On Sunday we heard two missionaries speak--a young couple who graduated from the same college my husband and I attend. They're leaving soon to spend two years in China, but they were talking about how the main mission field for any person is their own home--their neighborhood--their town.
Each of us has been called to live our faith--to be a witness for Christ-- right where we are, no matter where that is.
I've heard this before, of course, but I've been thinking more about it today. In my semi-isolated life--mostly surrounded by fellow Christians- how do I live this out?
I simply live as a Christian. The Holy Spirit lives in me, so he is working in my life and in the lives of those I see every day, even if I'm not specifically "preaching." I am called to live a life obedient to Christ--a life that reflects the love that he has for me.
How does this play out practically in my life? Well, because the Holy Spirit lives in my heart, I have the ability--by his grace--to exhibit the "fruits of the Spirit" in my life: love. joy. peace. patience. kindness. goodness. faithfulness. gentleness. self-control.
In producing these fruits, I live my faith, I witness Christ in my life. Those qualities are only produced by a person transformed by the love and grace of Christ--a person whose faith rests in Christ alone. Without Christ, any good thing I would do would be worthless. Because I am his child, I am a tool in his hands to bless the lives of those around me.
I can encourage others. I can contribute joy to their lives. I can be kind and patient to the person who frustrates or annoys me. I can use my time well, exhibiting self-control in my actions. I can cultivate a gentle, quiet, peaceful spirit...
all thanks to the Holy Spirit's power in my life.
How do you live your faith, right where you are?
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Beautiful--yes, you!
Welcome to visitors from the A to Z Challenge! Please leave a comment to let me know you're here, and check out other posts that pique your interest! Tuesdays are Titus 2 Tuesdays at Living in the Light.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Such is the phrase.
What beholder? Who decides what is beautiful?
A spouse or lover? A parent? An artist? A creator?
Christ calls you beautiful. Christ, whose bride is the Church--and that includes all those who believe in Him.
Christ, who loves us all more than we could ever imagine.
God Himself, our Father, the ultimate caring parent.
God, the Creator of the world, the designer of all things beautiful--
He decides what is beautiful.
And He has called you Beautiful.
You, beautiful one. You are beautiful in the eyes of the only Beholder who really matters.
So tell someone they're beautiful today. And if they blush and say bashfully, "No, I'm not really," tell them, "Yes, you are--because God made you and He thinks you're beautiful."
Then go look in the mirror and tell the same thing to your own beautiful face!
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Such is the phrase.
What beholder? Who decides what is beautiful?
A spouse or lover? A parent? An artist? A creator?
Christ calls you beautiful. Christ, whose bride is the Church--and that includes all those who believe in Him.
Christ, who loves us all more than we could ever imagine.
God Himself, our Father, the ultimate caring parent.
God, the Creator of the world, the designer of all things beautiful--
He decides what is beautiful.
And He has called you Beautiful.
You, beautiful one. You are beautiful in the eyes of the only Beholder who really matters.
So tell someone they're beautiful today. And if they blush and say bashfully, "No, I'm not really," tell them, "Yes, you are--because God made you and He thinks you're beautiful."
Then go look in the mirror and tell the same thing to your own beautiful face!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Attitude {Like that of Christ Jesus}
Welcome to visitors from the A to Z Challenge! Please leave a comment to let me know you're here, and check out other posts that pique your interest! Mondays are Marriage Mondays at Living in the Light.
"Don't give me that attitude, young lady!" That's what comes to my mind when I hear the word attitude. Of course, when my mother said that to me growing up, it was definitely always because I deserved it! But the word seems to often have a negative connotation.
According to dictionary.com, the word simply means "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind."
I want to consider what kind of attitude we have in marriage. How is my attitude toward my husband? How is yours toward your spouse? How is your "disposition, feeling, position, etc." when it comes to marriage?
My attitude can sometimes be loving, especially when my husband has been sweet and helpful, when he hasn't left dirty dishes or laundry lying around, when he's been affectionate. But in that case, my attitude is dependent on my husband's actions toward me. That's reasonable, I suppose, but is it right?
Let's see what Scripture has to say about it.
