There are two things that have struck me this week. And both have knocked the wind out of me.
The first came Wednesday evening at choir practice. Our music minister stated that he felt led by the Spirit to begin a prayer time to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). He already had some prepared requests from church members and there were cards on our seats to put our own on. As he talked through his heart for prayer and helping one another through struggles his emphasis was on relationships with other believers. I cannot remember if he is the one who said it, but the word "community" cut me to the quick. It was like a strong realization that that is what I have been looking for and hoping to build in our Sunday School class and felt like has failed miserably. Don't get me wrong, our class is wonderful. Our teachers are great and we all enjoy hanging out with each other. But I fear we seriously lack depth with one another. We lack a sense of community used to strengthen, encourage, and support in tough times. I think when we began our monthly socials last year, that was what I had hoped for and was trying to accomplish. However, on Wednesday night I felt like it has been a complete failure. Yes, we get together and enjoy each other, but I fear we are no deeper past the surface than we were a year ago. It just hurt and made me feel very sad and alone.
The second came today while at work. I have been listening to The Boundless Show podcasts by Focus on the Family (highly recommend). In a previous episode, they interviewed the host of the show and at one point she nailed it on the head when she described what it is like to be a single person. She stated a realization that she has struggled with is, "I am not your priority....On this earth, I am no one's most important person". If that doesn't define singlehood, I don't know what does. At this point in the show she broke down, and I have to admit that I broke down with her. Like a knife stabbing into and twisting my heart, those words echoed how I have felt so many times. When you're single, you're not anyone's most important person. You don't have a person whom you have committed to walk through this life with and someone who is going to walk with you. You feel isolated, alone, and in despair. You want someone to come alongside you and hold you while you cry and encourage you when you are weak. And when you don't have that, it's an added weight to your disheartening situation.
I realize this has sounded completely whiny of me. I guess through it, I am hoping someone will see it and use to make an effort to include the single adults in their lives. Just as many of you reveal your hearts and hurts to your spouses, we need someone to do that with. I love my church with everything I have. I believe that we have wonderful pastor, amazing music minister, and teachers who care about us. But I want to see more help in and for our single adults' ministry. I want to see someone who is willing to strongly come beside us and open their hearts, homes, and ideas to growing the support and involvement we have in our church. I want to have a community of single adults who truly bear one another's burdens and who are included and made to feel important in the larger scheme of our church body.
In the middle of the night
When worry finds me
In the middle of the fight
When strength is gone
In the middle of a fire
When fear is closing in
You are, You are my song
You're my hope when hope is gone
I will cast my cares on You the Almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
In the middle of the night
When worry finds me
In the middle of the fight
When strength is gone
In the middle of a fire
When fear is closing in
You are, You are my song
You're my hope when hope is gone
So I will cast my cares on You the Almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
God of glory
You are able
Through Your power
To be faithful
God of mercy
Every moment
You are near to me
God of glory
You are able
Through Your power
To be faithful
God of mercy
Every moment
You are near to me
So I will cast my cares on You the Almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
Oh, oh because You love me
In the middle of the night
I'll pray with confidence
In the middle of the fight
You're greater still
In the middle of a fire
Your love is holding me
You are, You are my song
You're my hope when hope is gone
~Cast My Cares by Tim Timmons~
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Broken Hallelujah
I met a friend for lunch the other day and we had a long discussion about singlehood and how to deal with it as we get increasingly older and feel like our opportunities are slipping away. We talked about how many people in our lives don't understand, because they were married fresh out of high school or college. We talked about how the world seems to prosper in the area of relationships and those of us who cling to waiting for God's timing and way seem to be forgotten. We discussed how it makes us question our worth, our faith, and who we are. Is it something we're doing wrong? Is it something we're not doing? We came up with no answers. Yet at the same time, we know the Scripture and we know God's answers (Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11). We know all these things. We tell ourselves these things all the time. We believe God loves us and wants the best for us. But we don't understand why we are still waiting with no sign of an answer from God about what our futures hold. Our emotional lives are like a rollercoaster. One minute we're chugging along and enjoying our lives and the next we're in a valley of depression and loneliness that no one seems to comprehend. We desire companionship and to feel important to another human being. And as the days fade, so does our strength to hold on to hope.
