Day Six -
The thought of holiness has been on my mind a lot lately. A friend recently brought up the concept of holiness and striving to live a holy life. Oddly enough, I really had not ever given the idea of holiness much thought. Yes, I attempt to live life following the tenets of Christ, but I suppose I never thought of myself as living a holy life. I thought of holiness as something unattainable. On some level it is unattainable. Under my own power, I surely cannot be holy. However, with Christ in me, I can strive to live a holy life. In fact, he calls us as his followers to do just that (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Since the visit with my friend, verses about holiness and holy living have come across my studies. I'm sure they will pop up from time to time during this 40-day journey.
"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." - 1 Corinthians 1:30
Blessings!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Inside Out
Day 5 -
The other day I was looking in the mirror. I was getting ready for an event where there was a slim chance that I might run into some people that I've had difficulties with in the past. I'll spare you the details of those difficulties. I haven't seen these people in nearly a decade, but I'm still related to them which exacerbates the difficulty on occasion. Onward with the story...So I was looking in the mirror, and 98% of the time I could care less what people think of me or how they think I look. As I was staring in the mirror, I began to have thoughts about what if so-an-so was at this event. What would they think of me after all this time? What would I look like in their eyes? How would I react? Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Lord telling me, "You can only be who you are." That is so true. I can only be who I am. No amount of make up or clothing will cover up who I really am on the inside. God sees us from the inside out. He sees our true heart condition.
When Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree God had warned them of, they tried to cover up what they had done because they knew it was wrong. They tried covering themselves with fig leaves. They even tried hiding from God. Everything they attempted to do to hide their shame only pointed even more to what they had done.
We cannot fool God. The enemy tries to make us believe that it's all about what we can do - how we can look - how we can control the situation, but the truth is we can do none of that.
I did not see the people I feared running into at this event, after all. I'm thankful that the Lord reminded me that I am His, and that what matters most is what He sees in me.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24
The other day I was looking in the mirror. I was getting ready for an event where there was a slim chance that I might run into some people that I've had difficulties with in the past. I'll spare you the details of those difficulties. I haven't seen these people in nearly a decade, but I'm still related to them which exacerbates the difficulty on occasion. Onward with the story...So I was looking in the mirror, and 98% of the time I could care less what people think of me or how they think I look. As I was staring in the mirror, I began to have thoughts about what if so-an-so was at this event. What would they think of me after all this time? What would I look like in their eyes? How would I react? Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Lord telling me, "You can only be who you are." That is so true. I can only be who I am. No amount of make up or clothing will cover up who I really am on the inside. God sees us from the inside out. He sees our true heart condition.
When Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree God had warned them of, they tried to cover up what they had done because they knew it was wrong. They tried covering themselves with fig leaves. They even tried hiding from God. Everything they attempted to do to hide their shame only pointed even more to what they had done.
We cannot fool God. The enemy tries to make us believe that it's all about what we can do - how we can look - how we can control the situation, but the truth is we can do none of that.
I did not see the people I feared running into at this event, after all. I'm thankful that the Lord reminded me that I am His, and that what matters most is what He sees in me.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24
Monday, February 27, 2012
Freedom In Worship
Celebration Sunday!
Today is the first Sunday in Lent. We visited another church because we had friends leading worship at our "home-away-from-our-home-church". Working in ministry that isn't necessarily church-specific, our family has had the opportunity to meet a lot of people who do ministry in other areas. Occasionally, we are able to go and visit with friends who are preaching or leading in worship. While I love our church and believe God has brought us here for a purpose, I truly enjoy these times when we can go and worship in other places. I find it refreshing because I don't have to worry about the work aspect of what goes into the worship experience. It just gets to be me and Jesus (that is, once I turn my work brain off).
The church we were at today is a church that meets outdoors. They minister to the homeless community in the area. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors worshiping the Lord. There was something so freeing about worship outdoors in the sun with the wind in your face. There was no filter from what was happening all around us - sirens, people walking by - nothing. You would think it would be distracting, but really it made me focus even more on the Lord. The music was terrific, and I loved the fact that the pastor was willing to get up and say that he could see the Holy Spirit moving and that we would just keep on worshiping.
It was a deeply spiritual and amazing worship experience. I saw Jesus in the most awesome way. It was a moment that all I could do was fall on my face to honor Him.
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious." - Psalm 66:1-2
Blessings!
Today is the first Sunday in Lent. We visited another church because we had friends leading worship at our "home-away-from-our-home-church". Working in ministry that isn't necessarily church-specific, our family has had the opportunity to meet a lot of people who do ministry in other areas. Occasionally, we are able to go and visit with friends who are preaching or leading in worship. While I love our church and believe God has brought us here for a purpose, I truly enjoy these times when we can go and worship in other places. I find it refreshing because I don't have to worry about the work aspect of what goes into the worship experience. It just gets to be me and Jesus (that is, once I turn my work brain off).
