I have been trying to be faithful to doing daily Bible reading and journaling - but note the operative word "try." I have not been as successful as I would like. But, I am keeping at it, even though I am technically 2 weeks behind the Bible reading plan.
The section I read today was Isaiah 52-57. I love Isaiah. I can't read it without stumbling across something that jumps out at me. Today's was 57:17-19. It gives a concise snapshot of salvation. It reads:
Because of the iniquity of his (Israel's) unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him."
The reason I see this as a snapshot of salvation is because it tells us what we were: sinners; backsliders going our own way; following our own desires. It also tells us what God did: He saw all this, and healed and restored us anyway. He provided His son, Jesus, to bring us back to Him. He greets us with "peace," or 'shalom.' And this welcome is extended to the near and the far.
It just reminded me of how much I don't deserve God's favor, and how thankful I am that He bestows it anyway.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I swear I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I can't believe it has been almost a month since I blogged last. Needless to say, life is busy. I am astounded that we are already in November and that Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.
I did get to go to my dad's a few weekends ago. My sister flew in from Colorado, as well, to visit for the week. I only took off 2 days because taking off from school is really difficult. A lot goes into taking days off that I really don't like taking off, but this was a good reason.
Anyhow, today was especially long. We had a 2-hour meeting after school, so 7-5 makes for a long day. Plus I still have small group tonight, so I'm not going to bed anytime soon.
I am SO ready for Thanksgiving break!!
I did get to go to my dad's a few weekends ago. My sister flew in from Colorado, as well, to visit for the week. I only took off 2 days because taking off from school is really difficult. A lot goes into taking days off that I really don't like taking off, but this was a good reason.
Anyhow, today was especially long. We had a 2-hour meeting after school, so 7-5 makes for a long day. Plus I still have small group tonight, so I'm not going to bed anytime soon.
I am SO ready for Thanksgiving break!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
I wish I could think like Andrew Murray
I was getting ready for bed, and every (okay, almost every) night I read from "The Andrew Murray Daily Reader." If you don't know who Andrew Murray is, he was the son of South African missionaries, who himself became a minister and lived in South Africa in the 1800's. His writings are so insightful, and there are things there I would never think on my best day. There is something about some of the writers from the earlier generations. They seemed to have so much insight into God and His Word. Many a wonderful book was written during those times.
Anyhow, the reading for tonight was one that I have read before because I am on my second read-through of this book. It contains excerpts from several of his books. Tonight's was from The Believer's Daily Renewal. Murray wrote: Humankind was created for fellowship with God. . . But sin robbed us of this fellowship. . . It was this fellowship that Christ came to restore; to bring back God His lost creatures. . .The power to maintain close fellowship with God all day will depend entirely upon the intensity with which we seek to secure it in the hour of secret prayer. . .Of course, there is the danger of substituting prayer and Bible study for fellowship with God. True fellowship is giving your love, your heart, and your life to Him and receiving from Him His love, life, and Holy Spirit. . .Your Bible study may so pique your interest and so awaken pleasant feelings that the Word of God may become a substitute for God Himself. If this happens, we will go out into the day's work without the power of an abiding fellowship because in our morning devotions the blessing was not secured.
I know that's long, but there was more I left out. But, it really struck me when I read it, because I feel like that's what I quite often do - I am more concerned with getting my "Bible time" in, rather than spending a few quiet moments with God alone and enjoying the fellowship that comes from Him - not just reading His Word. I have never viewed my Bible study time as dangerous. It's supposed to be a good thing. But I can see Murray's point, that it could become a substitute for the fellowship with God. I do not want to deceive myself and think that I have had fellowship with God just because I have read a few verses from Scripture.
I wonder what kind of difference I would see and experience in my day if I sought fellowship with God in the morning instead of just making sure I got in some Bible reading. My Bible study can come later - but God has to come first.