It's really funny as I mention the word "hope". God has as sense of humor. In Sunday School last week, the lesson was on hope. Our teacher asked if God always answered our prayers the way we wanted them answered. And of course, the response was "No". Then he asked how we respond to God when this happens. In honesty, I said that I sometimes through temper tantrums. Other answers included pity parties, regrouping and focusing on God, and keeping the faith. I've done all and I think we go through periods of each.
If our hope is in our circumstances, we will always be disappointed, because they always change and more often than not we find something wrong with them. Our hope is to be in the everlasting God, the Creator of our hearts that are breaking and the tears rolling down our faces (Isaiah 40:28-31). We have to keep trusting and choosing to believe Him even when He seems silent on the things that are most important to us at the moment.
Mandisa's song "Broken Hallelujah" was what God brought to mind after the lunch with my friend. As I listened to it again, I imagined that whoever wrote it was going through a similar season of loneliness and desperately trying to hang on to God and His hope. And that is what I want to do. I don't want my heart and mind to be consumed with thoughts of being single, but when I try to let it go and give it to God, I fall apart and fear creeps in that I will always be single or have to settle for less. But that's where I have to die to my selfish ways through the Holy Spirit and sing that broken hallelujah to my perfect God who hears my every plea. To all of those hurting because you are single, you are not alone. God, help us and show Yourself to us and make Your presence real. We do love You and trust You, even in our sadness.
With my love and my sadness
I come before You, Lord
My heart's in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment
You're with me somehow
And You've always been faithful
So, Lord, even now
When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah
Oh, Father, You have given
Much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
On me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness
Your wisdom, Your grace
Oh, Lord, hear my heart
In this painful place
When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah,
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
I lift my voice
Your Spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You
'Cause all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
And my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah
~Broken Hallelujah by Mandisa~
It's really funny as I mention the word "hope". God has as sense of humor. In Sunday School last week, the lesson was on hope. Our teacher asked if God always answered our prayers the way we wanted them answered. And of course, the response was "No". Then he asked how we respond to God when this happens. In honesty, I said that I sometimes through temper tantrums. Other answers included pity parties, regrouping and focusing on God, and keeping the faith. I've done all and I think we go through periods of each.
If our hope is in our circumstances, we will always be disappointed, because they always change and more often than not we find something wrong with them. Our hope is to be in the everlasting God, the Creator of our hearts that are breaking and the tears rolling down our faces (Isaiah 40:28-31). We have to keep trusting and choosing to believe Him even when He seems silent on the things that are most important to us at the moment.
Mandisa's song "Broken Hallelujah" was what God brought to mind after the lunch with my friend. As I listened to it again, I imagined that whoever wrote it was going through a similar season of loneliness and desperately trying to hang on to God and His hope. And that is what I want to do. I don't want my heart and mind to be consumed with thoughts of being single, but when I try to let it go and give it to God, I fall apart and fear creeps in that I will always be single or have to settle for less. But that's where I have to die to my selfish ways through the Holy Spirit and sing that broken hallelujah to my perfect God who hears my every plea. To all of those hurting because you are single, you are not alone. God, help us and show Yourself to us and make Your presence real. We do love You and trust You, even in our sadness.
With my love and my sadness
I come before You, Lord
My heart's in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment
You're with me somehow
And You've always been faithful
So, Lord, even now
When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah
Oh, Father, You have given
Much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing
On me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness
Your wisdom, Your grace
Oh, Lord, hear my heart
In this painful place
When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah,
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
I lift my voice
Your Spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You
'Cause all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah
And my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah
~Broken Hallelujah by Mandisa~
Monday, March 10, 2014
When Hope is Gone, Praise the Lord
This morning was a rough one. The days have been that way a lot more lately. Not a total depression as I have battled before, but just a deep blah and sadness that makes me want to cry for no apparent reason. I remind myself that I have worked too hard and God has brought me too far to dwell in the sadness. But still it returns over and over this past week. But God always brings hope and joy and peace.
