (referring to the future Wedding Feast of the Lamb)
** If with God all things are possible, then with God all things--even death--are reversible (or [my edit], are overcome-able).
** Jesus did not come to make bad men good; He came to make dead men ALIVE!
THOUGHTS
** I was teaching on Sunday from Acts 8, where Philip (the deacon) ends up on a road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza to talk to a guy from Ethiopia about the prophet Isaiah (just trying to get all my prepositions in for the day!). Since they discussed Isaiah 53, and since God providentially worked it such that this lesson fell on Resurrection Sunday, I bounced my middle schoolers over to the Old Testament and began teaching them of the 'Suffering Servant' referred to there. Here is something I learned:
Verse 2 puzzled me, so I did some research (read: called my dad). The verse says: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. I had no idea what this meant, but in my research/phone call, Dad explained. In Jeremiah 36, one branch--the kingly, ruling branch--of David's line was cursed, never to sit on Israel's throne again (see verse 30). Ummmm...that kinda presents a problem since God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7).
But you know, God's not bothered by the stuff that twists our brains in to pretzels. Here's how Jesus is able to both be a descendant of David's kingly line AND sit on the throne: Joseph, the presumed father of Jesus, was a descendant of this kingly line; Mary, the actual mother of Jesus was a descendant of another branch of David's lineage, one not cursed. Since Jesus was Joseph's presumed son, the law afforded Him all the rights and privileges of Joseph (i.e., the right to sit on David's throne), yet He was preserved from the curse because He is biologically only Mary's child, not Joseph's.
Get it? Way cool stuff, huh? I LOVE how God meets all the requirements and yet works salvation, in so many senses. Reminds me of the end of Romans 3, which teaches us how God can be both just and the justifier!
** In worship Sunday, we sang Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), In Christ Alone, and My Savior, My God, all songs posted earlier last week as favorites! (My Savior, My God was posted by Sarah.)
** As I sat in a Maundy Thursday service, I pondered how twisted this celebration would be from any other perspective. And I wrote...
QUOTES:
** On the Passover Lamb: The lamb had value, but its value couldn't be applied to the Israelites until it was slain. Only those who applied the blood were passed-over.
** The gospel in a nutshell: I love you; I forgive you; Supper's ready! (referring to the future Wedding Feast of the Lamb)
** If with God all things are possible, then with God all things--even death--are reversible (or [my edit], are overcome-able).
** Jesus did not come to make bad men good; He came to make dead men ALIVE!
THOUGHTS
** I was teaching on Sunday from Acts 8, where Philip (the deacon) ends up on a road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza to talk to a guy from Ethiopia about the prophet Isaiah (just trying to get all my prepositions in for the day!). Since they discussed Isaiah 53, and since God providentially worked it such that this lesson fell on Resurrection Sunday, I bounced my middle schoolers over to the Old Testament and began teaching them of the 'Suffering Servant' referred to there. Here is something I learned:
Verse 2 puzzled me, so I did some research (read: called my dad). The verse says: He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. I had no idea what this meant, but in my research/phone call, Dad explained. In Jeremiah 36, one branch--the kingly, ruling branch--of David's line was cursed, never to sit on Israel's throne again (see verse 30). Ummmm...that kinda presents a problem since God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7).
But you know, God's not bothered by the stuff that twists our brains in to pretzels. Here's how Jesus is able to both be a descendant of David's kingly line AND sit on the throne: Joseph, the presumed father of Jesus, was a descendant of this kingly line; Mary, the actual mother of Jesus was a descendant of another branch of David's lineage, one not cursed. Since Jesus was Joseph's presumed son, the law afforded Him all the rights and privileges of Joseph (i.e., the right to sit on David's throne), yet He was preserved from the curse because He is biologically only Mary's child, not Joseph's.
Get it? Way cool stuff, huh? I LOVE how God meets all the requirements and yet works salvation, in so many senses. Reminds me of the end of Romans 3, which teaches us how God can be both just and the justifier!
** In worship Sunday, we sang Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), In Christ Alone, and My Savior, My God, all songs posted earlier last week as favorites! (My Savior, My God was posted by Sarah.)
** As I sat in a Maundy Thursday service, I pondered how twisted this celebration would be from any other perspective. And I wrote...
The table was covered with a white cloth, a shroud for the symbols of death hidden beneath it. A roomful of people, each celebrating death, celebrating the shroud and its symbols.
A dark day indeed.
They began to replay the final scenes of his life, recounting with joy his final words. Leaders among them retold the story of the execution, notes of happiness tinging their tones. The celebration of this capital punishment so publicly proffered... They even wore the symbols of his death in their ears, on the their fingers, around their necks...
And so, groups like this meet around the world tonight, remembering the one death worth recounting, worth celebrating; sharing the common bond of the blood and the broken body, remembering...
Just thought I'd share...
-J
(c) 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Shoes, 2008 Version
One reader, after reading last year's Easter Shoes, requested a picture of me IN the shoes! Well, a year later (and more than 50 pounds lighter!), here you are!
Blessings!
Easter 2007
Easter 2008
Blessings!
-J
(c) 2008
Ten Things for Tuesday
For reasons both reasonable and un-, I find myself in a testy mood today. And since there is no good reason to spread that lack-of-joy, I've decided that today's post will be...Ten Bible Passages I Love & Why I Love Them! (That's pretty much the opposite of sharing my b.a.[bad attitude], no?) So here we go, in no particular order:
1. Psalm 116:1-9
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
This is my testimony, particularly of the period in 2000-2001-ish when I suffered from a clinical depression.
2. Isaiah 40:10-26
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?
As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
I love how this passage describes the MIGHT and v.a.s.t.n.e.s.s of Yahweh and the itty-bitty-ness of man and his self-exalted nations.