Anyhow, the reading for tonight was one that I have read before because I am on my second read-through of this book. It contains excerpts from several of his books. Tonight's was from The Believer's Daily Renewal. Murray wrote: Humankind was created for fellowship with God. . . But sin robbed us of this fellowship. . . It was this fellowship that Christ came to restore; to bring back God His lost creatures. . .The power to maintain close fellowship with God all day will depend entirely upon the intensity with which we seek to secure it in the hour of secret prayer. . .Of course, there is the danger of substituting prayer and Bible study for fellowship with God. True fellowship is giving your love, your heart, and your life to Him and receiving from Him His love, life, and Holy Spirit. . .Your Bible study may so pique your interest and so awaken pleasant feelings that the Word of God may become a substitute for God Himself. If this happens, we will go out into the day's work without the power of an abiding fellowship because in our morning devotions the blessing was not secured.
I know that's long, but there was more I left out. But, it really struck me when I read it, because I feel like that's what I quite often do - I am more concerned with getting my "Bible time" in, rather than spending a few quiet moments with God alone and enjoying the fellowship that comes from Him - not just reading His Word. I have never viewed my Bible study time as dangerous. It's supposed to be a good thing. But I can see Murray's point, that it could become a substitute for the fellowship with God. I do not want to deceive myself and think that I have had fellowship with God just because I have read a few verses from Scripture.
I wonder what kind of difference I would see and experience in my day if I sought fellowship with God in the morning instead of just making sure I got in some Bible reading. My Bible study can come later - but God has to come first.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
This Peace
I am glad it's Saturday. The morning is cool and still. Time in God's Word was insightful and wonderful as usual.
This was a tough week. I was really feeling the weight of my world. Thursday, I broke a little. Thoughts of not having Momma, hormones, and a feeling of being completely overwhelmed at work caused the floodgates to burst. I kept myself together as long as I could, but could no longer restrain the tears at faculty meeting. Tears that I could not stop freely flowed down my face. I bolted. Fortunately, I am in a very supportive work environment and two of my co-workers/friends chased me down to make sure I was okay. I just needed some time to recollect myself, so I came home. By the time small group arrived, I was fine. The evidence remained, but the tears themselves were gone.
I kept telling myself that it was ridiculous to be crying, but I guess we sometimes need those moments of release. It felt very cleansing, or 'cathartic,' as my friend Amy put it. I am thankful for God's comfort and peace. Music, I think, is one of those comforts. Using what others have found in God, and sharing it through lyric and musical composition. One of those songs is "This Peace" by Sara Groves. I love the words: It's a mystery appeal that's been granted me tonight; This peace; This peace.
It was exactly that on Thursday: an appeal to Almighty God that was granted, and is still being felt.
p.s. - Michele, I miss you! I know you completely understand these emotions that just surprise us!!!
This was a tough week. I was really feeling the weight of my world. Thursday, I broke a little. Thoughts of not having Momma, hormones, and a feeling of being completely overwhelmed at work caused the floodgates to burst. I kept myself together as long as I could, but could no longer restrain the tears at faculty meeting. Tears that I could not stop freely flowed down my face. I bolted. Fortunately, I am in a very supportive work environment and two of my co-workers/friends chased me down to make sure I was okay. I just needed some time to recollect myself, so I came home. By the time small group arrived, I was fine. The evidence remained, but the tears themselves were gone.
I kept telling myself that it was ridiculous to be crying, but I guess we sometimes need those moments of release. It felt very cleansing, or 'cathartic,' as my friend Amy put it. I am thankful for God's comfort and peace. Music, I think, is one of those comforts. Using what others have found in God, and sharing it through lyric and musical composition. One of those songs is "This Peace" by Sara Groves. I love the words: It's a mystery appeal that's been granted me tonight; This peace; This peace.
It was exactly that on Thursday: an appeal to Almighty God that was granted, and is still being felt.
p.s. - Michele, I miss you! I know you completely understand these emotions that just surprise us!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Heart and Tongue Connection
I must need to learn more about the connection between our heart and tongue, because every time I read Scripture about it, and I nod and think, "YES!", I have to honestly say that it is not so easily implemented.
