Church was so timely today. The current series we're on is called "Mind Games" and this week's talk was on Dating. Pastor Ryan used the often cliche verse of Jeremiah 29:11-12 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to propser you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
So often as Christians we hear this verse and we think "if he has such a great plan for us, then why does it seem that everything in life seems to fall and not go right?" It's almost as if we're rubbing salt into open wounds by hearing this verse so often. That's where perspective comes in. We often lose sight of the plan of the Lord and decide to direct our own paths, rather than listen to His direction, insight, and love. He does indeed have plans to prosper us and not to harm us, but we let our own flesh prevent us from achieving these plans. This is why it's so intrigal, so VITAL that we invite the Lord into every part of our lives - and most importantly into our dating lives.
Ryan gave us 4 dating fairy tales:
1. Opposites attract.
*This is an absolute myth in that the more opposite you are - the more conflict arises in the future. It is so important for us to date people that are likeminded with us. That share the same morals, same value, and even the same desires for life as us. References: Prov. 15:19 and Prov. 25:4
2. If you're in love, don't wait.
*It's necessary to know someone for a duration of time to truly know them. Relationships are always changing and growing in new ways - and the more time you spend with someone, the better.
GET THIS: Ryan said the most important thing in any relationship is to be best friends with your significant other. Because there is an ebb and flow in every relationship. You're not always going to feel "in love" with someone and you have to choose to love as a commitment even when you don't have the "feeling". Infatuation comes and goes, but lasting relationship and friendship with your spouse or significant other is what carries you through Financial Crisis, Job Crisis, Emotional Crisis, Relational Crisis, and Spiritual Crisis. "In love" is a feeling that ebbs and flows, but loving someone is a tenacious commitment to be there through the thick and thin of life with that person.
Knowing that you have someone on your side, rooting for you no matter what and loving you through the most difficult times in your life is a TRUE blessing.
3. Spiritual difference don't matter.
*YES, they do matter. God tells us in II Cor. 6:14 that we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers - this is especially true in a dating and marriage relationship.
4. Always test sexual compatablity.
*NO - God says that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Set boundaries, hold to them, have accountablity in your relationship from the beginning - someone that will ask you the tough questions. References: I Thes. 4:3-5 and Prov. 4:22
Last thoughts of the sermon: "friendship is what sustains your relationship" and "guard your heart for you will have to live with the choices you make within your relationships - good and bad"
I encourage you all to listen to this series and the other sermons available on dating, marriage, and sex found on the ECC website/stuff.
And finally, my prayer has always been that I would be the wife depicted in Proverbs 31. And even though I'm not there yet, I'm still striving to be and grow into that woman even today - simply because I want to bring my husband good and not harm all the days of my life. Respecting, valuing, and encouraing him to be a better man and thankful for being the man that the Lord has brought into my life. This is the desire of my heart Lord- please grow me in this way.
P.S. - recently I've been LOVING the Redeeming Ruth Series at Mars hill - more on this to come... but check it out in the mean time: www.marshillchurch.org/redeemingruth
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thoughts for Today
God is faithful. There are no other words to express how He is a faithful, loving, wise Father that has His best plans and interests for his children at heart.
This week I've been so encouraged by the words and wisdom of Women of Faith that God has placed in my life. One of which is a dear friend of mine's mother. This woman is fervent in her prayers and diligent about her tasks. Truly a picture of a Proverbs 31 wife - in the flesh. This week she has prayed over me, given me words of advice, and just loved on me in a whole new way. I'm so grateful to women like her and her faithfulness to the Lord. She knows and believes with everything in her that God knows best- and that in His time - everything comes to fruition.
SO good!
I've also been so blessed to have restored (to a certain degree) my relationship with my father over the past 6 or so months. What a testament to the will and plan of the Lord. As I grew up I never in a million years would have thought that I would ever have a relationship with my father. But God is so faithful, and knew the desire of my heart to have an earthly Father, just as I have a Heavenly Father. I was so encouraged to hear that my own daddy here on earth has been praying for me this week. Words cannot express my thanks and amazement that the Lord took a bitter, abusive, angry man and completely turned his life around to glorify God. How can anyone say that God is not real, when we see the works of His hands in the lives of people all around us?
