"You love all who I am with all of who You are ..." - So Good, Jennie Riddle
"He is jealous for me/Loves like a hurricane - I am a tree/Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy ... I don't have time to maintain these regrets/when I think about the way that he loves us ..." - How He Loves Us, John Mark McMillan
"His mercy hovers like a cloud never raining dry ..." 145, Jolly Napier
"All of my life/In every season/You are still God/I have a reason to sing/I have a reason to worship ..." Desert Song, Hillsong
"Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades ... Let justice and praise become my embrace ..." From the Inside Out, Hillsong
"I am empty/You are holy/Come and fill my soul with Who you are ..." A Loss for Words, Charles Billingsley
"There are so few words that never grow old ... Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" O,For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, David Crowder
"Your will above all else/my purpose remains/The art of losing myself in bringing you praise ..." From the Inside Out, Hillsong
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I Don't Believe In Coincidence
Sometimes, I wish I did. But, I don't. I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in a Sovereign God whose hand touches every detail of life. I believe that I was created with purpose, and that God never wastes a thing that comes into my life but uses all things to bring glory for Himself and good for me. I've believed that for some time now, but recently, this belief has been at the forefront of my thinking more than ever.
Lately, I've been in a slump. I told you I believed I was losing my mind. Some days, just getting out of bed is like fighting an uphill battle. Other days, keeping a string of coherent thoughts running together just seems impossible. And, frequently, I resort to a good old fashioned bout of tears to deal with whatever seems like more than I can handle. There's no simple explanation or straightforward answer to these things, but I am working through them.
This problem is not what I want to write about, though. It's the way God's been working in the midst of it that has stopped me in my tracks today. It's the way He continues to move and speak and make Himself known that makes me stand in awe.
You see, in the middle of what feels like chaos, there's a growing list of friends who've contacted me out of the blue just to check in, telling me I've been weighing heavier in their thoughts than normal and they've been praying for me more specifically.
On Sunday afternoons, there's this very random assortment of women who come together for discipleship. When I prayed four months ago that God would put us together however He saw fit, I couldn't have known that I'd need exactly what each of them brings to that table. I couldn't have known I'd need someone who's been through this valley or someone who'd joyfully pray daily or someone who'd call just to see where I was or someone who'd speak wisdom with every utterance.
He knew, though. He saw what I couldn't see coming.
He knew before I could have that when I accepted teaching opportunities, I'd need the lessons as much if not more than those listening. He knew I'd need to meet "The God Who Sees" and "The God Who Fights For Me" in a specific way this week.
He knew, even when I wasn't sure I had time for it, that I'd need a weekend away with relatively new friends to laugh out loud, to share the burdens of my heart, and to learn new songs with which to praise Him.
And, He knew every time He gave me the grace to walk another step with a hurting friend, that those sweet ones would be exactly who I needed to walk with me now and that He'd give them the grace to take another step with me today.
"In his heart, a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Lately, I've been in a slump. I told you I believed I was losing my mind. Some days, just getting out of bed is like fighting an uphill battle. Other days, keeping a string of coherent thoughts running together just seems impossible. And, frequently, I resort to a good old fashioned bout of tears to deal with whatever seems like more than I can handle. There's no simple explanation or straightforward answer to these things, but I am working through them.
This problem is not what I want to write about, though. It's the way God's been working in the midst of it that has stopped me in my tracks today. It's the way He continues to move and speak and make Himself known that makes me stand in awe.
You see, in the middle of what feels like chaos, there's a growing list of friends who've contacted me out of the blue just to check in, telling me I've been weighing heavier in their thoughts than normal and they've been praying for me more specifically.
On Sunday afternoons, there's this very random assortment of women who come together for discipleship. When I prayed four months ago that God would put us together however He saw fit, I couldn't have known that I'd need exactly what each of them brings to that table. I couldn't have known I'd need someone who's been through this valley or someone who'd joyfully pray daily or someone who'd call just to see where I was or someone who'd speak wisdom with every utterance.
He knew, though. He saw what I couldn't see coming.
He knew before I could have that when I accepted teaching opportunities, I'd need the lessons as much if not more than those listening. He knew I'd need to meet "The God Who Sees" and "The God Who Fights For Me" in a specific way this week.
He knew, even when I wasn't sure I had time for it, that I'd need a weekend away with relatively new friends to laugh out loud, to share the burdens of my heart, and to learn new songs with which to praise Him.
