What do you prioritize in your life? What do you make time for? That's something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and I thank God that He has caused me to consider where my time is spent and how important it is to redeem the time that He's given us.
If you've kept watch, a lot of TIME has passed since I last posted a blog. I'm not really proud of that, because it hasn't been that the Lord hasn't blessed me. It's been because I haven't prioritized sharing what He's done or even giving adequate time to the Lord. It's not easy to make time for everything that life brings at you. I've been very busy lately, and some things in my life have caused me to reflect on my time, and how I can use it better.
I was able to go to the revival Bro. Darrell Johnson held in Sapulpa this past weekend. I really got a lot of good from the meeting, and the last message was the one that stood out to me the most. He talked about time, and how important it is to make time for the Lord. There are a lot of things we can spend our time in, and a lot of distractions that can inhibit our time with the Lord. But, we have to prioritize time with God or our lives will slip away. He talked a lot about how we don't know how much time we have left, so we need to redeem what time we are blessed with. Ephesians 5:15-16 says:
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
This verse is used a lot, but it really hit me. We only have a certain amount of time in a day. But each day is a fresh day, and that time can be used however we choose to spend it. We have to be careful of what things occupy our time and ensure that we give enough time for God to deal with us how He wants. The days are evil. Things can drag us down and get us distracted and sometimes in trouble. We are instructed to be watchful over that.
When I started college, I knew that I would be busy, but I didn't realize how much time it would take me to keep up with school and work. As a teenager, it's hard for me to immediately come to grips with managing work, school, and a relationship, so it takes a lot of God to keep me afloat. But what happens if I don't spend enough time with God? I'll sink. That's what God was trying to point out to me. If I allow my life to be so caught up and busy -- even if it's in lawful and profitable things -- but neglect my soul, I'll end up way worse than if I relaxed on some things and let God have control.
Bro. Darrell made the point that we will always have time for what we put first. I don't want a 50% relationship with God, so I have to put Him first ALWAYS. It's something that I have been thinking a lot about, and God sent a message at a perfect time for me to receive it. Isn't He good? I want to encourage anyone who is struggling with managing a busy schedule or just life in general... put God first. He is faithful to bless us when we are willing to make Him our first priority. The other things in life become easier to deal with.
God also showed me a verse, and I'm very thankful that he brought it out to me. It's in Colossians 1:19, and it says:
"For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell."
All fullness and fulfillment should be found in Christ. That is where our happiness and enthusiasm rests. Life is full only if lived in Christ. I pray that God will help me refocus my joy to live a life for Him above all else. I firmly believe that when we have our spiritual life taken care of, other parts of life will go more smoothly. We'll enjoy the good parts better and be able to handle the difficulties more easily. That's because our soul can be satisfied by an experience nothing on earth can replicate. We can have peace and assurance in knowing that our heart is fixed on God and that He is faithful to be with us.
I have a good life. God has blessed me tremendously. I don't want to neglect my spiritual experience or neglect to thank God for how He has been faithful to me. I pray that He'll help me to better prioritize the important things of life and realize that He'll help me deal with the rest if I put Him first.
And I hope I can continue to share the things God shows me along the way. It's an encouragement to me to express my feelings, and I hope it will bless and encourage you, too. So as always...
Keep encouraged!
Monday, October 29, 2018
Monday, September 17, 2018
Peace in the Midst of Confusion
From Summer Beverage:
I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me a testimony of His peace in my life over the past few months, and really over the past year.
Having an eternal peace is something that never really meant something to me more than the occasional good message that was preached on it. It wasn’t until I found myself in utter chaos that I realized it was only the Lord's peace that could get me out of this state. This spring I heard a couple of different messages preached by Bro. Joseph Gellenbeck that really showed me the “rest and peace” the Lord wanted to show me.
I really don’t know if I can describe it in the way that I want to, but its almost as if a switch was flipped. Like the Lord said, “Ok you’ve got to start having more faith that I can give you peace.”
I began to pray more earnestly. Asking for guidance on not only the big things, but the little things. This entire time not even realizing that this was all to guide me into this summer.
As a certain situation occurred, my natural response was to just “figure it out." Confusion swept over me like I’ve never felt before. I got frustrated that this was happening and that I didn’t know the answer right away. This confusion started taking over my thoughts in most aspects in my life. That's when I just stopped and realized that I couldn’t do it anymore.
Then I started asking the Lord to just take the situation into His hands. And to please give me the answers. God had other plans. I really feel that God gave me just enough answers for me to realize “He’s got this”.
At this point, I really felt that the Lord was just going to give me the answers, because I asked Him to. That's not what happened. I began to get discouraged that I wasn’t doing anything and that I should be doing something. This train of thought led me to put God in boxes. Because I was so desperate to have an answer, I would say “But the Lord told me…”.
I wish I could say a certain day when I felt this “powerful wind” give me an answer. Or that I had this strong feeling of peace come over me all at once. But no, God really does work in mysterious ways.
After praying over and over again for peace and deliverance from this, I slowly started feeling the eternal peace that I wanted so badly. Again, I don’t know if I can explain this in the way that I want, but looking back I wish I could only share the peace that God has given me. It was only after I was forced to humble myself and surrender to the Lord that I felt His peace. And the funny part is, Once I surrendered to the Lord, needing to know the answers suddenly became less important to me.
I’ll be honest, I feel more than a little hypocritical saying this, Because I’m definitely the same person that gets worried over decisions (big or small). But I now can say that through prayer, a surrendering of myself, and a realization of just how much is out of my control, God showed me His love more than ever before.
Just recently I’ve been finding scriptures that have really given me an assurance. One being Isaiah 42:16 -- “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them and not forsake them."
I’m just so thankful to the Lord for showing me if I’ll just surrender my self, and have faith and trust in Him, He will give me a peace that earthly problems cannot consume. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Having this peace doesn’t mean that He’ll give me the answers right away, but that it is in Gods hands. So there’s no reason to worry about it. ;)
I hope this testimony can show someone that it really is worth it to lay yourself down and receive the eternal peace that God wants to give!
- Summer Beverage
I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me a testimony of His peace in my life over the past few months, and really over the past year.
Having an eternal peace is something that never really meant something to me more than the occasional good message that was preached on it. It wasn’t until I found myself in utter chaos that I realized it was only the Lord's peace that could get me out of this state. This spring I heard a couple of different messages preached by Bro. Joseph Gellenbeck that really showed me the “rest and peace” the Lord wanted to show me.
I really don’t know if I can describe it in the way that I want to, but its almost as if a switch was flipped. Like the Lord said, “Ok you’ve got to start having more faith that I can give you peace.”
I began to pray more earnestly. Asking for guidance on not only the big things, but the little things. This entire time not even realizing that this was all to guide me into this summer.
As a certain situation occurred, my natural response was to just “figure it out." Confusion swept over me like I’ve never felt before. I got frustrated that this was happening and that I didn’t know the answer right away. This confusion started taking over my thoughts in most aspects in my life. That's when I just stopped and realized that I couldn’t do it anymore.
Then I started asking the Lord to just take the situation into His hands. And to please give me the answers. God had other plans. I really feel that God gave me just enough answers for me to realize “He’s got this”.
At this point, I really felt that the Lord was just going to give me the answers, because I asked Him to. That's not what happened. I began to get discouraged that I wasn’t doing anything and that I should be doing something. This train of thought led me to put God in boxes. Because I was so desperate to have an answer, I would say “But the Lord told me…”.
I wish I could say a certain day when I felt this “powerful wind” give me an answer. Or that I had this strong feeling of peace come over me all at once. But no, God really does work in mysterious ways.
After praying over and over again for peace and deliverance from this, I slowly started feeling the eternal peace that I wanted so badly. Again, I don’t know if I can explain this in the way that I want, but looking back I wish I could only share the peace that God has given me. It was only after I was forced to humble myself and surrender to the Lord that I felt His peace. And the funny part is, Once I surrendered to the Lord, needing to know the answers suddenly became less important to me.
I’ll be honest, I feel more than a little hypocritical saying this, Because I’m definitely the same person that gets worried over decisions (big or small). But I now can say that through prayer, a surrendering of myself, and a realization of just how much is out of my control, God showed me His love more than ever before.
Just recently I’ve been finding scriptures that have really given me an assurance. One being Isaiah 42:16 -- “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them and not forsake them."
I’m just so thankful to the Lord for showing me if I’ll just surrender my self, and have faith and trust in Him, He will give me a peace that earthly problems cannot consume. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Having this peace doesn’t mean that He’ll give me the answers right away, but that it is in Gods hands. So there’s no reason to worry about it. ;)
I hope this testimony can show someone that it really is worth it to lay yourself down and receive the eternal peace that God wants to give!
- Summer Beverage
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Take Up Your Cross
From Damon Sallee:
Take Up Your Cross
I want to thank God for the challenges that He has been giving me in my spiritual walk with Him. He's been dealing with me a lot recently on giving him 100%.
Through the past few months, I've been doing a lot of spiritual warfare. I'm thankful for that. It lets me know which side I'm on.
I’m finding that spiritually, you get out what you put in. An awesome Christian experience isn’t a default. It’s something you must work at. I’m finding God’s blessings become greater as I surrender more of myself to Him.
We all fight the same kind of battles: spiritual lethargy, failures, and struggles unique to our personality. Sometimes while fighting those battles, we miss what God is really trying to tell us. David prayed that God would search him and know his heart, that He would try him and know his thoughts and that He would see if there was any wicked way in him.
I pray the same prayer for myself, but I’ve found in times past that when I would pray that prayer, one thing would come back to my mind over and over, so much so that I began to push it out of my mind and say, “Lord, I know about that, and I’ll try to do better in it and fix it when I get some time.”
I’d make some resolutions, and maybe some promises, and that would appease my conscience a little, but it never took care of the problem. I’d find myself asking, “Okay, but is there anything else?” And then I’d focus on something different but would fail to address what He had dealt with me about in the first place.
God started dealing with me about that. You can’t choose to disregard His instructions and expect to maintain a joyful spiritual experience. Disobedience costs a lot. My experience suffered greatly because I kept pushing Him off and making excuses. Telling God, “I’ll do it later,” seemed to be better than saying, “No. I won’t do it.” But it wasn’t. God dealt with me with the intention that I would follow Him immediately.
I think of 2 Corinthians 6:2. “… I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
When God deals with you, then is the time to take care of the problem, unless He instructs otherwise. If you don’t know how to go about it, that doesn’t give you a valid excuse to push it off. Seek for wisdom earnestly until He gives it to you.
I am finding that this is part of “putting in” for your salvation. It’s not an easy thing. Seeking His will and direction takes dedication and much determination. Doing it requires humility, submission, and trust that He knows what is best for you.
When I realized His will and what action He wanted me to take, but chose to push it off, my spiritual growth came to a standstill. Can God bless me in my disobedience? I can attest to the fact that He can’t. My life became very miserable. The peace and joy that had been in my soul was replaced with inner turmoil. God through His abundant mercy kept dealing with me, and slowly I began to see that peace comes through obedience and surrender to His will, regardless of what it costs.
Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”
He also said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
I thank God from the bottom of my heart that He has shown me the importance of unconditional surrender and submission of my will to His will. That’s all that He asks of me, to be “a living sacrifice.”
Now His Holy Spirit is content to dwell within me, and spiritual peace is restored. I still have trials and hard times. I still get confused about things, but there’s one thing that is of great comfort to me. It’s Joy. What is Joy?
J-esus O-wning Y-ou
I have willingly put myself into His hands, to do His will no matter what it may be, no matter what it costs, because Jesus owns me, and “He will only permit what is best.” His thoughts are “of peace, and not of evil, to give me an expected end.”
And this brings me to my current testimony.
ELS #87 “I Know My Name Is There”
My name is in the Book of Life,
Oh, bless the name of Jesus!
I rise above all doubt and strife,
And read my title clear.
Yet, inward trouble often cast
A shadow o'er my title,
But now with full salvation blest,
Praise God! It's ever clear.
While others climb thro' wordly strife
To carve a name of honor,
High up in Heaven's Book of Life,
My name is written there.
I know my name is there. I know that God will “perfect that which concerneth me” and that I can trust Him to guide me in the future decisions of life. I can trust my life in His hands. And now I choose daily to put it into action. And I ask for His strength to do so.
I encourage anyone who reads this to take up your cross and follow Him with renewed dedication, realizing that your strength is not of yourself but is given by Him as you ask for it and meet the requirements that He has shown to you.
- Damon Sallee
Take Up Your Cross
I want to thank God for the challenges that He has been giving me in my spiritual walk with Him. He's been dealing with me a lot recently on giving him 100%.
Through the past few months, I've been doing a lot of spiritual warfare. I'm thankful for that. It lets me know which side I'm on.
I’m finding that spiritually, you get out what you put in. An awesome Christian experience isn’t a default. It’s something you must work at. I’m finding God’s blessings become greater as I surrender more of myself to Him.
We all fight the same kind of battles: spiritual lethargy, failures, and struggles unique to our personality. Sometimes while fighting those battles, we miss what God is really trying to tell us. David prayed that God would search him and know his heart, that He would try him and know his thoughts and that He would see if there was any wicked way in him.
I pray the same prayer for myself, but I’ve found in times past that when I would pray that prayer, one thing would come back to my mind over and over, so much so that I began to push it out of my mind and say, “Lord, I know about that, and I’ll try to do better in it and fix it when I get some time.”
I’d make some resolutions, and maybe some promises, and that would appease my conscience a little, but it never took care of the problem. I’d find myself asking, “Okay, but is there anything else?” And then I’d focus on something different but would fail to address what He had dealt with me about in the first place.
God started dealing with me about that. You can’t choose to disregard His instructions and expect to maintain a joyful spiritual experience. Disobedience costs a lot. My experience suffered greatly because I kept pushing Him off and making excuses. Telling God, “I’ll do it later,” seemed to be better than saying, “No. I won’t do it.” But it wasn’t. God dealt with me with the intention that I would follow Him immediately.
I think of 2 Corinthians 6:2. “… I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
When God deals with you, then is the time to take care of the problem, unless He instructs otherwise. If you don’t know how to go about it, that doesn’t give you a valid excuse to push it off. Seek for wisdom earnestly until He gives it to you.
I am finding that this is part of “putting in” for your salvation. It’s not an easy thing. Seeking His will and direction takes dedication and much determination. Doing it requires humility, submission, and trust that He knows what is best for you.