God is faithful. Take heart in knowing that He is there for you, even when you cannot feel him or see him. He's there in the quiet, wiping away your tears and taking away your anxiety.
As it says in Ps. 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts... and lead me in the way everlasting."
And finally, be encouraged by what is said in Matthew 18:18-20: "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
AMEN! :-)
This week I've been so encouraged by the words and wisdom of Women of Faith that God has placed in my life. One of which is a dear friend of mine's mother. This woman is fervent in her prayers and diligent about her tasks. Truly a picture of a Proverbs 31 wife - in the flesh. This week she has prayed over me, given me words of advice, and just loved on me in a whole new way. I'm so grateful to women like her and her faithfulness to the Lord. She knows and believes with everything in her that God knows best- and that in His time - everything comes to fruition.
SO good!
I've also been so blessed to have restored (to a certain degree) my relationship with my father over the past 6 or so months. What a testament to the will and plan of the Lord. As I grew up I never in a million years would have thought that I would ever have a relationship with my father. But God is so faithful, and knew the desire of my heart to have an earthly Father, just as I have a Heavenly Father. I was so encouraged to hear that my own daddy here on earth has been praying for me this week. Words cannot express my thanks and amazement that the Lord took a bitter, abusive, angry man and completely turned his life around to glorify God. How can anyone say that God is not real, when we see the works of His hands in the lives of people all around us?
God is faithful. Take heart in knowing that He is there for you, even when you cannot feel him or see him. He's there in the quiet, wiping away your tears and taking away your anxiety.
As it says in Ps. 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts... and lead me in the way everlasting."
And finally, be encouraged by what is said in Matthew 18:18-20: "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
AMEN! :-)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Love Is...
One of my favorite passages in the Bible (and one of my life sayings) is found in I Corinthians 13:4-8. Yes, you guessed it, it's the love passage. It says:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
This has been plastered to a part of my computer monitor at work for years now, and everytime I see I'm reminded that I'm called to love - and that love means sacrifice in a lot of ways. It also means putting your heart on the line - risking to get hurt in the process or finding the joy of having your love returned. However, my saying is that in any friendship or relationship - better to have loved, than to never love at all. So much is learned through loving someone - a parent, a friend, or a significant other. Growth and wisdom is gained through this process as there will always be ups and downs in everything - but love is what gets you through.
For the first time I decided that it was time that I looked up the definition of each of the important words in this passage of Scripture -and I was amazed and encouraged by what I found:
Patience = quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence
Synonyms of Patience: submissiveness, sufferance, endurance, persistent courage in trying circumstances.
Kind- generosity, charity, compassion, tenderness
Trust – reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person; confidence, responsibility; charge.
Hope-the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best, to believe, desire, or trust
Perseverance- steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Synonyms: steadfast, tenacity, persistence
How much more do the words described in I Corinthians shine through? It just goes to show that love is not easy, but it's a blessing to those who always work on mastering it. I was highly encouraged by the synonym of Perseverance.... Tenacious.
I've had the nickname Tenacious since High School, and I've always believed it to be one of my character traits. I was so amazed when I read it in the context of Perseverance - so good!
Tenacious (my nickname) - holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold, holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough, persistent.
What a great reminder to me, that even in the trials of life, if I hold fast to God and persist on His strength, wisdom, understanding, and help - I can do anything.
Love is....
Tenacious :-)
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
This has been plastered to a part of my computer monitor at work for years now, and everytime I see I'm reminded that I'm called to love - and that love means sacrifice in a lot of ways. It also means putting your heart on the line - risking to get hurt in the process or finding the joy of having your love returned. However, my saying is that in any friendship or relationship - better to have loved, than to never love at all. So much is learned through loving someone - a parent, a friend, or a significant other. Growth and wisdom is gained through this process as there will always be ups and downs in everything - but love is what gets you through.
