As I was getting ready for the first day of classes this morning, I read today's Morning & Evening by Spurgeon. As soon as I read the verse at the top, I knew it was perfect for me today. Here it is:
"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." ~Philippians 2:15
We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive Whose he is, and Whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be read, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.
Gracious Spirit dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal
Would thy life in mine reveal,
And with actions bold and meek
Would for Christ my Saviour speak.
Those words set a flame in me that is burning to live this life for my beloved Jesus. One of my favorite parts is, "he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him." I want to carry sunshine. I want to show what joy is like; it's so much better than the transient happiness that this world can offer.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
a list-y post
Because it's too late to be posting, and I wanted to post anyway. Please excuse the extreme randomness.
1.) I really, truly am going to try to post more frequently.
2.) I promise.
3.) You don't believe me? Gosh. Haha, well I wouldn't believe me either. I'm seriously a horrible blogger, and you all are so wonderful to keep checking this little neglected corner of cyberspace.
4.) I'm 17. And it's super weird.
5.) School starts in 10 days, and that makes me sad. This summer has officially gone faster than any other summer in my rememberance. I'm taking chemistry, art appreciation, and interpersonal communications, all PSEO. Thankfully, chemistry is the only one starting on the 22nd, and I have a couple more weeks before the others start. I'm also teaching a preschool class at our homeschooling co-op for the first time this year. I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time! Any craft/theme/lesson/book ideas you have would be very much welcomed :) Still trying to pull together some sort of curriculum.
6.) There are about 6 long things that I should post about, but I'm not. I'm posting a list, 'cause it's easier.
7.) We are going to a wedding tomorrow, and I'm so excited. The helpless romantic in me just loves anything to do with weddings, including looking at pictures of peoples' weddings I don't know from Adam. I've only gone to one wedding this whole summer, so tomorrow will be super fun. I can't wait for my own wedding, and for my friends' weddings! It will be ultra-strange, but it will also be crazy fun when all of us start gettin' beaus and tying the knot :)
8.) This really should be number one. But I'm so tired, that my brain isn't thinking logically. My brother and sister-in-law are having a baby in February! I cannot WAIT! I love anything to do with babies, but having another one in the family is extra, extra special :) Current nickname? Baby O. Adorable? I think yes.
9.) Speaking of babies, we now have a family living with us (in our attic) and they have two little girls! The older one is nearly 2 and the younger one is around 8 months. Both are sweet as can be. Both are crazy adorable. But they are absolutely. Positively. Opposites. It's so fun! :) And their parents are so great. They're definitely dear friends of mine--it's not weird at all for them to live here. She is like a sister--we talk all the time, share clothes, tease each other, and seek prayer from the other. And her husband is awesome! He's helping me--
10.) learn guitar. We'll see if this actually goes anywhere, but I hope it does! So far I've learned majors A, D, G, and E, and E minor. Not too great, but it's a start! I can play some Bob Dylan, at least :)
11.) And...so people won't accuse me of being "Monk-ish" (ever seen the t.v. show? My family claims I share some traits with the genius detective--not in the genius part, in the "liking things even, symmetrical, etc." part.) I will not stop at 10! We will have a number 11! :) I was up nearly all night last night, not of my own accord. Then I slept in until 9:45, which explains while I'm still slightly functioning at 12:15 am.
12.) Oh, and I have a job! I work at a thrift store, started by our old church, 8 hours a week. I absolutely LOVE it. It's so, so fun. I'll have to write another post about it sometime. It's seriously great :)
13.) I've considered changing the name of my blog again, out of fear of what people will think. ("Oh. She's one of those, 'Jesus is my boyfriend' people. Ew.") But I decided to keep it because it really captures a huge part of who I am--that helpless romantic I was talking about earlier. I still love envisioning my Savior as my Prince, rescuing me from myself and breaking my bonds of sin. In the words of one of my favorite hymns of all time:
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray--
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free--
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Amazing love! How can it be?
That Thou my God shouldst die for me?
Goosebumps, eh? How great is our God! How sweet is my salvation, how glad I am that my Savior is Jesus! :)
1.) I really, truly am going to try to post more frequently.
2.) I promise.
3.) You don't believe me? Gosh. Haha, well I wouldn't believe me either. I'm seriously a horrible blogger, and you all are so wonderful to keep checking this little neglected corner of cyberspace.
