Remember being a kid and asking someone, "hey, wanna trade"? The question usually motivated by a belief that what the other kid had was better and fueled by a desire to have the better thing for self......
Been thinking recently about what we trade for something we believe is better for self.
What do you trade in order to get a good laugh, have a fun time, obtain some approval for self ( or at least the fleeting semblance of approval)?
What do you sacrifice in order to gain attention, be heard, look good, experience pleasure?
Is it the wisdom from above that you forfeit because foolishness is momentarily more fun?
Is it grace?
Is it obedience?
Is it lasting joy?
Is it your integrity?
Your purity of speech?
Is it the very likeness of Christ being formed in you - traded for some fleeting rubbish of self-pleasing pomp?
I asked myself these questions?
Then I asked myself this:
Is it worth it?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Purposeful vs. Permissable
Do you ask yourself, "Is there anything in the Bible forbidding this?"
or do you ask rather, "Is there a command, example, principle, sanction in God's word supporting this?"
There is a stark difference in these questions, and they reveal much about one's reverence for God's word.
The one question reveals a desire to merely avoid discipline or punishment....to know just what we can "get away" with. This is incomplete reverence.
The other question reflects a heart desire for God's glory....pursuing His pleasure over oneself to the fullest. It is focused on what is purposeful rather than what is merely permissable. It reveals a higher aim than just "staying out of trouble".
Every thought, activity, choice, relationship, joke, priority etc, should be brought under the governing rule of God's word not merely to see if it's "ok", but to determine it's neccesity and fruitfulness in regards to the highest aim - God's glory made evident in the lives of His people.
or do you ask rather, "Is there a command, example, principle, sanction in God's word supporting this?"
There is a stark difference in these questions, and they reveal much about one's reverence for God's word.
The one question reveals a desire to merely avoid discipline or punishment....to know just what we can "get away" with. This is incomplete reverence.
The other question reflects a heart desire for God's glory....pursuing His pleasure over oneself to the fullest. It is focused on what is purposeful rather than what is merely permissable. It reveals a higher aim than just "staying out of trouble".
Every thought, activity, choice, relationship, joke, priority etc, should be brought under the governing rule of God's word not merely to see if it's "ok", but to determine it's neccesity and fruitfulness in regards to the highest aim - God's glory made evident in the lives of His people.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
He sees, He knows, He remembers...
"And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
God saw the people of Israel -- and God knew."
If you read and re-read these verses (Ex. 1:24-25) until your mind, heart, and soul literally FEEL their weight, I promise you, you won't be the same person.
Your heart will still before the undeniable, outside-the-bouds-of-human-comprehension, absolutely indescribable goodness of God's great faithfulness.
The I AM sees us, and He knows.
Worship.
My Pastor is currently teaching through Exodus. Check out his sermons on the book here:
God saw the people of Israel -- and God knew."
If you read and re-read these verses (Ex. 1:24-25) until your mind, heart, and soul literally FEEL their weight, I promise you, you won't be the same person.
Your heart will still before the undeniable, outside-the-bouds-of-human-comprehension, absolutely indescribable goodness of God's great faithfulness.
The I AM sees us, and He knows.
Worship.
My Pastor is currently teaching through Exodus. Check out his sermons on the book here:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Sting of True Love
Last night Steve corrected me for something I said.
It stung.
His timing, manner, and words were all absolutely godly and appropriate for my growth.
Like the burn of cleansing soap to a cut open knee, truth was handed to me; the sting caused only by my need for it's cleansing work.
That I would be given a husband who cares that much about my good astounds me!
Today, he is married to a bit more humble, grateful, and godly wife because of his Christ-likeness!
So yeah, it stung. It's true love, and I am so blessed!
It stung.
His timing, manner, and words were all absolutely godly and appropriate for my growth.
Like the burn of cleansing soap to a cut open knee, truth was handed to me; the sting caused only by my need for it's cleansing work.
That I would be given a husband who cares that much about my good astounds me!
Today, he is married to a bit more humble, grateful, and godly wife because of his Christ-likeness!
So yeah, it stung. It's true love, and I am so blessed!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
A period of time devoted.....
Webster says that vacation is :
"A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:
Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity."
Our little family has just enjoyed what we call our "yearly vacation", though as I ponder the above definition.... I'm not sure that Webster is quite on mark when it comes to what God has given us this week. In fact I'm certain that the word vacation misses the mark entirely!
