I have ten days left . . .
and then,
CNA & Caregiver classes are over.
I have ten days left . . .
and then,
I'm on an airplane headed half way across the world.
To China.
For 33 days. (Some days, the thought can't even fit
into my mind, it's that big.)
I've already passed my State Board exam to become a certified nursing assistant. (woot!) Soon I'll take my State Board test to become a licensed caregiver. (hollah!)
I can honestly say, if I never use either of those certifications, this last year has been amazing. There were plenty of days I would NOT call my CNA classes amazing. Most days, actually. But I've grown more than I thought I could in one year.
I've met some wonderful people through this. From the elderly widower with incredible stories of his faith and his love and his life, to some beautiful classmates who have never failed to share their smiles.
I've also gone through stress, and relationship... strains. Some days I cried out in the pain, 'God, I can't take this if You don't take it with me!' I have even been mocked and out-right insulted for my faith and my life-style, but by God's grace I was able to look back into the eyes of those mocked me with love and forgiveness. And in the end, I was able to share my faith with those who scorned it. And I wouldn't take back the scorn for the opportunities, and I so thankful.
I hope when people saw me, they didn't see a brown eyed girl, with purple streaks in her hair, that was basically like anyone else. I hope they saw a girl that was in love with God, and wanted nothing more than to have joy in Jesus alone, her Savior.
I hope I showed them love.
Honestly, if I had the chance, I would talk with each one of my classmates individually, and tell them how much God loves them. Because He does. He loves you so much, that He longs after your heart. Longing that you would spend time in His love, getting to know Who He Is.
Seek Him.
Only in Him, is true, unending, unconditional love. His love is not based on what you do or if you love Him or even care about His love. He loves you because He is love. Because He created you, and He wants you to find purpose and joy and LIFE in Him.
If only you could see how much I want you know this. How my heart aches for His love. I long for His love to grow greater in me, and be increased in others! I wish I could tell you HOW WONDERFUL it is. There is nothing good in my life, that didn't come from my God! My life is an adventure with my Savior. He gave me joy, where there was once only bitterness. And the unknown in my future doesn't have me worrying, because I know, He knows how my future will play out. To Him it is no different than my past, and my present: in His hands.
You. Are. Loved. He loves you.
You.
Are.
Loved.
Let this truth shatter every other lie that is fighting for a place in your head and life at this moment. I could write on forever, about how I'm so not perfect and life is hard.
But when my words cease, may you walk away with the thought that I am like you and we are loved beyond the pain.
It's that simple.
Beyond all else, you are loved. He loves you.
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Good Morning Lord
I got this in my inbox this morning. I hope it blesses you, as it did me.
♥Ashlin
Verse of the Day -- Psalm 25:14 The secret [or intimacy] of the Lord is
for those who fear Him . . .
Thought for the Day
God longs to be close to you!
Mini Bible Study for the Day
How many Christians long to have a more intimate relationship with God?
The word "secret" in this verse is also translated "counsel" or
"intimacy." To fear Him means to obey Him. It means that because we
recognize the majesty and awesomeness of who He is, we long to obey
Him, or please Him, in every sense of the word.
Obedience is our gift of love to Jesus Christ, and He promises that in
return for our obedience, He will give us greater intimacy with Himself
and the Father.
He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me and he
who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will
disclose myself to him. --John 14:21 Every time--every moment--we consciously choose to allow God's Spirit
to be in control of our lives, we become closer to and more intimate
with Jesus Christ.
♥Ashlin
Monday, April 21, 2014
A Poem
The night I first saw you
You were
Scared
Hurt
Angry
Lost
You wouldn’t look into my eyes
Your gaze was fixed
Downcast
You wouldn’t trust me
Wouldn’t dare
To think that I might last
Any longer in your life
Than those who scarred your past
I loved you, held you,
Gave you a piece of my heart
Gave it up forever,
Though I knew we might part
But you didn’t want
My love
Afraid it was an act
You refused it
Pushed me back
The words I spoke to you for healing
You fought like an attack
You were angry
I don’t blame you
I was angry for you too
Your hurt was deep
Your pain was vast
I didn’t know what I could do
But the God Who made
And loved
You
Is the God
Who’d see us through
With time
You came to trust me
Your numb, closed heart
Began to feel
And it was beautiful
When you smiled
God would whisper, “Spirit, heal”
But then, too soon
Came the fateful day
When we had to say
Goodbye
Yet that could not take my love away
I’ll know your name
I’ll see your face
I’ll love you still
Until I die
You were
Scared
Hurt
Angry
Lost
You wouldn’t look into my eyes
Your gaze was fixed
Downcast
You wouldn’t trust me
Wouldn’t dare
To think that I might last
Any longer in your life
Than those who scarred your past
I loved you, held you,
Gave you a piece of my heart
Gave it up forever,
Though I knew we might part
But you didn’t want
My love
Afraid it was an act
You refused it
Pushed me back
The words I spoke to you for healing
You fought like an attack
You were angry
I don’t blame you
I was angry for you too
Your hurt was deep
Your pain was vast
I didn’t know what I could do
But the God Who made
And loved
You
Is the God
Who’d see us through
With time
You came to trust me
Your numb, closed heart
Began to feel
And it was beautiful
When you smiled
God would whisper, “Spirit, heal”
But then, too soon
Came the fateful day
When we had to say
Goodbye
Yet that could not take my love away
I’ll know your name
I’ll see your face
I’ll love you still
Until I die
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
C. S. Lewis
“The Weight of Glory.”
It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.
All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.
There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit — immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.
This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously.
- C.S. Lewis
Monday, January 14, 2013
Amazing.
I cannot comprehend, cannot wrap my mind around this overwhelming love and grace from above. The perfect goodness of our Creator given to the most undeserving but most loved creation.
I read and re-read these verses, and the Love of my life leaves me awe-struck.
This incredible, difficult, beautiful life is filled with His "exceedingly great and precious promises" though I am so undeserving and fail so often He is always, always faithful.
May you draw nearer to Him this week. Though it may be hard and you may be brought to your knees countless times, He knows everything you have suffered, and are suffering and He is there with you and understands it all. His grace is sufficient, His strength made perfect in our weakness. Call out to Him, talk with Him more. He is eager to spend one-on-one time with you as a bridegroom savors time with his bride.
He is so deserving of anything and everything we can give to Him.
"as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:3-4
I read and re-read these verses, and the Love of my life leaves me awe-struck.
This incredible, difficult, beautiful life is filled with His "exceedingly great and precious promises" though I am so undeserving and fail so often He is always, always faithful.
May you draw nearer to Him this week. Though it may be hard and you may be brought to your knees countless times, He knows everything you have suffered, and are suffering and He is there with you and understands it all. His grace is sufficient, His strength made perfect in our weakness. Call out to Him, talk with Him more. He is eager to spend one-on-one time with you as a bridegroom savors time with his bride.
He is so deserving of anything and everything we can give to Him.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Change and Peace
Seasons are crafty, changing in the most delicate ways, so subtle, one can find it hard to recall exactly when warm days left and long nights came. They creep in like a dream with all it's stillness that one can hardly notice it came.
