I have started another blog.
This is The
End. The One Blog to View them All. Come one, come all.
http://carissablogs.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/one-blog-to-view-them-all/
(I have posted a few more things after this post, but it's probably a good idea to start here.)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Valentine's Day...
I'm not going to pretend--as a single twenty-two year old woman who has loved and lost, there is a twinge of sadness on this day. A wishing for what might have been.
But if I'm going to say that, I have to say the rest as well. There is also great joy this day, for I know Another who loves me--loves me far deeper and realer than any man could, no matter how amazing he is.
This morning we sang, "Here is Love." I picked it, thinking of today and of His love.
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.
In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.
Oh, I love Him.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Want to Scare Someone?
Just start talking about Grace.
It's great. They get rather freaked out and start saying stuff about how, "You still have to do stuff and that doesn't mean you don't have to follow the law and yeah but we still have to do good works."
And then you're there like... "Um, yes, I never said otherwise."
I'm am pretty sure that we've gotten terribly confused. I know I was terribly confused. (probably will be again, too. But anyways.)
Grace is not like that at all. Grace doesn't mean, "Oh wonderful!! Now I can just sit around and do nothing (or whatever awful things I want to do.)" No, no, no.
Grace means Jesus dying on the cross. And then rising again.
Grace is given freely, because that is what kind of God there is.
Grace is very, very costly, because that is what kind of God there is.
By the first statement I made, "Grace is given freely, because that is what kind of God there is." I meant that He gives it freely because He is a gracious, loving God.
By the second statement, "Grace is very, very costly, because that is what kind of God there is.", I mean that God is holy and just, and cannot tolerate sin. He can't just gloss it over with a hug and say it'll be fine.
No.
It took Jesus' perfect fulfillment of the law. It took His death, horrible in every sense of the word, on the cross. It took His rising again, His conquering of death.
Grace is given freely.
Grace is not free.
Grace enables us to learn to live as Christ lived. It gives us safety and confidence while we learn--we are not under the law, but under grace. We're still learning, we're still becoming like Christ, we're still doing good things.
But it's all different.
The motivation is different: It's our love for God, rather than our fear of the law. Over and over, Jesus says "If you love Me, obey my commandments."
The power is different: It is no longer our vain human efforts; now it is grace/the Holy Spirit that works in us.
The end result is different: Under the law, no matter how hard you tried, you would fall short. Always. Every. Single. Time. With grace, He makes the way, hits the target right on--for you. Because of His sinless life in YOUR place, because He took YOUR punishment, because He always lives to make intercession for YOU... you are accepted, holy, and beloved.
Amazing.
Grace, properly understood, won't make anyone stop working. No, it will motivate you all the more. Grace is amazing--a precious, priceless, undeserved, unearned gift.
A gift of love.
And because He first loved us, we, in turn, love Him. And through His grace, we become more and more like Him.
It's great. They get rather freaked out and start saying stuff about how, "You still have to do stuff and that doesn't mean you don't have to follow the law and yeah but we still have to do good works."
And then you're there like... "Um, yes, I never said otherwise."
I'm am pretty sure that we've gotten terribly confused. I know I was terribly confused. (probably will be again, too. But anyways.)
Grace is not like that at all. Grace doesn't mean, "Oh wonderful!! Now I can just sit around and do nothing (or whatever awful things I want to do.)" No, no, no.
Grace means Jesus dying on the cross. And then rising again.
Grace is given freely, because that is what kind of God there is.
Grace is very, very costly, because that is what kind of God there is.
By the first statement I made, "Grace is given freely, because that is what kind of God there is." I meant that He gives it freely because He is a gracious, loving God.
By the second statement, "Grace is very, very costly, because that is what kind of God there is.", I mean that God is holy and just, and cannot tolerate sin. He can't just gloss it over with a hug and say it'll be fine.
No.
It took Jesus' perfect fulfillment of the law. It took His death, horrible in every sense of the word, on the cross. It took His rising again, His conquering of death.
Grace is given freely.
Grace is not free.
Grace enables us to learn to live as Christ lived. It gives us safety and confidence while we learn--we are not under the law, but under grace. We're still learning, we're still becoming like Christ, we're still doing good things.
But it's all different.
The motivation is different: It's our love for God, rather than our fear of the law. Over and over, Jesus says "If you love Me, obey my commandments."
The power is different: It is no longer our vain human efforts; now it is grace/the Holy Spirit that works in us.
The end result is different: Under the law, no matter how hard you tried, you would fall short. Always. Every. Single. Time. With grace, He makes the way, hits the target right on--for you. Because of His sinless life in YOUR place, because He took YOUR punishment, because He always lives to make intercession for YOU... you are accepted, holy, and beloved.
Amazing.
Grace, properly understood, won't make anyone stop working. No, it will motivate you all the more. Grace is amazing--a precious, priceless, undeserved, unearned gift.
A gift of love.
And because He first loved us, we, in turn, love Him. And through His grace, we become more and more like Him.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Strong Girls
I've had this post floating around in my head for quite some time now, but I have been hesitant to write it. Mainly because it's so personal, and also because... well, you'll see.
There are a lot of different kinds of girls out there, but there are two really broad categories that you could try to put them in: The sweet, soft girls--and then the strong, I-Can-Handle-This girls. (And within both of those there are the sub-categories of Introverts and Extroverts. I happen to be an Introverted Strong Girl, which is a very interesting mix. And since that is what I know best, I'll be explaining an Introverted Strong Girl. It may overlap into how an Extroverted Strong Girl is, but I can't say for sure...)
For the longest time, I thought that it was wrong to be in the latter category. I mean, what about being submissive and having a gentle and quiet spirit and all that? Those don't seem to fit in that "strong girl" category...
But yet, here I am. A so-called "Strong Girl." And I've come to realize that while being made like this does have its difficulties, it also has its blessings. I've also learned that God makes all kinds of different people, and He likes it that way.
It is not necessary to be my made-up picture of what a feminine girl is supposed to be: it is necessary to be the kind of person Christ would be were He in my position. And yes, that does include being submissive and gentle in spirit.
So... what is it like being an Introverted "Strong Girl"?
I guess the first thing you ought to know is that we are not near as strong as we look; not inside. We crumble inside just like everyone else: the difference is you'll probably never see it unless we learn the (Very Hard) lesson of vulnerability. Even then, we will be likely only be vulnerable with a small group. Unless we have a blog. Ahem.
Another thing is that while we don't appear as caring as the Sweet Girls, we actually care very, very, very deeply--and it bothers us. So we try to limit our caring to a few select people, lest we become overwhelmed with it all. It sounds callous--and it probably is. But, apart from Christ, that is how we operate.
In some aspects, though, we really can handle far more than the other group of girls: it is just how we are built. We usually remain calm when everyone else is freaking out--nearly always outwardly, and often inwardly as well. We can stand against storms that would flatten other people--sometimes out of stubbornness and/or pride, unfortunately. It takes a lot of work by God in our hearts to learn to rely on His strength, because it often appears that we CAN do it. Until we can't, of course. But I really don't think you want to see the kind of turmoil that goes on before a Strong Girl gets to that point... :P
We have the same need for love as other girls, though we have a much harder time showing it. It is a very difficult place to be, because we wish that you would somehow see through us and know what we need, but of course that doesn't happen often because most of the time we are saying, "Go away I'm fine" with our attitudes. (It is also harder for us to understand our own needs sometimes, too. Just to add to the fun.) We value respect more highly than most girls, too.
If you challenge us directly and with no grace, we will probably resist until the day we die. Or the day when God knocks us over and tells us to quit. One or the other. If, on the other hand, you say things in a non-confrontational "this helped me" type way, we will likely listen. For me, I find that if someone directly contradicts me, I'll probably hold my ground. If, however, someone I respect/love says something offhand that is different from what I think, I may be shaken easily in what I think. It's very odd. :P
So... what's a Strong Girl to do?
Well, the first thing is to recognize that she is weak--that she needs to rely on Christ's strength. It is a little harder to realize because of all the aforementioned, but when she does realize it, it is a great relief.
Another step is learning to accept how God made you. Don't try to be someone else. Just love God more. Focus on Him. Let Him mold you into His image. And don't excuse sin based on, "This is just who I am!!", either.
It is also important to learn to be *whispers* vulnerable. There, I said it. But, really, that is the way to grow deep friendships, and that is the way to actually help and be helped. It's hard, very hard... but it's worth learning. This doesn't mean you need to be vulnerable to EVERYONE--that would be illogical and impossible. But it does mean that you--we--need to learn when to be vulnerable.
Learning to show and receive love is also a big step in the right direction... and a hard one. I don't know if I'm the only girl in this category that has had a hard time grasping what love IS or not, but I'm guessing not...
Another really important thing, too, is too learn to know the difference between "strong" and "tough." Tough is when you get to the point where you don't care when people hurt you and you don't care when you hurt people. You have good strong walls, and no one is going to come in. Strong is when you are able to stand firm in life's storms, but you still bend with the wind. You still feel pain, you still care.
Well, there you have it. My thoughts on Strong Girls...
