I was looking through old GirlTalk posts and found some great encouragement for this season of life. (I was actually looking for any clues as to the surprise they keep alluding to!! anyone have any ideas?? I'm thinking women's conference :) ) Last August, the ladies were discussing homemaking. Questions arose about single women and homemaking. The ladies gave some great Biblically-based insite as to what single women should do with our desires and instincts to be God-glorifying homemakers.
August 21, 2008
The Single Woman as Homemaker
Stephanie, a young single woman, wrote in with a question: ....
... do you have any encouragement for the single woman who desires to be a wife and mom, but...is not? ....
First of all remember that God has not forgotten you (Is. 44:21). He has ordained every single day of your singleness before one of them came to be (Ps. 139:16). You are not on hold or waiting in the wings of femininity. God has created you a woman and He has good works for you to walk in today (Eph 2:10) by expressing your femininity.
“Trust in the Lord, and do good” the Psalmist exhorts us. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:3-4). Of course we know this is not a promise that He will bring you a husband. But we do know for sure that “no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11). If a husband is good for you, He will bring you a husband, in His good time. You don’t have a husband today because that is not good for you today. What you have today is better. It’s true even if it doesn’t feel like it. And it’s exciting!
But God wants you to delight in Him and in His good and perfect ways—which include a love for home and family. So don’t abandon your love for the home simply because you don’t have your own home yet. Your desires to be a helper, to nurture children, to care for a home are God-given and should be cultivated, not squashed. And you should continue to improve your skills in these areas, not put them on hold.
Listen to one single woman’s perspective:
“To be single is not to forego the traditional ‘womanly’ pursuits. Whether you live alone or with a husband and children, a house or apartment is still a home that requires “homemaking.” And marital status has nothing to do with the desire for warm, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing surroundings. God gave each of us a desire for beauty; it is part of our desire for him, who is loveliness incarnate. Why should a single woman reject that part of her image as a creature of God? . . . I am a better and more imaginative cook now than I was five years ago. I am free to experiment on myself and my friends. I have the time and the money to entertain people around the dinner table, something I might not want or be able to do if I cooked for a family three times a day every day” (Cheryl Forbes qtd. in Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by John Piper and Wayne Grudem, xxvii).
...I pray you are encouraged to trust in God and inspired to make it your aim to be an even “better and more imaginative” homemaker next year than you are now.
The discussion was continued with the next day's post:
The Way Home
... As a single woman there are many questions you must wrestle with—How do I reconcile my desire to work in the home with the need to work a job to support myself? How do I prepare for my future when I don’t know what that future will be? What does it look like to love the home and display femininity in my life? What if I can’t afford a home of my own? and many more.
While I can’t answer all these questions, I want to encourage you that God is eager to give you clarity. As JI Packer reminds us: “If you ask, ‘Why is this or that happening?’ no light may come, for ‘the secret things belong to the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 29:29); but if you ask, ‘How am I to serve and glorify God here and now, where I am?’ there will always be an answer” (The Lord’s Prayer, p. 14).
Take time, in prayer, to ask God how you can glorify Him as a woman, and in the home, here and now. And make use of the wisdom he has provided through others such as a pastor or a godly Christian friend....
I've heard over the last few months about taking full advantage of the single season to glorify God. I pray thats my daily focus! It's been a blessing to have some great heart to hearts with sweet sisters in the same season of life. Its uplifting to know how similar our questions and struggles are. I hope this is as encouraging to my sisters as it has been to me :)
.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
For His Name Sake
One of the breakouts at the Restore Conference was on "how far is too far?" in dating. I loved the way the presenter, Justin Perry, brought in the main theme of the conference: for the glory of God!
He explained that rather than ask about boundaries and restrictions in dating (or any other aspect of life) we should be asking what brings God the most glory (and how to flee from what doesn't!)
His notes include a great overview of Biblical references to the glory of God (what God Himself says about His glory!)
