Looking at the title again, it is, admittedly, a bit deceptive.
However, you are reading this, am I not correct?
Okay, so I really didn't fall in love today. It's more that I've been thinking about the love I'm already drowning in. But no, for those of you who are still wondering, I'm not actually in love. At least, not in the traditional sense. But while we're on the topic, why is 'falling in love' so important to us? Have you ever noticed that when someone gets engaged, or even just starts dating, it seems to be the juiciest news?
Why are we (human beings in general) so concerned with people's 'love lives'?
Because we are relational people. We need to love. We need to feel loved. It's the way God made us.
But I look around at so many young people who are already involved in dating relationships, and even at my own heart dreaming about what it'll be like 'some day' after I get married, and I can't help but think that God must have had something better in mind. He must have had a better reason for making us people who need to be loved. Of course, He does. He has given us a 'God-shaped hole' if you will-- a need to be loved by Him. Listen to Romans 5:18-21:
"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."
Just to say it now, I love these verses! Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. That's the way God saved us. The same way that we first sinned against Him.
And listen to Ephesians 3:17-19:
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
How wide! How long! How high! How deep is His love! In the presence of such love, how could anything else even seem important? John Piper once said, "Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic!" Following Jesus isn't something that should deserve accolades and awards. I'm often tempted to think that I'm doing something great by simply following Christ; as if I'm so much better than those who don't follow Him. But it's not heroic-- it's the natural and reasonable response to such great love!
I agree with C.S. Lewis when he said, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
We'd rather have 'true romance' than this eternally wonderful, satisfying love that's right here. We're so easily satisfied!
So, I guess all in all, I didn't fall in love today. Sorry if I disappointed you. :) But I have found the greatest love ever, and I can't wait to worship Him forever and ever. And I pray that I would never think of following Him as heroic. But that instead, I'd follow Him as what I truly am: a sinner, desperately clinging the cross and seeing how deep, how wide, how long, and how high His love is.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Back to the Heart
These last few months, I've been particularly convicted about my motives for doing things.
I mean, it's one thing to do the right thing. Sometimes it almost seems like a lot of disciples of Jesus almost "have that down." Not that most strong Christians I know appear to be perfect, but sometimes it can seem pretty close.
To take it a step further, it seems as if lots of us "good-little-church Christians" who have been raised in homes with the gospel know all the right things to do. We've read the entire Bible. We've memorized Bible verses. We've been involved in the church, Bible studies, mission trips, teaching Sunday School/AWANA/VBS, and tons of other things. We know we're supposed to be holy, because God is holy. We're not supposed to be involved in things that most teenagers are. I mean, God called us Christians to be different! C'mon. We already know that.
But we've become Christians in a little box. We've become immune to the amazing, life-changing power of Christ. It's as if we think that because we've studied the Bible and we're trying to live like Jesus, that's enough.
However, I recently took a trip to Washington (AMAZING!) and I had a blast. A few days after getting there, I spent the night with these incredible girls:
(Me, Hannah, Grace, Sophia)
Now, I can honestly say that these three girls are a few of the most exceptional Christian young ladies I know. (Of course, I do know lots of others!) But these girls are such godly encouragements to me.
And before we went to bed that night, we started talking about some struggles in our Christian walk. One thing that particularly stuck out to me was the aspect of motives.
Sure, you can do all the right things (to an extent). But it's completely different to them simply because you see Christ's love. We say that Jesus is all we want, but don't we sometimes contradict that in the way that we live our lives? I know I do. I say I only want to please Christ, yet I find myself longing for things such as praise, admiration, and even flattery. My heart isn't always right, because I'm longing for the praise to go to myself rather than the ultimate purpose of my life: to glorify God and serve Him only.
The Lord speaks against those who claim to love Him but whose love goes no deeper than lip service in Isaiah 29:13, "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'" (NIV)
Here's a specific example. In His book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris wrote about how he and his wife saved their first kiss for marriage. I don't have the book, but he said something to the extent of 'Saving kissing for marriage is another act that, if done without the intention of glorifying God, is completely useless.' It all depends on your motive. Many things, if not done only to glorify God, can become sources of spiritual pride. I mean, I often say "Well, all the glory goes to God," but in my heart I'm congratulating myself for giving God the glory, or, even worse, hoping that some of the glory still goes to me.
Dr. John Piper said,
"There is no doubt that man could perform more evil acts toward his fellow man than he does. But if he is restrained from performing more evil acts by motives that are not owing to his glad submission to God, then even this 'virtue' is evil in the sight of God."
I mean, it's one thing to do the right thing. Sometimes it almost seems like a lot of disciples of Jesus almost "have that down." Not that most strong Christians I know appear to be perfect, but sometimes it can seem pretty close.