One of my favorite passages is Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." I find comfort in picturing myself with my head in Jesus' lap as we sit in green, green grass next to a calm brook. He runs His hands through my hair and comforts me as I cry and His presence alone brings peace.
This morning God so graciously used KLOVE's Encouraging Word of the day to lift my spirits and restore my life. Today's verse was Psalm 42:11, "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - my Savior and my God!"
And the best thing about life, to me, is music. God has amazing ways of ministering through it. I have had the joy of rejoining my church's choir over the past few months under new leadership and I am thrilled about it now. Our music minister has a complete passion for God and worship. Exactly what I want when I grow up. Kim really knows how music can touch a heart and God can use it to change a life and that even we in choir need those reminders for ourselves. God brought Our God Saves to my heart this morning and even though I sang the words wrong (sometimes I do that), the heart of the message is what brought strength.
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Yes, the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves
~Our God Saves by Paul Baloche~
One of my favorite passages is Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." I find comfort in picturing myself with my head in Jesus' lap as we sit in green, green grass next to a calm brook. He runs His hands through my hair and comforts me as I cry and His presence alone brings peace.
This morning God so graciously used KLOVE's Encouraging Word of the day to lift my spirits and restore my life. Today's verse was Psalm 42:11, "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - my Savior and my God!"
And the best thing about life, to me, is music. God has amazing ways of ministering through it. I have had the joy of rejoining my church's choir over the past few months under new leadership and I am thrilled about it now. Our music minister has a complete passion for God and worship. Exactly what I want when I grow up. Kim really knows how music can touch a heart and God can use it to change a life and that even we in choir need those reminders for ourselves. God brought Our God Saves to my heart this morning and even though I sang the words wrong (sometimes I do that), the heart of the message is what brought strength.
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
In the name of the Father
In the name of the Son
In the name of the Spirit
Lord, we've come
We're gathered together
To lift up Your name
To call on our Savior
To fall on Your grace
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
As Your saints bow down, as Your people sing
We will rise with You, lifted on Your wings
And the world will see that
Yes, the world will see that
Our God saves, our God saves
There is hope in Your name
Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves
Our God saves, our God saves
~Our God Saves by Paul Baloche~
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Let the Little Children Come to Me...
The Father has been answering some prayers and placing others on my heart lately. A recent training I attended talked about the importance of physically reaching out to the kids we work with. Many kids in the city schools go without their parents touching them (hugs, high fives, etc.) for long periods of time. Or the touches they do receive come in the form of abuse. To many that high five or hand shake from the teacher or administrator or social worker is the only contact they get. It brings a sense of camaraderie and trust.
At the end of last month I was feeling lonely and just desiring a connection with someone. I wanted to lay my head on someone's lap and have them run their hand through my hair, like a mother to her child. I was looking for comfort and God brought it to me in the most unexpected way.
A few Sundays ago I was at an inner-city church and a young girl came up to me and began to hug me and hang around. She sat down next to me during church and I just felt such a tug on my heart to reach out and wrap my arms around her. The whole time of worship I had my hand on her shoulder. As the service progressed she moved closer to me and wrapped my arm around her. Immediately tears began to fall and I heard God tell me, "This is the connection you've been looking for, the touch you need." It wasn't so much anymore about me needing that connection, because a great burden was placed on my heart to reach out to and love on the kids at this church.
Since that Sunday I have visited the kids' Sunday School class. There is a great need for people to come and love and teach these kids with a program designed for them. Right now there is one teacher for approximately 20 kids, ages 2-12. I've been praying about how God wants me to be involved. Many ideas and desires have come to mind, but fear and self-doubt also come to mind. I am not sure what to do or how to do it, but I plan on pursuing this desire God has placed in my heart. I would like to ask for your prayers for a few things:
Oh, gently lay your head upon My chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
And the tide can change so fast
But I will stay the same through the past
The same in the future, the same today
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
Oh, weary, tired, and worn
Let out your sighs
And drop that heavy load you hold
'Cause Mine is light
I know you through and through
There's no need to hide
I want to show you love
That is deep and high and wide
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
Oh, gently lay your head upon My chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
~I Am by Jill Phillips~
At the end of last month I was feeling lonely and just desiring a connection with someone. I wanted to lay my head on someone's lap and have them run their hand through my hair, like a mother to her child. I was looking for comfort and God brought it to me in the most unexpected way.
