The Mystery of the Gospel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapters_and_verses_of_the_Bible 

"None of us likes pain. All of us wish at times we did not need to 'go through all this stuff.' Let us settle it once and for all: we cannot know Christ and the power of His resurrection without the fellowship of His suffering."
-Elisabeth Elliot, "Quest for Love," 40

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus [the new Man] and put no confidence in the flesh [the old man] — though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  
-Philippians 3:3-11

"Self is a tight lock. I see many decent sinners who are in spiritual prison because their self is on the throne of their hearts, and Jesus is on the cross. What liberation comes when Jesus cleanses their hearts with His blood and comes to throne, and self goes on the cross!"
-Corrie ten Boom, "Each New Day," 69

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  -Romans 6:3-11 Cross reference: Colossians 2:9-14

 And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  -Luke 9:23

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  -Galatians 2:20 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self [the old man] with its practices and have put on the new self [the new Man], which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  -Colossians 3:1-14 (underline mine)  Cross reference: Romans 13:14

Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
-Romans 16:24-27 

Basic Dairy-Free (and Gluten-Free) Quiche

     Okay, way-back-when I got the idea to share some favorite recipes on my blog . . . and I'm finally getting around to it.  ;)  This is a dairy-free quiche recipe that is easily made gluten-free too.  I originally made this from Ashley Adams' recipe, and made my own variations.

     All the ingredients are pretty simple.  The only thing I wasn't familiar with was the nutritional yeast.  Although I can't say it has a pretty price it uses a very small amount per quiche, and is essential to replacing the cheese.

     How do I know it's a successful recipe?  I try it out on my family.  One of my best taste-testers tried it and approved (see my note about adding meats and vegetables below).  Believe me, if something tastes too different and weird in a recipe she's usually the first to recognize it.  So here ya' go -- the tried and true dairy-free (gluten-free) quiche:

Ingredients:

• 1 basic pie dough recipe (regular or gluten-free)
• 9 large eggs
• 1/2 cup flour (wheat or gluten-free flour mix)
• 3 1/2 cups dairy-free milk (unsweetened almond or coconut beverage*)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp. salt

*I use unsweetened coconut milk beverage.  If using coconut milk beverage I have found that I can dilute it up to half, as in many other recipes.

Directions:

1. Grease a 10" pie plate with dairy-free soy margarine (I just use butter, so mine's not completely dairy-free :P).  On a lightly floured surface roll out pie dough to about 1/8" thickness.  Fit dough into the pie plate and form crust.  Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F.  In a extra large mixing bowl use electric mixer to beat one egg until pale yellow and frothy.  Add flour and beat until mixed.  Add 8 eggs and beat for 3 minutes, or until the mixture has increased by a third and is light and frothy.  Slowly add the milk, nutritional yeast, and salt, beating for about 2 more minutes after everything has been added.
3. Pour mixture into prepared pie plate and bake for 10 minutes.  Turn oven temperature down to 325°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until quiche is firm but slightly jiggly (mine usually has to bake for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, if not up to 2 hours).  Cool on wire rack for 15-20 minutes.

Additions:

• Meats and vegetables: You can use many meats and vegetables, but most of them have to be cooked ahead of time.  Substitute per cup of milk, i.e. I like to add 2 cups of frozen, chopped broccoli in place of 2 cups of milk.  I also add bacon bits.  One time I put in some freshly chopped tomato.
• Seasonings: Nutmeg is the traditional seasoning, and it's strong enough that you only need 1/8 tsp.  You could also try basil, thyme, oregano, paprika, or taco seasoning.

Faithful In Little

     It's been a while . . . I know.  Many times since my last post I have considered what to write about . . . what to share.  I've been meeting up and chatting more with friends I've known for several years.  Sometimes when everyone seems too busy to talk with each other I wonder what God is wanting to do with my friendships.  I want to be a friend who cares about another's life . . . but sometimes I don't know how to ask without being nosy.  I don't know what to ask about.  Sometimes I don't know what exactly to share about my own life.  So I give it to God in prayer.
     That sounds so easy and straightforward.  Sometimes it's not.  In fact, often I look at life and think that this or that is really quite straightforward.  But it's not.  Sometimes unexpected issues come up that no one can do anything about.  Other times I see certain people causing something to not be straightforward.  Still other times I see myself causing something to not be straightforward.
     It's frustrating.  It makes me look forward to when there will be no more trials and no more sin.  But the thing that God keeps pointing me to is a passage in James . . . a passage I memorized a while ago:

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:7-8 (emphasis mine)

     Be patient.  Yep, that's something I lack.  The more I realize how hard it is for me to do something -- like have patience -- the more amazed I am at God's patience with me.  I mean . . . I get impatient that I don't have patience, which is kind of ironic.  ;)  But even when I am impatient God is still patient with me.  No matter what I do . . . God's always patiently loving me.
     Jesus is patient.  The more I see His patience the more I desire to be like Him.  That reminds me of another verse:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.  Romans 8:28-29