There are a lot of different kinds of girls out there, but there are two really broad categories that you could try to put them in: The sweet, soft girls--and then the strong, I-Can-Handle-This girls. (And within both of those there are the sub-categories of Introverts and Extroverts. I happen to be an Introverted Strong Girl, which is a very interesting mix. And since that is what I know best, I'll be explaining an Introverted Strong Girl. It may overlap into how an Extroverted Strong Girl is, but I can't say for sure...)
For the longest time, I thought that it was wrong to be in the latter category. I mean, what about being submissive and having a gentle and quiet spirit and all that? Those don't seem to fit in that "strong girl" category...
But yet, here I am. A so-called "Strong Girl." And I've come to realize that while being made like this does have its difficulties, it also has its blessings. I've also learned that God makes all kinds of different people, and He likes it that way.
It is not necessary to be my made-up picture of what a feminine girl is supposed to be: it is necessary to be the kind of person Christ would be were He in my position. And yes, that does include being submissive and gentle in spirit.
So... what is it like being an Introverted "Strong Girl"?
I guess the first thing you ought to know is that we are not near as strong as we look; not inside. We crumble inside just like everyone else: the difference is you'll probably never see it unless we learn the (Very Hard) lesson of vulnerability. Even then, we will be likely only be vulnerable with a small group. Unless we have a blog. Ahem.
Another thing is that while we don't appear as caring as the Sweet Girls, we actually care very, very, very deeply--and it bothers us. So we try to limit our caring to a few select people, lest we become overwhelmed with it all. It sounds callous--and it probably is. But, apart from Christ, that is how we operate.
In some aspects, though, we really can handle far more than the other group of girls: it is just how we are built. We usually remain calm when everyone else is freaking out--nearly always outwardly, and often inwardly as well. We can stand against storms that would flatten other people--sometimes out of stubbornness and/or pride, unfortunately. It takes a lot of work by God in our hearts to learn to rely on His strength, because it often appears that we CAN do it. Until we can't, of course. But I really don't think you want to see the kind of turmoil that goes on before a Strong Girl gets to that point... :P
We have the same need for love as other girls, though we have a much harder time showing it. It is a very difficult place to be, because we wish that you would somehow see through us and know what we need, but of course that doesn't happen often because most of the time we are saying, "Go away I'm fine" with our attitudes. (It is also harder for us to understand our own needs sometimes, too. Just to add to the fun.) We value respect more highly than most girls, too.
If you challenge us directly and with no grace, we will probably resist until the day we die. Or the day when God knocks us over and tells us to quit. One or the other. If, on the other hand, you say things in a non-confrontational "this helped me" type way, we will likely listen. For me, I find that if someone directly contradicts me, I'll probably hold my ground. If, however, someone I respect/love says something offhand that is different from what I think, I may be shaken easily in what I think. It's very odd. :P
So... what's a Strong Girl to do?
Well, the first thing is to recognize that she is weak--that she needs to rely on Christ's strength. It is a little harder to realize because of all the aforementioned, but when she does realize it, it is a great relief.
Another step is learning to accept how God made you. Don't try to be someone else. Just love God more. Focus on Him. Let Him mold you into His image. And don't excuse sin based on, "This is just who I am!!", either.
It is also important to learn to be *whispers* vulnerable. There, I said it. But, really, that is the way to grow deep friendships, and that is the way to actually help and be helped. It's hard, very hard... but it's worth learning. This doesn't mean you need to be vulnerable to EVERYONE--that would be illogical and impossible. But it does mean that you--we--need to learn when to be vulnerable.
Learning to show and receive love is also a big step in the right direction... and a hard one. I don't know if I'm the only girl in this category that has had a hard time grasping what love IS or not, but I'm guessing not...
Another really important thing, too, is too learn to know the difference between "strong" and "tough." Tough is when you get to the point where you don't care when people hurt you and you don't care when you hurt people. You have good strong walls, and no one is going to come in. Strong is when you are able to stand firm in life's storms, but you still bend with the wind. You still feel pain, you still care.
Well, there you have it. My thoughts on Strong Girls...
By All Means, it's The End!
I've been noticing a queer and pervasive problem lately, both in my life and in other lives around me.
We tend to think that the Means are the Point, rather than the End the means are supposed to be achieving. Weird...
A very common example would be Bible reading and prayer. The point is actually to get to know God better, and yet we check it off our list as if the reading in and of itself does something. Yeah, God is really good at using His word, and you'll probably still get something out of that type of reading.
But... how much better it would be if we changed our thinking to realize that these "Spiritual disciplines" are not our goal--God is our goal.
Use the Means to get to the End--don't end with the Means.
(Now "means" looks weird. What does it even mean? Oh help.)
We tend to think that the Means are the Point, rather than the End the means are supposed to be achieving. Weird...
A very common example would be Bible reading and prayer. The point is actually to get to know God better, and yet we check it off our list as if the reading in and of itself does something. Yeah, God is really good at using His word, and you'll probably still get something out of that type of reading.
But... how much better it would be if we changed our thinking to realize that these "Spiritual disciplines" are not our goal--God is our goal.
Use the Means to get to the End--don't end with the Means.
(Now "means" looks weird. What does it even mean? Oh help.)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Which Posts in 2012 Were Your Favorite?
Hey There Bloggy Friends!
I know I kind of abandoned this blog last year... but I did post a few times, and I'm getting ready to make my yearly list of favorite posts.
So--of the few I did post, which ones especially impacted you? Which ones did you like most? And why, if you have time? :D
Thank you!!
I know I kind of abandoned this blog last year... but I did post a few times, and I'm getting ready to make my yearly list of favorite posts.
So--of the few I did post, which ones especially impacted you? Which ones did you like most? And why, if you have time? :D
Thank you!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
To the Years...
Dear 2012,
You were a very odd year. I didn't know I could love that deep, cry that hard, learn that much, worship God that profoundly, be that blessed, or be that confused in one year. I guess that is what comes of me praying hard prayers. You probably thought I would learn my lesson, but guess what? I kept praying hard prayers all year long. And God answered. Yeah, it was hard. Yeah, I sometimes felt like I couldn't take anymore. But guess what? God was right there, and I could take more. And I did. And I am a different person as a result.
I must admit, though, 2012--much as I learned and grew, I am not exactly sorry to see you go. I will not forget you, nor your lessons, but I am glad I will not have to re-live you. Just sayin'.
With gratefulness,
Carissa
____________________________
Hey there 2013,
Even though we have not yet become acquainted, I am already looking forward to seeing what God will do in your twelve months. I'm sure it will be intense, like 2012 was--probably more, especially considering all God taught and prepared me for last year. To be honest, you scare me.
Especially you there, January. I see you sneaking up on me. I remember the last few Januaries that sprung on me... how can I forget? However, I will face you head-on, with a glint in my eyes and resolve in my steps--for the Savior of my soul has gone before me into your depths, and He walks with me even now. How can I fear when Jesus is near?
2013-- bring it. I am ready.
With anticipation,
Carissa
You were a very odd year. I didn't know I could love that deep, cry that hard, learn that much, worship God that profoundly, be that blessed, or be that confused in one year. I guess that is what comes of me praying hard prayers. You probably thought I would learn my lesson, but guess what? I kept praying hard prayers all year long. And God answered. Yeah, it was hard. Yeah, I sometimes felt like I couldn't take anymore. But guess what? God was right there, and I could take more. And I did. And I am a different person as a result.
I must admit, though, 2012--much as I learned and grew, I am not exactly sorry to see you go. I will not forget you, nor your lessons, but I am glad I will not have to re-live you. Just sayin'.
With gratefulness,
Carissa
____________________________
Hey there 2013,
Even though we have not yet become acquainted, I am already looking forward to seeing what God will do in your twelve months. I'm sure it will be intense, like 2012 was--probably more, especially considering all God taught and prepared me for last year. To be honest, you scare me.
Especially you there, January. I see you sneaking up on me. I remember the last few Januaries that sprung on me... how can I forget? However, I will face you head-on, with a glint in my eyes and resolve in my steps--for the Savior of my soul has gone before me into your depths, and He walks with me even now. How can I fear when Jesus is near?
2013-- bring it. I am ready.
With anticipation,
Carissa
Friday, December 28, 2012
On Grief.
Doesn't that just sound like a delightful topic? Um, yeah, not really.
I've been thinking about it a lot this year, having experienced it for the first time. Not that I had never been sad before--there were sad things before this year--but this was a year of death.
Not of people, not in my life. Not yet. But the death of dreams, the death of friendships, the death of a part of me.
It has been almost a year now since the starting of all this... yet it is still so deeply grievous that it can all come to the surface suddenly and I'm crying without warning.
I had no idea, before, of how long the grieving process is. And I haven't even had someone close die yet. I can't--don't want to--imagine.
My own grief has made me much more sensitive to others who are grieving.
It has also made me wonder. How is it possible that in 6,000 years of people dying, moving away, hurting each other, and so on, we still are terrible at grieving and comforting others who grieve? How is it that it is not a natural thing--it is something that must be learned to be done well?
I think I figured it out, though. It's because it is all just plain wrong.
