Sermonettes

Worship of God

“…for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth… Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array… For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen… For he walked in all the way that his father had walked, and served the idols that his father had served and worshiped them… And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him…”

 These verses are in relation to worship of God. From the first verse, John 4:20-24, we learn what kind of worship God wants – worship in spirit and truth. We can ask ourselves, are we worshiping in spirit and in truth? This calls us to analyze our spiritual lives and our reverence, or not, to God. Do we take time to worship God, and we when do direct our focus to Him, are we sincere? We need to be.

I love the second verse in 1 Chronicles 16:29. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” Ascribe means to attribute or to give what is belonging to the one in whom something belongs. God has great glory, and therefore we should acknowledge this and glorify God in our daily lives, as well as in church, which is the place God gives us specifically to worship. Do we just sing in church, or do we sing as unto God? Also, bring an offering when we come before Him, as seen in this verse. What do you offer to God in your daily life, in church? Do you offer your money, your voice, your time to pray, to read His word? To reach out to someone? To mind your words and to offer kindness in everything you do? These are great things to think about that will surely enrich our worship to God, as well as our daily lives. Also, in holy array, we’re to worship Him. I’m not sure what this means other than to be mindful of what you wear; this may have had a specific meaning in the context of the time frame in which it was written, though I imagine it can certainly be applied now. So, what are you wearing when you walk into God’s house, church? What do you wear everyday, at work, and at home, in public? Remember, our bodies are the temple of the living God, so what are you wearing, what does it say about you, and about God?

This third verse in Romans 1:25 reminds us that people turn away from God, continually worshiping and following a lie, rather than truth. We often lie to ourselves, and live by what we think/tell ourselves. We rely on our own reasonings, and God tells us in His word not to rely on our own knowledge, but to acknowledge Him in all ways; this is done through prayer, and by knowing what His word says. The only way you can know what God’s word says is if you either hear it or read it. So, are you in God’s word, or do you go days and weeks without hearing from God, relying on your own human reasoning, which is faulty? We’re born in iniquity, and we still have the sin nature, even after saved, so it’s so vitally crucial that we go to God’s word for spiritual refreshing and knowledge.

This fourth verse in 2 Kings 21:3 is sad. A lot of people follow in their parents footsteps, whether for the good or for the bad. It’s important to know what your parents believe and what the ramifications of their actions are. Just because you see people living in sin, even your parents perhaps, does not mean that you should. Not at all! Especially as a child of God who commands you to worship in spirit and in truth. This is why it is important not to follow man, but to follow God. This is why it is important not to go to friends and family for guidance, but rather to God for guidance (family is okay if they’re walking closely with God).

This last verse in 1 Kings 18:21-39 is especially good. It calls us to make a choice. Though this verse as a specific context as to who you will worship, it is still applicable to today. Even if you call yourself a Christian, do you worship Him, or do you worship the world, and even yourself? Perhaps those are two in one. If you’re not a Christian, how long will you wait until you turn to God, and His mercy and love, and give Him the glory due Him?

These are great things to think about. We know how God wants us to worship, so lets worship in spirit and truth. Let us give Him glory in all ways, everyday; let it be our life goal. Do not turn from God, but rather follow Him, and know His word and what you believe, that it is truth from His word. And today, decide to follow God in all your ways. God bless!!!

The Question We Ask: “How are You?”

This note is not a note of praise, but is rather a call to self-evaluation over a heart issue seen in the most simplest of forms, the form in which we so often hear ourselves ask, “How are you?”

In most cases, when someone asks, “How are you?” it is evident that the inquirer does not really care to know. Are not our words to have weight? Purpose? Sincerity? If so, when you ask without a sincere heart behind your words, you are thus become a liar. You leave the impression that you are concerned about another’s welfare, but in truth, you are not. To be called a liar over something so simple as this seems a bit harsh. But nonetheless, it is hypocritical to say one thing and to think another, is it not?

This belief over something so seemingly trivial as greetings likely leaves one in a singular position. But is it so that we are so used to such a simple greeting and the fact that there is no meaning behind our inquiry that we are hardened to the truth of our indifference and pretentiousness?

When one asks how another is, it should be done out of honest concern and interest, and if one is so willing, the recipient should feel at ease to give an honest reply. This reply extends even to ones that are not of the best report. Our duty as Christians is to bear one another’s burdens, as well as to share in each other’s joy. If this cannot honestly be done, then one should not inquire about any single soul. It is not a pleasantry; it is rather a lie used to make oneself look as though they have a heart extended to someone with whom they actually have not extended it to. If one does not wish to reveal the contents of their heart, they may simply say, “I am well, thank you, or pray for me, please.” The issue does not arrive from the answers given, because that is an issue of it’s own. The issue lies with the inquirer’s willingness to listen and bear if one does choose to expose their heart.

Therefore, consider yourself and your heart in relation to the people you so often come in contact with. With whom you have the opportunity to listen and minister to, but miss out on due to the simple silent rules of society, which says my vocal concern for you is simply a pleasantry, of no sincerity at all. Of which one is expected to smile, nod, and reply, “Well, thank you,” or, “Good, thanks,” to say nothing at all, or to otherwise be considered an annoyance and person to therefore be avoided, when in truth they desire with all their heart to confide in someone. How sad this is! Do you care? Or do you not care? Do not let your mouth lie, exposing your heart! But rather consider your heart, and if needed, change it.

