Day # 14

I'm tired today.  I mean driving the car, my eyes are burning from being open tired. I know I'm not alone in this feeling.  We live is such a FULL world.  One of our fears coming back from Swaziland is that we would get caught up in the 'you must have a busy schedule' lie our society tells us. It is something we fight daily.  And then parenthood happpened...another level of tired. I'm reminded today by Matthew 11:28...

'Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'

Each person on this earth has a different story of why they are weary or burdened. It may be family stress, illness, school work, or lack of sleep because of these stresses. Whatever it may be, God says to come to Him. Come to Him and he will give you rest. Stop whatever you are doing and ask Him to give you rest.  Let Him fill you. But remeber, we have to take steps to slow down so God can fill us. May you be renewed by His rest, comfort and goodness today!

Day #13

Today's scripture is one that I have memorized already, but I want it to be my backbone.  It may take me a little bit, but I eventually get it all out. I'm sure you are the same.  It is Galatians 5: 22-23...

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness. and self-control. Against such things there is no law.'

I'm sorry I keep referencing 'Forgotten God,' it's just good stuff! It wasn't until reading that book that I connected a few new dots. Maybe I'm the only one who viewed the fruit of the spirit as Christlike characteristics we all aim to have. Some of us are better than others in different areas. We should all try and act in these ways.

While there is truth to that, I've been missing the entire picture.  When we surrender our lives, the Spirit fills us. So, when we are filled we get all these characteristics.  How did I not connect these dots? Yesterday's scripture and today's weave together perfectly.  God has equipped us with what we need to have this fruit and to produce this fruit.

In Forgotten God Chan asks the reader to look over these traits.  Do we as Christians posses each one to a supernatural degree? He writes that he is disturbed when we are not really bothered that God living in us has not made much of a noticeable difference. Most churchgoers are content to find a bit of peace (or a little bit of kindness, self-control, ect...) , not the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding.  Honestly, it disturbs me too!

When we as believers exhibit these fruits in ways that surpasses the world's understanding...that's when the world notices. What a challenge. Praise the Lord for His grace and peace.

Day #12

2 Peter 1:3-7

'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have recieved all of this by coming to know him, the one that called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.'

I think this scripture speaks for itself. God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. By His divine power.  It is such an awesome thought that just by being a relationship with God we have everything we need.  God has equipped us in ways we don't even know.

I can't help but think of a song by Whitney Houston (sad...). She sings about not knowing her own strength. Putting her life aside, the lyrics are great.  Have you ever been in a situation where you were impressed with your strength? Or thought God is what got me through this? He gives us strength.  He gives us everything we need to live a godly life. What an ecouraging thought.

Thank you Lord.

Day #11

Happy Monday! Last night I sat down and quizzed myself on the past 10 verses. I don't have them down word for word, but I have more in my brain than I once did. And that makes me happy. I'm still working at it!

I really like words.  I know that may sound silly, but I do. I often repeat words (or short phrases) in my head to help encourage me.  Some of my favorites are; dwell, rest, cherish, peace. Today's verse has a handful of words I don't always think of in my daily interactions as a Christ follower.

James 3:17...

'But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.'

I love how James (the author, who is Jesus' brother) refers to these words as wisdom from Heaven. such a fun thought!  This wisdom can't be learned in school, you can only learn it from Heaven. What if people in this world had these words encouraging their every thought, steps and action?

"Let me be pure in my thinking and interactions..."

"Love peace..."

"Be considerate of my surroundings..."

"Put others before me..."

"Treat people fair...all people and be sincere."

I think you get the point.  May I meditate on these words today. May they control my thoughts, steps and actions.  Have a great day!

Day # 10

Saturday is a good day and mornings are so peaceful.  Today I woke up and there was snow on the ground. Everything seems so peaceful with snow.  My nieces from California are visiting, and when they woke up it was so fun to hear their reactions!

Psalm 143:8-10...

'Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.'

I'm so grateful that this morning I was reminded of the Lord's unfailing love and goodness.  With the simplest things... quietness, snow, and sweet nieces. May we all dwell in His unfailing love this Saturday.

Day # 9

Sometimes I get discouraged. Discouraged about life and the circumstances of others. As a counselor, I hear a lot of sad things, horrible things. My heart can ache for my clients... I long for them to know the hope of the Lord.  To know His goodness and the freedom that comes from knowing Him. Joshua 1:9 says...