     The first verse (28) above is commonly known, but it's not often quoted with the second verse.  Yeah, God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose . . . but what is that "good"?  The "good" the verse is referring to is being "conformed to the image of His Son" (vv 29).
     God calls me to be patient; to wait on His timing, to be faithful in what He has given me . . . even if what He has given me doesn't seem like a lot (see Matthew 25:14-30).  As I strive to be faithful in little, He will continue to prove HIS faithfulness in my life.
     Right now I'm doing school again, helping plan/lead a girls' discipleship group, and I've committed to memorizing 3 chapters of Acts every month for the next several months.  I don't think I'll be blogging a lot . . . but when I do I'm pretty sure I'll be sharing another testimony of God's amazing faithfulness and patience in my own life.
     As I face my own trials each and every day I remember often what is going on in Iraq.  Please, please pray our fellow brothers and sisters there who are being persecuted so much right now!  "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."  Romans 13:3

Now may the God of peace Himself 

sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit 

and soul and body be kept blameless at the 

coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Praying for the Ebola Outbreak

     Most likely you've heard about the Ebola outbreak in Africa.  The number of deaths are truly devastating . . . over 900 people have died since March 25th.  Sometimes, even hearing such numbers, my first response is to simply contemplate it.  But shouldn't our first response always be prayer?  Remember to pray for all those affected by this deadly disease.  I'm praising the Lord for all those who have successfully made it back to the U.S.  Pray for those receiving treatment, those who are trying to or have successfully evacuated, and those who continue to spread the love of Jesus by caring for those who are sick.

     Now more than ever is a time for us to pray that God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.  In such a devastating time where the solution seems impossible to reach, does it not set the stage for the glory of the God of the impossible to be displayed?  He is Healer (Exodus 15:26).  Also keep those in the U.S. in your prayers.  Reading the following article from Desiring God Foundation I have been reminded that God is working in the hearts of people right here in the U.S.

Ebola

Summer 2014

Donald Trump has sent in recent days a series of panicky tweets. July 31: “Ebola patient will be brought to the U.S. in a few days… KEEP THEM OUT OF HERE!” Aug. 1: “Stop the EBOLA patients from entering the U.S.” Later on Aug. 1: “The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great—but must suffer the consequences!”

In the tradition of early British and American journalists who composed news poems that were printed rapidly and sold on streets for a penny, John Piper composed a news poem inspired positively by the Samaritan’s Purse workers and negatively by Donald Trump. –Marvin Olasky, World Magazine

---

Today a thousand dead. And more  
   To die. A common ache, like flu,  
Then nausea, a fever-soar,  
   A hopeless clinic interview:  
   “There’s nothing we can do.”

The bleeding has no bias. These:  
   A child, a chief, a friend, a nurse,  
Liberian, and Leonese,  
  From Guinea, Texas, taste the curse —  
  And kindness, from the Purse.

Samaritans, six thousand miles  
   From home and care, subdue their fears,  
And wonder if a sneeze defiles,  
   Or if a healthy fluid clears  
   The curse. Perhaps their tears.

But now two treasured ones, struck down,  
   Contagious still with death — and love —  
Fly back to us, our joy, our crown,  
   A touch of grace, a gentle dove,  
   Yet through a plastic glove.

While in our land we see today  
   Another virus spreading, dumped,  
More deadly, in the soul. They say,  
   “Why bring them home?” Though you be stumped,  
   This grace will not be trumped.

By John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

"The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer." -John R. Mott

"God desires to glorify His name by answering prayer." -E.M. Bounds

This Is Who My God Is!

     This morning I went out for a walk, and I started praying through Psalm 103.  You're likely familiar with some if not all of this psalm.  So when I got back I was emailing a friend and sharing some of my treasures from this passage.  I thought I might share it here as well.  One thing I like to keep in mind when reading through passages like this is that "LORD" - capitalized - actually means "He is."

Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and all that is within me,    bless His holy name!Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity,    who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit,    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.The LORD works righteousness    and justice for all who are oppressed.He made known His ways to Moses,    His acts to the people of Israel.The LORD is merciful and gracious,    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.He will not always chide,    nor will He keep His anger forever.He does not deal with us according to our sins,    nor repay us according to our iniquities.-Psalm 103:1-8

     Isn't that incredible?!  He is Holy and our Holiness.  He is forgiving.  He is our Healer.  He is our Redeemer.  He is steadfast.  He is Love.  He is steadfast Love.  He is merciful.  He is good.  He is Life (He renews us).  He works righteousness, for He is our Righteousness.  He justifies us.  He is a relational God, delighting to show us His ways.  He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger (by the way, doesn't He call us to be slow to anger too?  James 1:19  I never thought about it in comparison with this verse).  He is ABOUNDING in steadfast love!  He will not tolerate that which is evil in His eyes.  He is compassionate.

