About 20 min. ago I was sitting on our living room couch finishing reading Acts 9-11 and preparing to blog about some of the things I learned this morning about the early church. However, my doorbell rang and to my surprise when I opened the door there was a man and his son at the door dressed in dress shirts, dress pants and ties with magazines and a small bible in their hands. The boy (about 12-13) asked if I would have a few minutes free for him to share with me something on his heart about the end times and if he could read me a scripture. I told them I was a believer and that my husband and I attend McLean Bible Church and that I would welcome him to read me the scripture. He read me a scripture from Psalm 104:5-9 "He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth." The boy assured me to not fear the end of the earth, that the things the world is saying about end times aren't true and that God doesn't want us to fear. His dad chimed in with words of encouragement, that God will establish a godly kingdom here where there will never be fear again.
Now this is an encouragement and Revelation does speak of a time when there won't be fear/suffering. And in Revelation we are told that when God establishes the new Heaven and New Earth "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." What an amazing truth and certainly a comfort these words are for us. I shared with the father and son that I believed in Revelation's account of the end times, that of course there are questions for those who have premillennial and postmillennial views of Christ's return (a theology lesson in itself I'm not ready to explain in depth here, but seek biblical resources and check this out on your own or ask a Pastor), however, the earth will someday be restored by God (Rev. 21:5 "Behold I am making all things new") and God will dwell with his people (different from how he dwells in us now through His Spirit) He will live among the saints who are his children who have committed their lives and souls to Him. The dad was encouraged I knew scripture and thanked me for chatting. When I got inside with the magazines I was searching for the differences between what Jehovah's Witnesses believed vs. what Bible-believing Christ followers believe. It didn't take me long to figure it out (there was an FAQ section, that always helps).
Some of the basic differences are these:
1. "Jehovah's witnesses are Christians, but they are not Protestants for the same reason they are not Catholics- they recognize certain teachings of those religions as unscriptural. For example, the Bible does not teach that God- the very personification of love- tortures people forever in a fiery hell."
They also claim in their magazine that "Jehovah's witnesses built their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there. They align their beliefs with the Bible; they do not interpret it to suit themselves."
**However, these statements are contradictory, the Bible does speak of the reality of hell for those who do not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the only Savior and Son of God, that He died for the sins of the world as an atoning sacrifice for all who would believe and that he was resurrected on the third day conquering sin and death so that those he created could be rescued from the eternal death (hell) caused by the fall and have eternal life. Many people, like Jehovah's witnesses, who profess our God is a loving God deny that there could be a hell because they believe it contradicts His character and makes God unloving. However, this isn't true. God provides salvation for humanity that has been affected by the fall/sin. That shows His love! Hell is not a place God desires for those he created to go, however, for those who reject the truth, forgiveness and grace of Jesus and never repent of their sins there has to be punishment because God is loving, He disciplines, He is just. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:15, "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation" and 2 Peter 3:9 "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God wants to be "right" with the human race He created in His image. However, to be righteous (right with God) repentance is required. The early church in Acts proclaimed the truth of Acts 3:19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." God loves his people, which is why He sent He only son to suffer the sins of the whole world to save them. All people have this life to commit to Him, to repent, to live in his forgiveness, grace and love. God is loving; He is also a just Judge of the living and the dead (spiritually dead) (Acts 10:42, 2 Tim. 4:1).
**Also, God's word is true as it is, no where in the Bible does it say that we should pick and choose what we want to believe because it makes us more comfortable. God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and God has much more wisdom than we do for He is God and Sovereign over everything and we are not (Job 38). The Bible tells us that His word is true as it is. We can't choose to fudge over certain parts of scripture so they say what we know people will like more, etc.
2. Jehovah's witnesses also deny the trinity using inaccurate biblical support to say that God the Father is above and not equal to the Son and Spirit as the rest of the Bible proclaims (Genesis 1:26 "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...", John 14:23 "Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me He will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.")
There's a lot more detail that can be given, however, I just wanted a cover some of the key differences I recognized in my interactions with the two people I met this morning. They were very sweet, it was super cool to see a 12-13 yr. old boy at my door sharing from God's word, however, we must be aware of what people really believe and how it may be similar and different from what the Bible teaches is truth.
I know this was a pretty heavy blog, I encourage you to think through some of the scriptures and ask questions and talk to people in your life you know love God and know the Bible and teach it as it is without adding their own interpretation.
For my friends in VA I encourage you to check out McLean Bible Church or Reston Bible Church if you're not part of a community or have questions about Jesus, salvation, end times, etc.
