Our pastor is teaching through the book of Romans this year in church. Thank goodness because there is a lot to learn from the book of Romans.
One thing he articulated while teaching through Romans 4 (an explanation of how Abraham was justified by faith alone) last weekend that I've been thinking about all week is this:
There is credible historical evidence for the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we could debate that and discuss it if you'd like. But once you've examined the evidence, you'd see the proof for those events. And believing the proof for that isn't really faith. However, I can't prove to you that what God says about Jesus' death & resurrection - that God accepts Jesus' blood as payment for your sin and it covers the debt completely and God therefore declares you righteous - I can't prove that part to you is true. That part, you have to believe by faith.
faith-filled (and excited for Romans 5),
Renee
p.s. click here to link to the page where you can listen to or download the sermons from the series so far
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Pray AND...
I've been wanting to share this for a while now, but wasn't quite sure how. So here it goes.
At the beginning of June, we had a sudden realization that we were heading into a season where finances would be tight. And by tight I mean, income just would not pay the bills. It happened because of a series of events at one time - I took a new job and would be cutting back on piano. But wouldn't receive the new job's pay for a couple months. Ben is paid on a 10 month stipend for his work for the university so he wouldn't be getting paid.
Can I be honest? My first instinct was to pray AND budget budget budget! [note - 'pray AND do something' is not always the best sign of faith. Next time step one will be - just pray.] I knew the Lord would provide and I like budgeting anyway (spreadsheets, numbers, it's just fun to me. weird, i know.) so I just kept redoing it over and over. Cutting back wherever possible. Okay, we'll eat rice, frozen vegetables and pasta for 2 months. Okay, we'll cancel they gym membership and the $8 netflix account.
As my awesome budgeting skills did not seem to be solving our problem, I felt slightly overwhelmed. And I realized ... while I had prayed, "okay, Lord, I know you're going to take care of this," my actions immediately following that prayer (trying to solve the numbers myself) proved that I didn't really trust him. I needed some faith. And that little verse I've heard in church so many times came back into my mind - faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God.
So I went in my room and opened my Bible to Matthew 6 and started reading.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where theives break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your trasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is healthy, the whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be deovted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ANd which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after al these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Let's just say, that passage I had heard oh so many times made me weak in the knees.
{more to come tomorrow}
At the beginning of June, we had a sudden realization that we were heading into a season where finances would be tight. And by tight I mean, income just would not pay the bills. It happened because of a series of events at one time - I took a new job and would be cutting back on piano. But wouldn't receive the new job's pay for a couple months. Ben is paid on a 10 month stipend for his work for the university so he wouldn't be getting paid.
Can I be honest? My first instinct was to pray AND budget budget budget! [note - 'pray AND do something' is not always the best sign of faith. Next time step one will be - just pray.] I knew the Lord would provide and I like budgeting anyway (spreadsheets, numbers, it's just fun to me. weird, i know.) so I just kept redoing it over and over. Cutting back wherever possible. Okay, we'll eat rice, frozen vegetables and pasta for 2 months. Okay, we'll cancel they gym membership and the $8 netflix account.
As my awesome budgeting skills did not seem to be solving our problem, I felt slightly overwhelmed. And I realized ... while I had prayed, "okay, Lord, I know you're going to take care of this," my actions immediately following that prayer (trying to solve the numbers myself) proved that I didn't really trust him. I needed some faith. And that little verse I've heard in church so many times came back into my mind - faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God.
So I went in my room and opened my Bible to Matthew 6 and started reading.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where theives break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your trasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is healthy, the whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be deovted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ANd which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after al these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Let's just say, that passage I had heard oh so many times made me weak in the knees.
{more to come tomorrow}
Thursday, September 6, 2012
are all the children in?
i've heard this poem mentioned twice lately and i have it on my mind...
I think as the night draws nigh
Of an old house on the hill,
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred
Where the children played at will.
And when the night at last came down,
Hushing the merry din,
Mother would look around and ask,
"Are all the children in?"
Of an old house on the hill,
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred
Where the children played at will.
And when the night at last came down,
Hushing the merry din,
Mother would look around and ask,
"Are all the children in?"
'Tis many and many a year since then.
And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes to childish feet,
And the yard is still, so still.
But I see it all, as the shadows creep,
And though many the years have been
Since then, I can hear mother ask,
"Are all the children in?"
And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes to childish feet,
And the yard is still, so still.
But I see it all, as the shadows creep,
And though many the years have been
Since then, I can hear mother ask,
"Are all the children in?"
I wonder if when the shadows fall
On the last short, earthly day,
When we say good-bye to the world outside,
All tired with our childish play.
When we step over to Jesus' Land
Where mother so long has been,
Will we hear her ask, just as of old,
"Are all the children in?"
On the last short, earthly day,
When we say good-bye to the world outside,
All tired with our childish play.
When we step over to Jesus' Land
Where mother so long has been,
Will we hear her ask, just as of old,
"Are all the children in?"
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
flag waver
I have a friend who describes himself on facebook as "Flag Waver. Door Opener. Sail Pointer. Light Shiner." Somehow I stumbled across that description the other day and it got me thinking...
How do I describe myself?
What is most important about me that I want others to know and see?
And, if I describe myself as, for example, a light shiner, would others agree or disagree?
It's not that what others think about me is so important. Rather, it is important that my understanding of who I am and what is important to me is equivalent to what I portray to those around me. Lord help me not to be fake - to think I'm a light shiner and door opener and yet everyone around me would raise their eyebrows and mutter to themselves "more like a light killer, door slammer in your face."
God has declared me righteous, precious, his child.
I also have roles as wife, teacher, daughter, friend, sister, and mother-to-be.
But I want to be careful about not letting roles define me. I want to be who God has made me and do what he has called me to do in every role, regardless of when or where. I want to be a "flag waver. a door opener. a sail pointer. a light shiner."
These thoughts are still roaming around in my mind but I have nothing more to say about them right now...
Pensive,
Renee
How do I describe myself?
What is most important about me that I want others to know and see?
And, if I describe myself as, for example, a light shiner, would others agree or disagree?
It's not that what others think about me is so important. Rather, it is important that my understanding of who I am and what is important to me is equivalent to what I portray to those around me. Lord help me not to be fake - to think I'm a light shiner and door opener and yet everyone around me would raise their eyebrows and mutter to themselves "more like a light killer, door slammer in your face."
God has declared me righteous, precious, his child.
I also have roles as wife, teacher, daughter, friend, sister, and mother-to-be.
But I want to be careful about not letting roles define me. I want to be who God has made me and do what he has called me to do in every role, regardless of when or where. I want to be a "flag waver. a door opener. a sail pointer. a light shiner."
These thoughts are still roaming around in my mind but I have nothing more to say about them right now...
Pensive,
Renee
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
secret's out
Well, as of yesterday, the secret's out... i am not going to be perfect at this job. I thought I was, but alas, I'm not. Phew. Glad I said it. In my moments of feeling overwhelmed, God whispered to me: my grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in your weakness.
That was good news! So we're back on track - trusting the Lord for the big and small things in life including preparing for the first day of school (T minus 6 days) and adjusting to being the "new kid."
