Lamentations 3:20-32

I was reading this yesterday, and it REALLY stood out to me.

This passage was written while Jeremiah was going through a lot of pain, things that we can't even comprehend. Yet, in the midst of all that, he had hope. This passage is one that we should all keep in mind when we're going through a rough time. It beautifully describes the goodness of our Lord, and his love for us.

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.

28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.

29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.

30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.

31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.

Have a blessed day.

Love,
Julie

Palma Deus

When translated, "Palma Deus" roughly means, "glory of God."

I was really challenged yesterday when I was reading a sermon by John Piper, and his main point was that we are created for God's glory.

Clearly, because God is God, his glory cannot be increased, but his glory can be displayed. That is what we are as humans, a display of God's glory. Our lives are meant to glorify him, to bring him honor and to bring him praise.

This is somewhat of a break through for me.

I guess I know that I am ultimately made to glorify God, but I don't always live that way. To be honest, my prayer life is way more self focused then it should be. I'm usually concerned with MY personal holiness, MY life goals, how am I being used, what needs to be changed in ME. See a pattern?

Don't get me wrong, God DOES care about those things, but they are not his priority. His priority is displaying his glory to all, and in turn drawing people to himself. In order to be in line with that plan, everything I say and do needs to bring glory to God.

When I speak, it needs to bring glory to God, when I act, it needs to bring glory to God. If I'm not doing that, I'm out of line. I know I won't always do that perfectly, but that's the goal. Of course, there is a time and a place to share with people when I'm having a rough time, but even then, the goal should be resolving whatever is wrong to the GLORY OF GOD. When I complain and get frustrated and my goal is making myself feel better, I am losing sight of what I am created for.

It's a great question to check motives. "Am I doing this for God's glory? Am I doing this to advance the kingdom?"

Where I'm at isn't going to change as a result of this revelation. My life goals, being her at Ballet Magnificat, all of this IS to the glory of God. What needs to be changed in my life is my attitude, my focus and the way I share with other people.

Goodness

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Amen. I'm so glad that the Lord never changes. I'm so glad that his promises never change....I am so glad that though I may change my mind a thousand times, he remains the same and his purpose for me is the same.

I think I give myself too much credit sometimes. I think that somehow the good things in my life must be a result of the good things that I do. Wrong. I'm learning more and more that I have very little to do with the good things in my life. Of course, following scripture keeps me out of a lot of trouble and heart break, but as far as causing good to happen, I do nothing. Sometimes I see the good things I have, and I give thanks to God for them....until I get used to having them....then I start to think that I somehow brought it upon myself. Not true. There is nothing good in and of myself, the only good that there is comes from the Lord. He gives good gifts, and he takes away good gifts, I have very little to do with it.

I'm so glad that he is the one in charge. He doesn't change, he's always faithful, always loving, always truthful, never abandons me, never condemns me....I mean really, what's not to like? We serve an awesome God y'all, let us never forget that.

Abandonment

We listened to a sermon today at B. Mag that I loved!

The topic was "living with abandonment." His key point was that as Christians, we are called to live a life that WILL NOT work unless Jesus is in it. God calls us to do the impossible, and he gave us his Holy Spirit so that we can accomplish that goal.

That really made me think. Does my life reflect that? The safest place to be is when you can't move without God's help....do I really believe that? I love to have everything under control. I love to know the future. Does that mentality reflect living with abandonment? I'd have to say no. I don't want to live a life that a non Christian could live. I want a life that is so focused on the Lord that there is NO QUESTION about what I believe. I want the power of Jesus Christ to so completely overtake me that I have no fear of following him....even if I have no idea where I'm going.

The funny thing is that I say this is my goal....but do I live like it? Do my desires and dreams match up with my convictions and high ideals?

What am I seeking?

What am I seeking? The gift? Or the giver? The promise? Or the promiser? The resource? Or the provider?

Am I seeking God's hand? Or am I seeking his face?

This morning in church we were praying for the Lord to do a work in our lives, in our community, in our nation. As I was praying, I was impressed that we need to give glory and thanks to the Lord, and we need to honor him in our prayers, not just ask for blessings or miracles. We need to seek to know him, not just to get what he can give. Yes, he gives good gifts, yes, we need to ask when we have a need (Luke 11:10, Matt 7:8)....but we need to seek his presence and a relationship with him first.