To take it a step further, it seems as if lots of us "good-little-church Christians" who have been raised in homes with the gospel know all the right things to do. We've read the entire Bible. We've memorized Bible verses. We've been involved in the church, Bible studies, mission trips, teaching Sunday School/AWANA/VBS, and tons of other things. We know we're supposed to be holy, because God is holy. We're not supposed to be involved in things that most teenagers are. I mean, God called us Christians to be different! C'mon. We already know that.
But we've become Christians in a little box. We've become immune to the amazing, life-changing power of Christ. It's as if we think that because we've studied the Bible and we're trying to live like Jesus, that's enough.
However, I recently took a trip to Washington (AMAZING!) and I had a blast. A few days after getting there, I spent the night with these incredible girls:
(Me, Hannah, Grace, Sophia)
Now, I can honestly say that these three girls are a few of the most exceptional Christian young ladies I know. (Of course, I do know lots of others!) But these girls are such godly encouragements to me.
And before we went to bed that night, we started talking about some struggles in our Christian walk. One thing that particularly stuck out to me was the aspect of motives.
Sure, you can do all the right things (to an extent). But it's completely different to them simply because you see Christ's love. We say that Jesus is all we want, but don't we sometimes contradict that in the way that we live our lives? I know I do. I say I only want to please Christ, yet I find myself longing for things such as praise, admiration, and even flattery. My heart isn't always right, because I'm longing for the praise to go to myself rather than the ultimate purpose of my life: to glorify God and serve Him only.
The Lord speaks against those who claim to love Him but whose love goes no deeper than lip service in Isaiah 29:13, "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.'" (NIV)
Here's a specific example. In His book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joshua Harris wrote about how he and his wife saved their first kiss for marriage. I don't have the book, but he said something to the extent of 'Saving kissing for marriage is another act that, if done without the intention of glorifying God, is completely useless.' It all depends on your motive. Many things, if not done only to glorify God, can become sources of spiritual pride. I mean, I often say "Well, all the glory goes to God," but in my heart I'm congratulating myself for giving God the glory, or, even worse, hoping that some of the glory still goes to me.
Dr. John Piper said,
"There is no doubt that man could perform more evil acts toward his fellow man than he does. But if he is restrained from performing more evil acts by motives that are not owing to his glad submission to God, then even this 'virtue' is evil in the sight of God."
I can try to live like Christ, but the real question is do I let Christ rule my life... and my heart?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Quotables from... What Else? AiO!
I love Adventures in Odyssey. If you're not familiar with them, they are Christian radio dramas produced by Focus on the Family. They are often funny, sometimes mysterious, and always thought-provoking. Here are a few great lines from Adventures in Odyssey, just to whet your appetite if you've never listened to them. I'm going to choose some of my top favorites (mostly) off the top of my head (I haven't gone through and listened to a bunch today or anything. :P) So, here's my not-so-complete list:
"This seems like one serious crush-- in a dangerously obsessive kind of way." ~Connie Kendell (Mystery of the Clock Tower)
"He sacrificed of himself each and every game. In giving us water, he became water." ~the baseball coach, speaking of Matthew Parker, the water boy. (Target of the Week)
"I even wrote you a poem!" ~Curt Stevens
"You don't write poems." ~Lucy Schultz
"Which makes it all the more sweet. Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?" ~Curt
"You stole that!" ~Lucy
"I only had like ten minutes I spent all my time looking for the sporks!" ~Curt (The Triangled Web)
"But I don't think that crime is a result of ignorance or misunderstanding. Crime is a result of sin!" ~Connie
"Oh, there you go being aggressive again!" ~Big Bear *or something like that* (Here Am I)
"Did being a foster child ever make you feel like you were less a part of the family?" ~Mr. Washington
"No. Because I always knew I was in a family that chose me; and it was very nice to be chosen. Perhaps that would make a difference in Kelly's life too-- to just be chosen." ~Eugene Meltsner (The Chosen One)
"We have our first gig!" ~Marvin Washington
"Really? Where?" ~Trent DeWhite
"Aubry Shephard's party." ~Marvin
"She really wants us to play?" ~Trent
"She practically begged me!" ~Marvin
"I think her exact words were 'Fine, Marvin, you can play at the party. Just get up off your knees.'" ~Wooten Bassett (The Coolest Dog)
"Goliath reminds me of myself in my prime when my record was 67 wins, no losses, 138 controversial decisions-- which everyone admits should have gone my way-- and one unfortunate break up with a beautiful woman named Ashley. And if you're listening, I still love ya baby!" ~Some random dude (The Power of One)
"But I'm so confused. How am I supposed to know what God's will is for my life?" ~Connie
"By knowing Him, Connie. You'll understand what His will is as you grow to know Him, and seek Him, and love Him." ~Whit (Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?)