4.) I'm 17. And it's super weird.
5.) School starts in 10 days, and that makes me sad. This summer has officially gone faster than any other summer in my rememberance. I'm taking chemistry, art appreciation, and interpersonal communications, all PSEO. Thankfully, chemistry is the only one starting on the 22nd, and I have a couple more weeks before the others start. I'm also teaching a preschool class at our homeschooling co-op for the first time this year. I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time! Any craft/theme/lesson/book ideas you have would be very much welcomed :) Still trying to pull together some sort of curriculum.
6.) There are about 6 long things that I should post about, but I'm not. I'm posting a list, 'cause it's easier.
7.) We are going to a wedding tomorrow, and I'm so excited. The helpless romantic in me just loves anything to do with weddings, including looking at pictures of peoples' weddings I don't know from Adam. I've only gone to one wedding this whole summer, so tomorrow will be super fun. I can't wait for my own wedding, and for my friends' weddings! It will be ultra-strange, but it will also be crazy fun when all of us start gettin' beaus and tying the knot :)
8.) This really should be number one. But I'm so tired, that my brain isn't thinking logically. My brother and sister-in-law are having a baby in February! I cannot WAIT! I love anything to do with babies, but having another one in the family is extra, extra special :) Current nickname? Baby O. Adorable? I think yes.
9.) Speaking of babies, we now have a family living with us (in our attic) and they have two little girls! The older one is nearly 2 and the younger one is around 8 months. Both are sweet as can be. Both are crazy adorable. But they are absolutely. Positively. Opposites. It's so fun! :) And their parents are so great. They're definitely dear friends of mine--it's not weird at all for them to live here. She is like a sister--we talk all the time, share clothes, tease each other, and seek prayer from the other. And her husband is awesome! He's helping me--
10.) learn guitar. We'll see if this actually goes anywhere, but I hope it does! So far I've learned majors A, D, G, and E, and E minor. Not too great, but it's a start! I can play some Bob Dylan, at least :)
11.) And...so people won't accuse me of being "Monk-ish" (ever seen the t.v. show? My family claims I share some traits with the genius detective--not in the genius part, in the "liking things even, symmetrical, etc." part.) I will not stop at 10! We will have a number 11! :) I was up nearly all night last night, not of my own accord. Then I slept in until 9:45, which explains while I'm still slightly functioning at 12:15 am.
12.) Oh, and I have a job! I work at a thrift store, started by our old church, 8 hours a week. I absolutely LOVE it. It's so, so fun. I'll have to write another post about it sometime. It's seriously great :)
13.) I've considered changing the name of my blog again, out of fear of what people will think. ("Oh. She's one of those, 'Jesus is my boyfriend' people. Ew.") But I decided to keep it because it really captures a huge part of who I am--that helpless romantic I was talking about earlier. I still love envisioning my Savior as my Prince, rescuing me from myself and breaking my bonds of sin. In the words of one of my favorite hymns of all time:
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray--
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my heart was free--
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Amazing love! How can it be?
That Thou my God shouldst die for me?
Goosebumps, eh? How great is our God! How sweet is my salvation, how glad I am that my Savior is Jesus! :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Drawing Closer to God
Lately I've really felt the need to draw closer to God. I'm not sure why, but I've just felt a distance between myself and my Heavenly Father. I know that nothing can snatch me out of His hands, and that He's always right there beside me (Owl City's "Meteor Shower" :). I think every Christian goes through drier times--or rather, what feels like drier times--but we do not need to fret! God will not let us wander away, because we are His precious children! Anyway, I really feel like He's drawing me closer in many ways, and also showing me how to draw closer to Him. Here, I'll explain a little bit.
My family and I started going to a new church a couple months ago. The Lord has used this change for so much good!!! Every week I come home refreshed from a time of fellowship with the body of Christ, a great time in the Word with all of our pastor's sermons, Gospel-focused worship, and wonderfully intense, sometimes interactive, times of prayer. Suffice it to say, the Lord has provided a place that my family feels "at home" and that we love! So, that's one way in which I feel Him drawing me closer.
