Posted by: Anna The average American sleeps eight out of twenty-four hours of the day, works seven, then divides the rest up in portions of one to two hours for leisure, shopping, household chores, etc. Then it repeats. Those eight hours of sleep tick by, and the day starts over. Not something I (or most people) would usually do, but I'd like to share a little excerpt out of my journal, from more than a year ago: "The sun rises, the sun sets. Over and over again, seemingly for no reason. Days are a constant monotony of nothing." I sound pretty gloomy, don't I? According to a personality book I read, I'm skilled when it comes to sounding depressed and/or depressing other people with my mood. (So flattering, I know) Which I can well believe, especially back when I wrote that and hey, maybe I was a little down and out. I might have 'radiated' that. Hopefully not anymore though! So back to it. Why did I write that? Because that's how I felt. There wasn't any purpose. Days just came and went, over and over. I woke up, ate some breakfast, did some school, ate some lunch, leisurely wasted my time until dinner, then leisurely wasted my time until bedtime. I might have read my Bible or prayed in the morning. I might have prayed once or twice through the day. But it didn't matter. No purpose. That's about what it comes down to. I felt like each day, time in general, even my life in general, had no purpose. I knew it was supposed to have purpose, but I did not know how to fulfill that purpose, or even know what it was. Everything I did was so trivial, so miniscule and so useless in the long run. What did the fun, the accomplished chores, the schoolwork, the basic conversations; matter in the scheme of things? What were those to have life based upon? How was that even life? What did it mean in relation to faith? To God's will for my life? Sounding familiar? I doubt I'm the only one that's had these thoughts, these doubts. Before you resign yourself to the pit of despair, with the fate of ending up as woeful as me, rejoice! For that little stage of mine didn't last long. It resolved. I'm already rambling, though. Let's get back to the point! So how did it resolve? After that stage, I went into another one. Less dismal and forlorn, but, though I didn't realize it at the time, still 'dangerous'. And it was that I got the idea that I had to do more. Be more. If I could do something useful with my life, something good, it would mean something. The monotony of nothing would cease, it would be something. Now, let's back up a bit. We're going to step away from the track of 'my story' in this, and into 'the message', for lack of better wording. I know, obviously, how easy it is to fall into a mindset that day-to-day life is meaningless. However, I am no longer victim to that mindset! God has shown me just how wrong, just how untrue and harmful, it is. Because life is something. What's more, day-to-day life is something. Yep, all those 'superficial, petty, inconsequential' things you do in a day ARE something. Wanna hear my favorite quote, which I heard from a great friend? "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it the present." So what is my 'message' for this post? That each day is a gift! Each and everyone! From the ones that send you to bed smiling and feeling warm and fuzzy inside, to the ones that find you crying yourself to sleep. Of course, you're not going to get off so easily as that being it, post over. Nope! We still have a lot of ground to cover! Because, the concept that each day is a gift takes a few forms, has different aspects, and we're going to look at each one. And there's a fun way we're going to do that. Who has heard the song "Today is the day" by Lincoln Brewster, I believe? I love that song. And it's perfect for this. So. We're going to go through the lyrics, and use those to examine each aspect! "I'm casting my cares aside I'm leaving my past behind" What's a struggle we all share? Cares. A past. Grappling with worry, stress, guilt, you name it. It's easy to get caught up in the little worries and concerns of life. Finances, relationships, decisions, you name it. They can be pretty big too, or small but still nagging. And do you know what those worries do? They suck your joy. They also drag you down, making you think that life is just worries, worries, worries. Well let me assure you, it's not! Better yet, let the Bible assure you! "She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' "'Martha, Martha', the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:39-42 "Let be and be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17 "I'm setting my heart and mind on You Jesus I'm reaching my hand to Yours Believing there's so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good Is good" It may sound cliché, but things go better when you're focused on God. Over the last few weeks, I've been trying something new. Each day, each moment even, I try to focus on the good- on how God is working- instead of the bad. I've been having some less-than-perfect days the last couple weeks. School is a disaster. . . interested in flunking multiple subjects? I can set you up. I