the gospel is the good news. even after our justification and decision to follow Christ it continues to define who we are as believers. it is the foundation of our faith. I trusted Christ as my savior when I was 5 years old, I knew my life was pointless and empty without Him. I knew I needed Him. and now as a 21 year old I still know I need Him, maybe even know it more. Lately the Lord has been captivating my heart even more, simply with the gospel. He's resonated in my heart and mind leading me to be utterly overwhelmed with the truth of what He's done, what He's done and what He will continue to do to rescue, redeem and save.
here's a tidbit of that resonance.
He is high. exalted. Above all things. He was before all time began, He is the author of life. He is seated in the heavens surrounded by creatures that my mind can't even fathom and all creation joins to sing, Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.-Revelation4:8. He is 'I am' all I will ever need and more. He is omnipresent, omnipotent. wow. yes, that's who He is and I've only seen a glimpse of that glory. His majesty is unsurpassed.
We've been going through the book of John in our community group at the HSC. His life is beautiful. The day after I had the image of Him seated on His throne stuck in my head all day, community group, John 13, Jesus washes His disciples feet. wait, that God that I couldn't stop thinking about His holiness and majesty, that one came and washed feet. the feet of those who would betray Him. He came near, to our hearts. to wash the dirtiest parts of our lives. that we might partake of the life He gives. Lazurus from the dead, woman at the well, Nicodemus, blind healed, healing at the pool... the list goes on. How can we miss this? He came to bring us out of death into life. old made new. blind to see. slave-free. He turned over every religious status quo, He fulfilled the law. that we may have life, today (john10:10). "He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" Colossians1:13-14. and He didn't just do this one time, nope, over and over He delivers us. from daily sin, hurt, shame, rejection, pity, addiction.. everyday He sustains our life and breath and offers grace and hope and peace. "For He has delivered us from a deadly peril.... On Him we have set our hope, for He will continue to deliver." 2Corinthians1:10. A God who came near to pay my penalty on a cross that was technically mine to carry brings forth a love that is irresistably compelling. It moves me. opens and fixates my eyes, to gaze into His beauty. I refuse, I refuse to sit in contentment and not proclaim this gospel that is timeless and freeing. to go. to be, here. for those who have never heard, here and in unreached places of the world. and in the words of my friend who's agnostic and on her way to knowing Christ. "Jesus was a man of deep character and He loved beyond people's behaviors and backgrounds, He taught a love that brings change." and watching this love change her heart, my heart, brings me to surrender to give all of me for the kingdom who's keys are good news.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
never alone.
Every since I was probably 16 I always thought I'd be planning wedding about now. I thought I'd be married before or right after I graduated in May of 2012. But oh if I know anything its that our plans are not always His plans. He gloriously ruins to shape us and exalt His name in our lives. With May quickly (QUICKLY!!) approaching I'm starting to get lots of questions like "where are you going to live?" "what are you going to do?" all the fun questions that bring forth a lot of "i have no clue"
There are a lot of things I feel like the Lord is leading me to do with my life, like traveling OT, opening a coffee shop for ministry, adopt, etc. But if I'm completely honest I am straight up scared to death to do any of those things alone. It just seems like it'd be much easier to have a man to follow and let him make big decisions like where to live, etc. I didn't really understand how scared I was until this Sunday. I was driving to church, praying and preparing my heart for worship, as I was praying about my future the Lord spoke in a soft whisper, "you're never going alone" He knew my fears before I even knew them. Gah, He's so sovereign I can't even comprehend it. Knowing that I have no reason to fear I entered His presence seeking comfort and peace that He alone gives. worship at church was beautiful. Then when I was home alone, in the quiet, His voice began to demolish every little fear. check this-women in the bible that were heroes of the faith, Ruth, Tamar, Rahab, Mary. Umm how many of them were married?! uh-huh. there are very very few. Jesus came fulfilling prophecy of His lineage because of women like rahab, tamar and mary. The gospel came in perfection because of how God used single women. He is the source of all strength. What He calls us to do is only done in His power. I find hope and peace knowing that He will never leave me or forsake me. For that I will be courageous.