When I realized His will and what action He wanted me to take, but chose to push it off, my spiritual growth came to a standstill. Can God bless me in my disobedience? I can attest to the fact that He can’t. My life became very miserable. The peace and joy that had been in my soul was replaced with inner turmoil. God through His abundant mercy kept dealing with me, and slowly I began to see that peace comes through obedience and surrender to His will, regardless of what it costs.
Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”
He also said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
I thank God from the bottom of my heart that He has shown me the importance of unconditional surrender and submission of my will to His will. That’s all that He asks of me, to be “a living sacrifice.”
Now His Holy Spirit is content to dwell within me, and spiritual peace is restored. I still have trials and hard times. I still get confused about things, but there’s one thing that is of great comfort to me. It’s Joy. What is Joy?
J-esus O-wning Y-ou
I have willingly put myself into His hands, to do His will no matter what it may be, no matter what it costs, because Jesus owns me, and “He will only permit what is best.” His thoughts are “of peace, and not of evil, to give me an expected end.”
And this brings me to my current testimony.
ELS #87 “I Know My Name Is There”
My name is in the Book of Life,
Oh, bless the name of Jesus!
I rise above all doubt and strife,
And read my title clear.
Yet, inward trouble often cast
A shadow o'er my title,
But now with full salvation blest,
Praise God! It's ever clear.
While others climb thro' wordly strife
To carve a name of honor,
High up in Heaven's Book of Life,
My name is written there.
I know my name is there. I know that God will “perfect that which concerneth me” and that I can trust Him to guide me in the future decisions of life. I can trust my life in His hands. And now I choose daily to put it into action. And I ask for His strength to do so.
I encourage anyone who reads this to take up your cross and follow Him with renewed dedication, realizing that your strength is not of yourself but is given by Him as you ask for it and meet the requirements that He has shown to you.
- Damon Sallee
Monday, August 6, 2018
Guidance
I've been thinking a lot about the Lord's guidance, and the way He works in our lives. Isn't it super cool that we can go to the Lord for counsel and direction? He's really shown Himself strong to me lately, and I want to praise Him for that, hoping it will be an encouragement to you all as well.
This summer has been a very eventful one for me. I graduated high school (YAY) and have moved on to a new, different stage in life: work. Super fun, isn't it? I'm actually really enjoying what I do, but I'll get into that a little later. I'll preface this story by saying this: I've never been accused of being a workaholic. ;P A lot of it has to do with my personality. I enjoy having fun, being with people, and make people laugh. There's nothing wrong with that -- unless it makes me lazy. And, I'll admit, I've had my fair share of moments (and still do sometimes...). But, God has shown me several things in this year, helped me to mature a little more, and given me opportunities to prove myself.
Originally, I had intended to get a job while I was still in high school. But there were several things that hindered me. I really didn't want to work at a fast food restaurant because coming home every night smelling like a French fry didn't sound appetizing (ha), and to get many hours, I would have to work late, which wouldn't help with my homework schedule. Most other jobs I found required that I be available at any time of day, or hours that conflicted with my public school schedule. I was becoming discouraged with job searching, and as my graduation came and went, nothing changed. I didn't have a job.
The Lord had shown me a verse in devotions several months ago that had given me faith about looking for a job. The verse is in Isaiah 49:2-3. It says:
"...in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; [3] and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
This may not seem like a verse that is an encouragement for a job, but the Lord revealed it to me in a special, personal way. The shadow isn't normally seen as a positive, cheerful thing. It can be mysterious and sometimes scary, as opposed to the bright, sparkling sun. He let me see that my personality was sunny -- fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, and cheery. But if you're in the sun too long, you'll get burned. God has to bring us into the shadows. They might seem a little scary or unpleasant at first. They're not as exciting as having fun in the sun, but it's a necessary place for protection. God showed me that I had to get out of the sun. Out of the excitement and into a place where He desired I would be. For me, that was a job.
The rest of the verse made the impact so much more real. First of all, God's going to be with me. He's not sending me off alone to the influences of the world. He's going to be with me, protecting me while I'm there. It's going to make me polished, more mature, and useful for the Lord. A shaft or arrow is acutely refined. It's straight, smooth, and without knots. God can use circumstances in our lives to help us "grow up" and become a perfected vessel for His use. He'll put us in His quiver, ready for use when He so chooses. The last part of the third verse clinched it. "Thou art my servant." Ultimately, the Lord is in control of my life. If I want to serve Him, I have to give Him the keys AND let Him drive. He'll be glorified when we obey His leadings. So, stay with me. I pursued getting a job.
Yet, it seemed as though nothing was working out. I had felt encouraged and inspired... I believed God had given me a sign with that verse. A sign of confirmation that I need to look for a job, and a sign of His blessing on my efforts to do so. I asked Him why things weren't falling into place. I didn't feel anything change. It all felt like God was just letting life happen, and not intervening on my behalf. So I soldiered on, putting in applications, looking for scenarios that might work.
Then, I went to Guthrie for the May meeting, and on almost the last day, I got a call from Twin Oaks Custom Cabinets, the company where my dad works.. They wanted an interview. Needless to say, I was excited. I set up an interview, and a few days after going home, I interviewed. Here's the caveat, though (there's always something, isn't there?) My family had planned a vacation right after the West Virginia meeting that was about to start. I would be away from home for about 3 weeks. I let them know of that situation during the interview, knowing it could hurt my chances of being hired.
Listen close, ya'll. This is the Lord. During the interview, the lady interviewing me asked when I was getting back from vacation, and I told her July 2nd. The interview continued a little longer, and then, as we were wrapping it up, she said "Well, we'll plan to see you on July 2nd, 8:00 am."
*jaw drop*
I didn't know what to think. In my first interview, I was hired on the spot. The Lord worked it out for me. He gave me a job when I wasn't seeing anything work out. He allowed the timing to work out where I could still go to the West Virginia meeting and go on vacation with my family -- two things that were very important to me. It still amazes me how he worked it out for me. I have enjoyed my job a lot, and even though I had to give up a lot of time during Monark to work, the Lord was faithful to me when I was there. I can still count my blessings that I was able to attend during the evenings and weekends and receive good from the services I was in.
Isn't it amazing how the Lord guides us. He works in mysterious ways. We don't always see why or how He does things, but as Romans 8:28 says, He's working them for our good if we're diligent to follow Him. The Lord showed me a verse after Monark was over, and I was reflecting on all that God has done for me this summer. It's in John 3:8, and it says:
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
The Spirit of the Lord works a lot like the wind. We see the effects of His workings. We see the things He does for us, and recognize His presence with us. Yet, it's unexpected and unpredictable. We often don't understand the why. We can't see beyond our human vision to understand the mind of God. It's a trial of our faith sometimes. I didn't understand why God wasn't allowing things to work out for so long, or when I wanted. But now, I can see that it was a lesson in faith, dependence, and simply trusting in God to do what is best for me. I fully believe the situation He's placed me in is the right one, and better than the ideas I had myself. It's amazing how God can work a perfect plan. He has His way in the whirlwind, and though we can't discern the way He chooses to work, we'll feel the gentle breeze, His spirit directing the path of His children.
I'm very thankful to the Lord for His guidance to me. If you've made it this far, you're a trooper. I tend to get long-winded sometimes, but I really felt inspired to share my experience, in hopes that it might encourage you all that God knows what He's doing... and He's doing it all for us. :) I've really learned a lot in this spiritual journey the Lord has taken me on. I appreciate His faithfulness to me and for giving me so much help during this summer. It's been a time of necessary growth for me, and I anticipate that a change in me is still coming. I love you all, and pray that God will keep us all nearer and nearer to Him. Pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
This summer has been a very eventful one for me. I graduated high school (YAY) and have moved on to a new, different stage in life: work. Super fun, isn't it? I'm actually really enjoying what I do, but I'll get into that a little later. I'll preface this story by saying this: I've never been accused of being a workaholic. ;P A lot of it has to do with my personality. I enjoy having fun, being with people, and make people laugh. There's nothing wrong with that -- unless it makes me lazy. And, I'll admit, I've had my fair share of moments (and still do sometimes...). But, God has shown me several things in this year, helped me to mature a little more, and given me opportunities to prove myself.
Originally, I had intended to get a job while I was still in high school. But there were several things that hindered me. I really didn't want to work at a fast food restaurant because coming home every night smelling like a French fry didn't sound appetizing (ha), and to get many hours, I would have to work late, which wouldn't help with my homework schedule. Most other jobs I found required that I be available at any time of day, or hours that conflicted with my public school schedule. I was becoming discouraged with job searching, and as my graduation came and went, nothing changed. I didn't have a job.
The Lord had shown me a verse in devotions several months ago that had given me faith about looking for a job. The verse is in Isaiah 49:2-3. It says:
"...in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; [3] and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
This may not seem like a verse that is an encouragement for a job, but the Lord revealed it to me in a special, personal way. The shadow isn't normally seen as a positive, cheerful thing. It can be mysterious and sometimes scary, as opposed to the bright, sparkling sun. He let me see that my personality was sunny -- fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, and cheery. But if you're in the sun too long, you'll get burned. God has to bring us into the shadows. They might seem a little scary or unpleasant at first. They're not as exciting as having fun in the sun, but it's a necessary place for protection. God showed me that I had to get out of the sun. Out of the excitement and into a place where He desired I would be. For me, that was a job.
The rest of the verse made the impact so much more real. First of all, God's going to be with me. He's not sending me off alone to the influences of the world. He's going to be with me, protecting me while I'm there. It's going to make me polished, more mature, and useful for the Lord. A shaft or arrow is acutely refined. It's straight, smooth, and without knots. God can use circumstances in our lives to help us "grow up" and become a perfected vessel for His use. He'll put us in His quiver, ready for use when He so chooses. The last part of the third verse clinched it. "Thou art my servant." Ultimately, the Lord is in control of my life. If I want to serve Him, I have to give Him the keys AND let Him drive. He'll be glorified when we obey His leadings. So, stay with me. I pursued getting a job.
Yet, it seemed as though nothing was working out. I had felt encouraged and inspired... I believed God had given me a sign with that verse. A sign of confirmation that I need to look for a job, and a sign of His blessing on my efforts to do so. I asked Him why things weren't falling into place. I didn't feel anything change. It all felt like God was just letting life happen, and not intervening on my behalf. So I soldiered on, putting in applications, looking for scenarios that might work.
Then, I went to Guthrie for the May meeting, and on almost the last day, I got a call from Twin Oaks Custom Cabinets, the company where my dad works.. They wanted an interview. Needless to say, I was excited. I set up an interview, and a few days after going home, I interviewed. Here's the caveat, though (there's always something, isn't there?) My family had planned a vacation right after the West Virginia meeting that was about to start. I would be away from home for about 3 weeks. I let them know of that situation during the interview, knowing it could hurt my chances of being hired.
Listen close, ya'll. This is the Lord. During the interview, the lady interviewing me asked when I was getting back from vacation, and I told her July 2nd. The interview continued a little longer, and then, as we were wrapping it up, she said "Well, we'll plan to see you on July 2nd, 8:00 am."
*jaw drop*
I didn't know what to think. In my first interview, I was hired on the spot. The Lord worked it out for me. He gave me a job when I wasn't seeing anything work out. He allowed the timing to work out where I could still go to the West Virginia meeting and go on vacation with my family -- two things that were very important to me. It still amazes me how he worked it out for me. I have enjoyed my job a lot, and even though I had to give up a lot of time during Monark to work, the Lord was faithful to me when I was there. I can still count my blessings that I was able to attend during the evenings and weekends and receive good from the services I was in.
Isn't it amazing how the Lord guides us. He works in mysterious ways. We don't always see why or how He does things, but as Romans 8:28 says, He's working them for our good if we're diligent to follow Him. The Lord showed me a verse after Monark was over, and I was reflecting on all that God has done for me this summer. It's in John 3:8, and it says:
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
The Spirit of the Lord works a lot like the wind. We see the effects of His workings. We see the things He does for us, and recognize His presence with us. Yet, it's unexpected and unpredictable. We often don't understand the why. We can't see beyond our human vision to understand the mind of God. It's a trial of our faith sometimes. I didn't understand why God wasn't allowing things to work out for so long, or when I wanted. But now, I can see that it was a lesson in faith, dependence, and simply trusting in God to do what is best for me. I fully believe the situation He's placed me in is the right one, and better than the ideas I had myself. It's amazing how God can work a perfect plan. He has His way in the whirlwind, and though we can't discern the way He chooses to work, we'll feel the gentle breeze, His spirit directing the path of His children.
I'm very thankful to the Lord for His guidance to me. If you've made it this far, you're a trooper. I tend to get long-winded sometimes, but I really felt inspired to share my experience, in hopes that it might encourage you all that God knows what He's doing... and He's doing it all for us. :) I've really learned a lot in this spiritual journey the Lord has taken me on. I appreciate His faithfulness to me and for giving me so much help during this summer. It's been a time of necessary growth for me, and I anticipate that a change in me is still coming. I love you all, and pray that God will keep us all nearer and nearer to Him. Pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
Monday, July 2, 2018
Persevere
From Damar Randle:
I thank the Lord for his blessings unto me! I was able to get away from work and attend the Fresno Campmeeting and I can say, I am full. There was a lot of Spiritual Food laid out and I did partake. The Lord was faithful to meet me several times at the altar and I'm grateful for that.
One message I heard preached that really stuck to me was preached by Bro. Paul titled "Perseverance". He spoke on what it means for us to persevere. One of the things mentioned was that we must put forth an effort to reach our goal. To press on in spite of what is around us.
Putting forth effort is not an easy task. I remember all the work I put in as a runner in high school, long, hot, dreadful hours, yet I did it daily. The Lord has convicted me before as I've studied for school. He has pointed out that I don't put forth the effort in reading his word as I do school. The degree I'll get will only be good for 40 or 50 years and then I'm unable to put it to good use, whereas the things we learn through studying his word will last an eternity.
I have been dealt with time and time again along this line and can say firmly, I don't want to be found in this place again. Studying his word is important. The Apostle Paul charged Timothy to
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15. I can spend a good amount of time with friends, online, studying, sleeping, working or whatever yet none of it will matter. Time spent without eternal value, is time wasted.
It is my desire to persevere and put forth an "I mean to go right on" effort until my crown is won.
I thank the Lord for his blessings unto me! I was able to get away from work and attend the Fresno Campmeeting and I can say, I am full. There was a lot of Spiritual Food laid out and I did partake. The Lord was faithful to meet me several times at the altar and I'm grateful for that.