We did break from some of our duties, but not all. We did experience rest, relaxation, and the pleasure that comes from being together all day, every day.
However, the defining factor for our time was not the rest, or the fun enjoyed, but the concentrated focus on receiving this time from God's hand and stewarding it faithfully.
There was more time to pray together, and with our boys. We listened to several sermons, and then discussed their application. We worshipped God as our paths were slowed down to more deeply take in creation and His word!
In our culture, in the sinfulness of human flesh, vacation is most often approached selfishly; with expectations for freedom from duty, or the stimulation of pleasure bearing rule.
What God gave us this week was far better! He called us aside for a time to focus closely on the gift of our family, and to rejoice fully in serving one another. Along the way, there were fun experiences, good learning opportunities, some super yummy food, and even some caught-up-on sleep! We're refreshed and thankful!
"A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:
Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity."
Our little family has just enjoyed what we call our "yearly vacation", though as I ponder the above definition.... I'm not sure that Webster is quite on mark when it comes to what God has given us this week. In fact I'm certain that the word vacation misses the mark entirely!
We did break from some of our duties, but not all. We did experience rest, relaxation, and the pleasure that comes from being together all day, every day.
However, the defining factor for our time was not the rest, or the fun enjoyed, but the concentrated focus on receiving this time from God's hand and stewarding it faithfully.
There was more time to pray together, and with our boys. We listened to several sermons, and then discussed their application. We worshipped God as our paths were slowed down to more deeply take in creation and His word!
In our culture, in the sinfulness of human flesh, vacation is most often approached selfishly; with expectations for freedom from duty, or the stimulation of pleasure bearing rule.
What God gave us this week was far better! He called us aside for a time to focus closely on the gift of our family, and to rejoice fully in serving one another. Along the way, there were fun experiences, good learning opportunities, some super yummy food, and even some caught-up-on sleep! We're refreshed and thankful!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What is this thing we call, FUN?
According to Webster...
–noun
1. something that provides mirth or amusement:
2. enjoyment or playfulness:
-synonym
1. Pleasure
Fun is the feeling of enjoyment that comes from an activity, person, or place that makes us feel pleasure.
The word is used many different ways in this culture and within our little spot of history.
My interest lies with how this thing that we call,"fun" stands up before Holy God, and His call to us, His followers.
In looking at my own walk, I see that fun, the enjoyment of it, and the pursuit of it, can very quickly become the most deceptive idol I will ever be tempted to worship.
It is so super sneaky, because it panders to the flesh of me, which needs little to no invitation before rising to serve itself.
The Enemy figures he can't get me to fall in the areas most Christians point to as sinful; adultery, murder, blasphemy etc, but he'll snark me into doing good things for the wrong reasons. He finds a way to entrap me into making things that should be all about Jesus all about me.
Sound familiar?
I can hear some of you, "What? Are you saying that having fun is wrong?" *scandalized expressions*
NO! Experiencing pleasure within God's design is not sin. God created us to desire and know the pleasure of Himself.
The Bible is full of scripture telling us of the great joy and pleasure we will reap as we follow Jesus, dying to self, and uniting with Him in true life. It tells us of how precious unity and edification are between believers. God made us to relate to one another, to enjoy one another.
However, the moment that the experience of pleasure becomes a desire rather than an undeserved by product of following Jesus....we fall.
How do we see this? There are many ways idol worship of fun shows itself.
In my life, at different times...these have popped up.
1) Greater desire to set aside time to experience fun over spending time with the Lord.
2) Extensive mental investment in the next great experience of fun....when will it be? who will it be with? how can I make it happen? what will I wear? =)
3) Neglect of God-given duties based on their seeming inability to give us the experience of fun.
4) Complaining of heart and mouth when we are unable to participate in something we've decided would be fun.
5) Jealousy over the fun others have experienced without us. Comparison. "She's more fun." "I had more fun with them than with her." Even if this never comes out of our mouths...it reveals misfocus.
6) Decisions made / Responses given based on the level of individual fun promised. "I'll serve where and when I will experience the most fun."
7) Relationship investment given or neglected based up on how much fun is experienced...Where you sit? Who you talk to?
