On this Sunday mornin', I just wanted to pass on a few message series that I’ve been listening to recently.
"WORK AND WORSHIP"
This sermon by Mark Driscoll is about the need for all Christians to have a sabbath, a day of rest (which, ironically, I listened to while I was supposed to be taking an afternoon off, but ended up doing housework tsk tsk). Anyway, I think it was great encouragement to intentionally build time for rest in our 24-hour, online world – as God intends for us, and was the best treatment of the topic that I’ve heard in a while. You can check it out here, or on iTunes, Marks Hill Church: Mark Driscoll Audio > Work and Worship, September 5, 2012.
"DECISION NOW"
At my church, we’ve been doing a fall church-wide study on the book of Proverbs on Sunday morning and in small groups called “Decision Now” (to coincide with the election). Our colors are red, white and blue, the candidates are Wisdom and Folly, and our slogan is “Vote 4 Wisdom” (we have buttons, stickers, t-shirts and all)! I’ve been involved in planning the campaign (I guess you could say I’m on message control), and it’s given me the opportunity to study the book of Proverbs more in depth, which is something I’ve been wanting to do since last year. It's great how God gave me this opportunity! You can check out the message series here, or on iTunes , Podcasts > The Bridge DC > Decision Now. The series continues until early December.
"MEN AND MARRIAGE," Parts 1 and 2
I heard two messages by Pastor Scott Nickell of Flatirons Community Church that I think are a very culturally relevant and biblical treatment on men and marriage that is often missing. The first message is on single men; the second on married men.
Although it’s a great series for men specifically, I think it’s good for women to listen to as well. As a woman listening, it was a good reminder of the differences that God intended for men and women in a world where they often get diminished in the name of progress, but also was a note that men have emotional needs too that God intends for women to be sensitive to in dating and marriage relationships. I think this can be challenging because of communication differences (which can sometimes seem more like chasms, lol) that can create conflict even where unintended, but, ultimately, as the man initiates communication, the woman should be sensitive to his needs and respond lovingly. I came away from the message thinking that this needs lots of practice, and can’t be accomplished without God. I’m challenged to pray more for both single and married Christian men specifically, and for Christian marriages. But above all, I rest in Proverbs 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” It makes me hopeful because, when we turn to Him, God in His power shows us how to love like He does.
God, please create – and save – our marriages; you’re the only one who always knows just what do. This is my heartfelt prayer – Amen!
You can check out part 1 here, and part 2 here, or on iTunes - Podcasts > Flatirons Community Church: Audio Podcast (Choose the one with the orange icon; there is more than one)> Men and Marriage, January 29 & February 5, 2012. It's also part of a larger series on men called "Reverse Engineering."
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Facebook Quotes
I haven't had an active facebook account for a few years (since August 2009, to be exact). I decided to deactivate my account after not being thrilled that the site was no longer the tighter-knit college almmni and law school network for which I had signed up. I still log in every now and then to check out photos or view invites - and may be back on again at some point, but right now I'm content just communicating with people by text or e-mail (and the occassional phone call), or using a couple other social networks and my blog. I'm generally good at keeping in touch with people, and I figure my real friends know how to contact me outside facebook.
I was recently logged in to view pictures, however, and looked at my profile. A major feature of the "old school" facebook profile was the "Favorite Quotes." I remember a period a few years ago when I would read quotes I liked and say "oh, I HAVE to put that on facebook!" Over time, the quotes on my page went from one or two to several, as did others'.
Looking back at my quotes, I was surprisingly fascinated by the number and quality that I had amassed. Most are verses (and, truth be told, I have countless other favorites not included, such as 1 Cor. 2:9, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:4 to name just a few, lol), but the ones that I put up had something to do with circumstances in my life at the time I added them, or express hopes or guidance for approaching the future. There are also a few somewhat humorous ones (at least to me). I thought them all worth sharing here. I hope you gain from my facebook quotes too!
...because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
~Hebrews 11:11b
If you surrender, God's will will track you down.
~Tony Evans
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
~1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.
~ King David, 2 Samuel 24:18-25
Let's not forget that some of God's greatest mercies are his refusals. He says no in order that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful. His meaning is always love.