For my friends in New Jersey, I encourage you to check out Emergence Church in Lincoln Park (a multi-site of Jacksonville Chapel) or Cornerstone Bible Church in River Vale to hear some true completely scriptural teaching about who God is, what He commands, what the Bible really says, etc.
Know today that God has created you in his image and loves you, He sent his son to suffer on the cross for you and to conquer sin and death through his resurrection so you may not have to fear what the world fears but may have eternal life, hope in hard times, peace in the midst of suffering, unconditional love from a holy God and so you may live an abundant life on earth having all you need in Jesus.
Have a great Saturday!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Clinging to the One who Saves
1 Samuel 12: 20-22,24
"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil: yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own...But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."
Notice the words that are emphasized through repetition within these verses: "do not turn away," "useless", "all your heart," "serve."
Todd Phillips, the Young Adult Pastor at MBC, has been preaching on idolatry/idols the past 3 weeks in a sermon series called "No Other Gods." Studying what God has to say about idols, identifying idols in my own life, seeing the destruction they can cause in our lives and how they can impact those around us and learning ways to turn away from them has both humbled and challenged me personally as a Christ follower. I read these verses this morning and was refreshed by their truth. Before I share my heart with you, let me give you Todd's definition of idols:
Idols: Anything that takes the place of God on the throne of our lives
My Extra Cliff Note: An idol is anything that steals our focus, attention and affections away from God
Background: As Todd mentioned in his sermons, idols are what our hearts wander to when/if we are not focused on the LORD. We were created to worship God, therefore, when we are not worshipping God we will be worshipping something else. The people have been described in previous verses as those who "forgot the LORD their God" (v.9). The text goes onto to tell us that b/c the Israelites forgot God and turned to idols "he sold them into the hand os Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the King of Moab, who fought aganist them" (v.9). In v. 10 the people repent saying, "We have sinned, we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies and we will serve you." Notice the compassion of the LORD in the next verse, "and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side so that you lived securely" (v.11). But soon the Israelites once again turn their attention and affections away from the LORD demanding they have an earthly King rule over them like the other nations, forsaking God as the only King they need. By the time we get to v. 20-22, 24 the people of Israel have once again recognized their wandering hearts and are now pleading with Samuel to pray to the LORD for them for they are afraid of what the consequences of their disobedience will be. Samuel's reply is what we will focus on for the remainder of this post.
Let's break down 1 Samuel 12:20-22, 24 using the phrases and words we highlighted above.
"Do not turn away" - The Israelites have already seen the wickedness of their human hearts and how they are prone to wander through their disregard for God delivering them from their enemies and then looking for fulfillment in idols instead of God. Twice, Samuel reminds them "do not turn away." This is significant because it is a reminder to them of what they should do, however, it's also significant because it is warning them of the destruction of turning from one idol to another idol, rather than turning from one idol to God! In your life, have you ever experienced this path of misdirection like the Israelites? I know I have! But here is the beauty in this warning/reminder, God is ready to deliver you! He desires for you to turn to Him! He will fulfill the void in your heart longing for satisfaction and security! Notice v. 20 " ... do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." On the map of life for Christ-followers we must turn away from dead ends and steer toward God. *Turn away from idols, not God."
"Useless" - This is not the only time idols are mentioned as useless. In my studies I have found that there are MANY times when the terms "idols" and "useless" are used together. Why? Probably because we need the reminder that idols profit us NOTHING! That's right friends, 0 profit from trusting in idols. Bottom line: trusting in idols is not just a waste of time, it's a waste of life! Notice what v. 21 says, " Do not turn away after idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless." Read that again! Let it sink in! They do you NO good, they CANNOT rescue you. For me I struggle with idols like control and safety. I can become self-reliant in times of fear. I look toward a sense of control and safety to rescue me, however, this is not true! It's not trusting in my own control&safety that will rescue me from fear/anxiety, it's trusting in GOD! He is the ONLY deliverer, the ONLY Redeemer, the ONLY God. Many times when we trust in ourselves more than God the reality is we are saying, "I am my own god, i.e. I have more control then God." Let's not let ourselves be deceived!
"All your heart" & "Serve" - As we seek to turn away from idols and the uselessness/destruction they cause in our rel. with God (notice how the Israelites asked Samuel to pray to the Lord for them b/c they felt distant from him in their disobedience) and our rel. with others, we must serve God with all our hearts. HOW? v.24 mentions one way to begin this process, "...be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; *consider what great things he has done for you.*" One way to turn away from idols in our lives is to remember what God has done for us. How has God shown you you can trust him? How has he shown you that HE IS the ONLY one who satisfies? How has he shown you that he ALONE rescues you from harm?