have an adorable dog that is even more of a disaster. . . she attacks our other dog, eats carpet if left unattended, is not as housetrained as I thought, the list goes on. And those are just the two basic, simple things adding some stress to my life right now. But you know what? I have been able to come to the end of each day and say: "Thank You for this day, God." And mean it. Why? The realization that 'the bad' is good in disguise! Seriously! So the last couple, okay, maybe few, years have been kinda hard. (I know. I keep changing my mind. . . weeks, years, days, which is it? How about all three.) I won't go into detail on why, since it's complicated as there's been a lot of contributing factors. Enough said that they've been difficult and stressful. (And of course I'm not saying every day every week was that way, it's just been a kind of 'theme', since some difficult things have taken place, etc.) And do you know what I realized a little while ago? I have grown more in character and in faith the last couple years than any other time in my life. Does the fact that I'm just getting older contribute to that? Yes, of course. But the fact that God has been using the different circumstances in my life to mold me sure does, too! I guarantee it! It's so, so true. All He has in store for us is good. The days that I mess up the most, or am hurt the most, are often the days that I come away with the most growth. Especially when I make myself take my focus from 'my problems', and put it on God instead. Put it on thankfulness, contentment, peace, and joy- all of which can be found in unending supply in Him. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord." Psalm 89:15 "'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.'" Jeremiah 29:11 "I'm putting my fears aside I'm leaving my doubts behind I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You Jesus" Are days ever daunting to you? We all have fears. We all certainly have doubts. And I don't just mean the fear of heights, or of creepy-crawlies (both of which are phobias I participate in actively). But fear for what the future holds, or over things you can't control. Fear of being shut out, of being an outsider. Fear of failing. Whatever it is, it can certainly put a damper on your day. And doubts? Don't know about you, but I can argue first place on this one. We're all plagued by doubt. Am I actually loved? Am I actually good enough? Or will it really work out? Will God really still love me no matter what? Doubts and fears can also be over hopes and dreams. Wanting something so bad, you're afraid because, what if you don't ever get it? Or wanting to do something, make an accomplishment, but doubting your up to the task. And what does God say about all this? "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4 "How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues." Psalm 31:19-20 "I have told you these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 "I will stand upon Your truth I will stand upon Your truth And all my days Ill live for You All my days Ill live for You" That stage where I though if I did more, was more, I would be fulfilling the purpose for my life? I'd find that purpose in the first place? Yeah, no. That didn't work for me. And it won't work for you. But that doesn't change that living for God. . . now that will give you purpose! Remember that the point isn't a list of do's and don'ts, that if completed, sets up you up for heaven. It's a matter of following God! Wherever He might lead! If He leads you to do some things that might be considered part of the list, such as missionary work, volunteering, being in a position of leadership in the church, awesome! That's where He's led you. And if He leads you to grow your faith with him? To reach out to those that are nearest to you, to influence your family and not an entire people in Africa? To use your skills/interests to glorify Him, however 'unimportant' you might think they are? Just as awesome! It may not seem as glorious and gratifying, as 'good', to us. But if it's God's will, it'll be plenty glorious and good! Here's the other thing. . . we can do even the little things for God. Your day-to-day 'monotony'? Yeah, you can do it for God! You don't need to be a Billy Graham, a Joan of Arc, a John Wycliffe. There's certainly nothing wrong with being that, but there's nothing wrong with not, either! God can use you just where you are. And you can glorify Him, just where you are. "And He said to all, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" Luke 9:23 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 Alright, we're at the end. The chorus! "Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it And I wont worry about tomorrow I'm trusting in what You say Today is the day" Here's the bottom line. And that's rewinding a bit. . . "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift." Today is a gift. It is the day God has made! It is the day He has given you, the day He has planned for you. And all it holds in store is, according to His perfect will, for your good. Rejoice, and be glad in it. Today is the day indeed! I hope I'm not the only one excited by this. Each day, each and every day, is a gift from God. An opportunity for Him to work in us, to shape us. To use us. Why worry about tomorrow? It's in His hands. And why fret about the past? Today is the day. You don't need to fear, you don't need to doubt. You don't need to be brought down by the struggles of the day- knowing that He is with you always! And that He is using everything for your good. And that is why you can rejoice in this day, and every day! Thank You God! "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