~Elisabeth Elliot
The [Bible was] not given to increase our knowledge but to change [us].
~D.L. Moody
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life.
~Proverbs 4:23
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
~Proverbs 4:26
Wise women understand that character is the crucial building block [for] the foundation of a well-lived life. Character is built slowly over a lifetime. It is the sum of every right decision, every honest word, every noble thought and every heartfelt prayer.
~Unknown
Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time (I really like the hot chocolate reference:)).
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
~Psalm 90:12
Never cry over someone who wouldn't cry over you.
~Lauren Conrad on The Hills, reminding me of one of my favorite quotes. It's a rule to live by, ladies!
To pray 'the prayer of faith' we must first of all study our Bibles intensely that we may know the promises of God-- what they are, how large they are, how definite they are--and just exactly what is promised.
~R.A. Torrey
I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of. For to have been thought about--born in God's thoughts--and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, most precious thing in all thinking.
~Margaret in "David Elginbrod" by George MacDonald
I was recently logged in to view pictures, however, and looked at my profile. A major feature of the "old school" facebook profile was the "Favorite Quotes." I remember a period a few years ago when I would read quotes I liked and say "oh, I HAVE to put that on facebook!" Over time, the quotes on my page went from one or two to several, as did others'.
Looking back at my quotes, I was surprisingly fascinated by the number and quality that I had amassed. Most are verses (and, truth be told, I have countless other favorites not included, such as 1 Cor. 2:9, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:4 to name just a few, lol), but the ones that I put up had something to do with circumstances in my life at the time I added them, or express hopes or guidance for approaching the future. There are also a few somewhat humorous ones (at least to me). I thought them all worth sharing here. I hope you gain from my facebook quotes too!
...because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
~Hebrews 11:11b
If you surrender, God's will will track you down.
~Tony Evans
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
~1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.
~ King David, 2 Samuel 24:18-25
Let's not forget that some of God's greatest mercies are his refusals. He says no in order that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful. His meaning is always love.
~Elisabeth Elliot
The [Bible was] not given to increase our knowledge but to change [us].
~D.L. Moody
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life.
~Proverbs 4:23
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
~Proverbs 4:26
Wise women understand that character is the crucial building block [for] the foundation of a well-lived life. Character is built slowly over a lifetime. It is the sum of every right decision, every honest word, every noble thought and every heartfelt prayer.
~Unknown
Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time (I really like the hot chocolate reference:)).
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
~Psalm 90:12
Never cry over someone who wouldn't cry over you.
~Lauren Conrad on The Hills, reminding me of one of my favorite quotes. It's a rule to live by, ladies!
To pray 'the prayer of faith' we must first of all study our Bibles intensely that we may know the promises of God-- what they are, how large they are, how definite they are--and just exactly what is promised.
~R.A. Torrey
I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of. For to have been thought about--born in God's thoughts--and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, most precious thing in all thinking.
~Margaret in "David Elginbrod" by George MacDonald
...Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! ~ Mark 9:24b
Monday, September 17, 2012
Work It Out
I’ve been continuing my chronological read through the Bible. It has truly been amazing to consume the Word of God in this new way! I’m seeing connections between – and among – stories in Scripture that I had not made before. It’s really going a long way in helping me fall deeper in love with God’s Word.
If there’s a part that has really penetrated my heart most, it’s been reading through an interwoven Kings and Chronicles. During my read straight through the Old Testament last year, I was enthralled by these books. In case anyone’s unfamiliar, the four books, 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles, record the reigns of kings, roles of priests and works of prophets in Israel and, later, Judah. The 10 northern tribes remained Israel, and the rest formed Judah. The split occurred during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, as a result of Solomon turning away from God in his older days and pursing the gods of his many wives. God had warned him not to marry them for that very reason. As a consequence of his sin, God pronounced that Israel would be torn from his family, but his posterity would still rule one tribe, Judah, because of a promise God had made to His servant David.
The Kings and Chronicles have many similarities, but also differences. They tell the stories of Israel and Judah during the same period and even cover many of the very same stories, although often from different lenses: the author of 1 and 2 Kings is concerned with the northern kingdom, Israel, and prophets there, such as Elijah and Elisha, while the Chronicler is focused on the southern kingdom, Judah, its priests and the temple, which Solomon had built.