One message I heard preached that really stuck to me was preached by Bro. Paul titled "Perseverance". He spoke on what it means for us to persevere. One of the things mentioned was that we must put forth an effort to reach our goal. To press on in spite of what is around us.
Putting forth effort is not an easy task. I remember all the work I put in as a runner in high school, long, hot, dreadful hours, yet I did it daily. The Lord has convicted me before as I've studied for school. He has pointed out that I don't put forth the effort in reading his word as I do school. The degree I'll get will only be good for 40 or 50 years and then I'm unable to put it to good use, whereas the things we learn through studying his word will last an eternity.
I have been dealt with time and time again along this line and can say firmly, I don't want to be found in this place again. Studying his word is important. The Apostle Paul charged Timothy to
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15. I can spend a good amount of time with friends, online, studying, sleeping, working or whatever yet none of it will matter. Time spent without eternal value, is time wasted.
It is my desire to persevere and put forth an "I mean to go right on" effort until my crown is won.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
WV 2018 - Part 1
There was so much good that I got out of the WV meeting this year, it's going to have to be a couple of parts. For one thing, some of the thoughts are separate from each other, and for another, I'm on a trip, so I don't have time to write out long posts.
One of the first things that I was blessed with came from a message Bro. Danny Adams preached titled "Spiders." He talked about how spiders catch their prey, then bite them, and suck the life out of them. He related it spiritually to how the devil can catch us in a vulnerable position, bite us, and suck out all the spiritual life that we have. We are weak when we have left the safety of dwelling with God. Spiders won't normally dwell in a well-kept, clean area, but they will dwell under a brush pile. Likewise, the devil doesn't usually lurk in the house of God, but he'll definitely be in places that aren't wholesome for our spiritual benefit.
These things make me cautious. I need to be careful where I allow myself to go and to what things I allow my affections go out. I don't want to give the devil more opportunity to wreak havoc in my life. I have to be watchful. There's a song in the ELS (#302) that says "My soul be on thy guard, 10,000 foes arise." There will be many foes that rise up against us, and many spiders that we'll see in life. We have to squish them before they have chance to become a problem.
That puts a challenge on me, though. If spiders lurk in places that are messy and unclean, what areas of my life are more susceptible to allowing spiders to live? I have to maintain my life and keep it clear and clean before God. I don't want to give room for spiders to make habitation, they're a danger to my soul. I want my spiritual life revitalized, not sucked out. There are several areas where I know I could use some "cleaning up." It's important to both recognize those areas but also to take action to prevent spiders from becoming a problem.
There are several different ways I can go about keeping my spiritual life intact and cleaned up, but one of the most important ways is reading and praying. There was a lot talked about reading and praying at the meeting this year, especially in young people's meeting. The Lord showed me a verse during the meeting that was a real encouragement to me. It's Joshua 1:8, and it says:
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
This verse gives much instruction. The book of law is the Bible. It should never be far from our conversation, and it should be the topic of our meditation all the time. If we are faithful to heed this instruction, and sow its seed, we'll reap the benefits and be blessed with GOOD success. Prosperity (of the soul) is appetizing. It doesn't sound like a prosperous soul would be infested with spiders and a zone dangerous to our spiritual walk. It sounds like a safe, comfortable place with an environment conducive to drawing closer to God and walking daily with Him.
I was talking to a friend at the meeting, and we both found that we were lacking in some areas of our spiritual walk. It's an encouragement to realize we are not the only ones who have struggled with a certain thing. We're not alone in needing to draw closer to God and being more faithful to consistently spend time with the Lord. We're all young people in a difficult world striving for Heaven. Sharing things with each other can be a way that we feel encouraged that we're not the only ones who have struggles, but we can also share ways that God has helped us with things. This is just a little bit of what God showed me during the meeting, and I hope to share more. Don't give up! This life is worth living.
Keep encouraged!
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Daily Spiritual Food
From Lauren Edwards:
Hey there! I just wanted to share something that the Lord has put on my heart in the last week. It is so amazing to see how God works, because I have seen this same message being shared recently among the young people and in the services I have been in. I have been reading and studying in the book of Psalms lately and the first chapter really stood out to me. As I read the word the Lord showed me the importance of this passage through a series of visuals. The passage of scriptures illustrates a blessed or righteous person and one that is not. The very first verse says “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”. A blessed person is one that does not allow themselves to be accustomed to sin and succumb to the way of sinners. With the words walketh, standeth, and sitteth it is demonstrated of the progression of how sin can become comfortable. At first, one just walks by and looks at sin but doesn’t fully step into it. Then, one actually stands in areas where sin is clearly evident. Then, soon, if you are not careful one could be sitting completely immersed in the way of sin and being comfortable with it. The way of sin is a dark and miserable trap that we can fall into if we are not careful.
In the next verse it says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night”. The blessed one finds their delight in the word of God and he meditates on it both day and night. It says meditating day and night. This was the challenging part for me. This is a major part of our life that the devil will try to destroy by distracting us and making us put off reading and mediating the word of God like we should. When it says meditating day and night it doesn’t mean picking up your Bible and reading one scripture just because you feel like it is a duty that you have to cross off of your daily to-do list. But, it means to really dig deep into the word and to be continually thinking about it. To read it, think about it, connect it to other situations in the Bible and apply it to your life and your walk with God. We should be meditating all hours of the day on the things of the Lord because we want to. As a result, we are able to draw closer to God.
In verse 3, it says “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”. By meditating on the law of the Lord continually we are like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water. When I think about a tree that is planted by water, I always envision one that is large, vibrant, covered in leaves, and has a strong structure. That is how we can be in our spiritual life when we continue to draw closer to the Lord through daily prayer and study in the word. When we create a solid foundation on the ways of Christ and aiming to become more like Him, we become rooted in Him and nothing can move us. Also, when we are planted by the rivers of water, our spiritual cup is always being filled and there is no room for spiritual dryness. This verse also mentions that it “bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither”. Whether we are in a good or dark season in life, through Him we can still grow and produce spiritual fruit. The blessed one prospers in all that he does! Even though sometimes we may not think that we’ve prospered in our actions, but both our successes and failures are prosperous to the Lord, for “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
In verse 4, it shows the opposite of a righteous person. The verse says “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away”. Chaff is the outer casing or covering of grains that falls to the ground when the real grain begins to grow. When I was thinking about this verse, the Lord brought a thought to mind. When we are walking through life, there is a point where we will have to make a choice. This choice is whether we will serve and live for God or live a life in sin. This makes me think of the grain and how we choose whether to be the grain or the chaff. The chaff, like stated in the verse, falls to the ground and the wind driveth it away. If we fall in our spiritual faithfulness, we are placed in a position of weakness because God is our only source of strength. When we have fallen, we are vulnerable and can easily be taken advantage of by the enemy. To prevent this from happening, we have to be firmly rooted in the Lord and stay consistent in our walk with God at all times.
This passage of scriptures really challenged me to dig deeper into the word of God and to earnestly pray to the one who created me in every part of life. I hope that this is an encouragement to you.
- Lauren Edwards
Hey there! I just wanted to share something that the Lord has put on my heart in the last week. It is so amazing to see how God works, because I have seen this same message being shared recently among the young people and in the services I have been in. I have been reading and studying in the book of Psalms lately and the first chapter really stood out to me. As I read the word the Lord showed me the importance of this passage through a series of visuals. The passage of scriptures illustrates a blessed or righteous person and one that is not. The very first verse says “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”. A blessed person is one that does not allow themselves to be accustomed to sin and succumb to the way of sinners. With the words walketh, standeth, and sitteth it is demonstrated of the progression of how sin can become comfortable. At first, one just walks by and looks at sin but doesn’t fully step into it. Then, one actually stands in areas where sin is clearly evident. Then, soon, if you are not careful one could be sitting completely immersed in the way of sin and being comfortable with it. The way of sin is a dark and miserable trap that we can fall into if we are not careful.
In the next verse it says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night”. The blessed one finds their delight in the word of God and he meditates on it both day and night. It says meditating day and night. This was the challenging part for me. This is a major part of our life that the devil will try to destroy by distracting us and making us put off reading and mediating the word of God like we should. When it says meditating day and night it doesn’t mean picking up your Bible and reading one scripture just because you feel like it is a duty that you have to cross off of your daily to-do list. But, it means to really dig deep into the word and to be continually thinking about it. To read it, think about it, connect it to other situations in the Bible and apply it to your life and your walk with God. We should be meditating all hours of the day on the things of the Lord because we want to. As a result, we are able to draw closer to God.
In verse 3, it says “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”. By meditating on the law of the Lord continually we are like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water. When I think about a tree that is planted by water, I always envision one that is large, vibrant, covered in leaves, and has a strong structure. That is how we can be in our spiritual life when we continue to draw closer to the Lord through daily prayer and study in the word. When we create a solid foundation on the ways of Christ and aiming to become more like Him, we become rooted in Him and nothing can move us. Also, when we are planted by the rivers of water, our spiritual cup is always being filled and there is no room for spiritual dryness. This verse also mentions that it “bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither”. Whether we are in a good or dark season in life, through Him we can still grow and produce spiritual fruit. The blessed one prospers in all that he does! Even though sometimes we may not think that we’ve prospered in our actions, but both our successes and failures are prosperous to the Lord, for “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
In verse 4, it shows the opposite of a righteous person. The verse says “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away”. Chaff is the outer casing or covering of grains that falls to the ground when the real grain begins to grow. When I was thinking about this verse, the Lord brought a thought to mind. When we are walking through life, there is a point where we will have to make a choice. This choice is whether we will serve and live for God or live a life in sin. This makes me think of the grain and how we choose whether to be the grain or the chaff. The chaff, like stated in the verse, falls to the ground and the wind driveth it away. If we fall in our spiritual faithfulness, we are placed in a position of weakness because God is our only source of strength. When we have fallen, we are vulnerable and can easily be taken advantage of by the enemy. To prevent this from happening, we have to be firmly rooted in the Lord and stay consistent in our walk with God at all times.
This passage of scriptures really challenged me to dig deeper into the word of God and to earnestly pray to the one who created me in every part of life. I hope that this is an encouragement to you.
- Lauren Edwards
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
I Am a Christian
The title is pretty much self-explanatory, and it's a thought that has really resonated in my mind the past few days. I just returned on Monday evening from the Guthrie campmeeting, and I received a lot of good from the meeting, hopefully some of which I will share later on. But this particular thought came to me following the meeting and has been a great challenge to me, so I've decided to share it with all of you, too.
What is a Christian? Of course, the simple definition of a Christian is someone justified of their sins by Christ's shed blood. But, I'd like to make the comparison to a sports fan. A sports fan is someone who enjoys sports and has an invested interest in a particular team or player. They have an enthusiasm for that. They pay close attention to what the team or athlete does. They often buy apparel that is representative of "their" team or player. As a Christian, we should share some of the same characteristics of a sports fan. We should have enthusiasm for our life of serving God. We should pay close attention to the things Jesus did on earth and the things he taught us. Likewise, we should be adorned with his characteristics, and should put on the whole armor of God.
Some fans have such an attachment to their team or player that that is the focal point of their life. Christ should be the primary focus of our lives as well, and it's important that we make Him our priority. There's a verse in 2 Corinthians 3:3 that says:
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart."
There is so much in this verse, but the part I would like to bring out is the way it indicates Christians should be identified. We are "manifestly declared" to be Christians or servants of God, but why? What causes that connection in the minds of those around us? Sure, going to church, saying "I'm a Christian," and putting a fish bumper sticker on your car are indicators. But this verse makes clear that is not what determines our faith. It isn't with ink that we are justified, but by the Spirit of the living God working in our lives. We have it written on the tables of our hearts. We are adorned by the characteristics of Christ. That is ultimately what makes us who we are. It's about the application of what we've learned making its way to the depths of our heart and finding a home there. Actively writing the truths and instruction we've received in our heart is how we can be manifestly declared epistles of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:1, it asks "Do we begin again to commend ourselves?" We don't celebrate ourselves, our life is a testimony in itself if our heart is filled with the things of God. It portrays Christ.
This was a great challenge to me. I've returned from a meeting fully saturated with truth, wisdom, and instruction. I want to make the best use of that to write truth on the tables of my heart. So many times I have heard messages preached, taken notes, and thought "Wow, that was good." But ultimately, it means nothing for my spiritual exercise if I don't apply the principles to my life and in my heart. That's what it really means to be a Christian. Salvation is only the first step. God has real purpose for our lives, and to humble down to His perfect will and allow Him to work in our life is the plan He has for all of us, transforming our heart from a stony, legalistic, and life governed by law to a soft, fleshy, Spirit-filled life led by faith. It's a process I want to continue in, because I know that of my own strength, I can't keep myself saved and pleasing to the Lord. I'm comforted by this verse in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that says:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
We're instructed to be stable and unchanged by outside influences. We can only do that by letting the Spirit work in us. Our labor for Godly things and for His will are not without profit, reward, or importance. It's worth it. Christ has much in store for us, and if we remain "stedfast, unmovable" and "always abounding," we'll continue to write good things on the tables of our hearts. We'll continue to be a pleasing and acceptable servant to God, and He'll bless us for that. We are not in vain. I want campmeeting experiences to be a boost to my spiritual life, not just a crutch for my salvation. I want them to be a profit to my soul, and I know that sometimes takes adjusting my priorities. I desire your prayers to allow God to help me apply things I've learned to my heart so that I can be worthy of the label "Christian."
Keep encouraged!
What is a Christian? Of course, the simple definition of a Christian is someone justified of their sins by Christ's shed blood. But, I'd like to make the comparison to a sports fan. A sports fan is someone who enjoys sports and has an invested interest in a particular team or player. They have an enthusiasm for that. They pay close attention to what the team or athlete does. They often buy apparel that is representative of "their" team or player. As a Christian, we should share some of the same characteristics of a sports fan. We should have enthusiasm for our life of serving God. We should pay close attention to the things Jesus did on earth and the things he taught us. Likewise, we should be adorned with his characteristics, and should put on the whole armor of God.
Some fans have such an attachment to their team or player that that is the focal point of their life. Christ should be the primary focus of our lives as well, and it's important that we make Him our priority. There's a verse in 2 Corinthians 3:3 that says:
"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart."