On a separate note, I've put this on facebook but just in case... this is a worship CD you should get :) all the lyrics are Jesus-elevating. A couple in particular have been ringing through my heart the last couple days
Jesus, Faithful King, Lord with grateful hearts we sing - how great is the love of our Savior.
The weight of the cross, the curse of my shame, he carried it all and rose from the grave - how great is the love of our Savior.
----------------------
Arise, for the light has come, darkness bows down to the risen Son
Arise, raise your hands and sing, to the one God
You are the matchless king, who tore down the gates of the enemy
Make way for Christ and sing - let Your kingdom come.
Arise for the battle's won! Our hearts bow down to the risen Son.
That reminds me... I read Matthew 28 this morning:
Grateful,
Renee
That was good news! So we're back on track - trusting the Lord for the big and small things in life including preparing for the first day of school (T minus 6 days) and adjusting to being the "new kid."
On a separate note, I've put this on facebook but just in case... this is a worship CD you should get :) all the lyrics are Jesus-elevating. A couple in particular have been ringing through my heart the last couple days
Jesus, Faithful King, Lord with grateful hearts we sing - how great is the love of our Savior.
The weight of the cross, the curse of my shame, he carried it all and rose from the grave - how great is the love of our Savior.
----------------------
Arise, for the light has come, darkness bows down to the risen Son
Arise, raise your hands and sing, to the one God
You are the matchless king, who tore down the gates of the enemy
Make way for Christ and sing - let Your kingdom come.
Arise for the battle's won! Our hearts bow down to the risen Son.
That reminds me... I read Matthew 28 this morning:
"He is not here, he is risen, just as he said."
Now isn't that good news!?
Renee
Friday, January 20, 2012
seeking to know God
i have been reading a chapter a day from Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. each chapter is like 3 pages, but it's so dense. my mind can only handle 3 pages per day. i finished it yesterday and i am tempted to type the whole last chapter for you, but i'll refrain... that has to be illegal in some way.
here are a couple key thoughts i took away from yesterday:
"any forward step in the Church must begin with the individual. What can we plain Christians do to bring back the departed glory? Is there some secret we may learn? IS there a formula for personal revival...? The answer is yes. Yet the answer may easily disappoint some persons, for it is anything but profound... The secret is an open one which the wayfaring man may read. It is simply the old and ever-new counsel: Acquaint thyself with God" (114).
"To know God is at once the easiest and the most difficult thing in the world. It is easy because the knowledge is not won by hard mental toil, but it is something freely given... But this knowledge is difficult because there are conditions to be met and the obstinate nature of fallen man does not take kindly to them... we must forsake our sins... 'blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God...' There must be an utter committal of the whole life to Christ in faith... we must practice the art of long and loving meditation upon the majesty of God... and as the knowledge of god becomes more wonderful, greater service to our fellow men will become for us imperative" (115).
"There is a glorified Man on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven faithfully representing us there. We are left for a season among men; let us faithfully represent Him here" (117).
if you've read it, what are your thoughts? if not, you should probably buy it today!
here are a couple key thoughts i took away from yesterday:
"any forward step in the Church must begin with the individual. What can we plain Christians do to bring back the departed glory? Is there some secret we may learn? IS there a formula for personal revival...? The answer is yes. Yet the answer may easily disappoint some persons, for it is anything but profound... The secret is an open one which the wayfaring man may read. It is simply the old and ever-new counsel: Acquaint thyself with God" (114).
"To know God is at once the easiest and the most difficult thing in the world. It is easy because the knowledge is not won by hard mental toil, but it is something freely given... But this knowledge is difficult because there are conditions to be met and the obstinate nature of fallen man does not take kindly to them... we must forsake our sins... 'blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God...' There must be an utter committal of the whole life to Christ in faith... we must practice the art of long and loving meditation upon the majesty of God... and as the knowledge of god becomes more wonderful, greater service to our fellow men will become for us imperative" (115).
"There is a glorified Man on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven faithfully representing us there. We are left for a season among men; let us faithfully represent Him here" (117).
if you've read it, what are your thoughts? if not, you should probably buy it today!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
just visiting
lately, i've felt a bit... well, i don't know what the word is. out of place, maybe. socially awkward in a situation, longing to do something meaningful with my time, missing teaching in a classroom, but enjoying my private lessons, wanting a deep effortless conversation with a friend, wondering about future plans. i've been content, but just feeling out of place.
then, yesterday, i went to my first women's bible study for the year. i am in a class that is doing Beth Moore's study on the book of James. Wow!! the first video rocked my world. i am stoked! afterwards, i was thinking about what i'd just learned, and the Lord whispered this to me:
remember, you aren't at home here. you were created to be with me in heaven. you're temporarily on earth.
how amazing! that thought had nothing to do with the particular lesson from Beth Moore's study, but as i was thinking about God's Word, God gave that to me because he knew what i needed to hear. and as he spoke that to me, He brought to mind other bible verses that say the same thing:
Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body...
2 Corinthians 5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling...He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
i so needed that reminder - i am not at home here. at times i will feel out of place, content as i may be, i will still be somewhat a misfit. because i belong with my jesus in heaven. this reminds me of one of my favorite songs.
expectant,
renee
then, yesterday, i went to my first women's bible study for the year. i am in a class that is doing Beth Moore's study on the book of James. Wow!! the first video rocked my world. i am stoked! afterwards, i was thinking about what i'd just learned, and the Lord whispered this to me:
remember, you aren't at home here. you were created to be with me in heaven. you're temporarily on earth.
how amazing! that thought had nothing to do with the particular lesson from Beth Moore's study, but as i was thinking about God's Word, God gave that to me because he knew what i needed to hear. and as he spoke that to me, He brought to mind other bible verses that say the same thing:
Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body...
2 Corinthians 5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling...He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
i so needed that reminder - i am not at home here. at times i will feel out of place, content as i may be, i will still be somewhat a misfit. because i belong with my jesus in heaven. this reminds me of one of my favorite songs.
expectant,
renee
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
David and Saul
I'm reading through the Bible chronologically. One new thing I'm learning from this (among many others) is which Psalms were written when. For example, Psalm 18 starts off, "I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer... I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." Some Bible scholars and historians who are smarter than me have determined this was written following Saul's death. To backtrack, Saul was out to murder David. David had the chance to kill him twice and spared his life, instead trusting in God to take care of Saul. Eventually, Saul killed himself, and when David heard about it, he wrote Psalm 18. So now, when I read Psalm 18, it holds more meaning to me because I understand the context in which it was written.
A few days ago, my chronological reading 'assignment' was 1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11, 59. If you want to be astounded like I was, take a few minutes to read through that.
Recap...
1 Samuel 18- David and Jonathon (Saul's son) form a close friendship. David has extreme success in Saul's army. People praise David more than Saul. Saul gets jealous. "Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul... And David had success in all his undertakings for the Lord was with him." (vs. 12, 14) Saul tries to set David up by giving him his daughter, hoping his daughter will distract David. They just fall in love and David gets more successful.
chapter 19 - Saul tries to kill David at the dinner table. "And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear; but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night." (vs. 10). Saul tries to hunt David down but David escapes with his wife's help. (The wife is the daughter of Saul that Saul tried to use to distract David.)
chapter 20- David goes into hiding and makes a plan with Jonathan. Jonathan will scope out the situation with his dad. If he finds that his dad is no longer angry at David, he'll give him one signal. If he finds that Saul is still trying to kill David, he'll give him a different signal. .... Yep, you guessed it. the second signal. Jonathan warns David that Saul's life mission is to destroy him. They say a weepy goodbye. David escapes.