One other way to begin the process is in Nehemiah 4:14 (one of my favorite verses!) "Don't be afraid of them. (this is referring to the people plotting to attack the Jews b/c of their efforts in rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem) Remember the Lord. Who is great and awesome..."
When we choose to remember the Lord and seek to know him more intimately we will find the truth, that worshipping Him is what we were created for and what will fulfill us and that idols will only leave us empty.
Remember the Lord (who is he? why can you trust him with every area in your life?) & Consider what he has done for you today!
Praise Him for HE IS great & awesome & worthy of our lives!!!
"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil: yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own...But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."
Notice the words that are emphasized through repetition within these verses: "do not turn away," "useless", "all your heart," "serve."
Todd Phillips, the Young Adult Pastor at MBC, has been preaching on idolatry/idols the past 3 weeks in a sermon series called "No Other Gods." Studying what God has to say about idols, identifying idols in my own life, seeing the destruction they can cause in our lives and how they can impact those around us and learning ways to turn away from them has both humbled and challenged me personally as a Christ follower. I read these verses this morning and was refreshed by their truth. Before I share my heart with you, let me give you Todd's definition of idols:
Idols: Anything that takes the place of God on the throne of our lives
My Extra Cliff Note: An idol is anything that steals our focus, attention and affections away from God
Background: As Todd mentioned in his sermons, idols are what our hearts wander to when/if we are not focused on the LORD. We were created to worship God, therefore, when we are not worshipping God we will be worshipping something else. The people have been described in previous verses as those who "forgot the LORD their God" (v.9). The text goes onto to tell us that b/c the Israelites forgot God and turned to idols "he sold them into the hand os Sisera, the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the King of Moab, who fought aganist them" (v.9). In v. 10 the people repent saying, "We have sinned, we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies and we will serve you." Notice the compassion of the LORD in the next verse, "and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side so that you lived securely" (v.11). But soon the Israelites once again turn their attention and affections away from the LORD demanding they have an earthly King rule over them like the other nations, forsaking God as the only King they need. By the time we get to v. 20-22, 24 the people of Israel have once again recognized their wandering hearts and are now pleading with Samuel to pray to the LORD for them for they are afraid of what the consequences of their disobedience will be. Samuel's reply is what we will focus on for the remainder of this post.
Let's break down 1 Samuel 12:20-22, 24 using the phrases and words we highlighted above.
"Do not turn away" - The Israelites have already seen the wickedness of their human hearts and how they are prone to wander through their disregard for God delivering them from their enemies and then looking for fulfillment in idols instead of God. Twice, Samuel reminds them "do not turn away." This is significant because it is a reminder to them of what they should do, however, it's also significant because it is warning them of the destruction of turning from one idol to another idol, rather than turning from one idol to God! In your life, have you ever experienced this path of misdirection like the Israelites? I know I have! But here is the beauty in this warning/reminder, God is ready to deliver you! He desires for you to turn to Him! He will fulfill the void in your heart longing for satisfaction and security! Notice v. 20 " ... do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." On the map of life for Christ-followers we must turn away from dead ends and steer toward God. *Turn away from idols, not God."
"Useless" - This is not the only time idols are mentioned as useless. In my studies I have found that there are MANY times when the terms "idols" and "useless" are used together. Why? Probably because we need the reminder that idols profit us NOTHING! That's right friends, 0 profit from trusting in idols. Bottom line: trusting in idols is not just a waste of time, it's a waste of life! Notice what v. 21 says, " Do not turn away after idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless." Read that again! Let it sink in! They do you NO good, they CANNOT rescue you. For me I struggle with idols like control and safety. I can become self-reliant in times of fear. I look toward a sense of control and safety to rescue me, however, this is not true! It's not trusting in my own control&safety that will rescue me from fear/anxiety, it's trusting in GOD! He is the ONLY deliverer, the ONLY Redeemer, the ONLY God. Many times when we trust in ourselves more than God the reality is we are saying, "I am my own god, i.e. I have more control then God." Let's not let ourselves be deceived!
"All your heart" & "Serve" - As we seek to turn away from idols and the uselessness/destruction they cause in our rel. with God (notice how the Israelites asked Samuel to pray to the Lord for them b/c they felt distant from him in their disobedience) and our rel. with others, we must serve God with all our hearts. HOW? v.24 mentions one way to begin this process, "...be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; *consider what great things he has done for you.*" One way to turn away from idols in our lives is to remember what God has done for us. How has God shown you you can trust him? How has he shown you that HE IS the ONLY one who satisfies? How has he shown you that he ALONE rescues you from harm?