People aren't supposed to die. Friendships are not supposed to end. People are not supposed to sin and hurt each other.
It's all wrong. This isn't how God designed us. This isn't the way it started out.
And we are still not used to it. Even though the fall happened so very long ago, we still struggle and flounder as a result of its effects.
(This is one of many reasons why evolution just makes no sense to me. If it were true, grief would be perfectly normal--in fact, maybe we wouldn't even be sad over someone's death. Survival of the fittest, right? Yay for me, I lived longer! :P)
Yet, in the beautiful way that God is, He has turned suffering into something for our good. Glorious, isn't it? That something so hard, so trying, so wrong can be used for good?
The other thing that has comforted me indescribably during my hard days has been the fact that Jesus Himself suffered. If He had not--if He was just up there telling us suffering is good for us--oh, what a hard directive that would be to obey. And how unjust it would seem. But He did. And when we suffer we get a taste, a share, in His sufferings. Amazing!
I've been thinking about it a lot this year, having experienced it for the first time. Not that I had never been sad before--there were sad things before this year--but this was a year of death.
Not of people, not in my life. Not yet. But the death of dreams, the death of friendships, the death of a part of me.
It has been almost a year now since the starting of all this... yet it is still so deeply grievous that it can all come to the surface suddenly and I'm crying without warning.
I had no idea, before, of how long the grieving process is. And I haven't even had someone close die yet. I can't--don't want to--imagine.
My own grief has made me much more sensitive to others who are grieving.
It has also made me wonder. How is it possible that in 6,000 years of people dying, moving away, hurting each other, and so on, we still are terrible at grieving and comforting others who grieve? How is it that it is not a natural thing--it is something that must be learned to be done well?
I think I figured it out, though. It's because it is all just plain wrong.
People aren't supposed to die. Friendships are not supposed to end. People are not supposed to sin and hurt each other.
It's all wrong. This isn't how God designed us. This isn't the way it started out.
And we are still not used to it. Even though the fall happened so very long ago, we still struggle and flounder as a result of its effects.
(This is one of many reasons why evolution just makes no sense to me. If it were true, grief would be perfectly normal--in fact, maybe we wouldn't even be sad over someone's death. Survival of the fittest, right? Yay for me, I lived longer! :P)
Yet, in the beautiful way that God is, He has turned suffering into something for our good. Glorious, isn't it? That something so hard, so trying, so wrong can be used for good?
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The other thing that has comforted me indescribably during my hard days has been the fact that Jesus Himself suffered. If He had not--if He was just up there telling us suffering is good for us--oh, what a hard directive that would be to obey. And how unjust it would seem. But He did. And when we suffer we get a taste, a share, in His sufferings. Amazing!
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:9-10
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
Thank God.5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Top Five Books of 2012
2012 has been quite a year. Never in my life have I had a year so full of adventures, the unexpected, pain, and spiritual growth. It has also been a year of amazing books. Most years I read some good books, even a few really good books. However, this year I have found some truly awesome books. Hence, I am writing this post. Hence you should really go out and buy at least one of them. ;) I even linked the titles of the books to the book on Amazon. There, now you have no excuses. You can surely spend around $10 for a life change, right? (and no, I am not getting paid in any way for any of this. :P)
1. Grace for the Good Girl--This is one of those books that, only about three chapters in, I was trying to sell to people. (I was reading it during my time with Generations of Virtue). I was also left wondering, how on earth did she know what is going on inside of me?? I smiled, I laughed a bit--I almost cried. And my life is changing, because I read this book. How? Well, she first goes through and talks about the many "masks" we "good girls" hide behind. We hide behind our fake "fine, we hide behind our many acts of service, we hide behind our spiritual disciplines.... hiding, always hiding. We are, in essence, religious. Living out of the law, not grace. She helps to gently show you where you are hiding, and then invites you out of your hiding and into God's amazing grace. You are left feeling more inspired to love and serve God, not less. But not because you HAVE to, not so that everyone else will think you are all that--simply because you love Him and you are so, so thankful for grace. And in that grace, you are safe. (Now my sister Hannah is reading it, and even though she's not done yet, she is already planning on buying for several people. And we made a list of over 60 girls and moms who need to read it. I'm not kidding when I say this-- if you are a girl, buy it. :D)
2. Gold by Moonlight--this one has helped me countless times this year in times when it all just seemed too hard, too painful. She is one that has walked on a painful road--she knows how it is. And, having faithfully gone on before on this path, she offers a way out. Not out of suffering, but out of wrong focus. She turns your eyes upon Jesus. She helps you to know how to get the most out of hard times. It is a very unique and fun to read book, too. Each chapter begins with a picture--a dark wood, a ravine, snow, lilies--and she draws from each image a lesson in suffering well. You just read wherever your need is... it doesn't need to be read in a particular order.
3. The Three Battlegrounds--this book is not kidding when it says in-depth. It is relatively short, but it is jam-packed full of helpful, biblical information. It connected a lot of dots for me, helped me to know better what was happening to me and in the world, gave me direction in my prayers and interactions with others, and so much more. It's one of those books that is underlined and stared and written all over with many colors--I just keep rereading it. I really like how it says that our focus should not be on spiritual warfare, but on Jesus.
4. The Pursuit of God--I literally just finished this one today. :D I've known about it for a long time, and read bits here and there... but I was given this book at the completion of J127, so I finally just read it. And wow... now I know why it's a classic and all that. He did such an amazing job of clearing away misconceptions, showing how beautiful a relationship with God can be, explaining how it all works, and so much more. It's rather difficult to describe. But it's another book that I'll be reading for a while yet... probably the rest of my life or something like that. ;)
5. The Pursuit of Holiness--This is a very practical book. Which, considering the topic, is extremely rare--and helpful!! He does a brilliant job of describing God's part and our part and how they work together, what holiness actually is, and lots of other things I've wondered about.
1. Grace for the Good Girl--This is one of those books that, only about three chapters in, I was trying to sell to people. (I was reading it during my time with Generations of Virtue). I was also left wondering, how on earth did she know what is going on inside of me?? I smiled, I laughed a bit--I almost cried. And my life is changing, because I read this book. How? Well, she first goes through and talks about the many "masks" we "good girls" hide behind. We hide behind our fake "fine, we hide behind our many acts of service, we hide behind our spiritual disciplines.... hiding, always hiding. We are, in essence, religious. Living out of the law, not grace. She helps to gently show you where you are hiding, and then invites you out of your hiding and into God's amazing grace. You are left feeling more inspired to love and serve God, not less. But not because you HAVE to, not so that everyone else will think you are all that--simply because you love Him and you are so, so thankful for grace. And in that grace, you are safe. (Now my sister Hannah is reading it, and even though she's not done yet, she is already planning on buying for several people. And we made a list of over 60 girls and moms who need to read it. I'm not kidding when I say this-- if you are a girl, buy it. :D)
2. Gold by Moonlight--this one has helped me countless times this year in times when it all just seemed too hard, too painful. She is one that has walked on a painful road--she knows how it is. And, having faithfully gone on before on this path, she offers a way out. Not out of suffering, but out of wrong focus. She turns your eyes upon Jesus. She helps you to know how to get the most out of hard times. It is a very unique and fun to read book, too. Each chapter begins with a picture--a dark wood, a ravine, snow, lilies--and she draws from each image a lesson in suffering well. You just read wherever your need is... it doesn't need to be read in a particular order.
3. The Three Battlegrounds--this book is not kidding when it says in-depth. It is relatively short, but it is jam-packed full of helpful, biblical information. It connected a lot of dots for me, helped me to know better what was happening to me and in the world, gave me direction in my prayers and interactions with others, and so much more. It's one of those books that is underlined and stared and written all over with many colors--I just keep rereading it. I really like how it says that our focus should not be on spiritual warfare, but on Jesus.
4. The Pursuit of God--I literally just finished this one today. :D I've known about it for a long time, and read bits here and there... but I was given this book at the completion of J127, so I finally just read it. And wow... now I know why it's a classic and all that. He did such an amazing job of clearing away misconceptions, showing how beautiful a relationship with God can be, explaining how it all works, and so much more. It's rather difficult to describe. But it's another book that I'll be reading for a while yet... probably the rest of my life or something like that. ;)
5. The Pursuit of Holiness--This is a very practical book. Which, considering the topic, is extremely rare--and helpful!! He does a brilliant job of describing God's part and our part and how they work together, what holiness actually is, and lots of other things I've wondered about.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Swordfighting
Our swords crashed together, echoing in the stillness of the chapel.
Again and again we struck--focused on the fight, surprising those
looking on in our intensity. She drew back, and we paused.
I waited, excitedly, impatiently. Then--
A sword. In my face.
Drop your sword.
It clattered to the ground.
Take off your helmet.
Half smiling, uncertain, confused, I complied.
He gestured downwards.
I released it, and it joined the sword on the cold floor.
The sword was still in my face. I was defenseless, confused. Had I done something wrong?
In the semi-darkness, I could see his face--intense, but still kind. He said words, many of which I have forgotten. But some, some I can’t forget.
This doesn’t feel like love, does it. A sword pointed in your face. But this is how love is, sometimes. Sometimes God must do this to get your attention. Sometimes He has to take all your defenses away and leave you exposed so you will open up to Him.