I thought they were definitely worth passing on as I've mentioned God teaching me more about His glory recently. Here's the main section on the "Theology of God's Glory"
Theology of God’s glory (help from Piper’s Desiring God)
-In order to best know why this question (how far...) compromises God’s glory, it would be wise for us to set the backdrop of the glory of God in all things.
-As John Piper notes, throughout Scripture the glory of God generally refers to the visible splendor or moral beauty of God’s perfections. It is an attempt to put into words what cannot be contained in words-his unveiled magnificence and excellence. A synonym for God’s glory is for His name sake.
-Let’s journey through the Scriptures together:
-Genesis 1.26-27—God’s aim in creating man is that he (man) would mirror forth God. Man is created to reflect the glory of his Maker whose image he bears. Thus, God’s purpose was to fill the whole earth with His glory. (Numbers 14.21- All the earth shall be full of the glory of the Lord and Isaiah 43.7- referring to His people as those whom I created for my glory)
-Genesis 12.1-2—God’s dealing with Abram shows us that God promises to make Abram’s name great…is this in contradiction to God receiving glory? Not at all, as Romans tells us: No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith, giving glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised (4.20-21). God blesses and by his obedience, Abram brings God glory.
-Exodus 14.4, 18—The deliverance of Israel was not because they were a great people, rather because of the great name of God! Other recordings are found in Ezekiel 20.9-But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. Psalm 106.7-8-Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember Your abundant kindness, But rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, That He might make His power known. God’s purpose is to act in such a way as to cause people to own up to His glory and confess that He is the only Lord of the universe…aka for His glory.
-Exodus 20.3-5—God has given His commandments to Moses, and out of the gate it is clear why He has given it to them. We have these so that we give God the glory and honor that is due Him.
-Ezekiel 20.21-22—God does not strike dead His people in the wilderness, although they deserved it. Rather, he is long-suffering for His own name’s sake.
-1 Samuel 12.19-23—After a period of judges, God raises up a king and again we see the mercy of God. He preserves His people for the honor of His name.
-For the sake of time, a few other places are 1 Kings 8.41-45 (Solomon dedicating the temple), deliverance in the time of the kings (2 Kings 19.34), exile and promised restoration (Isaiah 48.9-11), and post-exile prophets (Zech. 2.5, Hag. 1.8, Mal. 2.2)
-John 17.4, 7.18—both attest to the focus Jesus had in glorifying His Father in heaven.
-John 12.27-28—Jesus rejected any notion of saving Himself from death because His mission was to bring glory to the Father. The purpose of Jesus’ death was to glorify the Father...it accomplished much for us, but the purpose was bringing glory to the Father.
-1 Cor. 10.31/ 1 Peter 4.11/Matthew 5.16—The purpose of our lives is to glorify God.
-Revelation 21.23—John records this to show us that the consummation of God’s goal in all of history is to display His glory for all to see and praise. (John 17.24)
The conclusion of history is that God does all things at all times for His glory.
He explained that rather than ask about boundaries and restrictions in dating (or any other aspect of life) we should be asking what brings God the most glory (and how to flee from what doesn't!)
His notes include a great overview of Biblical references to the glory of God (what God Himself says about His glory!)
I thought they were definitely worth passing on as I've mentioned God teaching me more about His glory recently. Here's the main section on the "Theology of God's Glory"
Theology of God’s glory (help from Piper’s Desiring God)
-In order to best know why this question (how far...) compromises God’s glory, it would be wise for us to set the backdrop of the glory of God in all things.
-As John Piper notes, throughout Scripture the glory of God generally refers to the visible splendor or moral beauty of God’s perfections. It is an attempt to put into words what cannot be contained in words-his unveiled magnificence and excellence. A synonym for God’s glory is for His name sake.
