This was our assurance of pardon in church today; just wanted to share.
"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for him." - Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Think about such things
Sometimes I just need to remember...
Several months ago I went through this passage and journaled out according to the Lord; what is true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent & praiseworthy in an attempt to work on "changing" my negative and sometimes frustrating view on things... I found it to be a helpful "exercise" and it got me digging into the word of God. I recently re-read it - it reminded me once again to remember the grace of our Lord and seek Him alone; not the things and view of this world.
Philippians 4:4-9
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you."
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you."
(I split up the verses so I could read it slower & let the words sink in a little more; otherwise I think I just blow through it, & end up reading it as fast as possible; which is not how I should read God's word)
Several months ago I went through this passage and journaled out according to the Lord; what is true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent & praiseworthy in an attempt to work on "changing" my negative and sometimes frustrating view on things... I found it to be a helpful "exercise" and it got me digging into the word of God. I recently re-read it - it reminded me once again to remember the grace of our Lord and seek Him alone; not the things and view of this world.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Brokenness
Brokenness.
I looked up some definitions for the word broken : not functioning properly; out of working order; fragment or incomplete; weakened in strength; reduced to submission; fractured...
I have been thinking about brokenness lately. Like I said in my last post; there have been times lately I have found myself just feeling completely undone recently. Getting anxious and not running to the Lord in prayer with everything that has been burdening my heart. I have been feeling like a failure; broken. But I struggle with wanting to be someone extraordinary.
Life here on Earth is hard. I must make choices about what to spend my money on, what to wear, what to think, what to say, what to do with my time, who to spend my time with... and I feel like I am making a lot of wrong decisions - and struggle with feeling like I am a failure, like people are judging me, like I am being laughed at, because I am broken. Not perfect.
Daily I feel messages around me from society and from within; telling me “pick yourself up by your boot straps”; “hurry up and succeed already, you slacker”... “you are nothing without.... the right body, the right clothes, the right hair, the right house, the right home decor, the right car, the right friends, the right family, the right church, the right tone of voice, the right thoughts, the right meal made from scratch, the right thing to say................ (on, & on, & on)”.
Do you know this train of thought? Ya know the “I will wear a mask to fool the world and hopefully myself; into thinking that I have it all under control and that I am just fine” ... It kinda feels like the whole... Yeah, I will go to the gym once I am in shape; because I do not want the people at the gym to see I am overweight and that I need to be here... Guess what, I cannot be in the world like that. I am not perfect; and probably never will be this side of heaven - because I am broken. I must admit that I am broken. I am trying to learn that it is okay to be broken. Its okay to take off the mask. Not perfect.
I want to be clear, I am not saying the answer is to rip the mask off proudly and become a victim of society or sin and become angry at the world for its high expectations and high demands for perfection. I am just trying to embrace brokenness and see it for what it is; and seek the Lord through my brokenness.
Although painful, I am thankful for brokenness... it has made me look outside myself; taking the attention off myself. It has made me realize that I have been placing too much importance on trying to be perfect and dwelling on all the things I do imperfectly; rather than living my life for the glory of God and living out His will; not mine. I am thankful that I have felt a tug on my heart to turn to my Creator and believe Him. What glory do I bring my Lord when I do not even recognize all He has done for me; never mind thank Him for it? How am I able to serve others and display God's mercy and grace when I am always trying so hard to hold it together and be perfect?
So, I continue to pray that the Lord will press upon my heart and keep reminding me that even though I am broken, He has restored me; He can use me for His glory and for His will; not mine. That while life here on Earth is hard - it isn't about me. It doesn’t matter if I have the perfect (or as the case may be, an imperfect) body, house, relationships, car, thoughts, words & its even okay if the meal I spent hours working on is dry... Sure, I think its perfectly fine to exercise, decorate the house, work on relationships, buy a newer car, try to think better and say nice things; and feel good about making a nice meal. But, I am feeling challenged to examine at what cost. What is more important? Is it more important for me to continue to try to be extraordinary for my own goals or to release the my heavy burden and believe God to be in control?
Romans 8:18-39
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
I looked up some definitions for the word broken : not functioning properly; out of working order; fragment or incomplete; weakened in strength; reduced to submission; fractured...
I have been thinking about brokenness lately. Like I said in my last post; there have been times lately I have found myself just feeling completely undone recently. Getting anxious and not running to the Lord in prayer with everything that has been burdening my heart. I have been feeling like a failure; broken. But I struggle with wanting to be someone extraordinary.
Life here on Earth is hard. I must make choices about what to spend my money on, what to wear, what to think, what to say, what to do with my time, who to spend my time with... and I feel like I am making a lot of wrong decisions - and struggle with feeling like I am a failure, like people are judging me, like I am being laughed at, because I am broken. Not perfect.
Daily I feel messages around me from society and from within; telling me “pick yourself up by your boot straps”; “hurry up and succeed already, you slacker”... “you are nothing without.... the right body, the right clothes, the right hair, the right house, the right home decor, the right car, the right friends, the right family, the right church, the right tone of voice, the right thoughts, the right meal made from scratch, the right thing to say................ (on, & on, & on)”.