A few Sundays ago I was at an inner-city church and a young girl came up to me and began to hug me and hang around. She sat down next to me during church and I just felt such a tug on my heart to reach out and wrap my arms around her. The whole time of worship I had my hand on her shoulder. As the service progressed she moved closer to me and wrapped my arm around her. Immediately tears began to fall and I heard God tell me, "This is the connection you've been looking for, the touch you need." It wasn't so much anymore about me needing that connection, because a great burden was placed on my heart to reach out to and love on the kids at this church.
Since that Sunday I have visited the kids' Sunday School class. There is a great need for people to come and love and teach these kids with a program designed for them. Right now there is one teacher for approximately 20 kids, ages 2-12. I've been praying about how God wants me to be involved. Many ideas and desires have come to mind, but fear and self-doubt also come to mind. I am not sure what to do or how to do it, but I plan on pursuing this desire God has placed in my heart. I would like to ask for your prayers for a few things:
- Pray for the boys and girls, that the Spirit will open the eyes of their hearts to see His truth (Ephesians 1:15-19).
- Pray for the enemy to be bound and darkness to be dispelled, because Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelieving (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
- Pray for the hearts of the children, that they will not be hardened, but that they will be opened for God to place a new, living heart in them to follow His commands and to be counted among His people (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
- Pray for leaders (young men especially) with a heart for children to be raised up and called to love and serve and be role models for these kids (2 Timothy 2:2).
- Pray for me, that I will be humble and not act like Miss Know-It-All, but that I will have a servant's heart to reach out to these kids (Philippians 2:5-8).
Oh, gently lay your head upon My chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
And the tide can change so fast
But I will stay the same through the past
The same in the future, the same today
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
Oh, weary, tired, and worn
Let out your sighs
And drop that heavy load you hold
'Cause Mine is light
I know you through and through
There's no need to hide
I want to show you love
That is deep and high and wide
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
I am constant, I am near
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears
I am holy, I am wise
I'm the only One who knows your heart's desires, your heart's desires
Oh, gently lay your head upon My chest
And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest
~I Am by Jill Phillips~
Monday, August 8, 2011
Desensitized and Disillusioned
"I'm bored." The most repeated phrase I heard out of a boy's mouth at Vacation Bible School.
Blank stares in a Sunday School.
"What else is there?" "Is this all there is?" "Why can't I have what she has?" Questions I've asked myself a million times.
If you are a Christian, chances are you have encountered all these thoughts, feelings, and actions. After all, it's not too often that we find a Christian who stands out. We're so used to complacency, to seeing everybody smiling in church, but not living a powerful, Spirit-filled life. Over these past few months God has really been opening my eyes to how He intended our Christianity to be. We have so missed the mark.
A couple of years ago, I began to feel a tug on my heart and ask the question: "Is this going to church and pretending everything is okay and that I'm not struggling in sin and doubt all there is to being a Christian?" It's all I ever saw. I was never invited to really become a part of a maturing Christian's life: to observe and be taught and be challenged. As I began to ask my Sunday School teacher about something more, she led me to a lady who would disciple me. In turn, she introduced me to a group of ladies whose passion and purpose was to follow Jesus and build women to do the same. What they had amazed me and I wanted it too. But it's not today's standard and I didn't think I could ever have anything like it.