He went on, and I listened--still not sure about what was happening. I mean, have you ever had someone point a sword in your face and then speak words that burn straight to your soul--after having only known you a little over a week? Yeah, me either.
Afterwards, I went in the hallway of the chapel, away from the others--trembling inside. Trying to fathom what God had just shown me. As I prayed, kneeling there on the floor in the darkness, I got the sense that He was trying show me two things in particular. I was to drop my shield, my fleshly defenses, and let Him be my shield. And secondly, I had dropped my sword earlier in the year out of sheer weariness, and He was asking me to take it up again--but this time, to fight out of His strength, not mine.
I’ve been thinking about these lessons a lot lately, and God has been showing me more and more of this.
See, the thing is, life is scary. It hurts. So what do we do? We build walls. We hide.
And it helps. For a while. We feel safe, huddled there behind our wall--plastered with sweet-sounding phrases and less-than-genuine-smiles and pretty dresses.
Until we discover, much to our horror, that the walls we have built to keep the bad stuff out have kept all that out--and the good, too. And not only that, but now we are trapped inside. Our hearts have hardened, and not only do we not care when people hurt us, but we don’t care when we hurt people, either.
And that hiding business--people actually believed it! They actually thought you were alright, that you were a good girl, that you didn’t need help. And now you want to be found, so desperately. But you’re scared. What if you do come out from behind, what if you do show them your hurt and your humanness--and then they all leave? Not that they actually got inside your walls anyway, but... but they won’t even been near the walls, anymore.
And it’s a sad, sad lonely place. I know; I’ve been there. Sometimes I still jump back behind those pretty walls.
But I am learning, slowly. I’m learning that He is my shield, my refuge, my strong tower. I don’t have to build walls that harden my heart and keep everyone away--I have to draw close to God, revel in His love, soak up His word--and let my faith in Him be that shield.
Okay, so now we have a shield. What about the hiding and wanting to be found and not wanting to be found and still hiding?
He is our hiding place! I don’t know how many times I’ve read that, sung that, told people that. But it’s finally starting to sink down in. And not only is He our hiding place, He is our Seeker. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He KNOWS us. I don’t know about you (especially girls here, but guys too), but I long to be known. Really, deeply known--and loved anyway.
And God has been speaking this to my heart, over and over.
I know you. I made you. I love you. I know you. I made you. I love you.
So here we are, coming out from behind our walls and slipping in behind His shield, the shield of faith.
Here we are, being found by Him, known by Him--and in that security, we are safely tucked away, hidden under the shadow of His wings.
Free to love and be loved, free to feel other’s pain and our own, but not crushingly, for He bears the burden for us. Free to be safe. Not as the world views safety, but really, actually, always safe, whether we feel it or not.
Because when you are in Christ, nothing can snatch you out.
(Okay, so the swords didn’t actually crash together--they were foam swords. "Crashing" just sounded so much more epic than "thumping". But all the rest is true.)
I waited, excitedly, impatiently. Then--
A sword. In my face.
Drop your sword.
It clattered to the ground.
Take off your helmet.
Half smiling, uncertain, confused, I complied.
He gestured downwards.
I released it, and it joined the sword on the cold floor.
The sword was still in my face. I was defenseless, confused. Had I done something wrong?
In the semi-darkness, I could see his face--intense, but still kind. He said words, many of which I have forgotten. But some, some I can’t forget.
This doesn’t feel like love, does it. A sword pointed in your face. But this is how love is, sometimes. Sometimes God must do this to get your attention. Sometimes He has to take all your defenses away and leave you exposed so you will open up to Him.
He went on, and I listened--still not sure about what was happening. I mean, have you ever had someone point a sword in your face and then speak words that burn straight to your soul--after having only known you a little over a week? Yeah, me either.
Afterwards, I went in the hallway of the chapel, away from the others--trembling inside. Trying to fathom what God had just shown me. As I prayed, kneeling there on the floor in the darkness, I got the sense that He was trying show me two things in particular. I was to drop my shield, my fleshly defenses, and let Him be my shield. And secondly, I had dropped my sword earlier in the year out of sheer weariness, and He was asking me to take it up again--but this time, to fight out of His strength, not mine.
I’ve been thinking about these lessons a lot lately, and God has been showing me more and more of this.
See, the thing is, life is scary. It hurts. So what do we do? We build walls. We hide.
And it helps. For a while. We feel safe, huddled there behind our wall--plastered with sweet-sounding phrases and less-than-genuine-smiles and pretty dresses.
Until we discover, much to our horror, that the walls we have built to keep the bad stuff out have kept all that out--and the good, too. And not only that, but now we are trapped inside. Our hearts have hardened, and not only do we not care when people hurt us, but we don’t care when we hurt people, either.
And that hiding business--people actually believed it! They actually thought you were alright, that you were a good girl, that you didn’t need help. And now you want to be found, so desperately. But you’re scared. What if you do come out from behind, what if you do show them your hurt and your humanness--and then they all leave? Not that they actually got inside your walls anyway, but... but they won’t even been near the walls, anymore.
And it’s a sad, sad lonely place. I know; I’ve been there. Sometimes I still jump back behind those pretty walls.
But I am learning, slowly. I’m learning that He is my shield, my refuge, my strong tower. I don’t have to build walls that harden my heart and keep everyone away--I have to draw close to God, revel in His love, soak up His word--and let my faith in Him be that shield.
Okay, so now we have a shield. What about the hiding and wanting to be found and not wanting to be found and still hiding?
He is our hiding place! I don’t know how many times I’ve read that, sung that, told people that. But it’s finally starting to sink down in. And not only is He our hiding place, He is our Seeker. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He KNOWS us. I don’t know about you (especially girls here, but guys too), but I long to be known. Really, deeply known--and loved anyway.
And God has been speaking this to my heart, over and over.
I know you. I made you. I love you. I know you. I made you. I love you.
So here we are, coming out from behind our walls and slipping in behind His shield, the shield of faith.
Here we are, being found by Him, known by Him--and in that security, we are safely tucked away, hidden under the shadow of His wings.
Free to love and be loved, free to feel other’s pain and our own, but not crushingly, for He bears the burden for us. Free to be safe. Not as the world views safety, but really, actually, always safe, whether we feel it or not.
Because when you are in Christ, nothing can snatch you out.
(Okay, so the swords didn’t actually crash together--they were foam swords. "Crashing" just sounded so much more epic than "thumping". But all the rest is true.)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Ice Skating and Fear
We went ice skating last night.
I only fell once.
I stayed near the edge most of the time. I figured it out a little more, but I didn't ever venture out to the middle, nor did I go fast.
I was afraid.
Every time I started sliding, I would feel like I was slipping and was going to fall, so I'd stop myself and hold on to the edge.
I was afraid.
Afraid of what? Of falling.
Seriously?
Falling isn't actually that bad.
I missed out on the fun of gliding across the ice simply because I was too fearful to take the risk of falling. Someone from our group came up to me and after trying to help me figure out the technicalities of ice skating, told me that I was living in fear and not love and that is what my problem was. He then laughed a bit and said, "I'm not one of those scammers, I mean it. That really is your problem." (or something like)
I smiled and thought about it, and he was right. I tried to loosen up, to not hold on so much.
But I still stayed near the edge.
And my focus was still on not falling, on getting it RIGHT. Not on ice skating.
We left, and on the ride home we were talking about various things--mainly God stuff. I mentioned that I learned a lot when I was ice skating, and it wasn't about ice skating--it was about me.
I really do live in fear.
I hide it so well that I am only just beginning to find it in myself, or rather God is just beginning to show me it. It's so deep down and I hide it so well that I don't even realize it's there. And yet, it is. And it hinders me in my life. I'm afraid.
Afraid to love, afraid to live whole-heartedly, afraid to be me, afraid to--ice skate.
Because I don't want to fall down. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want to look foolish.
So I stay near the edge, and I only fall down once or twice. And I never get to the middle. I don't feel the pleasure of gliding across the ice, of living whole-heartedly.
And then one of my team mates quoted Star Wars to me, and said that is what he remembered when he was figuring out skating... it was something along the lines of, "The reason we fall is so we can get back up again."
We also talked about love--God's love. God was showing me last night that He stands between us and our adversaries... We don't have to be afraid. He intercedes for us; He defends us; He LOVES us. He made us, He bought us. We are His.
And He won't let us fall down anymore than is absolutely necessary to help us learn.
So... I'm learning to live in love, slowly. When I feel that fear rising up, I remind myself of the One who ever lives to plead for me. And in that knowledge, in His love, I am free.
Free to fall down, because after you fall He helps you to your feet again.
I only fell once.
I stayed near the edge most of the time. I figured it out a little more, but I didn't ever venture out to the middle, nor did I go fast.
I was afraid.
Every time I started sliding, I would feel like I was slipping and was going to fall, so I'd stop myself and hold on to the edge.
I was afraid.
Afraid of what? Of falling.
Seriously?
Falling isn't actually that bad.