Also, one can listen simply because one is sharing their burdens, but if one does listen, do they listen out of genuine concern, or because it wouldn’t be considered polite, otherwise?

This was written with sincerity, no matter how trivial or unexpected it might seem. Was it written with peculiar words and sentences, yes, but was every word written for a purpose, yes. Consider this what you will, but also, honestly and seriously, consider your heart. 

And, if you never inquire of another, ask yourself why, and again, consider, ponder, your heart.

And may there be truth behind your words and thoughts, as you find yourself asking, “How are you?” 

A Quiet Spirit

May it be kept in mind that this is my own findings and interpretations.

God values a quiet spirit and has something to say about it in 1 Peter verses 3 and 4: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

God considers a woman who has a gentle and quiet spirt precious. A woman who possesses this kind of spirit  has an incorruptible beauty. Yet, what does it mean to have a quiet and gentle spirit? The word quiet means: silent, stilled, hushed, or speechless… The word gentle means to be kind or tender. I believe that we can know if we have a quiet spirit by looking at the word ‘spirit.’ The Lord doesn’t say that someone who is quiet is precious in His sight. He instead says that someone with a quiet spirit is precious in His sight. So the word ‘quiet’ must be taken in a spiritual sense – referencing the state of our spirit. You can be anxious without making a noise. You can be bursting with joy without making a noise. You can also be deeply depressed without making noise. So we know that this verse is not in the context of our outward actions. (However, our outward state will likely reflect our inward state). 

When you are anxious, whether you are outwardly quiet or not, your inward state, or spirit, is anxious. It therefore goes to stand, too, that your inward state or spirit, can be quiet – settled, calm, silent. One who is in a calm state does not usually have the need to speak or be heard, but is calm and silent. Could this be what the Lord desires – what he sees as precious in His child?

Trusting and resting in God will give you a quiet spirit. This means accepting your helplessness and realizing that you will have to trust in God for your future or circumstances when you cannot see them or work them out. In other words, you must surrender everything to God. You must give up trying to “know” when you cannot know. 

If you are trusting in God, then you will not have a need to voice your concerns to others, because you realize that they cannot really help. You become content because you’ve dealt with your concerns – you’ve taken them to the Lord and are letting them rest with Him. When this happens, you enter a state of waiting. “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14. Wait.

When you go to others, the most they can give you is guesswork or scriptures, these scriptures are usually to remind you that the Lord is in control, to remind you to trust in Him, and to know that He guides your paths, to remind you to pray. But, there is a difference between knowing and believing these great verses and living them out. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7. Look at the word ‘peace’ in that verse. If you realize that there are no answers and come to rest in God (acting; living out, your knowledge), you will receive that peace, because you’ve come to Him, as the verse says, and made your requests known, knowing that only He is able.

You know what it is like to worry, to be anxious, to have the inability to calm down, to rest. Anxiety is horrible. I urge you, give it up. Surrender. In other words, realize this: I’ve prayed, I have no control over the situation, no matter how much I desire control or answers. I know what my feelings and desires are, but I also know that God is in charge – therefore, what will be, will be. What will be, will be, and there is no more to it.

This leaves you with a very quiet spirit. Your inward man is quiet (there’s no need to fret on the inside, no need to think about it on the inside, no need to go over it and over it on the inside – because no amount of this behavior can subdue you. And therefore, you are surrendered, you are waiting, you are trusting.)

Could it be then that God is trying to direct us to a deeper spiritual meaning in 1 Peter? Is He referencing more than outward appearance and behavior? Could this quiet spirit come from a trust and surrender in God? We’re to get our beauty from trusting and believing in God; knowing that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We’re to have our mind focused on that fact, rather than outward, vain beauty. 

The verse also talks about gentleness. When you are trusting in the Lord, helplessly surrendering to the Lord, and drawing your strength from Him, He will give you gentleness to extend to others. You will be compelled to be gentle, because your own turmoil will be subdued and your focus will be right because you’ve put aside your concerns. The nuances of the world will not be as bothersome.

A quiet spirit, I believe, is a state of being. You will be subdued in the inward man though above the surface is a bubbling turmoil of worry and anxiety. It is God’s grace and power to calm you when you trust in Him – and this, the adornment of trust, the adornment of “the hidden person of the heart,” the “gentle and quiet sprit,” is that which is “very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).

The Strive of Life

What does it mean to strive? According to dictionary.com, to strive means to “struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance.” If you have a goal, such as weight loss, for example, you may have found that a 25 pound goal isn’t so easy. Or, if you’re not like most people, maybe that goal is nothing for you. Perhaps your goal is to raise godly children. With life and all of it’s nuances, this may not be such an easy goal, though certainly not unobtainable. Whatever the goal may be, the fact is, some goals in life are hard.

Have you ever felt like all of your goals were difficult, that everything you work towards comes at a struggle? Have you ever felt like you’ve failed miserably, and continue to fail? If so, you’re not alone.