Over the past three years I have had three women disciple me. But it hasn't been until the last few months that my heart and desire have been changed to really start pursuing and developing my relationship with God. Through the lady who has been discipling me, the books of Leslie Ludy, and key verses God has placed on my heart to memorize, claim, and pray (Matthew 7:7-8, Hebrews 11:6), I have been able to get a glimpse of what God truly has for us in our relationships with Him. It's so much bigger and beautiful and passionate than anything I've ever experienced. It calls for self-sacrifice, discipline, a yielded heart, and perseverance. Nothing ever comes easy and so it is with a satisfying, fulfilling relationship with God. It's not that He doesn't want to have that with us. It's that He wants to reveal Himself to those who are faithful enough to lay aside everything to pursue Him.
A true relationship with God, one that changes your life and stands out in the sea of Christians, is one in which God is placed first and earnestly sought after. He is radically changing my world and the way I view Christianity. It deeply saddens me that so few people are really transformed upon accepting Jesus. Granted, it is a process, but we should be swept away in a joyous adventure, not roped into the mundane of the crowd.
As I glimpse more of the Father, and the relationship He desires to have with me, I want to shout the joy and wonders of it to the world. I urge you, I beseech you, I beg of you to surrender your heart, mind, body, and soul to God and to begin praying that He will reveal Himself to you. Then do your part and seek (Jeremiah 29:13). God promised that you will find Him, but too often we wait to look until we are buried in sin or pain, and at that point we begin to doubt His presence and goodness. It is imperative we begin seeking right now. Believe me, He will reward your pursuit of Him with joy and peace and confidence of His presence. It's not easy, but it's possible. A radical, Spirit-filled life is not the norm, but it is worth stepping out in faith and being "weird".
Many have traveled this road before
I see their tracks in the dirt
But maybe I don't agree
With where they are leading
And who am I, just a youth
But why has that become the excuse?
A monotone voice
In my head saying
"Dreaming all the time, it's so foolish
Your flood of empty words will drown you in ruin"
So we listen
Should we listen?
They shake their heads
As they drive away in the bandwagon
Didn't feel like hitching a ride
Oh, but I'll be fine
Some nights it's hard to be alone
I want some kind of kinship
But the finish line
It drives me on when they say
"Dreaming all the time, it's so foolish
Your flood of empty words will drown you in ruin"
So we listen
Should we listen?
Come with me, they'll call us revolutionaries
Come with me, they'll call us revolutionaries
Revolutionaries
Revolutionaries
Dreaming all the time, it's not foolish
Your flood of life giving words
They will refresh
They will refresh
Dreaming all the time, it's not foolish
Your flood of life giving words
They will refresh
Should we listen?
Revolutionaries
~Revolutionaries by Bethany Dillon~
I hear a voice calling out
I hear a voice in this wilderness
Where darkness has reigned for so long
Ground is being taken
The trumpet sounds
And Your glory touches the ground
And we all stand in awe
Who is this, this glory far beyond us?
I hear a voice
I hear a drum beating, heaven's drawing near
The sky will open up, people are being healed
I hear a drum beating, heaven's drawing near
The sky will open up, people are being healed
I hear a voice
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving
What was a whisper is now
A voice calling out
I see a generation rising up
No longer accepting lies
Running to the battlefield
And losing their lives
I see a generation rising up
No longer accepting lies
As a band of worshipers run to the battlefield
They're finding their lives
They're finding their lives
I hear a voice
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving
What was a whisper is now
A voice calling out
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving, it's moving
What was is a whisper is now, is now
A voice, voice calling out
~A Voice Calling Out by Bethany Dillon~
Blank stares in a Sunday School.
"What else is there?" "Is this all there is?" "Why can't I have what she has?" Questions I've asked myself a million times.
If you are a Christian, chances are you have encountered all these thoughts, feelings, and actions. After all, it's not too often that we find a Christian who stands out. We're so used to complacency, to seeing everybody smiling in church, but not living a powerful, Spirit-filled life. Over these past few months God has really been opening my eyes to how He intended our Christianity to be. We have so missed the mark.