The most telltale sign of all comes in how we respond to conviction over an idolatry issue with fun. When there is a quick, immediate, and extremely protective response to the thought that priorities are imbalanced in this area, idolatry is confirmed.
We show that we care more about maintaining an experience of pleasure than purifying our worship of Christ!
I've heard it argued, "Doesn't God want us to have fun." "God is fun."
First and foremost, before we ever say "God is" anything...we must confirm with the Bible.
God is good.
God is holy.
God is full of grace.
God is everywhere.
God is Awesome.
God is the Giver of Pleasure.
God is our Helper.
God is my Keeper.
The list goes on, but the word fun is a man made word...not given by God.
Jesus came to give abundant life in conformation to His likeness.
He gives great joy in the Christian's walk through fellowship with Him.
Heaven will be the absolute epitome of pleasure to be experienced. ever. and. beyond. all because He will be there.
The man made word, "fun", is a word where we have taken an undeserved fruit of following Jesus, joy, and turned it into something self-focused; something to be sought after. Something to be worshiped.
God started showing me the deceptiveness of this idol over a year ago (see points 1-7 above), and I've taken some extreme steps to purify my motives and decisions in why I do things, go places, invest in people. I continue to seek deeper purity in this area, and God is faithful to continue cleansing me.
This is the cool thing: I can honestly tell you that what I have found has astounded me....
More undeserved and pleasureful joy has been poured out on me than I imagined, or have before experienced.
There has been greater freedom in realizing that I don't NEED the experience of fun. I can just take it as it comes and praise Jesus for it!
There has been new insight that true pleasure is found in doing things for the Lord's pleasure....making that my pursuit.
There has been awakening to activities, relationships, and places I was totally missing before.
I laugh, sometimes obnoxiously so. I carry on with inside jokes which are usually super lame. I enjoy games, activities, events, and destinations (coffee shops).
I love to chase my boys around the house singing 80's love songs into my hair brush or curling iron.
I love being with people...all sorts of people...whoever God ordains I spend any given moment with.
God has been so good to me!
I am learning to experience the great joy that Jesus has given into my life - completely undeserved by me - only of His grace - as a by product of purified worship, not the experience that I pursue.
He is, His likeness, His ministry, His presence is what I chase after.
This world can have it's thing called fun, I want the pleasure of Jesus!
–noun
1. something that provides mirth or amusement:
2. enjoyment or playfulness:
-synonym
1. Pleasure
Fun is the feeling of enjoyment that comes from an activity, person, or place that makes us feel pleasure.
The word is used many different ways in this culture and within our little spot of history.
My interest lies with how this thing that we call,"fun" stands up before Holy God, and His call to us, His followers.
In looking at my own walk, I see that fun, the enjoyment of it, and the pursuit of it, can very quickly become the most deceptive idol I will ever be tempted to worship.
It is so super sneaky, because it panders to the flesh of me, which needs little to no invitation before rising to serve itself.
The Enemy figures he can't get me to fall in the areas most Christians point to as sinful; adultery, murder, blasphemy etc, but he'll snark me into doing good things for the wrong reasons. He finds a way to entrap me into making things that should be all about Jesus all about me.
Sound familiar?
I can hear some of you, "What? Are you saying that having fun is wrong?" *scandalized expressions*
NO! Experiencing pleasure within God's design is not sin. God created us to desire and know the pleasure of Himself.
The Bible is full of scripture telling us of the great joy and pleasure we will reap as we follow Jesus, dying to self, and uniting with Him in true life. It tells us of how precious unity and edification are between believers. God made us to relate to one another, to enjoy one another.
However, the moment that the experience of pleasure becomes a desire rather than an undeserved by product of following Jesus....we fall.
How do we see this? There are many ways idol worship of fun shows itself.
In my life, at different times...these have popped up.
1) Greater desire to set aside time to experience fun over spending time with the Lord.
2) Extensive mental investment in the next great experience of fun....when will it be? who will it be with? how can I make it happen? what will I wear? =)
3) Neglect of God-given duties based on their seeming inability to give us the experience of fun.
4) Complaining of heart and mouth when we are unable to participate in something we've decided would be fun.
5) Jealousy over the fun others have experienced without us. Comparison. "She's more fun." "I had more fun with them than with her." Even if this never comes out of our mouths...it reveals misfocus.