There is so much in this verse, but the part I would like to bring out is the way it indicates Christians should be identified. We are "manifestly declared" to be Christians or servants of God, but why? What causes that connection in the minds of those around us? Sure, going to church, saying "I'm a Christian," and putting a fish bumper sticker on your car are indicators. But this verse makes clear that is not what determines our faith. It isn't with ink that we are justified, but by the Spirit of the living God working in our lives. We have it written on the tables of our hearts. We are adorned by the characteristics of Christ. That is ultimately what makes us who we are. It's about the application of what we've learned making its way to the depths of our heart and finding a home there. Actively writing the truths and instruction we've received in our heart is how we can be manifestly declared epistles of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:1, it asks "Do we begin again to commend ourselves?" We don't celebrate ourselves, our life is a testimony in itself if our heart is filled with the things of God. It portrays Christ.
This was a great challenge to me. I've returned from a meeting fully saturated with truth, wisdom, and instruction. I want to make the best use of that to write truth on the tables of my heart. So many times I have heard messages preached, taken notes, and thought "Wow, that was good." But ultimately, it means nothing for my spiritual exercise if I don't apply the principles to my life and in my heart. That's what it really means to be a Christian. Salvation is only the first step. God has real purpose for our lives, and to humble down to His perfect will and allow Him to work in our life is the plan He has for all of us, transforming our heart from a stony, legalistic, and life governed by law to a soft, fleshy, Spirit-filled life led by faith. It's a process I want to continue in, because I know that of my own strength, I can't keep myself saved and pleasing to the Lord. I'm comforted by this verse in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that says:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
We're instructed to be stable and unchanged by outside influences. We can only do that by letting the Spirit work in us. Our labor for Godly things and for His will are not without profit, reward, or importance. It's worth it. Christ has much in store for us, and if we remain "stedfast, unmovable" and "always abounding," we'll continue to write good things on the tables of our hearts. We'll continue to be a pleasing and acceptable servant to God, and He'll bless us for that. We are not in vain. I want campmeeting experiences to be a boost to my spiritual life, not just a crutch for my salvation. I want them to be a profit to my soul, and I know that sometimes takes adjusting my priorities. I desire your prayers to allow God to help me apply things I've learned to my heart so that I can be worthy of the label "Christian."
Keep encouraged!
Monday, May 21, 2018
Post-Graduation Thoughts
As many of you already know, graduation has come and gone for me. It's one of the first big milestones I have crossed in my life, and it has given me opportunity to reflect on my life so far and consider my future. None of that enters my mind without feeling an overwhelming thankfulness to God accompanied with an overwhelming need for Him and His direction. This last month has been very busy with several things going on in preparation for my graduation, so I haven't been able to write very much recently. But, I have a few thoughts I felt I should share now that the busyness from that has slowed down a little.
Last month, I was reading a devotional talking about a verse in 2 Kings, when Elisha was with his servant, and they became surrounded by the horses and chariots of the enemy.
2 Kings 6:16-17
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. [17] And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see..."
The servant was looking with his physical eyes. Observing the situation from what he could see in a natural sense -- and when he did that, the circumstance looked grim. They were surrounded by the enemy. There WERE forces who would try to oppose them. Yet, He didn't have the spiritual vision to comprehend that there was more than what first meets the eye. God's plan is not always apparent to our limited, short-sighted vision. We can't immediately see that God has a plan, an escape, or solution for us. We need to pray, as Elisha did, that he will open our eyes to His perfect way. Yes, situations can be dire, and we are certainly in need of God's provision sometimes. But our job is to trust the bigger picture, and have the faith to know that God is in control and will take care of us.
What struck me, though, was how Elisha, a man of God, was praying for his servant. Elisha could see that God was there, and had confidence the provision was enough. Are we not, as Christian's, men of God who can influence those who don't yet have a clear vision? We each have our own unique sphere of influences, whether that be at school, on the job, or just in our community. As citizens of the Kingdom, God has charged us to be a beacon of light to those who haven't come to know our Savior. Elisha prayed, and God opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw the miraculous help of God. I went to public school. I have been blessed with more knowledge and understanding of truth than many there will ever have in their lifetime. I need to have the burden to pray that they find clear vision of truth and of God -- the only truth.
It's remarkable how much we can learn when our time in a certain phase of life is nearly expired. In many ways, I regret not being a better vessel for God's use in an environment heavily lacking in morality and the things of God. But, I have to trust that, especially in my final year of school, I walked worthy of God's calling and that my life was an example in the way it was lived. I am a firm believer that God won't punish us for things we haven't learned yet, but that He expects us to continue to improve every time He teaches us something new. And in reflecting on these past few years, I recognize how much I've learned and how much more God desires to use me. I want to be faithful to that. I've seen firsthand the depravity of the world and how needy people are of God and truth. I've seen broken people whose circumstances have extended beyond their control. At the same time, I've witnessed lives dedicated to God, Spirit-filled campmeetings, and the incredible way God can transform a soul -- no matter their circumstance. It's been a valuable lesson to me, and I strongly desire to continue to be who God would have me to be and not let anything come between my devotion to the life I'm endeavoring to live for eternity.
In Neosho, the town I graduated from, each year the seniors paint the road that goes right beside the high school as part of their senior activities. It's on a fairly steep incline, and it's been coined as "painting the hill." We each have a little spot where we can paint something to commemorate our time at the high school. The morning when we were supposed to turn in our drawing to be checked, I still hadn't fully decided what I wanted to paint. I knew I wanted to do something to reflect my love for the Lord and the life I lived, but I wasn't sure exactly how to do that. The verse of the day that morning was 1 Timothy 4:12:
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
When I read that, it was immediately clear what I should paint. Nothing better encapsulated the goal I had in mind in leaving a mark during my high school career than that verse. Of course, I feel like I lacked in some areas, but that was my goal -- and particularly in my senior year of high school, I feel like I lived up to what God required of me in that manner. A lot of times, kids in school are considered just that -- kids. We're not yet old and wise (if we ever reach that), and we're often not taken as seriously as people more learned and experienced. But this verse gives every indication that we can still be difference-makers for the Kingdom of Heaven. Don't let anyone despise our youth... we still have a job even though we are young. Our job is to be an EXAMPLE of the qualities a believer embodies, in every aspect of life -- in what we stand for, in what we say, in how we show love, in the spirit we portray, in the faith we have, and in the pure life we live. The legacy I left could have been better, but I am confident people could still notice the King I was living for in my life.
This time of reflection has made this verse even more prominent in my mind. Even though I'm a high school graduate(!!!), I'm not old yet. I still have time for this verse to be prominent in my life, and that is a great challenge. I still have the charge as a young man to be an example every day of a Christian, and to display the qualities of Christ in my life. I'm so thankful for how God has been with me through school, and especially in my last year of school. I would be foolish to claim any of the credit for the successes I've had or the life I have had. I'm very grateful to be a part of God's church and His people. It means so much.
Lord willing, there is a lot of life ahead of me. I need direction in my life to know how to do things the way God would have me to do them. This stage in my life has been one very difficult to discern God's will, but I am doing the best I can to do that. Bro. Curtis Williams held a revival here at the end of last month, and one of the messages he brought dealt with our desperate need of God. I feel that is so relevant to me and the time of life I'm in right now. I'm thankful that God is willing to provide challenges like that at the times we need them the most. It spoke to me and helped me realize that further dedication was necessary for me. It's my choice what to do with my life, and I want to live it for Jesus every step of the way. God has a plan for all of us young people! I want to maximize the potential God has for my life, because I know He gave it all when He died for me. I'm striving every day to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him, and I desire your prayers for me. I love and pray for all of you.
Keep encouraged!
Last month, I was reading a devotional talking about a verse in 2 Kings, when Elisha was with his servant, and they became surrounded by the horses and chariots of the enemy.
2 Kings 6:16-17
"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. [17] And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see..."
The servant was looking with his physical eyes. Observing the situation from what he could see in a natural sense -- and when he did that, the circumstance looked grim. They were surrounded by the enemy. There WERE forces who would try to oppose them. Yet, He didn't have the spiritual vision to comprehend that there was more than what first meets the eye. God's plan is not always apparent to our limited, short-sighted vision. We can't immediately see that God has a plan, an escape, or solution for us. We need to pray, as Elisha did, that he will open our eyes to His perfect way. Yes, situations can be dire, and we are certainly in need of God's provision sometimes. But our job is to trust the bigger picture, and have the faith to know that God is in control and will take care of us.
What struck me, though, was how Elisha, a man of God, was praying for his servant. Elisha could see that God was there, and had confidence the provision was enough. Are we not, as Christian's, men of God who can influence those who don't yet have a clear vision? We each have our own unique sphere of influences, whether that be at school, on the job, or just in our community. As citizens of the Kingdom, God has charged us to be a beacon of light to those who haven't come to know our Savior. Elisha prayed, and God opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw the miraculous help of God. I went to public school. I have been blessed with more knowledge and understanding of truth than many there will ever have in their lifetime. I need to have the burden to pray that they find clear vision of truth and of God -- the only truth.
It's remarkable how much we can learn when our time in a certain phase of life is nearly expired. In many ways, I regret not being a better vessel for God's use in an environment heavily lacking in morality and the things of God. But, I have to trust that, especially in my final year of school, I walked worthy of God's calling and that my life was an example in the way it was lived. I am a firm believer that God won't punish us for things we haven't learned yet, but that He expects us to continue to improve every time He teaches us something new. And in reflecting on these past few years, I recognize how much I've learned and how much more God desires to use me. I want to be faithful to that. I've seen firsthand the depravity of the world and how needy people are of God and truth. I've seen broken people whose circumstances have extended beyond their control. At the same time, I've witnessed lives dedicated to God, Spirit-filled campmeetings, and the incredible way God can transform a soul -- no matter their circumstance. It's been a valuable lesson to me, and I strongly desire to continue to be who God would have me to be and not let anything come between my devotion to the life I'm endeavoring to live for eternity.
In Neosho, the town I graduated from, each year the seniors paint the road that goes right beside the high school as part of their senior activities. It's on a fairly steep incline, and it's been coined as "painting the hill." We each have a little spot where we can paint something to commemorate our time at the high school. The morning when we were supposed to turn in our drawing to be checked, I still hadn't fully decided what I wanted to paint. I knew I wanted to do something to reflect my love for the Lord and the life I lived, but I wasn't sure exactly how to do that. The verse of the day that morning was 1 Timothy 4:12:
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
When I read that, it was immediately clear what I should paint. Nothing better encapsulated the goal I had in mind in leaving a mark during my high school career than that verse. Of course, I feel like I lacked in some areas, but that was my goal -- and particularly in my senior year of high school, I feel like I lived up to what God required of me in that manner. A lot of times, kids in school are considered just that -- kids. We're not yet old and wise (if we ever reach that), and we're often not taken as seriously as people more learned and experienced. But this verse gives every indication that we can still be difference-makers for the Kingdom of Heaven. Don't let anyone despise our youth... we still have a job even though we are young. Our job is to be an EXAMPLE of the qualities a believer embodies, in every aspect of life -- in what we stand for, in what we say, in how we show love, in the spirit we portray, in the faith we have, and in the pure life we live. The legacy I left could have been better, but I am confident people could still notice the King I was living for in my life.
This time of reflection has made this verse even more prominent in my mind. Even though I'm a high school graduate(!!!), I'm not old yet. I still have time for this verse to be prominent in my life, and that is a great challenge. I still have the charge as a young man to be an example every day of a Christian, and to display the qualities of Christ in my life. I'm so thankful for how God has been with me through school, and especially in my last year of school. I would be foolish to claim any of the credit for the successes I've had or the life I have had. I'm very grateful to be a part of God's church and His people. It means so much.
Lord willing, there is a lot of life ahead of me. I need direction in my life to know how to do things the way God would have me to do them. This stage in my life has been one very difficult to discern God's will, but I am doing the best I can to do that. Bro. Curtis Williams held a revival here at the end of last month, and one of the messages he brought dealt with our desperate need of God. I feel that is so relevant to me and the time of life I'm in right now. I'm thankful that God is willing to provide challenges like that at the times we need them the most. It spoke to me and helped me realize that further dedication was necessary for me. It's my choice what to do with my life, and I want to live it for Jesus every step of the way. God has a plan for all of us young people! I want to maximize the potential God has for my life, because I know He gave it all when He died for me. I'm striving every day to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him, and I desire your prayers for me. I love and pray for all of you.
Keep encouraged!
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Speak Ye in Light
The Lord inspired a verse to me this morning. I had a thought from last week to write about this evening, but God changed his mind and gave a different inspiration when I prepared to write. I hope this will be an encouragement and challenge to all of you.
God works in mysterious ways. Just like he changed my thoughts of I was planning to write about, he also reveals things to us in ways we may not sometimes understand. Today, I had an interview with someone from Crowder College where I plan to attend after I graduate. We were talking about different things in life that have been a challenge and a struggle to get through, and how ultimately, through those things, we are better equipped to handle life -- we learn from them. God can teach us things and work in us during those hardships, even if it's a circumstance we can't see working for good.
Last night, I was talking to one of my close friends about something difficult they've been enduring. Sometimes we don't see how God can possibly be in a situation that hurts us so bad and makes it hard for us to feel like praying. God sometimes doesn't resolve the issues we pray to fix, and that's a hard thing to swallow. Yet, bringing us to an extremely low place where ALL we can do is submit ourselves to God is sometimes the way he chooses to refine his children.
These are just a couple of examples of how God works in ways we might not always understand. Yet, God doesn't expect us to just endure things for the sake of enduring them. Everything in our life happens for a greater purpose. To glorify him, make faithful servants out of us, and to advance the gospel. There was a verse I read this morning that hit that point home to me, and as you'll see, I felt compelled to share it. The verse is Matthew 10:26-28, but particularly verse 27.
[26] Fear them not therefore; for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
[27] What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Verse 26 speaks to the idea that we shouldn't fear persecutors or non-believers. God sees everything that happens, good and bad. This should be a consolation to believers who serve the Lord in spirit and in truth. Then, in verse 27, he says "what I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light." This was such a powerful portion of scripture to me when I read it. In those times we are downtrodden and everything seems dark, God is faithful to meet us in that place. He shows us things we didn't realize before. He's a faithful teacher. That darkness could be the solitude and silence of our prayer closet. It's a dark, quiet place for us to plead to the Father to abide with us and teach us things. Light makes it where everyone can see. It's more public. But darkness, hidden from the view of everyone, is where God can teach us better. He's faithful to reveal things to us. He's our teacher of spiritual things, and the Bible is our guide to those things. The way it was inspired to me is that in the darkness of our trials and the solitude of our studying, God reveals some of the most precious things. I have found it to be true for me. In my deepest struggles and when I'm taking extra time to be with God, he has opened up his word in a way that was amazing. Yet, I don't think he does it only to serve us.