Winter is coming, the year is winding to a close, and for many people that brings to mind the Winters and years past with all the joy, beauty, sorrow, love and hurt that may have been a part of them.
Life is sweet and beautiful and incredibly hard. When I think about life and am tempted to see failures and mistakes, I think of Philippians 3:13, that says, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead".
We don't have to worry about the future when we know that we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13b-14)
I find myself looking back now and I think of how very different things were this time last year, and how His grace has carried me, brought through so much change. Some changes have been, at times, lighter than a breeze gently touching my face, and at other times seemed to have equaled a strong wind that so painfully stole away all breath from my lungs and I wondered how I'd recover. Yet still I can say through it all, He is faithful and loves me with a greater love and cares for me with a greater care than could ever be found in all of the worlds in all of the universe.
If the pain seems to much, I can find hope in the fact that my Savior has suffered far greater than I have, He knows and understands my weakness and can carry me in His unending grace so that I may endure. When it is easy and when it is hard, I can have faith and hope in His love. With each change, be it small or immense, I have learned of His good will, experienced His joy, and felt His very heart just a little more.
I don't know how the story ends, and yes, there are times in between that are difficult, but I can have faith, that it will be alright, because He wrote it. I know the Author. The One who promises that all things work together for good to those that love God, HE writes my story.
Yes, He is good. So, though I may not understand His timing or purpose, I don't need to, I only need to look back on His faithfulness over my entire life and be filled with faith, hope, and love....
So if I could speak to you right now, from my heart I would tell you that He knows you far better than you know yourself. That even though you may not understand why the Lord is doing (or not doing) what He's doing, trust that He sees from beginning to end, He knows when the small sparrow falls and He loves you more than many sparrows. Have faith that He can and He will work every moment you can't understand to His glory.
Look up at the crystal night stars. Our Creator has named every one of those star and yet He knows your name, your every thought, dream, need.
Winter is coming, the year is winding to a close, and for many people that brings to mind the Winters and years past with all the joy, beauty, sorrow, love and hurt that may have been a part of them.
Life is sweet and beautiful and incredibly hard. When I think about life and am tempted to see failures and mistakes, I think of Philippians 3:13, that says, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead".
We don't have to worry about the future when we know that we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13b-14)
I find myself looking back now and I think of how very different things were this time last year, and how His grace has carried me, brought through so much change. Some changes have been, at times, lighter than a breeze gently touching my face, and at other times seemed to have equaled a strong wind that so painfully stole away all breath from my lungs and I wondered how I'd recover. Yet still I can say through it all, He is faithful and loves me with a greater love and cares for me with a greater care than could ever be found in all of the worlds in all of the universe.
If the pain seems to much, I can find hope in the fact that my Savior has suffered far greater than I have, He knows and understands my weakness and can carry me in His unending grace so that I may endure. When it is easy and when it is hard, I can have faith and hope in His love. With each change, be it small or immense, I have learned of His good will, experienced His joy, and felt His very heart just a little more.
I don't know how the story ends, and yes, there are times in between that are difficult, but I can have faith, that it will be alright, because He wrote it. I know the Author. The One who promises that all things work together for good to those that love God, HE writes my story.
Yes, He is good. So, though I may not understand His timing or purpose, I don't need to, I only need to look back on His faithfulness over my entire life and be filled with faith, hope, and love....
So if I could speak to you right now, from my heart I would tell you that He knows you far better than you know yourself. That even though you may not understand why the Lord is doing (or not doing) what He's doing, trust that He sees from beginning to end, He knows when the small sparrow falls and He loves you more than many sparrows. Have faith that He can and He will work every moment you can't understand to His glory.
Look up at the crystal night stars. Our Creator has named every one of those star and yet He knows your name, your every thought, dream, need.
His love is unconditional, so infinitely truer than any love we can comprehend, and everlasting. He only is deserving of all our faith, hope, and love.
May you be filled with His grace and peace, dear sister (or brother) in Christ, this day, and ever day to come.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
"Look unto Jesus. I looked on Jesus and the dove of peace entered my heart. I looked at the dove of peace; and lo . . . off he went.
Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord.
Once it was the feeling, now it is the Word.
Once the gift I wanted, now the Giver owns.
Once I saught for healing,
Now Himself alone.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above
James 1:17
Lord, thank You for all You have given me, but thank You most of all for who You are."
[from Each New Day, by Corrie ten Boom]
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Love and Forgiveness
It is so easy to have a misconception of what love really looks like. We all have different definitions of what love looks like, and they all tend stem from whatever makes us feel good.
But as Christians we have been given a new definition of love!
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:12-13
We are called to be selfless and giving of ourselves. The world says love is to make you feel good. But we are called to love in way that is willing to sacrifice everything, even our very lives, for the sake of our brothers in Christ.
What would Jesus think of us, when we are not even willing to let go of our pride for the sake of loving our fellow brothers and sisters within the Body? It's is a shame and something we should feel immensely grieved about.
When I have been hurt by someone I am tempted to stop showing love to them. I begin to think "me me me" instead of forgiving that person, thanking God for them and praying for them.
When you cannot forvige others you are blocking off a path on which you also must cross. Everyone needs forgiveness.
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." -Mark 11:25-26
When you are in a room that is dark during the day time, you waist energy trying to turn on all the lights inside. All you must do to make the darkness vanish is open the curtians and let the sun in!
"He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness" -1 John 2:9
God brought into our hearts His love through the Holy Spirit! His love in us is victorious over our unforgiveness.
"'Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath" -Ephesians 4:26
When you are angry you are giving a mighty foothold to the devil. Jesus is able and willing to fill our hearts with His love! When your heart is filled with God's love there is no room for the darkness of resentment and un forgiveness.
The Bible has much to say about loving one another!
• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7
• "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" -Psalm 133:1
• "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." -Ephesians 4:1-3
• "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." -1 Corinthians 13:3
• "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." Luke 6:32
• Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. -1 John 4:7
It is such a blessing to be able to bring our anger immediately to the Lord!
But as Christians we have been given a new definition of love!
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:12-13
We are called to be selfless and giving of ourselves. The world says love is to make you feel good. But we are called to love in way that is willing to sacrifice everything, even our very lives, for the sake of our brothers in Christ.
What would Jesus think of us, when we are not even willing to let go of our pride for the sake of loving our fellow brothers and sisters within the Body? It's is a shame and something we should feel immensely grieved about.
When I have been hurt by someone I am tempted to stop showing love to them. I begin to think "me me me" instead of forgiving that person, thanking God for them and praying for them.
When you cannot forvige others you are blocking off a path on which you also must cross. Everyone needs forgiveness.
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." -Mark 11:25-26
When you are in a room that is dark during the day time, you waist energy trying to turn on all the lights inside. All you must do to make the darkness vanish is open the curtians and let the sun in!
"He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness" -1 John 2:9
God brought into our hearts His love through the Holy Spirit! His love in us is victorious over our unforgiveness.
"'Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath" -Ephesians 4:26
When you are angry you are giving a mighty foothold to the devil. Jesus is able and willing to fill our hearts with His love! When your heart is filled with God's love there is no room for the darkness of resentment and un forgiveness.
The Bible has much to say about loving one another!
• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7
• "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" -Psalm 133:1
• "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." -Ephesians 4:1-3
• "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." -1 Corinthians 13:3
• "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." Luke 6:32
• Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. -1 John 4:7
It is such a blessing to be able to bring our anger immediately to the Lord!
Monday, January 2, 2012
The 70 Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards, recorded 70 resolutions over a span of a few months in 1722 – 1723. Resolutions 1 through 21 were written in one sitting in New Haven in 1722, and he added to the list through August of 1723. He then read them again each week of his life.
These are very humbling. Also, if you have never heard of Jonathan Edwards you should look him up. He was very influential in the Great Awakening.
Without further ado (because he did write down 70 resolutions) this is what Edwards wrote:
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.
34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22, and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s Day. Sabbath evening.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1723.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved, to endeavor to imitate it.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.
65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
These are very humbling. Also, if you have never heard of Jonathan Edwards you should look him up. He was very influential in the Great Awakening.
Without further ado (because he did write down 70 resolutions) this is what Edwards wrote:
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.
34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22, and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s Day. Sabbath evening.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1723.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved, to endeavor to imitate it.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.
65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
"It is one thing to go through a crisis grandly, but another thing to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, no one paying the remotest attention to us."
-Oswald Chambers
"If we desire to end our days in joy and comfort, let us lay the foundation of a comfortable death now betimes. To die well is not a thing of that light moment as some imagine: it is no easy matter. But to die well is a matter of every day. Let us daily do some good that may help us at the time of our death. Every day by repentance pull out the sting of some sin,that so when death comes, we may have nothing to do but to die. To die well is the action of the whole life."
-Richard Sibbes
I read these qoutes and thought of my grandmother. They describe her life so well. It takes an extremely large amount of humility and devotion to live a life so removed from one's own desires and natural tendencies in order to more fully allow Chrsit to reign.
My grand mother passed away a week ago Friday. I'm so grateful to have been able to know her so well and learn from her almost every day. She had a consuming love for the Lord, and loved others much more than herself.
"Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." -Ps.144:4
It can be so easy to live for myself, to allow myself be driven by my mood or emotions, but every day spent on myself is a day waisted. It sounds trite or cliché but treat every day like a gift. You don't know when your life will end, and you don't know when the life of those you love will end.
Every day surrender yourself, your life to Chrsit, and always look for opprotunites to bless others.
-Oswald Chambers
"If we desire to end our days in joy and comfort, let us lay the foundation of a comfortable death now betimes. To die well is not a thing of that light moment as some imagine: it is no easy matter. But to die well is a matter of every day. Let us daily do some good that may help us at the time of our death. Every day by repentance pull out the sting of some sin,that so when death comes, we may have nothing to do but to die. To die well is the action of the whole life."
-Richard Sibbes
I read these qoutes and thought of my grandmother. They describe her life so well. It takes an extremely large amount of humility and devotion to live a life so removed from one's own desires and natural tendencies in order to more fully allow Chrsit to reign.
My grand mother passed away a week ago Friday. I'm so grateful to have been able to know her so well and learn from her almost every day. She had a consuming love for the Lord, and loved others much more than herself.
"Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." -Ps.144:4
It can be so easy to live for myself, to allow myself be driven by my mood or emotions, but every day spent on myself is a day waisted. It sounds trite or cliché but treat every day like a gift. You don't know when your life will end, and you don't know when the life of those you love will end.
Every day surrender yourself, your life to Chrsit, and always look for opprotunites to bless others.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
O How Often!
"How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37b)
I know I will never be able to understand the way a parent feels when their child is rebelling unless I become a parent. But I have recently seen some of the burdens placed on my parents for their children. It's consuming. Constantly worrying, and hoping that that child's heart will change. We probably don't even come close to comprehending the ache Christ feels for us each time we stray away.
When I was younger I decided to read through the entire Bible a few hundred times before I died. At least one hundred times before I became a mom. (I'm a very proud and naive person... I know.) And one of the first times I read through most of the OT all on my own, I was shocked to see the way the children of Israel behaved. The couldn't be happy for freedom out of Egypt! The weren't thankful for manna (which sounded like delicious food to me)! They weren't grateful the promised land but coward at the giants! The continually went to idols and false Gods! I couldn't believe them! I always felt happy with myself after reading about them, thinking, "If I had lived back then I would be one of the few smarter ones who were faithful to God." Oh how blind I was! (And still am.)
Constantly, constantly, I am live out those same attributes possessed by Israelites that I looked down upon so much. In Psalm 78:41 David says of the Israelites, "Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."
Again and again I limit what the Lord would do in my life if only I obeyed.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
I am saved from ultimate punishment for my sins, and always I will be. But I do not want to waist my time here on earth. “Let me see what I have that will ‘abide the fire.’” – Susannah Spurgeon
Those works are some times compared to fruit on a tree; good fruit, good tree, or bad fruit, bad tree. Psalm 1 says that those who delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that giving fruit in it's season, it's leaf shall not wither, and whatever it does shall prosper!
When we plant ourselves close to the Living Water we will grow, and flourish. Just as He wills for us to do.
"Jesus died as He had lived–praying, forgiving, loving, sacrificing, trusting, quoting Scripture. If I die as I have lived, how will I die?" – Nancy Leigh DeMoss
I know I will never be able to understand the way a parent feels when their child is rebelling unless I become a parent. But I have recently seen some of the burdens placed on my parents for their children. It's consuming. Constantly worrying, and hoping that that child's heart will change. We probably don't even come close to comprehending the ache Christ feels for us each time we stray away.
When I was younger I decided to read through the entire Bible a few hundred times before I died. At least one hundred times before I became a mom. (I'm a very proud and naive person... I know.) And one of the first times I read through most of the OT all on my own, I was shocked to see the way the children of Israel behaved. The couldn't be happy for freedom out of Egypt! The weren't thankful for manna (which sounded like delicious food to me)! They weren't grateful the promised land but coward at the giants! The continually went to idols and false Gods! I couldn't believe them! I always felt happy with myself after reading about them, thinking, "If I had lived back then I would be one of the few smarter ones who were faithful to God." Oh how blind I was! (And still am.)
Constantly, constantly, I am live out those same attributes possessed by Israelites that I looked down upon so much. In Psalm 78:41 David says of the Israelites, "Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."
Again and again I limit what the Lord would do in my life if only I obeyed.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
I am saved from ultimate punishment for my sins, and always I will be. But I do not want to waist my time here on earth. “Let me see what I have that will ‘abide the fire.’” – Susannah Spurgeon
Those works are some times compared to fruit on a tree; good fruit, good tree, or bad fruit, bad tree. Psalm 1 says that those who delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that giving fruit in it's season, it's leaf shall not wither, and whatever it does shall prosper!
When we plant ourselves close to the Living Water we will grow, and flourish. Just as He wills for us to do.