6) Decisions made / Responses given based on the level of individual fun promised. "I'll serve where and when I will experience the most fun."
7) Relationship investment given or neglected based up on how much fun is experienced...Where you sit? Who you talk to?
The most telltale sign of all comes in how we respond to conviction over an idolatry issue with fun. When there is a quick, immediate, and extremely protective response to the thought that priorities are imbalanced in this area, idolatry is confirmed.
We show that we care more about maintaining an experience of pleasure than purifying our worship of Christ!
I've heard it argued, "Doesn't God want us to have fun." "God is fun."
First and foremost, before we ever say "God is" anything...we must confirm with the Bible.
God is good.
God is holy.
God is full of grace.
God is everywhere.
God is Awesome.
God is the Giver of Pleasure.
God is our Helper.
God is my Keeper.
The list goes on, but the word fun is a man made word...not given by God.
Jesus came to give abundant life in conformation to His likeness.
He gives great joy in the Christian's walk through fellowship with Him.
Heaven will be the absolute epitome of pleasure to be experienced. ever. and. beyond. all because He will be there.
The man made word, "fun", is a word where we have taken an undeserved fruit of following Jesus, joy, and turned it into something self-focused; something to be sought after. Something to be worshiped.
God started showing me the deceptiveness of this idol over a year ago (see points 1-7 above), and I've taken some extreme steps to purify my motives and decisions in why I do things, go places, invest in people. I continue to seek deeper purity in this area, and God is faithful to continue cleansing me.
This is the cool thing: I can honestly tell you that what I have found has astounded me....
More undeserved and pleasureful joy has been poured out on me than I imagined, or have before experienced.
There has been greater freedom in realizing that I don't NEED the experience of fun. I can just take it as it comes and praise Jesus for it!
There has been new insight that true pleasure is found in doing things for the Lord's pleasure....making that my pursuit.
There has been awakening to activities, relationships, and places I was totally missing before.
I laugh, sometimes obnoxiously so. I carry on with inside jokes which are usually super lame. I enjoy games, activities, events, and destinations (coffee shops).
I love to chase my boys around the house singing 80's love songs into my hair brush or curling iron.
I love being with people...all sorts of people...whoever God ordains I spend any given moment with.
God has been so good to me!
I am learning to experience the great joy that Jesus has given into my life - completely undeserved by me - only of His grace - as a by product of purified worship, not the experience that I pursue.
He is, His likeness, His ministry, His presence is what I chase after.
This world can have it's thing called fun, I want the pleasure of Jesus!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Inexpressible
A sister in Christ, suffering more physical agonies than I can imagine at the hands of disease...
Children and a father who suddenly find themselves without their wife and momma...
A baby growing, perfectly formed by God, but not for this world; his parents preparing to say goodbye...
This world is full of suffering, pain, and heartache.
I want to go home. I long for heaven. I want to see my Jesus!
I have not seen Him face to face yet.
I am here; called, commanded, and enabled to live for His glory on this earth, amidst all of this suffering, for at least this one more day.
And there is joy.
Joy abundant.
Joy real and alive.
Joy inexpressible.
This joy is so deep, rich, and true, that it cannot be put into words. I could write all day and not touch it.
This joy cannot be physically demonstrated fully. I could jump and shout forever and never be done.
This joy cannot be fully comprehended by the human mind, but by the heart made alive in Jesus, it is tasted, felt, acted upon and lasting!
How is this possible? The world does not know, but His followers do.
It comes from this sure confidence: I will see Jesus face to face in all of His glory.
He will call me home, or come for me,Himself, and either way, the suffering of this life will all pass away in the light of His amazing presence!
Thank you Jesus, that in the darkness of suffering there is joy inexpressible because of Jesus Christ!!!
"Though you have not seen Him (Jesus Christ), you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." 1 Peter 1:8
*Picture taken by my brother, Jeff Haumersen, of a sunrise in Afghanistan.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Untouchable Hope
Death shocks.
Death takes.
Death finalizes.
Death destroys.
Death brings sorrow greater than my mind can comprehend.
My hope is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is alive.
My hope is alive.
I was born into this hope through the abundant mercy of my Heavenly Father.
Death steals, but it can't steal this..... my living hope.... my Father's abundant mercy.
Death finalizes, but it won't be final for me. I will live with Him for eternity.
Because of this I rejoice. I bless the Father's name.