THEN, David writes Psalms 11 and 59.
Psalm 11
In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
"Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;"
...
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test, the children of man.
The Lord tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfer and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
Wow. what faith. what raw emotion. I used to read this and think - i don't know what i thought. that David was moody? That he must have had some bad experience. But to know that David was running from the wicked man, Saul, who was seeking to kill him for no reason, and that's when David wrote this... that gives it new meaning. He was writing this in great faith that God loves the righteous and God would deliver him from Saul.
read 1 Samuel 18-20, then Psalm 59. Be inspired by David's faith and prayer. David prayed to God with great urgency. His life was on the line. I want to have faith like that. To have urgency like that. To not just pray "Dear God, blah blah blah. Amen" but to call out to God from the depths of my need and with great faith, believe that He will see me through.
A few days ago, my chronological reading 'assignment' was 1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11, 59. If you want to be astounded like I was, take a few minutes to read through that.
Recap...
1 Samuel 18- David and Jonathon (Saul's son) form a close friendship. David has extreme success in Saul's army. People praise David more than Saul. Saul gets jealous. "Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul... And David had success in all his undertakings for the Lord was with him." (vs. 12, 14) Saul tries to set David up by giving him his daughter, hoping his daughter will distract David. They just fall in love and David gets more successful.
chapter 19 - Saul tries to kill David at the dinner table. "And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear; but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night." (vs. 10). Saul tries to hunt David down but David escapes with his wife's help. (The wife is the daughter of Saul that Saul tried to use to distract David.)
chapter 20- David goes into hiding and makes a plan with Jonathan. Jonathan will scope out the situation with his dad. If he finds that his dad is no longer angry at David, he'll give him one signal. If he finds that Saul is still trying to kill David, he'll give him a different signal. .... Yep, you guessed it. the second signal. Jonathan warns David that Saul's life mission is to destroy him. They say a weepy goodbye. David escapes.
THEN, David writes Psalms 11 and 59.
Psalm 11
In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
"Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;"
...
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test, the children of man.
The Lord tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfer and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
Wow. what faith. what raw emotion. I used to read this and think - i don't know what i thought. that David was moody? That he must have had some bad experience. But to know that David was running from the wicked man, Saul, who was seeking to kill him for no reason, and that's when David wrote this... that gives it new meaning. He was writing this in great faith that God loves the righteous and God would deliver him from Saul.
read 1 Samuel 18-20, then Psalm 59. Be inspired by David's faith and prayer. David prayed to God with great urgency. His life was on the line. I want to have faith like that. To have urgency like that. To not just pray "Dear God, blah blah blah. Amen" but to call out to God from the depths of my need and with great faith, believe that He will see me through.
Monday, November 7, 2011
monday rest
today is monday.
i was supposed to sub but i cancelled. too much to do.
bills, budget, bank.
piano stuff.
phone calls.
license plates.
grocery shopping.
after i finally got my act together this morning, i went to walmart.
on the way, a man called. he saw my sign advertising piano. i thought - yay another student! he wanted to sell me a package with windstream, the internet company we already have and hate. but there's no competing companies. so we're stuck with it. i tried to be friendly.
i walked into walmart. no list.
could have sworn i grabbed it. i ripped it out of my notebook. i made the list saturday. had no idea what was on it today. because it's monday. that is 2 whole days to forget my list. ugh. said a polite goodbye to the advertising man on the phone and the man who just gave me the cart at the door. back home for the list.
15 minute drive.
list is on the counter.
yay.
back to walmart. feeling a little irritated.
then i remember that last night, we served food with the salvation army out of a truck downtown. the food wasn't very good. we gave out 100-ish meals. to people who were waiting outside for not-very-good-mac-and-cheese-chicken-casserole from a truck. and then i realize it's not that big of deal to have to go get the list because then i can go back to walmart and get fresh food to make for this week.
do my shopping. $30 on this week's groceries. this is why i make a list. score!!
get home. can't find the mozzerella. just had it yesterday. probably i threw it out on accident. it is nowhere to be found...
can't find the stamps. just bought them last week. a new packet. cute christmas ornament stamps. nowhere to be found. they're probably with the mozzerella.
there are other things on my mind. i'm distracted. hence all the forgetting. forgetting despite the bajillion lists i made in the last couple days.
i'm distracted by the mom of a piano student who is a jehovah's witness. we're meeting wednesday. she is misled. i feel the spiritual warfare in my soul.
i am burdened for another mom who said to me "I'm starting to worry about where I'm going when I die" as i lent her the book "how good is good enough." yet, i'm glad the Lord brought her to me and opened her heart and we're getting together this week.
i'm burdened for the people in need around me and around the world.
meanwhile, still can't find the mozzerella, stamps, AND i forgot something at walmart. distracted.
then i turn on my new favorite CD that one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world sent me for my birthday. the song i turn to is "restless."
that's how i felt all morning. and yesterday.
restless.
the lyrics say....
and i'm restless... until i rest in you, o God.
so true. i listen to it repeatedly, singing it from my heart. praying. resting for a few moments. choosing an attitude of rest over anxiety. an attitude of gratefulness over grumbling.
Jesus invites us into his sweet rest. are you resting in Him today?
i am. and this afternoon is shaping up to be nice and peaceful.
p.s. the other day, i sent my husband an email in all lowercase letters. his first comment in his response was "i like the lowercase. very artsy." :) so, i'm going for it again. haha all these deep thoughts are making me feel artsy. and i'm really not artsy. so the only way i can express my artsy feelings is through lowercase letters on this blog.
i was supposed to sub but i cancelled. too much to do.
bills, budget, bank.
piano stuff.
phone calls.
license plates.
grocery shopping.
after i finally got my act together this morning, i went to walmart.
on the way, a man called. he saw my sign advertising piano. i thought - yay another student! he wanted to sell me a package with windstream, the internet company we already have and hate. but there's no competing companies. so we're stuck with it. i tried to be friendly.
i walked into walmart. no list.
could have sworn i grabbed it. i ripped it out of my notebook. i made the list saturday. had no idea what was on it today. because it's monday. that is 2 whole days to forget my list. ugh. said a polite goodbye to the advertising man on the phone and the man who just gave me the cart at the door. back home for the list.