"The girl is smart. She knows a good thing when she sees it. Who wouldn't want to date Mitch?" ~Connie
"Well, I wouldn't want to date Mitch." ~Nick Mulligen
"What GIRL? I mean he's funny, romantic, smart... he does the most thoughtful things!" ~Connie
"You were just having second thoughts a minute ago." ~Nick
"And he started a Bible study. He's a great leader, everyone likes him, kids love him!" ~Connie
"Sounds like my golden retriever. Except, Jake is an atheist." ~Nick
(Secrets)
"It fits! You had it sized!" ~Katrina Shanks-Meltsner (Wrapped around Your Finger)
"Just because things are tough doesn't mean it's not God's will. Giving is hard work, sweetie. But the more you are able to give your life to God, the more of His grace you'll receive." ~Mrs. Mulligen (Just Say Yes)
"I know, Mrs. Clidedale, I'm a terrible salesperson." ~Connie
"Well, you aren't necessarily terrible." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"It's because of the man and his bowling league wife, right?" ~Connie
"That was one incident, yes." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"And the woman with the pink hair?" ~Connie
"I understand she was a bit demanding and I understood why you got annoyed; however, I'm not sure you won any points by suggesting she stop placing cotton candy on hair hair." ~Mrs. Clidedale (What Are You Gonna Do with Your Life?)
"'And as I slept I dreamed a dream.' Well what else would ya dream?" ~Tom Riley
"So, how do you like my show?"~Chad Pearson
"Oh... well, I don't watch your show." ~Connie
"What? You mean you've... never seen it?" ~Chad
"Oh, yah, once. I saw it a few weeks ago, just to see who you were." ~Connie
"To see who I was?"
"I watch your show, Nick!" ~Erica Clarke
"Excuse me, but who are you?" ~Chad
"I'm Erica!" ~Erica
"Great, Erica. Now, would you mind going away and leaving Connie and I alone?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Erica
"Listen, you didn't win the contest, Connie did. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'd like you to leave." ~Chad Pearson
"She can stay if she wants. I told her she could come." ~Connie
"Fine. Stay. I really don't care. Just keep quiet. So... what'd you think of the show you saw?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Connie
"The SHOW." ~Chad
"Oh. Well, I thought it was kind of dumb, since we're being perfectly honest." ~Connie
"You mean you don't even like the show?" ~Chad
(This is Chad Pearson?)
"Does that mean I can count on your support?" ~Curt
"I don't think so, Curt. I'd rather vote for someone with integrity." ~Lucy
"I thought we did it with ballots." ~Curt
"No, Curt, integrity has to do with your character!" ~Whit
"Then I must be dripping with it! All my teachers say I'm the biggest character they know." ~Curt
"No, Curt. To have integrity you'd have to be sincere." ~Lucy
"I'm sincere." ~Curt
"And decent." ~Lucy
"I'm decent." ~Curt
"And honest." ~Lucy
"I'm... decent. Listen, Lucy, I think I have all those qualities." ~Curt
"Get serious!" ~Lucy
"Connie, Connie, call the police." ~Mrs. Kendall
"What, what's wrong Mom?" ~Connie
"We've been vandalized! Someone put bumper stickers all over our car. I mean, it's not like they're obscene, or anything like that. It would make sense if they were... if someone were trying to be rude. But these stickers say things like 'honk if you love Jesus' and 'I break for prayer meets....'" ~Mrs. Kendall
"...And 'Jesus is the real thing,' and 'Jesus saves'" ~Connie
"You know! Yes, why would someone do that to us?" ~Mrs. Kendall
"Well, Someone didn't. I did." ~Connie
"You? My daughter? Off, and not a gum mark to be seen." ~Mrs. Kendall
Connie relating this all to Whit
"Robert said my mom needed a spiritual revival, but I say Robert needs a brain transplant."