When both accounts speak about a particular king, it is often noted whether the king “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (see, e.g., 2 Chronicles 14-15) or did evil (e.g., see 1 Kings 16). When a king of Judah obeyed God, he sometimes is referenced as doing right as his father, or ancestor, David did (e.g., 2 Chronicles 17:3).
In my read last year, I found myself rooting for the kings to follow God, and disappointed when they did not. This time, I was struck most by the details of each king’s life, especially those who honored God. The kings who walked with God may have had challenges, but they always experienced triumph through dependence on – and blessing from – God. The ones who did not, despite God allowing some of them to see some earthly success, ended life with an unfavorable legacy.
Of the kings who are named as following God, many did so for just part of their lives, half heartedly (e.g., 2 Chronicles Chapters 24 and 26). These “in-between” kings illustrate how, in the same life, there can be triumph in following God and defeat in choosing not to follow Him, and every day we must choose righteousness over our own ways.
Another reason the stories of kings in Israel and Judah have spoken to me is because I’ve also seen ordinary people like myself in them. The kings experienced the same emotions that we all do – being overwhelmed, scared, happy, sad, angry, doubtful – and had the same choice to seek God or go their own way that we do. One instance that stands out to me is 2 Chronicles 20,
involving Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, going to God in the presence of his people after learning that some nations were coming to wage war against them. From this story we get the oft-quoted verse, said by a priest, Jahaziel, in response to Jehoshaphat’s petition to God about what the people were to do in response: “…for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). But Jehoshaphat’s words stood out to me more than I think they ever have. At the end of his prayer for help to God, he declares, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v. 12).
The words, “we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you” hit me most as I read. They reminded me not only of how I felt about a situation I was facing, but also made me think about how true that is about life: but for God, I have no idea where my life is going, or what I should do. Yet through His Word, I gain direction. Proverbs 16:25 says that there is a way that seems right to us, but in the end leads to death. We can probably all think of a decision we made that seemed good based on what we saw in front of us, but later realized that we had made a very wrong choice, with perhaps devastating consequences.
In giving us hope for avoiding wrong decisions, Psalm 119:105 says that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We know how vital lights are for helping us to see when it’s dark (or if we have bad vision!). In literal darkness, we have no sense of direction, and can easily stumble and hurt ourselves. That’s why we think the light bulb is such a genius invention, and feel very inconvenienced when we lose power.
In the same way, God’s Word is vital for our lives – and is the difference between light and utter darkness. There are other important ways of communicating with God, such as prayer, but reading, studying and memorizing God’s Word are also critical ways for us to gain the direction that we need to make wise choices.
Second Chronicles 20 ends in deliverance for Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah because they called on the name of the Lord. And that story, recorded in God’s Word, speaks to us today, giving us hope that when we do not know what to do, we gain courage and direction by seeking His face. Romans 15:4 always says it best for me:
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJV)
The NLT also really puts this verse in relevant, now terms: “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
Right now I’m on a break from the Kings and Chronicles and have hit some major and minor prophets who were around during the split kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah. I’m noticing how much they address the perils of relying on wealth rather than God. I don’t ever remember the Bible talking about rich people having vacation homes as it does in Amos 3:15 (see the full chapter for context), but it’s just more evidence of Scripture's relevance for today and usefulness for training us in righteousness!
I praise God that He pressed on me to take the awesome opportunity to read through His Word that first time – at times sweating it out in parts such as Leviticus - because it’s developed in me a deeper desire to keep doing it! And there’s nothing more profitable than a spiritual work out! It’s only fitting to end with a passage calling us to sweat it out, 1 Timothy 4:7-8:
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
A toast - to lasting reward!!!!
If there’s a part that has really penetrated my heart most, it’s been reading through an interwoven Kings and Chronicles. During my read straight through the Old Testament last year, I was enthralled by these books. In case anyone’s unfamiliar, the four books, 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles, record the reigns of kings, roles of priests and works of prophets in Israel and, later, Judah. The 10 northern tribes remained Israel, and the rest formed Judah. The split occurred during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, as a result of Solomon turning away from God in his older days and pursing the gods of his many wives. God had warned him not to marry them for that very reason. As a consequence of his sin, God pronounced that Israel would be torn from his family, but his posterity would still rule one tribe, Judah, because of a promise God had made to His servant David.