I was reading tonight from Psalm 140-146. In 141:3-4, David prays that God would set a guard over his mouth, and to not let his heart be inclined to any evil. My brain synapses started firing and recalling numerous Scripture references that talk about the heart and tongue issue. The first is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 12:34, He blasted the Pharisees, and told them that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverbs 4:23 admonishes, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Our hearts are so important to God. We are instructed to "love the Lord your God with your whole heart." I have to wonder, that if I truly did that, would I have such a problem with my tongue? Would it really be the "restless evil, full of deadly poison" as referred to in James 3:8? Jeremiah said in 17:9, that the heart is deceitful above all things. So where does that leave us? Is there any hope for my poor heart?
Fortunately, yes! The prophet Ezekiel prophesied in 36:26 that God (in the new covenant made with Jesus) "will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Yea! God works in us and in our hearts! As we continue to submit to Him, He continually changes us. I still need to protect my heart and trust God to His work.
My heart condition is directly tied to what flows from my mouth, and I need to be careful with both.
I was reading tonight from Psalm 140-146. In 141:3-4, David prays that God would set a guard over his mouth, and to not let his heart be inclined to any evil. My brain synapses started firing and recalling numerous Scripture references that talk about the heart and tongue issue. The first is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 12:34, He blasted the Pharisees, and told them that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverbs 4:23 admonishes, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Our hearts are so important to God. We are instructed to "love the Lord your God with your whole heart." I have to wonder, that if I truly did that, would I have such a problem with my tongue? Would it really be the "restless evil, full of deadly poison" as referred to in James 3:8? Jeremiah said in 17:9, that the heart is deceitful above all things. So where does that leave us? Is there any hope for my poor heart?
Fortunately, yes! The prophet Ezekiel prophesied in 36:26 that God (in the new covenant made with Jesus) "will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Yea! God works in us and in our hearts! As we continue to submit to Him, He continually changes us. I still need to protect my heart and trust God to His work.
My heart condition is directly tied to what flows from my mouth, and I need to be careful with both.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Poetry
Some people probably don't know this about me, but I love poetry. I love to read it, and I love to write it. I wrote more prolifically when I was younger, but sometimes have inspiration to write now. I usually just come up with a few lines and then get stuck. I don't know why I think a poem has to be longer than a few lines, because it doesn't. Anyhow, I figure I can use my blog as a venue for sharing some of the stuff I have written. This one is from this last Easter on Good Friday. I had spent some time in the Word and read through Matthew 26-28. After reading, the words for the poem just flowed:
Son of God,
Son of Man,
Descended from Your throne.
Wrapped in human flesh,
Destined to die alone.
Drank the cup of Your Father's will,
Broken and crushed,
Lashed and cursed,
Eyes of scorn that looked upon Your face.
How could they watch?
How could they cheer?
It was all God's plan
To redeem His created man.
Death would not last,
The tomb would not keep You in.
You rose and left
Having paid the price for sin.
Son of God,
Son of Man,
Ascended to the throne.
Wrapped in glorious light,
Destined to come again.
Son of God,
Son of Man,
Descended from Your throne.
Wrapped in human flesh,
Destined to die alone.
Drank the cup of Your Father's will,
Broken and crushed,
Lashed and cursed,
Eyes of scorn that looked upon Your face.
How could they watch?
How could they cheer?
It was all God's plan
To redeem His created man.
Death would not last,
The tomb would not keep You in.
You rose and left
Having paid the price for sin.
Son of God,
Son of Man,
Ascended to the throne.
Wrapped in glorious light,
Destined to come again.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Profound Truth from "The Shack"
This week I finished reading the book The Shack. It was recommended by my Aunt Carolyn this last summer, and since then different people have said it is a must read. One of my co-workers gave me her copy to read because she said I needed to read it. So I did. And it was amazing! There is some questionable doctrine in it, but it is a fiction book. There is one part, though, toward the end that when I read it, I thought, "Wow! What an amazing insight." I have never really heard tragedy addressed in this way, and it just makes sense.
It's on page 185. God is talking to Mack about his personal tragedy, and Mack is trying to understand why it had to happen. God says this: "Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors."