(Go Ye Therefore)
"What if you don't know what the right thing to do is?" ~Lucy
"If you pray and believe in your heart that something is wrong, you shouldn't do it. In fact, if you do do it, it's a sin. Even if everyone else thinks or says that it's okay. But, before you make any decision, you should always pray. In fact, that's where being 'in the world but not of it' really starts-- with prayer." ~Whit (Choices)
"Well, that's the way it works. You put in twice the effort to get half the result that you would've gotten, had you just put in half the effort to get twice the result that you ended up getting when you put in twice the effort..." ~Harlow Doyle
"Huh?" ~Connie, Rodney Rathbone, Lucy
"Um, uh.... CRIME DOESN'T PAY. ::whispers:: Phew, got out of that one." ~Harlow
(The Case of the Candid Camera)
"Bart, maybe we should get home too. We ain't done nothin' to protect our house!" ~Doris Rathbone
"There ain't no protecting our house as long as Rodney's around." ~Bart Rathbone
"Thanks pop." ~Rodney
(Tornados)
"Well hello Tamika Washington! Mr. Whitaker told me all about your report for school." ~Sydney Selika
"Well, we're supposed to interview our hero." ~Tamika Washington
"Oh, oh, I haven't been this honored since I one the Children's Choice award! Go ahead then, ask me anything." ~Sydney
"Okay... how have you changed people's lives?" ~Tamika
"Changed lives? Wow, are all your questions gonna be this deep? Um, oh, I'd have to say through my movies. People say that when they're having a bad day, they go see one of my movies and it cheers them up. Isn't that fabulous? I love that my movies appeal to everyone, even people who are poor or still wear tie dye." ~Sydney
"Okay, um. Next question. What do you stand for?" ~Tamika
"Stand for?" ~Sydney
"Yah. What's something that's important to you that you'd be willing to fight for?" ~Tamika
"Oh. Well, I stand against smoking. Never start smoking, Tamika. Smoking kills. And if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life!" ~Sydney
"Okay... good advice." ~Tamika
(Stars in Our Eyes)
Ahhh! I know I'm missing a lot-- but that's already pretty long. Leave some comments with your favorites if you listen to the show. :D
Towards home,
Rachel
"This seems like one serious crush-- in a dangerously obsessive kind of way." ~Connie Kendell (Mystery of the Clock Tower)
"He sacrificed of himself each and every game. In giving us water, he became water." ~the baseball coach, speaking of Matthew Parker, the water boy. (Target of the Week)
"I even wrote you a poem!" ~Curt Stevens
"You don't write poems." ~Lucy Schultz
"Which makes it all the more sweet. Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?" ~Curt
"You stole that!" ~Lucy
"I only had like ten minutes I spent all my time looking for the sporks!" ~Curt (The Triangled Web)
"But I don't think that crime is a result of ignorance or misunderstanding. Crime is a result of sin!" ~Connie
"Oh, there you go being aggressive again!" ~Big Bear *or something like that* (Here Am I)
"Did being a foster child ever make you feel like you were less a part of the family?" ~Mr. Washington
"No. Because I always knew I was in a family that chose me; and it was very nice to be chosen. Perhaps that would make a difference in Kelly's life too-- to just be chosen." ~Eugene Meltsner (The Chosen One)
"We have our first gig!" ~Marvin Washington
"Really? Where?" ~Trent DeWhite
"Aubry Shephard's party." ~Marvin
"She really wants us to play?" ~Trent
"She practically begged me!" ~Marvin
"I think her exact words were 'Fine, Marvin, you can play at the party. Just get up off your knees.'" ~Wooten Bassett (The Coolest Dog)
"Goliath reminds me of myself in my prime when my record was 67 wins, no losses, 138 controversial decisions-- which everyone admits should have gone my way-- and one unfortunate break up with a beautiful woman named Ashley. And if you're listening, I still love ya baby!" ~Some random dude (The Power of One)
"But I'm so confused. How am I supposed to know what God's will is for my life?" ~Connie
"By knowing Him, Connie. You'll understand what His will is as you grow to know Him, and seek Him, and love Him." ~Whit (Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?)
"The girl is smart. She knows a good thing when she sees it. Who wouldn't want to date Mitch?" ~Connie
"Well, I wouldn't want to date Mitch." ~Nick Mulligen
"What GIRL? I mean he's funny, romantic, smart... he does the most thoughtful things!" ~Connie
"You were just having second thoughts a minute ago." ~Nick
"And he started a Bible study. He's a great leader, everyone likes him, kids love him!" ~Connie
"Sounds like my golden retriever. Except, Jake is an atheist." ~Nick
(Secrets)
"It fits! You had it sized!" ~Katrina Shanks-Meltsner (Wrapped around Your Finger)
"Just because things are tough doesn't mean it's not God's will. Giving is hard work, sweetie. But the more you are able to give your life to God, the more of His grace you'll receive." ~Mrs. Mulligen (Just Say Yes)
"I know, Mrs. Clidedale, I'm a terrible salesperson." ~Connie
"Well, you aren't necessarily terrible." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"It's because of the man and his bowling league wife, right?" ~Connie
"That was one incident, yes." ~Mrs. Clidedale
"And the woman with the pink hair?" ~Connie
"I understand she was a bit demanding and I understood why you got annoyed; however, I'm not sure you won any points by suggesting she stop placing cotton candy on hair hair." ~Mrs. Clidedale (What Are You Gonna Do with Your Life?)