The second part of that phrase says "that speak ye in light." Hold on, I thought God was teaching ME... right? That's true. But, God has a place for us to share some of the things he taught to us. That doesn't mean we have to share the personal struggles we faced, but the lessons he taught us through those experiences? That's how it reads to me. I have had some rough times, wondering why God had to take things from me that I thought were mine. But, he has shown me that it's not really mine. Everything is his to control, and I have to be willing to submit to whatever his will is. It's helped me mature quite a bit.
This may seem spontaneous and scattered, but it was a big challenge to me to be at the place where I can receive those things. He'll only reveal things to a teachable child. If we aren't pliable and willing to let him work, we can't learn the things has to teach us in secret. Distractions and modern conveniences (like my phone) can get in the way of me having contact with God in a way that I can get the revelation he has for me and the opening of his word to my heart. The speaking in light that is mentioned in this verse does not exist independently. It's reliant on us FIRST getting the teaching and what God tells us in the darkness, or outside of the public view. That's a challenge to me to have my heart conditioned to the place where I can learn these things. Am I distracted by other things? Do I give God enough time in my life? Am I humbled to a place that God can work with me? Only then can I fulfill the other part of the scripture that instructs us to speak in the light. God is truth. He teaches truth. We should be dispensing the truth to those who don't know it or who need encouragement in the truth. It's a great challenge to me.
As the final verse says, our enemy is the devil. Only he can destroy both our body and soul in hell. All others are of earth, and have no power of our spirituality. This gives me confidence that the truth all-powerful. It can't be taken down by people who disagree or who persecute me because of my belief. All of this has given me a renewed inspiration to keep writing for God. Keep speaking (or, in this case, typing) the truth God reveals to me and MAINTAIN a place where God can reveal things from his word. It's truly wonderful when God visits and refreshes our spirit, I'm so thankful for that. I'll be praying for all of you. I hope you all have a blessed week, and I'll leave you with this challenge:
Allow God to teach you in the darkness, and when it's over, don't be afraid to proclaim his greatness and faithful teachings.
Keep encouraged!
Friday, March 9, 2018
Praise
I have been studying and meditating on the topic of praise recently after the Lord inspired me on a scripture in Hebrews (13:15). Again, this isn't an exhaustive study of the topic, but it's a collection of a few thoughts I was inspired by. I hope this will bless someone else, too.
Hebrews 13:13-16
“[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. [14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. [15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. [16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We are instructed to leave the camp -- leave the refuge, and bear the reproach Jesus bore for our sake. Go out of the way of our convenience for his cause. The city we have here isn’t eternal. It will melt with fervent heat eventually, but we seek an everlasting one to come in heaven. Because of all of this, give the sacrifice of praise to God, continually, without ceasing, by giving thanks to his name. It’s a sacrifice of thanksgiving. It means we give up our emotions, despite the situation we are in, and offer him praise and gratitude for the love he’s shown for us, for the reproach he bore for us, for the heavenly home is preparing for us. Praise the Lord! Don’t be shy or quiet about it, have that continually be the fruit, or the production, of our lips. The fruits of the spirit are to govern our character. Our speech, and the fruit of our lips, should be praise and thanks unto God. Communication is Holy conversation as well as communicating to God our thankfulness and praise. Those are things a true Christian must offer to God: doing good and communicating praise, thanksgiving, and purity with others.
Psalm 50:23
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
Offering praise is glorifying got God. And ordering our conversation in a way that is glorifying and thankful and pure will cause God to show salvation to us. It gives him the liberty to exercise his saving keeping grace for us. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, so he deserves our praise.
Psalm 69:30-31
“[30] I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. [31] This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”
Praise can be offered through song and thanksgiving. Both are important things which are pleasing to God. Also, praising through song and thanksgiving were practiced by exemplary Biblical characters who found favor with God. This was a Psalm of David. Giving praise is essential. More important, in fact, than an ox or bullock. These were the traditional sacrifices under Old Testament law. Now, our sacrifice to God is given in praise and the surrendering of our will. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, all we have to do now is praise God. He is pleased with it. Singing is a wonderful expression of love and gratitude to our maker and our Savior. Making a regular practice of being thankful to God and telling him that is likewise pleasing to him -- more than old, fleshly sacrifices of animals. These praises and songs are from the heart.
Hosea 14:2-4
“Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. [3] Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. [4] I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.”
Hosea was advocating here of using words to show penitence to God. Prayer for forgiveness was accompanied with the “calves of our lips.” This is an interesting phrasing, but it has a greatly revealing implication. Calves were generally used as offerings in repentance to God. The supplication they have here is using the calves, or more accurately, the sacrifice of their lips -- which is praise. They will render praise to the Lord to gain forgiveness. Just like the fruit of our lips should be praise, our lips should sacrifice praise to the Lord. They acknowledge that Asshur (which is in reference to Assyria) will not save them despite their positive diplomatic relationship of the time. They won’t fix their hopes on prestigious military horses, and they won’t turn to manmade idols or other fake gods. The I Am is their God. For everything they worship, all the gods they turn to, he is the only one complete. And in him is the way the fatherless, those lost without hope, find mercy. God promises to heal their fall and backslidden nature and love them because they turned away from wrong and offered their praise, or the calves of their lips, to him. It specifically highlights the dependency on God and the value of our words in praise to God.
Ephesians 5:19
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.”
This is in reference to being filled with the Spirit. This praise is harmonious to the Spirit and well-pleasing to our Lord. It’s clear instruction to give honor and reverence to the King. In psalms, hymns, songs, all by singing. It is an instrumental (ha - get it?) part of our worship to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
This is another reference similar to Ephesians 5:19. The instruction is to give praise with our hearts in tune with the Lord.
Acts 16:25
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
We know the end of this story: deliverance. When we are in a difficult trial, our example is to pray and sing. Worshiping God is incredibly important. It’s a display to Christ of the contents of our inner man. Other people heard Paul and Silas, but that did not faze them. It’s a challenge to us to not be ashamed of our praise to the Lord. He deserves it. As with Paul and Silas, the Lord was pleased and saw fit to relieve them of the burden of imprisonment. Might he relieve burdens of our own if we are willing to humble down and offer the sacrifice of praise ourselves?
James 5:13
“Is there any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.”
When we have reason to be happy, let it show! Don’t hide your candle under a bushel. Let that positivity in the Lord glow. Praise the Lord for his mercy to you. It is of that mercy alone that we are not consumed, and that’s reason to praise the Lord! He’s asked for it in our good times. Here is the only time in these verses I’ve referenced that the prerequisite is being merry. All the other times, it just says to do it. Paul and Silas were under immense pressure and in a strenuous situation. Yet, they praised the Lord. He asks for our praise not ONLY when things are going well, but even when we don’t see the way out. Praising him for his goodness and faithful to us, and in the assurance that he has a plan of deliverance from whatever we’re facing, is something that pleases him. We’re sure to receive a blessing of some kind, even if we don’t get our answer immediately.
Our heart's condition is also important to note when we consider giving praise to God. Whether the condition of our heart be ungrateful, fearful, worried, bitter, jealous, or anything else, a remedy to those unhealthy feelings is praise. When we set aside those unprofitable emotions and focus more on the things that ARE working for our good (which is God, all the time), then we find ourselves conditioning our heart to a better state. It's a way of victory over temporary feelings. When we analyze a situation, we'll always find a few key things to be true: a) God is still on His throne, b) Jesus is still at his right hand, being our mediator, c) God's love remains, amidst any other changes. Those three things, however much they seem to directly make contact with our situation, are praiseworthy. God is still there, looking over the matters in my life! Jesus is still interceding on my behalf, petitioning for my well-being to the Father! God truly LOVES me, he hasn't withdrawn his affection! We'll find ourselves rejoicing in the trial instead of dreading the length of our battle.
He is so worthy of any praise we can muster, so we ought to give it to him. Most of the time when we pray, we bring needs of our own and petition him to undertake in circumstances that contradict our happiness in life. Yes, he asks us to cast our every care on him, but that’s not all he asks. He asks for praise and desires that we worship him.
Here's a song that came to my mind in relation to this topic: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRB4cJsxJck]
The requirements were so much more tedious in the Old Testament, we ought to be thankful for how easy it is for us now. Praising God does not require us to be on the mountaintop, nor does it ensure that we are. But, it’s a sacrifice of ourselves that we can give to God to show him the gratitude he deserves. Jesus died as the ultimate sacrifice. It’s our duty to give back, even if the avenues opened to us to do so seem menial. God asks for the sacrifice of our lips, the humbling of our speech before his majesty. The challenge to me is great. I need to offer more praise to the one who gave EVERYTHING to me. I would appreciate you all praying for me. :)
Keep encouraged!
Hebrews 13:13-16
“[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. [14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. [15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. [16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We are instructed to leave the camp -- leave the refuge, and bear the reproach Jesus bore for our sake. Go out of the way of our convenience for his cause. The city we have here isn’t eternal. It will melt with fervent heat eventually, but we seek an everlasting one to come in heaven. Because of all of this, give the sacrifice of praise to God, continually, without ceasing, by giving thanks to his name. It’s a sacrifice of thanksgiving. It means we give up our emotions, despite the situation we are in, and offer him praise and gratitude for the love he’s shown for us, for the reproach he bore for us, for the heavenly home is preparing for us. Praise the Lord! Don’t be shy or quiet about it, have that continually be the fruit, or the production, of our lips. The fruits of the spirit are to govern our character. Our speech, and the fruit of our lips, should be praise and thanks unto God. Communication is Holy conversation as well as communicating to God our thankfulness and praise. Those are things a true Christian must offer to God: doing good and communicating praise, thanksgiving, and purity with others.
Psalm 50:23
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
Offering praise is glorifying got God. And ordering our conversation in a way that is glorifying and thankful and pure will cause God to show salvation to us. It gives him the liberty to exercise his saving keeping grace for us. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, so he deserves our praise.
Psalm 69:30-31
“[30] I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. [31] This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”
Praise can be offered through song and thanksgiving. Both are important things which are pleasing to God. Also, praising through song and thanksgiving were practiced by exemplary Biblical characters who found favor with God. This was a Psalm of David. Giving praise is essential. More important, in fact, than an ox or bullock. These were the traditional sacrifices under Old Testament law. Now, our sacrifice to God is given in praise and the surrendering of our will. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, all we have to do now is praise God. He is pleased with it. Singing is a wonderful expression of love and gratitude to our maker and our Savior. Making a regular practice of being thankful to God and telling him that is likewise pleasing to him -- more than old, fleshly sacrifices of animals. These praises and songs are from the heart.
Hosea 14:2-4
“Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. [3] Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. [4] I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.”
Hosea was advocating here of using words to show penitence to God. Prayer for forgiveness was accompanied with the “calves of our lips.” This is an interesting phrasing, but it has a greatly revealing implication. Calves were generally used as offerings in repentance to God. The supplication they have here is using the calves, or more accurately, the sacrifice of their lips -- which is praise. They will render praise to the Lord to gain forgiveness. Just like the fruit of our lips should be praise, our lips should sacrifice praise to the Lord. They acknowledge that Asshur (which is in reference to Assyria) will not save them despite their positive diplomatic relationship of the time. They won’t fix their hopes on prestigious military horses, and they won’t turn to manmade idols or other fake gods. The I Am is their God. For everything they worship, all the gods they turn to, he is the only one complete. And in him is the way the fatherless, those lost without hope, find mercy. God promises to heal their fall and backslidden nature and love them because they turned away from wrong and offered their praise, or the calves of their lips, to him. It specifically highlights the dependency on God and the value of our words in praise to God.
Ephesians 5:19
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.”
This is in reference to being filled with the Spirit. This praise is harmonious to the Spirit and well-pleasing to our Lord. It’s clear instruction to give honor and reverence to the King. In psalms, hymns, songs, all by singing. It is an instrumental (ha - get it?) part of our worship to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
This is another reference similar to Ephesians 5:19. The instruction is to give praise with our hearts in tune with the Lord.
Acts 16:25
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
We know the end of this story: deliverance. When we are in a difficult trial, our example is to pray and sing. Worshiping God is incredibly important. It’s a display to Christ of the contents of our inner man. Other people heard Paul and Silas, but that did not faze them. It’s a challenge to us to not be ashamed of our praise to the Lord. He deserves it. As with Paul and Silas, the Lord was pleased and saw fit to relieve them of the burden of imprisonment. Might he relieve burdens of our own if we are willing to humble down and offer the sacrifice of praise ourselves?
James 5:13
“Is there any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.”
When we have reason to be happy, let it show! Don’t hide your candle under a bushel. Let that positivity in the Lord glow. Praise the Lord for his mercy to you. It is of that mercy alone that we are not consumed, and that’s reason to praise the Lord! He’s asked for it in our good times. Here is the only time in these verses I’ve referenced that the prerequisite is being merry. All the other times, it just says to do it. Paul and Silas were under immense pressure and in a strenuous situation. Yet, they praised the Lord. He asks for our praise not ONLY when things are going well, but even when we don’t see the way out. Praising him for his goodness and faithful to us, and in the assurance that he has a plan of deliverance from whatever we’re facing, is something that pleases him. We’re sure to receive a blessing of some kind, even if we don’t get our answer immediately.
Our heart's condition is also important to note when we consider giving praise to God. Whether the condition of our heart be ungrateful, fearful, worried, bitter, jealous, or anything else, a remedy to those unhealthy feelings is praise. When we set aside those unprofitable emotions and focus more on the things that ARE working for our good (which is God, all the time), then we find ourselves conditioning our heart to a better state. It's a way of victory over temporary feelings. When we analyze a situation, we'll always find a few key things to be true: a) God is still on His throne, b) Jesus is still at his right hand, being our mediator, c) God's love remains, amidst any other changes. Those three things, however much they seem to directly make contact with our situation, are praiseworthy. God is still there, looking over the matters in my life! Jesus is still interceding on my behalf, petitioning for my well-being to the Father! God truly LOVES me, he hasn't withdrawn his affection! We'll find ourselves rejoicing in the trial instead of dreading the length of our battle.
He is so worthy of any praise we can muster, so we ought to give it to him. Most of the time when we pray, we bring needs of our own and petition him to undertake in circumstances that contradict our happiness in life. Yes, he asks us to cast our every care on him, but that’s not all he asks. He asks for praise and desires that we worship him.
Here's a song that came to my mind in relation to this topic: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRB4cJsxJck]
Keep encouraged!
Monday, February 26, 2018
Patience
This post will definitely be incomplete on the subject of patience, but I felt inspired to share a few thoughts I got a few days ago.