After reading that, my mind quickly jumped to personal tragedies in my life. And I know that God has brought a lot of good out of one in particular, and I am thankful for His grace that sustained me. We are quick to conclude that whatever happens must be God's will, but we live in a fallen world where people do a lot of bad things that God never intended. If I believe that God is good, and that no evil exists in Him and that He can have nothing to do with evil, how could I ever think that the bad things that happen were caused by Him? Those 2 lines of thinking don't go together. But I do believe that "God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). That word "all" really does mean "all." Nothing is excluded. *clarification note: as I have learned more about God and His absolute control, I have come to rethink my position on this. God, if He truly is fully in control, absolutely knows what evil will befall us, and He does allow it (take Job, for instance). If evil were not in God's control, how could He be truly sovereign? This idea seems contrary to popular belief and long-held ideas I had about God, but it makes sense. It doesn't make God evil, because He is not, but He is in control. Crazy and difficult to comprehend, but He is God, and that's all that matters. We can trust Him.*
I am thankful for William P. Young and his book that is getting a lot of people thinking about God, both Christian and non-Christian. I think it is good to raise some challenges to the ways we have always thought about God. And I love the relationship aspect that is so heavily accentuated in this book.
So if you are looking for a book, here's one for you!
It's on page 185. God is talking to Mack about his personal tragedy, and Mack is trying to understand why it had to happen. God says this: "Mack, just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors."
After reading that, my mind quickly jumped to personal tragedies in my life. And I know that God has brought a lot of good out of one in particular, and I am thankful for His grace that sustained me. We are quick to conclude that whatever happens must be God's will, but we live in a fallen world where people do a lot of bad things that God never intended. If I believe that God is good, and that no evil exists in Him and that He can have nothing to do with evil, how could I ever think that the bad things that happen were caused by Him? Those 2 lines of thinking don't go together. But I do believe that "God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). That word "all" really does mean "all." Nothing is excluded. *clarification note: as I have learned more about God and His absolute control, I have come to rethink my position on this. God, if He truly is fully in control, absolutely knows what evil will befall us, and He does allow it (take Job, for instance). If evil were not in God's control, how could He be truly sovereign? This idea seems contrary to popular belief and long-held ideas I had about God, but it makes sense. It doesn't make God evil, because He is not, but He is in control. Crazy and difficult to comprehend, but He is God, and that's all that matters. We can trust Him.*
I am thankful for William P. Young and his book that is getting a lot of people thinking about God, both Christian and non-Christian. I think it is good to raise some challenges to the ways we have always thought about God. And I love the relationship aspect that is so heavily accentuated in this book.
So if you are looking for a book, here's one for you!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Ahhh, Sundays
I love Sundays. They are the beginning of a new week. It is a day of rest. I go to church, where it never fails I learn something new. I always get a sense of the presence of the Lord in our church. He is there and I always feel closer to Him during that time.
I have to admit to an obsession. Every day I have to do the daily crossword on Yahoo games. I am in competition with myself to see how fast I can complete it without using the "hints" tool. I love the hints tool it has, because there are some things I just don't know, especially when it comes to some of the pop culture stuff. I am a little out of touch with some of that. But I also find that I know some random information, that had it not been in the crossword, I probably wouldn't use that knowledge. Surprising I even have it at all!
I have to admit to an obsession. Every day I have to do the daily crossword on Yahoo games. I am in competition with myself to see how fast I can complete it without using the "hints" tool. I love the hints tool it has, because there are some things I just don't know, especially when it comes to some of the pop culture stuff. I am a little out of touch with some of that. But I also find that I know some random information, that had it not been in the crossword, I probably wouldn't use that knowledge. Surprising I even have it at all!