I can give you a prime example of striving and almost throwing in the towel. For months now, I’ve been working toward living a fit life, which includes eating healthy and working out. This is a good goal, with many benefits to reap, but it also comes at a cost. Cooking healthy really means preparing meals, rather than eating ready made meals. It means spending hours a week, every week, working on cardiovascular strength and endurance, as well as weight training. It takes energy, time away from family, and other duties/recreations. The greater cost is when you feel like you’re not succeeding… The emotional cost wears on you, and this is where the real striving comes in: struggling vigorously with great resistance! The truth is, there are many elements to being healthy that, if not done just so-so, can hinder you greatly! And then you’re faced with the question: Where is the reaping of all my effort?

There are many things that can hinder effort, in any avenue, but to continue with my fitness model, you might have the best of intentions, but it could be raining and you can’t get outside. Perhaps you’re sick. Maybe you’re tired and feel like only existing in the deep recesses of your mind, much less moving aerobically. (Though, exercise is a great stress reliever.) The point is that with all of my great effort, I still have to face and answer the question, “Where is the results of all of my effort? Why is it not working?!” And then you find the answers and keep striving away… That can be tiresome.

I used the example of fitness because it’s an easy one to illustrate. The truth is, I lately realized that every area in my life recently has been done with great striving. Every area has been hard. Living a spiritual life has been hard. Being a good teacher has been hard. Being a good employee has been hard, as has been being a good granddaughter and friend. My dreams haven’t come to fruition and that’s been hard. Seeing the results of my hard work and exercise, or minimal results, has been hard. I’d like to make it clear that I’m not complaining, but stating the facts of my life. Life has been hard lately. Yet, I continue to strive.

I try to read God’s word. I continue to analyze my behavior and where I fall short and why. How can I get better, and try… I strive. I try to be a good teacher, and am aware when I say or do something I shouldn’t. That weighs on me, and then I have to reassess and redetermine how I will handle situations at school and my dealings with others better next time. I have to strive. I have to pull myself up every time I want to say, “I don’t care anymore,” and make myself care. I have to strive! These are just three examples in a little bit more detail of how I strive daily. Again, I am not saying this so I can vent and complain, but to illustrate just a couple of ways in which I’ve been struggling vigorously, constantly.

I’m not alone, I’m sure. Maybe you’re a mom and you’re constantly trying to help your children, day after day, dealing with the same issue, or multiple issues. Maybe you’re sick and can’t seem to get better, but you keep trying to get better. Maybe you want desperately to be a lady but seem to keep speaking too loudly and aggressively. Maybe, maybe, maybe… What’s the point? Striving equals struggling.

As Pastor says, if you get anything from this, get this, and one more later… (Okay, so I modified what he said…Haha, that’s what I do for a living!) Here it is: Striving is to struggle.

Why do we do it?

Paul, in God’s Word, speaks about running the good race. There you go, that’s why. It’s a race, and as we all know, races take work. It’s not a leisurely walk in the park, though that’d be nice.

And here’s the essential question that plagued my mind. Why race? Why strive? What’s the point? What is the good race?

After pondering this, I realized that there isn’t any point to strive. It’s all futile, as the author implies in the book of Ecclesiastes. All is vain and pointless. We live today and die tomorrow. Today I could’ve been working on staining a dresser, and the next day the house burn down. What did all of that hard work amount to? Nothing. It amounted to nothing. It meant nothing in the scheme of life and surely one could say that effort was wasted. I can’t handle that idea, so I stretch it to say something along the lines of, “Well, at least I had something to focus on…” but that, of course, is not enough, and in a day of calamity, would never be enough. How then, along the same line, does driving to the store to get eggs matter? Why does speaking and investing with someone one day matter when the next they’re gone, and likely will be gone in a few years, whether that be in that they died or simply moved away? Why struggle so hard for fitness, for being a good teacher, for being a good granddaughter and friend? Why desire a husband and family? Why strive when it can all be taken away?

For one reason.

I said previously that there isn’t any point or reason to run the race, and there isn’t, save one. One very important reason…

God.

There, that is as simple and yet as powerful as it can be. To run not just the race, but the good race.

God is the only reason whatsoever for anything we do in life. Not for a corruptible crown, but an incorruptible crown. Not to mind the things of this world, but to mind the spiritual things. Yes, I paraphrased those.

To bring all of this together before I continue, I realized that everything I do recently is with great striving. I realized that theres’s absolutely no reason to strive, because everything fades away and is therefore vain. This was unsettling. This then lead me to one conclusion. The only way any of the things I strive for can have any value or meaning is that it is done for God. Only then can I justify doing anything. Why must I justify, you ask? Who wouldn’t? Who wants to work hard in vain? For my own pleasure is not enough, because striving is not pleasure.

When we run that good race, we’re not just striving in vain, we’re striving for an incorruptible crown. When you strive with your children, you’re not doing it just so they’ll be happy and make decent wages. No, you do it so they’ll love God and keep His ways. It’s a spiritual matter. When you strive to be fit, it’s not only to feel and look good, it’s to take care of God’s temple. When you work with disobedient children, you don’t just do it for the pay, you do it because they need someone; because God put you there in their life, even it it just to pray for them. And prayer is amazing! When you strive to be a good wife, you don’t just do it to keep the peace and feeling of love, you do it out of a servant’s heart to serve your husband and thus God. When you make an effort not to be downcast and to instead smile at your co-workers, you don’t just do it so they won’t think there’s an issue and won’t like you, you do it because you may be the only light they see that day, and that light is referring to Jesus’ light.