"Jesus died as He had lived–praying, forgiving, loving, sacrificing, trusting, quoting Scripture. If I die as I have lived, how will I die?" – Nancy Leigh DeMoss
(On a total different note -though it still is about plants- there is a seed give away going on that you might like. Gotta blog about it to enter so sorry for the randomness. =)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Guest Post by Miss Rachel
Rachel is the type of girl who doesn't have to tell you that she loves Christ- it shows. I hope you enjoy reading this girl's post as much as I did. Her life shows that she is not just a Christian by word only, but by deed and truth. She is a young women ever striving to glorify her Saviour and King. Here is what she wrote:
Why I Believe Emotional Purity Is Important
I think emotional purity is something a lot of girls may shrug off. Physical purity is probably a given for many of us ~ it's like of course we're saving ourselves for marriage! Not even something we have to think about, right? But what about the other side of purity, the emotional side of it? Unfortunately I think this aspect of purity gets ignored just a bit because no one can see it. Physical purity is visible to the eye; others can see if you're practicing it or not. If you're being immodest or flirting with a guy, others can see that. But thoughts? Dreams? Ideas? Our thoughts are something that only God can see....so we may be more likely to ignore how pure they are, or at least put the issue on the back burner. "It's not like I'm actually doing / saying that, right?" Mmmm, true, but remember what Proverbs 23:7 says? "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Although we may excuse our slightly impure thought life with "I would never actually do / say that"......the simple fact is that the way we think is who we are. Our thoughts reflect our attitudes, our priorities. And eventually, what we think is what will come out of our mouths. (Luke 6:45)
Do you plan on being faithful to your husband once you marry him? I do! But what many of us fail to realize is that faithfulness starts now. Once you're married isn't the time to start practicing this. It's now. I can't stress how important this is. What we are doing right now, as single young ladies, is laying the foundation for our futures. This goes for all areas of life, really ~ what we're currently doing with our time, how we're treating our family, the choices we make, the education we pursue, all of that is laying a foundation for the rest of our lives. And so it is with our thoughts. If you're planning on being a faithful wife, intent on respecting your husband and sticking by his side, that habit starts now. So, even though we may not be married right now, we need to realize that if God wills us to marry, our future husbands are out there right now! They exist! And hopefully they are waiting faithfully for us, as well. It's our duty, as future wives, to honor our future husbands even before we meet them. And yes, this totally applies to our thought life. Instead of dwelling on things that we know are inappropriate, or "trying out" different guys in our minds, we must keep our focus on staying faithful. On being pure - inside and out.
Practical Ways to Keep From Awakening Love Before It's Time
I think it's easy to say all this stuff ~ but the application is always so much more difficult. Especially when it comes to our thoughts. Sometimes it's nearly impossible to just stop thinking about something. My grandpa used to say that 99% of our problems are from the neck up. :-) I have found this to be very true. Our minds are a powerful thing, and for Christians, it's a battlefield. We need to keep in mind that we are in a war; invisible though it may be. We do have an enemy, and he is totally against purity. That's why all the "good" things are so difficult to cultivate; it's because we're meeting resistance from Satan himself. Thankfully, Jesus has already won the victory for us so we know we are fighting an already-defeated-enemy! I once heard it said that we shouldn't fight for victory, but from victory.
I think one totally practical way to keep our minds focused on pure things is prayer. The instant an impure or un-godly thought enters our minds, instead of dwelling on it, first turn it over to God. Then, began actively praying for your future husband. Pray that he would be pure, that God would prepare him to be a mature and godly husband for you, that he would be passionate about God's Word, etc. I've found this to be pretty effective! If Satan knows that an impure thought will start you praying for your future husband, I guarantee you those thoughts will begin to decrease!
Another way to stay emotionally pure is to make sure you're setting your mind on "things above, not earthly things". (Colossians 3:2) What you feed your mind is what it will automatically think about. You know how, if you're thinking about something really hard, you dream about it? It's just like that - if you are reading or watching things that arrouse impure thoughts, that is what is going to be sitting in your mind. Read things that inspire you to become the woman God wants you to be.
Make sure you're actively investing in your relationship with Jesus Christ. I think we have a warped view of the way God sees us. I used to think that if I wanted something really bad, God would be crossing His arms with a frown and saying, "You think you want that? Hah! Well, you're going to learn to be content instead!" That is just so wrong! In the area of romance, we need to remember that God is the Author of romance; He's the One who created it in the first place and put the desire for marriage in your heart. And if it's His will, He's the One who will fulfill that desire - in His time. Meanwhile, as we wait, we need to be focusing on our relationship with God. I really think that the best way to stay emotionally pure is to keep looking towards Jesus. Stay so completely focused on Him that you really don't have time to be dwelling on a certain guy, real or imagined. And you know what? As I've delved into God's Word and learned more and more about how much He loves me, I've been more than satisfied! That doesn't mean I don't want to get married. (FAR from true!) However, my craving and desire for affirmation, love, security, and protection is fulfilled in my relationship with Jesus. I am happy! I am content! I am in love with my Saviour! Until we learn to love Jesus with all we are, I don't think we are truly ready for romance.
And I'm preaching that to myself.
"May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
Emotional purity isn't easy - and it won't happen overnight. But it's vitally important and I think it is greatly pleasing to God. He knows our heart's desires; and He has an incredible plan for your life. Give Him control - total control - and you will find Him to be more than enough!
If You Had One Piece Of Advice For Young Ladies, What Would It Be?
I really only have one thing of true importance to say to young ladies ~ pursue Jesus. Fall in love with Him. Follow hard after God; He is truly the only One Who matters in life! I've been a "Christian" since I was two or three....but my relationship with Christ really began to blossom a few years ago. Even in the last year I've discovered more of God that I didn't before realize. I've learned to trust Him because He is good and so compassionate. Because He has my best interest at heart.
There is a huge difference between just saying you're a Christian, verses really being one. An authentic relationship with God is so much more than just rote Bible reading and memorized prayers. In fact, that is what it is not! I've come to understand that Jesus is not a frowning God with arms crossed and toes tapping. He's not a God with a mile long list of rules and regulations. Jesus Christ is the incredible and powerful God Who died for you ~ who took all the punishment on Himself that should have been for you. He's merciful and kind ~ He is for you and not against you. He loves you more than you will ever be able to understand....it just blows me away when I try to comprehend all He's done for me. He's incredible!
It's because of Jesus that I am who I am. It's because of Him that I have a purpose in life!
I would implore you, if you're a Christian but have never really experienced a deep and abiding relationship with God, start now. The advice I would give is to really get into God's Word, perhaps like never before, and start discovering how much God cares about you! Passionately pursue Him and seek Him. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you...." (James 4:8a) Follow Him and love Him, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It's the adventure of a lifetime!
You'll never regret it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Wilt Love Me? Trust Me? Praise Me? by Amy Carmichael
O thou beloved child of My desire,
Whether I lead thee through green valleys,
By still waters,
Or through fire,
Or lay thee down in silence under snow,
Through any weather, and whatever
Cloud may gather,
Wind may blow—
Wilt love Me? trust Me? praise Me?
No gallant bird, O dearest Lord, am I,
That anywhere, in any weather,
Rising singeth;
Low I lie.
And yet I cannot fear, for I shall soar;
Thy love shall wing me, blessed Saviour.
So I answer:
I adore;
I love Thee, trust Thee, praise Thee.