     By the way, the reason I didn't capitalize all of them is because some of them appear in the Bible more like a name of the LORD, while others are more like an adjective describing the LORD.

     If you are reading this post then what is your response to these truths?  Why don't you take a few minutes to pray through these truths in Scripture.  Praise the Him for who He is!

     Here are some cross references that come to mind on that topic:

• Revelation 4:8 (He is Holy)
• Exodus 15:26 (He is our Healer)
• Hebrews 13:8 (He is steadfast
• 1 John 4:8 (He is Love)
• John 14:6 (He is Life)
• Isaiah 61:10 (He is our Righteousness)
• Romans 3:23-24 (He justifies us)
• Genesis 1:26; 2:18 (He is a relational God)
• Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:11 (He delights to show us His ways)
• Exodus 34:5-6 (Psalm 103:7-8)
• John 15:9 (He is abounding in steadfast love)
• Psalm 103:13 (He is compassionate)

     Don't stop there!  Claim these truths about who our God is.  Go through this day rejoicing, not because of your circumstances, but because of who He is!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  -Philippians 4:4

My Rain Collection (Why I Love Rain)

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.-Hosea 10:12

     I was searching for some Bible verses today and I came across the verse above.  Isn't that verse exciting?  It makes me think of that story that was told in the movie "Facing the Giants."  You can view that scene in the movie here.  If you've watched the movie before you may recall that Mr. Bridges tells the story of two farmers who prayed for God to send rain, but only one of those farmers went out to prepare his fields to receive the rain.  Mr. Bridges then asks Coach Taylor which one he thinks received the rain, to which the coach replies, "The one who prepared his fields for it."  Mr. Bridges continues by challenging him with the question, "Which one are you?"  He goes on to point out that God will send the rain when He's ready but we need to prepare to receive it.

     Doesn't that fit the verse from Hosea?  ". . .Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you" (emphasis mine).  Isaiah 55:10-11 also gives a wonderful picture through rain (or snow):

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven    and do not return there but water the earth,making it bring forth and sprout,    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth;    it shall not return to Me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.-Isaiah 55:10-11

     Isn't that an incredible promise?  Every single time that I read/speak/hear/memorize God's Word He promises that it will serve His purpose for shaping and molding me to be more like Jesus.  I'm often challenged . . . am I preparing my heart for rain?  When I go to church, or youth group, or when I just open my Bible every morning out of "habit" am I praying and begging God to break up my "ground," or in other words, give me a broken and contrite heart?

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.-Psalm 51:1

     Another Scripture that I love is Psalm 72:6:

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,    like showers that water the earth!

     Isn't the LORD ("He is") like rain on mown grass?  Jesus Christ is the Truth (which sets us free!).  He is Life.  When we enter into His presence He relieves us of our burdens and sins, and He refreshes us . . . like refreshing rain on mown grass!  I love that picture.

     I love rain.  It's refreshing and cleansing.  Every time it rains it reminds me of these verses . . . and every time it rains I want to sing "Word of God Speak" or the chorus to "Blessings."  Rain makes me happy, and it brings me closer to God because it reminds me to pray and thank God for these promises, and ask Him soften my heart so that I may be saturated, soaked, and overflowing with His grace and love.

     P.S.  If you really want to hear rain right now, go to: rainymood.com (If it slows your computer down considerably try clicking the tiny pause button at the bottom of the page.  That should help some.)

Daring to Love

O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent?
    Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?
. . .
[He] who swears to his own hurt and does not change.
-Psalm 15:1, 4b

     Reading through Psalm fifteen several weeks ago I've especially been meditating on this part of verse four.  "Who swears to his own hurt and does not change."  Isn't that what Jesus did?  When He walked on this earth He committed to love those around Him.  He didn't love only when it was convenient but He also went out of His way to love.  Even when He was hurt by his closest friends/disciples He still loved them and He did not change.  He committed to love all of us by sacrificing Himself for our sins and becoming our Righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).  Even though we mocked Him upon that cross He still loved us.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”-Luke 23:34a

      Jesus dared to love, even when He hurt from it.  He committed to love even when it hurt the most and He did not turn aside.  He submitted to the Father's will even in His own anguish and bore the entire wrath of God on our behalf.  Now He commissions us to love as He loves us.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."-John 15:12

     Do I dare to love those whom God has placed in my life?  Do I commit to love family and friends even when I may hurt from it?  Do I stay true to my commitment though I may not feel like I can love them? 

     Ruth hurt a lot when she committed to love Naomi.  She was willing to become humiliated multiple times on behalf of offering Naomi a better life.  Through all of the heartache that Naomi and Ruth faced God blessed the acts of their selfless, hesed love in amazing ways.

     Hesed love: the kind of love that is loyal.

     Committing to love others isn't easy but in the power of Christ it is possible and the rewards are tremendous . . . whether gained in this life or beyond.