I could go on, but don’t think that would be necessary. The point is, yes, everything we do is not always going to be easy. Most of our goals are hard and we can feel like we’re standing in the middle of a hot gym, glued to the floor with dodge balls being hurled at us. We swerve, regain our balance, swerve again, and so on and so on. But we do it for a reason, for Christ in our life. We endure that smelly gym and our tired feet and weariness not for winning the game (though who stands still, but that’s besides the point) but to win spiritually.

I wrote this because I haven’t been winning. I’ve been failing and doing it in my own strength. But when I realized that my striving shouldn’t be for me, but for God, I realized that I can win! Because the truth is, I have been struggling. Those who know me well know this. The amazing thing is that what always pulls my head from the depths of the water is not my will or my views on life, but God’s will and His views on life. It’s His Word and His principles that rescue me. He tells us to love Him and love others. He tells us to witness; to shine! He tells us not to lose courage. He tells us to “Wait, I say, on the Lord!” to be “courageous, those who put their hope in the Lord!” (paraphrased). We’re to abide with and in Him. To keep His ways. Not ours. I’m sharing this because if you’re struggling, you don’t have to, and who wants to? No one.

Simply put, live for God. Unpack that and it’s meaning in your life. It makes life easier and meaningful. It keeps you striving, but this time, not alone. And striving, though difficult, is not bad. Testing and trials work in you many virtues, the last mentioned being patience. Let patience have her perfect work, I believe it is. Don’t throw in the towel, but use it to wipe the sweat off your face. (Saw that on Facebook, so good…) So, experience the strive of life, but experience it with purpose.

When All isn’t Enough

It is Friday morning. Right now, it is eighty degrees and there is a soft breeze that blows through the branches. The leaves are green and the sun shines off of them brilliantly. In the background are birds chirping and cicadas making their presence known. It is a beautiful day, and yet…

  There is so much sadness in the world. I already knew this, as the news makes this fact no stranger to me. But what I didn’t realize is something far more concerning. Far more Christians than I realized are hurting. Facebook has brought this to my attention the most… I see it in meme’s and various posts. It’s everywhere.

As I sat and gazed out upon my world of green (the backyard, that is), I had to face my own struggles. It seems like every day is a struggle, a battle to be won lately. I know all of the things I’m supposed to know. I know to have a personal relationship with God, and I do. I know that He loves me and has redeemed me. I know it’s vitally important to read God’s word and pray; to live it. And yet…

There are so many people hurting.

As I sat here, struggling and wanting to overcome, I had to ask the question. What’s the point? You know what I mean. What is the point of living? 

This is a deep question, and a question everyone should consider.

After reading the Bible this morning, and gazing at it a little,I realized that it’s a book, God’s book, about two primary topics: salvation and living a godly life. 

Well, obviously, Christians are already saved, so the next focus in the Bible is godly living. What is this, really? We can likely agree that it is living right and making right choices, but it’s also having a close relationship with God; which I believe to mean talking to him, thinking of him, and having him in the forefront of your mind. The Bible says we’re to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. The Bible says we’re to love God, and to love our neighbors. Love is the greatest.

It’s a beautiful Friday, we’re saved. God loves us, and we love him. We’re working on our walk with God, knowing he is number one. Yet, it’s not just about us and him alone, it’s about his people, too. We’re to one, spread the word, and two, love them. 

This then, must be the purpose of living. To love God, and to love others.

Maybe you’re hurting. Maybe this is a beautiful day in your eyes and you don’t want to waste it. How do you overcome your struggle? Think about all of the people God has allowed in your lives. How can we love them today? We don’t have to be in their presence; it is the tech age and all, but, who can you pray for? Who can you go help? Who can you call and encourage? Who can you write a quick thank you letter to? 

Surely you’ve heard people say, be someones friend, and they’ll be your friend. Well, love someone, and they’ll love you. That sounds a bit selfish, but if it works, then that’s just a sweet benefit of doing what we’re told to do by God anyway. 

This is what I’m trying to say: I know there are people out there hurting; it’s something I’ve become aware of, and something I’m feeling too, and these people have everything; a family, home, things, as well as this gorgeous day. I believe we can have it all and still be so empty; I believe this comes down to love, and, regardless if we feel like we’re receiving it of others, we need to remind ourselves that God loves us, and that the one thing we can do, is love others, even when they don’t love us. So, what can you do today? 

Love others. 

As I’ve stated before, sharing this kind of post makes me very vulnerable, but it simply is what it is. I’d like people to look at me and think that I’m a strong Christian; I want people to know that they can come to me, but I do not believe to be strong means to hide who we are and what we’re experiencing. It seems the more you share your weaknesses that the less people come to you for help. This shouldn’t be the case. I don’t want “strong” Christians who hide all of their problems. I do believe in being discreet at times, but are we called to act as though all is enough and perfect when that’s not always the case? People do… as though it is honorable. It seems fake to me. I hope that when we see weak people, and people admitting their weaknesses, that we don’t judge them harshly with shame, but rather see them as people who are willing to share the good and the bad, as people letting others know that they’re not alone and that there’s hope. As real.