And, He knew every time He gave me the grace to walk another step with a hurting friend, that those sweet ones would be exactly who I needed to walk with me now and that He'd give them the grace to take another step with me today.
"In his heart, a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Losing My Mind
Lately, I've felt more than a little crazy. I say that seriously, and I'm working through it, but sometimes, the things that happen are just too funny. I haven't decided how much I'll really blog about the things that are more serious, but I figure if I'm going to go crazy, we might as well all have a little fun with it. ;-)
One of the things I've noticed is that I misplace things like my keys and/or cell phone DAILY. It's so annoying. This morning, however, was even more comical. I misplaced a pot of coffee. Not really, of course, but I was so very confused. I got up, set set the coffee to brew, turned it on and went about my morning routine.
Half an hour later, my stomach rumbled, and I went to find some breakfast. I walked into the kitchen, grabbed a banana, stuck a bagel in the toaster, then pulled out a coffee mug. That's when I noticed -- the coffee pot was nearly empty! I looked inside the well, and the water was gone from it, the grounds were wet as though it had all flowed through, but there was almost no coffee in the pot. About the time I was deciding to start a fresh pot so I could watch to see what the matter was, I remembered the very full travel mug I'd filled and carried back to my office right after the pot had finished brewing. Genius! I had to laugh at myself, but goodness, that's aggravating. :-)
One of the things I've noticed is that I misplace things like my keys and/or cell phone DAILY. It's so annoying. This morning, however, was even more comical. I misplaced a pot of coffee. Not really, of course, but I was so very confused. I got up, set set the coffee to brew, turned it on and went about my morning routine.
Half an hour later, my stomach rumbled, and I went to find some breakfast. I walked into the kitchen, grabbed a banana, stuck a bagel in the toaster, then pulled out a coffee mug. That's when I noticed -- the coffee pot was nearly empty! I looked inside the well, and the water was gone from it, the grounds were wet as though it had all flowed through, but there was almost no coffee in the pot. About the time I was deciding to start a fresh pot so I could watch to see what the matter was, I remembered the very full travel mug I'd filled and carried back to my office right after the pot had finished brewing. Genius! I had to laugh at myself, but goodness, that's aggravating. :-)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Living On the Third Day
Every now and then a song catches me by surprise, captures my attention, my imagination -- gets me fired up. Today, as I rounded the corner on my way home, my radio was turned down low, but suddenly I was aware of the lyrics being sung:
On the third day, behold the King!
On the third day, death has no sting!
On the third day, we're forgiven and reconciled!
Today was one of those days I woke up a little fired up. I'm not sure why, but after spending time with the Lord this morning, I just felt a heightened sense of His magnificence in every aspect of my life and the world in general. I've written before that sometimes His majesty just overwhelms me. It was kind of like that.
On Sunday, my discipleship group had a discussion about "praying on our spiritual armor." Our pastor has often encouraged us to do this, so as we began a six-week emphasis on spiritual warfare, I asked how many of them actually make a habit of praying on their armor. Rather quickly, someone said, "I don't. I don't pray it on because I never take it off!" I've been chewing on that ever since. The helmet of salvation. The breastplate of Christ's righteousness. The belt of God's Truth. These are items in which I am meant to live, not put on and take off at will.
Then, this afternoon, those lyrics, "On the third day death has no sting! On the third day we're forgiven and reconciled!" And, I realized why I was so moved. Entirely too often, I fail to really live, walk, ABIDE in this Truth. It's the third day. Death has no sting. Nothing separates me from God's love. I can enter the Holy Place and find mercy. I am FREE.
I am crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And, the life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Day Three.
On the third day, behold the King!
On the third day, death has no sting!
On the third day, we're forgiven and reconciled!
Today was one of those days I woke up a little fired up. I'm not sure why, but after spending time with the Lord this morning, I just felt a heightened sense of His magnificence in every aspect of my life and the world in general. I've written before that sometimes His majesty just overwhelms me. It was kind of like that.
On Sunday, my discipleship group had a discussion about "praying on our spiritual armor." Our pastor has often encouraged us to do this, so as we began a six-week emphasis on spiritual warfare, I asked how many of them actually make a habit of praying on their armor. Rather quickly, someone said, "I don't. I don't pray it on because I never take it off!" I've been chewing on that ever since. The helmet of salvation. The breastplate of Christ's righteousness. The belt of God's Truth. These are items in which I am meant to live, not put on and take off at will.