Patience is something that doesn't come to me. I normally like things to move consistently and quickly. I don't like to wait for things I think should happen immediately. Our world is inundated with instant gratification. It's fast-paced, and most things we do don't take us much time. We get frustrated if a website takes too long to load, if a video buffers, or if the drive-thru at McDonald's takes too long (side note: that's why you go to Chick-Fil-a, btw). I also don't like to wait for an answer... I want a yes or a no, and then like to move along. However, that's not always the way things work. The world doesn't spin to the whim of my desires. All that said, this is an area God has used to work on me.
Romans 8:25
"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Hoping in Christ is equivalent to having the patience to wait for it. We don't have a real hope if we aren't willing to wait and aren't patient about it. This spoke to me because I am often an impatient person. I expect things from people to be done quickly -- with my family, friends, peers, even people I don't really know. I expect them to operate based on the timetable I deem acceptable for myself... or perhaps even faster sometimes. But the act of impatience bears unpleasant fruits, and reveals some ugly traits as well. It can spur anger, discontentment, grumblings, murmurings, and so on. There are plenty of different things that can rise up from an instance of impatience with other people.
However, this isn't even the most important point. It made me think: If I'm impatient with other people, am I impatient with God?
We ask things of God all the time, but are we hoping for them and having the patience to WAIT for them, regardless of how long it takes, in God's perfect timing? That's a challenge. Being patient with God is absolutely essential to getting the right thing he has for us at the right time. This can be the case with anything. With education, job situations, relationships -- any of those things are things that require patience and a HOPE in God, regardless of what we see and don't see. Our vision of the future is not perfected like God's is. We have to be patient while we have HOPE in Christ that the right thing will work out for us in any circumstance, instead of getting upset that the answer doesn't come immediately. As I mentioned earlier, we are conditioned in our world today to expect instant gratification. Yet, God still requires the same thing he always has -- to wait on Him.
Psalm 27:14
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
I was reading in Streams in the Desert a few days ago, and one phrase particularly caught my attention.
"God's promise is equal to his presence."
What does that mean? In my interpretation, it means, independent of time, God's promise is just as good as his immediate, "now" presence or answer. If we don't feel like God has spoken or given us an answer right now, his promise remains unchanged. We shouldn't lose hope, it doesn't mean he has forsaken us. Just because we don't see him actively working or changing something in our favor doesn't mean he's not. He's promised to never leave us or forsake us. That doesn't change based on our human expectations or timeline of things. We just have to have the patience to wait, while hoping in Christ for the best outcome of whatever situation it is facing us. This thought was a real encouragement to me to know that our hope in Christ should not be dependent upon time or what we see. God's promise is sure. Living up to the first verse is a big challenge to hope in Christ while having the patience to wait.
Keep encouraged!
Patience is something that doesn't come to me. I normally like things to move consistently and quickly. I don't like to wait for things I think should happen immediately. Our world is inundated with instant gratification. It's fast-paced, and most things we do don't take us much time. We get frustrated if a website takes too long to load, if a video buffers, or if the drive-thru at McDonald's takes too long (side note: that's why you go to Chick-Fil-a, btw). I also don't like to wait for an answer... I want a yes or a no, and then like to move along. However, that's not always the way things work. The world doesn't spin to the whim of my desires. All that said, this is an area God has used to work on me.
Romans 8:25
"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Hoping in Christ is equivalent to having the patience to wait for it. We don't have a real hope if we aren't willing to wait and aren't patient about it. This spoke to me because I am often an impatient person. I expect things from people to be done quickly -- with my family, friends, peers, even people I don't really know. I expect them to operate based on the timetable I deem acceptable for myself... or perhaps even faster sometimes. But the act of impatience bears unpleasant fruits, and reveals some ugly traits as well. It can spur anger, discontentment, grumblings, murmurings, and so on. There are plenty of different things that can rise up from an instance of impatience with other people.
However, this isn't even the most important point. It made me think: If I'm impatient with other people, am I impatient with God?
We ask things of God all the time, but are we hoping for them and having the patience to WAIT for them, regardless of how long it takes, in God's perfect timing? That's a challenge. Being patient with God is absolutely essential to getting the right thing he has for us at the right time. This can be the case with anything. With education, job situations, relationships -- any of those things are things that require patience and a HOPE in God, regardless of what we see and don't see. Our vision of the future is not perfected like God's is. We have to be patient while we have HOPE in Christ that the right thing will work out for us in any circumstance, instead of getting upset that the answer doesn't come immediately. As I mentioned earlier, we are conditioned in our world today to expect instant gratification. Yet, God still requires the same thing he always has -- to wait on Him.
Psalm 27:14
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
I was reading in Streams in the Desert a few days ago, and one phrase particularly caught my attention.
"God's promise is equal to his presence."
What does that mean? In my interpretation, it means, independent of time, God's promise is just as good as his immediate, "now" presence or answer. If we don't feel like God has spoken or given us an answer right now, his promise remains unchanged. We shouldn't lose hope, it doesn't mean he has forsaken us. Just because we don't see him actively working or changing something in our favor doesn't mean he's not. He's promised to never leave us or forsake us. That doesn't change based on our human expectations or timeline of things. We just have to have the patience to wait, while hoping in Christ for the best outcome of whatever situation it is facing us. This thought was a real encouragement to me to know that our hope in Christ should not be dependent upon time or what we see. God's promise is sure. Living up to the first verse is a big challenge to hope in Christ while having the patience to wait.
Keep encouraged!
Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Importance of Bible Study
From Natalie Sorrell:
The month of January is the time where people decide to make goals or resolutions, and last month I made a decision to start spending more time with God and studying His word more. I doubt that I was the only one that made that goal, too. I can't say that I have been perfect since then, but I definitely have tried. I realized my need for taking more time to study and decided I would do the best that I could.
So, today I would like to talk a little bit about the importance of Bible study. Okay, I know life is busy, people. I realize not everyone has time every day to spend 2 hours studying. I knew I didn't, but I did know I needed to spend more time than I had been.
I think it's important for us to know our reason why we study, and not just a random goal that we decide to fit into our lives. Why should we study? In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. That to me sounds like an encouragement to study the word, right? We need to read and study the word of God so that we know the doctrines, for reproof, and for correction, so that we can grow and believe with our eyes that this is the way to go. It's also a way of knowing why we believe what we believe. It's not just because our parents told us we should do these things, it's because God commands in His word. Studying won't only perfect the man, but it will also help us with witnessing to others. In 1 Peter 3:15, it says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: So not only does studying help with us personally, it helps to be able to witness to others more effectively. People won’t believe doctrine if it’s just coming from your personal mindset. They will be more accepting if you show where that is at in the Bible (that’s where Bible memorization comes in). Besides these two obvious reasons to study, there are also other reasons to why studying can be beneficial in your walk. I know for myself, procrastinating is a weakness of mine. I put off things when they should be done first. Studying gives me a reason to work on my procrastination. Procrastination really shows where our affections are. Will I choose what I want, or what God wants? I need to put away my wants... and do what God wants out of me— to spend time with him more. Another reason why studying is helpful is that it can truly show our devotion to God. In a way, we don’t need to prove to God where our affections are because He already knows our hearts, but at the same time... we do need to show Him how much we care and how much we want to spend time with Him. Finally, studying helps us overall to stay focused on Him. After we have made Him our number one, we will gain ground and gain knowledge. We will become a better person in general. I can say for myself that studying gives me a chance to breathe, to not get so caught up in life. We have a lot of pressure from the world. Whether it be from outside friends, social media, or work. There is pressure.
I am getting a headache just thinking about it.
Studying is a gust of fresh air to me. It’s exciting and fun to find things in the Bible that you didn’t know before, and knowing that you have a better understanding gives confidence.
Another point I would like to say is... MAKE STUDYING FUN. Use highlighters, pens, sticky notes, etc. It’s fun to make your notes personal.
This has been a challenge of mine and I hope that this will encourage anyone else who has had the same goal this year. Keep up the good work! Have a marvelous day!
- Natalie Sorrell
The month of January is the time where people decide to make goals or resolutions, and last month I made a decision to start spending more time with God and studying His word more. I doubt that I was the only one that made that goal, too. I can't say that I have been perfect since then, but I definitely have tried. I realized my need for taking more time to study and decided I would do the best that I could.
So, today I would like to talk a little bit about the importance of Bible study. Okay, I know life is busy, people. I realize not everyone has time every day to spend 2 hours studying. I knew I didn't, but I did know I needed to spend more time than I had been.
I think it's important for us to know our reason why we study, and not just a random goal that we decide to fit into our lives. Why should we study? In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. That to me sounds like an encouragement to study the word, right? We need to read and study the word of God so that we know the doctrines, for reproof, and for correction, so that we can grow and believe with our eyes that this is the way to go. It's also a way of knowing why we believe what we believe. It's not just because our parents told us we should do these things, it's because God commands in His word. Studying won't only perfect the man, but it will also help us with witnessing to others. In 1 Peter 3:15, it says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: So not only does studying help with us personally, it helps to be able to witness to others more effectively. People won’t believe doctrine if it’s just coming from your personal mindset. They will be more accepting if you show where that is at in the Bible (that’s where Bible memorization comes in). Besides these two obvious reasons to study, there are also other reasons to why studying can be beneficial in your walk. I know for myself, procrastinating is a weakness of mine. I put off things when they should be done first. Studying gives me a reason to work on my procrastination. Procrastination really shows where our affections are. Will I choose what I want, or what God wants? I need to put away my wants... and do what God wants out of me— to spend time with him more. Another reason why studying is helpful is that it can truly show our devotion to God. In a way, we don’t need to prove to God where our affections are because He already knows our hearts, but at the same time... we do need to show Him how much we care and how much we want to spend time with Him. Finally, studying helps us overall to stay focused on Him. After we have made Him our number one, we will gain ground and gain knowledge. We will become a better person in general. I can say for myself that studying gives me a chance to breathe, to not get so caught up in life. We have a lot of pressure from the world. Whether it be from outside friends, social media, or work. There is pressure.
I am getting a headache just thinking about it.
Studying is a gust of fresh air to me. It’s exciting and fun to find things in the Bible that you didn’t know before, and knowing that you have a better understanding gives confidence.
Another point I would like to say is... MAKE STUDYING FUN. Use highlighters, pens, sticky notes, etc. It’s fun to make your notes personal.
This has been a challenge of mine and I hope that this will encourage anyone else who has had the same goal this year. Keep up the good work! Have a marvelous day!
- Natalie Sorrell
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Fasting
Submitted by Damar Randle:
Recently I faced some very hard situations that I needed the Lord's Saving Grace to get over. I didn't know what to do, but knew something must be done. I had heard and remembered hearing a scripture that says "...this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" Mark 9:29. I finally got an answer, it was FASTING. But, what is fasting really all about? Is it just suffering and giving up food and drink? I haven't heard too much teaching on this. So I decided that I needed to search it out.
I looked up fasting in the Old Testament and found some key part. First, Psalms 35:13 David says "...I humble myself with fasting..." when fasting we are realizing that this spiritual thing is greater than my physical needs. We must humble down and realize at this time there are things of God that are of such importance and are delicate that I need to put MY norm aside and spend this time sacrificing myself to God in a fast.
Jonah gives a great visual of another part of fasting and for the sake of space I won't quote it, but look at Jonah Chapter 3. When the warning came forth the King made a decree that everyone will put on "sackcloth" and "let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water" v. 7.
Sackcloth is an item that is typically worn when in mourning. Here, and in much of the Old Testament, they wore sackcloth when fasting. They were acknowledging their sorrows for their sins. When fasting if we have sin on hand we must acknowledge that first and foremost. We mustn't play around. These people were so serious about this fast and having God hear them that even the animals were affected. Through their denial of food and their seriousness concerning the matter at hand, the Lord heard and honored their fast.
I don't have all the answers or the perfect way to a fast. But, it is biblical. From the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus flat out said "Howbeit this kind goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting" Matt 17:21. There are some things that a fast is just required or we won't break through to God. When fasting we must deny our temporal needs in order to sit in Heavenly places, we must humble down, and we must confess our sins if any. Barnes commentary says "That faith is produced and kept vigorous only by much prayer, and by such abstinence from food as fits the mind for the highest exercise of religion, and leaves it free to hold communion with God." May the Lord bless and help along these lines.
Damar D. Randle
Recently I faced some very hard situations that I needed the Lord's Saving Grace to get over. I didn't know what to do, but knew something must be done. I had heard and remembered hearing a scripture that says "...this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" Mark 9:29. I finally got an answer, it was FASTING. But, what is fasting really all about? Is it just suffering and giving up food and drink? I haven't heard too much teaching on this. So I decided that I needed to search it out.
I looked up fasting in the Old Testament and found some key part. First, Psalms 35:13 David says "...I humble myself with fasting..." when fasting we are realizing that this spiritual thing is greater than my physical needs. We must humble down and realize at this time there are things of God that are of such importance and are delicate that I need to put MY norm aside and spend this time sacrificing myself to God in a fast.
Jonah gives a great visual of another part of fasting and for the sake of space I won't quote it, but look at Jonah Chapter 3. When the warning came forth the King made a decree that everyone will put on "sackcloth" and "let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water" v. 7.
Sackcloth is an item that is typically worn when in mourning. Here, and in much of the Old Testament, they wore sackcloth when fasting. They were acknowledging their sorrows for their sins. When fasting if we have sin on hand we must acknowledge that first and foremost. We mustn't play around. These people were so serious about this fast and having God hear them that even the animals were affected. Through their denial of food and their seriousness concerning the matter at hand, the Lord heard and honored their fast.
I don't have all the answers or the perfect way to a fast. But, it is biblical. From the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus flat out said "Howbeit this kind goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting" Matt 17:21. There are some things that a fast is just required or we won't break through to God. When fasting we must deny our temporal needs in order to sit in Heavenly places, we must humble down, and we must confess our sins if any. Barnes commentary says "That faith is produced and kept vigorous only by much prayer, and by such abstinence from food as fits the mind for the highest exercise of religion, and leaves it free to hold communion with God." May the Lord bless and help along these lines.
Damar D. Randle
Friday, January 26, 2018
Continue Steadfastly
I was inspired by a thought recently. One of the biggest things I struggle with is maintaining my walk with God on a daily basis. There are ups and downs, times when I feel more “spiritual” and capable than others, and times where lethargy threatens my peace. I read some verses which gave me some great encouragement. I hope that my feeble words can express the burden I have in a way that is understandable (and not too boring, hehe) for all of you.