This, Paul wrote to the Philippians, is the attitude we are to have: that of humility, considering others better than ourselves. Paul doesn't advocate self-loathing, but he is encouraging his readers (that's us!) to put others first.
I have already found from experience that when I do this in my marriage, my husband's and my relationship greatly benefits from it. When each of us is seeking to serve the other person, instead of paying attention to only our own needs and wants, we're both happier. When we act in a selfless manner toward the other, we both feel loved so very much, because in doing that we're demonstrating that each of us is the most important person in the other's life.
It might seem counter-intuitive to live in such a way. "Gotta look out for number one," after all. But following what comes naturally doesn't always work out. By nature we're sinful, selfish human beings. It's because of Jesus' sacrifice in our place that we have the ability to live as he did--selflessly. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us: his own life. He loves us so much that he was willing to suffer indescribable humiliation and agony, so that we could be forgiven--and so that we could imitate him.
By God's grace, we're able to show each other Christ-like humility and selflessness--in all our relationships, but especially in marriage.
I'm going to keep working on this in my own marriage. Try it for yourself! See what happens when you start putting your spouse first. The results just may be even better than you thought.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Arlee Bird, the fantastic blogger who started this A to Z Challenge three years ago! Head over to his blog and say hello!
Linking today: A Proverbs 31 Wife, What Joy is Mine, The Better Mom, Yes They Are All Ours, Countrified Hicks
"Don't give me that attitude, young lady!" That's what comes to my mind when I hear the word attitude. Of course, when my mother said that to me growing up, it was definitely always because I deserved it! But the word seems to often have a negative connotation.
According to dictionary.com, the word simply means "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind."
I want to consider what kind of attitude we have in marriage. How is my attitude toward my husband? How is yours toward your spouse? How is your "disposition, feeling, position, etc." when it comes to marriage?
My attitude can sometimes be loving, especially when my husband has been sweet and helpful, when he hasn't left dirty dishes or laundry lying around, when he's been affectionate. But in that case, my attitude is dependent on my husband's actions toward me. That's reasonable, I suppose, but is it right?
Let's see what Scripture has to say about it.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:3-11 (NIV)Jesus Christ, God's Son, God himself, humbled himself to the ultimate point. We just celebrated yesterday his resurrection from the dead--but he wouldn't have had to rise if he hadn't allowed himself to be humiliated and killed on a cross.
This, Paul wrote to the Philippians, is the attitude we are to have: that of humility, considering others better than ourselves. Paul doesn't advocate self-loathing, but he is encouraging his readers (that's us!) to put others first.
I have already found from experience that when I do this in my marriage, my husband's and my relationship greatly benefits from it. When each of us is seeking to serve the other person, instead of paying attention to only our own needs and wants, we're both happier. When we act in a selfless manner toward the other, we both feel loved so very much, because in doing that we're demonstrating that each of us is the most important person in the other's life.
It might seem counter-intuitive to live in such a way. "Gotta look out for number one," after all. But following what comes naturally doesn't always work out. By nature we're sinful, selfish human beings. It's because of Jesus' sacrifice in our place that we have the ability to live as he did--selflessly. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us: his own life. He loves us so much that he was willing to suffer indescribable humiliation and agony, so that we could be forgiven--and so that we could imitate him.
By God's grace, we're able to show each other Christ-like humility and selflessness--in all our relationships, but especially in marriage.
I'm going to keep working on this in my own marriage. Try it for yourself! See what happens when you start putting your spouse first. The results just may be even better than you thought.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Arlee Bird, the fantastic blogger who started this A to Z Challenge three years ago! Head over to his blog and say hello!
Linking today: A Proverbs 31 Wife, What Joy is Mine, The Better Mom, Yes They Are All Ours, Countrified Hicks
Monday, March 25, 2013
A Demonstration of Selfless Love: Reflections on Monday of Holy Week
This weekend, my husband demonstrated the beauty of what real love in marriage is all about.
I was sick all day Friday, and then pushed myself too much Saturday morning and was tired the rest of the day, and much of yesterday as well. I slept a lot. I didn't cook at all on Friday, and not till supper on Saturday. Supper yesterday was the first real meal we've eaten together, that I cooked, all weekend.