Then, this morning, as I was reading Morning and Evening and my chapter of Hebrews, I came across these little jewels:
"The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee." ~"Morning and Evening" by Charles Spurgeon, May 4
and here is a section of Hebrews chapter 4 that really touched me:
15 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. 16 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.
I'll sum up with a short little prayer that all this lead me to pray this morning (hopefully this doesn't make anyone feel awkward, or like this is a lame blog :) :
Father, please strip all idols (I have so many!) away from me, even though it will hurt. I want you to be the only One on my throne--you're the only one deserving of that place! Thank you SO MUCH that Jesus came to die for me, and while he lived on earth, He was tempted in every way but yet did not give in to sin! Thank you that He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. How incredible to have a Savior who understands the feelings of the ones He is saving! Thank you, also, for allowing us--horrid sinners, yet by your Son we have become righteous--to draw near your throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need!!!!! What an awesome promise you've given us!
Anyway, I often times just pray the scripture I'm reading, whether by turning it into a plea or into a praise or into a prayer of thanksgiving....I think this one might have all three :)
So, be encouraged today, friends, that our Savior knows how we are feeling, and that God can and will strip away all of our idols, so that we might indeed draw nearer to Him.
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it!
Prone to leave the God I love!
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above."
My family and I started going to a new church a couple months ago. The Lord has used this change for so much good!!! Every week I come home refreshed from a time of fellowship with the body of Christ, a great time in the Word with all of our pastor's sermons, Gospel-focused worship, and wonderfully intense, sometimes interactive, times of prayer. Suffice it to say, the Lord has provided a place that my family feels "at home" and that we love! So, that's one way in which I feel Him drawing me closer.
Then, this morning, as I was reading Morning and Evening and my chapter of Hebrews, I came across these little jewels:
"The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee." ~"Morning and Evening" by Charles Spurgeon, May 4
and here is a section of Hebrews chapter 4 that really touched me:
15 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. 16 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.
I'll sum up with a short little prayer that all this lead me to pray this morning (hopefully this doesn't make anyone feel awkward, or like this is a lame blog :) :
Father, please strip all idols (I have so many!) away from me, even though it will hurt. I want you to be the only One on my throne--you're the only one deserving of that place! Thank you SO MUCH that Jesus came to die for me, and while he lived on earth, He was tempted in every way but yet did not give in to sin! Thank you that He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. How incredible to have a Savior who understands the feelings of the ones He is saving! Thank you, also, for allowing us--horrid sinners, yet by your Son we have become righteous--to draw near your throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need!!!!! What an awesome promise you've given us!
Anyway, I often times just pray the scripture I'm reading, whether by turning it into a plea or into a praise or into a prayer of thanksgiving....I think this one might have all three :)
So, be encouraged today, friends, that our Savior knows how we are feeling, and that God can and will strip away all of our idols, so that we might indeed draw nearer to Him.
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it!
Prone to leave the God I love!
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above."
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday: The start of a week and the end of a life
Yes, a life very dear to me. My grandpa passed away this afternoon. The Lord was gracious, in that it was a very peaceful death. My mom was able to be there with her father--she left yesterday afternoon after hearing Saturday night that he was in pretty critical condition. We had been busy making a cd of stories that we read into my dad's recording microphone and writing cards to send down with my dad when he flew there today. I don't know if my grandpa got a chance to see them or not--I doubt it. This made me so sad, because I felt like I didn't have a chance to tell him I loved him and to say goodbye. I spent a good part of the afternoon crying, as did my younger siblings left with me while my parents are gone. As I was explaining this part of my sadness, my brother Keith said--"Well, now he knows that we made him the cd, and he's probably listening to it right now!" It's true--my grandpa was wholly trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation. We have full assurance of his whereabouts at the moment--he is home with his loving Father and Savior, perhaps listening to some stories and reading some cards from his grandchildren.
Maybe I will post more details later, when I have them. At the moment, I've only talked to my mom for less than two minutes, and so I know very little more than I've already written.
We're going to be spending the evening and night with my sister and her family, so that will be nice and comforting.
Prayers for all of us children at home, as well as for my other siblings, grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, and mom and dad would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Monday, February 22, 2010
misc.
Hello Everyone! I don't have any excuses other than "school" for why I haven't posted in so long, so I'll just say I'm sorry :)
Anyway, in my devotions this morning I read this selection from Morning and Evening:
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."