Death touches those I love. It touches me. I see it's ravaging affect.
My heart breaks, but I praise.
I worship.
I cling to this mercy....to this alive hope that all of this pain is for this one thing:
The praise, honor and glory of my Saviour!
Worthy is the Lamb...
He lives.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that cannot fade away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Because of this you greatly rejoice, though you may be grieved for a little while, if necessary, by various trials. That the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:3-7
Death takes.
Death finalizes.
Death destroys.
Death brings sorrow greater than my mind can comprehend.
My hope is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is alive.
My hope is alive.
I was born into this hope through the abundant mercy of my Heavenly Father.
Death steals, but it can't steal this..... my living hope.... my Father's abundant mercy.
Death finalizes, but it won't be final for me. I will live with Him for eternity.
Because of this I rejoice. I bless the Father's name.
Death touches those I love. It touches me. I see it's ravaging affect.
My heart breaks, but I praise.
I worship.
I cling to this mercy....to this alive hope that all of this pain is for this one thing:
The praise, honor and glory of my Saviour!
Worthy is the Lamb...
He lives.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that cannot fade away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Because of this you greatly rejoice, though you may be grieved for a little while, if necessary, by various trials. That the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:3-7
Friday, October 23, 2009
Amen Mr. Piper!
"Unconditional election delivers the harshest and the sweetest judgments to my soul.
That it is unconditional destroys all self-exaltation;
and that it is election makes me His treasured possession."
~ John Piper
That it is unconditional destroys all self-exaltation;
and that it is election makes me His treasured possession."
~ John Piper
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What Defines the Last 7 Years....
The Pastor said something along these lines..... "Love one another in such a way that your sorrows are divided and your joys multiplied."
Steve remembers this admonition from our wedding ceremony and refers to it often.
Last night, we found ourselves seated in a warmly lit restaurant in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
As our minds quieted from the conversation that "sharing one's day" entails, he looked at me and said, "Can you believe it's been 7 years already?"
If having fun means time flies - then it's flown by with lightening speed.
However, there's a part of my mind that doesn't remember much before this calling of marriage. I am a different person. I am no longer one in myself, but one with him.
We spent the rest of the evening remembering God's faithfulness....giggling over funny memories, like seeing our wedding video and being scandalized at our own kiss. =) I cried a little when we talked of Leeanne, and how God strengthened our marriage so strongly through losing her.
We talked about the boys, about our deep desire for them to be found in Christ.
We talked about each other, how we've seen each other grow in the last 7 years.
We praised God for what He's done!!!
Youth Ministry enters our lives in a wonderful way! Fall of 2005
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Brothers - amazing blessings that we do not deserve!!
My Groovy husband! 
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God has been faithful to lead us, guide us, grow us, and it is by His grace alone that we celebrate Christ's love for the church through our marriage!!!
Steve remembers this admonition from our wedding ceremony and refers to it often.
Last night, we found ourselves seated in a warmly lit restaurant in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
As our minds quieted from the conversation that "sharing one's day" entails, he looked at me and said, "Can you believe it's been 7 years already?"
If having fun means time flies - then it's flown by with lightening speed.
However, there's a part of my mind that doesn't remember much before this calling of marriage. I am a different person. I am no longer one in myself, but one with him.
We spent the rest of the evening remembering God's faithfulness....giggling over funny memories, like seeing our wedding video and being scandalized at our own kiss. =) I cried a little when we talked of Leeanne, and how God strengthened our marriage so strongly through losing her.
We talked about the boys, about our deep desire for them to be found in Christ.
We talked about each other, how we've seen each other grow in the last 7 years.
We praised God for what He's done!!!
Our 2nd home in Springdale, Arkansas....moved in 6 mos after our wedding.
This cake read, "Welcome Baby"....taken the night before we found out our little one was going to be with Jesus.
2 Year Anniversary trip to Denver, Co.
Heading into the hospital for Glendon to be born....
Steve's a daddy....
After 2 years, it was time to pack it all up and head back to Wisconsin.
Youth Ministry enters our lives in a wonderful way! Fall of 2005
Glendon with Steve in the new RBC kitchen.
Heading into the hospital for Jaydon to be born....
The boys meet for the 1st time.
Brothers - amazing blessings that we do not deserve!! My Groovy husband! Winter of 2008/2009
Fort Wilderness for our 5th retreat.