Give!  Give the love we have all received to those around you.  Give until it hurts, because real love hurts.  That is why you must love until it hurts.-Mother Teresa

"He Is"

     This video on http://bravehearted.com/ is incredible.  It's eleven minutes of who God is (all the names of God) with ever single Scripture reference included.  Don't stop watching the video until it's finished! :)

"I Have No Good Apart From You"

     Last night I was reading through Psalm 16.  I think this one is becoming a favorite.  I love the verses, and as I read God brings to mind other verses.  It's really cool how there is SO much life in each individual verse in Scripture and yet it all fits together like one big puzzle!

Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;    I have no good apart from You.”  Psalm 16:1-2  ESV

     I can go to so many other things to try and take refuge from the storms of life.  But only God is a true refuge in times of trouble.  Praying verse one really helps me to remember to go only to Him.  There are so many other verses in Psalms that correspond with this one.  Psalm 27:1 and 118:6 are favorites (you should take a minute to grab your Bible and read them, even though you're probably familiar with them).  I also like meditating through Psalm 18.
     "LORD" when in all caps in the English Bible means "YHWH," often pronounced, "Yahweh."  The proper translation is "He is" (third person).  I love it whenever I read this because "He is" holds so much meaning.  You could say, "He is . . . what?  He is love?  He is forgiving?  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever?  He is forever-present?"  Well, yes . . . but He is so much MORE than that!  He . . . is.  He just is.  He is more than my words will ever say.  ♥
     Last of all, "I have no good apart from You" is a really strong statement.  Often my Christian life doesn't reflect this.  There are things in this world I can feel like I can't live without.  But the truth is that apart from Christ I have nothing good!  This also acknowledges that I cannot bring myself good.  I do not . . . cannot bring good bring good to anyone, including myself.  I am not good.  There is nothing good in me.  This brings to mind a passage from John 15:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  John 15:4-5

     Perhaps the God's spiritual giants never become less weak or less dependent on God.  Perhaps spiritual giants are those who are most aware of their own weakness and dependency on God.  For God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

From Whom Does My Praise Come From?

     When Paul was addressing the matter of Jews vs. Gentiles, circumcision vs. uncircumcision he writes:

But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.  Romans 2:29 ESV

     That last sentence has stuck with me today.  "His praise is not from man but from God."  It's stuck with me in a convicting way.  From whom does my praise come from?  So often I'm worried about what others think about me.  I look for their approval - their praise.  But God's Word is very clear about fearing God vs. fearing men; seeking praise from God vs. praise from men.  God is a jealous God.  Does He not deserve all my fear?  Isn't His approval the only one worth seeking?
     The thing about being a Christian is that, while I receive amazing spiritual blessings, I seemingly become more and more despised by those of this world.  It's so tempting to try and compromise - to get spiritual benefits while still doing things that this world esteems.  But that's not the way Christianity works, and it is only when I abandon all that I will truly gain Christ.
     It's really humbling to realize that even if I want to give up all passions of the flesh, ONLY God can save me from it.  I myself do not have the ability to choose to follow God and abandon all worldly desires.  ". . . apart from Me [Jesus] you can do nothing" (John 15:5 ESV).

     Here are some verses on this topic:

• 2 Chronicles 19:7
• Joshua 4:24
• Job 28:28
• Psalm 19:9
• Proverbs 2:1-5
• Proverbs 8:13
• Proverbs 14:26-27
• Proverbs 15:33
• Proverbs 16:6

     These are only a handful of verses.  Consider doing a further Bible study on this topic.  Or consider writing these verses out on cards to meditate on (like I did).

Christian Books That Are Worth Reading

     There's so many books in our Christian bookstores today, but as the Church goes downhill so do the books.  How do you know if a Christian book is truly worth reading (or any Christian teaching worth receiving)?  Here are some things that come to mind:

1. The book must be centered on God's Word
God's Word is truly worth reading, therefore an easy way to start is to see if the book is founded on and saturated with Scripture.
     This also means that the ideas in a book must be in complete accordance with God's Word.  Scripture is our authority, and if a book claims that the Bible defines something as good or true it must be accurate.  Building off of false truth means your foundation for Christianity is not solid.  The ideas must be in complete accordance with God's Word.  It can't just build off of one part of Scripture but off of Scripture as a whole.
     Here's an example:  God says in Matthew 7:7 to ask and He will give it to us.  Hebrews 6:18 says that it is impossible for God to lie.  Fact: God does not lie.  Someone could make a case for why God doesn't give us everything we ask for.  But to suggest that God goes against His Word would not be true, because God cannot lie.  If you dig deeper in Scripture you'll also find verses like, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Matthew 21:22), "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:14), and, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions" (James 4:3).  So in conclusion, yes, God promises to give us what we ask for, but we must take Scripture as a whole, and not in part.