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'

When I read this I am challenged.  We are commanded to be strong and courageous. In ever aspect of our lives. I take this as a challenge for all the different roles I play in my life.  As a wife, I need to be strong when we have hard days of marriage.  As a mom, I need to be courageous how I raise my daughter in this world of darkness. As a adult woman living on a college campus and a counselor I need to be strong and courageous when breathing encouragement into students and clients. 

He has a commanded us to not be discouraged, He is with us everywhere we go.  This directly connects to other scripture I blogged about.  The Holy Spirit is in us...giving us the strength and courage we need to face the ugly. 

Day # 8

I said a few days ago that I'm reading 'Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It is a book about the Holy Spirit. I've really enjoyed how it has opened my eyes to the relationship I had never really wrapped my brain around. There is a section of the book where he writes about when Christ gives us the Holy Spirit. In John 16:7 it says...

" But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

Chan sums this verse up to say 'Yes, I was with you for three and a half years, but it is better that I leave you and the Holy Spirit comes.' Can you imagine the disciples reaction? 

How do we react hearing that now?  It's an interesting thought. Of course I would love for Jesus to still be on earth, but would I ever see him? Would he be like Billy Graham filling auditoriums all the time? What would his groupies be like? 

I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit has been given to us.  We each have an intimacy with him.  That's a cool thought. Something I never want to take lightly or forget. 

Day # 7

Today's verse is one I'm excited to have in my memory bank! John 14:27...

 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Isn't it comforting? Peace. God gives us peace.

When we were deciding whether or not to move to Africa everyone had their opinions.  People were full of fear and wanted us to be very cautious.  I know if the roles were swapped, I would have the same thoughts.  At moments I could become anxious.  It was a scary thought to move that far.  To a place with such sickness and corruption. Overall I had this peace.  It was indescribable. Peace that covered me. Peace that passes all understanding. I know God gave me that peace.

It is hard to not be troubled or to be afraid.  Especially in a world that throws fear in your face every time you turn on the TV. The Lord tells us to not live in this fear, it is not from God. It really is challenging to not be afraid!

May I seek God's peace daily, moment by moment.

Day # 6

I've been praying for the Lord to reveal scriptures that I need.  Not scriptures to write and discuss, scripture that will change me. I pray that I can soak in God's promises to me. Then I came across this scripture in James 1 :25...

'But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.'

What perfect and encouraging words for me to hear.  A great promise, I have already been blessed and it's only day 6! 

I'm not sure about you but I guilty of forgetting what I have read and heard. Very guilty.  Yes I have little sprinkles of wisdom from sermons or Bible study. How often do I let those things challenge me or reflect on them? It is my desire this Lent season to look intently into scripture. To know true freedom, through my relationship with the Lord.

Day # 5

Hope everyone had a great Sunday.  Let's jump right into the second half of this scripture...

John 14: 15-17

"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

When we were living in Africa, the words I'm focusing on today were a huge part of my journey while there. "The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." Where we lived in Africa, it was hard to see God at times. It was hard to have hope. Half the people in the country have AIDS, orphans were everywhere, it is a country of grief. Feel free to read some of my old post from our journey. 

All that to say, I learned a HUGE lesson about the Holy Spirit while there and these words describes it, perfectly.  The world will look at places such as Swaziland, Africa and ask where is the Lord now. But, being a believer I had to learn that the Lord has not left me or the world. He has physically left the world, but he left the Holy Spirit residing in us... that means in me! We are to be the hands and feet of Christ. We hear these words a lot... but it is our calling to live this way.  In essence, this is God's will for our lives. To be in tune with and sensitive to Holy Spirit guiding our every step. 

To sum it up John 14: 15-17... God has given us an advocate.  Someone to lead and encourage us to keep His commands, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in us.   I pray I am sensitive to the whispers I hear today and this is my prayer for all who may be reading. 

Day # 4

I've been reading this book ...

It's been a great read for me.  It's challenging and eye opening.  Francis Chan writes about the 'forgotten God'- meaning the Holy Spirit. Today's verse is something I want embedded in my thinking (well all the ones I'm focusing on I want embedded in me...isn't that the point!).

Today's scripture I'm going to write about for two days. Because technically it's three verses and I really want to memorize it...  John 14: 15-17

"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

I'm just focusing on the first two sentences. The first sentence is so straight forward.  Sometimes I feel like it is  slap in the face.  It's so black and white, if you love me...keep my commands.  Always a great reminder of how we who profess we are believers should live.