-Let’s journey through the Scriptures together:
-Genesis 1.26-27—God’s aim in creating man is that he (man) would mirror forth God. Man is created to reflect the glory of his Maker whose image he bears. Thus, God’s purpose was to fill the whole earth with His glory. (Numbers 14.21- All the earth shall be full of the glory of the Lord and Isaiah 43.7- referring to His people as those whom I created for my glory)
-Genesis 12.1-2—God’s dealing with Abram shows us that God promises to make Abram’s name great…is this in contradiction to God receiving glory? Not at all, as Romans tells us: No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith, giving glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised (4.20-21). God blesses and by his obedience, Abram brings God glory.
-Exodus 14.4, 18—The deliverance of Israel was not because they were a great people, rather because of the great name of God! Other recordings are found in Ezekiel 20.9-But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. Psalm 106.7-8-Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember Your abundant kindness, But rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, That He might make His power known. God’s purpose is to act in such a way as to cause people to own up to His glory and confess that He is the only Lord of the universe…aka for His glory.
-Exodus 20.3-5—God has given His commandments to Moses, and out of the gate it is clear why He has given it to them. We have these so that we give God the glory and honor that is due Him.
-Ezekiel 20.21-22—God does not strike dead His people in the wilderness, although they deserved it. Rather, he is long-suffering for His own name’s sake.
-1 Samuel 12.19-23—After a period of judges, God raises up a king and again we see the mercy of God. He preserves His people for the honor of His name.
-For the sake of time, a few other places are 1 Kings 8.41-45 (Solomon dedicating the temple), deliverance in the time of the kings (2 Kings 19.34), exile and promised restoration (Isaiah 48.9-11), and post-exile prophets (Zech. 2.5, Hag. 1.8, Mal. 2.2)
-John 17.4, 7.18—both attest to the focus Jesus had in glorifying His Father in heaven.
-John 12.27-28—Jesus rejected any notion of saving Himself from death because His mission was to bring glory to the Father. The purpose of Jesus’ death was to glorify the Father...it accomplished much for us, but the purpose was bringing glory to the Father.
-1 Cor. 10.31/ 1 Peter 4.11/Matthew 5.16—The purpose of our lives is to glorify God.
-Revelation 21.23—John records this to show us that the consummation of God’s goal in all of history is to display His glory for all to see and praise. (John 17.24)
The conclusion of history is that God does all things at all times for His glory.
To Make Him Famous....
Through various experiences and situations over the last few months, God's been teaching me more about what it means to live for His glory- that everything I do and say should make much of God and why it's so central to the Christian life. I Cor 10:31-33 A wonderful example of this is the apostle Paul. I've been reading through Paul's letters in my time with the Lord. He's very direct in his messages to young churches with new believers. He makes it very clear that everything he does is for the sake of the Gospel - to make Christ known to the nations. The Lord's been working on my heart to understand that Paul is such an example of what it means to glorify God because he surrendered his entire life. Nothing he did for the kingdom was within his own power! Obeying the will and commands of God are not acts of my own will but of His power through me!
Someone posted the Passion 08 Regionals conference opening video on YouTube. Its a great reminder of what spreading the gospel, making Jesus famous in our generation, looks like: proclaiming His name no matter the cost recognizing that neglecting this responsibility has life and death consequences. (the message intro begins around 4min 30 sec)
Here's the transcript:
Hello Atlanta
We're so glad you're here
We've invited you to our amazing city to LIFT UP the beautiful One
His fame is what Passion is all about Are you with us?
He's the Son of God COME DOWN
Beauty in a sinner's crown
The innocent life laid down
The one where grace from death abounds
And...Just in case you missed it
JESUS IS ALIVE
Our mission: A generation awakened to make Jesus famous
A generation marked by worship and justice
A generation working together to change the world in Jesus' name....
In every place we pose this question...
Could there be a day when His fame echoes loudest
and our campuses hear his name?
We believe it's possible. We believe it's coming. We believe it's time.
We believe He's here.