One of our hugest blessings... God sparing our lives in a merciful way that changed us.
"Up North" traditional family vacation Summer 2009
Sunrise/Quiet time together....
God has been faithful to lead us, guide us, grow us, and it is by His grace alone that we celebrate Christ's love for the church through our marriage!!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
On Consideration of Self and God's Amazing Grace
The statements below are based upon some readings in a book by Thomas A'Kempis.
I originally read them on July 1st, but God took me back to their truth today!
Because of my depravity, these sentiments have not always been the cry of my heart, but through the power of His word, they have fast become the desperate yearnings of my soul!
"I must fight long and bravely against myself before I learn to master myself fully and to direct all my affections toward God. When I trust in myself, I easily take to human consolation. As a true lover of Christ, however, who sincerely pursues virtue, I ought not to fall back upon consolations nor seek such pleasures of sense, but prefer severe trials and hard labors for the sake of Christ.
When, therefore, spiritual consolation is given to me by God, I receive it gratefully, but understand that it is His gift and not my meriting. I do not exult, I am not presumptuous, but I am the humbler for the gift, more careful and wary in all of my actions, for this hour will pass and temptation will come in its wake.
I do not desire consolation that robs me of contrition, nor do I care for contemplation that leads to pride, for not all that is high is holy, nor is all that is sweet good, nor every desire pure, nor all that is dear to us pleasing to God. I accept willingly the grace whereby I become more humble and contrite, more willing to renounce self.
As I have been taught by the gift of grace, and as I have learned by the lash of its withdrawal, I will never dare to attribute any good to myself, but will rather admit my poverty and emptiness. I give to God what is God's and ascribe to myself what is mine. I give Him thanks, then, for His grace, but place upon myself alone the blame and the punishment my fault deserves. "
And the sweet result - the richness of
On-My-Face worship before my Holy God!
"Thank you, Jesus, for Your cross."
I originally read them on July 1st, but God took me back to their truth today!
Because of my depravity, these sentiments have not always been the cry of my heart, but through the power of His word, they have fast become the desperate yearnings of my soul!
"I must fight long and bravely against myself before I learn to master myself fully and to direct all my affections toward God. When I trust in myself, I easily take to human consolation. As a true lover of Christ, however, who sincerely pursues virtue, I ought not to fall back upon consolations nor seek such pleasures of sense, but prefer severe trials and hard labors for the sake of Christ.
When, therefore, spiritual consolation is given to me by God, I receive it gratefully, but understand that it is His gift and not my meriting. I do not exult, I am not presumptuous, but I am the humbler for the gift, more careful and wary in all of my actions, for this hour will pass and temptation will come in its wake.
I do not desire consolation that robs me of contrition, nor do I care for contemplation that leads to pride, for not all that is high is holy, nor is all that is sweet good, nor every desire pure, nor all that is dear to us pleasing to God. I accept willingly the grace whereby I become more humble and contrite, more willing to renounce self.
As I have been taught by the gift of grace, and as I have learned by the lash of its withdrawal, I will never dare to attribute any good to myself, but will rather admit my poverty and emptiness. I give to God what is God's and ascribe to myself what is mine. I give Him thanks, then, for His grace, but place upon myself alone the blame and the punishment my fault deserves. "
And the sweet result - the richness of
On-My-Face worship before my Holy God!
"Thank you, Jesus, for Your cross."
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wrought Upon By God
Some things about me:
I was dead in trespasses and sins and God, in His great love, made me alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I was spiritually non-existent. Nothing. But then God created me.(Ephesians 4:24).
I was blind to spiritual things. God mercifully and sovereignly opened my eyes to see that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:17).
I was in utter spiritual darkness. And then "God ...shone in my heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).
My mother and my father and many teachers along the way have planted the Word of God and watered it, but it was God alone who did the miracle of giving me spiritual life and making it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).
I was self-willed, rebellious, proud, going my own way and would never have come to Jesus on my own, and God drew me(John 6:44).
I had no repentance in my heart, no sorrow for my sin or passion to change, but God graciously granted me repentance(2 Timothy 2:25).