One other way to begin the process is in Nehemiah 4:14 (one of my favorite verses!) "Don't be afraid of them. (this is referring to the people plotting to attack the Jews b/c of their efforts in rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem) Remember the Lord. Who is great and awesome..."
When we choose to remember the Lord and seek to know him more intimately we will find the truth, that worshipping Him is what we were created for and what will fulfill us and that idols will only leave us empty.
Remember the Lord (who is he? why can you trust him with every area in your life?) & Consider what he has done for you today!
Praise Him for HE IS great & awesome & worthy of our lives!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
When we throw tantrums
It's time to confess, we ALL throw tantrums. I imagine if you are reading this blog you are older than toddler age, unless you are a child prodigy who stumbled upon it. Those of us in our teens, twenties and older have experienced this ongoing temptation to tantrum. If you are reading this and thinking, "No Kristin, I disagree, maybe you still throw tantrums about things but I am certainly above it," let me give you some examples to test your humility in this area. If you're in middle school or high school have you ever thrown a fit because your parents wouldn't let you go see the movie "everyone is going to"? What about when your parents want you to be home at 11pm when "everyone else gets to choose their curfew"? How about when your friends get new cars and you have to work three jobs just to try and buy a used car off craig's list? Adults, how about when you receive an assignment for work that you weren't expecting when you are already working overtime? How about when you hit traffic on the only day all week you get out of the office on time? How about when you ask God for something and it doesn't go your way? This last question is what I want to focus on. Often we throw tantrums because things don't go our way. As I read Jonah today I was reminded of my own pride, God's grace on me and the need to embrace his ways over my own.
In Jonah 1:2 we see God calling Jonah to go tell the people of Nineveh of their wickedness and God's righteous anger toward their sin. In v. 3 we see that Jonah jumps ship to Tarshish blatantly running away from the Lord's command because God is asking him to do something he does not want to do (isn't this where all our tantrums start too?). We know this is never a good sign, so what happens? The ship Jonah is on encounters a huge storm. Jonah acknowledges the storm is from God who is trying to get his attention and soon we see that he is cast into the water and swallowed by a whale. While in the belly of the whale we see Jonah humble himself before the Lord thanking God for saving him from drowning in the sea and confessing that it is better to obey God then run away from him in disobedience. Jonah 2:8-9 says "...those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs," then he continues, "But I...will sacrifice to you." Jonah recognizes in his humility that depending on anything other than God is a waste of time so he now decides to obey God's earlier command (Jonah 3:3). Then in chapter 3 we see that things don't go as Jonah expected. Instead of punishing the people of Nineveh for their wickedness God has compassion on them because of their repentance. The book ends with Jonah throwing a tantrum because things did not go his way.
Often times we act like Jonah. We only want to obey God when he asks us to do something that sits well with us. However, when he asks us to do something that we don't want to do, don't understand, or something that ends up not turning out as we had expected we become angry with him. And in turn God says to us in these moments the same thing he said to Jonah, "Have you any right to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4).
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says the LORD, "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways, and my thoughts then your thoughts." We must remember this truth and embrace it instead of viewing it as a stumbling block. The "my way or the highway" mentality doesn't sit well with God. It's not about us! Life is not about everything going my way. Our purpose in life is to bring God glory. Colossians 1:16b says, "we were created by him and for him."
He is all-knowing, we are not. He knows what is best for us, we do not. Maybe what Jonah needed to see was the beauty of God's compassion (Jonah 3:10 "When God saw what they [the people of Nineveh] did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened."). But Jonah missed out on rejoicing in how compassionate God is because he was throwing a tantrum over not getting HIS way (seeing Nineveh receive the punishment he thought they deserved).
Praise God for his compassion on Nineveh and His compassion on Jonah and us when we are prideful (insisting on our own way) and disobedient.
Let us live out Jonah 2:8-9 ""...those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs... But I...will sacrifice to you" not expecting to get what we want from God, but expecting to receive what God knows is best for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Psalm 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Praise the Lord that we have the gift of freely reading the Bible everyday so that we may know His truth and be encouraged by it daily!
In Jonah 1:2 we see God calling Jonah to go tell the people of Nineveh of their wickedness and God's righteous anger toward their sin. In v. 3 we see that Jonah jumps ship to Tarshish blatantly running away from the Lord's command because God is asking him to do something he does not want to do (isn't this where all our tantrums start too?). We know this is never a good sign, so what happens? The ship Jonah is on encounters a huge storm. Jonah acknowledges the storm is from God who is trying to get his attention and soon we see that he is cast into the water and swallowed by a whale. While in the belly of the whale we see Jonah humble himself before the Lord thanking God for saving him from drowning in the sea and confessing that it is better to obey God then run away from him in disobedience. Jonah 2:8-9 says "...those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs," then he continues, "But I...will sacrifice to you." Jonah recognizes in his humility that depending on anything other than God is a waste of time so he now decides to obey God's earlier command (Jonah 3:3). Then in chapter 3 we see that things don't go as Jonah expected. Instead of punishing the people of Nineveh for their wickedness God has compassion on them because of their repentance. The book ends with Jonah throwing a tantrum because things did not go his way.