The Kings and Chronicles have many similarities, but also differences. They tell the stories of Israel and Judah during the same period and even cover many of the very same stories, although often from different lenses: the author of 1 and 2 Kings is concerned with the northern kingdom, Israel, and prophets there, such as Elijah and Elisha, while the Chronicler is focused on the southern kingdom, Judah, its priests and the temple, which Solomon had built.
When both accounts speak about a particular king, it is often noted whether the king “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (see, e.g., 2 Chronicles 14-15) or did evil (e.g., see 1 Kings 16). When a king of Judah obeyed God, he sometimes is referenced as doing right as his father, or ancestor, David did (e.g., 2 Chronicles 17:3).
In my read last year, I found myself rooting for the kings to follow God, and disappointed when they did not. This time, I was struck most by the details of each king’s life, especially those who honored God. The kings who walked with God may have had challenges, but they always experienced triumph through dependence on – and blessing from – God. The ones who did not, despite God allowing some of them to see some earthly success, ended life with an unfavorable legacy.
Of the kings who are named as following God, many did so for just part of their lives, half heartedly (e.g., 2 Chronicles Chapters 24 and 26). These “in-between” kings illustrate how, in the same life, there can be triumph in following God and defeat in choosing not to follow Him, and every day we must choose righteousness over our own ways.
Another reason the stories of kings in Israel and Judah have spoken to me is because I’ve also seen ordinary people like myself in them. The kings experienced the same emotions that we all do – being overwhelmed, scared, happy, sad, angry, doubtful – and had the same choice to seek God or go their own way that we do. One instance that stands out to me is 2 Chronicles 20,
involving Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, going to God in the presence of his people after learning that some nations were coming to wage war against them. From this story we get the oft-quoted verse, said by a priest, Jahaziel, in response to Jehoshaphat’s petition to God about what the people were to do in response: “…for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). But Jehoshaphat’s words stood out to me more than I think they ever have. At the end of his prayer for help to God, he declares, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v. 12).
The words, “we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you” hit me most as I read. They reminded me not only of how I felt about a situation I was facing, but also made me think about how true that is about life: but for God, I have no idea where my life is going, or what I should do. Yet through His Word, I gain direction. Proverbs 16:25 says that there is a way that seems right to us, but in the end leads to death. We can probably all think of a decision we made that seemed good based on what we saw in front of us, but later realized that we had made a very wrong choice, with perhaps devastating consequences.
In giving us hope for avoiding wrong decisions, Psalm 119:105 says that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We know how vital lights are for helping us to see when it’s dark (or if we have bad vision!). In literal darkness, we have no sense of direction, and can easily stumble and hurt ourselves. That’s why we think the light bulb is such a genius invention, and feel very inconvenienced when we lose power.
In the same way, God’s Word is vital for our lives – and is the difference between light and utter darkness. There are other important ways of communicating with God, such as prayer, but reading, studying and memorizing God’s Word are also critical ways for us to gain the direction that we need to make wise choices.
Second Chronicles 20 ends in deliverance for Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah because they called on the name of the Lord. And that story, recorded in God’s Word, speaks to us today, giving us hope that when we do not know what to do, we gain courage and direction by seeking His face. Romans 15:4 always says it best for me:
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJV)
The NLT also really puts this verse in relevant, now terms: “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
Right now I’m on a break from the Kings and Chronicles and have hit some major and minor prophets who were around during the split kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah. I’m noticing how much they address the perils of relying on wealth rather than God. I don’t ever remember the Bible talking about rich people having vacation homes as it does in Amos 3:15 (see the full chapter for context), but it’s just more evidence of Scripture's relevance for today and usefulness for training us in righteousness!
I praise God that He pressed on me to take the awesome opportunity to read through His Word that first time – at times sweating it out in parts such as Leviticus - because it’s developed in me a deeper desire to keep doing it! And there’s nothing more profitable than a spiritual work out! It’s only fitting to end with a passage calling us to sweat it out, 1 Timothy 4:7-8:
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
A toast - to lasting reward!!!!
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