15 minute drive.
list is on the counter.
yay.
back to walmart. feeling a little irritated.
then i remember that last night, we served food with the salvation army out of a truck downtown. the food wasn't very good. we gave out 100-ish meals. to people who were waiting outside for not-very-good-mac-and-cheese-chicken-casserole from a truck. and then i realize it's not that big of deal to have to go get the list because then i can go back to walmart and get fresh food to make for this week.
do my shopping. $30 on this week's groceries. this is why i make a list. score!!
get home. can't find the mozzerella. just had it yesterday. probably i threw it out on accident. it is nowhere to be found...
can't find the stamps. just bought them last week. a new packet. cute christmas ornament stamps. nowhere to be found. they're probably with the mozzerella.
there are other things on my mind. i'm distracted. hence all the forgetting. forgetting despite the bajillion lists i made in the last couple days.
i'm distracted by the mom of a piano student who is a jehovah's witness. we're meeting wednesday. she is misled. i feel the spiritual warfare in my soul.
i am burdened for another mom who said to me "I'm starting to worry about where I'm going when I die" as i lent her the book "how good is good enough." yet, i'm glad the Lord brought her to me and opened her heart and we're getting together this week.
i'm burdened for the people in need around me and around the world.
meanwhile, still can't find the mozzerella, stamps, AND i forgot something at walmart. distracted.
then i turn on my new favorite CD that one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world sent me for my birthday. the song i turn to is "restless."
that's how i felt all morning. and yesterday.
restless.
the lyrics say....
and i'm restless... until i rest in you, o God.
so true. i listen to it repeatedly, singing it from my heart. praying. resting for a few moments. choosing an attitude of rest over anxiety. an attitude of gratefulness over grumbling.
Jesus invites us into his sweet rest. are you resting in Him today?
i am. and this afternoon is shaping up to be nice and peaceful.
p.s. the other day, i sent my husband an email in all lowercase letters. his first comment in his response was "i like the lowercase. very artsy." :) so, i'm going for it again. haha all these deep thoughts are making me feel artsy. and i'm really not artsy. so the only way i can express my artsy feelings is through lowercase letters on this blog.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Kisses from Katie
That is the title of the book I just read. Just read in a total of 4 hours. Just read in 3 hours last night and 1 hour this morning.
Just read, as in, finished 10 minutes ago. in tears. happy and sad tears.
Tears for the brokenness of this world.
Tears of repentance for my materialistic dreams, self-reliance, selfishness, desire to live in safety.
Tears of rejoicing in the truth that Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
Tears of rejoicing that Jesus will return again to take his children home to an eternity where we are restored.
Long story short, a young woman from a wealthy neighborhood in Tennessee was obedient to God's call on her life - she moved to Uganda and he is using her miraculously to accomplish his purposes there. He is using her story to convict my heart (and probably many others).
This book is not a guilt trip. It's a testimony of God's greatness. Of the truth of the gospel.
I am still processing it and don't have anything more insightful to say, except that I will be sharing it with everyone I know.
Go get it. Immediately :)
If you can't stop what you're doing right now and go get it, here's the link to her blog... a good place to start.
And THIS is the website for her ministry. Perhaps all the women in your family should get a necklace from this ministry for Christmas this year?!?!?
Tears for the brokenness of this world.
Tears of repentance for my materialistic dreams, self-reliance, selfishness, desire to live in safety.
Tears of rejoicing in the truth that Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
Tears of rejoicing that Jesus will return again to take his children home to an eternity where we are restored.
Long story short, a young woman from a wealthy neighborhood in Tennessee was obedient to God's call on her life - she moved to Uganda and he is using her miraculously to accomplish his purposes there. He is using her story to convict my heart (and probably many others).
This book is not a guilt trip. It's a testimony of God's greatness. Of the truth of the gospel.
I am still processing it and don't have anything more insightful to say, except that I will be sharing it with everyone I know.
Go get it. Immediately :)
If you can't stop what you're doing right now and go get it, here's the link to her blog... a good place to start.
And THIS is the website for her ministry. Perhaps all the women in your family should get a necklace from this ministry for Christmas this year?!?!?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
changed
I never get tired of seeing videos like this.
of hearing how God is moving.
of hearing how Jesus Christ is changing lives.
society puts labels on Christianity. All sorts of labels ...fundamental, weird, evangelical, right wing, Jesus-freaks,
but really, it doesn't matter what you wanna call it.
or what you say about it. or what anyone says about it.
Jesus is real.
He is alive.
He is risen.
and that day changed history.
the day that Jesus rose from the dead, conquered death once and for all...
it changed everything.
He changed me deep inside my heart.
He gave me new life.
He gave me a reason to live.
He has lifted me out of the slimy pit and he set my feet upon the solid rock.
I am not perfect. and I do not claim to know all the answers. But I know that Jesus Christ changed my life.
And I will never cease to proclaim that.
This is what real change looks like:
of hearing how God is moving.
of hearing how Jesus Christ is changing lives.
society puts labels on Christianity. All sorts of labels ...fundamental, weird, evangelical, right wing, Jesus-freaks,
but really, it doesn't matter what you wanna call it.
or what you say about it. or what anyone says about it.
Jesus is real.
He is alive.
He is risen.
and that day changed history.
the day that Jesus rose from the dead, conquered death once and for all...
it changed everything.
He changed me deep inside my heart.
He gave me new life.
He gave me a reason to live.
He has lifted me out of the slimy pit and he set my feet upon the solid rock.
I am not perfect. and I do not claim to know all the answers. But I know that Jesus Christ changed my life.
And I will never cease to proclaim that.
This is what real change looks like:
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thankful Thursday #3
Ooops! I missed Thursday... where did this week go!?
Today, I'm thankful for grace. Costly grace.
I am reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship (slowly but surely) and his words have challenged me to meditate on the cost of God's grace towards me.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but he made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (philippians 4:5-8) [did you catch that or did you just read it? Jesus Christ did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped. in order that he might provide a way for ME to know God. Wow]
grace is receiving something one does not deserve. (not to be confused with mercy, which is NOT receiving what you DO deserve).
Bonhoeffer writes, "Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'"
Redeemed at high cost.
The thankfulness that wells up in my heart when I think about that - i mean, really think about it - it can't really be put into words and yet here i am trying.
Sometimes I just listen to this song. and think. and usually cry. and it feels good. to think about the Lord and all he's done for me. (p.s. it's not the best version, but that's youtube for ya)
Forever thankful,
Renee
Today, I'm thankful for grace. Costly grace.
I am reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship (slowly but surely) and his words have challenged me to meditate on the cost of God's grace towards me.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but he made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (philippians 4:5-8) [did you catch that or did you just read it? Jesus Christ did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped. in order that he might provide a way for ME to know God. Wow]
grace is receiving something one does not deserve. (not to be confused with mercy, which is NOT receiving what you DO deserve).
Bonhoeffer writes, "Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'"
Redeemed at high cost.
Christ paid a debt he did not owe because I owed a debt I could not pay.
The thankfulness that wells up in my heart when I think about that - i mean, really think about it - it can't really be put into words and yet here i am trying.
Sometimes I just listen to this song. and think. and usually cry. and it feels good. to think about the Lord and all he's done for me. (p.s. it's not the best version, but that's youtube for ya)
Forever thankful,
Renee
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Good to Great in God's Eyes
Good to Great in God's Eyes by Chip Ingram, proposes that the human desire for greatness is God-given, that God designed us to want greatness. People want to be great professionals, careers, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, athletes, scholars, artists, musicians, etc... Chip writes, "But when ask believers if they watn to be great Christians, they seem to be afraid to answer the question. They become unassuming and deferential, concerned that an ambition to be great in this most important aspect of life would seem arrogant. Yet what's the alternative? Should we aspire to be mediocre Christians? Is it prideful to want to honor God with lives of great faith and excellent work? Even after spending 3 years with Jesus, the disciples didn't seem to think so. They argued about which of them was the greatest, and though Jesus had to redefine greatness for them, he didn't tell them they were being unspiritual or arrogant because of their...desire to be great. Instead he laid out a clear but counterintuitive pathway that 11 of the 12 eventually fulfilled. And their greatness, as they followed that pathway, turned the world upside down in less than a century."