Whether I lead thee through green valleys,
By still waters,
Or through fire,
Or lay thee down in silence under snow,
Through any weather, and whatever
Cloud may gather,
Wind may blow—
Wilt love Me? trust Me? praise Me?
No gallant bird, O dearest Lord, am I,
That anywhere, in any weather,
Rising singeth;
Low I lie.
And yet I cannot fear, for I shall soar;
Thy love shall wing me, blessed Saviour.
So I answer:
I adore;
I love Thee, trust Thee, praise Thee.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The More I know Him
The more I know Him,
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord.
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for.
Every day with Jesus
Is like a fresh wind blowing
Fresh wind blowing
Everyday with Jesus
I'm learning things I never knew before,
Never knew before!
The more I know Him,
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord.
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for.
Every day with Jesus,
I can't get enough of His love and mercy!
Every day with Jesus,
Can't wait 'til tomorrow when I can know Him more,
I can know Him more!
I can know Him more!
The more I know Him,
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord!
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for!
Sorry, I don't know who wrote the song, but I thought I would share it.
The other night I went to bed tired, yet restless. I was tired but I hadn't really spent any time praying or reading my bible on my own that day.
Whenever I go through a season of zeal and growth, a dry spell seems just around the corner. Recently, I've felt like I'm going through a dry spell. You know, you can't get enough of God for a while a first, and then you can't seem to find much time for Him.
I hate to write that.
Inside of me an argument started:
"I should get up right now, read my Bible and pray."
'No. Oh, I'm so tired! I'll just wake up earlier tomorrow and ask God to forgive and tell Him I'll do better from here on out.'
Inwardly, I knew what God was telling me to do. But I didn't want to climb down from my bed.
'I'll set my alarm clock for 4 in the morning! I'll spend hours praying and reading Your word,in the morning. I'll pray most of the day tomorrow, I'll hardly do anything else.'
I don't know why I was so adamant about not getting up. I don't know why I was so tired. But I was so convicted about not getting up. I'm sorry I fought, but as I thought of excuses for staying in bed, clear as crystal, plain as day, ringing in my ears: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."
I could picture the fiery prophet Samuel saying, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams." It was as if God was asking, "Won't you just obey?"
I had been pondering all week, why was I so ... apathetic recently. In my prayers, my time reading God's Word, it was all just something I was doing to "check off my list". Why didn't I feel the passion I used to? I was copying the Israelites' pattern of drawing closer to the Lord, falling back, drawing closer, falling back.
I had just been reading to my grandmother that day, and in the book we were reading the main character did something he called "praying through". What he meant by that was to pray until he heard God's answer clearly. I was stuck in a rut just like him, and felt like this is what I needed to do. So I did.
God was continually bringing the verse to mind, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment."
'How?' I cried. 'How! That's impossible!'
"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I don't know where you're at right now in your relationship with Christ, but let me tell you, our Lord is a great and awesome God, Who keeps His promises and is merciful to all. And He says, "I love those who love me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me." (Prov 8:17)
He is so good! Pray that God would make you hungry for Him, that He would give you a brokenness and a longing for Him. He is always faithful! A broken and contrite heart, God will not despise. He tells us "Call to Me, and I will answer you!" (Jeremiah 3:33) God will answer you! He delights in fulfilling His Word! Seek and you will find!
‘But you shall hold fast to the LORD your God... for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God."(Joshua 23:8-11).
The more I know Him, the more I love Him, the more I want to serve the Lord. The more I serve Him, the more I need Him, for He is who I'm living for!
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord.
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for.
Every day with Jesus
Is like a fresh wind blowing
Fresh wind blowing
Everyday with Jesus
I'm learning things I never knew before,
Never knew before!
The more I know Him,
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord.
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for.
Every day with Jesus,
I can't get enough of His love and mercy!
Every day with Jesus,
Can't wait 'til tomorrow when I can know Him more,
I can know Him more!
I can know Him more!
The more I know Him,
The more I love Him,
The more I want to serve the Lord!
The more I serve Him,
The more I need Him,
For He is who I'm living for!
Sorry, I don't know who wrote the song, but I thought I would share it.
The other night I went to bed tired, yet restless. I was tired but I hadn't really spent any time praying or reading my bible on my own that day.
Whenever I go through a season of zeal and growth, a dry spell seems just around the corner. Recently, I've felt like I'm going through a dry spell. You know, you can't get enough of God for a while a first, and then you can't seem to find much time for Him.
I hate to write that.
Inside of me an argument started:
"I should get up right now, read my Bible and pray."
'No. Oh, I'm so tired! I'll just wake up earlier tomorrow and ask God to forgive and tell Him I'll do better from here on out.'
Inwardly, I knew what God was telling me to do. But I didn't want to climb down from my bed.
'I'll set my alarm clock for 4 in the morning! I'll spend hours praying and reading Your word,in the morning. I'll pray most of the day tomorrow, I'll hardly do anything else.'
I don't know why I was so adamant about not getting up. I don't know why I was so tired. But I was so convicted about not getting up. I'm sorry I fought, but as I thought of excuses for staying in bed, clear as crystal, plain as day, ringing in my ears: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."
I could picture the fiery prophet Samuel saying, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams." It was as if God was asking, "Won't you just obey?"
I had been pondering all week, why was I so ... apathetic recently. In my prayers, my time reading God's Word, it was all just something I was doing to "check off my list". Why didn't I feel the passion I used to? I was copying the Israelites' pattern of drawing closer to the Lord, falling back, drawing closer, falling back.
I had just been reading to my grandmother that day, and in the book we were reading the main character did something he called "praying through". What he meant by that was to pray until he heard God's answer clearly. I was stuck in a rut just like him, and felt like this is what I needed to do. So I did.
God was continually bringing the verse to mind, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment."
'How?' I cried. 'How! That's impossible!'
"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I don't know where you're at right now in your relationship with Christ, but let me tell you, our Lord is a great and awesome God, Who keeps His promises and is merciful to all. And He says, "I love those who love me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me." (Prov 8:17)
He is so good! Pray that God would make you hungry for Him, that He would give you a brokenness and a longing for Him. He is always faithful! A broken and contrite heart, God will not despise. He tells us "Call to Me, and I will answer you!" (Jeremiah 3:33) God will answer you! He delights in fulfilling His Word! Seek and you will find!
‘But you shall hold fast to the LORD your God... for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God."(Joshua 23:8-11).
The more I know Him, the more I love Him, the more I want to serve the Lord. The more I serve Him, the more I need Him, for He is who I'm living for!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Devotion
"And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night."-2 Samuel 21:10
If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong her mournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering the sufferings of our blessed Lord? She drove away the birds of prey, and shall not we chase from our meditations those worldly and sinful thoughts which defile both our minds and the sacred themes upon which we are occupied? Away, ye birds of evil wing! Leave ye the sacrifice alone! She bore the heats of summer, the night dews and the rains, unsheltered and alone. Sleep was chased from her weeping eyes: her heart was too full for slumber. Behold how she loved her children! Shall Rizpah thus endure, and shall we start at the first little inconvenience or trial? Are we such cowards that we cannot bear to suffer with our Lord? She chased away even the wild beasts, with courage unusual in her sex, and will not we be ready to encounter every foe for Jesus' sake? These her children were slain by other hands than hers, and yet she wept and watched: what ought we to do who have by our sins crucified our Lord? Our obligations are boundless, our love should be fervent and our repentance thorough. To watch with Jesus should be our business, to protect His honour our occupation, to abide by His cross our solace. Those ghastly corpses might well have affrighted Rizpah, especially by night, but in our Lord, at whose cross-foot we are sitting, there is nothing revolting, but everything attractive. Never was living beauty so enchanting as a dying Saviour. Jesus, we will watch with Thee yet awhile, and do Thou graciously unveil Thyself to us; then shall we not sit beneath sackcloth, but in a royal pavilion.