That's hard. It's so easy to get into a "wish list prayer" mentality. I may be praying for others, I may be praying for myself....but ultimately I feel like I'm constantly asking for things. It's so much better to praise the Lord...and I think that we should have prayer time specifically devoted to that. I don't just want to say...please help me with abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvxy.......I want to praise him, thank him and worship him in the way I talk to him.

"More then the water, I love the fountain. More then the warmth, I love the flame. More then green pastures, I love the Shepherd. More then my life, I love your name."
-Unknown

God is God

*Edited a few hours later*

I thought about taking out this post, but hey, I want you guys to see the process that the Lord is taking me through....I don't want to leave out the rough points.

"What do I have, if I don't have you Jesus?? What in this life could mean anymore. You are my rock, you are my glory, you are the lifter of my head!"
-Starfield

Jesus, I trust you. I will praise you Jesus! I will give you the glory, because you are worthy, and you are my God. You have the best plan, I can't wait to see what you have in store. Thank you Jesus for always lifting my head and giving me enough light to take one more step. I love you!

-Julie

Original Post:

Well, despite my best efforts, I still don't have control over my life. Not all of you know the background for this post, but let's just say that I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life (specifically college....when, where, what), and I'm not getting answers that I like. More waiting.....the thing I dislike the most.

I thought I did, at least to some extent.....but no. God is sovereign, his plan WILL win. I've been asking for clarity, and he's bringing it....slowly but surely. I don't know where he's taking me, I don't know what he wants for my life.....all I know is what he wants from me today....devotion, trust, belief that his plan is best.

These words by Jason Upton pretty much sum up what I want to say:


I don't have the power
I don't even have a clue
I don't have all the answers
I don't even have a few

But if I were really honest
And the truth were known of me
It might sound a little funny
But this is what my prayer would be

I don't know what to do
But my eyes are on You
I don't know what to do
But my eyes are on You

I lift my eyes toward the Heavens
Tune my ear to Your command
Help me boast in my condition
You're the God and I'm the man

Lord, I don't alway like how you work....but thank you that you do. I don't always see how your plan will work out, but I know it will. Let my heart be soft to your commands. I love you Lord.

-Julie

Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." 1 Timothy 6:6-7

Can I get an amen??

What is contentment? According to Webster's contentment is: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation.

Why is it SO hard to be content? The grass is always greener on the other side....or is it? If I had everything that I think I want, would I be satisfied? Would I wake up every morning excited and refreshed and renewed? Is that ever possible in this life....or is it a thing of fairy tales?

I think I should learn to be content. I mean, if contentment is "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation" then I should be content!

My favorite possession is my Bible, my status is a daughter of God.....a redeemed sinner....a recipient of Christ's amazing grace, my situation is perfectly in line with God's will.

I know these things, and yet my heart is restless. I feel like I should be doing more, or going somewhere else, or doing something differently! At the same time, I have a perfect peace about where I'm at. I don't know, this is confusing. Sorry.


I just need to have more of Jesus. I'm not satisfied, I need more of him.

Good friends

Isn't God amazing??

The way he orchestrates my life never ceases to amaze me.

My friend Amy and I went out to dinner this evening. We talked for 3 hours. It was awesome.

This girl is just incredible. She loves Jesus, and she has so many of my same problems! I know that sounds funny, but you guys know what I mean.

It's cool because I work with her, and I wouldn't have gotten to know her without that. God knew that....I wonder if he did that on purpose? It certainly makes sense that he would. He knew that we'd be going through the same things at the same times, and so he allowed us to get to know each other so that we could encourage on another toward Jesus.

Not just Amy, but Stella too.

She's another friend that ALWAYS seems to know what to say. The Lord has blessed her with a lot of wisdom. She's kind of like an older sister to me. She lives in my same apartment complex, and we get together ever so often to sit (in the hot tub!), relax and chat about life. She's SO grounded in God's word....and she's real prayer warrior. I love her!

Then there's Abby Lee and Abby Lou (yes those are their real names, and yes they are roommates!)

