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!