A couple of years ago, I began to feel a tug on my heart and ask the question: "Is this going to church and pretending everything is okay and that I'm not struggling in sin and doubt all there is to being a Christian?" It's all I ever saw. I was never invited to really become a part of a maturing Christian's life: to observe and be taught and be challenged. As I began to ask my Sunday School teacher about something more, she led me to a lady who would disciple me. In turn, she introduced me to a group of ladies whose passion and purpose was to follow Jesus and build women to do the same. What they had amazed me and I wanted it too. But it's not today's standard and I didn't think I could ever have anything like it.
Over the past three years I have had three women disciple me. But it hasn't been until the last few months that my heart and desire have been changed to really start pursuing and developing my relationship with God. Through the lady who has been discipling me, the books of Leslie Ludy, and key verses God has placed on my heart to memorize, claim, and pray (Matthew 7:7-8, Hebrews 11:6), I have been able to get a glimpse of what God truly has for us in our relationships with Him. It's so much bigger and beautiful and passionate than anything I've ever experienced. It calls for self-sacrifice, discipline, a yielded heart, and perseverance. Nothing ever comes easy and so it is with a satisfying, fulfilling relationship with God. It's not that He doesn't want to have that with us. It's that He wants to reveal Himself to those who are faithful enough to lay aside everything to pursue Him.
A true relationship with God, one that changes your life and stands out in the sea of Christians, is one in which God is placed first and earnestly sought after. He is radically changing my world and the way I view Christianity. It deeply saddens me that so few people are really transformed upon accepting Jesus. Granted, it is a process, but we should be swept away in a joyous adventure, not roped into the mundane of the crowd.
As I glimpse more of the Father, and the relationship He desires to have with me, I want to shout the joy and wonders of it to the world. I urge you, I beseech you, I beg of you to surrender your heart, mind, body, and soul to God and to begin praying that He will reveal Himself to you. Then do your part and seek (Jeremiah 29:13). God promised that you will find Him, but too often we wait to look until we are buried in sin or pain, and at that point we begin to doubt His presence and goodness. It is imperative we begin seeking right now. Believe me, He will reward your pursuit of Him with joy and peace and confidence of His presence. It's not easy, but it's possible. A radical, Spirit-filled life is not the norm, but it is worth stepping out in faith and being "weird".
Many have traveled this road before
I see their tracks in the dirt
But maybe I don't agree
With where they are leading
And who am I, just a youth
But why has that become the excuse?
A monotone voice
In my head saying
"Dreaming all the time, it's so foolish
Your flood of empty words will drown you in ruin"
So we listen
Should we listen?
They shake their heads
As they drive away in the bandwagon
Didn't feel like hitching a ride
Oh, but I'll be fine
Some nights it's hard to be alone
I want some kind of kinship
But the finish line
It drives me on when they say
"Dreaming all the time, it's so foolish
Your flood of empty words will drown you in ruin"
So we listen
Should we listen?
Come with me, they'll call us revolutionaries
Come with me, they'll call us revolutionaries
Revolutionaries
Revolutionaries
Dreaming all the time, it's not foolish
Your flood of life giving words
They will refresh
They will refresh
Dreaming all the time, it's not foolish
Your flood of life giving words
They will refresh
Should we listen?
Revolutionaries
~Revolutionaries by Bethany Dillon~
I hear a voice calling out
I hear a voice in this wilderness
Where darkness has reigned for so long
Ground is being taken
The trumpet sounds
And Your glory touches the ground
And we all stand in awe
Who is this, this glory far beyond us?
I hear a voice
I hear a drum beating, heaven's drawing near
The sky will open up, people are being healed
I hear a drum beating, heaven's drawing near
The sky will open up, people are being healed
I hear a voice
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving
What was a whisper is now
A voice calling out
I see a generation rising up
No longer accepting lies
Running to the battlefield
And losing their lives
I see a generation rising up
No longer accepting lies
As a band of worshipers run to the battlefield
They're finding their lives
They're finding their lives
I hear a voice
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving
What was a whisper is now
A voice calling out
Heaven's battle cry, Rise!