I missed out on the fun of gliding across the ice simply because I was too fearful to take the risk of falling. Someone from our group came up to me and after trying to help me figure out the technicalities of ice skating, told me that I was living in fear and not love and that is what my problem was. He then laughed a bit and said, "I'm not one of those scammers, I mean it. That really is your problem." (or something like)
I smiled and thought about it, and he was right. I tried to loosen up, to not hold on so much.
But I still stayed near the edge.
And my focus was still on not falling, on getting it RIGHT. Not on ice skating.
We left, and on the ride home we were talking about various things--mainly God stuff. I mentioned that I learned a lot when I was ice skating, and it wasn't about ice skating--it was about me.
I really do live in fear.
I hide it so well that I am only just beginning to find it in myself, or rather God is just beginning to show me it. It's so deep down and I hide it so well that I don't even realize it's there. And yet, it is. And it hinders me in my life. I'm afraid.
Afraid to love, afraid to live whole-heartedly, afraid to be me, afraid to--ice skate.
Because I don't want to fall down. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want to look foolish.
So I stay near the edge, and I only fall down once or twice. And I never get to the middle. I don't feel the pleasure of gliding across the ice, of living whole-heartedly.
And then one of my team mates quoted Star Wars to me, and said that is what he remembered when he was figuring out skating... it was something along the lines of, "The reason we fall is so we can get back up again."
We also talked about love--God's love. God was showing me last night that He stands between us and our adversaries... We don't have to be afraid. He intercedes for us; He defends us; He LOVES us. He made us, He bought us. We are His.
And He won't let us fall down anymore than is absolutely necessary to help us learn.
So... I'm learning to live in love, slowly. When I feel that fear rising up, I remind myself of the One who ever lives to plead for me. And in that knowledge, in His love, I am free.
Free to fall down, because after you fall He helps you to your feet again.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Coolness
Oh, the things I could write about right now... they are so numerous that should I attempt them all, you would definitely fall asleep by the end. But don't worry, I shan't do that. Right now I just have a bit of a rant forming, and I want to write about it. So here I am.
I've been noticing this startling tendency in myself and in other Christians to think we're more cool if we are like the world in certain areas. *gasp* No really, it's true--if you look closely enough.
If we have higher standards in, say, music, we kinda try to hide it around other people. Even Christians. Or we feel like we're cool when we listen to music that is closer to the world's kind. We like the beat and so forth. I am NOT saying that the kind of music is bad. Honestly I like it, or at least quite a bit of it.
What I don't like is when I feel more "cool" because of the music/movie/clothing item/etc.
That is not what we base coolness on anymore!!
We are no longer of the world. We don't base our worth, our "rank", our "coolness" by earthly things.
It is all based on Christ. On what He has done. He is now our standard for "coolness".
Not the world.
The End. :D
I've been noticing this startling tendency in myself and in other Christians to think we're more cool if we are like the world in certain areas. *gasp* No really, it's true--if you look closely enough.
If we have higher standards in, say, music, we kinda try to hide it around other people. Even Christians. Or we feel like we're cool when we listen to music that is closer to the world's kind. We like the beat and so forth. I am NOT saying that the kind of music is bad. Honestly I like it, or at least quite a bit of it.
What I don't like is when I feel more "cool" because of the music/movie/clothing item/etc.
That is not what we base coolness on anymore!!
We are no longer of the world. We don't base our worth, our "rank", our "coolness" by earthly things.
It is all based on Christ. On what He has done. He is now our standard for "coolness".
Not the world.
The End. :D
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Another Blog...
Yes, yes, I know... I already have too many blogs. But I'm going on a trip! Doesn't that deserve it's own special blog??
Apparently it does, since I already started one... here it is.
Feel free to check it out and even follow it to see what I'm up to on my trip! If you do stop by, please leave a comment so I know you were there. :)
God be with you!
Apparently it does, since I already started one... here it is.
Feel free to check it out and even follow it to see what I'm up to on my trip! If you do stop by, please leave a comment so I know you were there. :)
God be with you!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Random Announcement of the Day!
I'm leaving! Forever! Okay, that's an exaggeration... but I am leaving. In less than one month. To New York. For two months.
Surprised? Not much more surprised than I am... :P
And why am I going to New York for two months? Well... you see... *starts story mode*
Once upon a time at a homeschool convention not too far away, a girl (named Courtney) came up to me (in spite of the fact that I was reading and being rather unsociable at the moment) at the Generations of Virtue booth. She was nice, and she said something about a "new program" and "J127" and "traveling" and "intensive discipleship" and "are you interested?"
Well, to be honest, I wasn't particularly interested. But since I'm nice and stuff, I gave her my email address so she could email me with details. And, to add to the fun, I had a vague feeling that God might want me to do it. So.
I waited... and waited... wondering if she'd actually email. Rather pessimistic of me, but I've just had too many experiences where people don't actually do what they say they will do.
But! She did! So I was pleasantly surprised and rather interested to see where this would go. I thought and prayed about it some, and I had a sense that God might be calling me to do it. However, I thought it rather impractical. (Which... God is impractical. Just for the record. And that's a good thing, because in Narnia it was the White Witch who was Terribly Practical, not Aslan. Um... sorry. I'm reading The Magician's Nephew to my little brothers.)
And then I went to Pennsylvania (oh! I didn't even say anything about that ever on here... sorreee...) and I was busy with that trip (and yes it was FUN!! I guess I will write about it, um, later.) and while I was still thinking and praying about the J127 program, I just... didn't get the application sent in. The deadline to apply, July 25th, passed. And I thought... um, well, I guess... I guess I'm not going? But it didn't seem properly final. And so I wondered what was going on, because if the deadline was passed then didn't that mean I couldn't go?
No, of course not! Another email from Courtney! The deadline was extended! To August 8th!
Oh! "I guess that means I should do something about this, then, God?" Yep.
So I talked to my parents about it and they were supportive and they said to talk to Pastor Mark. I emailed him, along with my "mentors" Arlene and Pristine and my longest running friend, Beka Wimer. (They have you include three references... one from a Pastor, one from a Mentor/teacher, and one from an over 18 friend.)
Pristine emailed and said "I've
scanned through the website and it sounds very exciting! If you feel
the Lord leading you that way and have the opportunity to apply, I
would. Continue to pray about it and ask the Lord to confirm to you His
desire. I will be excited to see how it turns out!"
Sunday (the 5th) Arlene talked to me about it and asked me all the sorts of questions one would expect from a Mentor, and she, too, thought it was exciting and would be a good experience for me.
Beka emailed me on the sixth and said that she would do my friend application...
But I still hadn't heard from Pastor Mark. And it was the seventh now. I didn't know what to do, because I didn't want to apply without the go ahead from him (not to mention that I needed him to fill out the reference form)... so I was praying about it and practicing my prodigious waiting skills. ;)
And he called! Finally! And he thought it sounded exciting too and said that if I felt this was something God wanted me to try for, I should. He also said that it was a short time to raise that much money... but we both agreed that if God wanted me to go, He could certainly make that happen.
I hurriedly filled out my application form (except it took a few hours) and emailed it off and rushed to meet with Arlene at Panera.
When I got home, I had an email that said the application form was blank. :P So I had to resend it. Thankfully the data was saved, so it wasn't too bad.
On the eighth I got an email confirming that my application had been received.
On the ninth I had a missed call from them and a voicemail telling me to call back, please. Oh dear, what did I do now... so I called back, and a nice happy girl named Katherine told me that--- My application had been accepted!!... ?!!? "Wow! That was fast!" (I'm very original like that. But really, I thought I had to wait till the 15th.)
So then I blinked for a while and was like.... um, I guess... I'm going! Cool! This is interesting...
Sunday I told about it some--of course forgetting to say obvious things like "in NEW YORK" and stuff like that. I also didn't say anything about *whispers* money. *sigh* Anyway. I think I managed to confuse mostly everyone, but that's good for them. I think.
*end story mode*
By now you are probably wondering what on earth I'm going to be doing for TWO MONTHS. Well, to be perfectly honest, I'm wondering that myself.
But I do have some idea... it includes things like helping at "purity events", helping to renovate "The Mission" (a really cool sounding, HUGE (110,000 square feet) old building), listening to authors and speakers, praying, traveling (I think to Colorado and I'm not sure where else), and probably a great many other things. You can read more about it here and here.
So what am I hoping to come away with from this? To borrow from what I said on the application...
I am hoping to come away with more skill in teaching and leading in Bright Lights, my family, and church--and future ministry opportunities God brings along. I am hoping to form Christ-centered relationships with young people who are dedicated to seeking and loving God, people who can challenge me in my walk with God and inspire me to higher heights and deeper depths. I am hoping to use what God has already given me to bless others on the team and the people we minister to. I am hoping to become more disciplined and self-sacrificing. I am hoping, above all, to use this to the glory of God, and to know Him more intimately, to love Him more dearly, and to be more in awe of Him than ever.
It starts on September 12th and ends on November 17th.
The biggest thing I need in this is prayer. I know you've read many "prayer letters" that aren't really quite... prayer letters. But really, honestly, I need your prayers more than I need money. I could get all the money but not have God's blessing and help and it--really wouldn't work. I'd be better off at home with no money. So... I would greatly appreciate prayer. For wisdom, for grace, for love... that I would be a blessing and that I would let God work in me through this, and through me in other's lives.