The Meal and the Dessert

(A Look at God and Others in Relation to Ourselves; Thoughts on Loneliness and Fulfillment)

Everybody wants somebody. Sometimes that somebody is a friend, sometimes it’s more. The fact is, we, as people, need people. We have a desire to be around others, to share with them, laugh with them, cry with them, and sometimes just simply be in their presence. People who feel that they don’t have anyone to share their lives with can get very lonely. This loneliness can be likened to a general, mild depression, to a great cry of despair. Thus, the result of this can be very harmful. Sometimes, we continue on, as one without hope, alone and miserable; this does nothing for our spiritual life and for the life of others. Other times, we make compromises and become friends with those who we shouldn’t befriend, those who would only bring us down. Neither of these two outcomes are good. What then, does a person do when they need someone, or someone more, but there isn’t anyone? Do they compromise? Or do they continue in their sad state?

Everybody wants somebody. Is this a song? It sounds familiar… Obviously, it would not do to compromise; we wouldn’t be happy in the long run. One might ask, how so? Well, as a Christian, we’re called to love everyone, but to be separate from the world. By the world, we mean the world system… the system of partying and partaking in things that clearly does not glorify God. If my only friends are those who live contrary to the word of God, then it will soon be very obvious that I am living in a way that will not, and cannot, please God for the simple fact that we act similar to those we spend the most time with. Okay, so then comes the question: What is more important to me, to live lonely, but pleasing to God, or to live with great fun and excitement, but displeasing to God? Obviously, the first option is the best, but neither equal joy, peace, and contentment…

If I cannot compromise, one might conclude that I must then continue lonely and in my sad state, pleasing God, but with no friends… After all, that is the only other option at this point. Yet, answer this, how can you please God if you’re sad, depressed, and despairing every day, throughout the day? This, too, does not work. What then, is the answer to feeling fulfilled? 

Don’t people need people? Don’t we all need someone… someone special, or even just one good friend? Just one?

Here is the predicament that some might have found themselves in, or may one day find themselves in: At this point in time, I do not have the closeness I’d like, that I need from others. How do I continue pleasing God, and still meet my need?

What is the need, exactly, that we’re wanting to be met? Before we can answer the question of pleasing God and meeting our needs, we first have to understand what our need actually is. And it is simply, love. Love. Love is what we want from a friend or significant other; it is the fact that someone spends time with us, that we have someone to talk to and someone to talk to us, it is the thoughtfulness that comes with a good relationship, the touch, and the openness, the understanding and acceptance. The fact that someone truly cares. If you don’t have all of the above elements, you’re left with: no one cares. That equates to: no one loves me. So, when we say, everybody wants somebody, what we’re really saying is, everybody wants to be loved, and have someone to love in return, regardless if it’s a friendship or deeper friendship in the form of a committed relationship.

How do we get this love, if no one seems willing to give it to us, or if it simply does not present itself at the time?

Well, where does love come from? We must ask that question. Who is the source of love? You know Who. God, of course. Ah, but alas, sometimes God seems so distant. Yes, yes, we can agree that God is love and is loving and gives love, and even that all good things come (generate) from Him. But, how does that help me in my need for love in the here and now?

Yes, I know that God is love, but I don’t feel it, one might say. And so, with this feeling and mindset, what do we do, we seek to meet the need of being and feeling loved in others… who are trying to meet the same need. There’s just one problem with this.

What’s the problem with this? We’re not the source of love. We’re humans who need mercy and grace and who can love, but who desperately need to be loved before we can truly love others. If I’m feeling unloved and unliked, is it likely that I’ll be a bit grouchy? Yes, very likely. How then, am I going to make you feel when I come home grouchy and honestly feeling low, because I feel unlike that day? How good am I going to be at loving you and meeting you need? Pretty lousy. And yet, that’s what we look to, those who cannot fully meet our need to be loved and liked.

We know then, that there is only one who can then meet that need, right? Yes, and it is Jesus, God’s Son. But again, there’s a difference between knowing of God’s love and experiencing it. If He’s the only one to meet that need, well, how is that going to happen?

This is where we learn to walk with God. This means not just attending church and listening, but doing what we’ve heard. Not just keeping to righteous living and worshiping in church, but in speaking to God (praying, and not just when we go to bed, or before a meal, or when we need something). This is talking to him about any and everything; just as we would our friends. This is being mindful of him, from when we’re sitting down at the table or chair to when we’re driving in the car to when we’re walking down the hall… Mindful, which means to think of and reflect upon (at least in my vocabulary). This is not living with God in the background of our minds, but the forefront of our minds.

Isn’t the above mentioned things similar to what we do with a friend? Yes. What happens when you do the above mentioned things with friends over time? You become close with them. So, if you do these things with God, what will happen? You will become close to Him! In scenario one, wherein you become close with a friend, you’ve only had your need partially met, because they can only meet you’re need… they’re human. But in scenario two, you’ve become close with God, who can fully meet your need because he’s… GOD, the creator of the universe, the one who loves unconditionally.

Once we know this, we can get on the right path to living a happy and content life. We’ve become friends with God, and have therefore become less reliant on others.