Ingram goes on to suggest God loves it when his people achieve greatness for God's glory and that our purpose of glorifying God "isn't served well by mediocrity."
He clarifies that "great" Christians aren't more loved by God and that great works have nothing to do with salvation. "These principles are, however, an opportunity to fulfill the highest and best purposes God has for your life. Great athletes don't spend years practicing because they have to; they do it because they have a dream. Christians who want to live the average Christian life can do so almost by default. None of the practices in this book are required for that. But those who dream of eternal impact in the kingdom of God, who envision crossing the finish line as one of God's great saints, are motivated to do whatever it takes to be used powerfully by God... If the honest desire of your heart is to stand before God one day and, like Jesus, tell him, "I have brought you glory here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4), these 10 practices will make a huge difference in your life."
The chapters are set up to work well with small group discussion, although I read it on my own and really gained a lot from it. If you read it, let me know what you think!
Desiring greatness for God's glory,
Renee
Ingram goes on to suggest God loves it when his people achieve greatness for God's glory and that our purpose of glorifying God "isn't served well by mediocrity."
He clarifies that "great" Christians aren't more loved by God and that great works have nothing to do with salvation. "These principles are, however, an opportunity to fulfill the highest and best purposes God has for your life. Great athletes don't spend years practicing because they have to; they do it because they have a dream. Christians who want to live the average Christian life can do so almost by default. None of the practices in this book are required for that. But those who dream of eternal impact in the kingdom of God, who envision crossing the finish line as one of God's great saints, are motivated to do whatever it takes to be used powerfully by God... If the honest desire of your heart is to stand before God one day and, like Jesus, tell him, "I have brought you glory here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4), these 10 practices will make a huge difference in your life."
The chapters are set up to work well with small group discussion, although I read it on my own and really gained a lot from it. If you read it, let me know what you think!
Desiring greatness for God's glory,
Renee
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Random Link Fun
I am not informed enough to post links to cool things on the internet consistently, but these are some things I've found that I thought might be interesting to others...
Study the Bible more effectively with these tips. (It's geared to preachers but applicable to all us non-preaching-lovers-of-God's-Word too.)
Flying on 9/1//2011 Woman racially profiled
What to do with kids and technology in this generation? (nope- not having a kid yet :) but we were just talking about this topic in our small group) technology and kids
I'm considering ordering this to create a fun, efficient calendar! Plus it's pretty
Pretty Fall Decor #1
Pretty Fall Decor #2
Happy web-surfing! [remember when people called it that? i'm bringing it back] ;)
Study the Bible more effectively with these tips. (It's geared to preachers but applicable to all us non-preaching-lovers-of-God's-Word too.)
Flying on 9/1//2011 Woman racially profiled
What to do with kids and technology in this generation? (nope- not having a kid yet :) but we were just talking about this topic in our small group) technology and kids
I'm considering ordering this to create a fun, efficient calendar! Plus it's pretty
Pretty Fall Decor #1
Pretty Fall Decor #2
Happy web-surfing! [remember when people called it that? i'm bringing it back] ;)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
God at Work
Our culture today is seemingly a disaster. It seems messy. And it is. And it would be easy, in the midst of the real problems we are experiencing today, to think that Christianity is dying. That secular lifestyles or radical Islam is winning. But the t.r.u.t.h. is, well, we know the ending.
That's the end. Everyone will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Whether we want to or not.
BUT... sometimes, we look around and feel discouraged. A sickness in the family, a relational problem, a job we don't like, lonliness, hurt, on and on. And those things are real. And then, there are the hot-button social issues: gay rights, abortion, religious freedom, on and on and on.
And, so here we are. Wondering if, in fact, Christianity is dying, because sometimes we don't see the results.
When we who were once lost, become found.
And we can see it if we choose to.
Or we can jump on the woe-to-this-generation-it-all-sucks train.
We can choose to get involved and be part of the spreading.
God is at work. Like never before. Can you see it...
...In Anaheim, California (and around the U.S.)
...In India
...In the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the founding members of Hamas. (You should read this book. No, seriously.)
In the Middle East.
and in my new home, Lincoln, Nebraska
"God exalted him [Jesus] to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Phil. 2:9-10)
That's the end. Everyone will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Whether we want to or not.
BUT... sometimes, we look around and feel discouraged. A sickness in the family, a relational problem, a job we don't like, lonliness, hurt, on and on. And those things are real. And then, there are the hot-button social issues: gay rights, abortion, religious freedom, on and on and on.
And, so here we are. Wondering if, in fact, Christianity is dying, because sometimes we don't see the results.
I would argue that Christianity is spreading like never before.
Real Christianity where Jesus is Savior and He changes lives.When we who were once lost, become found.
And we can see it if we choose to.
Or we can jump on the woe-to-this-generation-it-all-sucks train.
We can choose to get involved and be part of the spreading.
Or we can hide inside our basements and hope that we make it to the end.
God is at work. Like never before. Can you see it...
...In Anaheim, California (and around the U.S.)
...In India
...In the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, one of the founding members of Hamas. (You should read this book. No, seriously.)
In the Middle East.
...in Suburban Chicago (gotta click for that one)
and in my new home, Lincoln, Nebraska
Find ways God is at work in your community and around the world. Then, join. Jump in. Find a way to be a part of His Work. Right where you are. That has been God's challenge to me lately. So, here we go....
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Church
The first church I have memories of attending is Our Saviour Evangelical Free Church in Wheeling. I remember AWANA and VBS mostly - one time they had a giant whale made from garbage bags and fans were inside blowing it up. We sat inside and learned about Jonah. And I remember Mrs. Dondit. She was the pastor's wife and she was also my piano teacher... for 12 years. She set my foundation for learning music and inspired me to do it as a career. She loved Jesus and others, seemingly unconditionally. She was so patient and SO creative. Beyond creative. In high school, I remember thinking, if I could be half the woman she is, I'd be pretty well off.
Then, when I was in 3rd grade, we started going to Harvest Bible Chapel. My dad had driven by this big warehouse with a neon blue sign, which was the only reason you'd ever know it was a church. He wanted to visit. My mom said, no I've heard of that place. It's a holy roller church. He found out they had AWANA (which is a Bible-teaching kids program that only puts their program in churches who agree with their doctrinal statements) and so she said fine we can visit. My parents still go to that church.
At a Harvest junior high winter retreat, I accepted Jesus and REALLY understood what it meant. At Harvest, I got baptized. At Harvest, I had amazing junior high and high school mentors who patiently taught me what it looked like to love Jesus. They unconditionally loved me, regardless of the stupid choices I made at times. At Harvest, I met some of my closest life-long friends. At Harvest, I sat under the careful teaching and exhortation of God's Word week after week...after month after month... after year after year. At Harvest, I learned what it meant to follow after Jesus with my whole life and whole heart and not just my sunday-church-time. God's work through the people at Harvest set the course for my life.