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Friday Afternoon Off
Since I had the afternoon off, thanks to good ole' Ike coming to town (or Texas, at least, and our area being affected), I decided to take in a movie with a friend. We went to go see "Burn After Reading," which just came out today. I knew it was rated 'R' and that it was going to have to do with language (which it did due to the overly used 'f' word). But I have to say, that it made me laugh. It was a very amusing movie. Some of the parts made me laugh because they were just so unexpected (and in some cases shocking!). And Brad Pitt is hilarious as the fitness trainer. We really enjoyed it! I don't feel like it was a waste of $6.50.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Head Above Water
I knew this would happen. As soon as I decided to start a blog, I would get busy and let it sit for a while. I am now in my 3rd week of school, and I haven't posted since right before school started. It's so easy to let some things go when I am really busy. Right now, I feel like I'm keeping my head above water.
School has gotten off to a good start. We started switching for Language Arts and Math classes today, so it is kind of like starting over some. It takes a few days to train students from other classes on my particular way of doing things. And I am rather particular. :-)
I have also been having to really make myself continue doing my REAP Bible study. It's so easy to turn on the TV and zone out. By the way, I finally broke down and got cable, and I know I am watching way too much television now because it is almost like a novelty after not having it for 4 years! Anyhow, I am glad that at this point I am only a day behind! It could be worse.
It was really interesting last week at First Tuesday Prayer, that Matt spoke about and we prayed about knowing Jesus, and remembering the first time we first met Him. I then came home and did my REAP for the day (I was a day behind then, too!). And I was reading from Phillipians, where Paul said that he had counted all as loss and rubbish compared to knowing Christ. And I thought what a great example and attitude to desire. I would love to say with absolute sincerity that knowing Christ truly is greater than anyone or anything I could ever even imagine on earth. But I know the way I live and spend my time does not reflect that. I know in my mind that knowing Christ is THE greatest treasure, but is it in my heart? The psalmist also reflected this attitude of Paul in Psalm 73:25: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You." I would love to echo that without any hint of insincerity.
School has gotten off to a good start. We started switching for Language Arts and Math classes today, so it is kind of like starting over some. It takes a few days to train students from other classes on my particular way of doing things. And I am rather particular. :-)
I have also been having to really make myself continue doing my REAP Bible study. It's so easy to turn on the TV and zone out. By the way, I finally broke down and got cable, and I know I am watching way too much television now because it is almost like a novelty after not having it for 4 years! Anyhow, I am glad that at this point I am only a day behind! It could be worse.
It was really interesting last week at First Tuesday Prayer, that Matt spoke about and we prayed about knowing Jesus, and remembering the first time we first met Him. I then came home and did my REAP for the day (I was a day behind then, too!). And I was reading from Phillipians, where Paul said that he had counted all as loss and rubbish compared to knowing Christ. And I thought what a great example and attitude to desire. I would love to say with absolute sincerity that knowing Christ truly is greater than anyone or anything I could ever even imagine on earth. But I know the way I live and spend my time does not reflect that. I know in my mind that knowing Christ is THE greatest treasure, but is it in my heart? The psalmist also reflected this attitude of Paul in Psalm 73:25: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You." I would love to echo that without any hint of insincerity.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Whew!
Wow, am I glad this week is over! It has been such a crazy, busy week going back to work. Despite having gone to work in my classroom for 3 days the week before, I still had so much work to do in order to prepare for students. I still have some work left and will need to go to my classroom this weekend to be ready for students on Monday morning. I brought stuff home to do as well. The beginning of the year is so busy, and I don't think people realize just how much work goes into it.
Yesterday was our "Rally Day" where parents and students come to see who they have and meet the teacher. I have to admit that I don't look forward to that hour (that usually turns into 1 1/2-2 hours). Don't get me wrong - I enjoy meeting people and my students. But I am an absolute nervous wreck about 20 minutes prior, because I get anxious. I don't do well in chaotic circumstances, and I do better when I can moderate better who to talk to and for how long. But when you have 4 or more people all wanting to meet you and talk to you - well, it doesn't really mesh with my personality. Fortunately, they came in small clusters, and I didn't have too many people at once in my room. So it was much more manageable! Though due to my introverted nature, after that hour or so, I am exhausted! I came home (after Happy Hour with coworkers!) and just sat in a vegetated state on my couch. I'm not kidding! And I replayed in my mind who I spoke to and what I said, and did I say something stupid, and did I answer their question well, . . . and on and on. It took awhile for my mind to shut off.