For the first time I decided that it was time that I looked up the definition of each of the important words in this passage of Scripture -and I was amazed and encouraged by what I found:
Patience = quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence
Synonyms of Patience: submissiveness, sufferance, endurance, persistent courage in trying circumstances.
Kind- generosity, charity, compassion, tenderness
Trust – reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person; confidence, responsibility; charge.
Hope-the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best, to believe, desire, or trust
Perseverance- steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Synonyms: steadfast, tenacity, persistence
How much more do the words described in I Corinthians shine through? It just goes to show that love is not easy, but it's a blessing to those who always work on mastering it. I was highly encouraged by the synonym of Perseverance.... Tenacious.
I've had the nickname Tenacious since High School, and I've always believed it to be one of my character traits. I was so amazed when I read it in the context of Perseverance - so good!
Tenacious (my nickname) - holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold, holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough, persistent.
What a great reminder to me, that even in the trials of life, if I hold fast to God and persist on His strength, wisdom, understanding, and help - I can do anything.
Love is....
Tenacious :-)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wise Counsel
Surround yourself with wise counsel. He who walks with the wise grows wise, and a companion of fools suffers harm. Have you ever noticed in your own life that you sometimes allow people and influences in to speak into your life that are no good for you? Have you noticed that when you hang around those that are driven by money that all of a sudden you become money hungry? Or when you spend time with the constantly negative people – your attitude changes to one that is negative? Or spending time with those that gossip or slander – all of a sudden it becomes okay for you to speak maliciously about others?
As said in II Timothy 3 - the world will become more and more godless in the last days. People become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, disobedient, abusive, unforgiving, and slanderous. False prophets and negative people will weasel their way into our lives (ever so slowly) to the point that we don't know what is right and what is wrong. If we allow them or even our own thought life to overtake us - we will truly struggle with the reality of life and God.
It’s no wonder that we are surrounded by unfaithfulness, depravity, depression, and so many other struggles. We bring it on ourselves by allowing ourselves to be influenced by the ways of the world instead of the will of God.
This is not the will of Christ for His people. We are to surround ourselves by and have close relationships with those that are growing in their faith. Those that are actively seeking the Lord in all circumstances. Grow together – be with those that are like minded. Seek counsel from the wise people the Lord places in your life. Ask God for guidance 1st, rather than the empty words of man.
So when you face the troubles of the day (and we all face trials), and are confused and needing answers. Go before the throne of Grace first. Then seek Godly, Wise Counsel from one you respect and know is walking faithfully, daily with the Lord. God speaks to His children, and sometimes brings you confirmation or encouragement from your brother or sister in Christ.
Amen!
As said in II Timothy 3 - the world will become more and more godless in the last days. People become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, disobedient, abusive, unforgiving, and slanderous. False prophets and negative people will weasel their way into our lives (ever so slowly) to the point that we don't know what is right and what is wrong. If we allow them or even our own thought life to overtake us - we will truly struggle with the reality of life and God.
It’s no wonder that we are surrounded by unfaithfulness, depravity, depression, and so many other struggles. We bring it on ourselves by allowing ourselves to be influenced by the ways of the world instead of the will of God.
This is not the will of Christ for His people. We are to surround ourselves by and have close relationships with those that are growing in their faith. Those that are actively seeking the Lord in all circumstances. Grow together – be with those that are like minded. Seek counsel from the wise people the Lord places in your life. Ask God for guidance 1st, rather than the empty words of man.
So when you face the troubles of the day (and we all face trials), and are confused and needing answers. Go before the throne of Grace first. Then seek Godly, Wise Counsel from one you respect and know is walking faithfully, daily with the Lord. God speaks to His children, and sometimes brings you confirmation or encouragement from your brother or sister in Christ.
Amen!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Psalms
The Lord is always teaching His children something new. This week I've been bombarded by much turmoil, confusion, questions, and fear. When I first detected a hint of "something brewing" I came before the throne of Christ asking for guidance, for peace, for understanding, for patience, and for grace in my actions that were to follow. As I've been studing God's word today I've been highly encouraged by a number of the Psalms. Specifically Psalm 102:1-2:
"Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly."