-- Genesis 49:24
"That strength which God gives to his Josephs is real strength; it isnot a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but whichends in smoke; it is true-divine strength. Why does Joseph standagainst temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that wecan do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "themighty God of Jacob." Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God givesthis strength to Joseph-"The arms of his hands were made strong by thehands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as puttinghis hands on Joseph's hands, placing his arms on Joseph's arms. Like asa father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear him.He puts his arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty,Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from his throne and lays his hand upon thechild's hand, stretching his arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may bemade strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it isascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob." Now, wherever you read of theGod of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob.Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all thegrace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all thethings we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. Ifthere were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God. "
Oops, some of the words are smooshed together. Sorry about that! Hopefully you can still make it out, because it is powerful and encouraging! I don't know about you, but I frequently feel my lack of strength spiritually. Not that I question my salvation, but sometimes I just don't feel strong in my faith. Like the ever-so-popular children's (and adult's) worship song, Jesus Loves Me says: "They (we) are weak but he is strong!" (now just picture a room full of 4-5 year olds singing that with only a handful of adults in the room, with heavy emphasis on the "strong". That's what I get to see almost every Sunday:) Anyway, to picture the Lord laying his arms and hands on mine and restoring my strength is a thing of great beauty to my soul. I'm falling deeper in love, people!
Okay, I have two more awesome tidbits to share with you. I received an ESV Study Bible for Christmas this year! And I've been using it nearly everyday (I'm trying to read through the New Testament this year). Just this morning, however, I decided to register my "online code" in order to view my Bible online. IT IS SO COOL! You are able to add notes, listen to a person read it (enthusiastically, I might add!), read the notes from the Study Bible, go directly to a linked verse, see a verse just by hovering over the bold type, and more! If you have a Study Bible, but, like me, you never registered your code, DO IT! You won't regret it. And if you don't have a Study Bible, I highly recommend one! It has been very helpful to me in understanding what was really going on in Bible times, and it has also helped me with theological questions that I've had.
Now for my last item: Faith Like Potatoes. I watched this movie with our small group on Friday night and it blew me away! It is a Christian film that is both encouraging and faith-building. There is one part in the movie that I had to close my eyes, and for families with younger kids, I would recommend fast-forwarding through, since it is a scene that involves an extremely traumatic circumstance. However, it really added a whole other dimension to the movie, and although it was hard to watch/hear, it was good for me. I hope to do a more full review on this movie later, but for now I'll leave it at that and add it to the "Favorite Movies" section of my profile ;)
Off to start my day!
Anyway, in my devotions this morning I read this selection from Morning and Evening:
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."
-- Genesis 49:24
"That strength which God gives to his Josephs is real strength; it isnot a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but whichends in smoke; it is true-divine strength. Why does Joseph standagainst temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that wecan do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "themighty God of Jacob." Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God givesthis strength to Joseph-"The arms of his hands were made strong by thehands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as puttinghis hands on Joseph's hands, placing his arms on Joseph's arms. Like asa father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear him.He puts his arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty,Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from his throne and lays his hand upon thechild's hand, stretching his arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may bemade strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it isascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob." Now, wherever you read of theGod of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob.Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all thegrace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all thethings we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. Ifthere were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God. "
Oops, some of the words are smooshed together. Sorry about that! Hopefully you can still make it out, because it is powerful and encouraging! I don't know about you, but I frequently feel my lack of strength spiritually. Not that I question my salvation, but sometimes I just don't feel strong in my faith. Like the ever-so-popular children's (and adult's) worship song, Jesus Loves Me says: "They (we) are weak but he is strong!" (now just picture a room full of 4-5 year olds singing that with only a handful of adults in the room, with heavy emphasis on the "strong". That's what I get to see almost every Sunday:) Anyway, to picture the Lord laying his arms and hands on mine and restoring my strength is a thing of great beauty to my soul. I'm falling deeper in love, people!
Okay, I have two more awesome tidbits to share with you. I received an ESV Study Bible for Christmas this year! And I've been using it nearly everyday (I'm trying to read through the New Testament this year). Just this morning, however, I decided to register my "online code" in order to view my Bible online. IT IS SO COOL! You are able to add notes, listen to a person read it (enthusiastically, I might add!), read the notes from the Study Bible, go directly to a linked verse, see a verse just by hovering over the bold type, and more! If you have a Study Bible, but, like me, you never registered your code, DO IT! You won't regret it. And if you don't have a Study Bible, I highly recommend one! It has been very helpful to me in understanding what was really going on in Bible times, and it has also helped me with theological questions that I've had.