Everything bright and good, lasting and true, everything new
He is
Price payer, shame bearer, grave ender, breach repairer, crown wearer
rearranger, hope's anchor, world changer, church builder, always sustainer,
freeing,loving, never-ending
HE IS HERE!
Someone posted the Passion 08 Regionals conference opening video on YouTube. Its a great reminder of what spreading the gospel, making Jesus famous in our generation, looks like: proclaiming His name no matter the cost recognizing that neglecting this responsibility has life and death consequences. (the message intro begins around 4min 30 sec)
Here's the transcript:
Hello Atlanta
We're so glad you're here
We've invited you to our amazing city to LIFT UP the beautiful One
His fame is what Passion is all about Are you with us?
He's the Son of God COME DOWN
Beauty in a sinner's crown
The innocent life laid down
The one where grace from death abounds
And...Just in case you missed it
JESUS IS ALIVE
Our mission: A generation awakened to make Jesus famous
A generation marked by worship and justice
A generation working together to change the world in Jesus' name....
In every place we pose this question...
Could there be a day when His fame echoes loudest
and our campuses hear his name?
We believe it's possible. We believe it's coming. We believe it's time.
We believe He's here.
Everything bright and good, lasting and true, everything new
He is
Price payer, shame bearer, grave ender, breach repairer, crown wearer
rearranger, hope's anchor, world changer, church builder, always sustainer,
freeing,loving, never-ending
HE IS HERE!
God moments and sweet blessings
In my last post, I mentioned being able to see God minister to my heart more profoundly lately.... little did I know the rest of the week He had in store!! I've had some amazing conversations recently with sisters who I know must have been Spirit-led in when they contacted me as well as what they've said. God's used them to uplift me just when He knows I need it most! It's been so humbling and exciting to know He's pursuing my heart and meeting every need. Possibly most uplifting of all has been to find how many struggles and unanswered questions are shared among my sisters! Divide and conquer is definitely a tactic of the enemy! There's great peace, hope and renewal of strength in finding that I'm not alone!!
I had the blessing of having lunch on Thursday with one of the girls from my graduating class at Clemson. We also attended the same Connecting Point college group. She's such a blessing and encouragement!! It was such a treat to catch up with her, to share how God's challenged and grown us since graduation. On Saturday, I got to be at the airport with a very sweet friend as she prepared to leave for a summer serving trip in Southeast Asia. She and I were roommates last summer in Hilton Head. She's grown tremendously over the last year! She already had a servants heart, a love for the nations and a strong desire to grow in her walk when she came to project. It's been so uplifting to watch her continue to blossom into one of the most kind-hearted, God-honoring young women I've ever been blessed to call a friend. I was thankful to be one of her "sending party". Another of her friends from Clemson was able to see her off as well. She and I ended up chatting over coffee after we left the security checkpoint. Once again, God knew just what I needed! I'm most reenergized and feel most used and challenged by the Lord in the more intimate settings of one-on-one or small group conversation. (although theres typically very little that could keep me from a group game night, meal, or most any other fellowship activity!) God's little surprises are just wonderful :) Such an unexpected blessing!
I attended a different campus for church today as one of the staff girls from project was in town! (another of God's sweet, surprise gifts to me this week!) Afterwards, I was close enough to my small group leader's house to get to stop in for a bit. She and I have gotten more opportunities to connect outside of group recently. God's been using her so much in my life! It's been so refreshing as I've missed the community from Clemson and SummerLINK so much!! I told her how uplifted I've been by so many great conversations. She told me she has no doubt thats just what I needed. I know when she says something like that it can be taken as confirmation from the Lord through those that love me that He's at work! So many sweet reminders from the Lord of how much He loves me.