Also, if you did happen to wonder about the money part of it... I need $2500--$3000.
"As J127 (through Generations of Virtue) is a registered 501C3 non profit, your church, friends and family may send checks directly to us and receive a tax deductible letter at the end of the year! Have checks payable to:
Generations of VirtueAnd mailed directly to:Generations of VirtueAttn: Carissa Mann J127 Support5604 Mission RoadConesus, NY 14435"
So there! Now you know. :)
I'm not sure how busy my schedule will be... I may or may not be able to blog while I'm gone. Ve shall see. :)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Character
I've wondered about character for a long time. Growing up in a Christian homeschool family, you hear the word plenty. There are books that build character and songs that build character and friends that build character... all kinds of things.
"Build character"? What does that mean? What does "character" even mean??
I finally figured it out, and then I promptly wondered why no one had ever told me before... and why it took me so long to figure it out. :P
Very simply, character is your habitual response. For instance, when you are provoked, the way you regularly respond indicates what kind of character you have. If you usually respond kindly, you are a kind person. If you mostly respond with anger, you are an angry person.
It's just... habit. The way you normally respond to life. Do you make the lazy choice or the diligent choice? Do you work hard or do you just do "enough"? Do you put others first or do you put yourself first?
Well, then. So how do books and so forth build character?? If the attitudes and actions portrayed as good in the majority of books you read are Christlike ones, you will grow to appreciate and accept those attitudes--and, slowly, they will become part of your response. What we are surrounded with is what we become. This is also true in reverse, of course. And I'm sure you can see the results of the kind of media most people choose... it's quite evident in our culture.
The next question that occurs in this thought process is the most crucial: "Why is having good character important?" Now I'm sure most of us would agree that it's a least a little bit important to have good character. Or at least that everyone else doesn't have it and they should!! :D (Have you ever noticed how ironic it is that we tend to complain about people complaining? Or gossip about someone else gossiping? Or point out everyone else's need for good character while neglecting your own? :P) We've heard about character plenty, or at least I have.
But why?? (I must have been an annoying child... I always want to know why.)
Finally, finally, I'm getting it. It's so much broader and more important and glorious than people make it out to be. It's not just us looking good or making our parents look good. It's not just being a good person. It's not just about other people. (gasp)
Oh, no. It's about Christ. It's about the reason we exist.
Why do we exist? "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
And, I ask you, how can we possibly glorify God if we are not building and striving for Christlike character? If we are not in the habit of responding kindly, how can they see Christ's kindness in us? If we are not in the habit of responding meekly and humbly, how can they see Christ's humility? If we are not responding in love and forgiveness, how can they understand Christ's love and forgiveness? If we are not purposefully seeking to make God look great by our actions, why are we here?? And how dare we call ourselves followers of Christ?? Followers, you see, FOLLOW the person they are following...
Yes, it is His power that works in us. Without Him, it is impossible for us to become like Him. Only Christ can be Christ.
But if we are so full of US--how can He come in and take over? If we are so busy listening to worldly influences, how can we hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit? If we are so busy gratifying our flesh, how can we walk in the Spirit? If we are so caught up in the things of this world, how can we love God? If we are so sure of our own strength, how can He show Himself strong in us?
We are called to fight. We are called to endure. We are called to press on. We are called to lay aside the weights. We are called to put off our old nature and put on Christ. We must take action.
We cannot sit still and expect God to magically poof us into being like Him. We must make those little choices, every day.
Humility over pride. Patience over impatience. Joy over complaining. Peace over worry. Diligence over laziness.
Little choices. Big results.
Why? Why choose to help your little sister instead of reading that novel? Why give up the last seat to that old lady? Why clean up the kitchen when it isn't your job? Why keep working until your story is the best you can make it? Why choose to tell the truth even though it may cost you dearly? Why keep loving someone even when they hurt you over and over?
Because of Christ. Because He loves you. Because His way is the best way. Because... that is how you bring God glory, how you show Him to be like He really is.
It may not seem to make any difference. Probably people won't notice that you took the extra ten minutes to dust the fan when you were only asked to dust the blinds. Probably no one will see that you gave up the last bagel so your little sister could have one. Probably no one will cheer when you choose to do your school instead of goofing off. Probably getting up an hour earlier so you can pray won't make the headlines. Probably no one will notice that you rewrote your blog post five times instead of throwing it together. Probably no one will know how hard you had to bite your tongue to keep from making that mean comment. Probably no one will know how hard it was to forgive that one person.
Oh, but God knows. And He takes great pleasure in it. And it does glorify Him.
And, moreover, there will come a day when there are big choices to be made. When the stakes are high and the world is watching and Christ's name is in the balance.
What will you do then? If you have consistently made the good little choices, you will just do what you always do. Of course you will tell the truth even though you'll go to jail--isn't that what you've been doing all along? Of course you will forgive the ones who killed your brother--isn't that what you've been doing all along?
These days will come. Mark my words.
Will you be ready?
"Build character"? What does that mean? What does "character" even mean??
I finally figured it out, and then I promptly wondered why no one had ever told me before... and why it took me so long to figure it out. :P
Very simply, character is your habitual response. For instance, when you are provoked, the way you regularly respond indicates what kind of character you have. If you usually respond kindly, you are a kind person. If you mostly respond with anger, you are an angry person.
It's just... habit. The way you normally respond to life. Do you make the lazy choice or the diligent choice? Do you work hard or do you just do "enough"? Do you put others first or do you put yourself first?
Well, then. So how do books and so forth build character?? If the attitudes and actions portrayed as good in the majority of books you read are Christlike ones, you will grow to appreciate and accept those attitudes--and, slowly, they will become part of your response. What we are surrounded with is what we become. This is also true in reverse, of course. And I'm sure you can see the results of the kind of media most people choose... it's quite evident in our culture.
The next question that occurs in this thought process is the most crucial: "Why is having good character important?" Now I'm sure most of us would agree that it's a least a little bit important to have good character. Or at least that everyone else doesn't have it and they should!! :D (Have you ever noticed how ironic it is that we tend to complain about people complaining? Or gossip about someone else gossiping? Or point out everyone else's need for good character while neglecting your own? :P) We've heard about character plenty, or at least I have.
But why?? (I must have been an annoying child... I always want to know why.)
Finally, finally, I'm getting it. It's so much broader and more important and glorious than people make it out to be. It's not just us looking good or making our parents look good. It's not just being a good person. It's not just about other people. (gasp)
Oh, no. It's about Christ. It's about the reason we exist.
Why do we exist? "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
And, I ask you, how can we possibly glorify God if we are not building and striving for Christlike character? If we are not in the habit of responding kindly, how can they see Christ's kindness in us? If we are not in the habit of responding meekly and humbly, how can they see Christ's humility? If we are not responding in love and forgiveness, how can they understand Christ's love and forgiveness? If we are not purposefully seeking to make God look great by our actions, why are we here?? And how dare we call ourselves followers of Christ?? Followers, you see, FOLLOW the person they are following...
Yes, it is His power that works in us. Without Him, it is impossible for us to become like Him. Only Christ can be Christ.
But if we are so full of US--how can He come in and take over? If we are so busy listening to worldly influences, how can we hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit? If we are so busy gratifying our flesh, how can we walk in the Spirit? If we are so caught up in the things of this world, how can we love God? If we are so sure of our own strength, how can He show Himself strong in us?
We are called to fight. We are called to endure. We are called to press on. We are called to lay aside the weights. We are called to put off our old nature and put on Christ. We must take action.
We cannot sit still and expect God to magically poof us into being like Him. We must make those little choices, every day.
Humility over pride. Patience over impatience. Joy over complaining. Peace over worry. Diligence over laziness.
Little choices. Big results.
Why? Why choose to help your little sister instead of reading that novel? Why give up the last seat to that old lady? Why clean up the kitchen when it isn't your job? Why keep working until your story is the best you can make it? Why choose to tell the truth even though it may cost you dearly? Why keep loving someone even when they hurt you over and over?
Because of Christ. Because He loves you. Because His way is the best way. Because... that is how you bring God glory, how you show Him to be like He really is.
It may not seem to make any difference. Probably people won't notice that you took the extra ten minutes to dust the fan when you were only asked to dust the blinds. Probably no one will see that you gave up the last bagel so your little sister could have one. Probably no one will cheer when you choose to do your school instead of goofing off. Probably getting up an hour earlier so you can pray won't make the headlines. Probably no one will notice that you rewrote your blog post five times instead of throwing it together. Probably no one will know how hard you had to bite your tongue to keep from making that mean comment. Probably no one will know how hard it was to forgive that one person.
Oh, but God knows. And He takes great pleasure in it. And it does glorify Him.
And, moreover, there will come a day when there are big choices to be made. When the stakes are high and the world is watching and Christ's name is in the balance.
What will you do then? If you have consistently made the good little choices, you will just do what you always do. Of course you will tell the truth even though you'll go to jail--isn't that what you've been doing all along? Of course you will forgive the ones who killed your brother--isn't that what you've been doing all along?
