In God Alone...

I've been thinking a lot about unconditional love over the past few days. This type of love would be called, "agape love." One reference I read said it was, "intelligent, purposeful and active; and is expressed by doing that which results in the highest good for the person loved, without expecting anything in return."

When I consider what that means... I realize that I fall pretty short of "agape love." In our human nature, it is so easy to expect love, affection and appreciation from the ones we give it to. But, how many times has God answered our prayers and we failed to show our appreciation. Or, just sort of mentally said "Whew!" We made it through that one! And yet, how many times have I been hurt when those I loved failed to see the sacrifice I had made for them and became resentful because I expected something I did not get.

God keeps on loving us... He doesn't remove his affection like we do... He doesn't become sullen and dwell on why He hasn't heard from us... He doesn't try to figure out what His next step is.

God is... "Grace and mercy, truth and purity, full of loving kindness, forgiving, light in darkness, righteous, just, faithful, holy and blameless. There are not enough words to describe what a wonderful and loving God we have!

I struggle with myself sometimes because I want that "agape' love in my life. But I get caught up in the flesh, wanting to be appreciated or acknowledged. Not all the time, but it does show up when I least expect it. I am glad that I can tell all of that to God though and He doesn't condemn me or reject me. I love His Scripture because it encourages me more than anything else. Psalm 66 tells us...

"Come and listen; all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me. I cried out to Him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!

God does not withhold His love from us! If we confess to Him our weaknesses, our sins... He is so eager to forgive us and lead us in the right direction. If we rely on anything other than His love, guidance and direction... we will always be disappointed in this life.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." Psalm 62:5

The Voice of the Lord

I was reading in Psalms the other day, and found a really cool passage in Psalm 29:3-9.

³ The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
⁴ The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
⁵ The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
⁷ The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.
⁸ The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
⁹ The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

As you can see, the part that stuck out to me was the voice of the Lord, and how amazingly powerful it is. It thunders, it creates lightning, it shakes the desert, it is majestic... you'd think I was talking about a huge storm or something. God's voice is so powerful that creation came to be by just Him speaking.

⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
(Psalm 33:9)

That is INSANE! And then I thought of something else. That same voice, the awesome voice that created everything, speaks to me in the quiet places of my heart. It whispers words of encouragement or challenge, it blesses me and teaches me. It just amazes me that God would choose to take His booming, thundering voice, and shrink it down to a whisper so we can hear Him in our hearts. It makes me realize that He really does love us. The God of the Universe speaks to each and every one of us. That just blows my mind.

Little Words Make All the Difference

One super cool thing about memorizing scripture, is that you notice every word. In the first verse of Ephesians there is the significant word "in."

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

As I began to work on memorizing this verse, at first I thought I was quoting when I said, "faithful to Christ Jesus," but then I noticed that it was "faithful in Christ Jesus."

It's just a little word, what's the difference!?

Faithful to Christ Jesus is more about me.

Faithful in Christ Jesus is all about Christ.

It's a huge difference. In the person of Jesus Christ you are faithful if you are in Him. That's how it is. That's what He says... and we know that what He says is true no matter how we think or feel. In Christ we are faithful. That's good news! Whoo hoo! God is amazing!

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

God is faithful, and in Christ we are faithful. Doesn't that truth make you love Him even more? Isn't it amazing that God declares us faithful and sees us faithful? All because of Christ.

Are you caught in an undertow?

I am sitting in my living room this evening and it's almost 5 o'clock. There is a glow and warmth coming from the fireplace that makes me feel cozy and comforted. It is grey and cloudy outside with drops of rain still holding onto the branches of the tree outside my window. It has been a while since I have written. I have no excuses except that I have been dealing with some issues of the heart. My heart to be specific... Don't we all struggle with something from time to time. Just when we think we have a handle on things, we are thrown a curve.