The church we were at today is a church that meets outdoors. They minister to the homeless community in the area. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors worshiping the Lord. There was something so freeing about worship outdoors in the sun with the wind in your face. There was no filter from what was happening all around us - sirens, people walking by - nothing. You would think it would be distracting, but really it made me focus even more on the Lord. The music was terrific, and I loved the fact that the pastor was willing to get up and say that he could see the Holy Spirit moving and that we would just keep on worshiping.
It was a deeply spiritual and amazing worship experience. I saw Jesus in the most awesome way. It was a moment that all I could do was fall on my face to honor Him.
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious." - Psalm 66:1-2
Blessings!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
What's In A Life?
Day Four -
It's interesting that once you begin down the path of self-evaluation, if you're open to it, how revelation will come to you. For me, it's been almost amusing. Revelation while staring in a mirror. Revelation while having a conversation. Revelation while driving down the road. There have been quite a few "Oh I get it!" moments. Truthfully, this has been a process that began weeks ago as I prepared for some teaching. It's amazing how it all comes together in time. I'm thankful for the snippets of light. If it all came at once, I fear I would be completely overwhelmed. I'm thankful the Lord understands me that way.
Today, I experienced something that I found really sad on some levels, intriguing on others. My mom and I went to the fabric sale of a an artist that she was knew. The artist, without giving too many details, was recently given a terminal diagnosis of 2-6 months. Sadly, without health insurance or family, her supplies are being sold. Next she will be scheduling an estate sale to help her cover her medical costs. Fortunately, a local doctor is helping her with her treatment. Walking into her home, it's obvious that she is full of light and creativity. All of these beautiful bright colors filled the rooms! What is sad to me is that, at the end of her days, she is having to sale all of the things I think would be bringing her comfort - her art, her creative tools, her pets, parts of her home. I can't imagine the feeling of watching things you treasure walking away with the highest bidder.
I kept thinking about the song Salt and Light by the band Sent By Ravens -- "I came here with nothing, but I left with everything." Everything - the intangible love and healing of Christ. The other stuff is just that, stuff we fill our lives with. We are broken, and He makes us whole. The rest does not matter.
Blessings!
It's interesting that once you begin down the path of self-evaluation, if you're open to it, how revelation will come to you. For me, it's been almost amusing. Revelation while staring in a mirror. Revelation while having a conversation. Revelation while driving down the road. There have been quite a few "Oh I get it!" moments. Truthfully, this has been a process that began weeks ago as I prepared for some teaching. It's amazing how it all comes together in time. I'm thankful for the snippets of light. If it all came at once, I fear I would be completely overwhelmed. I'm thankful the Lord understands me that way.
Today, I experienced something that I found really sad on some levels, intriguing on others. My mom and I went to the fabric sale of a an artist that she was knew. The artist, without giving too many details, was recently given a terminal diagnosis of 2-6 months. Sadly, without health insurance or family, her supplies are being sold. Next she will be scheduling an estate sale to help her cover her medical costs. Fortunately, a local doctor is helping her with her treatment. Walking into her home, it's obvious that she is full of light and creativity. All of these beautiful bright colors filled the rooms! What is sad to me is that, at the end of her days, she is having to sale all of the things I think would be bringing her comfort - her art, her creative tools, her pets, parts of her home. I can't imagine the feeling of watching things you treasure walking away with the highest bidder.
I kept thinking about the song Salt and Light by the band Sent By Ravens -- "I came here with nothing, but I left with everything." Everything - the intangible love and healing of Christ. The other stuff is just that, stuff we fill our lives with. We are broken, and He makes us whole. The rest does not matter.
Blessings!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Coincidence...I Think Not
Day Three -
Today was a beautiful day; a day only brought together by God. It's funny how many times we dismiss certain events as coincidence, when really I think that's how God operates. Those "coincidences" are just a tiny glimpse into His perfect existence. He knows the beginning and the end. He created it, after all. Wouldn't things naturally fit together - related or not - to make that plan happen? It's our fallen nature that keeps us from the true insight into the plan. "Coincidences" are God's plan at work. That's my thought on the matter, any how.
So what do coincidences have to do with Lent? Today I saw God at work in only a way He could do it. It started in the morning with the Spirit really revealing something about my nature to me. The more I thought about it, the more it truly made sense to me. Like most spiritual truths, I know walking this one out is going to be difficult, but most definitely worth it. Even throughout the day I was catching myself.
The day continued with meeting a dear friend who had called me out of the blue for lunch. We hadn't seen each other in months, so it was a nice time to catch up. She shared her testimony and the amazing work that God is doing in her family's ministry. We had not really been keeping up with each other over the months, but I love love love how God works! He brought two busy ladies together for one hour in a fast food restaurant. I could just see the glory of God all around her, and every word ministered to exactly what I was going through. Only God can do that!