Through inspiration from one of Charles Stanley’s sermons, I cooked up a silly, but pertinent analogy to help me understand what my focus should be and how I should keep my focus on God; how I should keep myself from drifting my focus to others and instead keep it on God. Here goes: God is the meal, friends and a relationship is the dessert.

A dessert is definitely yummy, so sweet, so satisfying, but, only for a few short moments!!! If I were to eat only my favorite dessert, and that only, in time, I would grow sick and tired of that particular dessert, and, it most certainly would not be enough to sustain my hunger. My need would not be met! Can you imagine if that’s all I ate and only what I went to? I’d be starved! But…

A meal is wholesome, it has the protein, the veggies, etc… A meal is good and filling! A meal such as supper will keep you going through the night. It sustains your hunger, it meets your need.

As silly as this analogy is, God is the meal, others are the dessert. Others cannot fulfill you, they’re just good! And you know, if you don’t get that dessert, you’ll still be okay and full! 

We all need someone, we all need love. We need God. We need Him first and foremost, others second. So remember, when you start focusing on others, or the lack thereof, remember that they cannot completely fulfill you even if you had their friendship. Oh, it might be nice for a time, but, eventually, you’ll still feel that loneliness you felt to begin with. So, for those of you who have friends or a significant other, praise God! But keep Him in the forefront of your heart and mind, because as soon as you loose that focus, you shift to others, who cannot fulfill you. For those who do not have the friends or significant other they desire, remember, God is the meal, and you have everything you need to be sustained, with or without others. Only then will the dull ache and despair of being alone go away, because you have chosen not to compromise, and not to be alone. You’ve chosen God, who provides everything. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

May this truly be a blessing to someone.

A Call to Judge

A Call to Judge Ourselves, and Not Others – a Self Analysis/Defense

There are many attributes of a person that disqualify them in many aspects in life. I am keenly aware of mine to a certain degree. It is important to analyze ourselves for the sake of self awareness and remedy. We are urged in the New Testament to check ourselves (I believe this is to see if we are in the faith) but it is also important to check ourselves after that, lest we be disqualified in any aspect of ministry and life.

I list the few that are pertinent on my mind, those I can see and those that linger the most. Most of our flaws, once recognized, have been published in a sense. They’ve manifested for all of our family and friends to see through our daily talking and actions. There are many things I’ve done that I when I am retrospective, regret. Most of it was superfluous and silly. It is the small actions in our lives that amount to great consequences in our future.

Here are my small actions that make all of the difference. Here is my self analysis and defense. Though I will undoubtedly fall short of various planks in my own eye.

Vain. A word most ladies hate and certainly don’t want to be labeled. It is a word that one would defend against and even be in denial about. I am vain. I could list various reasons for this, and I will. I am vain because society is vain. To extricate one’s self from society is difficult, especially when it is society, even our Christian peers, who judge us with society’s standards. I want approval; and I don’t want to feel inadequate physically. My weakness specifically has been in the movement coined as selfies. I have taken pictures of myself for my profile picture. One, it is my profile, and two, I like new, recent pictures. I want them to look nice. Facebook has taught me a valuable lesson. I am vain. Granted, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, it is even commendable. However, there is a certain repetitive quality in selfies that promotes the idea of vanity. One good picture to last a few months would suffice.

Rap. Most Christians are appalled at this. Generally, rap is considered worldly and certainly ungodly. Christians cringe at the sound and feel hatred when in it’s presence. I, too, have felt these things. It wasn’t until I stumbled on two separate artists that I gave in a little, giving in to the beats as well as the words they were speaking. The words were truly uplifting, and true. Usually, this music was enjoyed during my workouts. 

Ironically, I mostly prefer music that doesn’t have words. When I do listen to music, it’s usually opera or choir related in order to make an attempt at bettering my voice. As they say, practice makes perfect. How does one think I am judged by another Christian when they hear that I like a certain rap artist? Am I immediately written off and negatively judged? Likely. I see this as a flaw in people’s eyes when they look at me. I see this as premature judgment on the part of others.

Sharing. Open. Vulnerable. I have shared too much in my life. I have learned that sharing is good, vital, and extremely useful. However, sharing to those who don’t need it is wasteful and your are viewed as weak and vulnerable. You are viewed, likely, as one with issues. But I’d like to argue, who does not have issues? If you claim you do not, then you are a liar. If they do not show, you are good at concealing them. Perhaps some people are more capable of dealing and accepting their cards than others are. Perhaps some hold their thoughts, wonders, needs, and emotions in more than others. Perhaps it is a personality trait, one they may or may not need to be more self cognizant on. I am writing this with the intent to share. Yet I understand the implications of it. I will be viewed as one who is yet again writing her thoughts and feelings for the world once more. Yet, if I do not present these thoughts, who then can read them that would? I am also aware, however, that life is more of a treasure to behold when you keep to yourself. The events, thoughts, delights, and curiosities of the day are yours when you keep them to yourself. They are therefore more valued and a personal gem. Sharing too much tarnishes their shine.

Loud. What lady would ever want to be told she is loud? None. I have been loud. Undoubtedly this has been because I wanted attention. Needless to say, it is sad that I’ve only likely drawn negative attention to myself as a result. I’ve forgotten the beauty of silence. It is a learned skill. It makes everything in life that you experience more precious as it inadvertently makes one more reflective and wise in their responses.