How quickly we can spiral down to a place where we feel like we are drowning. It would not be our first time... or our last. Fortunately, for me... I know how to swim. But sometimes even knowing how to swim does not takes us to the shore. Maybe we swam out too far... or the water is really cold and we are getting cramps and we know we cannot make it back without help. I remember two times in my life when I thought I was actually going to drown and I was a good swimmer. One of those times I was in the ocean and was being pulled out further and further by an undertow. The harder I swam to get to the beach and safety, the stronger the undertow pulled me back. I had lost all hope that I was going to get any closer to shore when I felt my body being lifted by the strong push of my husband's hands. I swam, he pushed. Eventually we got to shore and I collapsed in relief.

What I am trying to say is... I knew how to swim, but something more powerful than me had a grip on my life that was beyond my control. When I felt the strength in my husband's hands, it gave me strength to not give up and to keep swimming.

Sometimes, we need a lifeline. We need someone to encourage us. We need to know that whatever it is that is trying to suck us under does not have all the control. We need to rely on what we know is true and allow others to help us if we need it. We need God's Word and we need to ask others to pray for us when we are hurting or struggling. Sometimes, someone else can shed a different light on what is happening and it is not as bad as it seemed after all. Don't be afraid to ask someone to help you.

May you have a blessed week as you keep looking to the One who loves you as no other can.

Trust

I hate being sick. I don't get sick too often, but when I do, I hate it. I feel gross, but also useless and energy deprived. It takes a lot of effort to do small, normal things. That's how I'm feeling right now. But being sick is also a good reminder for me... I am imperfect. This world is fallen, so we humans are not perfect. Only God is perfect. I keep having to ask Him to be strong in my weakness. It's at times like this when I really feel like if I don't lean on Him, I'll fall apart. So, I guess in a way, being sick is a lesson for me. I need to trust completely in Jesus all the time, not just when I'm tired, grumpy and feeling disgusting. I should be leaning on Him when things are just great... when I have lots of energy, when my life is going well. All the time. We need to trust in Him, all the time.

Forgive and Live

"Good sense makes one slow to anger,  and it is his(her) glory to overlook an offense."

Proverbs 19:11

Right now, while you're reading this post, it's time. God is calling you to say "yes" to Him.

Jesus says, "Forgive. As I've forgiven you, you also must forgive."

If that's what you're hearing from Him, do it now. It's time. Right now, while you're even giving it a thought, forgive.

"But I can't!" you say. I know. That's a given. Forgiveness is miraculous; God needs to do it in you. Ask God to change your heart so that you can forgive. If you don't feel like it, admit that. You don't have to feel like it, you just need to be willing. You can choose to forgive...even if you don't feel like it.

Do you know why God wants you to forgive? Because He knows how you're made. He knows what gives you peace and joy and life. Today is the day to forgive. Don't wait. Do it now. For heaven's sake, forgive! For your sake, forgive... and live.

I Want It All....

...and I can have it, because it is already mine.

I'm still in Ephesians.  Chapter 1 verses 2-6.  Determined to renew my mind through the cleansing, Life-giving Truth of God's Word and by the power of his Holy Spirit.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love,
he predestined us for adoption as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
to the praise of this glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

As I ponder with wide eyes what it truly means to live each day in Christ with "every spiritual blessing" that exists in heaven literally attached to my heart, imbedded in my mind, and at the tip of my fingers for every day living, I sink back in my chair and breathe deep with the realization that I don't live like this everyday...but I want to.  I choose to.  And I seek Him, because I want Him.  I want All of Him.


Grace.  Peace.  Joy.  Love.  Hope.  Faith.....

I have been pondering today about the spiritual blessing of Faith.  
I talk to the Lord and tearfully confess my fears, my worries, my anxieties and insecurities...when I entertain such guests in my mind as that lot...I leave faith standing outside in the cold, and serve my lack of trust on a silver platter for the vermin to enjoy.  


Oh sweet Lord...You have given me faith.  

 ("Pick up your shield daughter.")