So this morning it was really nice to wake up slowly and then spend some time in quietness, reading from my Bible and journaling. I love the peace that comes from spending time with the Lord! It is one of those times that when I'm done, I don't feel like I haven't accomplished anything. I finish feeling refreshed and renewed. It is the best part of my day!
Yesterday was our "Rally Day" where parents and students come to see who they have and meet the teacher. I have to admit that I don't look forward to that hour (that usually turns into 1 1/2-2 hours). Don't get me wrong - I enjoy meeting people and my students. But I am an absolute nervous wreck about 20 minutes prior, because I get anxious. I don't do well in chaotic circumstances, and I do better when I can moderate better who to talk to and for how long. But when you have 4 or more people all wanting to meet you and talk to you - well, it doesn't really mesh with my personality. Fortunately, they came in small clusters, and I didn't have too many people at once in my room. So it was much more manageable! Though due to my introverted nature, after that hour or so, I am exhausted! I came home (after Happy Hour with coworkers!) and just sat in a vegetated state on my couch. I'm not kidding! And I replayed in my mind who I spoke to and what I said, and did I say something stupid, and did I answer their question well, . . . and on and on. It took awhile for my mind to shut off.
So this morning it was really nice to wake up slowly and then spend some time in quietness, reading from my Bible and journaling. I love the peace that comes from spending time with the Lord! It is one of those times that when I'm done, I don't feel like I haven't accomplished anything. I finish feeling refreshed and renewed. It is the best part of my day!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
New Furniture!
I was finally able to get new living room furniture. My old couch gave me 13 good years, but it was time to move on. I gave away the old couch and chair and then sat on my floor for a week while I awaited my new sofa and loveseat. It is so nice to have something I feel better about. I don't have to cover these with a sheet to keep off dog hair because they clean up so much easier! Yeah for microfiber! Anyhow, here is the old (with Dusty on it of course!) versus the new and improved living room!
Top - Old couch w/ Dusty on it ; Middle - New Sofa with Bookcase; Bottom - Loveseat side; yes, the wall needs more than a clock
Top - Old couch w/ Dusty on it ; Middle - New Sofa with Bookcase; Bottom - Loveseat side; yes, the wall needs more than a clock
Friday, August 15, 2008
Name of Jesus
You know how sometimes you get a thought that you have had a million times before? Well, this morning was one of those times for me. As I was praying and just talking to God, I was finishing with the standard closure of "in Jesus' name," and it was one of those times where the name of Jesus struck me as so beautiful.
Jesus' name is abused in our society a lot. It is used by people who don't even believe in what He did. He is even being used as a joke in the new movie "Hamlet 2" (I've seen commercials for it.) It is used as a curse or swear word when things don't go our way - where words like "shoot" or "darn" or Charlie Brown's "good grief" could easily be used. (which I prefer those words)
But the name of Jesus is so much more precious and sacred than that! It is a name that recognizes Him as the Son of God. His name is synonymous with perfect living and sacrifice. That name is the name we call on and believe in for our salvation!
How it must break God's heart to hear His Son's name abused and misused. This was His gift to His fallen creation, and it has been trampled on throughout the ages.
I have to ask myself: Do I take the name of Jesus for granted? Do I treat it with the care His name deserves? When I speak His name, am I saying it with honor?
There is a song by Paul Baloche titled "Your Name" that came to mind when I was thinking about that this morning. Some of the lyrics are:
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name
There is healing in Your Name
Salvation in Your Name,
There is Joy in Your Name
Jesus, in Your Name
Yes, Jesus, in Your Precious, Holy Name!
Jesus' name is abused in our society a lot. It is used by people who don't even believe in what He did. He is even being used as a joke in the new movie "Hamlet 2" (I've seen commercials for it.) It is used as a curse or swear word when things don't go our way - where words like "shoot" or "darn" or Charlie Brown's "good grief" could easily be used. (which I prefer those words)
But the name of Jesus is so much more precious and sacred than that! It is a name that recognizes Him as the Son of God. His name is synonymous with perfect living and sacrifice. That name is the name we call on and believe in for our salvation!