Bubbly. Of course, a person of a cheerful spirit is surely a delight. Yet, serenity is a very important quality to embellish as well. Laughter is delightful and joyful. Yet serenity and seriousness is what gives us time to think and to consider others in their actions and in their words. We cut our relationships short when we don’t calm ourselves long enough to listen and ask questions, to be reflective and quiet. We miss out on the beautiful intricacies of our family and friends when we’re always on the go and laughing and talking fast. It pains me that I’ve missed out due to this.

Seeking to please. Wrong motivations. We all want to appear as good and honorable. Truly, being good and honorable is a virtuous goal to strive towards. Yet, one always has to question their motivations in every public action they take. Is it as unto pleasing men, or God? This, again, is difficult when we are aware that society constantly watches, and judges, us. The less you sound the trumpet when you do a good deed, the more one will glow with joy on the inside as they complete the task, that is, if they’re doing it for the right reasons. I miss the glow in my own soul. I’m too aware of others.

Sharing. Lonely, that is why. Aforementioned was sharing. I also share so much because I have so few to share with. One of the reasons humanity shares their experiences is to share the joys and curiosities of their lives with others. It is a type of bonding. Unfortunately, in my life as it stands, I do not have many people around me wherein I can share my joys, as insignificant as they may seem. Excessive sharing, as seen on Facebook, a site that allows for human communication, is where this mostly takes place. My heart wants to reach out and connect, to share the fancies of the day. It has done me more harm, I would believe, than good. I believe God has placed this metaphorical thorn, loneliness, in my side to teach me to be strong, and I declare, it has been a most difficult lesson. As difficult and excruciating as it has often been in my life, I see it as a blessing from God. I’m not so blinded that I cannot see that I have been spared in many avenues of life. People who are not the right people in your lives are not necessary people. Have I made many mistakes due to this thorn? Oh, yes. This has been manifested, but I can only learn from it.

Am I missing many planks? I am sure that I am. There are others that I have been working on for quite some time. Yet, in these flaws, that I see so clearly, and more intricately than others, others also see. And as a result, they judge me. All of my human relations are based on what they perceive of me. Have I disqualified myself? Have a driven people away? Yes. Does this hurt? Yes. Or, have people prematurely judged me without getting to know me and understand me? Am I worth getting to know? Are we all? Oh, yes, we are. Shame on me for limiting my heart  to others based only on what I see rather than what I know.

This, to be explicitly clear, is a call to analyze ourselves, our flaws, in order to see ourselves clearly as well as to therefore act and correct our imperfections. This was also written to plead that others see the heart of others rather than their shortcomings. As that old saying goes, you don’t truly know someone until you’ve walked in their shoes.

Christ’s Love, Our Calling – a Note on Marriage

I’ve heard recently, or in times past, that marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. I knew that the husband was to love his wife as himself and that the wife was to respect her husband. I saw marriage as a gift, and as a way of life; an institution of sorts that God created. Simply, it was the way of things. One grew up, got married, and had children, and so on and so forth. I also knew that some didn’t get married. I figured these people simply were not called to marriage so that they could serve Christ on a greater level. Yet, I never, ever, until now, understood the real reason for marriage.

Thank you, Ephesians!

In Ephesians ch. 5, you will find in verses 21-33 the picture of Christ and his relationship with the church through the institution of marriage. But that’s not all; you find God’s work for us in this chapter! 

I always saw the “picture” of Christ and the church so often spoke of as a representation of marriage as nothing more than an analogy; a display rather to show God’s love for us and the way wherein we were supposed to love our spouse back. Just as strongly as Christ loved the church (He died for it) we were to love our spouse. That’s as far as I got, but, there’s more…

The purpose of marriage; the reason to get married, is not because it’s simply a way of life and to procreate. No, it’s be be more like God. It’s to take our Christlikeness and godliness to the next level. Christ had a ministry here on earth. He was kind, loving, he preached and healed infirmities. But then, he took it to the next level. He died for us. He sacrificed all for us. He’s the groom, we, the church, are his bride. That’s what God did, but, how does this relate to how marriage is to make us more like Christ? Well…

Just as Christ died for the church and is wholly committed to the church, so is the husband to be wholly committed to his wife.

Ephesians reads: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that (insert – emphasis on the word “that.” There’s a reason he gave himself) He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That (there’s the reason again) he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” He wants us to become godly, Christ-like, closer to Him. The verses continue… “So ought men to love (insert, “So ought men.” This could probably read as  a “therefore” statement) their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, (insert – okay, so this verse is an action verse. It shows the idea of nourishing and cherishing the body; this is love; the act of loving) even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Insert – as a man loves himself, we are all in Christ, a part of the same body; we’re the body of Christ, and Christ loves the church!) 

Here is where I finally saw the light. Ephesians continues: For this cause (insert – therefore, for this reason…) shall a man leave his father (this is the reason we get married) and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (One flesh! They are one; he therefore loves her as himself because… wait for it… they are one!!! Just like we are in Christ, we are the members of Christ. Christ brought us to himself.) 

The reason to marry is to become one, and to therefore love fully, just as Christ became one with His people and loved us fully. Remember, love is an action and therefore presents itself an opportunity for us to be Christ-like in our relationship to our spouse.