Now for my last item: Faith Like Potatoes. I watched this movie with our small group on Friday night and it blew me away! It is a Christian film that is both encouraging and faith-building. There is one part in the movie that I had to close my eyes, and for families with younger kids, I would recommend fast-forwarding through, since it is a scene that involves an extremely traumatic circumstance. However, it really added a whole other dimension to the movie, and although it was hard to watch/hear, it was good for me. I hope to do a more full review on this movie later, but for now I'll leave it at that and add it to the "Favorite Movies" section of my profile ;)
Off to start my day!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Come, Ye Sinners
This is one of my all-time favorite hymns. I love Fernando Ortega's rendition with Amy Grant. It's beautiful. Here it is:
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you're better,
You will never come at all.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?
Lo! The incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
However, they left out one of my favorite verses:
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
How amazing is that? All we need to do is to know that we need Him. And, He is the one that gives us the grace to realize that! He does everything! I love believing in a Sovereign God and Saviour. :)
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you're better,
You will never come at all.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?
Lo! The incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
However, they left out one of my favorite verses:
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
How amazing is that? All we need to do is to know that we need Him. And, He is the one that gives us the grace to realize that! He does everything! I love believing in a Sovereign God and Saviour. :)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
New title
I decided to change the title of my blog from "the world of katie michelle" to "In love with Jesus". I may fool around with the wording, but that's the gist of what I want to say. What do you think? Maybe you need some background information. Here. I'll explain...
As most of you know, I'm really excited to/really want to get married, have kids, homeschool them, and be a homemaker. Several months ago, I was feeling discontent with my life as it was (school, teenagers, etc.) which is funny because I actually really enjoy school. I just wanted something else. To be grown-up and married.
As I was only 14 then, it was pretty ridiculous in the world's eyes, and in my own. I knew that marriage was something many years away, so why was I discontent with my wonderful life? A life that so many other teenagers probably wish they had?
Then, one Sunday at church, we sang the song, "We Will Dance". It's about Heaven and the marriage of Christ and His bride, the Church. Right then I knew that I could be satisfied with the life of a 14-year-old girl. I no longer felt that I would be discontent until I was married, because I am--right now--the bride of Christ! I began to focus on how much He loves me and how He came and died for me--filthy sinful wretch that I am--and how He chose me. I don't know why. I certainly don't deserve His incredible, devoted love. But He loves me. He chose me. I'm His bride. O the bliss of this glorious thought (to borrow the words of Horatio G. Spafford :)! He took my eyes off of myself and fixed them onto Him. And, He allowed me to have my "brideom" (I had no other idea how to say that :p).
This is going to sound a little silly, but bear with me here. Okay. While we were singing that song (We Will Dance) I started to picture the hag/witch from the Disney "Sleeping Beauty". Yep, the one with the warts and the fingernails and the apple. Can you guess who that was in my mind? Me. And then, I saw Jesus--of course, He was the handsome prince. He then turned me (the witch lady) into His "strong, pure, spotless bride!"
So yes, that is kind of silly, but I think that it is a pretty good allegory--at least the Lord has allowed it to be for me. As a teenage girl, I have to fight the sin of vanity--always wanting to look good and have people's approval. But to God, without Christ's righteousness, I am infinitely more unbearable and unsightly than that witch from Sleeping Beauty. So why did He send His Son, Jesus, to die for me in order for me to be his bride? For His glory. But why wasn't His Son repulsed at the sight of me? How could He love me? I have yet to solve those mysteries.
Anyway, I think that it is helpful for me to picture myself as an ugly, shriveled up, wicked woman. That's what I am. But Christ's blood paid my ransom and set me free. Now, I have His righteousness before the throne of His father (Now also MY Father...another whole post!). And...
I will not fear Your (God's) judgment
For me no wrath I dread
For it was spent on Jesus (my bridegroom!)
Poured out upon His head
When Satan’s accusations
Make my poor heart afraid
I hear my King declaring
“Father, that debt is paid!”