There are a lot of things I feel like the Lord is leading me to do with my life, like traveling OT, opening a coffee shop for ministry, adopt, etc. But if I'm completely honest I am straight up scared to death to do any of those things alone. It just seems like it'd be much easier to have a man to follow and let him make big decisions like where to live, etc. I didn't really understand how scared I was until this Sunday. I was driving to church, praying and preparing my heart for worship, as I was praying about my future the Lord spoke in a soft whisper, "you're never going alone" He knew my fears before I even knew them. Gah, He's so sovereign I can't even comprehend it. Knowing that I have no reason to fear I entered His presence seeking comfort and peace that He alone gives. worship at church was beautiful. Then when I was home alone, in the quiet, His voice began to demolish every little fear. check this-women in the bible that were heroes of the faith, Ruth, Tamar, Rahab, Mary. Umm how many of them were married?! uh-huh. there are very very few. Jesus came fulfilling prophecy of His lineage because of women like rahab, tamar and mary. The gospel came in perfection because of how God used single women. He is the source of all strength. What He calls us to do is only done in His power. I find hope and peace knowing that He will never leave me or forsake me. For that I will be courageous.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
the final thunder roll.
in my experience just when you think its all falling into place, it all falls apart. and as a believer when that happens I am not worried, shaken, or doubtful. but tempted to be all of those things? yes. I've already decided I will always be super careful in how I tell this story, in attempt to never pull down or point out any another believers. so without giving too much details, let me just say this...
For years I've been thinking the Lord was definitely calling me one direction and I've been waiting patiently (attempting the patient part) for those plans to come together. things were looking up, it seemed like the rain was clearing the dove was bringing a branch from the dry land.. and just as that came, so did the crashing thunder. that last roll at the end of the storm. the surprise. i cried like I haven't in years. the pit of my stomach felt like it turned inside out. i felt like a fool that had fallen in deceit. it hurts, its deep. but His voice whispers, "My grace is sufficient" I believe His word, Romans 8:28- He works every part for His glory. and He brings everything in conformity for the purpose of His will -Ephesians 1:11. So if you ever thought or think my life is easy. Its not. my flesh battles with bitterness, anger, confusion, questions and fear. and the beauty of the Spirit within us is that He fight backs all the more with love, joy, peace, grace and truth.
My heart's desire is to love Him more, be obedient to His call, and give everything for the sake of the gospel. and so I will continue. to love. to serve. and give, for the sake of the gospel, my only hope.
oh, btdub- new shane&shane stuff that's coming out soon is super good.
For years I've been thinking the Lord was definitely calling me one direction and I've been waiting patiently (attempting the patient part) for those plans to come together. things were looking up, it seemed like the rain was clearing the dove was bringing a branch from the dry land.. and just as that came, so did the crashing thunder. that last roll at the end of the storm. the surprise. i cried like I haven't in years. the pit of my stomach felt like it turned inside out. i felt like a fool that had fallen in deceit. it hurts, its deep. but His voice whispers, "My grace is sufficient" I believe His word, Romans 8:28- He works every part for His glory. and He brings everything in conformity for the purpose of His will -Ephesians 1:11. So if you ever thought or think my life is easy. Its not. my flesh battles with bitterness, anger, confusion, questions and fear. and the beauty of the Spirit within us is that He fight backs all the more with love, joy, peace, grace and truth.
My heart's desire is to love Him more, be obedient to His call, and give everything for the sake of the gospel. and so I will continue. to love. to serve. and give, for the sake of the gospel, my only hope.
oh, btdub- new shane&shane stuff that's coming out soon is super good.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
umm.. let me just say for all you followers you don't comment much. this ain't no monologue people :)
So here's a collage of the life, err make that tweets lately. He most definitely uses trials and scary times to draw us. sanctify. and maybe even just sit us down so we can learn a little something.. like how to play the guitar.
So here's a collage of the life, err make that tweets lately. He most definitely uses trials and scary times to draw us. sanctify. and maybe even just sit us down so we can learn a little something.. like how to play the guitar.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
joy unshaken.
whew. what a week. starting with a trip to the dr/orthopedic last friday. that big 'ole bruise I blogged about ended up being a little more than a bruise. my car is acting up and has to go to the shop. life isn't always as perfect as we'd like. a guy I graduated from hs with committed suicide. then an English teacher at my high school was shot and killed by her ex-husband. I've been fighting an incling to feel depressed. tempted to misplace my joy.
starting with my knee.. i'm pretty active, workout about 5-6days/wk. pretty intense plyo/run/weights/asylum/turbo... but with partial tears in your medial meniscus & ACL those things can't exactly happen. so super decreased in the endorphin levels. my joy mustn't change. I'm not paralyzed. I'm not dead. no cast. no surgery (yet). I am alive in Christ and no circumstance or satan can rob me of my joy.
and with the death of fellow CMHS foxes, even though I wasn't super close with either of them. they were still part of that family. life is a vapor, a breath. and even with that our hope is unshaken. and I wonder did I share that hope with those two? am I sharing the unchanging joy, peace, and hope that only comes from Jesus. Christ with my life everyday.
and with all the little things I could go on and on and complain about. or I could choose joy.
today I will choose joy. because I have a joy that is not shaken.
" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews12:28
starting with my knee.. i'm pretty active, workout about 5-6days/wk. pretty intense plyo/run/weights/asylum/turbo... but with partial tears in your medial meniscus & ACL those things can't exactly happen. so super decreased in the endorphin levels. my joy mustn't change. I'm not paralyzed. I'm not dead. no cast. no surgery (yet). I am alive in Christ and no circumstance or satan can rob me of my joy.
and with the death of fellow CMHS foxes, even though I wasn't super close with either of them. they were still part of that family. life is a vapor, a breath. and even with that our hope is unshaken. and I wonder did I share that hope with those two? am I sharing the unchanging joy, peace, and hope that only comes from Jesus. Christ with my life everyday.
and with all the little things I could go on and on and complain about. or I could choose joy.
today I will choose joy. because I have a joy that is not shaken.
" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews12:28
Sunday, July 17, 2011
hope is beauty
I'm constantly being reminded of how much I need Him. big time. He will always be all my hope and satisfaction. relationships are hard. and they will never fill the void of our hearts. After a couple of chats about 1 Peter 3 around with the girls lately I decided to spend some time diggin on my own. and boy oh boy did I find a gem!!
Peter is talking to the wives and husbands here. (note: talking to the wifey here!) 1Peter3:3-5
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." yep there it is plain and simple: hope in God is beautiful. that was like the little twinkle diamond peering through the rock. chip a little further and you get this---the same words hope in God are seen in another scripture in 1 Timothy 5:5 "The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask god for help, but the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives."
pause. let this sink. hope in God is the same for the wife as it is for the widow. a boy or husband doesn't and never will diminish that need. not one little bit. and if our life's aren't desperate for Him, we're dead even if our heart may beat. If our heart isn't connecting with His, no heartbeat is worth it.
I'm learning this. He's changing my heart. sanctifying.
I need Him. I need Him. I need Him.
Peter is talking to the wives and husbands here. (note: talking to the wifey here!) 1Peter3:3-5
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." yep there it is plain and simple: hope in God is beautiful. that was like the little twinkle diamond peering through the rock. chip a little further and you get this---the same words hope in God are seen in another scripture in 1 Timothy 5:5 "The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask god for help, but the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives."
pause. let this sink. hope in God is the same for the wife as it is for the widow. a boy or husband doesn't and never will diminish that need. not one little bit. and if our life's aren't desperate for Him, we're dead even if our heart may beat. If our heart isn't connecting with His, no heartbeat is worth it.
I'm learning this. He's changing my heart. sanctifying.
I need Him. I need Him. I need Him.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
broken heart. captured heart.
This morning I went to the Bridge of Lubbock (non-profit ministry located in East LBK. God's using them for sure). I wasn't scheduled to go there for class today, but had some extra time so I decided to go. and honestly I'll admit I was going more from the MOTS (master of occupational therapy student) stand point with a little kingdom sprinkled on top. These kiddos are super guarded and hard to build report with so I figured I'd need to go a little extra to gain some foundation with them. and oh how Jesus knows how to show Himself even when you're not straight up looking for Him.
I did do a little praying on the way over there. I got to east LBK 13th St. a little early. so of course the Spirit prompts me subconsciously. i thought eh, I'll drive around. see where these kids are from. where they live. my heart broke. tears rolled. He captured me there.
Most of you know I've been on trips. Belize. Guatemala. I've seen some poor and broken places. I've held the least of these. But my heart broke today in a totally different way. I was convicted. It was one of those moments that you feel like, "gah, we're (I'm) missing it." His love is needed 15 minutes away from my house. His redemption and power to make broken things new and whole has its place in the east side of the LBK. I think so often we (I!) don't want to go to those places because I can't jump on a plane and get away. there's no distance as an excuse. Don't get me wrong I will forever go and love places like Guatemala. My belief in God as the Lord and Savior of EVERY nation hasn't changed. He just used today to give me a broken heart, that it might be a captured heart by the things of Him, kiddos that are hungry for love, safety and security. to know a love that will free them to let down their guard and be safe in the arms of a loving faithful Father.
"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed..." -Mark 5:34
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