Ephesians 6:16
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

("Did you notice that?  Not just some circumstances...but in all circumstances...with which you can extinguish not some of the flaming darts of the evil one...but all the flaming darts of the evil one...go ahead daughter, pick that shield back up, hold on tight to it...it's yours...a gift...a spiritual blessing")

And what is this?  Slightly scary words from Romans 14:23b

For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

"Oh Lord...what plans, ideas, conversations and decisions have I made even this day that were not brought to you, therefore, proceeding from faith?"


You have given your daughter the spiritual blessing of faith.  The ability to trust in You whatever the cirmcumstances may be.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Are you just about brought to tears?  I am already there.  The spiritual blessing of faith...already ours just for the taking.  


Precious little heart...what is it that you hope for?  Trust the One that our human eyes today, have not seen...Yet.

Sleep Deprivation

Last night I went to a youth event called the Sleep Deprivation Tour. We basically stayed up all night and kept ourselves awake by doing different activities... watching a movie, skating, swimming, etc. It was a lot of fun, but by the end of it all, I was exhausted. I came home at about 8 am and slept until 1 pm. And I'm still tired. But it makes me appreciate the sleep I do get every night. Thank you, Jesus, for making space in the day for us to shut down and rest. I don't have much else to say except that God really knew what He was doing when He created us. He knew we wouldn't do well if we stayed up for 24 hours, so he created sleep. What a smart God we have :) Thank you, Jesus, for sleep.

An old Love Letter, originally written in 2009...

The words to a song I love, rings softly in my ears....

"Jesus...Name above all names...Beautiful Saviour...Glorious Lord...Emanuel...God is with us...Blessed Redeemer...Living Word...."

There has never been a love so sweet as the love my Saviour has given me...never a love so complex and intricate, yet simple enough for the smallest child...miraculous really...never a love so Holy and Pure.

Reading in Luke chapter 23 verses 39-43...just moments before my Love sacrificed His life for mine....I see His heart for others, again...

One of the two criminals being crucified next to Jesus, rebukes the other for his words and actions against Jesus while they are hanging there in excruciating pain...I am sure, struggling for each breath and even the energy to speak...then he moves his attention to Jesus in verse 42, 'And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And Jesus...says to him in verse 43..."Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

No magic words....no special prayer....no complicated intructions and rules....

Simply...he recognized and acknowledged the truth of who Jesus is....He believed in Him...and Jesus loved him and saved him.

Jesus says in John 14:6...."I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the way. He loves you. He is it. If He hadn't changed my life...and filled my heart with a love so captivating that I can't stop talking about it....I would stop talking about it.

I love Him.

I've told my children that it reminds me of going to a movie. When you get to the theatre....you have to have a ticket. They won't let you in just because you know Bob at the popcorn stand....you can't hand them your Michael's 20 percent off coupon or your winning lottery ticket or even a $20 dollar bill.....when you are at the gate...you have to give the ticket collector your movie ticket. It's the only way in. Jesus is your ticket.

Jesus says in John 10 verse 9, ...."I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he (or she) will be saved...."

Jesus has saved me....He loves me....His love is irresistable....What has Jesus done for you?

I haven't posted on here for a long time - my apologies for that. There are two major reasons why (perhaps excuses would be a better word). The first reason is called Bentley. We got a puppy!?! For some reason, my husband and I decided that it would be smart to make our hectic lives even more hectic. We knew having a puppy would be hard work, but having a puppy, both working full time and already having two human puppies in the house has made life crazy!! But he is a lovely dog. He is a Bernese Mountain Dog, and although he is only 6 months old, he is already very large. He currently weighs 50 lbs and will gain at least another 40 by the time he is done growing! He is fantastic to have around, and I am sure that one day, once he is house trained, he will be a great companion during the evenings when my husband is working night shifts. HOWEVER, for now, he is just a ton of work!!