Often times we act like Jonah. We only want to obey God when he asks us to do something that sits well with us. However, when he asks us to do something that we don't want to do, don't understand, or something that ends up not turning out as we had expected we become angry with him. And in turn God says to us in these moments the same thing he said to Jonah, "Have you any right to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4).
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says the LORD, "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways, and my thoughts then your thoughts." We must remember this truth and embrace it instead of viewing it as a stumbling block. The "my way or the highway" mentality doesn't sit well with God. It's not about us! Life is not about everything going my way. Our purpose in life is to bring God glory. Colossians 1:16b says, "we were created by him and for him."
He is all-knowing, we are not. He knows what is best for us, we do not. Maybe what Jonah needed to see was the beauty of God's compassion (Jonah 3:10 "When God saw what they [the people of Nineveh] did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened."). But Jonah missed out on rejoicing in how compassionate God is because he was throwing a tantrum over not getting HIS way (seeing Nineveh receive the punishment he thought they deserved).
Praise God for his compassion on Nineveh and His compassion on Jonah and us when we are prideful (insisting on our own way) and disobedient.
Let us live out Jonah 2:8-9 ""...those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs... But I...will sacrifice to you" not expecting to get what we want from God, but expecting to receive what God knows is best for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Psalm 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Praise the Lord that we have the gift of freely reading the Bible everyday so that we may know His truth and be encouraged by it daily!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Missing Home
I've been living in VA for almost 3 years, in August it will be official when Mike and I celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary. No matter how many days, months or years seem to pass I still miss NJ. There's a special place in all of our hearts for the place that we grew up calling "home." Home is where I drove with my dad is a limo home for Pascack Valley Hospital, when my mom says my dad leaned over to me in my carseat and said, "Next time I ride with you in a limo will be on your wedding day." Home is where I took my first step at my Aunt Loret and Uncle Peter's home down the road. Home is where I learned to ride a bike with only two wheels my Uncle Keith in front of the carport. Home is where I had play dates with Kerry Gehm and Samantha Smith and ran under the weeping willow trees in the back yard with Frankie and the Morgenstein's after dinner time. It's where my mom and I shared Gilmore Girl like moments everyday, where I learned to cook with her, where we celebrated every holiday and hosted dinner club for a special group of people at our church. It's where we had an open house every Christmas Day for other people we knew who had no family to celebrate with. It's where I went to school, discovered who I was and who I wanted to be, where I gave my life to Jesus at youth group at Montvale Evangelical Free Church. It's where most of my family lives, where Jersey accents are heard, bagels are the best, family owned businesses are the norm and memories are everywhere I look.
Today I guess I just need some time to grieve. Grieve over being away from family and home. And there is nothing wrong with mourning. Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). When we let ourselves mourn over things that make our hearts heavy or eyes tear up we will be comforted by God. Often times I try to stuff down my emotions, but not today. Today a good cry is doing me well, I feel the Lord's comfort and sense the Lord's compassion. He cares about me, he cares that I miss NJ, He understands and that is a great reminder for me.
2 Corinthians 1: 2-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. John 14:1
Today I guess I just need some time to grieve. Grieve over being away from family and home. And there is nothing wrong with mourning. Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). When we let ourselves mourn over things that make our hearts heavy or eyes tear up we will be comforted by God. Often times I try to stuff down my emotions, but not today. Today a good cry is doing me well, I feel the Lord's comfort and sense the Lord's compassion. He cares about me, he cares that I miss NJ, He understands and that is a great reminder for me.
2 Corinthians 1: 2-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. John 14:1
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
When expectations aren't met
I enjoyed doing a few posts from my past journals from college and maybe when I have a bit more time this summer I will be able to share more. I hope you got a little picture of God's work in me as he gave me more of an understanding and desire to know him intimately. This is my prayer for each of you as well, that you may see your need for Jesus, a growing desire to know Him and an understanding of his love for you shown on the cross.