Acts 2:41-44
“[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common.”
They GLADLY received his word and followed Jesus’ example of baptism. That in itself is a challenge. To joyfully, expediently, and readily accept salvation is not always the way in which we come into favor with God. The immediacy with which they responded to the teachings the disciples delivered should be a challenge to all of us. Spiritual lethargy today is something that is a danger for all Christians, especially in this age. So many distractions await, tantalizing our fingertips and seeking our attention and devotion. It takes dedication to keep our lives centered in Christ and our mind free of worldly distractions that rob us of the blessings of obedience to Christ’s dealings. I believe we can look to the example of this crowd to whom Peter preached the gospel; we ought to gladly receive God’s word, not only in salvation, but in the things he desires to teach us in our daily walk.
But, receiving the word was not where it stopped, and that’s the great encouragement to me. The crowd of new converts continued STEADFASTLY in the doctrine which was taught and in fellowship with each other. It’s important to be steadfast. That means unwavering, continual, and fervent. Clearly, they believed the doctrine and retained and acted upon its principles. Our duty as Christians is to learn, retain, and adhere to the doctrine we find in the Bible as well as things God personally convicts. It’s not simply the teaching that we’re responsible for, but the action we take based on that knowledge. This is something I have struggled with. I learn and better understand the Bible along the way, but I have admittedly struggled with making the things I’ve learned a reality in my life. Acting on what we have learned is part of being a steadfast Christian. It means not giving up when we’re down in the pits. It’s not always easy being a follower of Jesus, but the suffering produces holy fruit. I’m encouraged by this example we have of the crowd here that willingly submitted to God and continued steadfastly. I pray I do the same.
I’d also like to mention a few things about the fellowship it mentions here. It is derived from the Greek word “koinonia” which refers to community, meaning association for religious and spiritual purposes. Fellowship is vitally important to the believer. It’s taught in the scripture and practiced by these new converts here as well. Being connected with other believers is such a blessing and help. Sharing our struggles and victories is helpful, at least to me. I really appreciate hearing testimonies from others of what God has been teaching them or doing in their life.
It says that fear came upon every soul. We should all have a proper fear of God, and willingness to obey his commandments. Proverbs 9:10 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It was Godly obedience when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his own son. These people had a similar fear of God following their conversion. We ought to as well. Their faithfulness and steadfastness is an example to us.
I love how the last verse says all that believed were together and had all things common. It’s such an encouragement to know that we aren’t alone. Our battles, our struggles, our fears — they’re the same things other Christians face. You’re not alone. That’s why I feel such a burden to share with others the things that I’m dealing with and how God is helping me. I know I’m not the only one with questions about my future. I’m not alone in trying to get the victory in certain areas of my life. I’m not alone in my desire to serve God in whatever way he would be pleased, but not always understanding what that looks like. Any struggle, temptation, or weight we have is not uncommon to fellow young people or Christians. We are in this battle against Satan together — we’re the Church of God, and Christ is counting on us to stay faithful, stick together, and be steadfast in the midst of a wicked world.
I hope this is as much of an encouragement to all of you as it was to me. It’s not easy to be steadfast, and I know I have room to grow in that. Consistency hasn’t been easy, and I won’t declare perfection. But, I know God loves me and is willing to help me, be with me, and work with me as I strive to live for him daily. These verses were an encouragement for me to stay steadfast, value fellowship, fear God, and recognize that we aren’t alone. I’m praying for all of you, and please pray for me that I would live in obedience to Jesus. :)
Keep encouraged!
Acts 2:41-44
“[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common.”
They GLADLY received his word and followed Jesus’ example of baptism. That in itself is a challenge. To joyfully, expediently, and readily accept salvation is not always the way in which we come into favor with God. The immediacy with which they responded to the teachings the disciples delivered should be a challenge to all of us. Spiritual lethargy today is something that is a danger for all Christians, especially in this age. So many distractions await, tantalizing our fingertips and seeking our attention and devotion. It takes dedication to keep our lives centered in Christ and our mind free of worldly distractions that rob us of the blessings of obedience to Christ’s dealings. I believe we can look to the example of this crowd to whom Peter preached the gospel; we ought to gladly receive God’s word, not only in salvation, but in the things he desires to teach us in our daily walk.
But, receiving the word was not where it stopped, and that’s the great encouragement to me. The crowd of new converts continued STEADFASTLY in the doctrine which was taught and in fellowship with each other. It’s important to be steadfast. That means unwavering, continual, and fervent. Clearly, they believed the doctrine and retained and acted upon its principles. Our duty as Christians is to learn, retain, and adhere to the doctrine we find in the Bible as well as things God personally convicts. It’s not simply the teaching that we’re responsible for, but the action we take based on that knowledge. This is something I have struggled with. I learn and better understand the Bible along the way, but I have admittedly struggled with making the things I’ve learned a reality in my life. Acting on what we have learned is part of being a steadfast Christian. It means not giving up when we’re down in the pits. It’s not always easy being a follower of Jesus, but the suffering produces holy fruit. I’m encouraged by this example we have of the crowd here that willingly submitted to God and continued steadfastly. I pray I do the same.
I’d also like to mention a few things about the fellowship it mentions here. It is derived from the Greek word “koinonia” which refers to community, meaning association for religious and spiritual purposes. Fellowship is vitally important to the believer. It’s taught in the scripture and practiced by these new converts here as well. Being connected with other believers is such a blessing and help. Sharing our struggles and victories is helpful, at least to me. I really appreciate hearing testimonies from others of what God has been teaching them or doing in their life.
It says that fear came upon every soul. We should all have a proper fear of God, and willingness to obey his commandments. Proverbs 9:10 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It was Godly obedience when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his own son. These people had a similar fear of God following their conversion. We ought to as well. Their faithfulness and steadfastness is an example to us.
I love how the last verse says all that believed were together and had all things common. It’s such an encouragement to know that we aren’t alone. Our battles, our struggles, our fears — they’re the same things other Christians face. You’re not alone. That’s why I feel such a burden to share with others the things that I’m dealing with and how God is helping me. I know I’m not the only one with questions about my future. I’m not alone in trying to get the victory in certain areas of my life. I’m not alone in my desire to serve God in whatever way he would be pleased, but not always understanding what that looks like. Any struggle, temptation, or weight we have is not uncommon to fellow young people or Christians. We are in this battle against Satan together — we’re the Church of God, and Christ is counting on us to stay faithful, stick together, and be steadfast in the midst of a wicked world.
I hope this is as much of an encouragement to all of you as it was to me. It’s not easy to be steadfast, and I know I have room to grow in that. Consistency hasn’t been easy, and I won’t declare perfection. But, I know God loves me and is willing to help me, be with me, and work with me as I strive to live for him daily. These verses were an encouragement for me to stay steadfast, value fellowship, fear God, and recognize that we aren’t alone. I’m praying for all of you, and please pray for me that I would live in obedience to Jesus. :)
Keep encouraged!
Monday, January 22, 2018
Living a Christ-Centered Life
From Emalie Sorrell:
Hello there. What’s up? I hope everyone is doing well and staying encouraged. I had a little something to share that I’ve been thinking some on. Just want to let you know though, that I am a speaker not a writer. I struggle so much with communicating my thoughts through writing, texting, etc. I’ve tried really hard though so hopefully this will make some sense and you’ll be able to catch my drift. :}
Today, I wanted to share some thoughts on living a Christ- centered life. Too many times I find myself experiencing a watered down walk with the Lord that’s filled with balancing God with worldly counterfeits and other things that I try find fulfillment in. It’s like I try to find joy in God but yet kind of at the same time try to find fulfillment in social media, relationships with people, etc.
I’ve found though, that it doesn’t work that way. Sure, you could probably get by living that way but you’ll never be fully satisfied. God has created us for so much more than that. He created us to thrive for Him and live a life that completely revolves around Him...not Instagram or Spotify or the pop-culture of today’s society.
I get so caught up in myself and what I need (and want) to do. I give my energy and time to things that don’t matter and then try to fit God in somewhere. I honestly confuse myself when I do that. It’s like I prioritize worthless things that won’t matter at all in the end and then barely make time to spend with the One Who died to save me, the Creator of my existence, and the Reason for my being. Like c’mon, Em.
I’m not supposed to be fitting God into my life.
I’m supposed to be letting my life revolve completely around Him.
God didn’t create me to just say a quick prayer in the morning and then continue the rest of my day living selfishly with no purpose. He created me to live a life that is thriving for Him and serving Him. I was created to find joy in Christ and to put all my focus on Him.
I really want to grow in this area and learn to build my entire existence around the Lord. I want to find all my fulfillment in Him. I want to live with passion and purpose. I want to focus on serving others, not myself. I want to say goodbye to worthless things of the world, and spend my time focused on the One that really matters. I know that this is where real joy and satisfaction will grow.
So, I pray that God would help me and all of us as young people to rise above the mediocre life that Satan tries to trap us in. God is calling each & every one of us to a life that is focused on loving and serving Jesus & others. He’s calling us to learn to find all of our fulfillment and satisfaction in Him. I pray that God would help us all to prioritize Him into our lives and be able to really thrive in Him.
Colossians 3:1
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jeremiah 29:13
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Hope everyone has a gr8, Christ-centered week! :)
-Em S.
Hello there. What’s up? I hope everyone is doing well and staying encouraged. I had a little something to share that I’ve been thinking some on. Just want to let you know though, that I am a speaker not a writer. I struggle so much with communicating my thoughts through writing, texting, etc. I’ve tried really hard though so hopefully this will make some sense and you’ll be able to catch my drift. :}
Today, I wanted to share some thoughts on living a Christ- centered life. Too many times I find myself experiencing a watered down walk with the Lord that’s filled with balancing God with worldly counterfeits and other things that I try find fulfillment in. It’s like I try to find joy in God but yet kind of at the same time try to find fulfillment in social media, relationships with people, etc.
I’ve found though, that it doesn’t work that way. Sure, you could probably get by living that way but you’ll never be fully satisfied. God has created us for so much more than that. He created us to thrive for Him and live a life that completely revolves around Him...not Instagram or Spotify or the pop-culture of today’s society.
I get so caught up in myself and what I need (and want) to do. I give my energy and time to things that don’t matter and then try to fit God in somewhere. I honestly confuse myself when I do that. It’s like I prioritize worthless things that won’t matter at all in the end and then barely make time to spend with the One Who died to save me, the Creator of my existence, and the Reason for my being. Like c’mon, Em.
I’m not supposed to be fitting God into my life.
I’m supposed to be letting my life revolve completely around Him.
God didn’t create me to just say a quick prayer in the morning and then continue the rest of my day living selfishly with no purpose. He created me to live a life that is thriving for Him and serving Him. I was created to find joy in Christ and to put all my focus on Him.
I really want to grow in this area and learn to build my entire existence around the Lord. I want to find all my fulfillment in Him. I want to live with passion and purpose. I want to focus on serving others, not myself. I want to say goodbye to worthless things of the world, and spend my time focused on the One that really matters. I know that this is where real joy and satisfaction will grow.
So, I pray that God would help me and all of us as young people to rise above the mediocre life that Satan tries to trap us in. God is calling each & every one of us to a life that is focused on loving and serving Jesus & others. He’s calling us to learn to find all of our fulfillment and satisfaction in Him. I pray that God would help us all to prioritize Him into our lives and be able to really thrive in Him.
Colossians 3:1
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jeremiah 29:13
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Hope everyone has a gr8, Christ-centered week! :)
-Em S.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Obstacles
This year, I started reading Streams in the Desert, and so far it has yet to disappoint. It's a great devotional, and I'm sure many have read it. If you haven't, or if you started and didn't finish, take this as an encouragement to start AND finish it. ;) 8 days in, I can assure you it's worth it.
The Lord revealed something to me in one of the devotions a couple of days ago. The text was Isaiah 43:2. "When thou passest through the waters....they shall not overflow thee." The scripture is certainly a common one, but the commentary it gave with it stuck out to me. "He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God's hand is stretched out." That's the basis of my thought here, and hopefully, I can express it as it was impressed in my mind.
First of all, it's important to note that the verse is definitive on multiple points. It says WHEN thou passest through the waters, not IF. Trials are a part of life, it's guaranteed that we will, as Christian's face opposition from the devil. It also says through. It doesn't say into. That means we will enter and then exit, passing THROUGH. We won't stay in a permanent state of trial. God is faithful to bring us through each and every temptation, disappointment, trial, and issue we face. The verse also says they SHALL not overflow thee. Despite how difficult the obstacle is, it won't be more than we can bear. Scripture backs that up in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "but God is faithful... but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." In Isaiah 43:2 again, God also promises "I will be with thee." We aren't alone. I'm encouraged that God has promised us to be able to handle and escape temptation.
But that doesn't prevent obstacles from appearing in our view. Some seem easy enough to deal with, while others, which we seem to take greater note of, seem larger than life. The latter are the ones which tend to cultivate fear, dread, and ultimately test our faith in God. Do we really believe He can remove that obstacle that seems so impassable? Take it a step further. We can say we believe He's able. But do we believe He WILL? Lord, help us all to have greater faith. That's something I definitely struggle with.
One component of faith I really struggle with is timing. I want to walk the straight and narrow way, but I want it to be cleared of all the brush, thorns, and obstacles that are between here and heaven. That's not always the case for our vision, though. We see an obstacle up ahead, and it plants a seed of worry that germinates as we approach and it still hasn't moved. The *straight* and narrow way isn't to go around it, so we worry how we'll get past it. Recall the children of Israel, freed from the bondage of slavery in Egypt and quickly approaching the Red Sea. They arrived at the banks, awaiting God's direction, and growing hastily displeased with the apparent lack of help from the God that had just delivered them. Yet, when the time was right, God parted the sea, replacing their obstacle with a clear path to safety.
How often do we come to a problem in our walk, and cry out to God that He isn't helping us? Even if we don't say the words, is our heart doubting? Do we so quickly forget the redemption He gave us? It's easy to let our fears go wild when we don't see an open, easy road ahead. But every time, God is faithful to clear the path and get the obstacle out of our way when He sees the time is right. He gave the Israelites just enough time to escape from being recaptured. The story of the Israelites is a parallel to our spiritual salvation now. God will make a way of escape from the bondage of sin. He's promised it. The daily obstacles teach us to consistently depend on God to help us and die daily to our own will and accept His will step by step.