2. The book should be about God - not you
Much of the teaching in today's Church is about how Christ/Christianity benefits someone, but not how one must "deny himself and take up his cross daily" to follow Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23).  It usually becomes obvious very soon in any book which point the author is coming from.   If they are coming from the point of how Christ or "Christianity" benefits you, then the book is going to be about you.  But if they come from the other perspective then they want to tell you all about who God is, and it will reflect the need to crucify the old-self with its passions and desires.

3. The book shouldn't satisfy you
The best Christian books I have ever read are those that got me so intrigued and excited about God and His Word that they inspired me to seek God more.  Those authors didn't claim to know all the answers to my questions, problems, or needs, but through their book they point me to God and His Word.  As a result I'm not only pointed to the One Who has every answer but I gain a deeper understanding of Who God is.  Those books don't leave me satisfied.  Instead they make me yearn to know God more deeply.  They point me to the One Who satisfies.

The Way We Reflect Jesus

     Perhaps the way we reflect Christ in our lives . . . His love, boldness, peace, joy, gentleness, and self-control (egkrateia) is the best picture or representation that God has of Himself upon this earth right now.

No pressure.  ;)

Only in the power of Christ is this possible . . .

"Egkrateia"

Egkrateia:  Translated often in the Bible as "temperance" or "self-control;" meaning "to have control of oneself."  Context in the Bible is not implying that I have control over myself, rather that there something or someone has a conquering type of control over my body and sin nature.  Small but important distinction.

"The Egkrateian Growl" is a a good sermon explaining the Biblical truths surrounding this topic.  Even the definition given above is not fully accurate, but perhaps it will help when I reference the word.

"My Soul is in the Midst of Lions"

     In the Psalms David always poured out his heart before the LORD (Psalm 62:8).  Whatever situations David was in, whether good or bad, he always turned to praise God.  The truth is that God is always good, always love, always perfect and holy, always patient, always just, always sovereign, always faithful, and always here with me.  Even if my circumstances aren't great God is still worthy to be praised.  So when I'm found in a desert place spiritually may my heart still sing, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Psalm 57  Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performeth all things for me.

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and his truth.

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Thy glory be above all the earth.

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto Thee among the nations.

For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.

(underline mine, KJV)

 

Channels to Prayer

     When problems or darkness arise in my life God wants me to go to Him; He intends me to use it as a channel to prayer.  If I'm doubting, worried, or anxious God wants me to pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6  ESV

     If I'm depressed, grumpy, stressed, or deeply concerned about something that is out of  my control He wants me to pray and pour out my heart before Him.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;    pour out your heart before Him;    God is a refuge for us.  Psalm 62:8  ESV

      God wants me to rejoice in the Lord all the time.  Rejoicing in Him means rejoicing in who He is, not in who I am or what my circumstances are.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Philippians 4:4  ESV

     There is so much in life that God really intends for me to use as a channel to prayer but it is so much more easy for me to go to fake substitutes.  Rarely do I go to the One that truly satisfies.  But honestly only He satisfies.  Sure, I may not find that my needs are "met" right away but every time I feel the ache I pray and God hears, and God is there.  Even when life is dreary I can always go to His smiling face.

Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion,
    and to You shall vows be performed.
O You who hear prayer,
    to You shall all flesh come.
When iniquities prevail against me,
    You atone for our transgressions.
Blessed is the one You choose and bring near,
    to dwell in Your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
    the holiness of Your temple!  Psalm 65:1-4  ESV

     Lately I've been thinking about a story I read from Amy Carmichael's life.  When Amy first went over seas to serve as a missionary she was shocked when she learned that not all missionaries got along with each other.  When I learn something like that I find it sad and depressing.  I don't want to be like that and I hope to do differently.  But Amy didn't just contemplate it and purpose to do better.  It drove Amy to pray.  It drove her to dig into the Word and pray.  Pray about the situation.  Pray that God would help her to love everyone around her.
     Amy took this difficult situation as a channel to prayer.  But this wasn't the only time she took that opportunity.  Amy was deeply grounded in Christ.  She had a personal relationship with the Lord, and she would spend hours upon hours if need be to seek the Lord in this or that area.  This is what I'm challenged by.

     Lord, please don't let me miss the channels to prayer that You give me.  Please help me in my weakness in praying.  Thank You for always being there.  A simple yet amazing promise that You will never, ever forsake me.  ♥

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The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God's standing challenge, "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not"!   

-J. Hudson Taylor

Powerful Love (Part 2)

This is the second part to my post "Powerful Love."  Read part one here.

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     A Redeemer will come!  Did you read that?  Read it again.

     Why would God the Son intercede for His people?  Why would He love us when we disobeyed Him and even now struggle with the sins of the flesh?  He is going to put an end to this world some day and create a new heaven and a new earth - why not put an end to all of us too?  Couldn't He just create new, different creatures?  Why would He want to make us new?  Why would He want to save us in our filth and brokenness?  Why would He want to intercede for us?  Why would He want to pay the price for us?  Why does He love us?