"'And as I slept I dreamed a dream.' Well what else would ya dream?" ~Tom Riley
"So, how do you like my show?"~Chad Pearson
"Oh... well, I don't watch your show." ~Connie
"What? You mean you've... never seen it?" ~Chad
"Oh, yah, once. I saw it a few weeks ago, just to see who you were." ~Connie
"To see who I was?"
"I watch your show, Nick!" ~Erica Clarke
"Excuse me, but who are you?" ~Chad
"I'm Erica!" ~Erica
"Great, Erica. Now, would you mind going away and leaving Connie and I alone?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Erica
"Listen, you didn't win the contest, Connie did. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'd like you to leave." ~Chad Pearson
"She can stay if she wants. I told her she could come." ~Connie
"Fine. Stay. I really don't care. Just keep quiet. So... what'd you think of the show you saw?" ~Chad
"What?" ~Connie
"The SHOW." ~Chad
"Oh. Well, I thought it was kind of dumb, since we're being perfectly honest." ~Connie
"You mean you don't even like the show?" ~Chad
(This is Chad Pearson?)
"Does that mean I can count on your support?" ~Curt
"I don't think so, Curt. I'd rather vote for someone with integrity." ~Lucy
"I thought we did it with ballots." ~Curt
"No, Curt, integrity has to do with your character!" ~Whit
"Then I must be dripping with it! All my teachers say I'm the biggest character they know." ~Curt
"No, Curt. To have integrity you'd have to be sincere." ~Lucy
"I'm sincere." ~Curt
"And decent." ~Lucy
"I'm decent." ~Curt
"And honest." ~Lucy
"I'm... decent. Listen, Lucy, I think I have all those qualities." ~Curt
"Get serious!" ~Lucy
"Connie, Connie, call the police." ~Mrs. Kendall
"What, what's wrong Mom?" ~Connie
"We've been vandalized! Someone put bumper stickers all over our car. I mean, it's not like they're obscene, or anything like that. It would make sense if they were... if someone were trying to be rude. But these stickers say things like 'honk if you love Jesus' and 'I break for prayer meets....'" ~Mrs. Kendall
"...And 'Jesus is the real thing,' and 'Jesus saves'" ~Connie
"You know! Yes, why would someone do that to us?" ~Mrs. Kendall
"Well, Someone didn't. I did." ~Connie
"You? My daughter? Off, and not a gum mark to be seen." ~Mrs. Kendall
Connie relating this all to Whit
"Robert said my mom needed a spiritual revival, but I say Robert needs a brain transplant."
(Go Ye Therefore)
"What if you don't know what the right thing to do is?" ~Lucy
"If you pray and believe in your heart that something is wrong, you shouldn't do it. In fact, if you do do it, it's a sin. Even if everyone else thinks or says that it's okay. But, before you make any decision, you should always pray. In fact, that's where being 'in the world but not of it' really starts-- with prayer." ~Whit (Choices)
"Well, that's the way it works. You put in twice the effort to get half the result that you would've gotten, had you just put in half the effort to get twice the result that you ended up getting when you put in twice the effort..." ~Harlow Doyle
"Huh?" ~Connie, Rodney Rathbone, Lucy
"Um, uh.... CRIME DOESN'T PAY. ::whispers:: Phew, got out of that one." ~Harlow
(The Case of the Candid Camera)
"Bart, maybe we should get home too. We ain't done nothin' to protect our house!" ~Doris Rathbone
"There ain't no protecting our house as long as Rodney's around." ~Bart Rathbone
"Thanks pop." ~Rodney
(Tornados)
"Well hello Tamika Washington! Mr. Whitaker told me all about your report for school." ~Sydney Selika
"Well, we're supposed to interview our hero." ~Tamika Washington
"Oh, oh, I haven't been this honored since I one the Children's Choice award! Go ahead then, ask me anything." ~Sydney
"Okay... how have you changed people's lives?" ~Tamika
"Changed lives? Wow, are all your questions gonna be this deep? Um, oh, I'd have to say through my movies. People say that when they're having a bad day, they go see one of my movies and it cheers them up. Isn't that fabulous? I love that my movies appeal to everyone, even people who are poor or still wear tie dye." ~Sydney
"Okay, um. Next question. What do you stand for?" ~Tamika
"Stand for?" ~Sydney
"Yah. What's something that's important to you that you'd be willing to fight for?" ~Tamika
"Oh. Well, I stand against smoking. Never start smoking, Tamika. Smoking kills. And if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life!" ~Sydney
"Okay... good advice." ~Tamika
(Stars in Our Eyes)
Ahhh! I know I'm missing a lot-- but that's already pretty long. Leave some comments with your favorites if you listen to the show. :D
Towards home,
Rachel
Friday, December 24, 2010
There is No More Fear
Tonight, we attended our church's Christmas Eve service.
