God created each of us with a purpose. One of the things I have the hardest time with is being who HE created me to be and not what OTHERS think I should be. This even includes myself. Often times I think I am growing spiritually and becoming more like Christ and then I realize that I am striving to be what some other Christian is and I begin trying to mimic their life. God did not create us to strive to be like others. We are to strive to be like Him and only Him.
One of the greatest examples of this I got from a teaching by Jason Upton. He talks about how God uses the birds and the lillies as examples in the Bible because unlike humans, these things do not change. A redbird does not suddenly decide to act like a bluejay, just as a white lilly does not try to be a yellow daffodil. They simply are what God created them to be and what that is never changes. Though they may appear to look different in each season, their core remains the same.
I believe this is what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to grow and to change and to become more like Him. However, He does not want us to get caught up in what He has called someone else to be. Essentially, He has called each of us to be the same, just like Him. Jesus wants our spirit to be the same over the years. In other words, while our physical appearance and mental abilities may go through changes, our spirits should remain the same. What I find so amazing is that He has already created us to be EXACTLY who He wants us to be. Unfortunately who that is has been warped and twisted by ourselves and the world. We get so caught up as humans on other people's expectations for our lives that we tend to forget what our original callings were. It is no surprise that when we reach adulthood we are usually doing something completely different than what we had dreamed about as kids. It's like to older we get, the more we give up our individuality and creativity and just settle for what the world dishes out to us. We begin to see our selvesas the world defines us versus who Jesus says we are.
It's no wonder that Jesus refers to little children so many times in the Bible to be examples for the rest of us. The faith of a child is one of the purest forms of faith there is. I agree with Jesus that we can learn a whole lot from children about what our identities truely are. Jesus used little children to demonstrate what the Kingdom of God is like.
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16).
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me (Mark 9:35-37)."
I guess we could all benefit from spending some time with children. I thank God everyday that He has blessed me with a job where I work with kids of all ages everyday. It has been such a learning experience to be able to watch kids everyday and to see how simplistic they make even the most complex tasks seem. Kids don't walk around in a masquerade rapped up in a facade created by others. They are who they are and they don't apologize or make any excuses for it. They remind me everyday that I need to be more like them and to be who God created ME to be. Praise God!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
His purpose for our life
It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy (Romans 9:16).
God has created each of us with a purpose. Not just any purpose, HIS purpose. Sometimes what we want in our own lives does not match up with the purpose God has created us for. Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy and He hardens whom He wants to harden (v.18).
He called Pharoh to be pitted against God's people so that God could show His power and that His name might be proclaimed in all the earth (Exodus 9:16). He did this in the same way He called Abraham to be the father of many nations, and Mary to experience the virgin birth, and Paul to be a humble apostle. It was He who called some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Some of our purposes may involve suffering and hardening, but the result of such things is that God is glorified and His name is lifted high for all to see. We have a choice to be obedient so that His name is glorified or to be diobedient by ignoring our calling so that our own names are lifted high. In the end, God's purpose will be satisfied even if it means that our own plans fail. Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out His sentence on earth with speed and finality (Romans 9:27).
God has created each of us with a purpose. Not just any purpose, HIS purpose. Sometimes what we want in our own lives does not match up with the purpose God has created us for. Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy and He hardens whom He wants to harden (v.18).
He called Pharoh to be pitted against God's people so that God could show His power and that His name might be proclaimed in all the earth (Exodus 9:16). He did this in the same way He called Abraham to be the father of many nations, and Mary to experience the virgin birth, and Paul to be a humble apostle. It was He who called some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Some of our purposes may involve suffering and hardening, but the result of such things is that God is glorified and His name is lifted high for all to see. We have a choice to be obedient so that His name is glorified or to be diobedient by ignoring our calling so that our own names are lifted high. In the end, God's purpose will be satisfied even if it means that our own plans fail. Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out His sentence on earth with speed and finality (Romans 9:27).
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuning in to God
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2)
Wow, God is soooo completely amazing! I feel like in the past few weeks He just has me going at mach 3 but feeling completely at rest the entire time. He has really shown me how to rest in Him even when things are busy around me. Even when He is busy developing my character and softening my heart. The biggest thing he has taught me lately is to focus on Him.
For years I have heard people quote Hebrews 12:2 and Colossians 3:2 which talk about keeping our eyes on Jesus. I decided in the past few weeks to really put that scripture to work in my life. Everytime my mind has tried to drift off and think about things of this world that have me stressed or confused or worried, I have made the decision not to dwell on such thoughts. Instead I have shifted my mind to things above. I have learned to not only take every thought captive and to make it obedient to Christ, but also to keep my eyes fixed in Him in any and every situation. He is my life, my reason for breath, therefore leaving Him out of my thoughts would essentially be like holding my breath and refusing to breathe.
The result of my thoughts being constantly fixated on Jesus are indecribable. It's as though I have brand new ears to hear the wonderful things he has been whispering to me. I no longer feel like I am struggling to hear His voice. He has been singing over me and guiding me with His words. Last night God spoke something to my heart that truely touched me that I feel led to share:
"You've been too long upon that mountain, it's time you journey to the sea. It is time that you step outside of your comfort zone. The zone, while appearing to be safe, will restrict all growth. By staying there, you are choosing to put up walls between yourself and Me. By staying in your comfort zone I can not develop your character. I can not mold you into the masterpiece I predestined you to be. You have robbed the potter of His wheel and all of his sculpting tools. Let Me shape you. Trust Me, for the plans I have for you are plans to prosper you and to give you a hope. Hold onto me and I will direct your path and order your steps. The first step you must take is out of your comfort zone. Although this may be difficult at first, let Me be your strength. Remember that I will never give you more than you can bear. Come and journey to the sea with Me for I promise good to those who put their trust in Me. Step out in faith today and your reward will be great indeed."