I don't know about you but I sure am one to have high expectations. I think it could be a prerequisite to womanhood or perhaps something embedded in us during the wanna-be-a-princess stages of our little girl years. What have my expectations been over the years? I often except that if I am loving and kind to someone they should treat me in the same manner, however, Jesus says to love our enemies. I used to expect that all my friends from high school and youth group would remain close to me as life went on ("we would ALWAYS be friends"), however, people change and I have changed and only some of those people have remained a part of my life. For a long time as a child I expected that if I prayed enough, wished on stars enough, and was good enough my parents would get married again (however this was not God's plan, and we know His plan is best). Even in Mike and I's marriage I find I create expectations. For example, the first year we were married (the first year I celebrated a birthday away from my family) Mike planned a nice night out to celebrate. I didn't know where we were going or what we were going to do but I already had expectations of what it would be like. iIt would stick to tradition and feel like I was at home celebrating just in VA and without family. Mike would take me out for my favorite dinner after a day of doing my favorite activities, we would meet up with friends or just hang out, he or a group of people would sing me happy birthday, we would have birthday cake and then go home. Well, it didn't go quite like that... We heated up leftovers at home, Mike drove me into Old Town Alexandria (which I loved!), we walked around for a little while, he gave me my birthday present by the fountains in the middle of town, and then he said "I thought we could walk down to Pop's to get some ice cream" (which on any other day would excite me) however, I had expectations that weren't met. So what do you suppose happened next? I began to cry. Yes, in the middle of Old Town by the fountains where everyone typically enjoys ice cream and hanging with friends I began to sob. This birthday didn't feel like I thought it would. No one was celebrating with us. There was no "Happy Birthday Song" and no birthday cake. Once I calmed down Mike and I talked about having expectations, expressing those expectations/ideas (husbands should be "expected" to read our minds) and we decided to go to cheesecake factory where we got to see his little sister, have waiters sing to me and eat something that could have a candle stuck in it :) What did I learn? I learned that expectations can lead to disappoint sometimes and that we should be careful what we have expectations about and how tightly we hold to those expectations.
In Matthew 11 we see this same life lesson of expectations not being met coming to life. Let's check out verses 1-7.
"When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? And Jesus answered them, "Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
From birth John the Baptist had been described as the one who would be "the voice of one calling in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight" (Matt. 3:3). John has lived his life up to this point anticipating the coming of the Messiah. He is looking forward to meeting the Messiah and being freed from all earthly trouble, finally free to live with only blessing upon him. Now he is in prison. This was not a part of HIS plan and he certainly did not expect to the Messiah to be near if he was facing such hardship.
The ESV Study Bible Notes explain these verses as follows: "John is probably concerned because his current imprisonment does not match his understanding of the Coming One's arrival, which was to bring blessing on those who repented and judgment on those who did not. Jesus' ministry, however, is in line with the prophetic promises about the time of salvation, as seen especially in these descriptions that recall the words of Isaiah: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor. Jesus' deeds gave sufficient proof of who he was and that the prophesied time of salvation had come. The beatitude is a mild rebuke; John and his disciples must be open to God's unfolding plan even though Jesus' ministry did not match their messianic expectations."
Just like John we can have expectation not only about others & our circumstances but about who God is, how he acts and how he should act. This is a dangerous place to be. Our expectations of God do not change who God is (I can assure you they would make less of God then He is) and our circumstances do not change who God is or how much He loves us. We have to remember that while expectations are not bad, they can lead to disappoint and even unbelief. Gods ways are not always as we would expect but He promises in Romans 8:28 "All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." We don't always "feel" God's love the way we expect, however, faith in God and His love for us is more than a feeling, He died on a cross for us and in seasons He disciplines us, and while that discipline may not "feel" good at the time, however, scripture says in Hebrews 12:11 "No disciple seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Let's pray for right expectations. Let's start by allowing God to mold our expectations and exceed them.