These verses have been my hearts desire today as I look at the confusion of my life currently, and try to figure out what God's best is for me. God speaks in amazing ways, and within this verse it shows that even in my suffering and days of trials, our requests are still heard by the Lord. In my own life, he speaks to me in a still small voice - almost a whisper in the wind. But He prompts my heart to action or to wisdom in doing so. He shows me His unsurpassing grace and dignity, and teaches me the ways in which I should go. Sometimes He does not answer quicky, but he is still there - whispering in the 1st seconds of waking up or in the silent moments of prayer and studying God's Word. He is there, even when we don't feel Him or see Him and His plans.
This last Sunday there was a sermon at Mars Hill Church by Mark Driscoll in which he specifically describes a Christian's reaction to Suffering. As said in I Peter 3:8-17: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20peter%203;&version=31
Peter describes how a Christian should act during their times of suffering. And Suffering can be something affecting our lives either relationally, emotionally, physically, financially, or even mentally. God never said life on earth would be easy, but He did say that He loves us and will carry us through the trying times with His strength and everlasting love. However, suffering causes people to think of themselves more than others - almost allowing people to sin in the process.
I find that when I'm in the midst of trials and tribulations that the only thing I can do is rely 100% on the Lord for guidance. Going to Him first and most for support, love, and healing. At the same time, it's also vitally important for me to get out - interact with people - and love on others in a big way even though I don't necessarily feel like sharing love at that point in time. Through this, God teaches us patience and wisdom - He speaks and leads our lives, and makes us realize that the few items in our own life that are causing us so much fear and strain, are really nothing in light of eternity.
There will always be someone who suffers more than you. There will always be someone who suffers less. And there is always an opportunity to bless others in every circumstance of life -sharing the light and love of Christ along the way.
I pray Lord, that you would always use my life to help light the way for other's to come to an understanding of and relationship with you. That my life would be for your eternal glory - and that opportunities would come knocking at the right time and place.
Suffer knowing that Christ is all, knows all, and loves all.
"Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly."
These verses have been my hearts desire today as I look at the confusion of my life currently, and try to figure out what God's best is for me. God speaks in amazing ways, and within this verse it shows that even in my suffering and days of trials, our requests are still heard by the Lord. In my own life, he speaks to me in a still small voice - almost a whisper in the wind. But He prompts my heart to action or to wisdom in doing so. He shows me His unsurpassing grace and dignity, and teaches me the ways in which I should go. Sometimes He does not answer quicky, but he is still there - whispering in the 1st seconds of waking up or in the silent moments of prayer and studying God's Word. He is there, even when we don't feel Him or see Him and His plans.
This last Sunday there was a sermon at Mars Hill Church by Mark Driscoll in which he specifically describes a Christian's reaction to Suffering. As said in I Peter 3:8-17: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20peter%203;&version=31
Peter describes how a Christian should act during their times of suffering. And Suffering can be something affecting our lives either relationally, emotionally, physically, financially, or even mentally. God never said life on earth would be easy, but He did say that He loves us and will carry us through the trying times with His strength and everlasting love. However, suffering causes people to think of themselves more than others - almost allowing people to sin in the process.
I find that when I'm in the midst of trials and tribulations that the only thing I can do is rely 100% on the Lord for guidance. Going to Him first and most for support, love, and healing. At the same time, it's also vitally important for me to get out - interact with people - and love on others in a big way even though I don't necessarily feel like sharing love at that point in time. Through this, God teaches us patience and wisdom - He speaks and leads our lives, and makes us realize that the few items in our own life that are causing us so much fear and strain, are really nothing in light of eternity.
There will always be someone who suffers more than you. There will always be someone who suffers less. And there is always an opportunity to bless others in every circumstance of life -sharing the light and love of Christ along the way.