~Jesus My Only Hope
WOOHOO! I get goosebumps whenever I sing that last line--I picture Jesus with His arm around my shoulders, declaring my freedom. :)
There are so many hymns and songs going through my head right now that always cause me to see a similar scene by reminding me of the Gospel. I just love Him so much. I am His. Forever.
Okay. Now I've had my gush. :)
p.s. What are some of your favorite "Gospel" songs?
As most of you know, I'm really excited to/really want to get married, have kids, homeschool them, and be a homemaker. Several months ago, I was feeling discontent with my life as it was (school, teenagers, etc.) which is funny because I actually really enjoy school. I just wanted something else. To be grown-up and married.
As I was only 14 then, it was pretty ridiculous in the world's eyes, and in my own. I knew that marriage was something many years away, so why was I discontent with my wonderful life? A life that so many other teenagers probably wish they had?
Then, one Sunday at church, we sang the song, "We Will Dance". It's about Heaven and the marriage of Christ and His bride, the Church. Right then I knew that I could be satisfied with the life of a 14-year-old girl. I no longer felt that I would be discontent until I was married, because I am--right now--the bride of Christ! I began to focus on how much He loves me and how He came and died for me--filthy sinful wretch that I am--and how He chose me. I don't know why. I certainly don't deserve His incredible, devoted love. But He loves me. He chose me. I'm His bride. O the bliss of this glorious thought (to borrow the words of Horatio G. Spafford :)! He took my eyes off of myself and fixed them onto Him. And, He allowed me to have my "brideom" (I had no other idea how to say that :p).
This is going to sound a little silly, but bear with me here. Okay. While we were singing that song (We Will Dance) I started to picture the hag/witch from the Disney "Sleeping Beauty". Yep, the one with the warts and the fingernails and the apple. Can you guess who that was in my mind? Me. And then, I saw Jesus--of course, He was the handsome prince. He then turned me (the witch lady) into His "strong, pure, spotless bride!"
So yes, that is kind of silly, but I think that it is a pretty good allegory--at least the Lord has allowed it to be for me. As a teenage girl, I have to fight the sin of vanity--always wanting to look good and have people's approval. But to God, without Christ's righteousness, I am infinitely more unbearable and unsightly than that witch from Sleeping Beauty. So why did He send His Son, Jesus, to die for me in order for me to be his bride? For His glory. But why wasn't His Son repulsed at the sight of me? How could He love me? I have yet to solve those mysteries.
Anyway, I think that it is helpful for me to picture myself as an ugly, shriveled up, wicked woman. That's what I am. But Christ's blood paid my ransom and set me free. Now, I have His righteousness before the throne of His father (Now also MY Father...another whole post!). And...
I will not fear Your (God's) judgment
For me no wrath I dread
For it was spent on Jesus (my bridegroom!)
Poured out upon His head
When Satan’s accusations
Make my poor heart afraid
I hear my King declaring
“Father, that debt is paid!”
~Jesus My Only Hope
WOOHOO! I get goosebumps whenever I sing that last line--I picture Jesus with His arm around my shoulders, declaring my freedom. :)
There are so many hymns and songs going through my head right now that always cause me to see a similar scene by reminding me of the Gospel. I just love Him so much. I am His. Forever.
Okay. Now I've had my gush. :)
p.s. What are some of your favorite "Gospel" songs?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Morning and Evening--Evening of July 10
What an amazing encouragement!
"And the evening and the morning were the first day." -- Genesis 1:5
The evening was "darkness" and the morning was "light," and yet the twotogether are called by the name that is given to the light alone! Thisis somewhat remarkable, but it has an exact analogy in spiritualexperience. In every believer there is darkness and light, and yet heis not to be named a sinner because there is sin in him, but he is tobe named a saint because he possesses some degree of holiness. Thiswill be a most comforting thought to those who are mourning theirinfirmities, and who ask, "Can I be a child of God while there is somuch darkness in me?" Yes; for you, like the day, take not your namefrom the evening, but from the morning; and you are spoken of in theword of God as if you were even now perfectly holy as you will be soon.You are called the child of light, though there is darkness in youstill. You are named after what is the predominating quality in thesight of God, which will one day be the only principle remaining.Observe that the evening comes first. Naturally we are darkness firstin order of time, and the gloom is often first in our mournfulapprehension, driving us to cry out in deep humiliation, "God bemerciful to me, a sinner." The place of the morning is second, it dawnswhen grace overcomes nature. It is a blessed aphorism of John Bunyan,"That which is last, lasts for ever." That which is first, yields indue season to the last; but nothing comes after the last. So thatthough you are naturally darkness, when once you become light in theLord, there is no evening to follow; "thy sun shall no more go down."The first day in this life is an evening and a morning; but the secondday, when we shall be with God, for ever, shall be a day with noevening, but one, sacred, high, eternal noon.