Abby Lee is very realistic, goal oriented and neat. Abby Lou is very outgoing, joyful and creative. Both of them bless me beyond belief. Their opposite views on life are so funny, but both of them love Jesus with their whole hearts and seek to do his will above all else. They've both been good for me, and have taught me SO much. Most of all they're always there to lend on ear when I need someone to listen to me....and they'll offer their perspective on whatever I'm going through.

And of course, how could I forget my roommates! There is honest, real, listening Dani. Then there's deep, thoughtful, reflective Deidre. Joyful, encouraging, loves life Merry and tender, sympathetic, loving Erin. These girls are amazing. Each one teaches me something new about life and God pretty much everyday....each one is great to cry with and to laugh with! Each one has a permanent place in my heart.

I could go on and on about Marleigh, Amy (there are two), Alyssa, Liz, Roxanne, Elizabeth, Rachel, Danielle (there are two of those too!), Lauren, Ivy, Megan, Hannah, Leslie, Naomi, Ashley, Rebecca, Naphtali, Beth, Kelsey, Bethany and Shari....but that would take a while.

I am so blessed. Each one of these girls has touched my life in a very significant way over the past five months, and I know that the things I've learned are things that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Then there are my precious friends from back home. I miss them!

God is good. He put me exactly where I need to be to learn more about him....with specific people to teach me specific things. He has given me such good friends! I am SO blessed.

Love

I wonder if the basics of Christianity get lost as we move onto more "complicated issues."

What is the number one commandment? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second one is like it, love your neighbor as yourself."

I don't want to sound like a hippie....or a new ager....or a little girl lost in lala land.....but what happened to love?

What happened to loving Jesus SO much that you can't contain it? What happened to loving others so much that everything you do is for their benefit?

Isn't that the core of what we should be doing? Loving the Lord and loving others? I mean yes, there are hundreds of other issues in our faith that need time to be thought out and discussed....but the core of Christianity is love. Why do we get so bogged down in everything going on around us that we forget to just love Jesus?

Not just a little love.....deep, passionate, life changing, bone chilling, ridiculous, unexplainable love and devotion to the only one who deserves it.....Jesus Christ.

I think if we could learn that then trust, faith, hope, discipline, evangelism, worship ect. would flow easily. If we would concentrate on loving Jesus as much as possible, then we would have a lot less time to worry about other things. What would happen if we REALLY loved everyone as we love ourselves?

*edited to add*

I just wanted to add this...it was from my devotions today. I was listening to some of my favorite hymns, and just spending time in prayer.....I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

“Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”

“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul.....my life.....my all.”

I am so thankful that I serve a good God. I am so thankful that my God knows me SO well. I am so thankful that my Jesus is more then enough to cover over all my sins, worries, doubts and anxieties. Thank you Jesus for your unfailing love. Thank you that there is so much to worry about.....because in that, I see you more clearly.

The will of God

How do you hear the voice of God? How do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt what he's telling you? What happens if you hear him wrong?


My problem is that I always think that God wants the opposite of what I want. I'm not sure why that is, because so far, everything he's asked me to do has been right in line with what I've wanted. I guess in some ways I must be waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm so concerned about doing his will.......I'll get to the point where I'm pretty sure I know what to do.....but there's this thought in the back of my mind that contradicts what I think I'm supposed to do.....so I wait. I don't like the anxiety this creates. I want to be completely sure of what I'm supposed to do.

I've always been taught that whatever God says needs to line up with scripture, prayer, circumstance and advice from trusted Christian friends. Here's the problem: it's not something that scripture talks about, my prayers are bringing more confusion then clarity, the circumstances could be taken either way and the trusted Christians in my life all have different opinions.

I'm so lost.

I'd really appreciate your prayers. I WANT to do God's will....but if he were to write it out for me, would I listen? I hope so....I'd want to....but how can I know his will? Should I know? Is it best for me to just wait? I don't know.

One thing I do know is that I need to, "Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances and pray without ceasing; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18

Recap

I realized I never finished telling you guys about the break.....

My last week at home was WONDERFUL! I spent four days in Traverse City with my amazing family. We relaxed, played games, swam, did a little sight seeing, and just generally enjoyed being together. How I miss them!