Yes, as I initially received from the verse, we’re to be fully devoted to our spouses just as Christ was for us; He even died for us, but more, in that, in marriage, the two become one. You’re no longer living alone and godly, but rather, you’ve upped it. You’re fully devoted now, you’re all in, taking a step of love very similar to that of Christ’s. You’re to be fully devoted in love to the same extent Christ was and is. 

One last time, here is the parallel:

*Christ had his ministry of teaching, wherein he showed His great love, but, he took it to the ultimate level when He demonstrated that love on the cross. He was all in and there was no going back.

*We can love as single people, but when we marry, we go all in, devoted to love as fully as Christ did we He died on the cross. 

Marriage is the picture of what Christ did for us on the cross. He gave himself for his church, just as a man gives himself for his wife. And then, God was willingly responsible for his church, that takes dedication, determination, love, and great sacrifice. That is the same call for us when we get married. To be responsible for one another in dedication, determination, love, and great sacrifice. It is the next step up for us. It is the opportunity to show such great love as Christ did.

It’s a chance to live a life representing the life God lived and died for us. It is God’s work for us, the ultimate practice of demonstrating His love and being like Him. It is not only so that we’re not alone and so that we can enjoy our lives, it is so we can grow closer in our relationship to God, and understanding of God and His ways, the ways in which he wants us to become.

Marriage is a step of holiness. It is a step of godliness. It is one step closer in the direction of Christ-like living.

I sure hope I’m thinking clearly on this, because this gives marriage a whole new meaning. It makes it awesomely exciting. It is the chance to love as Christ loved.

So in summary and reflective thought, don’t marry so that you’re not alone, but rather, marry to become more like Christ.

Marriage… a picture of “Christ’s love, our calling” as the picture shows above.

The Monotony of Life, Glorified

Most of life’s daily duties are considered monotonous, repetitive and boring. The average person might ask themselves if there is any real meaning in working day to day, cleaning their homes with scrutiny, in bodily exercise, etc… 

Today, I’d like to glorify, give special meaning, to monotonous daily living. To give glory, or glorify, means to give something praise, honor, or distinction, according to Dictionary.com. 

The average day doesn’t have to be seemingly void of meaning. Yes, there is life to live. Spending time with people, loved ones, and family is beautiful. Experiencing new adventures is wonderful and exhilarating. Yet, somehow, daily living in today’s society has become void of beauty and excitement.

For Christians, I do not believe we are to live life without forethought about our actions and how our time is spent. Our time is precious, valuable. We are to be living for Christ and to be watchful, redeeming the time. 

With that mindset, every, not just some, but every action must be called into counsel for approval. If something is not worthy, or is good, even, but a distraction or not producing of fruit, it is to be set aside. This can be a cumbersome task. No one said that bringing everything into subjection would be easy. 

So, if we are bringing our every action into scrutiny, that would also include our daily tasks, not just the exciting adventures in life. I would like to use the example of cleaning. 

There are many reasons why we clean. Often times it’s for the simple sake of being sanitary and comfortable, or because we prefer that kind of living environment. After a while, however, we realize that cleaning for those reasons, while relevant, isn’t really all that meaningful. 

This reality that cleaning isn’t that meaningful in the large scheme of life is also true for other duties, such as working, or cooking, or physical exercise. We all have good reasons for the daily tasks that we perform, but sometimes, and most of the time, these tasks are done because of personal, self-driven desires and needs; preference. This really does lack meaning, and that is where daily chores and tasks, even our life work, can become monotonous. 

I’d like to help people to see that we can keep doing our duties, but with excitement and with an eye for beauty. I’d like for us to see that our daily living doesn’t have to be monotonous.

Cleaning, for example, doesn’t have to be vain. It can have meaning. Personally, I have a difficult time cleaning my home knowing that war is raging and people are dying. It suddenly becomes very pointless and superficial. (Yet, we go to war for these freedoms, among many.) If you are to clean, don’t do it out of duty, but remember that our goal is to live for Christ, and therefore clean with detail and care knowing that it has meaning. It makes sense to take care of the place wherein we live. I can be joyful cleaning, not for myself, but for God, caring for what He has given me. I can honor Him in this. This is beautiful. This is exciting.

On the same note, it makes sense to exercise, but not for the vanity of looking nice, that is quite pointless when you look at life as a whole – nice, yes, but really, in the end, void of meaning. Don’t exercise or clean for vanities sake, but do so with Christ in your mind. Exercise to take care of the body God has given you; His temple. Once you do this, life has become exciting! I don’t go on a jog just for myself, I do it to keep the body God has given me in working order!

Also, don’t work just to survive. Work knowing that it is your opportunity to serve and minister, all the while meeting your needs. When you do this, your place of work, especially if it’s one that is hard (like mine) or one you don’t enjoy, can still have meaning. 

What I am trying to say, quite simply, is to live every aspect of your life not with the meaning you give it, but with the meaning Christ gives it. If there is no meaning with Christ in it, don’t do it. When you do this, the daily tasks are glorified, because you are doing them to serve God. They can be joyful and give contentment. 

Remember, your daily life doesn’t have to be monotonous; each task can be glorified if you’re doing what you’re doing for Christ and not for yourself.