     Why indeed.  It cannot be explained other than that love is within the very nature of God Himself.  THAT IS POWERFUL LOVE.

     He sent His only Son to earth to walk among the us, and to be crucified in order to bear the full wrath of God.  It is beyond our comprehension the meaning of this sacrifice.  God in His deep love and compassion understood what we cannot:  what He was sending His Son to do.  We cannot understand all that it was to bear God's full wrath.  But God understood and He still sent Jesus to bring us back to Himself.  It was because He loved us.  Not because of what we can offer God but because God is Love.  THAT IS POWERFUL LOVE.

     Jesus Christ left His heavenly throne to come to earth.  He lived how we lived.  He felt what we feel.  He saw what we see (brokenness).  What amazes me the most is that He came in the most humble form: a baby.  He came to earth as an infant.  He had to learn to walk and talk again.  He was completely reliant on those caring for Him.

     Jesus was the Perfect Fulfillment of the Old Testament.  He set an example for us to live by.  He only lived for about 30 years yet He accomplished SO much in those years simply loving people and discipling them.

     In the garden the night of His portrayal is one of the most precious parts in the Gospel books in my opinion.  I will not go into detail commenting on that portion of Scripture right now but I suggest you read it and study it.  Don't just study it academically, read between the lines.  See the anguish that He felt, yet the way He submitted to His Father's will.  See the love in His heart.  Imagine how God the Father felt as Jesus experienced anguish like none other.  See the love in God's heart as He still accomplished His purpose.

Who is this who comes from Edom,    in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,He who is splendid in His apparel,    marching in the greatness of his strength?“It is I, speaking in righteousness,    mighty to save.” 

Why is Your apparel red,    and Your garments like his who treads in the winepress? 

“I have trodden the winepress alone,    and from the peoples no one was with Me;I trod them in My anger    and trampled them in My wrath;their lifeblood spattered on My garments,    and stained all My apparel.For the day of vengeance was in My heart,    and My year of redemption had come.I looked, but there was no one to help;    I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;so My own arm brought Me salvation,    and My wrath upheld Me.I trampled down the peoples in My anger;    I made them drunk in My wrath,    and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” 

I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD,    the praises of the LORD,according to all that the LORD has granted us,    and the great goodness to the house of Israelthat He has granted them according to His compassion,    according to the abundance of His steadfast love.For He said, “Surely they are My people,    children who will not deal falsely.”    And He became their Savior.In all their affliction He was afflicted,    and the angel of His presence saved them;in His love and in His pity He redeemed them;    He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.   Isaiah 63:1-9  ESV

     On the cross Jesus Christ took the penalty for our sins and freed us.

     There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:1-2  ESV

      Now, if we are in Christ (it is important to realize in the Scripture above the keywords "in Christ") we are free from the law of sin and death!  In Christ we are free to no longer serve the Prince of Darkness but the Good Master, Jesus Christ!  In Christ we are no longer separated from God.  In Christ we are invited not to simply serve God but to become children of God.  What a priviledge!  All this because God loved us - not because there was anything good in us but because God is love.  THAT IS POWERFUL LOVE.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  Isaiah 61:10 ESV

     Jesus lived how we could never live. He fulfilled the law. He lived in perfect righteousness. He is Perfect. It is not that we become righteous and perfect when we accept God's gift of salvation, but in Christ we are made righteous and perfect. Before we could not enter the throne room of grace. But "He has covered me with the robe of righteousness." Jesus Christ IS our Robe of Righteousness.  Jesus Christ IS our Garment of Salvation.  It's like when we get into our clothes each day.  We get into our clothes.  Our clothing covers us.  In a similar way, Jesus Christ is our Clothing spiritually (study the New Testament and you'll see this parallel).  WE are not perfect and righteous on our own.  WE cannot enter into the throne room of grace on our own.  But in Christ we are made perfect and righteous.  In Christ we can enter into the throne room of grace.  In Christ we can fulfill the calling that He has placed on each of our lives (see Isaiah 61:1-3).  In Christ we can live out the impossible.

     Isn't that incredible?!  All this we get, not because of anything we could ever do to deserve it, but because God is Love and loves us.  THAT IS POWERFUL LOVE.

     God has placed a calling on our lives to love as Jesus loved and serve as Jesus served.  This is an impossible calling for us as humans but still we so often try to live it out on our own.  Jesus offers us another solution, if we will only yield ourselves to Him.  We must be in Christ - not holding Him at an arms length.  Jesus offers us an exchange: our weakness for His strength, our defeat for His victory.

     God calls us to love and have compassion and forgive.  We so often try to do this in our own strength, but why?  He calls us to love as He loved.  This love is only explainable in the very nature of God Himself!  Of course we cannot find it within ourselves to love as He loved!  If we would only go to the Source of love.