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Posted by: Anna
God loves us. The Bible makes that clear. Because He loves us, He gives us a gift, too. That gift is grace. You could say that gift is His Son, or salvation, or mercy, so forth. I’m realizing, though, that all of the gifts God gives us can sort of be summed up into one, ultimate gift: Grace. Before we get into it though, just want to say thank you to the guest pastor at our church that got me thinking on this in the first place! This is pretty much based off his sermons. So what is grace? I know I do definitions a lot, but I’m going to do it again. Because, there’s different ways to think of grace. 1- favor, kindness, mercy. 2- divine mercy and forgiveness. For the most part, we’re looking at the second. Now there’s a bit of a ‘problem’ encountered when it comes to grace. I’ve gone over this a bit in the past, but I think it’s worth expounding on. That is that when you teach grace, you can easily teach license. Since grace is forgiveness/pardon of our sins, and because of how incredible God’s grace is, it’s easy to get confused. Some verses do make it sound like grace is basically a pass to keep on sinning. It’s a license. It takes away the punishment, thus allowing us to sin on. Not so. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2 Paul is stating quite clearly that no, grace does not give us license. His reasoning is that we have died to sin, so how can we continue to live in it? “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14 Did you catch that? Sin will have no dominion over you. Why not? Because you are under grace. That is basically saying that grace is the reason sin won't abound, that it’s the reason sin is not permitted or licensed. Why is that? How does grace take away sin’s dominion over us? It’s a bit tricky. Try to think of it like this. I’d say there’s kind of two ways to get someone to obey you. Using force/punishment, or using reward. Either you make them listen, or you make them want to listen. Which do you think God uses? He wants us to choose Him, to want Him. Obviously, then, He would use the second. He would reward us. Not to mention the fact that He loves us and wants us to be in heaven with Him for eternity. Back to the point, though. Grace, being a gift, can also be a reward, wouldn’t you say? Grace is the reward. Alright, to bring it all together: Grace is not for us to use for our own sinful desires, but for us to use to cure our sinful desire. How about this. If God did not give us grace, did not extend forgiveness. . . how much motivation would you have to obey Him, even when it made things more complicated? Not much, right? No! Because if God didn’t forgive us, didn’t show us grace, there wouldn’t be the end reward of heaven. Serving Him really wouldn’t gain us anything, it wouldn’t change anything. This brings me to the next part of grace I want to look at. What I’m saying about grace being our reason to serve God. . . that can be taken as being ‘God’s problem’, so to speak. As in, it is God’s responsibility to give us grace so that we have a reason to serve Him. Uh, no! That isn’t it. Here’s what I really mean: Grace should be motivation for us to obey God. It’s sort of the concept of ‘Is God serving you, or are you serving God?’ After all, let’s look at what comes after Romans 6:14. “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! . . . you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” Look at that last bit. What it says to me is that grace has set us free from sin, which is why we now serve righteousness, not sin. So what does this get us to? Don’t think of grace as pardon for your sins. It is that, but thinking of it that way brings up the idea that it’s a license. Instead, think of it as a gift. A gift that the Creator of the universe gives you, because He loves you. Still, we’re not done yet! Now I want to specifically share something the pastor pointed out last week, that really stuck out to me. “Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand,” Romans 5:2 That may not seem so significant at first glance. But, let’s take a look at the word access. No worries, I’m not going to define that one for you. However, what if we put another word there? Most translations have access. A few, though, have ‘introduction’ or ‘experience’. What would that imply? “Through Him we have also obtained an introduction by faith into this grace”. Wait. . . an introduction to grace? If the amazing grace that we’re shown is just an introduction, is just the access to the grace that exists from God, how awesome is that?! That the grace