Now I have no idea specifically where God is calling me, where the sea is, but I know that I am going to let Him lead me there. I have learned that He is a lot more trustworthy and accurate than myself. I praise Him every day for being such an amazing Father and for all the gifts that he is pouring down from heaven on my life. To God be ALL the glory!
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2)
Wow, God is soooo completely amazing! I feel like in the past few weeks He just has me going at mach 3 but feeling completely at rest the entire time. He has really shown me how to rest in Him even when things are busy around me. Even when He is busy developing my character and softening my heart. The biggest thing he has taught me lately is to focus on Him.
For years I have heard people quote Hebrews 12:2 and Colossians 3:2 which talk about keeping our eyes on Jesus. I decided in the past few weeks to really put that scripture to work in my life. Everytime my mind has tried to drift off and think about things of this world that have me stressed or confused or worried, I have made the decision not to dwell on such thoughts. Instead I have shifted my mind to things above. I have learned to not only take every thought captive and to make it obedient to Christ, but also to keep my eyes fixed in Him in any and every situation. He is my life, my reason for breath, therefore leaving Him out of my thoughts would essentially be like holding my breath and refusing to breathe.
The result of my thoughts being constantly fixated on Jesus are indecribable. It's as though I have brand new ears to hear the wonderful things he has been whispering to me. I no longer feel like I am struggling to hear His voice. He has been singing over me and guiding me with His words. Last night God spoke something to my heart that truely touched me that I feel led to share:
"You've been too long upon that mountain, it's time you journey to the sea. It is time that you step outside of your comfort zone. The zone, while appearing to be safe, will restrict all growth. By staying there, you are choosing to put up walls between yourself and Me. By staying in your comfort zone I can not develop your character. I can not mold you into the masterpiece I predestined you to be. You have robbed the potter of His wheel and all of his sculpting tools. Let Me shape you. Trust Me, for the plans I have for you are plans to prosper you and to give you a hope. Hold onto me and I will direct your path and order your steps. The first step you must take is out of your comfort zone. Although this may be difficult at first, let Me be your strength. Remember that I will never give you more than you can bear. Come and journey to the sea with Me for I promise good to those who put their trust in Me. Step out in faith today and your reward will be great indeed."
Now I have no idea specifically where God is calling me, where the sea is, but I know that I am going to let Him lead me there. I have learned that He is a lot more trustworthy and accurate than myself. I praise Him every day for being such an amazing Father and for all the gifts that he is pouring down from heaven on my life. To God be ALL the glory!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Open up our eyes O Lord
I have been spending a lot of time waiting on the Lord lately and reading the Old testament. Since I am now living without internet in my home it is much harder for me to blog, yet it has made it that much easier to not be distracted by the world and to spend more time seeking God. The Lord has opened my eyes to so many new things that I can hardly write about them without getting overwhelmed. My mind has been on overdrive these past few weeks and I am just enjoying basking in His glory and spending time with Him. As much as I have to share in my heart it has been difficult to blog lately. However, I feel compelled to right this blog about all of the help God has given us in this world.
The Lord has been speaking Psalm 34:7 over me lately: The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them. I couldn't quite figure out why He was pointing this scripture out to me. Then He led me to 2 Kings 6, where Elisha the Prophet is talking to his servant and telling him that he has nothing to fear because "those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (v. 16). He was saying this because he knew that the Lord had sent many men with their chariots of fire to fight against the men who had surrounded them in the city. Although Elisha's servant was unable to see these men, they were still there all the same. Elisha then asked the Lord to reveal this to his servant. I believe the Lord was reminding me of all the help he has sent me.
I realize that God has sent many people into my life to help me and to encourage me, but now I also realize that God has also set angels in the spiritual realm to look after me and protect me as well. He has gently reminded me that not only is He with me and by my side, but so are others that i can not necessarily see with my eyes in this world. Lord, I thank you for watching over me both throught he physical and spiritual realms. You supply ALL of my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
We serve such an amazing God! I am so thankful that no matter what this world says to me or how I feel, I am NEVER alone, for my God never leaves me nor forsakes me (Hebrews 13:5). Thank you Lord!
The Lord has been speaking Psalm 34:7 over me lately: The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them. I couldn't quite figure out why He was pointing this scripture out to me. Then He led me to 2 Kings 6, where Elisha the Prophet is talking to his servant and telling him that he has nothing to fear because "those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (v. 16). He was saying this because he knew that the Lord had sent many men with their chariots of fire to fight against the men who had surrounded them in the city. Although Elisha's servant was unable to see these men, they were still there all the same. Elisha then asked the Lord to reveal this to his servant. I believe the Lord was reminding me of all the help he has sent me.
I realize that God has sent many people into my life to help me and to encourage me, but now I also realize that God has also set angels in the spiritual realm to look after me and protect me as well. He has gently reminded me that not only is He with me and by my side, but so are others that i can not necessarily see with my eyes in this world. Lord, I thank you for watching over me both throught he physical and spiritual realms. You supply ALL of my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
We serve such an amazing God! I am so thankful that no matter what this world says to me or how I feel, I am NEVER alone, for my God never leaves me nor forsakes me (Hebrews 13:5). Thank you Lord!
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