[Taken from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional book]
If the love of a woman to her slain sons could make her prolong her mournful vigil for so long a period, shall we weary of considering the sufferings of our blessed Lord? She drove away the birds of prey, and shall not we chase from our meditations those worldly and sinful thoughts which defile both our minds and the sacred themes upon which we are occupied? Away, ye birds of evil wing! Leave ye the sacrifice alone! She bore the heats of summer, the night dews and the rains, unsheltered and alone. Sleep was chased from her weeping eyes: her heart was too full for slumber. Behold how she loved her children! Shall Rizpah thus endure, and shall we start at the first little inconvenience or trial? Are we such cowards that we cannot bear to suffer with our Lord? She chased away even the wild beasts, with courage unusual in her sex, and will not we be ready to encounter every foe for Jesus' sake? These her children were slain by other hands than hers, and yet she wept and watched: what ought we to do who have by our sins crucified our Lord? Our obligations are boundless, our love should be fervent and our repentance thorough. To watch with Jesus should be our business, to protect His honour our occupation, to abide by His cross our solace. Those ghastly corpses might well have affrighted Rizpah, especially by night, but in our Lord, at whose cross-foot we are sitting, there is nothing revolting, but everything attractive. Never was living beauty so enchanting as a dying Saviour. Jesus, we will watch with Thee yet awhile, and do Thou graciously unveil Thyself to us; then shall we not sit beneath sackcloth, but in a royal pavilion.
[Taken from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional book]
Sunday, September 4, 2011
My Hiding Place
I am lost. . . He is the Way! John 14:6
I am weak. . . He is my Strength! Psalm 27:2
I stumble. . . He is a firm foundation! 1 Cor. 3:11, Ps. 62:1-2
I have failed. . . He is Victorious! John 16:33
I am a slave to myself and my sin. . . He has broken all chains. Romans 8:37, 2 Cor 5:17
I will run away. . . He will come for me. Isaiah 40:11,
I will leave you. . . He shall stay. Deuteronomy 7:9,
I am forsaken. . . He will take care of me! Psalm 27:10
I feel useless. . . He has a plan for my life! Jeremiah 29:11
I cannot see. . . He showed me His Light. John 14:19, Psalm 27:1
The Lord is so good! (And that's a huge understatement.) Spend time with your Creator today. Make Him your All in all. Seek His will for you in His Word, the Bible, daily. Come before His throne in prayer each day. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
I am weak. . . He is my Strength! Psalm 27:2
I stumble. . . He is a firm foundation! 1 Cor. 3:11, Ps. 62:1-2
I have failed. . . He is Victorious! John 16:33
I am a slave to myself and my sin. . . He has broken all chains. Romans 8:37, 2 Cor 5:17
I will run away. . . He will come for me. Isaiah 40:11,
I will leave you. . . He shall stay. Deuteronomy 7:9,
I am forsaken. . . He will take care of me! Psalm 27:10
I feel useless. . . He has a plan for my life! Jeremiah 29:11
I cannot see. . . He showed me His Light. John 14:19, Psalm 27:1
The Lord is so good! (And that's a huge understatement.) Spend time with your Creator today. Make Him your All in all. Seek His will for you in His Word, the Bible, daily. Come before His throne in prayer each day. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Guest Post by Miss Melanie
This is the guest post I wrote about the other day. It is written by Melanie, a young lady striving to serve the Lord with her whole heart. She has a passion for serving the Jesus and others. Through her words and conduct it is easy to see that she loves her Savior and endeavors to love Him more. Here is her wonderful post:
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain…”
What a different message our culture preaches to us! With the “standards” of Hollywood, no wonder purity has slowly faded into the background of our modern day lives. It seems as if it is an “old-fashioned” word…or something that few people can claim as their own.
It is so important to remain pure, both physically and emotionally. But it’s not as if remaining pure is a cold “command” the Lord gives us. Rather, purity is an invitation into the heart of our Heavenly King, where He asks us to love Him with our whole hearts and give Him everything (Luke 9:23).
Question 1: Why do you believe it is important to remain pure emotionally as well as physically?
Physical purity often seems to be an easy thing for people to understand. In our culture’s thought processes, a person refrains from sex --and there you have it -- they are pure. But physical purity isn’t just refusing to “cross the ultimate line.” Christ says: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Why do people dabble in sin and think that is okay, as long as they don’t actually have sex? Christ says to “flee youthful lusts” ( 2 Timothy 2:22). People are not cultivating a heart that runs from sin when instead of fleeing, they “stand in the way of sinners” or “sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1). They are not actively running from sin, but rather seeing just how close to the line they can get --whether that is through “making out” etc. Christ commands us: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Emotional purity seems to be something that many people in today’s world do not grasp or understand, but it is just as important as physical purity. Our beloved Savior said: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). When we let our minds wander --even if we are not “lusting” after someone--we are failing in one very important area. It is our duty as children of the King to be dwelling on whatever is “…true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Our hearts are to be “set on heaven” --looking to the things eternal. When we allow our minds to be consumed by thoughts of someone here on earth instead of dwelling on our Heavenly Father and serving Him, that person becomes an idol in our lives. We are dethroning our King, and letting something creep into the place that He ought to hold in our hearts.
Question 2: What does remaining emotionally pure mean to you?
To me, emotional purity means the following:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
(Colossians 3:1-3).
It means keeping my mind focused on my Savior in this season of singleness, and also doing the same when I am married. Consider these verses:
“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband”
(1 Corinthians 7:34).
If I fail to learn to look to the Lord as my everything now, then when I do fall in love, that man will begin to take Christ’s place in my heart. Christ needs my absolute allegiance, both in married life and single life. Something else I know is that my earthly lover will be a sinner, and he will not always be able to give me everything I need. Therefore, if I have not learned to look to Christ as my all, then when my earthly husband fails me I will become bitter and resentful. It is not fair for me to place the burden of perfection on my husband.
One last thing. If I am not cultivating a heart that is emotionally pure now as a single young woman, what prevents me from impurity emotionally when I am married? Now is the time to begin cultivating purity within my heart so that it will always be loyal to my Heavenly King, and earthly husband.
Question 3: What are some specific things you do to guard your heart and not awaken love before it's time?
One thing that always sobers me when I am interacting with other young men is the thought of “What would their wives think if they were watching right now? Would they feel honored, and if they were someday given the chance, would they thank me for spurring their future husbands on towards a deeper relationship with Christ?”