But has my husband complained? Not one bit. He's even helped with the dishes. He encouraged me to rest. He just quietly did his own thing while I was sleeping and recovering. He was sweet and helpful on Friday when I was feeling the crummiest. He stayed home from class to take care of me. He even brought me 7-Up because we didn't have any in the house. He's made me tea, brought me blankets, adjusted the heat when my feverish self went from cold to hot and back again, and kept me company. We spent a lot of time playing LEGO Lord of the Rings on the PS-3 this weekend (perfect activity to do when one is sick; using the video game controller takes virtually no energy!).
He hasn't even complained about the fact that I've done no housework all weekend, that I was the most boring wife imaginable (I don't even know how many hours I slept the last three days!), or that he had to fend for himself in the kitchen (although he's perfectly capable of feeding himself :) ).
Can I just say, my husband is awesome. He's loved me like crazy this whole weekend without expecting or asking anything in return.
He's demonstrating to me Christ-like love: selfless love, love that gives without expecting to get. Yet another reason why I love my husband so much. He models Jesus to me.
And, what a lovely coincidence, this happens to be the week that we remember the days that Jesus demonstrated his love for us in the most radical, selfless, incredible way possible.
He gave his life for us. And in the days leading up to his death on the cross, Jesus spent his time teaching his disciples, preparing them for what would happen in the days ahead, giving them spiritual encouragement and strength, and loving them. "As I have loved you," he said, "love one another." (John 13:34-35)
It's actually not possible for us to perfectly love one another in the way Christ loved us. We're human, after all, and it's only by the power of God that we're able to love at all. But by his grace, we can demonstrate that kind of selfless love for each other, motivated by what Christ has done for us. His love for us is so great that he willingly died for all people--even though they didn't all love him. "God shows his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
That's the kind of perfect love I will never be able to achieve, but it is the love that, by God's grace, I am so thankful to receive.
How have you seen the love of Christ active in your life this weekend?
Linking with: A Proverbs 31 Wife, Grits and Grace, What Joy is Mine, The Alabaster Jar, Raising Arrows, The Better Mom, Countrified Hicks, Yes They're All Ours
I was sick all day Friday, and then pushed myself too much Saturday morning and was tired the rest of the day, and much of yesterday as well. I slept a lot. I didn't cook at all on Friday, and not till supper on Saturday. Supper yesterday was the first real meal we've eaten together, that I cooked, all weekend.
But has my husband complained? Not one bit. He's even helped with the dishes. He encouraged me to rest. He just quietly did his own thing while I was sleeping and recovering. He was sweet and helpful on Friday when I was feeling the crummiest. He stayed home from class to take care of me. He even brought me 7-Up because we didn't have any in the house. He's made me tea, brought me blankets, adjusted the heat when my feverish self went from cold to hot and back again, and kept me company. We spent a lot of time playing LEGO Lord of the Rings on the PS-3 this weekend (perfect activity to do when one is sick; using the video game controller takes virtually no energy!).
He hasn't even complained about the fact that I've done no housework all weekend, that I was the most boring wife imaginable (I don't even know how many hours I slept the last three days!), or that he had to fend for himself in the kitchen (although he's perfectly capable of feeding himself :) ).
Can I just say, my husband is awesome. He's loved me like crazy this whole weekend without expecting or asking anything in return.
He's demonstrating to me Christ-like love: selfless love, love that gives without expecting to get. Yet another reason why I love my husband so much. He models Jesus to me.
And, what a lovely coincidence, this happens to be the week that we remember the days that Jesus demonstrated his love for us in the most radical, selfless, incredible way possible.
He gave his life for us. And in the days leading up to his death on the cross, Jesus spent his time teaching his disciples, preparing them for what would happen in the days ahead, giving them spiritual encouragement and strength, and loving them. "As I have loved you," he said, "love one another." (John 13:34-35)
It's actually not possible for us to perfectly love one another in the way Christ loved us. We're human, after all, and it's only by the power of God that we're able to love at all. But by his grace, we can demonstrate that kind of selfless love for each other, motivated by what Christ has done for us. His love for us is so great that he willingly died for all people--even though they didn't all love him. "God shows his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
That's the kind of perfect love I will never be able to achieve, but it is the love that, by God's grace, I am so thankful to receive.