The second reason I haven't posted anything for a while is that I really haven't felt like I've got much to say. As terrible as it sounds, and I am by no means justifying myself, I feel as if I haven't had the chance to just sit and think of anything other than diapers, laundry, work, taking the dog out for a bathroom break, making sure I have read with my 5 year old for 15 minutes as I am supposed to do each day, and my lack of sleep. I feel like my focus has been on completing my "to do" list rather than why I am completing that list and for whose glory it is to be completed.

As such, every time I have a moment and think of writing a post on here, I just don't know what to say. If I may be so bold as to ask those of you reading this, please pray for me. If you think of it, pray that I might refocus so that I can feel close to my Saviour, and do all that I need to do in His name and for Him.

Thank you.

For now, I must run. Bentley is barking and is need of being taken outside!!

What Truly Matters

I heard a horrible story the other day. A family from my dance studio was in a terrible accident. The father passed away, the four children are all seriously injured, and the mother, who was also injured but not as badly, has to look out for all her children while facing the fact that her husband is gone. My heart broke when I heard the news. I'm just so glad they have the assurance that their father and husband is in Heaven with Jesus. It really puts things in perspective. Life is so so short. We can not determine when our lives will end... whether we'll die young or live to be a hundred. Only God knows the number of our days. So how can we waste our lives on the meaningless things and materials in life, when what really matters is our family, our friends, the people around us? And most of all, God. The saying, "You never know what you've got until it's gone" is most definitely true. So take time to appreciate the people in your life who care about you. Make space in your life to show them you appreciate them. And ultimately, keep leaning on the One who created you and will one day take you to be with Him. Life is short. Hold on to what truly matters.

Enough with the Christmas, Already...But Are You Sure?

I'm guessing that many of you have already beaten me at this but I'm supposed to be taking down my tree today.  I'm sitting here looking at it...sad to see it go but ready to clean things up and get the sadness over with!  So...I'll spend some time with you and tell you what I've been pondering these last few days and then...I'll put on my Christmas music one more time, and start taking her down and packing her up until next year.

I've still got a few presents sitting around the house that aren't officially put in there proper places and a couple of gift cards that I can't wait to spend.  I kind of love it when I still have something like that to look forward to after all of the excitement and feasting has passed, don't you?

Well....I guess that's one of the things that excites me so about Christmas....Jesus, our gift, born for us...is the gift that keeps on giving!  More than the bottomless pop and fries that you love to see on a menu.  More than a gift card that refills itself every time you use it.  More than the 50 million lottery jackpot or a free vacation a year for the rest of your life.

Jesus...gives to us what our hearts truly need.  Even if we are confused about what we think we want or need...He has for us, what He knows, is the deepest longing of our heart and He has it for us in a never ending supply, available to us every minute of every day for the rest of our lives and beyond.  And all we have to do is ask.  That just blows my mind.

Let's just break that down into two little things, even though there is soooooo much more.
From the 2nd verse in Ephesians 1:

We couldn't survive without GRACE and I wouldn't even want to without PEACE.  Thank you Jesus!
And EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING....come on sister, I can't even imagine what all that might be...and as Hans Solo said, "I can imagine quite a bit".  But if we even started to open that package here today, you know that I would never get my tree down!  We might have to save that one for another day.

Ephesians 1:2-6


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love
he predestined us for adoption as sons (or daughters) through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose (or good pleasure) of his will,
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

We were wanted before the beginning of time.  We were chosen and adopted by the King of the Universe.  And we have been accepted and blessed in the Beloved.  It's beyond my wildest dreams.

So there you have it...my current ponderings.  I'll be meditating on these few verses for at least a week, so if you have any thoughts  feel free to banter back with me.

Love to you all,
Julie

Theme for the Year

When you think of New Year's, you probably think of New Year's resolutions. Sadly, those resolutions are rarely accomplished. Instead of making goals that you will probably give up on or forget, why not have a theme for the year? I decided that I want my theme for this next year to be learning to have a God-centered existence...

...in speech, action, thought, time spent, influence, attitude... everything.

It's not going to be easy, but I know if I rely on God, He'll see me through.

So, what is your theme for 2011?