          Since then we have a Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

     We ourselves are broken, filthy things.  But He has covered us with the Robe of Righteousness.  Let us then with confidence and boldness draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

     Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  . . .   By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  John 15:4-6,8-11

     Apart from Jesus we can do NOTHING.  But because of Christ, if we are in Him, we can bear fruit, fulfill God's calling for each of our lives, live out the impossible!!  Jesus says to abide in Him.  Don't be discouraged and complain about your weakness.  Instead accept the amazing strength He gives.  "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

     THAT IS POWERFUL LOVE.

     I am rejoicing this Resurrection Sunday, not because who I am or what I've done, but because God is love.  I hope that you're rejoicing with me.

P.S.  I'm really sorry - I normally check over it all and make sure that all of my grammar/spelling is good, as well as ideas written clearly.  I can't do it right now, but I'll look over it later.

Powerful Love (Part 1)

     One thing that I have been pondering recently is the meaning of the Greek word for "love" in the New Testament.  The love that God has shown us through sending His only Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin is not the love that is known on this earth.  This love does not come from attraction to the the object, for there is not one thing within ourselves that would make us lovable to God.  But this love that God showed us is only explainable by the very nature of God Himself.

     Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is Love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  1 John 4:7-10  ESV

     I haven't made it entirely through the book of Isaiah but I read and meditate on portions that I come across during my Bible reading.  I love pondering the Scripture in Isaiah 59, and reading through it today I decided to keep reading on through chapters 60, 61, and eventually all the way through chapter 66 (the end of the book).  These are very rich passages that are full of prophesies concerning the Redeemer to be sent some 700 years later.  It also include prophesies of the new heaven and new earth still to come.

     Especially because tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday I thought it would be neat to share with you a few of the truths that I've found in these Scriptures concerning God's love, His redemptive plan, and His second return.  But don't just read my comments on them - search through these Scriptures for yourself!  Even if you've read them previously read them again.  I guarantee you will be blessed in doing so (Isaiah 55:10-11).

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     A God all-knowing and all-powerful.  Jehovah-LORD, meaning the self-existing One.  A glorious, perfect God.  One who was full of majesty, power, love, goodness, and grace.

     For His own good pleasure and glory He spoke into the darkness and created light.  He created an amazing world perfect to the very detail.  He created fish in the sea, birds in the air, livestock, and creeping things.  He continually supplies the entire world's power and if He were to withdraw His hand for a single second it would all fall into nothing.  (I saw a verse that had to do with the last sentence but I can't remember where it was right off hand.  I'll have to see if I can find it.)

     Creating man, God set him above all other creation.  In God's own image He created us!  He created male and female that He might have an intimate relationship with Him.  He delighted in His creation and He desired for them to delight in Him.  How amazing Adam and Eve's communion in the garden with God must have been!

     Of course if you've read the first few chapters in Genesis you know how sin and death entered the world.  It was through eating the forbidden fruit that man found separation from God.  Separation that is eternal.

Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
    or His ear dull, that it cannot hear;
but your iniquities have made a separation
    between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden His face from you
    so that He does not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood
    and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies;
    your tongue mutters wickedness.  Isaiah 59:1-3  ESV

     God's perfect creation which was created for His own glory is now messed up and broken.  We no longer serve the King of kings but the Prince of Darkness.  We are eternally stuck within our own doings.  Unable to turn from selfishness we are not able to once again serve God correctly.  Our final destiny is  to meet the wrath of God.

Their feet run to evil,
    and they are swift to shed innocent blood;
their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;
    desolation and destruction are in their highways.
The way of peace they do not know,
    and there is no justice in their paths;
they have made their roads crooked;
    no one who treads on them knows peace.  Isaiah 59:7-8  ESV

     We are left in our own pit of brokenness.  We find ourselves with unmet desires, continually searching for the truth.  But is it to be found?

Therefore justice is far from us,
    and righteousness does not overtake us;
we hope for light, and behold, darkness,
    and for brightness, but we walk in gloom. 

For our transgressions are multiplied before You,
    and our sins testify against us;
for our transgressions are with us,
    and we know our iniquities:
transgressing, and denying the LORD,
    and turning back from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
    conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.  Isaiah 59:9, 12-13 ESV

We have all become like one who is unclean,
    and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf,
    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls upon Your name,
    who rouses himself to take hold of You;
for You have hidden Your face from us,
    and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
But now, O LORD, You are our Father;
    we are the clay, and You are our Potter;
    we are all the work of Your hand.
Be not so terribly angry, O LORD,
    and remember not iniquity forever.
    Behold, please look, we are all Your people.   Isaiah 64:6-9  ESV

      God is One of forgiveness and grace but He is also One of justice.  We deserve eternal separation from God, eternal punishment, the eternal wrath of God.  There is not one human being on this earth who is perfect - no one to intercede on our behalf.

Justice is turned back,
    and righteousness stands far away;
for truth has stumbled in the public squares,
    and uprightness cannot enter.
Truth is lacking,
    and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. 