How have you seen the love of Christ active in your life this weekend?
Linking with: A Proverbs 31 Wife, Grits and Grace, What Joy is Mine, The Alabaster Jar, Raising Arrows, The Better Mom, Countrified Hicks, Yes They're All Ours
Thursday, December 13, 2012
living in Advent
Some days I forget it's Advent.
Not just the days leading up till Christmas...but we're living in Advent all the time, people! We're waiting, preparing (that's what "Advent" means), for the second coming of Jesus Christ, whose first coming to earth we'll celebrate in just twelve days.
We're waiting for the Son of God to come back--God, who became human, one of us--in order to live, die, and rise again--for us.
This Son of God, who loves us so very much, is coming back for us.
Even as we anticipate the joy of Christmas, we see so much sadness in the world. War, hunger, poverty, homelessness, disease, crime, anger, hate... all the signs that sin saturates this planet. It might be easy to forget about some of those things for a while, when we're in our warm homes, brightened by colored Christmas lights, eating lots of special food and treats, spending our over-abundance of money on gifts (many of which aren't really necessary), and wishing each other the peace and joy of the season.
Don't get me wrong, those are all good things and I enjoy them so much! But we like to forget all those bad things that are happening, that don't affect our lives. But those things are part of our world, too. They're caused by our own sinfulness. But Christ came to this sinful world anyway...isn't that amazing?
It's important to remember that these things won't last. All those horrible, sad, depressing things? They're temporary. Our houses, our possessions, our jobs, our wealth (or lack thereof) aren't permanent.
The peace and joy that our Savior brings, though--that will last.
Soon the reign of sin in the world will end. It may not be in our lifetime, but it will not last forever.
I'm fairly certain it won't end on December 21st. God is returning, but not when we expect Him to. We can't foretell when that Day will come--not even the Son knows that, but only the Father.
But it is coming! The Savior who has come into the world, will come back--to take me, and all believers, to live in paradise with him, for eternity.
It'll be like a never-ending Christmas celebration: surrounded by our loved ones, in the light of His presence, praising God and basking in His love. Forever.
Are you ready?
Not just the days leading up till Christmas...but we're living in Advent all the time, people! We're waiting, preparing (that's what "Advent" means), for the second coming of Jesus Christ, whose first coming to earth we'll celebrate in just twelve days.
We're waiting for the Son of God to come back--God, who became human, one of us--in order to live, die, and rise again--for us.
This Son of God, who loves us so very much, is coming back for us.
Even as we anticipate the joy of Christmas, we see so much sadness in the world. War, hunger, poverty, homelessness, disease, crime, anger, hate... all the signs that sin saturates this planet. It might be easy to forget about some of those things for a while, when we're in our warm homes, brightened by colored Christmas lights, eating lots of special food and treats, spending our over-abundance of money on gifts (many of which aren't really necessary), and wishing each other the peace and joy of the season.
Don't get me wrong, those are all good things and I enjoy them so much! But we like to forget all those bad things that are happening, that don't affect our lives. But those things are part of our world, too. They're caused by our own sinfulness. But Christ came to this sinful world anyway...isn't that amazing?
It's important to remember that these things won't last. All those horrible, sad, depressing things? They're temporary. Our houses, our possessions, our jobs, our wealth (or lack thereof) aren't permanent.
The peace and joy that our Savior brings, though--that will last.
Soon the reign of sin in the world will end. It may not be in our lifetime, but it will not last forever.
I'm fairly certain it won't end on December 21st. God is returning, but not when we expect Him to. We can't foretell when that Day will come--not even the Son knows that, but only the Father.
But it is coming! The Savior who has come into the world, will come back--to take me, and all believers, to live in paradise with him, for eternity.
It'll be like a never-ending Christmas celebration: surrounded by our loved ones, in the light of His presence, praising God and basking in His love. Forever.