I had no faith, no desire to believe, but God, in his great mercy, granted me to believe (Philippians 1:29)
And Peter says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, in His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance, incurruptible, undefiled and that can not fade away, which is reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Peter bursts forth in praise because:
1 God's mercy is abundant and great.
2 God caused us to be born again (made alive) unto hope. (see above list)
3 God raised Jesus from the dead so that our hope is sure, alive, real and forever and ever.
4 God Promised me an inheritance....
5 God keeps that inheritance so that it will never perish, be defiled or fade away
Seeing the work of God,
Feeling the emotional response, (reverence, brokeness, inexpressible joy....)
Bursting forth with adoration.
This is worship!
List of "About Me" scripture passages derived from a sermon by John Piper
I was dead in trespasses and sins and God, in His great love, made me alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I was spiritually non-existent. Nothing. But then God created me.(Ephesians 4:24).
I was blind to spiritual things. God mercifully and sovereignly opened my eyes to see that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:17).
I was in utter spiritual darkness. And then "God ...shone in my heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).
My mother and my father and many teachers along the way have planted the Word of God and watered it, but it was God alone who did the miracle of giving me spiritual life and making it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).
I was self-willed, rebellious, proud, going my own way and would never have come to Jesus on my own, and God drew me(John 6:44).
I had no repentance in my heart, no sorrow for my sin or passion to change, but God graciously granted me repentance(2 Timothy 2:25).
I had no faith, no desire to believe, but God, in his great mercy, granted me to believe (Philippians 1:29)
And Peter says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, in His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance, incurruptible, undefiled and that can not fade away, which is reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Peter bursts forth in praise because:
1 God's mercy is abundant and great.
2 God caused us to be born again (made alive) unto hope. (see above list)
3 God raised Jesus from the dead so that our hope is sure, alive, real and forever and ever.
4 God Promised me an inheritance....
5 God keeps that inheritance so that it will never perish, be defiled or fade away
Seeing the work of God,
Feeling the emotional response, (reverence, brokeness, inexpressible joy....)
Bursting forth with adoration.
This is worship!
List of "About Me" scripture passages derived from a sermon by John Piper
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Forgotten Four
Mark 2:3-5"Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you."
Jesus was in an Eastern home preaching the gospel of repentance to a crowd so large that it was impossible to enter the house.
Those of us who grew up in the church are familiar with this story of a paralyzed man who is carried to Jesus, forgiven of his sins and ultimately restored to good health.
There is allot going on in this story; the picture that sickness is of our depraved sin problem, Jesus sending a message to the self-righteous pharisees who refused to recognize His diety, Jesus' demonstration of His power over sin and sickness, the miracle of a paralyzed man immediately made strong and able to carry his own bed home.
Today, something new jumped off the page. The four men who carried the invalid to Jesus.
Who were they?
Was it their initiative to bring the sick man to Jesus, or were they responding to his request?What happened to them after the sick man lept up and ran home?
At the point where the paralized man is lowered into the center courtyard of the home where Jesus is preaching, he is spoken to and healed by Jesus, but up until that point, it was the actions of the four men which enabled him to be brought before Jesus.
They procured a bed, or mat, or large blanket with which to carry their friend.
They moved him.
They lifted him.
They used their strength to uphold him along whatever distance was needed crossing in order to reach Jesus.
They were determined and creative.
They worked through the barriers they met (the crowd and the roof.)
They carried the man onto the roof and used once again, their strength and effort to make an opening through which he could be lowered.
Then they lowered him carefully and safely into Jesus' presence.
These men were good friends. These men understood that healing was to be found in Jesus alone, and they were faithful to uphold their friend into the place where he might receive that healing.
They are not mentioned again.
But are they?
Notice verse 5. "When Jesus saw THEIR faith..."
Not "his faith" as in the man being lowered, but "their faith"...... including the four men who lowered him.
Do we, in faith, "carry" through sincere and committed prayer, the sick and bound to Jesus for healing?
Do we "get under and bear the load" with a burdened friend, using our actions, words and love to help them cast that burden on the Lord?
Do we "raise up, uplift, and elevate" our children to know the gospel made real in their daily lives?
My sons suffer the weight of their sin every day. They often seem paralyzed by it..... I am called to carry them to the cross every day, and by God's grace alone, I do. I do this through scriptural prayer. I do this by preaching the gospel to them in every consequence/blessing they reap. I do this by engaging them in spiritual conversations at their level - asking them questions to draw our their hearts and their knowledge of WHO God is. I do this by helping them memorize verses.