Psalm 66:12 says "Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." This sounds like the testimony of someone who has faced difficult obstacles. "Men to ride over our heads" is a description of belittling oppression, and possibly an alludes to the chariots of Egyptian bondage. Going through fire and water is indicative of trial by referencing elemental extremes. Fire can be dangerous and hot, while water can be just as deadly. Through all of these things, and despite the magnitude of the obstacles -- the testimony is that God brought them through and into a "wealthy place," a place of abundance and blessings.
The obstacles we face in life are guaranteed. It's not an easy road to heaven, and our daily walk with God will have obstacles that we have to deal with. The more pressing question is how we will deal with them, and if we'll have the faith to let God move them when it's His will to do so. The lyrics of a song say you have to have faith "when you don't see it but you believe it anyway." We might not see a clear path or a passable road, but we have to believe it anyway. We see the obstacle, but God sees our heart and how much faith and trust it has in Him. It's my prayer to surrender my own thinking and let Him handle the obstacles I see ahead, however big or small they may be. Please pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
The Lord revealed something to me in one of the devotions a couple of days ago. The text was Isaiah 43:2. "When thou passest through the waters....they shall not overflow thee." The scripture is certainly a common one, but the commentary it gave with it stuck out to me. "He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God's hand is stretched out." That's the basis of my thought here, and hopefully, I can express it as it was impressed in my mind.
First of all, it's important to note that the verse is definitive on multiple points. It says WHEN thou passest through the waters, not IF. Trials are a part of life, it's guaranteed that we will, as Christian's face opposition from the devil. It also says through. It doesn't say into. That means we will enter and then exit, passing THROUGH. We won't stay in a permanent state of trial. God is faithful to bring us through each and every temptation, disappointment, trial, and issue we face. The verse also says they SHALL not overflow thee. Despite how difficult the obstacle is, it won't be more than we can bear. Scripture backs that up in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "but God is faithful... but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." In Isaiah 43:2 again, God also promises "I will be with thee." We aren't alone. I'm encouraged that God has promised us to be able to handle and escape temptation.
But that doesn't prevent obstacles from appearing in our view. Some seem easy enough to deal with, while others, which we seem to take greater note of, seem larger than life. The latter are the ones which tend to cultivate fear, dread, and ultimately test our faith in God. Do we really believe He can remove that obstacle that seems so impassable? Take it a step further. We can say we believe He's able. But do we believe He WILL? Lord, help us all to have greater faith. That's something I definitely struggle with.
One component of faith I really struggle with is timing. I want to walk the straight and narrow way, but I want it to be cleared of all the brush, thorns, and obstacles that are between here and heaven. That's not always the case for our vision, though. We see an obstacle up ahead, and it plants a seed of worry that germinates as we approach and it still hasn't moved. The *straight* and narrow way isn't to go around it, so we worry how we'll get past it. Recall the children of Israel, freed from the bondage of slavery in Egypt and quickly approaching the Red Sea. They arrived at the banks, awaiting God's direction, and growing hastily displeased with the apparent lack of help from the God that had just delivered them. Yet, when the time was right, God parted the sea, replacing their obstacle with a clear path to safety.
How often do we come to a problem in our walk, and cry out to God that He isn't helping us? Even if we don't say the words, is our heart doubting? Do we so quickly forget the redemption He gave us? It's easy to let our fears go wild when we don't see an open, easy road ahead. But every time, God is faithful to clear the path and get the obstacle out of our way when He sees the time is right. He gave the Israelites just enough time to escape from being recaptured. The story of the Israelites is a parallel to our spiritual salvation now. God will make a way of escape from the bondage of sin. He's promised it. The daily obstacles teach us to consistently depend on God to help us and die daily to our own will and accept His will step by step.
Psalm 66:12 says "Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." This sounds like the testimony of someone who has faced difficult obstacles. "Men to ride over our heads" is a description of belittling oppression, and possibly an alludes to the chariots of Egyptian bondage. Going through fire and water is indicative of trial by referencing elemental extremes. Fire can be dangerous and hot, while water can be just as deadly. Through all of these things, and despite the magnitude of the obstacles -- the testimony is that God brought them through and into a "wealthy place," a place of abundance and blessings.
The obstacles we face in life are guaranteed. It's not an easy road to heaven, and our daily walk with God will have obstacles that we have to deal with. The more pressing question is how we will deal with them, and if we'll have the faith to let God move them when it's His will to do so. The lyrics of a song say you have to have faith "when you don't see it but you believe it anyway." We might not see a clear path or a passable road, but we have to believe it anyway. We see the obstacle, but God sees our heart and how much faith and trust it has in Him. It's my prayer to surrender my own thinking and let Him handle the obstacles I see ahead, however big or small they may be. Please pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
A New Year
The title is cliche, and the contents may be as well, but I feel inspired to share a few of my reflections about this new year and the things I have learned spiritually in the past year. I hope some of these can be a blessing or encouragement to everyone who reads them.
I don't really know where to begin, and I have already shared much of my spiritual journey in this venue throughout the past year. I feel like I have grown more in this year alone than I ever have in my life of serving God. I'd like to relate a few points about my experience this year and what lessons I have learned. In doing so, I will become vulnerable. Yet, I feel like the struggles I faced are not uncommon, and I am convinced the things I learned are valuable for every Christian.
In January of 2017, my grandpa became sick. Just like now, I had just returned from a trip Guthrie, Oklahoma for the winter meeting. At first, we didn't know what was wrong with him. Through time, his heart condition worsened, and ultimately, he passed away on April 9th. The death of a loved one is certainly difficult. Caring for someone you love when they continue to deteriorate is hard to do. Yet, the spiritual lessons from such an event are incredible. God is faithful to put people in your life who love and care for you, who are concerned about you, and who embody the qualities of Christ's compassion for us. God was faithful to give me people like that in my life and He kept me comforted despite the circumstances around me. God is always with us. No matter the situation, He's right beside us. He's the God of the hills and valleys, the ups and downs, and the darkest places we could imagine. And in those places where we are surrounded by darkness, He sees things we don't. For me, He saw how I could learn from the death of my grandpa that God is omnipresent. Always with us, and always loving. Yet, it took me a little while to realize those things and fully understand them.
In May of 2017, I lost a cousin in a tragic way. It was a very sad time, and it was very hard to cope with such a loss only one month after my grandpa's funeral. In my life, I was at a crucial point. I could either continue in my life distant from God, or renew my experience with Him and learn from the lessons He was trying to teach me. At the Guthrie meeting in May, Bro. Michael Smith preached a message titled "Back to Bethel." It was one of those greatly inspired, heavily convicting messages that God sends at times in our lives where we have important decisions to make. In the first five minutes, I was under conviction, and couldn't wait for him to sit down so I could get things right with God. I met with God after the message and prayed for renewal. It was something long needed and exceptionally important. I had struggled with truly believing God loved and cared for me enough to save me and keep me around. My experience was lackluster and without true life-giving vigor. But in the deaths of my family, I recognized the support of the saints, the provision of good friends God has for us, and the care and compassion they have for us. God was faithful to not only reveal Himself to me, but reveal Himself through others. I learned how much love God can have for us, and how important it is for us to accept that love, not just realize it's there. There is a fountain filled with blood, we have to draw from that fountain in our lives.
I don't feel like I have adequately explained all that God taught me in those things, but I've shared a lot of that before in various ways, so hopefully it's a blessing. But God has witnessed in a way this year that I don't want to forget, and I'd like to catalog it here so it may serve as a reminder for me, and possibly as a blessing for others. That revelation of God's love has driven me to serve Christ as best as I know how.
God also gave me a scripture recently that really struck me. 1 Timothy 1:5 reads:
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."
This verse really stood out to me. The end of the commandment, or the conclusion or summation of God's commandment, is charity, or love. Above all things, God's mission for us is love. That shouldn't be surprising, as it is the foundation of His salvation for us. It was out of love that Christ came to the world in flesh and die, in flesh, bearing the weight of every sin. It was love that drove Him to be merciful to sinners, to bear their sin on His back and die to make them without blemish. Yet, Christ has conditions for our love to meet. The standard is high. Charity is to be out of a pure heart and of a good conscience. Salvation qualifies a believer of a pure heart, and our conscience is good when we are without sin. Thank the Lord we can live above the traps of sin and rejoice in the glorious love Christ has available for us. It is also of faith unfeigned, or as Adam Clarke defines, "a faith not hypocritical." A faith not shaken or moved, where the actions of the person reflect a trust in God and not dependency on the flesh. A good conscience and a pure heart are produced because of the faith of sins pardoned and new life given. It's a rich blessing to live in the love of God.
Not only is this love for us, but it is to be shared by us. Sis. LaDawna Adams gave a message at Guthrie this winter meeting that focused on love, and it challenged us to forward that love on to others around us, not just those in the camp of the saints, but to sinners as well. Christ died to redeem, and unless we show that love to them, they might not ever fully realize the magnitude of what Jesus did for them. In my devotions yesterday, I read how we too often stay content in the misty valleys below because of the ruggedness and challenge we think climbing the hills or mountains causes. But, in doing so, we are being content with less of what God has for us. More love is available the higher we climb. Don't be afraid to climb, God will not put on us more than we can bear.
I returned from Youth Mission Camp at the Pearl of Grace Ranch yesterday evening, and the theme of the camp was new beginnings. God was merciful and gave me a new beginning last year to my spiritual life, and gave me a chance of revival. The new year brings with it a sense of new beginning, and I want this beginning to be devoted to Christ. I have learned much in the past year, and I intend to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward. It's not an easy trek, and the devil is just as faithful to lay traps in my way. But, with our trust in God and Him as our guide, I'm confident I have nothing to fear. I can't explain how much I have been blessed by God in this past year, and I want this new year to be a reflection in my life of all that I have learned. Pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
I don't really know where to begin, and I have already shared much of my spiritual journey in this venue throughout the past year. I feel like I have grown more in this year alone than I ever have in my life of serving God. I'd like to relate a few points about my experience this year and what lessons I have learned. In doing so, I will become vulnerable. Yet, I feel like the struggles I faced are not uncommon, and I am convinced the things I learned are valuable for every Christian.
In January of 2017, my grandpa became sick. Just like now, I had just returned from a trip Guthrie, Oklahoma for the winter meeting. At first, we didn't know what was wrong with him. Through time, his heart condition worsened, and ultimately, he passed away on April 9th. The death of a loved one is certainly difficult. Caring for someone you love when they continue to deteriorate is hard to do. Yet, the spiritual lessons from such an event are incredible. God is faithful to put people in your life who love and care for you, who are concerned about you, and who embody the qualities of Christ's compassion for us. God was faithful to give me people like that in my life and He kept me comforted despite the circumstances around me. God is always with us. No matter the situation, He's right beside us. He's the God of the hills and valleys, the ups and downs, and the darkest places we could imagine. And in those places where we are surrounded by darkness, He sees things we don't. For me, He saw how I could learn from the death of my grandpa that God is omnipresent. Always with us, and always loving. Yet, it took me a little while to realize those things and fully understand them.
In May of 2017, I lost a cousin in a tragic way. It was a very sad time, and it was very hard to cope with such a loss only one month after my grandpa's funeral. In my life, I was at a crucial point. I could either continue in my life distant from God, or renew my experience with Him and learn from the lessons He was trying to teach me. At the Guthrie meeting in May, Bro. Michael Smith preached a message titled "Back to Bethel." It was one of those greatly inspired, heavily convicting messages that God sends at times in our lives where we have important decisions to make. In the first five minutes, I was under conviction, and couldn't wait for him to sit down so I could get things right with God. I met with God after the message and prayed for renewal. It was something long needed and exceptionally important. I had struggled with truly believing God loved and cared for me enough to save me and keep me around. My experience was lackluster and without true life-giving vigor. But in the deaths of my family, I recognized the support of the saints, the provision of good friends God has for us, and the care and compassion they have for us. God was faithful to not only reveal Himself to me, but reveal Himself through others. I learned how much love God can have for us, and how important it is for us to accept that love, not just realize it's there. There is a fountain filled with blood, we have to draw from that fountain in our lives.
I don't feel like I have adequately explained all that God taught me in those things, but I've shared a lot of that before in various ways, so hopefully it's a blessing. But God has witnessed in a way this year that I don't want to forget, and I'd like to catalog it here so it may serve as a reminder for me, and possibly as a blessing for others. That revelation of God's love has driven me to serve Christ as best as I know how.
God also gave me a scripture recently that really struck me. 1 Timothy 1:5 reads:
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."
This verse really stood out to me. The end of the commandment, or the conclusion or summation of God's commandment, is charity, or love. Above all things, God's mission for us is love. That shouldn't be surprising, as it is the foundation of His salvation for us. It was out of love that Christ came to the world in flesh and die, in flesh, bearing the weight of every sin. It was love that drove Him to be merciful to sinners, to bear their sin on His back and die to make them without blemish. Yet, Christ has conditions for our love to meet. The standard is high. Charity is to be out of a pure heart and of a good conscience. Salvation qualifies a believer of a pure heart, and our conscience is good when we are without sin. Thank the Lord we can live above the traps of sin and rejoice in the glorious love Christ has available for us. It is also of faith unfeigned, or as Adam Clarke defines, "a faith not hypocritical." A faith not shaken or moved, where the actions of the person reflect a trust in God and not dependency on the flesh. A good conscience and a pure heart are produced because of the faith of sins pardoned and new life given. It's a rich blessing to live in the love of God.
Not only is this love for us, but it is to be shared by us. Sis. LaDawna Adams gave a message at Guthrie this winter meeting that focused on love, and it challenged us to forward that love on to others around us, not just those in the camp of the saints, but to sinners as well. Christ died to redeem, and unless we show that love to them, they might not ever fully realize the magnitude of what Jesus did for them. In my devotions yesterday, I read how we too often stay content in the misty valleys below because of the ruggedness and challenge we think climbing the hills or mountains causes. But, in doing so, we are being content with less of what God has for us. More love is available the higher we climb. Don't be afraid to climb, God will not put on us more than we can bear.
I returned from Youth Mission Camp at the Pearl of Grace Ranch yesterday evening, and the theme of the camp was new beginnings. God was merciful and gave me a new beginning last year to my spiritual life, and gave me a chance of revival. The new year brings with it a sense of new beginning, and I want this beginning to be devoted to Christ. I have learned much in the past year, and I intend to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward. It's not an easy trek, and the devil is just as faithful to lay traps in my way. But, with our trust in God and Him as our guide, I'm confident I have nothing to fear. I can't explain how much I have been blessed by God in this past year, and I want this new year to be a reflection in my life of all that I have learned. Pray for me.
Keep encouraged!
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