p.s. sorry that some of the words are stuck together! I hope you can still make it out--
"And the evening and the morning were the first day." -- Genesis 1:5
The evening was "darkness" and the morning was "light," and yet the twotogether are called by the name that is given to the light alone! Thisis somewhat remarkable, but it has an exact analogy in spiritualexperience. In every believer there is darkness and light, and yet heis not to be named a sinner because there is sin in him, but he is tobe named a saint because he possesses some degree of holiness. Thiswill be a most comforting thought to those who are mourning theirinfirmities, and who ask, "Can I be a child of God while there is somuch darkness in me?" Yes; for you, like the day, take not your namefrom the evening, but from the morning; and you are spoken of in theword of God as if you were even now perfectly holy as you will be soon.You are called the child of light, though there is darkness in youstill. You are named after what is the predominating quality in thesight of God, which will one day be the only principle remaining.Observe that the evening comes first. Naturally we are darkness firstin order of time, and the gloom is often first in our mournfulapprehension, driving us to cry out in deep humiliation, "God bemerciful to me, a sinner." The place of the morning is second, it dawnswhen grace overcomes nature. It is a blessed aphorism of John Bunyan,"That which is last, lasts for ever." That which is first, yields indue season to the last; but nothing comes after the last. So thatthough you are naturally darkness, when once you become light in theLord, there is no evening to follow; "thy sun shall no more go down."The first day in this life is an evening and a morning; but the secondday, when we shall be with God, for ever, shall be a day with noevening, but one, sacred, high, eternal noon.
p.s. sorry that some of the words are stuck together! I hope you can still make it out--
Monday, June 29, 2009
Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening"
For quite a while, my mom has recieved a daily email with the text of Charles Spurgeon's wonderful devotional, Morning and Evening. A couple weeks ago, I asked how I could recieve it. She sent me the link, and it has been such a blessing since I signed up!!! Tonight as I was ready to go to sleep, I read today's 'Evening' passage. It did not have a condemning theme, but I began to think about my sin and felt guilty and sad. Then, I remembered that my sister had commented on how encouraging yesterday's 'Morning' passage was. So, I decided to read that. It meant so much to me! It brought tears to my eyes. It was exactly what I needed. Please take the time to read it. God truly can use words written long ago to minister to our weary souls!!!
MORNING: June 28
"Looking unto Jesus." -- Hebrews 12:2
It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self toJesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he isconstantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. Heinsinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; youdo not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end;you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold ofJesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never findcomfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns oureyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that"Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold ofChrist that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ thatsaves thee-it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that bethe instrument-it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not somuch to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ;look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not tothy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shallnever find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or ourfeelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to thesoul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus." Keep thine eye simply on him; let hisdeath, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; whenthou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fearscome between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name."
Isn't that beautiful? I'm praying that the Lord will keep us looking at His Son and what He did for us, not at ourselves. In fact, my signature on my email is 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." What wonderful news!
MORNING: June 28
"Looking unto Jesus." -- Hebrews 12:2
It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self toJesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he isconstantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. Heinsinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; youdo not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end;you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold ofJesus." All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never findcomfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns oureyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that"Christ is all in all." Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold ofChrist that saves thee-it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ thatsaves thee-it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that bethe instrument-it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not somuch to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ;look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not tothy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shallnever find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or ourfeelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to thesoul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by "looking unto Jesus." Keep thine eye simply on him; let hisdeath, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to him; whenthou liest down at night look to him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fearscome between thee and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail thee.
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name."
Isn't that beautiful? I'm praying that the Lord will keep us looking at His Son and what He did for us, not at ourselves. In fact, my signature on my email is 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." What wonderful news!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)