Then, this afternoon, those lyrics, "On the third day death has no sting! On the third day we're forgiven and reconciled!" And, I realized why I was so moved. Entirely too often, I fail to really live, walk, ABIDE in this Truth. It's the third day. Death has no sting. Nothing separates me from God's love. I can enter the Holy Place and find mercy. I am FREE.
I am crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And, the life I live in the flesh, I live by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Day Three.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
More Lessons from Hagar
It occurs to me that I should just save all of this until after I've taught this lesson, but sometimes the wonder of God's truth is just too great to not share right away.
So, just to recap, in Genesis 16 we meet Hagar, the mistreated maidservant of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. She's pregnant with Abe's baby because Sarah thought that'd be a good idea. Only, once Hagar was pregnant, Sarah was more than a little uncomfortable with the situation and Hagar was more than a little taunting toward her mistress. Eventually, the whole situation becomes too much to handle and Hagar flees. She's a fugitive in the desert, pregnant, alone, and a long way from her home in Egypt. Then, an amazing thing happens. God comes to her.
Hagar tells Him her plight, then He tells her what to do. Two commands. Go back ... and submit. Ouch! I'm thinking this is probably not what she wanted to hear in that moment. But, this is where the lesson gets good. There was grace in those commands.
First of all, to whom was He sending Hagar back? To Abraham's people, God's chosen, the blessed ones. Hagar was a foreigner, from a people who did not worship the True and Living God. By sending her back to Abraham and Sarah, God was placing her in the protection of His people. Secondly, He told her to submit. Submit to an unfair situation? Submit to carrying the child of a man who used her and a woman who plans to take it from her? Really? Submit? But, there's more. The Lord tells her a little bit about the baby she's carrying. As the child of Abraham, he's to be included in the promise. Submit, let Abraham claim the child, for he will have descendents too numerous to count. "El Roi" could see the things Hagar could not.
Ahh! Do you ever find things in scripture you just wish were not there? Grace in a command like "go back and submit"! Think of it. How often do I sense the Lord's command in my life, but ignore it because it just seems too far-fetched to be accurate.? Surely that's not what He meant to say. Surely I didn't hear that correctly. Surely "El Roi" the God who sees everything, even invisible women hiding in deserts, wouldn't ask me to go back to that difficult situation and submit myself to an unfair authority. Would He?
Perhaps I would do well to remember that the everything He sees includes the things I cannot see.
So, just to recap, in Genesis 16 we meet Hagar, the mistreated maidservant of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. She's pregnant with Abe's baby because Sarah thought that'd be a good idea. Only, once Hagar was pregnant, Sarah was more than a little uncomfortable with the situation and Hagar was more than a little taunting toward her mistress. Eventually, the whole situation becomes too much to handle and Hagar flees. She's a fugitive in the desert, pregnant, alone, and a long way from her home in Egypt. Then, an amazing thing happens. God comes to her.
Hagar tells Him her plight, then He tells her what to do. Two commands. Go back ... and submit. Ouch! I'm thinking this is probably not what she wanted to hear in that moment. But, this is where the lesson gets good. There was grace in those commands.
First of all, to whom was He sending Hagar back? To Abraham's people, God's chosen, the blessed ones. Hagar was a foreigner, from a people who did not worship the True and Living God. By sending her back to Abraham and Sarah, God was placing her in the protection of His people. Secondly, He told her to submit. Submit to an unfair situation? Submit to carrying the child of a man who used her and a woman who plans to take it from her? Really? Submit? But, there's more. The Lord tells her a little bit about the baby she's carrying. As the child of Abraham, he's to be included in the promise. Submit, let Abraham claim the child, for he will have descendents too numerous to count. "El Roi" could see the things Hagar could not.
Ahh! Do you ever find things in scripture you just wish were not there? Grace in a command like "go back and submit"! Think of it. How often do I sense the Lord's command in my life, but ignore it because it just seems too far-fetched to be accurate.? Surely that's not what He meant to say. Surely I didn't hear that correctly. Surely "El Roi" the God who sees everything, even invisible women hiding in deserts, wouldn't ask me to go back to that difficult situation and submit myself to an unfair authority. Would He?
Perhaps I would do well to remember that the everything He sees includes the things I cannot see.
Monday, January 05, 2009
You Gotta Hear This!
I frequently ask others for music download suggestions. Now, I'm publishing mine. If I could make you a Mix CD, this is what would be on it ...
