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
1/28/2008
1/25/2008
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.
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.
1/24/2008
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.
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.
1/22/2008
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?
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?
1/20/2008
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
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
1/19/2008
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
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
1/17/2008
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.
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.
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