These days will come. Mark my words.
Will you be ready?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Death and Life and Lies and Truth
We started out alive. Very much alive. We were in direct, perfect communion with God. We had no division or misunderstanding or selfishness in our relationships with each other. We were physically healthy. We were mentally sound. We were emotionally fulfilled and whole.
And then
we
died.
God told us we would, if we did That; but we paid Him no heed.
Thought we knew best.
We tried so hard, we did.
We tried to pretend we were still alive.
We hid. Hid from the One with the Answer, from the One who sees all.
And we’re still dead and we still pretend.
Outside we look alive.
Inside we are naught but a corpse.
Rotting, shriveled, dry.
We plaster on a smile and we laugh and we talk loud and we DO. Frantically, we try to convince ourselves–or at least everyone else–that we aren’t really dead inside.
But we are.
And we all know it, no matter how hard we try to make it look otherwise, no matter how many people tell us we are beautiful and good, no matter how loud we laugh, no matter how much doing we pile on top of our deadness in an attempt to look alive.
Ugly, small, not-right.
This is us.
Correction: this is us without and before Christ…Before the Christ-life comes in and fills that hollow, dried up, dead spirit of ours. Before He comes and breaths His life into our breathless spirit. Before His Life-Blood begins flowing in our spiritual veins.
But oh, when it happens–what a glorious thing!
We who were
once dead,
who were
once far off–
are alive in Christ,
brought very near
by His precious life-blood.
Why, then, do we--who are alive in Christ--sometimes still feel dead? Why do we sometimes still see ourselves as ugly, shriveled, hopeless?
In a word:
lies.
You see, Before, the lie was:
You aren’t really dead;
somehow, someway,
you can beat it.
You can cover it up.
Hide, run
and hide.
Don’t let Him see.
Just put on some more makeup,
maybe buy some more expensive clothes.
Make sure you do everything
right.
Keep doing all those good things; maybe
that
will make you feel better.
Once we see through that lie and accept the Christ-life, however, the lie takes another twist.
He whispers the other side of his deceitful tale into your delicate new ears:
You aren’t really alive.
You’re still just as
dead
as you ever were.
Look at you!
Insignificant, putrid, hollow old you.
Who do you think you are,
claiming to be new, holy, cleansed, alive?
You’re wrong.
He doesn’t really care for you.
Maybe the other people–look how beautiful they are.
Not you.
Look at what you’ve done, who you are.
No…you’re still dead.
BUT IT IS A LIE.
Just as plain and simple as that.
It’s a lie.
Lies are nothing, nothing but the twisted fragments of nightmarish thoughts from the Enemy of your soul.
The one who tricked us into believing The Lie that brought death to our souls in the first place. The one who desperately tried to keep your soul dead. And the one who, now that your spirit lives because of Christ in you, wants nothing more than to keep you believing that you are still dead.
Don’t listen.
Trust.
I know you don’t see, yet.
You don’t see what God saw when He had the idea for you. What He knows you’ll become at the end of the story. You don’t see, quite, the glow He had–has–in His eyes when He looked at you. You didn’t see His joy when your long-dead spirit finally accepted His life and became new.
But you have to trust.
Trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He who has promised is faithful, and that He also will do it. Trust that He makes everything beautiful in its time. Trust that His life is in you, and that you aren’t dead inside any more.
No.
You are alive, very alive.
Because The One
who is
The Life
is in
you.
And then
we
died.
God told us we would, if we did That; but we paid Him no heed.
Thought we knew best.
We tried so hard, we did.
We tried to pretend we were still alive.
We hid. Hid from the One with the Answer, from the One who sees all.
And we’re still dead and we still pretend.
Outside we look alive.
Inside we are naught but a corpse.
Rotting, shriveled, dry.
We plaster on a smile and we laugh and we talk loud and we DO. Frantically, we try to convince ourselves–or at least everyone else–that we aren’t really dead inside.
But we are.
And we all know it, no matter how hard we try to make it look otherwise, no matter how many people tell us we are beautiful and good, no matter how loud we laugh, no matter how much doing we pile on top of our deadness in an attempt to look alive.
Ugly, small, not-right.
This is us.
Correction: this is us without and before Christ…Before the Christ-life comes in and fills that hollow, dried up, dead spirit of ours. Before He comes and breaths His life into our breathless spirit. Before His Life-Blood begins flowing in our spiritual veins.
But oh, when it happens–what a glorious thing!
We who were
once dead,
who were
once far off–
are alive in Christ,
brought very near
by His precious life-blood.
Why, then, do we--who are alive in Christ--sometimes still feel dead? Why do we sometimes still see ourselves as ugly, shriveled, hopeless?
In a word:
lies.
You see, Before, the lie was:
You aren’t really dead;
somehow, someway,
you can beat it.
You can cover it up.
Hide, run
and hide.
Don’t let Him see.
Just put on some more makeup,
maybe buy some more expensive clothes.
Make sure you do everything
right.
Keep doing all those good things; maybe
that
will make you feel better.
Once we see through that lie and accept the Christ-life, however, the lie takes another twist.
He whispers the other side of his deceitful tale into your delicate new ears:
You aren’t really alive.
You’re still just as
dead
as you ever were.
Look at you!
Insignificant, putrid, hollow old you.
Who do you think you are,
claiming to be new, holy, cleansed, alive?
You’re wrong.
He doesn’t really care for you.
Maybe the other people–look how beautiful they are.
Not you.
Look at what you’ve done, who you are.
No…you’re still dead.
BUT IT IS A LIE.
Just as plain and simple as that.
It’s a lie.
Lies are nothing, nothing but the twisted fragments of nightmarish thoughts from the Enemy of your soul.
The one who tricked us into believing The Lie that brought death to our souls in the first place. The one who desperately tried to keep your soul dead. And the one who, now that your spirit lives because of Christ in you, wants nothing more than to keep you believing that you are still dead.
Don’t listen.
Trust.
I know you don’t see, yet.
You don’t see what God saw when He had the idea for you. What He knows you’ll become at the end of the story. You don’t see, quite, the glow He had–has–in His eyes when He looked at you. You didn’t see His joy when your long-dead spirit finally accepted His life and became new.
But you have to trust.
Trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He who has promised is faithful, and that He also will do it. Trust that He makes everything beautiful in its time. Trust that His life is in you, and that you aren’t dead inside any more.
No.
You are alive, very alive.
Because The One
who is
The Life
is in
you.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Avengers
Yes, I’m reviewing a movie. Yes, I’m reviewing the Avengers. Yes, I watched it.
Yes, this is Carissa. :D
How did this happen?
Well, Hannah and I were home with just Papa and Josiah for a few days. They, being male, and having this opportunity, wanted to watch as many action movies as they could--including The Avengers.
Again.
Being polite, they asked us if we wanted to go.
“Um.... I don’t know, maybe? Will we like it?”
“I don't know, probably... You don’t have to pay for your tickets...”
Well, if you put it that way... and, being that there wasn’t much else to do, and that we didn’t want to be boring and such, we went.
And... I was surprised, actually, by how well I liked it. I always talk myself into thinking I don’t like that sort of movie, but then I do. :P (I was all excited afterwards, and Josiah said I liked it too much.)
Now that I come to think of it, though... I guess this isn’t really properly a movie review, since I’m not going to talk about how they moved the cameras around (cinematography--I do know the terms, at least) or how good/bad the acting was and who played what part and so forth or how good the music was or the special effects or... well, I guess I do have a few things to say about that aspect of the movie...
Being a writer and a Word Person, I just have to comment on the script a bit--The dialog was brilliant. Very witty. And the humor was genuinely funny--not crude, or lame, or forced-- just funny.
Oh! And the clothes were good as well--I was pleasantly surprised and didn't feel bad for my brother and dad. (Though Natasha's zipper kept bothering me because... not that it was really awful, just, um, annoying. Zip it up a bit more, lady, it'll look less awkward... haha. :P)
As for family friendliness--it was literally action packed. There were only a few scenes that people weren't fighting or buildings weren't blowing up--and those scenes were full of tense dialog. So that might be overwhelming for little ones. However, the language was quite clean (a few words thrown in, but not anything horrid and it wasn't often or noticeable); it wasn't overly gory (there is some blood, but not a lot. The worst part was "the eye part".); most of the deaths are just implied, not really shown; the romance was minimal and appropriate (not even any kissing); and as I said, the clothes were pretty much modest. (you encounter worse at church. :P)
Alrighty, getting to the main point of this blog post... I’m going to talk about what I thought about it. What sort of lessons there were. (surprise surprise)
The biggest thing I took away from it was how powerful the True God is.
I got this from quite a few different parts in the movie, but particularly this one:
Loki: Enough! You are, all of you are beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I shall not be bullied...
[Hulk flattens Loki with repeated smashes into the floor]
The Hulk: [Disdainfully] Puny god.
Loki seemed pretty powerful, maybe even godlike--until a bigger guy came along and made it quite clear that he really wasn’t, by comparison. And I thought... wow. I’m so glad our God is not like that. No one will ever say “Puny God” about the One True God, when He comes back in judgement. No one will be able to stand, much less say anything.