Today's sermon was on "markers" in the Christian walk. These are significant experiences that are recorded, remembered and returned to as reminders of God's love, comfort, strength and hope. They point to Christ. Pastor Miles referred to Joshua 4:1-7. The Isrealites face the Jordan River- the last obstacle separating them from the promised land of Canaan. God tells Joshua to bring the Ark to the waters edge. As they stepped into the river in faith, the Lord parted the Jordan to allow them to pass on dry ground. He instructed a man from each tribe to take a stone from the Jordan as a memorial. God wanted them to pass on the story of the Jordan- God's provision, protection and promise-keeping.
These friendships, encounters with other believers, conversations that come about through no other means but God's providence are markers to me. They don't necessarily mark life-altering events but they're powerful reminders of God's promise to me that He has a purpose and a plan for my life. Jer 29:11 "God wants us to despair in our own strength so that we have no other option but to throw ourselves on His grace. That's the mystery of His plan. You will find His strength in your weakness. As you despair in yourself, you will find hope in Him." (Joshua Harris) 2 Cor 12:9-10
I've said in the past that when God is preparing to do something big in my life, He floods it with fellowship. I've seen this to be true time and again through so many changes and trials in my life. Not only has He provided all of Himself, He's never left me without fellowship to be His hands, feet and voice when I need it most. I'm still not sure what He's planning but I'm at peace that He's called me here for now. He's at work in my life! The rest will be revealed in His perfect timing. Until then, He continually provides reassurance that He's never forsaken me. Treasure, health and healing are in Christ. The word: "impossible" is not in my Saviors vocabulary!! (Jim Miles)
I had the blessing of having lunch on Thursday with one of the girls from my graduating class at Clemson. We also attended the same Connecting Point college group. She's such a blessing and encouragement!! It was such a treat to catch up with her, to share how God's challenged and grown us since graduation. On Saturday, I got to be at the airport with a very sweet friend as she prepared to leave for a summer serving trip in Southeast Asia. She and I were roommates last summer in Hilton Head. She's grown tremendously over the last year! She already had a servants heart, a love for the nations and a strong desire to grow in her walk when she came to project. It's been so uplifting to watch her continue to blossom into one of the most kind-hearted, God-honoring young women I've ever been blessed to call a friend. I was thankful to be one of her "sending party". Another of her friends from Clemson was able to see her off as well. She and I ended up chatting over coffee after we left the security checkpoint. Once again, God knew just what I needed! I'm most reenergized and feel most used and challenged by the Lord in the more intimate settings of one-on-one or small group conversation. (although theres typically very little that could keep me from a group game night, meal, or most any other fellowship activity!) God's little surprises are just wonderful :) Such an unexpected blessing!
I attended a different campus for church today as one of the staff girls from project was in town! (another of God's sweet, surprise gifts to me this week!) Afterwards, I was close enough to my small group leader's house to get to stop in for a bit. She and I have gotten more opportunities to connect outside of group recently. God's been using her so much in my life! It's been so refreshing as I've missed the community from Clemson and SummerLINK so much!! I told her how uplifted I've been by so many great conversations. She told me she has no doubt thats just what I needed. I know when she says something like that it can be taken as confirmation from the Lord through those that love me that He's at work! So many sweet reminders from the Lord of how much He loves me.
Today's sermon was on "markers" in the Christian walk. These are significant experiences that are recorded, remembered and returned to as reminders of God's love, comfort, strength and hope. They point to Christ. Pastor Miles referred to Joshua 4:1-7. The Isrealites face the Jordan River- the last obstacle separating them from the promised land of Canaan. God tells Joshua to bring the Ark to the waters edge. As they stepped into the river in faith, the Lord parted the Jordan to allow them to pass on dry ground. He instructed a man from each tribe to take a stone from the Jordan as a memorial. God wanted them to pass on the story of the Jordan- God's provision, protection and promise-keeping.