After going to Harvest for about 13 years, I got married and we moved to the city. After about a year, we moved to Nebraska (as you know well if you've been reading this little blog for any amount of time). As soon as we knew we were going to relocate, we started praying to find a church in Lincoln. A church that would be home - that would first and foremost preach the word of God boldly and unapologetically. A church that would challenge us to grow spiritually and provide opportunities for service and worship and connecting with other believers.
God answered that prayer. Almost as soon as we moved here, we visited Lincoln Berean Church. The first message "had us at hello." We learned that the pastor had spent 15 summers teaching through the book of Psalms. Each week, he'd teach a new Psalm. 10 Psalms per summer (not necessarily in order) for 15 summers. We were there on the 150th Sunday, where he was teaching the last Psalm yet to be studied - Psalm 137. The last verse of Psalm 137 reads "O daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us - he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." You can see why he said many pastors pray for the rapture the week before they teach this one :) But, by God's grace and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he shed light on the meaning of this Psalm, one that I might have just skipped over because I didn't understand. Curious? You can listen to it for free here!
All that Psalm 137 explanation to say, both Ben and I were hooked. We both felt inside that this could be the church we prayed for. We quickly joined the new-people-intro-class to learn more about the church's ministries, doctrine, etc...
So here we are. We've gone to Lincoln Berean for 4 weeks. We're going to visit a young married couples small group on Thursday. The Lord led us to meet a one of the pastors on staff, who we really connected with. And get this- his wife is a private piano and voice teacher and works with the choirs at church! What a great connection :)
We think this is the church for us here in Lincoln. God's Word is taught, Jesus is worshipped, and I have to say, the people are pretty darn friendly. And yet, sometimes, I find myself secretly nostalgic for Harvest. I've thought a lot about this - why can't I just "get over it?" Why can't I just like this new church 100% and not compare it?
My super-wise husband suggested that maybe it's more than church style, preaching, or worship music. Maybe it's the fact that I gave my life to the Lord at Harvest. Maybe it's the fact that most of my spiritual journey - the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, the times of rejoicing and the times of mourning - most of those times have been right in that warehouse off of Highway 53 and Rohlwing Road. The Lord has met me there time and again. His Spirit has instructed me, corrected me, and given me insight through the preaching. His Spirit has touched me as I worshiped Jesus wholeheartedly weekend after weekend, right in that warehouse. God gave me the passion to minister to and love high schoolers in that warehouse. And some of my dearest friends are there - right in that warehouse. I'm talking about the friends that know you inside and out. The ones you can pour your heart out to. The ones that you have served God alongside. The ones who inspire you to live more passionately for Jesus.
So I'm grateful to have found Lincoln Berean. More than I can say in this already-long blog post, God is doing a mighty work in this community through that church. And I am excited to jump on board! But, for now, I also have a part of my heart in that warehouse near Chicago. Sometimes I wonder if a small piece of my heart will always be there, or if it will move over somewhere else? I'm not sure.
One thing I'm sure of - the same God that I came to know over 13 years in that Chicago warehouse church, He is the same God I'm worshiping here in Lincoln. He's the same God believers all over the world are serving. He's the same God that Paul, Joseph, Abraham, Mary, Ruth, Esther, Moses, and Adam worshiped. He is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Worshiping the One and Only King (from Nebraska),\
Renee
Then, when I was in 3rd grade, we started going to Harvest Bible Chapel. My dad had driven by this big warehouse with a neon blue sign, which was the only reason you'd ever know it was a church. He wanted to visit. My mom said, no I've heard of that place. It's a holy roller church. He found out they had AWANA (which is a Bible-teaching kids program that only puts their program in churches who agree with their doctrinal statements) and so she said fine we can visit. My parents still go to that church.
At a Harvest junior high winter retreat, I accepted Jesus and REALLY understood what it meant. At Harvest, I got baptized. At Harvest, I had amazing junior high and high school mentors who patiently taught me what it looked like to love Jesus. They unconditionally loved me, regardless of the stupid choices I made at times. At Harvest, I met some of my closest life-long friends. At Harvest, I sat under the careful teaching and exhortation of God's Word week after week...after month after month... after year after year. At Harvest, I learned what it meant to follow after Jesus with my whole life and whole heart and not just my sunday-church-time. God's work through the people at Harvest set the course for my life.
After going to Harvest for about 13 years, I got married and we moved to the city. After about a year, we moved to Nebraska (as you know well if you've been reading this little blog for any amount of time). As soon as we knew we were going to relocate, we started praying to find a church in Lincoln. A church that would be home - that would first and foremost preach the word of God boldly and unapologetically. A church that would challenge us to grow spiritually and provide opportunities for service and worship and connecting with other believers.
God answered that prayer. Almost as soon as we moved here, we visited Lincoln Berean Church. The first message "had us at hello." We learned that the pastor had spent 15 summers teaching through the book of Psalms. Each week, he'd teach a new Psalm. 10 Psalms per summer (not necessarily in order) for 15 summers. We were there on the 150th Sunday, where he was teaching the last Psalm yet to be studied - Psalm 137. The last verse of Psalm 137 reads "O daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us - he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." You can see why he said many pastors pray for the rapture the week before they teach this one :) But, by God's grace and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he shed light on the meaning of this Psalm, one that I might have just skipped over because I didn't understand. Curious? You can listen to it for free here!
All that Psalm 137 explanation to say, both Ben and I were hooked. We both felt inside that this could be the church we prayed for. We quickly joined the new-people-intro-class to learn more about the church's ministries, doctrine, etc...
So here we are. We've gone to Lincoln Berean for 4 weeks. We're going to visit a young married couples small group on Thursday. The Lord led us to meet a one of the pastors on staff, who we really connected with. And get this- his wife is a private piano and voice teacher and works with the choirs at church! What a great connection :)
We think this is the church for us here in Lincoln. God's Word is taught, Jesus is worshipped, and I have to say, the people are pretty darn friendly. And yet, sometimes, I find myself secretly nostalgic for Harvest. I've thought a lot about this - why can't I just "get over it?" Why can't I just like this new church 100% and not compare it?
My super-wise husband suggested that maybe it's more than church style, preaching, or worship music. Maybe it's the fact that I gave my life to the Lord at Harvest. Maybe it's the fact that most of my spiritual journey - the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, the times of rejoicing and the times of mourning - most of those times have been right in that warehouse off of Highway 53 and Rohlwing Road. The Lord has met me there time and again. His Spirit has instructed me, corrected me, and given me insight through the preaching. His Spirit has touched me as I worshiped Jesus wholeheartedly weekend after weekend, right in that warehouse. God gave me the passion to minister to and love high schoolers in that warehouse. And some of my dearest friends are there - right in that warehouse. I'm talking about the friends that know you inside and out. The ones you can pour your heart out to. The ones that you have served God alongside. The ones who inspire you to live more passionately for Jesus.
So I'm grateful to have found Lincoln Berean. More than I can say in this already-long blog post, God is doing a mighty work in this community through that church. And I am excited to jump on board! But, for now, I also have a part of my heart in that warehouse near Chicago. Sometimes I wonder if a small piece of my heart will always be there, or if it will move over somewhere else? I'm not sure.