3. Psalm 103:1-14
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Oh how often I have had to fall on the mercy of my God described in this passage.
4. Romans 14:19-23
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Really, all of chapters 14 & 15. These principles teach me the basis on which I make decisions: Does it lead to peace? Does it build others up? Does it cause my brother to stumble? And most especially, can I do it with a completely clear conscience, or do I have any reservations?
5. Ephesians 1:3-14
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Chosen, loved, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, entrusted with the mystery of Christ, sealed...all to the praise of His glory! What GRACE!
6. Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Want peace? Try editing where you focus your mind. These first few verses are also the first ones where God Himself showed me truth from His Word. I was in middle school, working at a camp, doing my 'devotions.' Suddenly, the truth popped out at me: Christ's peace comes when I=Rejoice! + Let my Gentleness be Evident + Reject Anxiety + Present my Requests to God in Prayer! I LOVE formulas like this one! :-)
7. Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
During a particularly trying period in my life, I learned that waiting and waiting on/for the LORD were two different things. This is a lesson He often reiterates with me; I am often found waiting for Him. This is also a favorite verse of my brother, and he has often sent it to me in moments of need.
8. Psalm 3:5-6 and 4:8
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
I combine these two because they were gifted to me by the Spirit after a particularly terrifying visit to the Korean DMZ. I had lived there more than a year, but until that moment, I really didn't understand the danger of living in a war zone. I was truly frightened, despite the brave American and Korean men guarding me. I calmed down and could sleep only when the Lord Himself reassured me in the verses above that He was my guard.
9. Psalm 107:17-22
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Really, the whole Psalm, but I only included the verses most pertinent to me. It was from this chapter that God taught me that He saves us, not just when problems come upon us, but when bring them upon ourselves, too (as I had at the time I learned this). The four vignettes teach us that sometimes we just encounter trouble, sometimes we bring in on ourselves, and sometimes God sends it (see verse 25), but no matter the source, salvation comes the same way: cry out to the Lord! Isn't He good?!
10. Psalm 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.
The semester before I graduated from college found me crying out to God, asking what was next. My path wasn't clear at all, and I didn't know what to do. One day, while reading in a quiet moment, God gave me this verse, which has given me confidence for every future moment: The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me!
Well, you may not be surprised to hear this, but my bad mood has gone! Reflecting on what the Lord has done and has taught me usually does, doesn't it? I have one final favorite verse, one just for you: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Blessings!
-J
All verses quoted from the New International Version of the Bible.
All other material (c) 2008.
1. Psalm 116:1-9
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
This is my testimony, particularly of the period in 2000-2001-ish when I suffered from a clinical depression.
2. Isaiah 40:10-26
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?
Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?
As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A man too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
"To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
I love how this passage describes the MIGHT and v.a.s.t.n.e.s.s of Yahweh and the itty-bitty-ness of man and his self-exalted nations.
3. Psalm 103:1-14
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Oh how often I have had to fall on the mercy of my God described in this passage.
4. Romans 14:19-23
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Really, all of chapters 14 & 15. These principles teach me the basis on which I make decisions: Does it lead to peace? Does it build others up? Does it cause my brother to stumble? And most especially, can I do it with a completely clear conscience, or do I have any reservations?
5. Ephesians 1:3-14
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Chosen, loved, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, entrusted with the mystery of Christ, sealed...all to the praise of His glory! What GRACE!
6. Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Want peace? Try editing where you focus your mind. These first few verses are also the first ones where God Himself showed me truth from His Word. I was in middle school, working at a camp, doing my 'devotions.' Suddenly, the truth popped out at me: Christ's peace comes when I=Rejoice! + Let my Gentleness be Evident + Reject Anxiety + Present my Requests to God in Prayer! I LOVE formulas like this one! :-)
7. Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
During a particularly trying period in my life, I learned that waiting and waiting on/for the LORD were two different things. This is a lesson He often reiterates with me; I am often found waiting for Him. This is also a favorite verse of my brother, and he has often sent it to me in moments of need.
8. Psalm 3:5-6 and 4:8
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
I combine these two because they were gifted to me by the Spirit after a particularly terrifying visit to the Korean DMZ. I had lived there more than a year, but until that moment, I really didn't understand the danger of living in a war zone. I was truly frightened, despite the brave American and Korean men guarding me. I calmed down and could sleep only when the Lord Himself reassured me in the verses above that He was my guard.
9. Psalm 107:17-22
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Really, the whole Psalm, but I only included the verses most pertinent to me. It was from this chapter that God taught me that He saves us, not just when problems come upon us, but when bring them upon ourselves, too (as I had at the time I learned this). The four vignettes teach us that sometimes we just encounter trouble, sometimes we bring in on ourselves, and sometimes God sends it (see verse 25), but no matter the source, salvation comes the same way: cry out to the Lord! Isn't He good?!
10. Psalm 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.
The semester before I graduated from college found me crying out to God, asking what was next. My path wasn't clear at all, and I didn't know what to do. One day, while reading in a quiet moment, God gave me this verse, which has given me confidence for every future moment: The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me!
Well, you may not be surprised to hear this, but my bad mood has gone! Reflecting on what the Lord has done and has taught me usually does, doesn't it? I have one final favorite verse, one just for you: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Blessings!
-J
All verses quoted from the New International Version of the Bible.
All other material (c) 2008.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Good Music Day
Okay, a friend going through chemo just posted the words to another one of my very favorite songs, so I thought I'd share that with you too, but only in text form. I love that this song focuses on what is true, what the Scriptures teach, not on how we feel.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
In Christ alone who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus dies,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ I live!
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine;
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can every pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home;
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
In Christ Alone
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
In Christ alone who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus dies,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ I live!
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again.
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine;
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can every pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home;
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
In Christ Alone
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
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