Are you ready?
Monday, February 6, 2012
What it means to "live in the light"
When I started this blog, I wanted to come up with a title that would be timeless: something I wouldn't have to change, something that would always apply to me and my life and would cover everything I write about.
I mainly write about life, and I am a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ. Those two things shaped my blog title.
Matthew 5:14 and 16 says, "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven." This is Jesus speaking to his followers, encouraging them to let their "light" shine.
Jesus also describes himself as a light. In John 8:12, he says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
At the beginning of his Gospel, John writes about Jesus, saying, "Through him (Jesus) all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:3-5)
This world is dark with sin. Satan does his best to hide the light of Jesus: light that makes visible all the evil in the world, light that shines the way to Jesus, light that gives life. When Jesus was born into this world, he brought light. He brought life. Through our baptisms, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to shine his light also, like candles in a dark room. We don't produce that light, but just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so we reflect the light of the Son, Jesus.
That's what this blog is about: my life, living in the light of Christ. I want his light to show me the way to live, and I want to reflect his light to the world around me.
It's only the light of Jesus that gives life.
I mainly write about life, and I am a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ. Those two things shaped my blog title.
Matthew 5:14 and 16 says, "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven." This is Jesus speaking to his followers, encouraging them to let their "light" shine.
Jesus also describes himself as a light. In John 8:12, he says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
At the beginning of his Gospel, John writes about Jesus, saying, "Through him (Jesus) all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:3-5)
This world is dark with sin. Satan does his best to hide the light of Jesus: light that makes visible all the evil in the world, light that shines the way to Jesus, light that gives life. When Jesus was born into this world, he brought light. He brought life. Through our baptisms, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to shine his light also, like candles in a dark room. We don't produce that light, but just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so we reflect the light of the Son, Jesus.
That's what this blog is about: my life, living in the light of Christ. I want his light to show me the way to live, and I want to reflect his light to the world around me.
It's only the light of Jesus that gives life.
Monday, January 23, 2012
His Mercies are New Every Morning
...and so are his graces! And I have to remind myself that, although blogging regularly is necessary in a sense, it's not a requirement. So I'm okay with the fact that I haven't posted in a few days. :)
It hits me, some more days than others, how much I mess up in life. When I walk into the house and books, clothes, papers, et cetera are scattered all over the living room...dishes are piled up in the sink and on the counter...worse, when I snap and yell at my husband and let my words come before my thoughts can check them. When I gossip. When I'm lazy.
But then (as my husband is often quick to remind me), I realize just how much God loves me...because he loves me despite all those imperfections. He gives me a fresh start EVERY DAY. He sees past the sinfulness...he sees the redemption of Christ that covers me, the Holy Spirit who lives in me. He sees me beautiful, pure, holy--his. That doesn't ever change.
And despite all my sinfulness...God blesses me beyond what I can imagine. He gives me SO much more than I need. There are times when I think that I don't have all I need. When the cupboards are getting low. When money is tight. The list goes on.
But then I realize...I have food. I have clothes. I have a warm home.
And most importantly, I have things that money can never buy:
a husband who loves me and takes care of me
friends I can count on and trust
family who are always there for me
God. His love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, joy, comfort, salvation!
And every morning...those gifts are always there for me. Again.
So on that note...
Time to catch up with the January Joy Dare!
Day 21: One thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly-beautiful.
-snowflakes falling a little when we were in Minnesota
-remembering the day two months ago when our car broke down, as we stopped at the exact same rest stop on the way to get it again. Not the greatest memories...but it was a time of learning, growing, and strengthening our marriage.
-"new" car engine. not a beautiful thing. but it is...because it runs. :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
-clean sheets. very wrinkled (from not being folded!), but very fresh-smelling. :)
-hubby smoothing my hair as he held me on the couch. <3
-the worship folder unfolding in my lap, holding lovely hymns, encouraging Scripture, the liturgy of Holy Communion
Day 23: 3 gifts found in Christ
(only three?)