See the sun light what was hidden
Heaven's heartbeat, see it moving, it's moving
What was is a whisper is now, is now
A voice, voice calling out
~A Voice Calling Out by Bethany Dillon~
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Scent of a Christmas Tree
I know. It's a weird title. However, it is the scent that makes me the happiest right now. I debated for weeks whether or not to get a tree and finally decided that I really wanted one, even if I could only have it for 2 weeks. I'm one of those people who recognizes things by smells. My grandma's house. The rain. The mall. Any place I go has a certain smell to it and it brings back memories. Sometimes I'll be walking along and I'll smell something and it's so familiar, but I can't place it. Whether it is something good or bad I'm reminded of, I remember by smell. What's the purpose of such a weird blog? Well, every day when I get home and every night before I go to sleep I sniff my tree and it makes me smile. It does more than make me smile though. It reminds me of what Christmas is about.
CHRISTmas is more than presents and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. CHRISTmas is more than decorating your house and trying to make it look better than the neighbors'. CHRISTmas is more than the good food and eating until you can't breathe. CHRISTmas is about Christ, Jesus, God come to earth. The Bible tells us that "[T]here has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). That is what this season is about every year. Celebrating the birth of a Savior, Messiah, and Lord.
The most detailed account of the virgin birth of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Luke. On the surface this doesn't seem like a significant piece of data. But we need to delve a little further. What is the importance of Luke having the most detailed account of the virgin birth? Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). Everything he knew and had been taught went against the possibility of a virgin birth. I'm sure there were many textbook defying things he encountered in his life, but the most mind boggling would be the virgin birth of a Savior. What's more is that Luke didn't just accept what he had heard from others. He was just like the rest of us and he researched and questioned until he found the answers he was looking for. In the Luke 1:1-4 it says, "So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story's beginning, I have decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught." Luke searched for the answers and tested the things he had heard concerning Christ. But Luke went beyond the research and did what any disciple of Jesus would do. Once he found out that all he had heard was true, he wrote it all out so that others (Theophilus was his main audience) would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything they had heard was true. He wanted others to know the same truth he had discovered.
How true this needs to be of us during this season. A lot of us have heard the story of Jesus' birth over and over again. It's time now to discover for ourselves what the Word of God says about the birth of Christ. We can listen and listen to the story of Christ's birth again and again, but until we read it for ourselves and really dissect what it means then it will just remain a story. Jesus' birth was not an accident. It was planned by God before the foundation of the earth was laid. From the beginning of time men were prophesying about the coming Messiah. And today, more than 2,000 years after the birth and death of Christ, we are still marvelling at the wonder of it. How could a God so big, become so small to save every human on earth? It is more than our minds can comprehend, but as long as we walk by faith and seek God and the truth for ourselves we can know the love of Christ. As we learn about the love of God and what He has done for us, and as we follow in His footsteps, then we too can carry the smell of Christmas (Ephesians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14).
See the virgin is delivered
In a cold and crowded stall
Mirror of the Father's glory
Lies beside her in the straw
He is mercy's incarnation
Marvel at this miracle
For the virgin gently holds
The Glorious Impossible
Love has come to walk on water
Turn the water into wine
Touch the leper, bless the children
Love both human and divine
Praise the wisdom of the Father
Who has spoken through His Son
Speaking still, He calls us to
The Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
He was bruised for our transgressions
And He bears eternal scars
He was raised for our salvation
And His righteousness is ours
Praise, oh, praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
The Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible, Glorious Impossible
Praise, oh, praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
The Glorious Impossible
~Glorious Impossible by Carl Cartee~
CHRISTmas is more than presents and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. CHRISTmas is more than decorating your house and trying to make it look better than the neighbors'. CHRISTmas is more than the good food and eating until you can't breathe. CHRISTmas is about Christ, Jesus, God come to earth. The Bible tells us that "[T]here has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). That is what this season is about every year. Celebrating the birth of a Savior, Messiah, and Lord.