Albertine by Brooke Fraser
Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Roby Seay Band
Desert Song by Hillsong
Faithful God by Shannon Wexelberg
Fringes by Shane and Shane
Glorious Day by Jeff Johnson
Hallelujah by Bethany Dillon
He's Always Been Faithful by Sara Groves
Hello Lord by Sara Groves
Jesus Paid It All by Kristian Stanfill
Let It Be Said of Us by Elijah Thomson
A Loss for Words by Charles Billingsley
The Maker of Noses by Rich Mullins
Never Underestimate My Jesus by Relient K
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing by David Crowder Band
Revelation Song by Christ for the Nations Institute
Thankful by Josh Groban
This Is Our God by Chris Tomlin
What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road
Worth It All by Rita Springer
You Are Good by Point of Grace
You Are My Treasure by Chris Tomlin
Albertine by Brooke Fraser
Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Roby Seay Band
Desert Song by Hillsong
Faithful God by Shannon Wexelberg
Fringes by Shane and Shane
Glorious Day by Jeff Johnson
Hallelujah by Bethany Dillon
He's Always Been Faithful by Sara Groves
Hello Lord by Sara Groves
Jesus Paid It All by Kristian Stanfill
Let It Be Said of Us by Elijah Thomson
A Loss for Words by Charles Billingsley
The Maker of Noses by Rich Mullins
Never Underestimate My Jesus by Relient K
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing by David Crowder Band
Revelation Song by Christ for the Nations Institute
Thankful by Josh Groban
This Is Our God by Chris Tomlin
What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road
Worth It All by Rita Springer
You Are Good by Point of Grace
You Are My Treasure by Chris Tomlin
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Influences
It seems like the conversation's been coming up more and more lately about books (other than Scripture) that have influenced me. First, you should know that absolutely nothing has been more influential and powerful in my life and personal spiritual growth than consistent time spent studying the Bible itself, learning what God has to say about Himself, his character, his promises, his plans. If you haven't already, start there.
But, as for other reading, I'm always a bit intimidated by this question because my list is more than a little eclectic, and not nearly as "deep" as I think it should be. But, for better or worse, here's my list - in no particular order!
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning ... I read this book for the first time in college, and it revolutionized my understanding of grace. I desperately needed that.
The Velveteen Woman by Brenda Waggoner ... I happened across this on early on in seminary, and it made me crave and strive for authenticity in all of my relationships with others.
You're God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan ... The chapter on prayer left an indelible impression that continues to spur me on in intercession.
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg ... This is a book about spiritual disciplines for everyday people, and it was the impetus for much creativity in my personal life as well as public ministry.
God's Heart for the Nations by Jeff Lewis ... I still shake my head in wonder as I think of how my mind and heart swelled with the fresh understanding of God's passion for His Name and His Glory to be exalted in every people.
Believing God by Beth Moore ... If you are going to choose one of these to read for yourself, choose this one.
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick ... This is a novel, a Christian fiction romance, but it contains a great scene in which one of the characters confesses his penchant toward jealousy and how it messes up his best intentions. I love the listener's response. She says, "I'm so glad jealousy is a sin." She goes on to explain that if he'd sat her down to tell her he had a deadly disease, there may be no cure, but because his problem was a sin, they have a Solution, a Savior who died for that. The rest of the story is good, but that scene was powerful for me.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan ... I liked this one because it left me with no excuses, no easy outs for living as a Christ-follower. Being radically, all out, sold out to Jesus is just plain biblical.
And the Word Came with Power by Joanne Shelter ... a powerful true story about the transformation of a remote people group introduced to Scripture in their own language.
I bet you're a little disappointed in my list, huh? Told you it wasn't much of one! As you can probably tell, most of these are books I read a number of years ago. I haven't stopped reading, but I think it takes some time to see what's going to stick with me, so I didn't include much from my recent reads. Something I've learned about myself is that I love stories, especially true ones; I learn well from them. I like to see faith played out. I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and Facing Terror by Carrie McDonnall.
But, as for other reading, I'm always a bit intimidated by this question because my list is more than a little eclectic, and not nearly as "deep" as I think it should be. But, for better or worse, here's my list - in no particular order!
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning ... I read this book for the first time in college, and it revolutionized my understanding of grace. I desperately needed that.
The Velveteen Woman by Brenda Waggoner ... I happened across this on early on in seminary, and it made me crave and strive for authenticity in all of my relationships with others.