The message was on fear. At first, it seems a strange connection. It seems that Christmas is more of a "peaceful" holiday. Even the birth of the Messiah is something we often picture as more quiet and lovely then it probably was.
The birth of this child was to set us free from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." How I love these verses! Jesus Christ became a child so that He could set us free from fear. It's hard for me to imagine that the birth of a baby could set so many free from fear.
There is no more fear here.
Romans 8:15 says, "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.'"
There is no more fear here.
Luke 2:10-11 says, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.'"
There is no more fear here.
I love Christmas Eve, almost more then Christmas Day, because it's the perfect time to pause. Reflect on Christ's birth and remember-- there was a time in my life that I had fear. Everyone, even those who have grown up in Christian homes, have had periods of fear. However, I now have no more fear. Because of that little baby, whom the world did not recognize, my fear is gone.
I love this song we heard in church tonight.
I especially love
You're the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell...
You are in us
You are for us
You are with us
Emmanuel
If we were born before the Messiah, would we be praying that God would send Him? I'd like to think we would be. And so imagine the great joy, that He had finally come...
And there is no more fear.
The message was on fear. At first, it seems a strange connection. It seems that Christmas is more of a "peaceful" holiday. Even the birth of the Messiah is something we often picture as more quiet and lovely then it probably was.
The birth of this child was to set us free from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." How I love these verses! Jesus Christ became a child so that He could set us free from fear. It's hard for me to imagine that the birth of a baby could set so many free from fear.
There is no more fear here.
Romans 8:15 says, "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.'"
There is no more fear here.
Luke 2:10-11 says, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.'"
There is no more fear here.
I love Christmas Eve, almost more then Christmas Day, because it's the perfect time to pause. Reflect on Christ's birth and remember-- there was a time in my life that I had fear. Everyone, even those who have grown up in Christian homes, have had periods of fear. However, I now have no more fear. Because of that little baby, whom the world did not recognize, my fear is gone.
I love this song we heard in church tonight.
I especially love
You're the Savior we have been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell...
You are in us
You are for us
You are with us
Emmanuel
If we were born before the Messiah, would we be praying that God would send Him? I'd like to think we would be. And so imagine the great joy, that He had finally come...
And there is no more fear.
Monday, November 8, 2010
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!
So so so so so so so so so... It's late fall! Yay!! I love late fall. LOVELOVELOVE. And I'm starting to work more and more on some of my favorite things (speech, VBS, among others). So you all get to look forward to posts about those sorts of favorite things.
{I'm positive you're all thrilled. :P I kid.}
Anyway, I've been praying about ways that we might be able to expand "Doane" Vacation Bible School. So I decided that I'd post this on my blog, and possibly on facebook too. I've been thinking lately... how many people that I know might want to have their own VBS {either in their backyard or a small church that currently or never has offered a VBS program} but simply would not know where to start?
Could there be people who are able and willing to teach God's Word, who love kids, and who want to spread the gospel in their communities but are somewhat intimidated by the task of starting a VBS?
Then I thought of myself several years ago, before we started our own Backyard Bible Club. It was my grandma's idea... I absolutely loved the idea, but if she hadn't suggested it I think I would have been too scared to take the first leap all by myself. I don't think I could have done it without my grandma's excitement, Haley's help, and my parent's encouragement.
So these are the things that made me think of others who might want to go in that direction, but are scared to take the first leap. And I want to help others take that first leap.
So, I am starting a blog (perhaps soon a website) that will chronicle my adventures as I set out to produce a free, interactive curriculum for VBS teacher wanna-be's (haha), as well as as schedule, a place for comments, a question/answer type section, among other things.
If you have ever seriously looked into starting a Vacation Bible School, then you probably know that even if you don't want over-the-top elaborate, curriculum can be pretty expensive. That's why I will be offering a free curriculum of my own (as I said above) that comes with lessons, skits, game ideas, snack planners, craft planners and instructions, and a mission moment. If you want something a little more elaborate, this blog will hopefully also offer (perhaps not right away, but eventually) suggestions for craft kits that may be purchased, as well as "professional" curriculum reviews.
If you would be interested in having a VBS this year, NEVER think that you're too young or too inexperienced. Haley and I started off as thirteen-year-old girls who were only helping at a church VBS for the first time that summer. We had never taught Sunday School, nor anything of that nature. I had never really planned anything like that-- I learned completely from experience. So I would urge you to follow this blog as I attempt to put what God has placed on my heart and what He's taught me so graciously these last few years to you. There are some things that you have to learn by experience-- but there are also some things that you can learn through hearing from the experience's of others! Praying that this blog will encourage YOU!