The most detailed account of the virgin birth of Jesus is found in the Gospel of Luke. On the surface this doesn't seem like a significant piece of data. But we need to delve a little further. What is the importance of Luke having the most detailed account of the virgin birth? Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). Everything he knew and had been taught went against the possibility of a virgin birth. I'm sure there were many textbook defying things he encountered in his life, but the most mind boggling would be the virgin birth of a Savior. What's more is that Luke didn't just accept what he had heard from others. He was just like the rest of us and he researched and questioned until he found the answers he was looking for. In the Luke 1:1-4 it says, "So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story's beginning, I have decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught." Luke searched for the answers and tested the things he had heard concerning Christ. But Luke went beyond the research and did what any disciple of Jesus would do. Once he found out that all he had heard was true, he wrote it all out so that others (Theophilus was his main audience) would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything they had heard was true. He wanted others to know the same truth he had discovered.
How true this needs to be of us during this season. A lot of us have heard the story of Jesus' birth over and over again. It's time now to discover for ourselves what the Word of God says about the birth of Christ. We can listen and listen to the story of Christ's birth again and again, but until we read it for ourselves and really dissect what it means then it will just remain a story. Jesus' birth was not an accident. It was planned by God before the foundation of the earth was laid. From the beginning of time men were prophesying about the coming Messiah. And today, more than 2,000 years after the birth and death of Christ, we are still marvelling at the wonder of it. How could a God so big, become so small to save every human on earth? It is more than our minds can comprehend, but as long as we walk by faith and seek God and the truth for ourselves we can know the love of Christ. As we learn about the love of God and what He has done for us, and as we follow in His footsteps, then we too can carry the smell of Christmas (Ephesians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14).
See the virgin is delivered
In a cold and crowded stall
Mirror of the Father's glory
Lies beside her in the straw
He is mercy's incarnation
Marvel at this miracle
For the virgin gently holds
The Glorious Impossible
Love has come to walk on water
Turn the water into wine
Touch the leper, bless the children
Love both human and divine
Praise the wisdom of the Father
Who has spoken through His Son
Speaking still, He calls us to
The Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
He was bruised for our transgressions
And He bears eternal scars
He was raised for our salvation
And His righteousness is ours
Praise, oh, praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
The Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious Impossible, Glorious Impossible
Praise, oh, praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full
Lift your souls now and receive
The Glorious Impossible
~Glorious Impossible by Carl Cartee~
Saturday, August 28, 2010
To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required
...[F]rom everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.
~Luke 12:48 (NASB)~
We see this in everyday life. Rich people pay more taxes. Adults do more work than children. The list could go on and on. But never has this saying meant more to me than right now. As I write this, I am also preparing my first lesson for a discipleship group God has seen fit to let me lead. I do not know if it is going to be one lady or ten. I do not know if they are going to be my age or older. All I know is that I have been taught and it is now my turn to teach. After all, that is the core of discipleship. You learn to follow Jesus to turn around and teach others the same. This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This is every Christians' purpose in life. This is what God intended Jesus' disciples to do. This is my biggest, most important responsibility. It is scary and exciting all at once. Most of all though, it is amazing to see God's hand at work in my life. It is cool to see how He has sent people to teach me and now asks me to do the same. God's given me so much and now it is my turn to give to others and give back to Him.
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of the day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let my lifesing sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
~Lifesong by Casting Crowns~
~Luke 12:48 (NASB)~
We see this in everyday life. Rich people pay more taxes. Adults do more work than children. The list could go on and on. But never has this saying meant more to me than right now. As I write this, I am also preparing my first lesson for a discipleship group God has seen fit to let me lead. I do not know if it is going to be one lady or ten. I do not know if they are going to be my age or older. All I know is that I have been taught and it is now my turn to teach. After all, that is the core of discipleship. You learn to follow Jesus to turn around and teach others the same. This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This is every Christians' purpose in life. This is what God intended Jesus' disciples to do. This is my biggest, most important responsibility. It is scary and exciting all at once. Most of all though, it is amazing to see God's hand at work in my life. It is cool to see how He has sent people to teach me and now asks me to do the same. God's given me so much and now it is my turn to give to others and give back to Him.
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of the day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let my lifesing sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name
At the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
~Lifesong by Casting Crowns~
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