Second, and even more convicting, for me, is considering what my future husband would think if he could observe what I say, how I act, and what my thoughts are as I interact with the young men in my life. Would he feel cherished, adored, honored, and respected?
But what challenges my heart the most is the thought of “is my Savior pleased with me right now?” Ask yourself this as you interact with young men in your life. My goal is to be “conformed to the likeness of Christ.” Is my spirit one of servant hood, or selfishness? Am I seeking to spur them on to glorifying Christ, or am I desiring that attention and glory for myself?
I often find that if we keep the Lord at the center of all our conversations, the fellowship I have with the young men I know can be so encouraging, and educational. That does not mean you have to be talking about, say, “theology” the whole time, but if Christ is reigning in your conversation, then He will be glorified and you will be honoring that friend in the meantime.
My goal in life is to point others to the heart of our Savior and encourage them in pursuing Him. Therefore, when I am interacting with young men, it is my ultimate desire to draw them closer to the Lord. I never desire to make them notice me, but rather Him! Our goal should be to serve them, not to make ourselves feel “liked.”
Question 4: If you could give girls one piece of advice or encouragement what would it be?
I don’t even have to think twice. :)
It would be to pursue Christ as your First Love. As young women, we do desire to be loved and cherished. There is no better place to find that fulfillment but in your Savior’s arms, until the time comes for you to fall in love with the man He has ordained for you. And even in marriage, Christ must hold the first place in your heart.
His arms are opened wide, awaiting for You to come home. He is waiting…yearning…to offer you the romance of a lifetime….with Himself, and with Your future spouse. Surrender your heart to Him and learn to know Him as your First Love, and you will find all the fulfillment you could have ever wished for. And with Him, dreams --the dreams He has for you and is willing to make your own heart‘s desire-- really do come true.
For…
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
What a different message our culture preaches to us! With the “standards” of Hollywood, no wonder purity has slowly faded into the background of our modern day lives. It seems as if it is an “old-fashioned” word…or something that few people can claim as their own.
It is so important to remain pure, both physically and emotionally. But it’s not as if remaining pure is a cold “command” the Lord gives us. Rather, purity is an invitation into the heart of our Heavenly King, where He asks us to love Him with our whole hearts and give Him everything (Luke 9:23).
Question 1: Why do you believe it is important to remain pure emotionally as well as physically?
Physical purity often seems to be an easy thing for people to understand. In our culture’s thought processes, a person refrains from sex --and there you have it -- they are pure. But physical purity isn’t just refusing to “cross the ultimate line.” Christ says: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Why do people dabble in sin and think that is okay, as long as they don’t actually have sex? Christ says to “flee youthful lusts” ( 2 Timothy 2:22). People are not cultivating a heart that runs from sin when instead of fleeing, they “stand in the way of sinners” or “sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1). They are not actively running from sin, but rather seeing just how close to the line they can get --whether that is through “making out” etc. Christ commands us: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Emotional purity seems to be something that many people in today’s world do not grasp or understand, but it is just as important as physical purity. Our beloved Savior said: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). When we let our minds wander --even if we are not “lusting” after someone--we are failing in one very important area. It is our duty as children of the King to be dwelling on whatever is “…true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Our hearts are to be “set on heaven” --looking to the things eternal. When we allow our minds to be consumed by thoughts of someone here on earth instead of dwelling on our Heavenly Father and serving Him, that person becomes an idol in our lives. We are dethroning our King, and letting something creep into the place that He ought to hold in our hearts.
Question 2: What does remaining emotionally pure mean to you?
To me, emotional purity means the following:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
(Colossians 3:1-3).
It means keeping my mind focused on my Savior in this season of singleness, and also doing the same when I am married. Consider these verses:
“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband”
(1 Corinthians 7:34).
If I fail to learn to look to the Lord as my everything now, then when I do fall in love, that man will begin to take Christ’s place in my heart. Christ needs my absolute allegiance, both in married life and single life. Something else I know is that my earthly lover will be a sinner, and he will not always be able to give me everything I need. Therefore, if I have not learned to look to Christ as my all, then when my earthly husband fails me I will become bitter and resentful. It is not fair for me to place the burden of perfection on my husband.
One last thing. If I am not cultivating a heart that is emotionally pure now as a single young woman, what prevents me from impurity emotionally when I am married? Now is the time to begin cultivating purity within my heart so that it will always be loyal to my Heavenly King, and earthly husband.
Question 3: What are some specific things you do to guard your heart and not awaken love before it's time?
One thing that always sobers me when I am interacting with other young men is the thought of “What would their wives think if they were watching right now? Would they feel honored, and if they were someday given the chance, would they thank me for spurring their future husbands on towards a deeper relationship with Christ?”
Second, and even more convicting, for me, is considering what my future husband would think if he could observe what I say, how I act, and what my thoughts are as I interact with the young men in my life. Would he feel cherished, adored, honored, and respected?
But what challenges my heart the most is the thought of “is my Savior pleased with me right now?” Ask yourself this as you interact with young men in your life. My goal is to be “conformed to the likeness of Christ.” Is my spirit one of servant hood, or selfishness? Am I seeking to spur them on to glorifying Christ, or am I desiring that attention and glory for myself?
I often find that if we keep the Lord at the center of all our conversations, the fellowship I have with the young men I know can be so encouraging, and educational. That does not mean you have to be talking about, say, “theology” the whole time, but if Christ is reigning in your conversation, then He will be glorified and you will be honoring that friend in the meantime.
My goal in life is to point others to the heart of our Savior and encourage them in pursuing Him. Therefore, when I am interacting with young men, it is my ultimate desire to draw them closer to the Lord. I never desire to make them notice me, but rather Him! Our goal should be to serve them, not to make ourselves feel “liked.”
Question 4: If you could give girls one piece of advice or encouragement what would it be?
I don’t even have to think twice. :)
It would be to pursue Christ as your First Love. As young women, we do desire to be loved and cherished. There is no better place to find that fulfillment but in your Savior’s arms, until the time comes for you to fall in love with the man He has ordained for you. And even in marriage, Christ must hold the first place in your heart.
His arms are opened wide, awaiting for You to come home. He is waiting…yearning…to offer you the romance of a lifetime….with Himself, and with Your future spouse. Surrender your heart to Him and learn to know Him as your First Love, and you will find all the fulfillment you could have ever wished for. And with Him, dreams --the dreams He has for you and is willing to make your own heart‘s desire-- really do come true.