And anyone who says my God doesn't have a sense of humor is crazy. When I got in the car to leave God even used rock music (gotta love that) to reaffirm His message. Like Manafest says, "No Plan B".
"for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." - 1 Peter 1:16
Blessings!
Today was a beautiful day; a day only brought together by God. It's funny how many times we dismiss certain events as coincidence, when really I think that's how God operates. Those "coincidences" are just a tiny glimpse into His perfect existence. He knows the beginning and the end. He created it, after all. Wouldn't things naturally fit together - related or not - to make that plan happen? It's our fallen nature that keeps us from the true insight into the plan. "Coincidences" are God's plan at work. That's my thought on the matter, any how.
So what do coincidences have to do with Lent? Today I saw God at work in only a way He could do it. It started in the morning with the Spirit really revealing something about my nature to me. The more I thought about it, the more it truly made sense to me. Like most spiritual truths, I know walking this one out is going to be difficult, but most definitely worth it. Even throughout the day I was catching myself.
The day continued with meeting a dear friend who had called me out of the blue for lunch. We hadn't seen each other in months, so it was a nice time to catch up. She shared her testimony and the amazing work that God is doing in her family's ministry. We had not really been keeping up with each other over the months, but I love love love how God works! He brought two busy ladies together for one hour in a fast food restaurant. I could just see the glory of God all around her, and every word ministered to exactly what I was going through. Only God can do that!
And anyone who says my God doesn't have a sense of humor is crazy. When I got in the car to leave God even used rock music (gotta love that) to reaffirm His message. Like Manafest says, "No Plan B".
"for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." - 1 Peter 1:16
Blessings!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Return Policy
Day Two -
In my last post, I alluded to the idea that what I was giving up for Lent this year was not tangible. Today I'm really wishing I had given up chocolate or television, because I'm certain that would have been much easier. Truth be told, it would have been too easy. That's the thing about sacrifice. It's not supposed to be easy. It's not necessarily supposed to make sense either. Sacrifice isn't a calculated risk where you weigh all the angles before stepping into it. It's not risk versus reward. Many times it's the response to the prompting of something outside of ourselves. Sacrifice is giving something of yourself over and saying, 'Not my will but your will be done. I don't know where this is going but I trust you're going to take me there'. And in the process maybe we realize it wasn't even ours to begin with. We're just giving it back to the One who gave it to us in the first place.
"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples an:d said: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Mark 8:34
Blessings!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
40 Days of Musings During Lent
Day One
Welcome! This blog is my little space on the web to record my musings during the 40 days of Lent. For many, Lent is a mystery. Having spent most of my life in a denomination that does not observe Lent, I find it's purpose to examine ourselves and draw nearer to God to be gritty and beautiful all at the same time.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. It's weird to say, but I enjoy Lent. I find it refreshing. Part of me enjoys the stripping away of the distractions of my human nature and of the world around me as an opportunity grow deeper in my faith.
99% of the year I'm a horrible United Methodist. (Let's face it, the structure drives me bonkers. It's probably the rebellious side of me writing that.) Of the sacraments of the church, the idea of Ash Wednesday speaks to me. "From dust you came, and to dust you shall return." It's a reminder that life is fragile - that we came from a humble beginning and we'll go to a humble end. Whatever happens in the middle, life begins and ends the same no matter who we are.
This year I've been asked quite a bit about what I will be giving up for Lent. A few years ago it was reading celebrity gossip. Last year it was television. This year it will be a little different. I'm giving up something that isn't tangible, but that's for another post. I want to grow to be a better person in my faith. For me, Lent is as much about what you add to your life as what you take away. Whatever you take away, be sure to fill that space with something better - prayer, contemplation, studying God's Word - whatever.
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10
Blessings!
Welcome! This blog is my little space on the web to record my musings during the 40 days of Lent. For many, Lent is a mystery. Having spent most of my life in a denomination that does not observe Lent, I find it's purpose to examine ourselves and draw nearer to God to be gritty and beautiful all at the same time.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. It's weird to say, but I enjoy Lent. I find it refreshing. Part of me enjoys the stripping away of the distractions of my human nature and of the world around me as an opportunity grow deeper in my faith.
99% of the year I'm a horrible United Methodist. (Let's face it, the structure drives me bonkers. It's probably the rebellious side of me writing that.) Of the sacraments of the church, the idea of Ash Wednesday speaks to me. "From dust you came, and to dust you shall return." It's a reminder that life is fragile - that we came from a humble beginning and we'll go to a humble end. Whatever happens in the middle, life begins and ends the same no matter who we are.
This year I've been asked quite a bit about what I will be giving up for Lent. A few years ago it was reading celebrity gossip. Last year it was television. This year it will be a little different. I'm giving up something that isn't tangible, but that's for another post. I want to grow to be a better person in my faith. For me, Lent is as much about what you add to your life as what you take away. Whatever you take away, be sure to fill that space with something better - prayer, contemplation, studying God's Word - whatever.
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10
Blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)