The LORD saw it, and it displeased Him
    that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no man,
    and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then His own arm brought Him salvation,
    and His righteousness upheld Him.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
    and a helmet of salvation on His head;
He put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
    and wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak.
According to their deeds, so will He repay,
    wrath to His adversaries, repayment to His enemies;
    to the coastlands He will render repayment.
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west,
    and His glory from the rising of the sun;
for He will come like a rushing stream,
    which the wind of the LORD drives. 

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.   Isaiah 59:14-20  ESV

     A Redeemer will come!  Did you read that?  Read it again.

     Why would God the Son intercede for His people?  Why would He love us when we disobeyed Him and even now struggle with the sins of the flesh?  He is going to put an end to this world some day and create a new heaven and a new earth - why not put an end to all of us too?  Couldn't He just create new, different creatures?  Why would He want to make us new?  Why would He want to save us in our filth and brokenness?  Why would He want to intercede for us?  Why would He want to pay the price for us?  Why does He love us?

     Why indeed.

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     This post is getting very long so I've made a second part to this post.  View the next post here.

Satisfied

 . . . My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the LORD.  Jeremiah 31:14 ESV

Cross references: Psalm 119:68; 107:9 

     Last night I was reading a few verses from Jeremiah 31, and the verse above especially stood out to me.  I love to meditate on the goodness of the Lord!  There's something about the Lord's goodness that is just so pure, so wonderful, and so satisfying.

     These past few weeks God has been really challenging me in the area of trust.  Proverbs 3:5 says to trust in the Lord with all my heart.  Keyword: All.  It is so easy to just trust in the Lord partially, still holding worry and doubts.  Yet God has challenged me, "I promise that I am working all things for good in your life (Rom. 8:28), and whether you trust Me or not, I will accomplish My purpose (Isaiah 14:24; 2 Tim. 2:13).  But will you do as I have commanded, and trust in Me with all of your heart (Prov. 3:5), or will you continue to live a life of worry and doubt (James 1:6, 8)?"

     I've chosen trust.  Yet even so, being the sinful creature that I am I do not have the ability to trust in God fully.  ". . .For without Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).  Nothing.  Apart from Jesus I can do nothing.  That's a pretty strong statement and yet it's true.  Only Christ can enable me to trust in God with ALL of my heart.

     It's been really interesting these past few weeks.  I mean it's been a good kind of interesting.  Not good because of circumstances, but good because God is good.  ♥
     God is good.
     Oh, I love that truth!
     No matter what my circumstances are, He is good .
     He is my Solid Rock, with no variation, or shadow due to change.

     These past few weeks have been challenging in ways I'm not used to (serious, last-minute things coming up).  In other ways life has been "normal" but I've found myself wanting to doubt His faithfulness in the tiniest areas of my life.  Even when I am faithless He remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13).  Praise Him for that!

     As I have been abiding in Christ, I have seen amazing fruit.  I have been able to take my eyes off my forever-changing circumstances and instead fix them on my never-changing God (Js. 1:17; Heb. 13:8).  At times when it would have been so easy for me to worry or be nervous due to unforeseen circumstances, I was at peace.  I could just rejoice because I am content, or in another word, satisfied with God's goodness.

For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9  ESV

Every Moment Is Holy

     This is a blog post that I typed out several months ago, and then saved, but never published.  I don't remember why I never published it, or exactly when this was, but I'm guessing sometime in January.

--January 2014--

Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."  Exodus 3:5 NASB

      As Christians, we are made perfect in Christ.  Christ is Holy aka God is Holy.  God is with us every moment of every day.  Not just in church, not just at Bible study.  He's with us when we wake up in the morning, and get our coffee.  He's with us when we go to school, or work.  He's with us when we come home.  He's with us when we run low on milk, and have to run to the store.  He's with us when we're running late, or on time.  He's with us even when the cat threw up a hairball on the carpet.
So here's an interesting thought: If God is with us all the time, doesn't that mean that every moment is holy?
In Exodus, it is recorded that God tells Moses, "...remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
Right now, as you read this on the computer, it is a holy moment.  You are "standing" on holy "ground."

     Now with that thought, how does it make you think towards your life?  With that thought, how should it affect you?  What does it mean to you in the morning when you are first waking up?  What does it mean to you when you get your morning coffee?  What does it mean to you when you go to school, or work as the case may be?  What does it mean to you when you come home?  What does it mean to you when you find that you're low on milk and end up running to the store for some more?  What does it mean when you're late for something you should have been on time for?  What does it mean to you when you're about to run out the door, just to find that the cat threw up a hairball onto the carpet?

     This is something that a person shared last Sunday morning, and it's really stuck with me ever since.

     God is always working all things for good, big or small.  It doesn't matter whether I scream, shout, complain, or just grumble.  He promises to work all things for good, and this week He has shown me that in a very real way.

     So with these two thoughts, I'm left examining my own actions: how do I respond?