These friendships, encounters with other believers, conversations that come about through no other means but God's providence are markers to me. They don't necessarily mark life-altering events but they're powerful reminders of God's promise to me that He has a purpose and a plan for my life. Jer 29:11 "God wants us to despair in our own strength so that we have no other option but to throw ourselves on His grace. That's the mystery of His plan. You will find His strength in your weakness. As you despair in yourself, you will find hope in Him." (Joshua Harris) 2 Cor 12:9-10
I've said in the past that when God is preparing to do something big in my life, He floods it with fellowship. I've seen this to be true time and again through so many changes and trials in my life. Not only has He provided all of Himself, He's never left me without fellowship to be His hands, feet and voice when I need it most. I'm still not sure what He's planning but I'm at peace that He's called me here for now. He's at work in my life! The rest will be revealed in His perfect timing. Until then, He continually provides reassurance that He's never forsaken me. Treasure, health and healing are in Christ. The word: "impossible" is not in my Saviors vocabulary!! (Jim Miles)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and know me!
You dance over me while I am unaware
You sing all around but I never hear the sound.
Lord, I'm amazed by You!
Lord, I'm amazed by You!
Lord, I'm amazed by You, how You love me
How wide, How deep, How great is Your love for me!
Lord, I'm amazed by You!
Lord, I'm amazed by You!
Lord, I'm amazed by You, how You love me!
Amazed~J. Anderson
I'm continually amazed at how well my God knows me....
every intimate detail, need and desire....
Psalms 139:1-6O Lord, you have searched me and known me!2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
There is not a place I could go that He could not see or reach me. Praise God He's never more than a prayer (or a desperate sigh) away! I was reminded of this a couple of nights ago as I was struggling with some heavy things on my mind and heart. God knew I needed uplifting. A wise and uplifting sister contacted me that night with just the encouragement the Lord knew I needed:
Ps 37:3-7
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
My time with the Lord the next day also provided an uplifting passage:
Psalms138:7-8
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
My God has so clearly and wonderfully spoken to me through His word that I am to be at peace and rest in the confidence that my Heavenly Father is taking care of every detail. I am to actively trust and obey but, praise Him!, plans and details are not my responsibility!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Upstate Adventures
There are still some things on my "must do" list in the upstate. Four years at Clemson and I didn't accomplish them all! I got to cross a smaller one off last weekend and thought I'd share. I had been to Fall's Park once while an undergrad but not during the day. So, as a treat, I stopped by for a walk through the park on my way to Clemson for graduation.
Taking walks with my camera has been one of my favorite stress relievers/time in prayer since I was a freshman. This was such a nice way to reflect and give thanks for sweet friends, God's provision and His plan for my future.
Here's a few pictures from my "walk in the park"
Taking walks with my camera has been one of my favorite stress relievers/time in prayer since I was a freshman. This was such a nice way to reflect and give thanks for sweet friends, God's provision and His plan for my future.
Here's a few pictures from my "walk in the park"
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Cross Split History
At Passion 08 (Regionals) in Atlanta, Charlie Hall introduced a new song he'd written. The lyrics were one of the catalysts that got me thinking about chains in my life...
ChainBreaker
All stand applaud, Your Father God
The Maker King who never tires
Who renovates the human hearts And gives the broken brand new starts
Redeption flowing from His hand
We all can start at life again
Heaven stands to celebrate
For the ones who come today
So come just as you are
Come just as you are
Chainbreaker, Heart Savior
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Life changer, Liberator
Jesus, the great Redeemer
From slavery to bravery
This is the love that reaches deep
And Jesus' cross split history
It lit the dark and set us free ...
You are free, you are free Yeah, the Son has set you free Drop your chains, sons and daughters Come and run in liberty ...
Chainbreaker, Heart Savior
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Life changer, Liberator
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Something that really stands out to me is that the "cross split history".... it reminds me of a Joshua Harris quote in Stop Dating the Church. Pastor Harris talks about Christ's death and resurrection changing everything. Nothing will ever be the same....Our salvific ancestors living before the time of Christ, had the promise of a coming Savior. As Christ walked among them and then hung on the tree, they saw that the promise had been fulfilled. It's such a beautiful depiction of the concept: the cross is such a simple structure (in the sense of being two intersected beams of wood) but the change it helped facilitate is the difference between life and death: from death in trespasses and sins to life in Christ; from hopelessness to the promise of redemption, salvation; from bondage to freedom!