One thing I'm sure of - the same God that I came to know over 13 years in that Chicago warehouse church, He is the same God I'm worshiping here in Lincoln. He's the same God believers all over the world are serving. He's the same God that Paul, Joseph, Abraham, Mary, Ruth, Esther, Moses, and Adam worshiped. He is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Worshiping the One and Only King (from Nebraska),\
Renee
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Distractions
Yesterday, I wrote about how Satan is a liar. One way I think he lies is through distractions. huh? you say... well, let me give you a personal example.
I use this website as a way to help me memorize (and remember!) scripture. I usually do this first thing in the morning... cup of coffee in hand, of course ;) Recently, I signed on to memverse, and while it was loading opened a couple more tabs for email, blogs, and facebook. because, why not have social media overload. oh, she moved there? and they got engaged? and answer the email from my mom. and respond to new student emails. and fun new blog post. and.... wait, what did I get on the computer to do?
Now obviously we've all experienced this in other ways. I.e. flashback to college. for me, not that long ago. get online to do research, next thing you know, 1 hour has passed and you're on facebook. with no research.
But how much more detrimental to be distracted from God. from meditating on his Word.
convicted.
I truly believe that Satan whispers things to us to distract us from activity that honors God.
you get the picture...
So, no matter how long that memory verse website takes to load (sometimes, it's slow) I resolved not to open any more tabs. I will wait patiently and not be distracted. I will ignore the enemy and tell him to go away. Because he is "roaming around like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Here's to resisting distractions!!
-Ren
p.s. I've been loving this blog, recommended to me by this friend... hence the rainbow text. (scroll down the "whatever" blog and you'll see what I mean. the lady likes her rainbows) you might be seeing more rainbows here. what can i say? it's cheery :)
I use this website as a way to help me memorize (and remember!) scripture. I usually do this first thing in the morning... cup of coffee in hand, of course ;) Recently, I signed on to memverse, and while it was loading opened a couple more tabs for email, blogs, and facebook. because, why not have social media overload. oh, she moved there? and they got engaged? and answer the email from my mom. and respond to new student emails. and fun new blog post. and.... wait, what did I get on the computer to do?
Now obviously we've all experienced this in other ways. I.e. flashback to college. for me, not that long ago. get online to do research, next thing you know, 1 hour has passed and you're on facebook. with no research.
But how much more detrimental to be distracted from God. from meditating on his Word.
convicted.
I truly believe that Satan whispers things to us to distract us from activity that honors God.
Reading the Bible... He's whispering don't forget to do this later, you need to check the laundry, email so-and-so, put up that sign, post that blog, defrost that chicken. seriously. personal experience.
Quality time with spouse... think about this. read this book. you don't want to watch that movie. what'd he say? whatever.Getting ready for church... distracted by rushing around, petty arguments, tiredness
Small group... how is it that a million other things come up that night of the week to say "no" to. Coincidence? I think not. you get the picture...
So, no matter how long that memory verse website takes to load (sometimes, it's slow) I resolved not to open any more tabs. I will wait patiently and not be distracted. I will ignore the enemy and tell him to go away. Because he is "roaming around like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Here's to resisting distractions!!
-Ren
p.s. I've been loving this blog, recommended to me by this friend... hence the rainbow text. (scroll down the "whatever" blog and you'll see what I mean. the lady likes her rainbows) you might be seeing more rainbows here. what can i say? it's cheery :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Name the lie... insert truth
Satan is a liar. John 8:44 says "When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
James 4:7 tells us to "resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Well, how do we resist lies?
The most succinct answer I ever heard... name the lie, insert the truth.
Examples:
James 4:7 tells us to "resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Well, how do we resist lies?
The most succinct answer I ever heard... name the lie, insert the truth.
Examples:
Lie - you're not good enough. you're a failure.
Truth - God knows me and loves me "How precious about me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:17)
Lie - nobody will know. just try it.
Truth - "Your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23)
Lie - nobody cares about you.
Truth - Indeed the very hairs on your head are numbered. You are much more valuable than the sparrows which God cares for. (Luke 12:7)
Lie - you're not gonna make it. you're running out of money. do something drastic. worry worry worry!
Truth - "If God so clothes the grass, whcih is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, o you of little faith! and do not seek what you are to eat and drink... your Father knows you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." (Luke 12:28-31).
See how it works? Identify the lie and insert the truth.
Holmes Lake Apartments
So I'm working on starting a piano and voice studio out of our house in Lincoln. The Lord gave us a wonderful rental house in a nice neighborhood near lots of families. I've been advertising in lots of ways...
* signs up on busy streets
* tear-off fliers in coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, etc...
* contacted school music teachers
* churches
After a week or so of staying home and doing.. idk.. stuff... i realized I couldn't sit around for too much longer. So I decided to go "cold calling." aka: door-to-door. ahhh!!!
[mini side story - my dad is in sales. he and his reps go cold calling all the time. he's a pro. my brother ran a college painting franchise one summer and i cold called for him... for about 3 weeks. frankly, i didn't care whether or not they got their houses painted. sales wasn't for me.]
but this time, i did care whether or not they took lessons from me. :)
i drove to a random neighborhood ("random" meaning carefully selected b/c it's close by me, with big houses, & young families). as I passed this Holmes Lake Apartment complex, it occurred to me to turn down that street. But then I thought nahhh... there's no houses. so i kept driving to said random neighborhood and parked my car. started going door to door. Most people were very friendly. My first real success - a lady with 4 littles, the oldest of whom is 7. she said they were just talking about starting piano lessons. we chit-chatted. she said she'd call & gave tips about where to go to find more young families.
i left that neighborhood and headed back home for a hot date ;) I passed the Holmes Lake apartment complex again, thinking I should turn. I could only see apartments but I figured, what the heck. So I followed the road back into a neighborhood with houses. I parked my car and started to walk towards a house kitty corner from where I parked. It didn't make sense to go to that house first b/c it was the furthest compared to the other houses nearby. But I started walking anyway. Lo and behold, out comes a lady carrying a baby. I thought that infant is too young, but maybe she has others...? I introduced myself and explained I was opening a home studio. She said, "We were just starting to look for piano teachers. I want to sign my 5 and 7 year olds up to start in a couple months. we're just waiting on my mom's piano." We chit chatted a little more and she too gave me some tips about where to find more families. And then I drove away.
as I headed back home for real, The Lord said, see I told you to go down that street. When I'm paying attention, He's always leading. And when I'm ignoring His voice because something doesn't seem to make sense to me, I'm thankful He's full of grace and willing to try again... gotta get past my fuzzy, confused receiver :)
Has He been leading you? If not... check your receiver. Are you listening?
* signs up on busy streets
* tear-off fliers in coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, etc...
* contacted school music teachers
* churches
After a week or so of staying home and doing.. idk.. stuff... i realized I couldn't sit around for too much longer. So I decided to go "cold calling." aka: door-to-door. ahhh!!!