I have friends who are bound in some sort of sin pattern, wrong thinking, selfishness.... am I willing to confront them in love.... carrying them with gracious truth to a place of repentance and freedom? Maybe my "carrying" needs to be one of forgiveness, patience, overlooking, waiting and trusting the Holy Spirit to convict. Am I willing to do this?
Do I pray for opportunities to "carry" someone who is lost to the message of God's good news? Just last night, the Lord called me to carry the message of His redeeming Lordship to a young girl and her mother. Why do I not have more opportunities like that? Am I praying for and seeking them out?
I studied a familiar event of Jesus' ministry today. God spoke to me. He encouraged me to keep on with the "carrying" I am doing. He convicted me of people I have failed to uphold due to selfishness and/or laziness. He assured me of how His All-knowing , All-Powerful presence was over those four men, and it is with me too as I obey Him in this.
So an old story enters my meditation with powerful new application! I love God's word - it is to me, life-giving food!
Jesus was in an Eastern home preaching the gospel of repentance to a crowd so large that it was impossible to enter the house.
Those of us who grew up in the church are familiar with this story of a paralyzed man who is carried to Jesus, forgiven of his sins and ultimately restored to good health.
There is allot going on in this story; the picture that sickness is of our depraved sin problem, Jesus sending a message to the self-righteous pharisees who refused to recognize His diety, Jesus' demonstration of His power over sin and sickness, the miracle of a paralyzed man immediately made strong and able to carry his own bed home.
Today, something new jumped off the page. The four men who carried the invalid to Jesus.
Who were they?
Was it their initiative to bring the sick man to Jesus, or were they responding to his request?What happened to them after the sick man lept up and ran home?
At the point where the paralized man is lowered into the center courtyard of the home where Jesus is preaching, he is spoken to and healed by Jesus, but up until that point, it was the actions of the four men which enabled him to be brought before Jesus.
They procured a bed, or mat, or large blanket with which to carry their friend.
They moved him.
They lifted him.
They used their strength to uphold him along whatever distance was needed crossing in order to reach Jesus.
They were determined and creative.
They worked through the barriers they met (the crowd and the roof.)
They carried the man onto the roof and used once again, their strength and effort to make an opening through which he could be lowered.
Then they lowered him carefully and safely into Jesus' presence.
These men were good friends. These men understood that healing was to be found in Jesus alone, and they were faithful to uphold their friend into the place where he might receive that healing.
They are not mentioned again.
But are they?
Notice verse 5. "When Jesus saw THEIR faith..."
Not "his faith" as in the man being lowered, but "their faith"...... including the four men who lowered him.
Do we, in faith, "carry" through sincere and committed prayer, the sick and bound to Jesus for healing?
Do we "get under and bear the load" with a burdened friend, using our actions, words and love to help them cast that burden on the Lord?
Do we "raise up, uplift, and elevate" our children to know the gospel made real in their daily lives?
My sons suffer the weight of their sin every day. They often seem paralyzed by it..... I am called to carry them to the cross every day, and by God's grace alone, I do. I do this through scriptural prayer. I do this by preaching the gospel to them in every consequence/blessing they reap. I do this by engaging them in spiritual conversations at their level - asking them questions to draw our their hearts and their knowledge of WHO God is. I do this by helping them memorize verses.
I have friends who are bound in some sort of sin pattern, wrong thinking, selfishness.... am I willing to confront them in love.... carrying them with gracious truth to a place of repentance and freedom? Maybe my "carrying" needs to be one of forgiveness, patience, overlooking, waiting and trusting the Holy Spirit to convict. Am I willing to do this?
Do I pray for opportunities to "carry" someone who is lost to the message of God's good news? Just last night, the Lord called me to carry the message of His redeeming Lordship to a young girl and her mother. Why do I not have more opportunities like that? Am I praying for and seeking them out?
I studied a familiar event of Jesus' ministry today. God spoke to me. He encouraged me to keep on with the "carrying" I am doing. He convicted me of people I have failed to uphold due to selfishness and/or laziness. He assured me of how His All-knowing , All-Powerful presence was over those four men, and it is with me too as I obey Him in this.
So an old story enters my meditation with powerful new application! I love God's word - it is to me, life-giving food!
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