Do you know this train of thought? Ya know the “I will wear a mask to fool the world and hopefully myself; into thinking that I have it all under control and that I am just fine” ... It kinda feels like the whole... Yeah, I will go to the gym once I am in shape; because I do not want the people at the gym to see I am overweight and that I need to be here... Guess what, I cannot be in the world like that. I am not perfect; and probably never will be this side of heaven - because I am broken. I must admit that I am broken. I am trying to learn that it is okay to be broken. Its okay to take off the mask. Not perfect.
I want to be clear, I am not saying the answer is to rip the mask off proudly and become a victim of society or sin and become angry at the world for its high expectations and high demands for perfection. I am just trying to embrace brokenness and see it for what it is; and seek the Lord through my brokenness.
Although painful, I am thankful for brokenness... it has made me look outside myself; taking the attention off myself. It has made me realize that I have been placing too much importance on trying to be perfect and dwelling on all the things I do imperfectly; rather than living my life for the glory of God and living out His will; not mine. I am thankful that I have felt a tug on my heart to turn to my Creator and believe Him. What glory do I bring my Lord when I do not even recognize all He has done for me; never mind thank Him for it? How am I able to serve others and display God's mercy and grace when I am always trying so hard to hold it together and be perfect?
So, I continue to pray that the Lord will press upon my heart and keep reminding me that even though I am broken, He has restored me; He can use me for His glory and for His will; not mine. That while life here on Earth is hard - it isn't about me. It doesn’t matter if I have the perfect (or as the case may be, an imperfect) body, house, relationships, car, thoughts, words & its even okay if the meal I spent hours working on is dry... Sure, I think its perfectly fine to exercise, decorate the house, work on relationships, buy a newer car, try to think better and say nice things; and feel good about making a nice meal. But, I am feeling challenged to examine at what cost. What is more important? Is it more important for me to continue to try to be extraordinary for my own goals or to release the my heavy burden and believe God to be in control?
I pray that I will release my grip on this idol of hoping to be perfect, recognize it is okay to be broken; and look to the one who is perfect; putting first things first and look to Him. Caring more about what He is asking me to do and obeying His will. And believing that He is the one who will sustain me. I am comforted by His grace.
Romans 8:18-39
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Giving it up
There have been many times lately I have felt myself just feeling completely undone. Becoming anxious and starting to worry about anything I think about... But I have been trying to remember to carry everything to God in prayer. Whether its worry about being who God wants me to be, paying the mortgage, eating the right food, sleeping enough, being a good friend - you name it... I should be carrying it all to God in prayer. Trusting his mercy and grace to be all I need here on Earth and to let go of the burdens that have been taking over my heart.
______________________
______________________
What A Friend We Have in Jesus
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
Welcome 2012!
Generally, I am not one of those people who looks forward to a new year with anticipation - like magically things will be much different than yesterday, because I said so and that I have the super will power to make it so. And honestly I tend to cringe when I hear people go on and on about their resolutions and all the new beginnings they are looking forward to making happen!
However to my chagrin, I feel myself kind of being one of those people this year... :)
I feel myself very much looking forward to this new year! I really do not know what I am expecting to happen this year. Like most people during this time of year I would love to resolve to weigh less, eat less, sleep more, & love more! But for some reason - I am filled with great hope that this coming year is going to be filled with blessing & peace.... simply because I know that God provides grace for me to do exactly what He has in front of me to do. I know it won't always be easy and I am sure there will be difficulty and hardship, as well as joy, comfort and laughter.
As I look into this new year - I want to remember that I am not alone. That God is in control; even on the days when I shake my fist at Him for unanswered prayer or simply saying no to my prayers. I pray that I am able to submit humbly to God and ask for forgiveness for my unbelief and self righteousness and anger. I hope that I will not be blind to the blessings and mercies that He grants and that I may find comfort in God alone. And I pray that am able to extend hope and grace to others on a daily basis as I strive to peacefully embrace this new year, whatever may come.
I wanted to leave some passages of Scripture that have really been on my heart the last few days and even as we were in church this morning.
Psalm 51
Generally, I am not one of those people who looks forward to a new year with anticipation - like magically things will be much different than yesterday, because I said so and that I have the super will power to make it so. And honestly I tend to cringe when I hear people go on and on about their resolutions and all the new beginnings they are looking forward to making happen!
However to my chagrin, I feel myself kind of being one of those people this year... :)
I feel myself very much looking forward to this new year! I really do not know what I am expecting to happen this year. Like most people during this time of year I would love to resolve to weigh less, eat less, sleep more, & love more! But for some reason - I am filled with great hope that this coming year is going to be filled with blessing & peace.... simply because I know that God provides grace for me to do exactly what He has in front of me to do. I know it won't always be easy and I am sure there will be difficulty and hardship, as well as joy, comfort and laughter.
As I look into this new year - I want to remember that I am not alone. That God is in control; even on the days when I shake my fist at Him for unanswered prayer or simply saying no to my prayers. I pray that I am able to submit humbly to God and ask for forgiveness for my unbelief and self righteousness and anger. I hope that I will not be blind to the blessings and mercies that He grants and that I may find comfort in God alone. And I pray that am able to extend hope and grace to others on a daily basis as I strive to peacefully embrace this new year, whatever may come.
I wanted to leave some passages of Scripture that have really been on my heart the last few days and even as we were in church this morning.
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
18 May it please you to prosper Zion,
to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
in burnt offerings offered whole;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
in burnt offerings offered whole;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Missy
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Missy
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