[mini side story - my dad is in sales. he and his reps go cold calling all the time. he's a pro. my brother ran a college painting franchise one summer and i cold called for him... for about 3 weeks. frankly, i didn't care whether or not they got their houses painted. sales wasn't for me.]
but this time, i did care whether or not they took lessons from me. :)
i drove to a random neighborhood ("random" meaning carefully selected b/c it's close by me, with big houses, & young families). as I passed this Holmes Lake Apartment complex, it occurred to me to turn down that street. But then I thought nahhh... there's no houses. so i kept driving to said random neighborhood and parked my car. started going door to door. Most people were very friendly. My first real success - a lady with 4 littles, the oldest of whom is 7. she said they were just talking about starting piano lessons. we chit-chatted. she said she'd call & gave tips about where to go to find more young families.
i left that neighborhood and headed back home for a hot date ;) I passed the Holmes Lake apartment complex again, thinking I should turn. I could only see apartments but I figured, what the heck. So I followed the road back into a neighborhood with houses. I parked my car and started to walk towards a house kitty corner from where I parked. It didn't make sense to go to that house first b/c it was the furthest compared to the other houses nearby. But I started walking anyway. Lo and behold, out comes a lady carrying a baby. I thought that infant is too young, but maybe she has others...? I introduced myself and explained I was opening a home studio. She said, "We were just starting to look for piano teachers. I want to sign my 5 and 7 year olds up to start in a couple months. we're just waiting on my mom's piano." We chit chatted a little more and she too gave me some tips about where to find more families. And then I drove away.
as I headed back home for real, The Lord said, see I told you to go down that street. When I'm paying attention, He's always leading. And when I'm ignoring His voice because something doesn't seem to make sense to me, I'm thankful He's full of grace and willing to try again... gotta get past my fuzzy, confused receiver :)
Has He been leading you? If not... check your receiver. Are you listening?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Excerpt from "The Faith"
I'm finishing up The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe it, and Why it Matters by Charles Colson. Excellent book outlining the foundations for a Christian worldview. Here is a story he tells in the chapter titled, "The Sanctity of Life." (This LONG excerpt is several pages into the chapter which discusses the Christian belief in "the sanctity of life at every stage, from conception to death.")
Belief in the sanctity of life may be fine as an ideal, many will say, but there are real-world problems that demand exceptions. It's hardly compassionate to bring millions of unwanted children into the impoverished nations of the world where they will experience hunger and be afflicted with disease from the moments of their births to their premature deaths. There are genetic "defects" that can now be detected in the womb that condemn children to lives of misery. Why should we obliged to perpetuate their lives through modern medicine when nature has so clearly decided against them? And there are many less extreme but still difficult situations in which reasonable people believe that the termination of a pregnancy or the practice of euthanasia offers the only way out. What about the promising, bright, fifteen-year-old girl whose pimply-faced boyfriend as much as forces himself upon her in one overheated backseat encounter? Why should that young woman and her family's hopes and dreams be dashed unnecessarily?
Many Christians think this way; our secular neighbors generally all do. So many people, in fact, that even if the U.S. supreme Court were to return the abortion issue to the states, half would vote to legalize it. Even many Christians have succumbed to a "lesser of two evils" mentality. After all, this world is hard - it truly is - and the prospect of avoiding further pain by choosing the seemingly "lesser" evil has strong appeal.
I thought about this appeal when I visited my daughter, Emily, in Massachusetts. One Sunday afternoon we attended a special needs basketball game in which Max, my autistic grandson, was participating. The game was in an elementary school on a tree-lined suburban road. The school itself was... the epitome of New England architecture. But the gymnasium had been added on. It looked like a big sandy-beige concrete-block cube... I thought it would be dreary inside. But inside it was anything but dreary. There were about thirty children in attendance who suffered from autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other conditions. Almost an equal number of parents and high school student volunteers ahd shown up as well so that each youth or child had his or her own caregiver.... Not one kid among the thirty could fully manage for himself or herself. One of the boys, who looked to be in his midtwenties, was helped onto the court by his middle-aged mother... She held on to her son, keeping him drawn up with a tight grip on his jacket in order for him to stand. He wasn't able to speak but evidently communicated well enough with his mother through his eyes. The parents and volunteers were excited to see how eager the kids were to play.
After everyone had dribbled and thrown the balls about for a while, the group assembled for a prescribed warm-up. They formed a big circle around one of the baskets and every participant took a turn shooting baskets until he or she made one. A few scored on their first shot. Max was actually one of the more functional kids, although his first couple shots missed wildly before he sank one. Most of the kids had to take five or six or as many as ten shots. Every time a participant scored, a look of pure joy appeared on his face and on the volunteers' faces and the family's. There was tremendous enthusiasm with whoops and hollers at every basket...
Then they had a game. Half the kids composed one team and the other half their opponents. No one was allowed to interfere with anyone who had the ball. The coach, his assistants, and some of the volunteers now turned into helping-hand referees, supervising the kids as they dribbled, passed, and took the ball up and down the court... It was well organized and exciting for the kids.
After the game, the mother who had to help her son stand was about to leave a bag behind when Emily noticed it and brought it to her. It was filled with diapers. Imagine being the mother of a twenty-year-old whose diapers still need changing. I wondered whether I could ever summon the stamina and grace these kids demand of a parent. My daughter will tell you, however, that Max is the greatest blessing in her life. What occurred to me that day, though, was that all of these parents, as well as coaches and volunteers, displayed a love that was utterly missing in most of society today. Their reaction to the situation was, indeed, the exact opposite of what one might expect. They were the happiest group of people I'd met in a long time.
Why were they so happy when so many others in Western society who live privileged lives, utterly free of such cares, are so miserable? It's because, whether they know it or not, they are doing God's work. It's not that autism or Down syndrome or cerebral palsy are good things; they are consequences of the fall. It's not that raising such children or caring for the hungry in distant lands doesn't entail incredible sacrifice.
But when I reflect on the joy in that gym, I realize God gives a special anointing to those who care for others - even to those who don't believe in the God who is blessing their actions. [This reminds me of something my dad says often, The Bible is working for or against you whether or not you believe it.] The disabled and the poor end up being God's gifts to us, for they present opportunities to serve our common Creator, who has fashioned each of us in His image. As Mother Teresa said, "The poor, in whatever part of the world are to be found, are the suffering Christ. In them, lives and dies, the Son of God. Through them, God shows us His face."
I left that day with two other thoughts. The greatest advocate in our day for utilitarian ethics, Professor Peter Singer, argues for infanticide and euthanasia as good things, since they are free resources to maximize the happiness of the majority. And if life has no inherent worth, he's logically correct. So why don't we get rid of these burdensome kids? Because the truth about life is understood - the imago Dei is in us, even when we don't want to acknowledge it.
Also, how could anyone watch that game and still believe that Darwin's theory of natural selection is correct? According to his theory, natural processes would have selected out those characteristics which do not strength us in our struggle to live. In other words, the strong would eliminate the weak. But why hasn't that happened? It's because of what Darwin and his defenders could have never understood - human kindness and altruism. Darwin's defenders would deny us the blessing of caring for people like Max and those who played basketball that day. It's not a burden, thank you. It's a joy.
Later, Colson concludes his chapter with this statement:
Christians propose to society a biblical humanism "deeply grounded in the dignity of the human person at every stage of development, disadvantage, or decline." It would be difficult to find a more effective answer to the encroaching culture of death than the love and justice of God.
~Colson, p.180-185
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