You're God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan ... The chapter on prayer left an indelible impression that continues to spur me on in intercession.
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg ... This is a book about spiritual disciplines for everyday people, and it was the impetus for much creativity in my personal life as well as public ministry.
God's Heart for the Nations by Jeff Lewis ... I still shake my head in wonder as I think of how my mind and heart swelled with the fresh understanding of God's passion for His Name and His Glory to be exalted in every people.
Believing God by Beth Moore ... If you are going to choose one of these to read for yourself, choose this one.
Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick ... This is a novel, a Christian fiction romance, but it contains a great scene in which one of the characters confesses his penchant toward jealousy and how it messes up his best intentions. I love the listener's response. She says, "I'm so glad jealousy is a sin." She goes on to explain that if he'd sat her down to tell her he had a deadly disease, there may be no cure, but because his problem was a sin, they have a Solution, a Savior who died for that. The rest of the story is good, but that scene was powerful for me.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan ... I liked this one because it left me with no excuses, no easy outs for living as a Christ-follower. Being radically, all out, sold out to Jesus is just plain biblical.
And the Word Came with Power by Joanne Shelter ... a powerful true story about the transformation of a remote people group introduced to Scripture in their own language.
I bet you're a little disappointed in my list, huh? Told you it wasn't much of one! As you can probably tell, most of these are books I read a number of years ago. I haven't stopped reading, but I think it takes some time to see what's going to stick with me, so I didn't include much from my recent reads. Something I've learned about myself is that I love stories, especially true ones; I learn well from them. I like to see faith played out. I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and Facing Terror by Carrie McDonnall.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Here We Go Again
I absolutely love fresh starts. It's why, despite my best efforts, I can't hate Mondays. It's why I love brand new journals. I keep two or three blank journals on my shelf at a time, and I've been known to drop one and start fresh when the need arises. And, every January 1st, I get a great, big fresh start with a brand new year. It's as though a giant calendar lies before me waiting to schedule memorable moments, and a giant journal lies open before me waiting to record them.
I've been thinking a lot about writing a 2008 Reflection post before I plunge headlong into 2009. I've toyed with a "Top 10" idea, listing the things that will always draw my mind back to the last 12 months. I've thought about a list of songs or verses or books that have heavily influenced me in the last 12 months. I'm still thinking about it. But, in the meantime, it's January 2nd and 2009 is moving ahead at full speed.
This morning, I was waking up rather slowly, contemplating today's post, and two things kept coming to mind. First, I had to write about fresh starts. I couldn't describe my state of mind without telling you how much I love them and encouraging you to grab hold of this one. Second, as I contemplated whether or not to write the 2008 reflection post, the theme verse I've adopted for Mariposa Ministries kept popping up in my thoughts. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, will you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, a stream in the wilderness." Isaiah 43:18-19 Perhaps, I dare not spend so much time revelling in the things of 2008 that I fail to eagerly anticipate the joys of 2009.
How can I be so sure that 2009 will be a year of blessing? (pause while the song "Every Day With Jesus is Sweeter Than the Day Before" finishes playing through my head) Psalm 16:11 says, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." I can be sure because joy is found in Jesus, and I am planning to fill this year with as much of Him as I can possibly get!
I've been thinking a lot about writing a 2008 Reflection post before I plunge headlong into 2009. I've toyed with a "Top 10" idea, listing the things that will always draw my mind back to the last 12 months. I've thought about a list of songs or verses or books that have heavily influenced me in the last 12 months. I'm still thinking about it. But, in the meantime, it's January 2nd and 2009 is moving ahead at full speed.
This morning, I was waking up rather slowly, contemplating today's post, and two things kept coming to mind. First, I had to write about fresh starts. I couldn't describe my state of mind without telling you how much I love them and encouraging you to grab hold of this one. Second, as I contemplated whether or not to write the 2008 reflection post, the theme verse I've adopted for Mariposa Ministries kept popping up in my thoughts. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, will you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, a stream in the wilderness." Isaiah 43:18-19 Perhaps, I dare not spend so much time revelling in the things of 2008 that I fail to eagerly anticipate the joys of 2009.
How can I be so sure that 2009 will be a year of blessing? (pause while the song "Every Day With Jesus is Sweeter Than the Day Before" finishes playing through my head) Psalm 16:11 says, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." I can be sure because joy is found in Jesus, and I am planning to fill this year with as much of Him as I can possibly get!
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