-promise...of forgiveness, of resurrection, of eternal life
-comfort...from fear, from illness, from worry
-love...unconditional, unending, unchanging
{Quick update: after 14 hours in the car on Saturday, we have our car back!!! Joshua's parents were incredibly gracious enough to drive us up to Minnesota to get it. The engine has been replaced and although there are a few little things that need looking at, by the grace of God we got home without a hitch. In fact, it was a blessing to spend so much time with Joshua's parents, and then so much time just the two of us--without the distractions of computer, TV, housework or homework!
So we are fully independent again, thank God, and enjoying being able to drive to school and work.
Especially since it finally snowed yesterday! Today it was warmer than it's been in a while, so most of the snow has already melted, but it was lovely. (It's been a weird winter.)
EVEN MORE BLESSINGS!}
It hits me, some more days than others, how much I mess up in life. When I walk into the house and books, clothes, papers, et cetera are scattered all over the living room...dishes are piled up in the sink and on the counter...worse, when I snap and yell at my husband and let my words come before my thoughts can check them. When I gossip. When I'm lazy.
But then (as my husband is often quick to remind me), I realize just how much God loves me...because he loves me despite all those imperfections. He gives me a fresh start EVERY DAY. He sees past the sinfulness...he sees the redemption of Christ that covers me, the Holy Spirit who lives in me. He sees me beautiful, pure, holy--his. That doesn't ever change.
And despite all my sinfulness...God blesses me beyond what I can imagine. He gives me SO much more than I need. There are times when I think that I don't have all I need. When the cupboards are getting low. When money is tight. The list goes on.
But then I realize...I have food. I have clothes. I have a warm home.
And most importantly, I have things that money can never buy:
a husband who loves me and takes care of me
friends I can count on and trust
family who are always there for me
God. His love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, joy, comfort, salvation!
And every morning...those gifts are always there for me. Again.
So on that note...
Time to catch up with the January Joy Dare!
Day 21: One thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly-beautiful.
-snowflakes falling a little when we were in Minnesota
-remembering the day two months ago when our car broke down, as we stopped at the exact same rest stop on the way to get it again. Not the greatest memories...but it was a time of learning, growing, and strengthening our marriage.
-"new" car engine. not a beautiful thing. but it is...because it runs. :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
-clean sheets. very wrinkled (from not being folded!), but very fresh-smelling. :)
-hubby smoothing my hair as he held me on the couch. <3
-the worship folder unfolding in my lap, holding lovely hymns, encouraging Scripture, the liturgy of Holy Communion
Day 23: 3 gifts found in Christ
(only three?)
-promise...of forgiveness, of resurrection, of eternal life
-comfort...from fear, from illness, from worry
-love...unconditional, unending, unchanging
{Quick update: after 14 hours in the car on Saturday, we have our car back!!! Joshua's parents were incredibly gracious enough to drive us up to Minnesota to get it. The engine has been replaced and although there are a few little things that need looking at, by the grace of God we got home without a hitch. In fact, it was a blessing to spend so much time with Joshua's parents, and then so much time just the two of us--without the distractions of computer, TV, housework or homework!
So we are fully independent again, thank God, and enjoying being able to drive to school and work.
Especially since it finally snowed yesterday! Today it was warmer than it's been in a while, so most of the snow has already melted, but it was lovely. (It's been a weird winter.)
EVEN MORE BLESSINGS!}
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Encouraging Body of Christ
I am in awe of how wonderfully God works through his people to build them up. As Christians, we're all in this journey of faith together. It's different for all of us, as unique individuals, but we have a lot of common struggles and experiences. As such, we're able to encourage each other in our faith.
I've had people tell me that I've been encouraging to them in their lives and faith. I'm so thankful for that, humbled that God would use me to bless his children, and honored that he works through me. But I have had so many other people be a blessing and encouragement to me in my faith as well--even sometimes those same people who said they were encouraged by me.
I think we all experience highs and lows in our faith walk, days where trusting God comes easy, and times when trials cause us to worry and fret and doubt. God, in his infinite grace and mercy, knows that we worry and doubt, and he gives us people who can be his hands and voice to reassure us and speak his words of comfort and forgiveness to us.
This post in particular spoke to me today. Thank you, Kayla.