ChainBreaker
All stand applaud, Your Father God
The Maker King who never tires
Who renovates the human hearts And gives the broken brand new starts
Redeption flowing from His hand
We all can start at life again
Heaven stands to celebrate
For the ones who come today
So come just as you are
Come just as you are
Chainbreaker, Heart Savior
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Life changer, Liberator
Jesus, the great Redeemer
From slavery to bravery
This is the love that reaches deep
And Jesus' cross split history
It lit the dark and set us free ...
You are free, you are free Yeah, the Son has set you free Drop your chains, sons and daughters Come and run in liberty ...
Chainbreaker, Heart Savior
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Life changer, Liberator
Jesus, the great Redeemer
Something that really stands out to me is that the "cross split history".... it reminds me of a Joshua Harris quote in Stop Dating the Church. Pastor Harris talks about Christ's death and resurrection changing everything. Nothing will ever be the same....Our salvific ancestors living before the time of Christ, had the promise of a coming Savior. As Christ walked among them and then hung on the tree, they saw that the promise had been fulfilled. It's such a beautiful depiction of the concept: the cross is such a simple structure (in the sense of being two intersected beams of wood) but the change it helped facilitate is the difference between life and death: from death in trespasses and sins to life in Christ; from hopelessness to the promise of redemption, salvation; from bondage to freedom!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Drop Your Chains
I've found myself reflecting more in the last few weeks as my friends prepare for graduation and as I'm beginning to hear more about this years' SummerLINK team. I have such wonderful memories from my Sr year and the following summer. More than just fond remembrances though are the lessons God taught me and the experience of knowing He was drawing me ever more close to Himself as my circumstances began to grow increasingly more unsure.
About six months ago, I felt led to study Galations and Ephesians in my time with the Lord. Coincidentally, I recently finished reading through these books again in my reading plan. Perfect timing! God used this as well as wisdom from wonderful brothers and sisters to work on my heart about bondage to sin and chains in my life. I had begun considering the concept around a year ago as I was preparing for graduation and some fear set in over what would be next. I never could have expected the path the Lord would lead me down in the last year. The process of gaining clearer vision of what God has planned for my future has been a faith stretching one to say the least! Sanctification truly is an ongoing process!
This is one of my favorite passages of these letters:
Galations 4
7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
In the last couple of years, my perspectives and views have been tested and grown. I thank the Lord for His faithfulness and grace as I know I've been stubborn at times to accept the lessons He's been working into my heart. It has been shockingly amazing to find what chains I'd been carrying... Some lies from the enemy were so deeply rooted. I'd accepted them as truth and hadn't thought to question the source. There are definitely some ways of thinking that I'm grateful to be free of. In falling more in love with my Creator and His word, I've grown in discernment of what is and is not Truth. It's only through the work of the Spirit that I'm able to gratefully say this!
Here are a few of my favorite truths!
Gal 5:1 "For Freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery".
Eph 2:3-10 We were once DEAD in trespasses and sins, objects of WRATH!! "BUT GOD, being RICH in MERCY, because of the GREAT LOVE with which he loved us" has made us ALIVE with CHRIST, SAVED by GRACE through FAITH! This is THE GIFT of God!!!!
2 Chron 20:15b "This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's"!!!
Your GOD will FIGHT for you!!! Trust and honor Him!
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry Abba Father".
Rom 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death"
AMEN!
Is 41:8-10 "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off '; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".
We are servants of the Lord, CHOSEN by Him!! God will strengthen, help, uphold and never cast off those whom He loves
I love these quotes from Elizabeth Elliott taken from Passion and Purity
"Does (whatever I am determining to be true) harmonize with my best understanding of God's plan"?