of our Lord and Savior is so great, so limitless, that just an introduction to it is enough to cover all our sins, and enough to -if you’re like me- leave us awed and rejoicing. One more quick thought on grace. It’s a gift. It isn’t an item in a store with a price tag. “. . . but the free gift of God is eternal life” Romans 6:23. It’s a free gift! We can’t earn it. We can’t deserve it. But Paul also still uses the phrase ‘by faith’, and ‘through Him’. Think of it like this. That gift was free to us, but God still had to ‘buy’ it. Jesus was how He bought it. Then, He made it available to all mankind. All we had to do was, by faith, obtain access to it. What am I getting at? God’s grace is a gift! I know I keep saying that, but it’s a big deal. This is where the issue of works comes in. Are we saved by faith and grace through Jesus, or by that list of do’s and dont’s? The answer is clear in the Bible. “And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8 I went through a stage almost a year ago where I was pretty sure I had to work harder. Be better. Do more. That was how I would be a true follower of Jesus, that was how I’d get to heaven. That’s even why I started this website, honestly. Now I realize. . . I can never work hard enough. Be good enough. Do enough. And the incredible part? I don’t need to! By grace, I can be saved despite my shortcomings. My job was simply to believe and accept, to have faith. And that’s all you have to do, too. Though you have to be careful and not take this as a license. . . think about that! How great God’s grace is! Keeping in mind what we already went over, look at these verses: “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” That’s a long one. And it’s kind of worded in a confusing way. But it still makes something clear: God’s grace does not run out. God’s grace is why Jesus came to earth. God’s grace is a gift, and it leads to eternal life with the One Who gave it. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -by grace you have been saved- and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-7 Posted by: Abby
I'm sorry that this post is a little late, but I'm sure that most of you can relate to getting back into the schedule of school, normal sleep, and all that other stuff. But, now, without further ado, here is the third and final installment on joy. I hope you all glean something from it. We've delved into what joy is and how we get it, but there is still one thing we need to take a good look at, and that is, why do we need joy? I mean really, what is the purpose of joy in our lives? And do we need it? The answer is yes, yes we really do. And to show you why, I'm going to go into scripture. Now hang tight, there are some really interesting connections to be made in this installment, and it's going to tie right back into the first two in some aspects. So! Let's get started! "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25 Now, can you see what I'm getting at? Joy is apparently one of the fruits of the spirit. But what does the spirit have to do with us anyways? Well, in the last sentence the Bible tells us that we're supposed to walk in the spirit. Now, I don't know about you, but that seems pretty clear to me. And to go further than just that, if we're walking in the spirit, and joy is a fruit of the spirit, then it would only make sense that we would have that fruit as well. Now, the Spirit isn't the only part of the trinity that has joy. Take a look at this. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11 Jesus himself spoke these words. Therefore, he's telling us that he wants His own joy to be in us, and thus our joy will be full. But this ties right into the previous verse concerning the fruits of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 tells us that we who are Christ's have crucified our worldly passions. We have crucified ourself like Jesus did, except we did it with his help. Now, Jesus had joy even at the cross, as we saw in the first installment. (Hebrews 12:2) So, if Jesus had joy at the cross, and we're Christ's and we are crucifying our earthly desires, and Jesus wants His own joy to be ours, then it's very clear that Jesus has joy as well. And He wants us to share in that joy. So we've visited both the Spirit's and Jesus' joy, but does the Father have joy. Yes, again. And here is the proof. "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalms 16:11 In this verse, David is referring and talking to God. We know this because verse one of Psalms 16 reads: "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust." Psalms 16:1 So, if David is talking and praying to God, then he is also saying that in God the Father's presence is the fullness of joy. Also, we are supposed to be walking in God's path, which means being in his presence, which is full of joy. Once again it is clear that God wants us to have His joy, just as Jesus and the Spirit do. And finally, we get to tie everything together and make some marvelous connections. But to do this, we have to look at another verse. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." |
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