This post was a huge encouragement to me the other day. Thank you, Nikki.
What an incredible gift God has given us, in our brothers and sisters in Christ, to build up and encourage one another.
I've had people tell me that I've been encouraging to them in their lives and faith. I'm so thankful for that, humbled that God would use me to bless his children, and honored that he works through me. But I have had so many other people be a blessing and encouragement to me in my faith as well--even sometimes those same people who said they were encouraged by me.
I think we all experience highs and lows in our faith walk, days where trusting God comes easy, and times when trials cause us to worry and fret and doubt. God, in his infinite grace and mercy, knows that we worry and doubt, and he gives us people who can be his hands and voice to reassure us and speak his words of comfort and forgiveness to us.
This post in particular spoke to me today. Thank you, Kayla.
This post was a huge encouragement to me the other day. Thank you, Nikki.
What an incredible gift God has given us, in our brothers and sisters in Christ, to build up and encourage one another.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Priorities
In Luke chapter ten, an "expert in the law" tried to test Jesus by asking him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus asked him what he had read in the Law (the Old Testament, the Torah) and the man replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind', and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This led into the parable of the Good Samaritan, when the man asked Jesus who his neighbor was. (See Luke 10:25-27)
When I was in Sunday School, one thing I learned was an acronym for JOY:
Jesus
Others
You
You will have joy, I was told, if your priorities are in this order.
A bit law-heavy, I feel, but it makes a good point nonetheless. When God is my first priority and first interest, when I seek to love, honor and obey him in everything, then everything else falls into place. When I am obeying God, then I will be loving and serving my neighbor--all those around me. And I will have joy and contentment in obedience and loving others. Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (2:3-6) Paul continues with a beautiful, hymn-like poem detailing the life, ministry, and humility of Jesus, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" (2:6-8)
Jesus, although he was "in very nature God", did not take advantage of that equality. He had his priorities in order: He first and foremost obeyed God, his Father, and then spent his entire ministry serving everyone with whom he came in contact. His ultimate act of service was to give his own life for the sins of the whole world. If that's not an example of ultimate selflessness and sacrifice, I don't know what is.
Now, we as Christians aren't all called upon to die for others and for what we believe in. But we can LIVE for God and for everyone around us! I know if I was more focused on others than myself most of the time, my life would probably be a lot less frustrating. I experienced the consequences of my own selfishness several times, rather painfully, this last week.
But I can imitate Christ. I have the ultimate Example of Selflessness and Love and Giving and Kindness to emulate. I will never do it perfectly, no. But that same Example desires to help me imitate him, and when I fail, he's always ready to remind me of his forgiveness.
Today, by the grace of God, I want to imitate Christ.
When I was in Sunday School, one thing I learned was an acronym for JOY:
Jesus
Others
You
You will have joy, I was told, if your priorities are in this order.
A bit law-heavy, I feel, but it makes a good point nonetheless. When God is my first priority and first interest, when I seek to love, honor and obey him in everything, then everything else falls into place. When I am obeying God, then I will be loving and serving my neighbor--all those around me. And I will have joy and contentment in obedience and loving others. Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (2:3-6) Paul continues with a beautiful, hymn-like poem detailing the life, ministry, and humility of Jesus, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" (2:6-8)
Jesus, although he was "in very nature God", did not take advantage of that equality. He had his priorities in order: He first and foremost obeyed God, his Father, and then spent his entire ministry serving everyone with whom he came in contact. His ultimate act of service was to give his own life for the sins of the whole world. If that's not an example of ultimate selflessness and sacrifice, I don't know what is.
Now, we as Christians aren't all called upon to die for others and for what we believe in. But we can LIVE for God and for everyone around us! I know if I was more focused on others than myself most of the time, my life would probably be a lot less frustrating. I experienced the consequences of my own selfishness several times, rather painfully, this last week.
But I can imitate Christ. I have the ultimate Example of Selflessness and Love and Giving and Kindness to emulate. I will never do it perfectly, no. But that same Example desires to help me imitate him, and when I fail, he's always ready to remind me of his forgiveness.
Today, by the grace of God, I want to imitate Christ.
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