As far as the second sentence, the word advocate makes me so delighted. Maybe because I am a counselor for kiddos and I love advocating for them (and my adult clients). It is so rewarding when clients become empowered. I picture the Holy Spirit in this role;  sticking up for us, encouraging us, supporting us, wanting what's best for us...it's a cool thought! Actually, it's a very humbling thought.  We are each so special that God the Father gave us an advocate.  And He is with us forever.  Being our  cheerleader, cheering us on to love others as ourselves.

Day # 3

Today's scriputre 2 Corinthians 12:9...

'But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.'

In my quiet time last night this verse was use to help support what was being discussed. Honestly, I can't even recall exactly what I was reading about...sad, I know. Something about surrendering. However, the verse stayed with me and I have been dwelling on it. It is so full of goodness, I could write pages. Don't worry I'm only choosing a bit to focus on.

What does this really mean? 'My power is made perfect in weakness.' What is my weakness? Sadly, I can come up with a list of imperfections. But I wanted to take my 'list of sorrow/weakness' to the next level, sum it all up. I hope you follow my thinking...

As Christians we are called to Love. Everyone. Sometimes that's just hard to do. We are selfish and judgemental by our human nature, not perfect. So, to cover my entire list of 'sorrow/weakness' my weakness is summed up to be unloving. This term unloving makes my skin crawl because I never want to come across as 'unloving.' The truth is I do... whether it be in my thinking, body language, or conversations. I am guilty.

But, there is good new folks. God's grace is sufficent and His strength is perfect in my weakness. He is ready to equip me with what I need to make me stronger, in His name. His power is resting on me. The greek word used for the the words 'power may rest on me' -means, cover me all over like a tent. I love that image! God's grace is covering us like a tent. This is good news!

Day # 2

I have to admit that after I posted yesterday I became sick to my stomach.  I started thinking...
  
 'oh no, what have I done. I'm going to have to talk to people about this. Who do I think I am preaching to the cyber world about scriptures. Hopefully all my FB friends gave up FB for lent.'

After a little while of being physical anxious I was reminded of how the enemy attacks us. Of course the enemy doesn't want me to draw close to God. All I have to say to that is, 'back up enemy!' Ha!

The scripture I want to memorize today is from Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"

This usually is seen around Christmas and I'm singing the song as I write it. I read over this scripture the other day and I can't stop thinking about all the titles given to Jesus in this text.  Stop and look at each of them;Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! They are so rich, comforting and powerful. I'm moved to tears. Jesus is each of these to us! I never want to forget He is all of this, all the time! As a counselor I am humbled at the thought of how wonderful a counselor He is! If only some of my clients could get to know Him. He is Mighty, Everlasting, and can bring Peace. Rejoice in His goodness this day!

Season of Lent

      
          I've had this idea turning in my head for a few weeks. After a lot of dots being connected, I've decided to go on a scripture journey this season of Lent. I've debated this because I have always kept my fasting 'secret,' considering it a very intimate issue between me and The Lord.  Should this journey be something I make public?  Today at NNU's chapel Julene challenged us to give up something that would better our community. So, I feel a peace about 'going public.'  I have hopes that God will use this to glorify His kingdom and better our community. I hope it is daily encouragement...even it's just for me.
         As long as I can remember (at least since college) I have been praying for a hunger for scripture. That I would know scripture. That it would run in my blood and always be in my thinking. I'm horrible at memorizing things word for word. I know scripture says something but can't tell you where. I just have a bad memory in that regard. I read scripture and often find myself deeply moved (and sometimes confused, ha). 
       My plan is to take a new scripture each day and meditate on it daily. I will post the scripture and maybe a few words.  I'm not a theologian, I have horrible grammar, and I can't spell. But I have a desire to know the Word of God! I feel this is a way that can help me know scripture, hold me accountable, and a way to share with the world God's goodness.

 So here we go...

     Today's scripture is one that I have recently memorized and find myself reflecting on it often, I mean a lot!

" It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Galations 5:1

Here is a picture of a yoke...  



It is used to keep animals together as they pull loads of stuff. This is such a powerful image!  Picture yourself next to what you are inslaved by.  What would your posture be like wearing this? For me, it changes all the time.  As a new mom, somedays it's self-pity that I'm not able to be as independent as I'd like to be. Christ came to set me free from this yoke of slavery. Praise His Name!! He alone can meet my needs and equip me with what I need to break free. May you draw near to the Lord this Lent season, and experience Him in a new way.  You are loved!