"Do I want to walk, here, as in all areas of my life, by faith, or will I take things into my own hands"?
About six months ago, I felt led to study Galations and Ephesians in my time with the Lord. Coincidentally, I recently finished reading through these books again in my reading plan. Perfect timing! God used this as well as wisdom from wonderful brothers and sisters to work on my heart about bondage to sin and chains in my life. I had begun considering the concept around a year ago as I was preparing for graduation and some fear set in over what would be next. I never could have expected the path the Lord would lead me down in the last year. The process of gaining clearer vision of what God has planned for my future has been a faith stretching one to say the least! Sanctification truly is an ongoing process!
This is one of my favorite passages of these letters:
Galations 4
7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
In the last couple of years, my perspectives and views have been tested and grown. I thank the Lord for His faithfulness and grace as I know I've been stubborn at times to accept the lessons He's been working into my heart. It has been shockingly amazing to find what chains I'd been carrying... Some lies from the enemy were so deeply rooted. I'd accepted them as truth and hadn't thought to question the source. There are definitely some ways of thinking that I'm grateful to be free of. In falling more in love with my Creator and His word, I've grown in discernment of what is and is not Truth. It's only through the work of the Spirit that I'm able to gratefully say this!
Here are a few of my favorite truths!
Gal 5:1 "For Freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery".
Eph 2:3-10 We were once DEAD in trespasses and sins, objects of WRATH!! "BUT GOD, being RICH in MERCY, because of the GREAT LOVE with which he loved us" has made us ALIVE with CHRIST, SAVED by GRACE through FAITH! This is THE GIFT of God!!!!
2 Chron 20:15b "This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's"!!!
Your GOD will FIGHT for you!!! Trust and honor Him!
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry Abba Father".
Rom 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death"
AMEN!
Is 41:8-10 "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off '; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".
We are servants of the Lord, CHOSEN by Him!! God will strengthen, help, uphold and never cast off those whom He loves
I love these quotes from Elizabeth Elliott taken from Passion and Purity
"Does (whatever I am determining to be true) harmonize with my best understanding of God's plan"?
"Do I want to walk, here, as in all areas of my life, by faith, or will I take things into my own hands"?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
SummerLINK '08 --Almost 1 Yr Later!
Reading back over the last few summerlink blogs and reflecting on the experience, a few things I said seem to be becoming ever more true....
Overall, I’d count project among the most positively life changing experiences and blessings of my life. I spent the summer with an amazing group of brothers and sisters who consistently seek to glorify God with their whole lives. I’ve learned so much from interactions or just watching them exude their love for Christ with their attitudes and actions.
Those moments have stayed with me. I dont think I'll soon forget sitting in the banquet room with the group that God used to grow and humble me so much. Listening to testimonies of growth and thankfulness to our awesome God, I could clearly see He has great plans for such willing servants and I'm so excited to be witness to what He'll do!
I'm still processing exactly what this summer has meant. I think I've come to the partial conclusion that I most likely will not know the full extent of this impact possibly even for years to come.
I realized that I didn't post many pictures here of the summer so I thought I'd create a slideshow! Enjoy :)
Overall, I’d count project among the most positively life changing experiences and blessings of my life. I spent the summer with an amazing group of brothers and sisters who consistently seek to glorify God with their whole lives. I’ve learned so much from interactions or just watching them exude their love for Christ with their attitudes and actions.
Those moments have stayed with me. I dont think I'll soon forget sitting in the banquet room with the group that God used to grow and humble me so much. Listening to testimonies of growth and thankfulness to our awesome God, I could clearly see He has great plans for such willing servants and I'm so excited to be witness to what He'll do!
I'm still processing exactly what this summer has meant. I think I've come to the partial conclusion that I most likely will not know the full extent of this impact possibly even for years to come.
I realized that I didn't post many pictures here of the summer so I thought I'd create a slideshow! Enjoy :)
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