Loki wasn't... ugly. He was almost... well, sort of girlishly good-looking. In a creepy sort of way. Made me think of Satan--we forget that he was--is an angel of light. He isn't some ugly monster type creature, not on the outside. He's beautiful, smooth, intelligent. He's got "charisma". (*wry/sarcastic* know anyone else known for that...?) And he's full of lies and hatred and treachery and pride. And, much like Loki, he IS powerful, and he DOES have a huge, evil force on his side, and he, too, would like to think he is a god.
You've probably heard this quote a few times if you've read anything else about the Avengers, but I have to put it in anyway...
Natasha Romanoff (The Black Widow): [discussing attacking Loki] But he's a god!
Steve Rogers (Captain America): Ma'am, there's only one God, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that.
My dad pointed out that it was great because not only did they have that line in the movie, but Captain America was the leader. He wasn't put down or made fun of for saying that at all. And he was good example of a leader, too, I thought. He was more of a servant/lead-by-example type than a boss people around type. He was humble, he knew what he was talking about (well, mostly.)... all that good stuff.
I also liked... well, ahem... I'd been reading about Spiritual Warfare, and all the fighting got me more excited about it. I must say, I totally did not go into the movie expecting to be uplifted spiritually, but I was. :D
Self-sacrifice was also a strong theme--and one muchly needed in our self-centered culture.
Teamwork was a huge lesson--made me think of the body of Christ. We all have these tremendous gifts--and we also have a horrific enemy. And we aren't getting along very well, just like The Avengers. Once they learned to work together, though, they were an unstoppable force.
It is imperative that the body of Christ learn this lesson so clearly portrayed in the Avengers: the only way to win is to be united, humble, self-sacrificing, persevering and so on.
Well, there you have it. My very first attempt at a movie review. I have the nagging feeling that there's more I wanted to say, but I can't remember it right now... perhaps when I watch it again I'll do a part two. :)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Patience...
... is a virtue.
Virtue is a grace.
Grace is a little girl
who wouldn't wash her face.
That's the rhyme I always used to think of when someone said "patience!"...
I thought that patience was a good thing, you know. Helpful for waiting to go to the park or for waiting until you were old enough to sit in the passenger side of the car. Things like that.
Now I think of this when I think of patience:
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:10
I'm realizing that patience is actually a great deal more important than I thought it was... It isn't just nice for earthly things like waiting for the results of a test--it is necessary to obtain the promises.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
Let patience have its perfect work--that you may be perfect and complete! Oy... did you realize that before? Did you ever stop to think that it was patience that works in us to make us perfect and complete?
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thess. 3:5
"Into the patience of Christ". Christ was patient. We are to be like Christ. < insert a 'duh' here >
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:10-11
Patience... isn't optional. It isn't just a handy thing to have. It is something we should be actively striving for.
It's... something God's been pounding into me, and-- by His grace--something I am growing in.
Virtue is a grace.
Grace is a little girl
who wouldn't wash her face.
That's the rhyme I always used to think of when someone said "patience!"...
I thought that patience was a good thing, you know. Helpful for waiting to go to the park or for waiting until you were old enough to sit in the passenger side of the car. Things like that.
Now I think of this when I think of patience:
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:10
I'm realizing that patience is actually a great deal more important than I thought it was... It isn't just nice for earthly things like waiting for the results of a test--it is necessary to obtain the promises.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
Let patience have its perfect work--that you may be perfect and complete! Oy... did you realize that before? Did you ever stop to think that it was patience that works in us to make us perfect and complete?
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thess. 3:5
"Into the patience of Christ". Christ was patient. We are to be like Christ. < insert a 'duh' here >
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:10-11
Patience... isn't optional. It isn't just a handy thing to have. It is something we should be actively striving for.
It's... something God's been pounding into me, and-- by His grace--something I am growing in.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Flowers and God
I've been thinking about flowers.
Yep, flowers. I like flowers. A lot.
I've also been thinking about God.
"Like" is not at all adequate to describe how I feel about Him...
Flowers are beautiful... but more than that, they teach me about our God.
A God who cares about tiny details...
A God who loves beauty... who is beautiful Himself...
A God who is incredibly creative...
A God who blesses us...
A God who loves us and rejoices over us...
This God, I love.
Yep, flowers. I like flowers. A lot.
I've also been thinking about God.
"Like" is not at all adequate to describe how I feel about Him...
Flowers are beautiful... but more than that, they teach me about our God.
A God who cares about tiny details...
A God who loves beauty... who is beautiful Himself...
A God who is incredibly creative...
A God who blesses us...
A God who loves us and rejoices over us...
Saturday, May 5, 2012
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross...
... I learn.
I learn about sin and the horrors thereof. I learn that my sin is that bad. So terrible that it required His LIFE. You know how people say if you were the only one in the world Jesus would have died for you? Sounds nice--until you realize that your sin is SO horrible that He would have still needed to endure all of that for just your sin.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
I learn about real love. I learn that love is totally, almost horrifically, unselfish. That the opposite of love is not hate, it is selfishness. Because God hates. He hates sin. And if He is love, then the opposite of hate must not be love. It's impossible. And when you think about what love is... it becomes very plain.
Love. . . does not parade itself, is not puffed up; . . . does not seek its own, . . .1 Corinthians 13
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.1 John 4:10
I learn about humility. I learn that God--Creator of the universe, the King of kings, the One who was and is and is to come--humbled Himself. How much more, then, should I--a sinful creation--be willing to be humbled.
...but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8-9
I learn about forgiveness. If He can forgive us--the ones who called for His death, the ones who did it, the ones who... made it necessary in the first place... if He can forgive me, surely I can forgive my siblings and my parents [Insert my younger brother coming over and begging me repeatedly to play a game and getting in my face. Yes, God has sense of humor.] and friends when they do silly little things that annoy me or hurt me a little.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
I learn about sacrifice. About giving up good things--Jesus' position in heaven certainly was a good thing!--for the greater Good. Namely, God's glory.
This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. . . . John 21:19
I learn about obedience. About submission. About wholly giving yourself to God's plan and will.
For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:49-50
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30
I learn about... dying. I learn about how what seems like The End--what seems like a horrible tragedy--what seems like defeat--can end up being the greatest triumph.
I learn about God's "weakness". I learn that He is so strong, that even in the weakest possible looking way--as a human, suffering a criminal's death, at the mercy of sinners, naked, bleeding--dead--He can conquer sin and death and Satan.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25
I learn about how different God's ways are from ours. We wouldn't have done it like that!! Just face it. We would've had Jesus calling down all those angels and obliterating His enemies. Oh, but how wrong we would have been...
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
. . .and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Matthew 26:52-54
I learn about... God. I learn about who He is. His love. His mercy. His compassion. His justice. His plans. His glory. His power. His beauty. Who He is.
Oh, the things I learn when I survey that wondrous cross!
I learn about sin and the horrors thereof. I learn that my sin is that bad. So terrible that it required His LIFE. You know how people say if you were the only one in the world Jesus would have died for you? Sounds nice--until you realize that your sin is SO horrible that He would have still needed to endure all of that for just your sin.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
I learn about real love. I learn that love is totally, almost horrifically, unselfish. That the opposite of love is not hate, it is selfishness. Because God hates. He hates sin. And if He is love, then the opposite of hate must not be love. It's impossible. And when you think about what love is... it becomes very plain.
Love. . . does not parade itself, is not puffed up; . . . does not seek its own, . . .1 Corinthians 13
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.1 John 4:10
I learn about humility. I learn that God--Creator of the universe, the King of kings, the One who was and is and is to come--humbled Himself. How much more, then, should I--a sinful creation--be willing to be humbled.
...but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8-9
I learn about forgiveness. If He can forgive us--the ones who called for His death, the ones who did it, the ones who... made it necessary in the first place... if He can forgive me, surely I can forgive my siblings and my parents [Insert my younger brother coming over and begging me repeatedly to play a game and getting in my face. Yes, God has sense of humor.] and friends when they do silly little things that annoy me or hurt me a little.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
I learn about sacrifice. About giving up good things--Jesus' position in heaven certainly was a good thing!--for the greater Good. Namely, God's glory.
This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. . . . John 21:19
I learn about obedience. About submission. About wholly giving yourself to God's plan and will.
For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:49-50
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30
I learn about... dying. I learn about how what seems like The End--what seems like a horrible tragedy--what seems like defeat--can end up being the greatest triumph.
I learn about God's "weakness". I learn that He is so strong, that even in the weakest possible looking way--as a human, suffering a criminal's death, at the mercy of sinners, naked, bleeding--dead--He can conquer sin and death and Satan.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25
I learn about how different God's ways are from ours. We wouldn't have done it like that!! Just face it. We would've had Jesus calling down all those angels and obliterating His enemies. Oh, but how wrong we would have been...
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
. . .and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Matthew 26:52-54
I learn about... God. I learn about who He is. His love. His mercy. His compassion. His justice. His plans. His glory. His power. His beauty. Who He is.
Oh, the things I learn when I survey that wondrous cross!
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