Here's the link: http://backyardvacationbibleschool.blogspot.com/
Grace,
Rachel
{P.S. Even if you don't follow this blog, please feel free to comment! This ministry is not at all intended to just be for those I know-- I want to be able to meet others who want to serve God through this. Thanks all!}
{I'm positive you're all thrilled. :P I kid.}
Anyway, I've been praying about ways that we might be able to expand "Doane" Vacation Bible School. So I decided that I'd post this on my blog, and possibly on facebook too. I've been thinking lately... how many people that I know might want to have their own VBS {either in their backyard or a small church that currently or never has offered a VBS program} but simply would not know where to start?
Could there be people who are able and willing to teach God's Word, who love kids, and who want to spread the gospel in their communities but are somewhat intimidated by the task of starting a VBS?
Then I thought of myself several years ago, before we started our own Backyard Bible Club. It was my grandma's idea... I absolutely loved the idea, but if she hadn't suggested it I think I would have been too scared to take the first leap all by myself. I don't think I could have done it without my grandma's excitement, Haley's help, and my parent's encouragement.
So these are the things that made me think of others who might want to go in that direction, but are scared to take the first leap. And I want to help others take that first leap.
So, I am starting a blog (perhaps soon a website) that will chronicle my adventures as I set out to produce a free, interactive curriculum for VBS teacher wanna-be's (haha), as well as as schedule, a place for comments, a question/answer type section, among other things.
If you have ever seriously looked into starting a Vacation Bible School, then you probably know that even if you don't want over-the-top elaborate, curriculum can be pretty expensive. That's why I will be offering a free curriculum of my own (as I said above) that comes with lessons, skits, game ideas, snack planners, craft planners and instructions, and a mission moment. If you want something a little more elaborate, this blog will hopefully also offer (perhaps not right away, but eventually) suggestions for craft kits that may be purchased, as well as "professional" curriculum reviews.
If you would be interested in having a VBS this year, NEVER think that you're too young or too inexperienced. Haley and I started off as thirteen-year-old girls who were only helping at a church VBS for the first time that summer. We had never taught Sunday School, nor anything of that nature. I had never really planned anything like that-- I learned completely from experience. So I would urge you to follow this blog as I attempt to put what God has placed on my heart and what He's taught me so graciously these last few years to you. There are some things that you have to learn by experience-- but there are also some things that you can learn through hearing from the experience's of others! Praying that this blog will encourage YOU!
Here's the link: http://backyardvacationbibleschool.blogspot.com/
Grace,
Rachel
{P.S. Even if you don't follow this blog, please feel free to comment! This ministry is not at all intended to just be for those I know-- I want to be able to meet others who want to serve God through this. Thanks all!}
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Pretty First Place
Recently, my friend Hannah wrote something on her blog (http://xian-na.blogspot.com/2010/10/pretty-ball-for-louis.html) in which she talked about "Pretty Things" in our lives that we often don't want to lose or give up to God. She says it so so well that you should probably go read her post before using your valuable time reading this. Anyway, lately, I've realized how many 'pretty' things appeal to me-- how many things I desire other then God. The song "Pretty Things" (which, the most observant of you will have noticed, was recently added to my play list) by Tenth Avenue North says it so well.
Look at all the pretty things
That steal my heart away.
Wow. Not a long section, but so so powerful! The things that I love the most besides God are the things that have the most power in pulling me away from God. The things that look the best on the outside can be the most harmful, because they steal my heart away from my best friend, God.
The strange thing about it is that the things I desire other then God are the things I expect Him to give me! If I'm distracted by other things (and I am), and He is the sovereign of the universe (and He is) then isn't it within His perfect rights and power to take away all those things that don't bring Him the glory He deserves?
Now, I can't even tell you how I've wrestled with this. How many times I've thought (in my wicked, sinful heart) "If I do this right, then God won't have to do this and that and then things can go back to the way they were! So I just need to trust Him in this and then *maybe* He'll reward my trust and make things easier later." Of course that isn't how it works at all! Do I actually think that God would ever, ever be tempted to change His amazing plan because I trusted Him? No, that's what He wanted in the first place. Only He doesn't want me to trust Him out of my selfish motives, but because I really, really do trust and love Him with my own heart.
Do I really, really trust Him?
Do I really, really love Him?
Do I really, really want Him to have everything?
yes.
yes.
yes.
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are be renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Oh, how I love these verses! Oh, how I wish that these verses might be exemplified in my life-- so that I wouldn't fix my eyes on either troubles nor pleasures of this life, but on Christ, Who is my Joy, my Life, my Love.