I pray Lord, that you would always use my life to help light the way for other's to come to an understanding of and relationship with you. That my life would be for your eternal glory - and that opportunities would come knocking at the right time and place.
Suffer knowing that Christ is all, knows all, and loves all.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Act to React
Recently, I've been reminded of the incredible grace and love that the Lord has over his children. Even though we constantly mess up and disappoint Him, He's still standing beside us encouraging us to take one more step. It's funny, so often we don't realize the impact a choice has on our lives until it's too late...
Your actions have consequences… and sometimes those consequences will torture,torment, and haunt your memory for life. Lately I've been bombarded by decisions I made reluctantly, knowing it was not right for me. My memories swarm around the choices I've made that will be those little things that torment me for life... just the stupid decisions that are made selfishly, irrationally. Yes I'm human, yes I'm selfish, and yes I'm a sinner. Why is it so hard sometimes, to live the lives we dream of?? I can only come back to realize that I need to...
Think before I act.
Pray before I decide.
Hold my tongue when tempted to react.
See myself from another person’s point of view, and make your decisions knowing they will positively or negatively affect you… forever.
Think.
Pray.
Don’t Speak.
Patiently.
Listen.
Listen and learn...
Your actions have consequences… and sometimes those consequences will torture,torment, and haunt your memory for life. Lately I've been bombarded by decisions I made reluctantly, knowing it was not right for me. My memories swarm around the choices I've made that will be those little things that torment me for life... just the stupid decisions that are made selfishly, irrationally. Yes I'm human, yes I'm selfish, and yes I'm a sinner. Why is it so hard sometimes, to live the lives we dream of?? I can only come back to realize that I need to...
Think before I act.
Pray before I decide.
Hold my tongue when tempted to react.
See myself from another person’s point of view, and make your decisions knowing they will positively or negatively affect you… forever.
Think.
Pray.
Don’t Speak.
Patiently.
Listen.
Listen and learn...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Example
I. Thess. 1:7-10 - from the Message 7-10Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
Who looks up to you? Do you know of anyone that looks to you for leadership, love, support, and guidance? Just as we look up to Christ for guidance and peace, so do others look to us for hope in finding the peace that only Christ gives.
As Christians, we should be leading a life of example - an example of the Spirit of God, living to His decrees and His standards - so as to not cause anyone to stumble along the way.
As Paul states in I. Corinthians 10 as an encouragement to the people in Corinth:" 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
Just as we are to be examples of the love of Christ - so are we also to live lives free from causing others to stumble. This is not only applicable to food (alcohol and Kosher), but also to everyday life - (i.e. swearing, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, etc). Anything that gives way for others to look to your leadership and see that you believe what you're doing is "okay", will also follow suit to the example you show. If you're sitting around lying to people, and someone catches you in that sin, and they are not in the faith, they will get a poor idea of Christians.
So I ask, who looks up to you for guidance? Who are you influencing in your life by the choices you make? Who do you need to live a better life for? We have all sinned and fallen short, but we can still strive to live to the standard of Christ.
Who looks up to you? Do you know of anyone that looks to you for leadership, love, support, and guidance? Just as we look up to Christ for guidance and peace, so do others look to us for hope in finding the peace that only Christ gives.
As Christians, we should be leading a life of example - an example of the Spirit of God, living to His decrees and His standards - so as to not cause anyone to stumble along the way.
As Paul states in I. Corinthians 10 as an encouragement to the people in Corinth:" 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
Just as we are to be examples of the love of Christ - so are we also to live lives free from causing others to stumble. This is not only applicable to food (alcohol and Kosher), but also to everyday life - (i.e. swearing, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, etc). Anything that gives way for others to look to your leadership and see that you believe what you're doing is "okay", will also follow suit to the example you show. If you're sitting around lying to people, and someone catches you in that sin, and they are not in the faith, they will get a poor idea of Christians.
So I ask, who looks up to you for guidance? Who are you influencing in your life by the choices you make? Who do you need to live a better life for? We have all sinned and fallen short, but we can still strive to live to the standard of Christ.
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