For…
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A Beautiful Song
I wasn't originally going to post this. But the post I had been working on was deleted. I don't mind though, because this song is better than what I was writing.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Lean Not On Your Own Understanding (pt2)
I have way too much I could put in this post. So, instead of putting it all together to make a nice sensible orderly post, I will leave it as a hodge-podge post of quotes, lyrics, and verses that all have one theme. Sorry. =/
"Far beyond my deepest heart’s desire
Far beyond what I could ever dream
Far beyond my fairy tale imaginations
Is your perfect plan for me
There’s no limit to romance in all it's beauty
When the Author of love shapes my destiny
Far beyond the most that I could long for
I will find the dreams You have dreamed for me
I could search forever
I could look for true love everywhere
If all my dreams were answered
They still could not compare
To the beauty of Your ways
And all Your plans for my life
'Cause You’ve been scripting out a story for me
Before the very foundations of time" [Lyrics taken from "Far Beyond" by Eric and Leslie Ludy]
Having faith that God, the One Who created the desire of love between a man and a woman, can write you a love story exceeding anything you could ever write, makes it much easier to wait faithfully and patiently.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” –Philippians 4:6
"If your future spouse could see you now, as you interact with members of the opposite sex, how would they feel? Would they feel hurt and jealous, or adored and special?” -Eric and Leslie Ludy
Hebrews 13:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 13:1, Proverbs 16:2, Titus 2:11-12, Matthew 5:27-28, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:3, Galatians 5:19-21
“ Anything that “hints” at sex outside of marriage is wrong. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) defines God’s standard of purity: ‘ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.’ This certainly includes actually having sex. But the sexual sin forbidden here is broader than that. There should not be even a hint of sex outside the marriage bed. You don’t have to have physical contact with a guy to “hint” at sexual sin. Jesus extended the definition of sexual sin to include looking at someone and lusting after them (Matthew 5:28).
You “hint” at sex when you wear a low cut tank top showing off your cleavage.
You “hint” at sex when you text-message something flirtatious to a guy-friend.
You “hint” at sex when you hang around the Abercrombie poster in the mall, glancing a few too many times.
You “hint” at sex when you expose yourself to songs, television shows, and movies that use sexual humor and language (The very next verse says, ‘ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place”—Ephesians 5:4.)
According to Jesus, these areas of mental impurity count. They rob you of virtue. But sexual sin in the mind isn't the only area where Christian young women are struggling. Our hearts break as we hear of young women engaged in practices ranging from sexual touching to masturbation to oral sex, all the while rationalizing that these acts are not sexual sin.
They are." (Lies Young Women Believe, 91-92)
God's standard is so much higher. Any thing(s) that hint at impurity in your heart and your life need to die. Save your self for the one the Lord has planned for you, respect and love them even when you do not know who they are. Solomon warns more than once, "Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."
Cloud Nine by According to John:
"She got the boy
He got the girl
She was on cloud nine
He was up on top of the world
Puppy love
They would lasso the moon together
But he found another girl
When she had their boy
Anything for love
He said she was the only one
Nothing old - and nothing new
Now she’s alone with baby blue
Listen what she had to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine
Verse2
There is a boy
There is a girl
In God’s perfect time
Out there somewhere in the world
Just for you
You will lasso the moon - together
So will you trust the One
Who made the world
He invented love
And made the one you’re dreaming of
But for now - and until then
Trust and wait on Him
Listen what they had to say
Just you wait and see
Just you wait and see
It’s not what you think it will be
You don’t have to be the one to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine"
When you chose to wait for God's best doesn't make it always fun and staying pure isn't always easy. Your faith will be tested. You may often feel that you walk alone. When you decided to take the narrow path, you should've known that Jesus warns us that difficulties, persecution, hardship, and tears would be part of this life! But let me tell you with all honesty: that which comes through much struggle and that which you wait for the longest, becomes an even greater treasure and sweeter prize to win.
"... waiting doesn't mean just sitting around wondering when something is going to happen. Neither does it mean postponing marriage. Rather, it means serving the Lord faithfully right now wherever He has put you. If God keeps you single, He has work for you to do." — Sarah Mally [Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity]
"Far beyond my deepest heart’s desire
Far beyond what I could ever dream
Far beyond my fairy tale imaginations
Is your perfect plan for me
There’s no limit to romance in all it's beauty
When the Author of love shapes my destiny
Far beyond the most that I could long for
I will find the dreams You have dreamed for me
I could search forever
I could look for true love everywhere
If all my dreams were answered
They still could not compare
To the beauty of Your ways
And all Your plans for my life
'Cause You’ve been scripting out a story for me
Before the very foundations of time" [Lyrics taken from "Far Beyond" by Eric and Leslie Ludy]
Having faith that God, the One Who created the desire of love between a man and a woman, can write you a love story exceeding anything you could ever write, makes it much easier to wait faithfully and patiently.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” –Philippians 4:6
"If your future spouse could see you now, as you interact with members of the opposite sex, how would they feel? Would they feel hurt and jealous, or adored and special?” -Eric and Leslie Ludy
Hebrews 13:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 13:1, Proverbs 16:2, Titus 2:11-12, Matthew 5:27-28, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:3, Galatians 5:19-21
“ Anything that “hints” at sex outside of marriage is wrong. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) defines God’s standard of purity: ‘ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.’ This certainly includes actually having sex. But the sexual sin forbidden here is broader than that. There should not be even a hint of sex outside the marriage bed. You don’t have to have physical contact with a guy to “hint” at sexual sin. Jesus extended the definition of sexual sin to include looking at someone and lusting after them (Matthew 5:28).
You “hint” at sex when you wear a low cut tank top showing off your cleavage.
You “hint” at sex when you text-message something flirtatious to a guy-friend.
You “hint” at sex when you hang around the Abercrombie poster in the mall, glancing a few too many times.
You “hint” at sex when you expose yourself to songs, television shows, and movies that use sexual humor and language (The very next verse says, ‘ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place”—Ephesians 5:4.)
According to Jesus, these areas of mental impurity count. They rob you of virtue. But sexual sin in the mind isn't the only area where Christian young women are struggling. Our hearts break as we hear of young women engaged in practices ranging from sexual touching to masturbation to oral sex, all the while rationalizing that these acts are not sexual sin.
They are." (Lies Young Women Believe, 91-92)
God's standard is so much higher. Any thing(s) that hint at impurity in your heart and your life need to die. Save your self for the one the Lord has planned for you, respect and love them even when you do not know who they are. Solomon warns more than once, "Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."
Cloud Nine by According to John:
"She got the boy
He got the girl
She was on cloud nine
He was up on top of the world
Puppy love
They would lasso the moon together
But he found another girl
When she had their boy
Anything for love
He said she was the only one
Nothing old - and nothing new
Now she’s alone with baby blue
Listen what she had to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine
Verse2
There is a boy
There is a girl
In God’s perfect time
Out there somewhere in the world
Just for you
You will lasso the moon - together
So will you trust the One
Who made the world
He invented love
And made the one you’re dreaming of
But for now - and until then
Trust and wait on Him
Listen what they had to say
Just you wait and see
Just you wait and see
It’s not what you think it will be
You don’t have to be the one to say
It’s not what I thought it would be
Not s’posed to happen to me
Wish I could go back in time
I am Just sixteen
Not how I thought it would be
Here on cloud nine"
When you chose to wait for God's best doesn't make it always fun and staying pure isn't always easy. Your faith will be tested. You may often feel that you walk alone. When you decided to take the narrow path, you should've known that Jesus warns us that difficulties, persecution, hardship, and tears would be part of this life! But let me tell you with all honesty: that which comes through much struggle and that which you wait for the longest, becomes an even greater treasure and sweeter prize to win.
"... waiting doesn't mean just sitting around wondering when something is going to happen. Neither does it mean postponing marriage. Rather, it means serving the Lord faithfully right now wherever He has put you. If God keeps you single, He has work for you to do." — Sarah Mally [Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity]
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