I think the best thing to sum it up is a story told by Leslie B. Flynn, one of my favorite illustrations of what the gospel is.
"An orphaned boy was living with his grandmother when their house caught fire. The grandmother, trying to get upstairs to rescue the boy, perished in the flames. The boy’s cries for help were finally answered by a man who climbed an iron drainpipe and came back down with the boy hanging tightly to his neck. Several weeks later, a public hearing was held to determine who would receive custody of the child. A farmer, a teacher, and the town’s wealthiest citizen all gave the reasons they felt they should be chosen to give the boy a home. But as they talked, the lad’s eyes remained focused on the floor. Then a stranger walked to the front and slowly took his hands from his pockets, revealing severe scars on them. As the crowd gasped, the boy cried out in recognition. This was the man who had saved his life. His hands had been burned when he climbed the hot pipe. With a leap the boy threw his arms around the man’s neck and held on for dear life. The other men silently walked away, leaving the boy and his rescuer alone. Those marred hands had settled the issue. The boy was convinced of his rescuer’s great love because of the great sacrifice he made."
Today, there are many things that may try to pull us away from God. But there is One whose nail-pierced hands remind us that He did not come to pull us away from God, but to draw us near to Him.
I want no other 'pretty thing' or 'substitute' then Jesus Christ: the One who doesn't steal my heart away, but deserves my whole heart-- and my everything.
Look at all the pretty things
That steal my heart away.
Wow. Not a long section, but so so powerful! The things that I love the most besides God are the things that have the most power in pulling me away from God. The things that look the best on the outside can be the most harmful, because they steal my heart away from my best friend, God.
The strange thing about it is that the things I desire other then God are the things I expect Him to give me! If I'm distracted by other things (and I am), and He is the sovereign of the universe (and He is) then isn't it within His perfect rights and power to take away all those things that don't bring Him the glory He deserves?
Now, I can't even tell you how I've wrestled with this. How many times I've thought (in my wicked, sinful heart) "If I do this right, then God won't have to do this and that and then things can go back to the way they were! So I just need to trust Him in this and then *maybe* He'll reward my trust and make things easier later." Of course that isn't how it works at all! Do I actually think that God would ever, ever be tempted to change His amazing plan because I trusted Him? No, that's what He wanted in the first place. Only He doesn't want me to trust Him out of my selfish motives, but because I really, really do trust and love Him with my own heart.
Do I really, really trust Him?
Do I really, really love Him?
Do I really, really want Him to have everything?
yes.
yes.
yes.
"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are be renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Oh, how I love these verses! Oh, how I wish that these verses might be exemplified in my life-- so that I wouldn't fix my eyes on either troubles nor pleasures of this life, but on Christ, Who is my Joy, my Life, my Love.
I think the best thing to sum it up is a story told by Leslie B. Flynn, one of my favorite illustrations of what the gospel is.
"An orphaned boy was living with his grandmother when their house caught fire. The grandmother, trying to get upstairs to rescue the boy, perished in the flames. The boy’s cries for help were finally answered by a man who climbed an iron drainpipe and came back down with the boy hanging tightly to his neck. Several weeks later, a public hearing was held to determine who would receive custody of the child. A farmer, a teacher, and the town’s wealthiest citizen all gave the reasons they felt they should be chosen to give the boy a home. But as they talked, the lad’s eyes remained focused on the floor. Then a stranger walked to the front and slowly took his hands from his pockets, revealing severe scars on them. As the crowd gasped, the boy cried out in recognition. This was the man who had saved his life. His hands had been burned when he climbed the hot pipe. With a leap the boy threw his arms around the man’s neck and held on for dear life. The other men silently walked away, leaving the boy and his rescuer alone. Those marred hands had settled the issue. The boy was convinced of his rescuer’s great love because of the great sacrifice he made."
Today, there are many things that may try to pull us away from God. But there is One whose nail-pierced hands remind us that He did not come to pull us away from God, but to draw us near to Him.
I want no other 'pretty thing' or 'substitute' then Jesus Christ: the One who doesn't steal my heart away, but deserves my whole heart-- and my everything.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Have You?
Have you read this? Do you know what's happening in North Korea?
Would you be willing to go back if you were her? Would you risk everything you had left-- when you had already lost so much-- to gain something for eternity?
Have you read this? Have you?
If not, do. You will be blessed. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/weeping-for-north-korea
Would you be willing to go back if you were her? Would you risk everything you had left-- when you had already lost so much-- to gain something for eternity?
Have you read this? Have you?
If not, do. You will be blessed. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/weeping-for-north-korea
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