I don't know about you but I sure am one to have high expectations. I think it could be a prerequisite to womanhood or perhaps something embedded in us during the wanna-be-a-princess stages of our little girl years. What have my expectations been over the years? I often except that if I am loving and kind to someone they should treat me in the same manner, however, Jesus says to love our enemies. I used to expect that all my friends from high school and youth group would remain close to me as life went on ("we would ALWAYS be friends"), however, people change and I have changed and only some of those people have remained a part of my life. For a long time as a child I expected that if I prayed enough, wished on stars enough, and was good enough my parents would get married again (however this was not God's plan, and we know His plan is best). Even in Mike and I's marriage I find I create expectations. For example, the first year we were married (the first year I celebrated a birthday away from my family) Mike planned a nice night out to celebrate. I didn't know where we were going or what we were going to do but I already had expectations of what it would be like. iIt would stick to tradition and feel like I was at home celebrating just in VA and without family. Mike would take me out for my favorite dinner after a day of doing my favorite activities, we would meet up with friends or just hang out, he or a group of people would sing me happy birthday, we would have birthday cake and then go home. Well, it didn't go quite like that... We heated up leftovers at home, Mike drove me into Old Town Alexandria (which I loved!), we walked around for a little while, he gave me my birthday present by the fountains in the middle of town, and then he said "I thought we could walk down to Pop's to get some ice cream" (which on any other day would excite me) however, I had expectations that weren't met. So what do you suppose happened next? I began to cry. Yes, in the middle of Old Town by the fountains where everyone typically enjoys ice cream and hanging with friends I began to sob. This birthday didn't feel like I thought it would. No one was celebrating with us. There was no "Happy Birthday Song" and no birthday cake. Once I calmed down Mike and I talked about having expectations, expressing those expectations/ideas (husbands should be "expected" to read our minds) and we decided to go to cheesecake factory where we got to see his little sister, have waiters sing to me and eat something that could have a candle stuck in it :) What did I learn? I learned that expectations can lead to disappoint sometimes and that we should be careful what we have expectations about and how tightly we hold to those expectations.
In Matthew 11 we see this same life lesson of expectations not being met coming to life. Let's check out verses 1-7.
"When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? And Jesus answered them, "Go tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
From birth John the Baptist had been described as the one who would be "the voice of one calling in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight" (Matt. 3:3). John has lived his life up to this point anticipating the coming of the Messiah. He is looking forward to meeting the Messiah and being freed from all earthly trouble, finally free to live with only blessing upon him. Now he is in prison. This was not a part of HIS plan and he certainly did not expect to the Messiah to be near if he was facing such hardship.
The ESV Study Bible Notes explain these verses as follows: "John is probably concerned because his current imprisonment does not match his understanding of the Coming One's arrival, which was to bring blessing on those who repented and judgment on those who did not. Jesus' ministry, however, is in line with the prophetic promises about the time of salvation, as seen especially in these descriptions that recall the words of Isaiah: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor. Jesus' deeds gave sufficient proof of who he was and that the prophesied time of salvation had come. The beatitude is a mild rebuke; John and his disciples must be open to God's unfolding plan even though Jesus' ministry did not match their messianic expectations."
Just like John we can have expectation not only about others & our circumstances but about who God is, how he acts and how he should act. This is a dangerous place to be. Our expectations of God do not change who God is (I can assure you they would make less of God then He is) and our circumstances do not change who God is or how much He loves us. We have to remember that while expectations are not bad, they can lead to disappoint and even unbelief. Gods ways are not always as we would expect but He promises in Romans 8:28 "All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." We don't always "feel" God's love the way we expect, however, faith in God and His love for us is more than a feeling, He died on a cross for us and in seasons He disciplines us, and while that discipline may not "feel" good at the time, however, scripture says in Hebrews 12:11 "No disciple seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Let's pray for right expectations. Let's start by allowing God to mold our expectations and exceed them.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Flashbacks to Freshman Year continued...
It has been exciting to look back in my old journals and see the ways God was molding me more into his likeness and teaching me how to bring him glory and love others. Today in my quiet times I was reading in Matthew 7:12 about the "Golden rule", "So whatever you wis that others would do to you, do also to them." This is the thought that came to my mind, "Treat others as you would like to be treated, love others as you desire to be loved, serve others as you would like to be served, put others needs above your own as you desire them to put your needs above theirs." I am going to meditate on this truth this week...it will be exciting to set my mind more on the golden rule :)
Here's a journal entry I found I had written in January 14, 2004
1 Samuel 20:17 "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."
1 Samuel 20:42 " Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord saying, "The Lord is witness between you and me..."
Girl's weekend road tripping has been amazing. It's been a great opportnity to strengthen my friendships with my girls. Tonight I think Nicole was upset with me.. I asked her about it and she started to cry and said it was personal and didn't want to talk about it. Iknow in my heart i has something to do with me. I think she might have felt left out by Kelly and I and that is the last thing I would ever want her to feel. I love her so much ad it's difficult to act happy and act care-free knowing she may be hurt by something I've done. I came downstairs and decided to spend some one-on-one time with you. When I flpped to back of my bible or a subject to study I thought, "why not friendship?" ? The reference to David and Jonathan stood out to me most. I didn't rememeber the story very well. The only thing for sure that stuck with me was that when Aaron (my cousin) was training in the reserves he asked my Aunt Tina and mom to pray that he would find a "Jonathan" and you provided for him! And I feel I've been blessed with 3 Jonathan's in my life, Jackie, Nicole and Kelly. I cherish their friendships closest to my heart. And I feel extremely fortunate to have such genuine and unique friendship with each of them. I love all my girlfriends tremendously, but in this season I have a very strong and special love for the 3 of them.