How it must break God's heart to hear His Son's name abused and misused. This was His gift to His fallen creation, and it has been trampled on throughout the ages.
I have to ask myself: Do I take the name of Jesus for granted? Do I treat it with the care His name deserves? When I speak His name, am I saying it with honor?
There is a song by Paul Baloche titled "Your Name" that came to mind when I was thinking about that this morning. Some of the lyrics are:
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name
There is healing in Your Name
Salvation in Your Name,
There is Joy in Your Name
Jesus, in Your Name
Yes, Jesus, in Your Precious, Holy Name!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A New Lesson from Job
So I'm a day behind in my REAP for Bible study (REAP is an acronym for a Bible study method that our church has implemented). I read today from Job through Chapter 3, and as I was reading, verse 13 in chapter 2 really struck me. The reason it really stood out to me is because it says this: And they (Job's friends) sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
Why should this have attention drawn to it? For me it was because it made me stop and realize that we usually hear what terrible friends Job had. They said stupid things to him about why he was suffering, and what he must have done to deserve what he was going through. But this particular verse revealed to me that Job's friends started off well. How? Well, they came to him when they heard the suffering he was enduring. Don't friends that care do that? Not only did they come to him during his time of affliction, they also sat with him for 7 days and 7 nights - one full week. How long do we stay with a friend in their grief? To top it off, they didn't start offering him pat condolences and sympathy - they sat in silence with him. You know, sometimes the best thing to say is to say nothing at all. In fact, they didn't say anything until after Job.
So it made me wonder: why do these guys always get so much crap for saying the wrong things (which they did), but no credit for being there in the first place and sitting with Job for those 7 days and nights. How awkward was that for them? What did they do? Can you imagine sitting in silence with someone for a whole week? I honestly cannot.
It also made me think about how God is always with us - especially in our grief and when we don't necessarily "hear" Him. He is still there, even if He is silent. He hasn't gone anywhere. Sometimes it's nice to just know He's there. And our friends, too. Sometimes we don't need them to say anything to us - we just need them to be there. And listen when we are ready to speak.
Why should this have attention drawn to it? For me it was because it made me stop and realize that we usually hear what terrible friends Job had. They said stupid things to him about why he was suffering, and what he must have done to deserve what he was going through. But this particular verse revealed to me that Job's friends started off well. How? Well, they came to him when they heard the suffering he was enduring. Don't friends that care do that? Not only did they come to him during his time of affliction, they also sat with him for 7 days and 7 nights - one full week. How long do we stay with a friend in their grief? To top it off, they didn't start offering him pat condolences and sympathy - they sat in silence with him. You know, sometimes the best thing to say is to say nothing at all. In fact, they didn't say anything until after Job.
So it made me wonder: why do these guys always get so much crap for saying the wrong things (which they did), but no credit for being there in the first place and sitting with Job for those 7 days and nights. How awkward was that for them? What did they do? Can you imagine sitting in silence with someone for a whole week? I honestly cannot.
It also made me think about how God is always with us - especially in our grief and when we don't necessarily "hear" Him. He is still there, even if He is silent. He hasn't gone anywhere. Sometimes it's nice to just know He's there. And our friends, too. Sometimes we don't need them to say anything to us - we just need them to be there. And listen when we are ready to speak.
1st time Blogger
Alright, so I am a virgin blogger. This is my first blog ever, and I am not really sure what to say. I've always wondered who would really care what I have to say or think, but then I decided that somebody might - so here I am. I'm not exactly certain what will come of this, so just go with it.
I figure it will be a good way to share a little about the thoughts that run through my head, hence the name of the blog. Hopefully it's not too murky in there!
Hope you enjoy!
I figure it will be a good way to share a little about the thoughts that run through my head, hence the name of the blog. Hopefully it's not too murky in there!
Hope you enjoy!
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