The next day I went with Jeremy to go visit his grandparents in North Carolina. We had a great trip down (despite being caught in a four hour traffic jam). Friday morning I was privileged to dance at SIM (the missions organization that the Wilsons work for), and Friday afternoon I repeated the joy. It was such a blessing to be able to share what the Lord has given me with these precious people. It was so awesome! Unfortunately I got sick right after that......really sick. I'm not sure why I got as sick as I was, but it was pretty bad. The Wilsons, Jeremy, Justin and Laura (Jeremy's brother and brother's fiancee) took such good care of me, they were wonderful! Because I was so sick Jeremy decided to drive me from North Carolina to Jackson (which was a HUGE blessing). We left on Monday, ate lunch in Atlanta and walked around the city for a while, and arrived in Jackson around dinner time. Jeremy stayed until Wednesday morning (and since I still wasn't better, convinced me to go to the doctor.) Despite being sick, it was a fantastic trip! I really enjoyed everything.

This week has been good, just trying to get back into the swing of things. I'm a little homesick, but I guess that's to be expected.

The last few days at Ballet Magnificat, we've been learning about the "emerging church" movement. For those that don't know (I sure didn't) the emerging church is a post modern, new age approach to Christianity.....and it's not good. Basically what they're saying is that truth is subjective, you have a truth, I have a truth, but they're not necessarily the same thing. They believe that all roads lead to one place. For instance, if you're a devoted Muslim, a devoted Christian or a devoted Jew, you're serving the same God, and you're going to heaven. That is clearly NOT biblical. But why? Why would a loving God send a devoted Muslim to hell? The Muslim sincerely believed in his religion, and tried his best to live it out. First, I want to make it clear that I don't have all the answers.....God does. From what I can see, if you sincerely believe that the sky is green, and live everyday under that assumption for the rest of your life....it still doesn't make the sky green! It's blue, and it will always be blue, it is not subject to your own personal beliefs. Jesus didn't say, "I am the way, the truth and the life, and if you have never heard about me, it's okay, because Allah works too." NO! Not okay. Watch out dear friends! This way of thinking seem so logical, so loving....but it isn't, it's false doctrine. It attacks the very core of Christianity! The sovereignty of Christ is a BIG DEAL. Again, I don't know how to reconcile the verse in Romans where it talks about the gentiles being a law for themselves, because God wrote the law on their hearts. I'm not sure how that works. What I do know is that it's better to get out there and tell people about Christ, then it is to sit here and argue about something that ONLY God will decide. We MUST be careful. We're living in a day and age where truth has become irrelevant. We have to be good "keepers of the Word.....be prepared to preach in season and out of season."(2 Timothy) We need to know what the Word says. Memorize it, meditate on it, think about it, live it out.....that is the only way to guard our minds against false teaching.

If you want more reading on this, Jeremy wrote about it as well (and his insights are very good.)


In conclusion, this is what I know: I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again to pay the penalty for my sin (and yours), and because of that we have eternal life in heaven. I know that I am called to preach THIS gospel to all those that I come into contact with. I know that God is loving and just, and that he will decide the issues that I don't understand.

In Christ Alone......the second time around

Here I am again.

To continue where I left off last time, I NEED Jesus. I can't live without him. I can't function.....I tried.....I tried living life on my own, and it doesn't work. All I have now is a desperate hunger for him that won't subside. Praise him!

I have seen over and over and over how good things are when Jesus is by my side....and I have seen too many times what happens when I leave him out of the picture.

It's neat though, because God wastes nothing in our lives. Even though I felt like I'd put him off over break, he has used that to teach me a lesson. I know what it is to feel like I have everything (friends, family, comfort, security) and yet feel empty. I can't stand it! That's a good thing. I'm so glad that my heart is hurting over this. I'm so glad that I'm upset......because it's motivating me to get moving.

Last night was an AMAZING night of prayer and worship. I sang, prayed, read my Bible.....mhmmmm, it was so good. Now THAT is what I want life to be about.....worshiping the Lord. Life can't be about what I think is good, or having what I think I need, it has to be about Jesus, and living for him everyday.

So....

In Christ alone, my hope is found, he is my life my strength my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought, and storm. What heights of love! What depths of peace! When fears are stilled, when strivings cease, my comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I'll stand.