Jonathan loves David more than himself, I would do anything for those girls, but at the same time I don't feel I always love them more than myelf... I would say "most of the time" and I do not want to hold onto any "self-love" in my friendships. I pray you ould take any selfish love from me. Ideire to be self-less a you are. I also desire my friendships to be firmly built upon a love for and relationship with you, because I know even these small bumps like the one with Nicole are nothing when our friendships are led by you. I want my friendships to be as Jonathan described, "the LORD is witness between you and me." I pray you will be honored by our friendships and that the more we love each other and not ourselves the more we will love you. I know that things between Nicole and I are in your hands and that yu're teaching me something through it. My trust and hope are in you...guide me and I will follow. I love you.
Your daughter,
Kristin Marie
Here's a journal entry I found I had written in January 14, 2004
1 Samuel 20:17 "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself."
1 Samuel 20:42 " Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord saying, "The Lord is witness between you and me..."
Girl's weekend road tripping has been amazing. It's been a great opportnity to strengthen my friendships with my girls. Tonight I think Nicole was upset with me.. I asked her about it and she started to cry and said it was personal and didn't want to talk about it. Iknow in my heart i has something to do with me. I think she might have felt left out by Kelly and I and that is the last thing I would ever want her to feel. I love her so much ad it's difficult to act happy and act care-free knowing she may be hurt by something I've done. I came downstairs and decided to spend some one-on-one time with you. When I flpped to back of my bible or a subject to study I thought, "why not friendship?" ? The reference to David and Jonathan stood out to me most. I didn't rememeber the story very well. The only thing for sure that stuck with me was that when Aaron (my cousin) was training in the reserves he asked my Aunt Tina and mom to pray that he would find a "Jonathan" and you provided for him! And I feel I've been blessed with 3 Jonathan's in my life, Jackie, Nicole and Kelly. I cherish their friendships closest to my heart. And I feel extremely fortunate to have such genuine and unique friendship with each of them. I love all my girlfriends tremendously, but in this season I have a very strong and special love for the 3 of them.
Jonathan loves David more than himself, I would do anything for those girls, but at the same time I don't feel I always love them more than myelf... I would say "most of the time" and I do not want to hold onto any "self-love" in my friendships. I pray you ould take any selfish love from me. Ideire to be self-less a you are. I also desire my friendships to be firmly built upon a love for and relationship with you, because I know even these small bumps like the one with Nicole are nothing when our friendships are led by you. I want my friendships to be as Jonathan described, "the LORD is witness between you and me." I pray you will be honored by our friendships and that the more we love each other and not ourselves the more we will love you. I know that things between Nicole and I are in your hands and that yu're teaching me something through it. My trust and hope are in you...guide me and I will follow. I love you.
Your daughter,
Kristin Marie
Monday, May 24, 2010
Reflections from Freshmen Year (continued)....
December 26, 2003
Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
In other words... Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are made "not guilty" by his grace b/c Jesus has set us (sinners) free from being slaves to our sin.
The past few days I have been struggling... I haven't been doing my devotions and I've felt like I was losing grip getting caught up in old stumbling blocks that have crowded my path. This verse makes me joyful knowing Jesus has freed me from my sin so I can be a slave to being a true follower of Christ and not a slave to my own sin. I feel I have been tested since I have been home for Christmas break and I know the testing of my faith will make me "mature and complete" so I don't lack anything (James 1:5). I'm so thankful that I am justified by God's grace...because I do feel guilty but I know with God's help I can be forgiven although I am ashamed and feel like I take God's forgiveness lightly at times by telling myself, "I can do this, God will forgive me." I don't want to be that kind of person... I want to strive to be pure like God desires of me in Phil. 4:8...
Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
In other words... Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are made "not guilty" by his grace b/c Jesus has set us (sinners) free from being slaves to our sin.
The past few days I have been struggling... I haven't been doing my devotions and I've felt like I was losing grip getting caught up in old stumbling blocks that have crowded my path. This verse makes me joyful knowing Jesus has freed me from my sin so I can be a slave to being a true follower of Christ and not a slave to my own sin. I feel I have been tested since I have been home for Christmas break and I know the testing of my faith will make me "mature and complete" so I don't lack anything (James 1:5). I'm so thankful that I am justified by God's grace...because I do feel guilty but I know with God's help I can be forgiven although I am ashamed and feel like I take God's forgiveness lightly at times by telling myself, "I can do this, God will forgive me." I don't want to be that kind of person... I want to strive to be pure like God desires of me in Phil. 4:8...
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